A poem to share

This poem works for me. Perhaps having two daughters makes me more open to the feminist undertones. I like the idea of a God who is less strict and opressive - more understanding of my humanity.

God Says Yes To Me


by Kaylin Haught


I asked God if it was okay to be melodramatic

and she said yes

I asked her if it was okay to be short

and she said it sure is

I asked her if I could wear nail polish

or not wear nail polish

and she said honey

she calls me that sometimes

she said you can do just exactly

what you want to

Thanks God I said

And is it even okay if I don't paragraph

my letters

Sweetcakes God said

who knows where she picked that up

what I'm telling you is

Yes Yes Yes



"God Says Yes To Me" by Kaylin Haught, from The Palm of Your Hand. © Tilbury House Publishers, 1995.

Prove it to me

Someone asked an interesting question last Fri morning. What if somehow we had absolute proof that the bible was just another book? That many of the stories were fabrications? That the miracles professed in the old and new testament never happened? Would such a revelation change the way we live? Would we suddenly turn to a life of sin - lie, cheat, steal, abuse drugs, murder? The conclusion was that most people are basically good. We are in many ways wired to live decent law abiding lives.
Another interesting question - what if we discovered proof without a shadow of doubt that the bible was true? What effect would that have on the way we lived? I'll admit, without such undeniable evidence, there have been times in my Christian journey when I have been skeptical. For example, I struggle when it comes to the miracles of the old and new testament. I sometimes wonder what my life might be like if i had scientific evidence that these miracles did happen. I convince myself that if i learned of evidence to the the absolute truth to some of these fundamental stories of the Christian faith, it would result in drastic change to the way i live my life. However, i have to wonder - would such a revelation really have that much effect on me? I'd argue that man is an incredibly forgetful species.
Lets be honest, when our eulogy is read, we all want something more than "he was the best salesman/engineer in the company" or "he attained more billable hours than anyone." Then why do I spend so much time chasing these types of worldly goals? It takes tremendous faith to align myself with a more eternal agenda.

Genesis: January 7 & 14, 2011

We talked about some decisions we’ve recently made; then Jumped to Genesis 13:1-13
An Old Testament man with an impressive resume’: Abraham- a man remembered throughout the Bible for his amazing Faith. Abraham had flocks, herds and servants by the hundreds. Lot’s father died while he was still young, that’s when Abraham started looking after him. Lot evidently had a fair amount of business acumen as well; he accumulated quite a fortune on his own.
Ultimately God told Abraham to move. Without question Abraham packed his bags and started out, and took Lot along with him. A huge moving party ensued, and naturally some conflict arose, between the employees of Lot and Abraham not between the two. A separation was required. Remember Abraham was the leader, but he gave Lot first choice of grazing lands. Lot chose the land near Sodom.
Abraham was facing a defining moment decision. We talked about Lot’s choice and about being selfish or myopic in decision making, as well as making quick decisions.
What was Lot looking at when he made his decision? We talked about attractive decisions on the “surface”. We pondered the question, “What if Lot chose the other path? Would things have turned out differently?”
What is the lesson here? Where are we pitching our tents? We remembered that –“nothing good happens after midnight”. Generally speaking, deciding on paths that allow or enable us to make poor choices.
We engaged in a robust discussion regarding Gods decision to destroy Sodom, and our thoughts regarding how/why that occurred. We questioned, we challenged, and ultimately decided that questions as well as differing opinions are okay and even healthy in our review of controversial bible passages.
We read Genesis 13:18 and discussed how to make wise choices. We reviewed our decision making process and how prayer primarily only occurs (for the majority of us anyway) when we’re facing difficult or big decisions.
And we talked about the parallels between Golden Coral and Sodom from a dieter’s temptation standpoint.
Finally, we read Genesis 19 : 1-29.
Initially, Lot only moved toward Sodom. Now he’s right in the middle of it. Sodom is now in Lot.
Finally we talked about the evolution of events from our reading. And how those events transpired from a seemingly easy, apparently benign decision and how it turned into full blown “run for your life” event.

Two Books. Common Themes.

I'm reading two books right now. They are both excellent. One of these is a an innovative business/self-help book by Seth Godin called "Linchpin". The other is the book "A Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren offering Spiritual guidance. The interesting thing is that two books from such vastly different genres can come to many of the same conclusions.
Linchpin
"Linchpin" is a powerful book that I guarantee will inspire you. We all have the opportunity to deliver remarkable work. One of the things that distinguishes a linchpin is that he/she embraces the opportunity to deliver exceptional work.
The average cog delivers average work, while the linchpin delivers remarkable work. Have you ever seen a janitor, waiter, stewardess that did his/her job with such skill and enthusiasm that it inspired you? It becomes a gift from that person - to the world.
Godin points out that this "gift" characteristic of a Linchpin's work, is key. Godin uses the term "art" to describe whatever talent it is you are good at, hold dear, and are sharing with others. (I've witnessed a lot of this in those attending our Friday morning group.) For example - singing, writing, building, humor. Being good with people or with numbers could be your art. Godin encourages us to exercise that talent, nurture it, dump ourselves into it, then find a way to give it away (for free.)
Godin would says that We cheat ourselves, other people, and ultimately are not as effective if we insist on charging for our art. While some do get rich off their art, its usually not what true artists are in it for.
The Purpose Driven Life
The other book i'm reading is "A Purpose Driven Life". It reached the height of its popularity about 5 years ago. Warren also talks about our gifts - our spiritual gifts - and how we all have a unique "shape" for service.
While Godin calls it our "Art", and encourages the reader to execute on his/her art at all cost, as this is the only way to truly become indispensable. Not only indispensable to your employer - but to the rest of the world as well.
Warren refers to it as our "Shape" - the qualities and talents each of us have that make our contribution unique.
Live true to your Art? Maybe.
What does it mean to be true to one's art? Linchpins like Tiger Woods and Nora Roberts have proven success based on constant practice and execution to their "shape".
Warren points out that our primary ministry should be in the area of our "shape", but our secondary service is wherever we are needed at the moment. We must give up our schedule, as well as any tendency to avoid service that doesn't fit our talents. Hey, wouldn't this interrupt our quest to become a Linchpin? I feel this may be one area where the books diverge. Warren's "seize the moment" kind of service neither fits our schedule, no any special talent or gift we might have. Warren asks "Can God mess up your plans without you becoming resentful?"
Good Enough
Warren is also a firm believer in the "good enough" principal: It doesn't have to be perfect for God to use and bless it." This "good enough" principal does not sit as comfortably with the Linchpin, who constantly strives to deliver remarkable work.
Serve through Gifts
One area where both authors meet is regarding the Gift culture. Warren: "We serve God by serving others", giving gifts. Warren says that Jesus is our ultimate model of a servant, a gift giver, with no expectation of return. Godin doesn't mention God or Jesus anywhere yet believes firmly that our "art" should find its way to others as gifts. Both authors admit that this is not a popular concept in our self-serving capitalistic culture.
How does this apply to my life?
Do you have an area that you feel fits your shape? A talent you could provide as gifts freely given to others. Are you lucky enough that your job allows you to do this work? There is a lot of pressure that comes with living up to our true potential and delivering remarkable work (our "Art" at Godin calls it.) Maybe this has something to do with why the lives of so many outstanding musicians/writers/actors/athletes can (behind the scenes) seem so out of control.
I find myself applying the good enough principal quite often when it comes to delivery at work, at home, and to my church.
Our natural talents and gifts must take a back seat sometimes when we make choices on what needs to get done from day to day. Its in our best interest not to be stubborn here. Strive to be remarkable with your "art", but not at the expense of overlooking serving other, even if you'll never be better than "good enough." Don't let an unrelenting focus on "remarkable" cause you to miss an opportunity to deliver where "good enough" is fine.
Whatever your take away from these books - i encourage you to check them out and I'd love to hear what you think.

Why Jonah 2?

by James Tate

I struggle with prayer. Too many are not answered. I know folks who journal, and track their prayers and can detail the responses. I’m not one of those people. And to be honest, I’ve often questioned those “journaling” folks and their reasoning.

I also struggle with knowing when to pray. I know were told to be in constant prayer. In my experience anyway, I usually result to prayer in desperation. I can relate to Jonah here.

Prayer, to me, is primarily for thanksgiving, or a communication of my desires/ struggles or for seeking HIS guidance, and unfortunately usually in that order. For some reason, I’ve continued to pray. Why? I like the fact that the communication lines are always open, with maybe with practice and persistence, I’ll understand that it’s supposed to be a mystery how and when they’re answered.

Everyday Miracles

Thank you Forrest for a thought provoking session last Friday morning. The video at the end was unusual, and continues to haunt me afterwords.

http://www.radiolab.org/blogs/radiolab-blog/2009/aug/14/16-moments/

The video focuses on everyday moments and ordinary people. In doing so, it manages to convey how extraordinary and beautiful these moments (and people involved) are. It relentlessly flashes scene after scene of common episodes of life and demands our full attention be given to each one. It is there I see things for the first time. The undeniable beauty, wonder, and mystery of the moments. The characters - a cast of the most ordinary folks you can imagine - yet when the spotlight is on them we can make out the nobility, strength, potential (and amazingly intelligent design) behind each one.

We are rarely aware of these moments. We aren't wired to pay attention. The world becomes a blur around us. Sometimes that is good, it allows us to focus on our driving or that email that needs to go out. The video made me linger, indulge in the moment, and appreciate and marvel at the things we take for granted everyday.

There are certain people who do a better job at recognizing the miracles of moments and appreciating them. Poets certainly are more atune to these things. But there are also members of our group who appreciate the little moments. I've heard them say so. Perhaps as a result from brushes with death, loss of loved ones, or just general life experience - they have managed to escape the tunnel vision and are able to recognize, experience, and feel the moments.

Keith Jennings writes about many of the same themes we talk about during our Friday morning meetings. He recently wrote a a piece that I feel complements the video nicely.

http://keithjennings.typepad.com/keitharsis/2010/09/taking-invisible-pictures.html

Check out Keith's other stuff as well. I highly recommend his writings.

Relationships are good for you

I’ve recently been contemplating what makes people happy in life. I’ve gone through phases where I was certain that work was the source of happiness.

In light of the recent downturn I’ve come to the realization that my job is much too fragile and vulnerable to economic whims to allow it such status in my life. I enjoy my work and it does bring happiness on occasion – but its volatile and will turn on you from time to time. Where can I invest some energy and expect a better return on investment in terms of happiness?

I started reading a book called “The Happiness Hypothesis” by Jonathan Haidt and was intrigued to hear about studies done by Emile Durkheim. He studied the factors that affect the suicide rate. He found that the number of “social commitments” one has plays a big part in the equation. Turns out that people who have fewer social constraints, bonds, and obligations are more likely to kill themselves. Durkheim’s study goes on to say:

“The more weakened the groups to which [a man] belongs, the less he depends on them, the more he consequently depends only on himself and recognizes no other rules of conduct than what are founded on his private interests.” (as cited in Haidt, 2006, p. 133)

Further studies since have confirmed Durkheim’s diagnosis. "Having strong social relationships strengthens the immune system, extends life (more than does quitting smoking), speeds recovery from surgery, and reduces the risks of depression and anxiety disorders.” (Haidt, 2006, p. 133).

I’m somewhat of an introvert. Always have been. According to these (pretty convincing) studies, sounds like this could be bad for my health. In fact this book has convinced me that we should go out of our way to intertwine with others, make obligations, and commit ourselves. All these things have been shown in studies to be beneficial to our health. We need the commitments and constraints that naturally arise from ongoing participation in a community.
From the book:

“people … leave homes, jobs, cities, and marriages in search of personal and professional fulfillment, thereby breaking the relationships athat were probably their best hope for such fulfillment.” (Haidt, 2006, p. 133)

The next time you consider whether to plant yourself into a tightly knit community and risk exposing yourself to deep relationships – DO IT! It may save your life!

Reference List:
Haidt, J. (2006). The Happiness Hypothesis (p. 133). New York, NY. Basic Books.