Caucus Night

What a crazy night!

On our way to our caucus tonight, we saw a line of cars going down 42 and around the corner at the next block for the democratic caucus. When we got to the location for our caucus Chris had to drop me off and go park across the street. When we went in, there was a constant stream of people and we couldn't even get into the auditorium where the meetings were kicked off with some speeches by local representatives. When things did get started in the smaller room for our precinct, there were over 55 people in the room!

I did decide to become a delegate for our precinct. So, I guess I will be going to the next convention on March 8th. That is exciting. It is funny because my mother-in-law asked tonight if either of us were going to do that. "No," I said, "I think we're too busy to do that." Oh well.

In the book I'm reading, In His Steps, some of the people are embarking on entering their local politics because they believe that Jesus would stand up for some changes. I also feel that morality is vital to our countries survival. If I don't stand up for what I believe is right, then how will anything get better?

So, along with the biggest turn out for caucuses I've ever seen, we went too. And signed up to continue. May God bless the upcoming elections and this country.

Recently...

I have been busy. Very busy.

My youngest son has been sick for over a week now. Uhg! Poor Little Guy.

One of the things that I'm working on is painting my good friend's daughter's room! They are in the process of moving and I get the privilege of creating a new place for Rachel. She asked for an underwater room with a squid! What fun! So far I have painted the room light blue. Tomorrow I am hoping to get the darker blue painted on the bottom of the wall and the orangey-yellow of the sand along the baseboard. Then, I'll tackle the animals! I am not above prayers for God's inspiration and skill for that!

Another activity that is taking some time is leading Christ Life at my church. I am facilitating one group alone and co-facilitating another. I am continually amazed by how great God is! He is faithful, when so often we are not. It is such a joy to be able to be present and a part of what God is doing in my groups' lives. If you don't know what Christ Life is, check it out at www.christlifesolution.org.

I must heed my body now and go fall asleep. Goodnight!

WWDJ Update

I found myself in a pickle today. I work at the airport and asked God for the opportunity to share Him with someone today while on my way in to work. And I believe I got that opportunity but failed in my goal. A woman came up to the table and we were chatting about the music. She had decided to wait and not purchase a CD today because she was having a hard time making a decision. She then shared with me that it was because she was here for a funeral. I wanted to ask her if I could pray for her, but I didn't. I wanted to say God bless you, but I didn't. I let my fear keep me from voicing my beliefs to her. What might God have done through me if I had asked. I have been praying for her periodically since then and believe that God can minister to her even when I don't follow through.

What held me back? I was concerned about sharing my beliefs while I was working. I doubt that Jesus would have been held back by that. Does anyone have words of wisdom about being at work and sharing Jesus?

Wouldn't it be nice to work at Northwestern Book Store!

John 5:19

We started discussing this verse in small group this last week.

John 5:19 ¹⁹Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. ²⁰For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does."

I have been pondering and meditating on this verse a lot since then. What would me life look like if I were constantly listening to God about what He wants me to do? I have also started reading the book In His Steps which was written in the 1890s. It is the story that started the WWJD thing. If I stopped and thought before making any decision about what Jesus would do, and consistently listen for God's voice to give me direction, how would my life change?

I like to think that I live a life that is pleasing to God, but I know that there is plenty room for change.

I make a commitment now, here, publicly, to think about what God wants from me and what Jesus would do before I act. I will do my best to live by this commitment and will write about how it is going on here.

As always I welcome your comments.

Christian Community

I am currently in a small group through church doing a book called 40 Days of Community. We are supposed to read a section each day, which as of yet I have not done. I read the first 6 sections before our first group, and tonight is our second and I still have to do the reading. But, on Sunday we were discussing what we get out of being a part of a community rather than just following God on our own. There were the "happy things" like support, help and encouragement. But there was also the part of being held accountable for your actions and choices, which conflicts with our Western, independent thinking.

It occurred to me, that often in life, being the self-centered humans that we are, we desire the encouragement, help and support, yet we don't want to be held accountable for our choices. But that isn't really possible, at least, not in a healthy relationship. They come together. If I accept the support of a friend, I also have to be able and willing to hear them when they have something to say about my life.

This is why we should choose our friends wisely. This is why we need Christian community. It is vital that I have friendships with people who hold the same moral and religious beliefs that I hold so that if I make a "wrong turn" and start heading down a path which is not good for me, and does not hold up to the beliefs that I profess to believe, they can hold me accountable.

I think that there are times in my life when I don't see clearly. There are times that I need someone outside of myself to reflect back to me what I am doing and how that will effect, not only my life, but the life of my family as well.

There are two things that I see must happen in order for this to work the way God intended.
1) I have to be honest with the people with whom I am in close relationship. I must be able to answer about my whole life, not with everyone, but with a few people who I trust. These people, in order to reflect back truthfully on my life, have to know all of the pieces.
2) I need to learn how to hear what my friends have to say and not become defensive. Does this mean that I will always agree with what they have to say, or do what they think I should do. No. But I must give it serious consideration. I must be honest with myself about my own motivations, choices and the possible consequences.

Now this definitely brings up the question of boundaries. I am also reading a book about boundaries. We will see how the two studies combine.
How do I have functioning boundaries and be a member in a community?
Where do I identify myself with the whole and where do I identify myself as an individual?
I'm sure there will be more to come on this topic. I would welcome your thoughts.