Motion

I find myself in constant motion...This week and next year I want to teach myself to wait quietly and patiently and listen to what God is telling me and leading me too.  Motion is not a bad thing, rather a tool that can be used to keep us occupied and furthering the Kindom of God

Past....

This year, I’m spending extra time reflecting and celebrating what God has done this past year. Here’s why:

The past is past
When you look back – you might only think about the good things – but honestly, everything in the past can be valuable. Take some time and reflect on the things you’re happy to leave in the past. It will be a healthy time to forgive and move on from the mistakes you’ve made, and a great time to overlook the faults and problems of others during the past 12 months.

The past helps us see progress from where we’ve been
When you look back you can see what worked along with what didn’t work. What new ideas or innovations did you experiment with in your youth ministry this past year that really made a big difference?

The past show us weaknesses we need to address in the future
When you spend time analyzing and mulling over the past – you’ll begin to see gaps in your  philosophy, programs or strategy as you move forward. The past will shine light on your opportunities in the future. Take the time to fully vet the past – it just might be the key to your future, too.

Passion and Pain

Passion pulls us forward.  It leads us, drives us, and inspires us.  Passion makes us feel alive as people and as leaders.  Find your personal passion, and you'll likely find your life's purpose.  Find your organization's passion, and you'll likely find its mission. Passion is powerful!
Pain, which can be just as powerful, pushes us forward.  It wakes us up by telling us somethings wrong.  We realize we need to intentionally address the pain's root causes and find long-term solutions.
One last thought:  Although passion pulls and pain pushes, both forces are designed to get us moving forward.  Through them, God moves us in the direction he desires: forward to him.

Questions, Questions, Questions

So tell me is there anything you have, anything that you might hope to have, anything that you are or hope to become, that can compare with JESUS?  When we accept Jesus Christ into our hearts we tear up our list of accomplishments, burn our journal of good deeds, and lay it all down for Jesus.  Remember, Keep your eyes on Jesus, stay at the cross everyday, remember the grace and mercy that freely flows to cover you and me, cling to the blood-stained timbers, and lose yourself in the glory of his amazing grace.  If we can do this it wont be long until we put self in its proper place and Jesus in his. 
  When our attitudes have shifted to move self out of the way, and to value Jesus more highly than anything we are or have, we are ready to experience Jesus in three "meeting Places."  He meets us in the seductions of life, in the midst of our suffering, and in the process of full surrender.  These may not be the places where you thought he would be.  But he is there just the same, and he is waiting for you.--Taken from simply Jesus be Joe Stowell