Chapter 5 – The Process of Making Disciples

I dare continue my analogy here.

I know I know of people who have been to see a chiropractor before. I have seen it posted in their facebook status. They have talked about it to someone else in front of me. I have rarely heard why they were going if ever. I am not even sure of what all a chiropractor can do or fix or cover. I’m thinking I should start googling.

But I’m a librarian. I like to know. So I began asking questions. Why this? How that? And as I get closer to the last visit yet to be determined, I am anxious to know what else I could visit for. I’ve heard mention of treatment for migraines and I have those. He jumped on my knee injury which I’ve never done anything for.

It comes down to, if he can fix my back, what else can be fixed?

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

So what have I been doing since my first visit? Praising the doctor and his staff. Talking about my experience. Which is beneficial to him. He has made a “disciple” of me in 3 visits or 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Why am I not able to speak so openly and enthusiastically of my Savior?

…until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ…

Ephesians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 4 – People Help People

Let me tell you a story.

I was pressured (positively) into calling for an appointment with a chiropractor. This doctor was a family friend. I was assured that he would probably be able to fit me in. I promised to call after another call I needed to make and I did.

The receptionist sounded very positive and upbeat, but she did not give attention to me and my problem until after expressing the fact that it was a holiday weekend and there was certainly no way to see me until sometime next week. I was speechless. Not functioning. I felt berated. I felt like an annoyance.

I had indeed forgotten that it was a holiday weekend. It was my fault that I had chosen to wait until Friday afternoon to realize that I might need some help. I could have called the previous weekend. I could have heeded the advice given and taken care of it earlier on. But I hadn’t. All my fault. And I would suffer for it.

I told the receptionist to nevermind as soon as I got my voice back. And then I might have curled up into a ball on my bed and cried at my stupidity for a few minutes. Or I might not have.

She had me where she wanted me. I was in need. And she was selling. I was at her mercy. I called back. She knew who I was and smugly tried to accommodate me into their schedule – next Tuesday.

Now, the fact that I had actually called and set up an appointment with the mysterious practitioner of Chiro, my spouse was clued into how much pain I was actually in. He stated that I should call around and see if anyone else could get me in sooner. Tuesday was a long time to wait.

Call around? I had actually made 3 calls already that morning and I was way over my quota. Did he know anyone? No. Had he ever heard good reviews of anyone? No. Then how was I supposed to know who to call? Well, first, call and try to find someone who will take you sooner than next Tuesday.

I sat paralyzed staring at the Yellow Pages for quite some time. One name kept popping out at me. I recognized it. Possibly a relative of a grade school peer. But I didn’t know for sure. I started looking at addresses. I started visualizing offices. But that one name kept sticking out. There was another name that was associated with the same address. The phone numbers were only one off. The other doctor's ad said “see most new patients same day.” I’m not entirely certain what that means but it sounded good. It even occurred to me to ask some people that I trust whom I know have visited a chiropractor before. But that would mean more phonecalls. I was fudging between the name I know and the phrase that gave me hope. And finally that Spiritual nudge made me call the name and NOT the phrase. I assured myself that the person on the other end would not know who I was and therefore couldn’t make fun of the fool that I am.

The nicest, motherly voice answered. Words came that I didn’t know I had. Were they taking new patients? Lol. She heard my pain and despair in my voice and took over. Yes, Tuesday was too long to wait. Could I come in at 2:15 today. Really? Truly? Seriously?

I was there early for paperwork. The receptionist carried on a conversation with me while I waited and after I had filled out the forms. She knows what my life has been like for the past two months. She was so very easy to talk to. She has a gift for people. She made me feel welcome. She knew the information I needed to be comfortable. And I felt safe and cared for.

You know… I have it on good authority that I could have used my connections to get in with the first doctor. I am not that kind of person. I am not assertive. I do not throw my weight around. In the end, I am much more comfortable knowing that the doctor I am with took me because I was in pain and he could help. It’s a holiday weekend and I have my third appointment with him this morning.

I love my family and I sincerely appreciate their genuine concern. I would have gone to see him and I am sure he is excellent. But I don’t think it would have been quite as good of a fit.

Why did I tell you this story? People help people. In some relationships, I am always the giver. In others I am the taker. I would like some balance. I need people. I don’t like to admit that. I am happy to struggle along on my own. And sometimes if feels like others think that it is preferable that way.

And also the following verse. It all fits together. At least for me. I saw where it was done wrong and I have firsthand experience with it being done right. I would choose right every time. Small is good. Small is preferable. Much gets lost in grandiose.

You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first…

Galatians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 3 – Making Disciples in the Early Church

Does anybody else want to see how something works? See how an organization runs? Do cross-training. See how a book gets ordered, purchased, shipped, cataloged, dressed, checked in etc.?

What are you doing and why are you doing it? How did you know that would work? Why does it make that sound? How do you know what to do? What if it doesn’t work? How long will it take? How many times will it have to be performed?

This isn’t working. I don’t understand why you’re doing it this way. It doesn’t make sense. Why are you asking the people you are? Why do you ask for help and then not take it?

Describe your work flow. Make a blueprint of your path. How can we make it better for you? How can we accommodate you? Make a list of priorities in order. How are they being met? Does what you’re doing fall in line with your vision or mission statement? If not, what is more important? What has to go? What needs to stay?

This chapter clearly set out how the early church made disciples. It filled in the blanks and brought to the reader’s attention what is sometimes glossed over. Who is operating that way today? Can I see how? Jesus was very careful about choosing his disciples. He took his time. We certainly wouldn’t have chosen the ordinary people he did, from vastly different and even opposing backgrounds, but they were exceptionally effective in the end.

You did not choose me, but I chose you.

Do I choose who I intend to disciple? Does that mean I need to be chosen as well? I know I need to be discipled. Where does one go to acquire the right person? I certainly cannot be assigned to someone. If I am not chosen, well, then, am I just not chosen?

People cannot just be placed in events and studies where no one ever connects. I repeat. NO ONE EVER CONNECTS.

Sometimes you get an inkling of something greater and it remains elusive.

It’s not working. IT’S NOT WORKING.

And I’m rambling. Sorry. I just cannot believe the things that I am hearing.

Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak…

2 Corinthians 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 2 – Biblical Examples of Discipleship Training

Wow. To have someone’s attention for almost an hour. For them to ask important questions that you are required to answer in order to continue. For them to pay attention to the problem – one of the few actually identifiable problems – and work with you to fix it. For them to assemble, immediately, a course of action to fix it and begin right then and there. And to include multiple possibilities – none to be set in stone, but each to be tried in order to find success. To be under scrutiny, but to feel safe. And to not feel like chopped liver.

Yes, I visited a chiropractor for the first time yesterday. And I was shy about it. I had absolutely no idea whatsoever to expect. A portion of me was worried that there would be nothing wrong that was worthy of the visit. Why did I think I would be laughed at and patronized? And sent away with nothing…

There were some requirements here. I had to be in pain – enough to want to seek help (with a little bit of arm twisting.) I had to make the call. Let me say it again… I had to make the appointment. I had to set things in motion. And I had to answer the questions. Truthfully. Honestly. Openly. Some things are easy to hide and others – not so much. I didn’t even realize at one point I was close to tears. And I pretty much held my breath the whole time. How refreshing to have someone to tell you to breathe. And of course, I had to follow instructions even when I wasn’t being scrutinized.

All this to say, that I made an awful lot of appointments in the last two years and this might have been one of two that were actually productive. If I recall correctly, the other one was very similar to this one. I started the meeting in motion. There were pages and pages of questions that I had to answer, painfully, honestly. And then each was addressed and we began to work upon the bigger picture. In retrospect, that should have been continued. Over and over again. I have one issue – we should have made an appointment for the future. When we left … there was no feeling of a future meeting. There was no, “I”ll see you again in a few weeks.” Not even a, “Call me if things go wrong.” But I didn’t really expect anyone to check up on me. Not even a doctor will cold call you to make sure that you’re still fine. Just, I KNOW I’m going back for adjustment today. And maybe a few each week for a couple of weeks. I even know what will be the next step if it doesn’t get better.

So, who was the last person who asked if you read your Bible? Who was the last person who asked if you meditate on God’s Word. When was the last time someone held you accountable to memorize verses of Scripture? When was the last time someone inquired after your prayer life? When was the last time you answered the question, “How are you?” truthfully.

My back is a small thing in the greater picture. My spiritual life means life in Heaven or death in Hell.

…when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

1 Corinthians 4:13 (ESV)

The Lost Art of Disciple Making by LeRoy Eims

Chapter 1 – The Need for Multiplying Disciples

I would like to create a poll and see how many “kids” of my generation were discipled, where and by whom. And certain things simply don’t count. If you were one of 30 kids in a confirmation class – huh uh. Classroom style, lecture style – nope. Ten minute sermons once a week? I don’t think so. No, I mean one on one, sacrificial even, investment into your Christian maturity. Who supports you and who lifts you up. And in return, who do you foster?

This isn’t about a parent either. Sure, in an ideal family setting, you would learn what you needed to know to grow into a mature Christian by some good role-modeling on the part of the parent. But let’s face it, not many of us come from ideal homes where the key to Christian-living was planted in rich soil, watered and fed daily, and nurtured into a fragrant blossom or fruit bearing tree.

I go to church weekly. I read Bible verses almost daily. I haven’t seriously memorized anything in 2 years. Prayer? I’m horribly awful at it. My hope is gone. My joy is lacking. The fruits of the Spirit are dried up. I’m drowning and there is no one to save me.

All about me.

I certainly cannot do a good job of saving someone else in this condition. Quite funny actually. I think a great deal of us are floundering in the ocean. Sharks are circling. A hurricane is headed our way. We are grasping at straws. The reality is that we cannot do this alone. But where do we turn?

We keep turning to each other. But it is not good enough. If we were to find one person we would drag that person in with us. We each need someone to lend a us an arm, a hand, a buoy. Someone to get us back on track. Someone to stick with us and cheer us on.

Someone to hold us accountable.

Where do you find such a person when the harvest is great and the workers are few? Especially when people tend to think you’re a worker. Not all workers are created equally.

More and more the church is producing ill-equipped Christians. There will be fewer and fewer to invest in significant disciple making.

I long for someone to invest in me. Where does one go? When time is at a premium?

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through te righteousness of faith.
Romansh 4:13 (ESV)

Conclusion – Think About These Things

Show me you ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5

 

Looking Back, Moving On

 

·        Read through your exercises.

·        Highlight whatever strikes you as particularly significant.

·        Choose three things you want to take with you. What is worth remembering? What would you like to go back and do again? Briefly describe your three “greatest hits.”

 

1.      Someone asked me, “If I had the opportunity to go back and take classes or do something different, what would it be.” I decided that I would be bored to death taking art classes. Studies of the mouth, eye, nose. Over and over and over again in different mediums until it became natural. I just wouldn’t want to do it for hours on end. However, playing the same song over and over and over again on the piano or organ was an entirely different matter. Time flies or melts away before the instrument. Perhaps music … I’d have to go way back to start that.

2.     It occurs to me that I’m not as “messed up” as an artist to begin with. I have much going for me. I already work part time. I’m already involved with some of my talents. I have a room, I just need to clear it out and start over. I now have a glorious laptop. I’ve instigated a relationship where I stand to learn a lot while I get to help…  I have my own piano, I just need to block time on it.

3.     I think I need to write without a goal looming before me. Different things every day. I need to block time for that too. And not by answering silly or not-so-silly questions. I waste much writing time here. And it is summer and I could have at least an hour if not more in the morning to write unedited by myself.

 

Next book please…

 

Finally… whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

 

For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 8 – Simplifying – Part 5

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Exercise 5: What I Want

Think of something you have just been dying to buy. List all the reasons you should have this thing and all the reasons you want it. Then list any reasons, especially those in the “I can’t really afford it” category, why you shouldn’t have it. Wait six weeks and if by that time you still have the desire to buy the item and have figured out how to manage it financially, go ahead and buy it.

I’ve, we’ve, already done this on a larger scale. A couple of years ago, we we’re considering buying a new car(s). The reasons for buying new were and continue to be as follows:

·        One vehicle should be replaced with something newer

·        The other should be replaced with something that would hold more kids

·        All vehicles are paid off

·        I’ve continued putting money into an account that would represent a down payment as well as future monthly payments

·        We have enough in the budget to make a second, simultaneous payment

·        We both enjoy cars

·        We’ve never waited this long to buy new

Reasons for keeping the old are as follows:

·        There is nothing wrong with either vehicle aside from yearly upkeep

·        One is a work truck and why replace it with something better

·        I love my car and have yet to find something I appreciate more

·        I don’t have any extra kids to transport

·        I can borrow an SUV or minivan from relatives at any given time

·        Price of gas in maintaining a guzzler

·        We use the car payment fund as needed and in emergencies

·        The additional money continues to get used for dentist appointments and big ticket items.

·        It’s nice not having a car payment

Oh, we still look and we still want, but we’ve finally stated out loud that it is not necessary. We could run one into the ground and we still have a third car and a motorcycle to get us by. It’s taken the pressure off of us. I get very stressed about monthly payments. Why bother, until it’s necessary. Besides, it is the anticipation that I love!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 8 – Simplifying – Part 4

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Exercise 4: “Create in Me a Pure Heart, O God…”

Read Psalm 51. Write an entry that begins with the phrase, “Nobody knows about the time I…” and then tell about something dishonest you once did, especially if it resulted in complications in your life. Remember, you don’t have to share this with anyone.

Nobody knows about the time I used to shoplift. I used to take makeup. Lipstick. I wanted to have lipstick, but I never had any luck picking colors. I wanted rich and vibrant colors, but then they never looked right on me. So when I spent what back then seemed a lot of money and then got home and hated it… well, it was a waste of money. Why can’t you buy lipstick like Crayola crayons? In small packs of 96? So I’d get the urge to try again, but I didn’t really have the money to waste on something I might use once. I don’t remember the first time I did it or the last time. It might have only been a couple of times. Or it might have been several. But I’d pick one and slip it in my pocket.

Then came the time I tried something slightly different. I needed picture frames. I don’t remember what for. But I was looking at the wide variety available in a department store. The one I really wanted was way too expensive, I’m thinking over $15. Well, I found a box for a different frame that was less expensive, under $10. And I switched the frames in the boxes. I had been at the store a long time and I had been trying on shoes and I had quite a few things to carry. As I was heading to the check out, I noticed a guy watching me, walking parallel to me and talking into his hand. I panicked. Went back, put everyone down and left the store and NEVER went back. I haven’t taken anything purposely ever again.

Does it matter that this all happened back when I was in college without a job and had no money? Would you be shocked if I told you this happened recently? Do we have higher or different expectations for different people? I know I do. I expect more out of certain people. I shouldn’t. I should be held to the same standards. I shouldn’t criticize others for gossiping and backstabbing when I do the same…

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again…”

John 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 8 – Simplifying – Part 3

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Exercise 3: Things I Can Do Without

Take a walk through your house and write down everything you could do without.

Well, this could take forever. I’m sitting in my dining room because I have yet to make a transition to the black chair or bed for portable typing. I’m still plastered to a table with wires coming out of everywhere like a patient in need of fluids.

Here is my first day without school. I woke up early even when none of us had to get up for hours. And it has backfired. The youngest is sitting here beside me talking and talking and talking. What is it about no school that wakes the heaviest sleepers up?

Anyway. I start by looking at my desk. Yes, it is in the dining room. I don’t use anything on it. My old computer is there. Christopher is trying to save it and revitalize it. There is my old camera. I don’t take pictures. There is a pencil holder full of pencils that are either unsharpened or broken. There is a mail holder that holds things I’m not done with yet and I hate it because it looks messy and it hides stuff from me. There is a box of notecards and envelopes. I rarely send notes. The answering machine is there. It is worthless. The volume is turned up to max and you still have to have utter silence in order to hear it. There is a mini filing container that holds various post-its with various numbers. It is the first place a look for something lost. There is a tape dispenser that the girls use and a pencil sharpener that never did its job. All of my receipts sit there until Sunday when I do the budget. There is a filing drawer that has all of my bills and statements back to 2009. Time to get rid of 2009. Then there are multiple drawers containing CDs, calculators, stamps, return addresses (like I use those anymore) and various little things that accumulate and multiply. I wish it would all just go away.

There are the set of TV trays. We use those maybe twice a year. We don’t eat in our living room. We have two extra chairs for when the table extends for 10 people instead of eight. And that happens maybe once a year. We have a credenza that happens to match my desk. It is full of crayons and paper and glue and markers. Easy access to crafty stuff for the girls. Sometimes the drawers are left ajar and it drives the grownups to insanity. There are knick knacks on top. And an absinthe dispenser that hasn’t been used near enough but it looks way cool in a 1920s house. Very art nouveau. Oh, and the cork screw. I get it. It’s our make shift bar. Underneath is our wine chiller and extra bottles to be chilled as room is made. We cannot possibly get rid of that ;).

Ahhhhh. The 55 gallon fish tank. We can get rid of that as soon as this round of fish die. Too much work and upkeep and not enough action. Well, the cat likes them.

Built in china cabinet full to bursting with glassware we don’t know what to do with. And candy we’ve hidden. And shells that make a mess. And that’s the glass section that you can see. In the bottom, closed portion, is another place to hide stuff. We could probably get rid of everything in there and not miss it.

Then we come to Gabi’s corner. School is out, so hopefully that pile of stuff can disappear. It’s just a pile like the girls have in their rooms. Since when did a rat’s nest become acceptable?

And the glorious dining table. It is actually looking lovely at the moment. We have a birthday party tomorrow so the paper is mostly cleaned off. There are 3 laptops, a pile of magazines, my pile of books, the girls’ school pictures and awards, Mothers’ Day cards, and one chair full of my Sunday School and Vacation Bible School stuff. That’s what the drawers and doors should be used for. Storing the stuff I use. I could put it in the cabinet until I need it and it would go back there Sunday afternoon. My guess is that it will go into the basement and get temporarily lost. Ugh!

One room that is cluttered. I am nowhere near a hoarder, but I can certainly see how it happens. If we could tackle a portion of a room a day during the summer, wouldn’t it be lovely and liveable come the next school year? I’m drowning in stuff! I cannot see what I want or need anymore.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

And when the Devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

Luke 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 8 – Simplifying – Part 2

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Exercise 2: Thinking About What Matters

Take one or two items from the list you made in Exercise 1 and address the following:

1.      Why is this important to me?

a.     Books – I have always enjoyed books. They give me an opportunity to escape, relax, think differently, be someone else, expand my mind, enjoying quiet.

b.     “Performing” – I have only recently discovered how exhilarating and rewarding being in front of people can be especially when I am entertaining them and they are engaged. I also secretly like to make people laugh.

2.     Am I spending the kind of time and energy I’d like focusing on this? If not, why not? What is getting in the way?

a.     Books – I think that I would always want to read more. Rarely do I get tired or bored and wish or choose to put the book down. I think I rarely get to that point because I am usually interrupted and taken away from my reading. I don’t often get the chance to get to a natural stopping spot. Interruptions and life are in the way.

b.     “Performing” – I am always looking for opportunities to do it more. There are not a lot of opportunities offered. There are limited chances. I am not exactly in the right occupation to use it. What gets in the way tends to be requirements and less chance to be creative. I love to be given a starting point and then run with it.

3.     What in my life or my schedule would I be willing to change or give up in order to start paying more attention to this significant aspect of my life?

a.     Books – I don’t think I can feasibly give up anything more in order to spend more time with my books. I don’t think it is actually a good idea. In fact, if I didn’t have the job that I do, I do not think I would be as thorough in my reading… I would read my favorite 4 authors over and over and over again.

b.     “Performing” – I’ve thought of changing careers. But a degree is no guarantee. I’m not quite willing to move either. I think I should enjoy and appreciate the opportunities I do get. Consider making my own opportunities in my current environment. And pay more attention on my other priorities.

I think I give an awful lot to those things I enjoy doing. I need to spend more time in the home doing what should be my priority. I’m discovering that I keep myself busy in order to avoid other things. I have no reason to be this busy. I can easily simplify especially with a little cooperation.

I am excited for the summer. My girls are bigger and they love to help. And then there is the pool … We’re going to make some changes. And simplify our clutter. I think that will be a huge priority. With a few required reading hours … and time to create…

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

And he said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?”

Mark 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 8 – Simplifying – Part 1

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Exercise 1: What Matters to Me

Make a list of the top ten things that are important in your life. This list doesn’t have to be in any particular order of importance. Just write down ten things that really matter to you. Afterwards, you may go back and prioritize them.

I’ve been thinking on this question since Sunday. And I don’t know. I think it would be easier to write down the things that don’t matter. You know – the process of elimination. I had hoped by reading the chapter, I would have some insight into what is important to me. Not really. And then I thought about what should be important to me. And found myself lacking. I hate when you ask a person a question and you get the “right” answer instead of the “true” answer. When it is obvious their kids are not a high priority, but they would claim it… Makes me gag. People buy huge houses, expensive cars, nice clothes all in order to go to a job, or three that pays for all of those things. My beef is that people have children so that other people can raise them which of course means more money needed and so you work more in order to spend less time with the kids. Snarky at 5:45am? YEP! You bet!

So, I’m trying to prioritize appropriately … At least I can have a top few.

1.      God

2.     Spouse

3.     Children

4.     Family

5.     Friends

6.     Books

7.     Music

8.     Drawing

9.     Writing

10. Performing, Acting, Preaching, MCing. Don’t know what to call it for sure. Leading? Speaking?

Now I’ll be honest … Currently, God is nowhere near the top. I’m further away from Him than ever and that’s after being closer to Him than ever only a couple of years ago. You know my children come before my husband. And they probably will until they’re out of the house… Family and Friends are likely near the bottom. Books and music are right near the top. The other three either become top priority if I have a project or become non-existent if I don’t. Then of course most everything is bumped entirely off the list by SELF. Notice house, car etc. aren’t even on there. A clean house means little to me ;)

Boy, I still feel like I’m being dishonest with that list. If someone were to follow me around for a week, what would they think was my top priority. Quiet time? Peace? Busyness so I don't have time to rest and think and connect?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali…

Matthew 4:13 (ESV)

Chapter 7 – Making Time – Part 5

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Exercise 5: Finding a New Place for the TV

Cover up your TVs, unplug them, hide the remotes, don’t turn them on for a month.

And I barely watch TV except for the news while I’m making dinner. I used to watch tons of TV. I was raised on TV. The TV was always on as background noise. I hated being alone and I hated the quiet. I would schedule my routine according to the shows that were on. I knew when it was time to go to bed by the shows that were on. And then I would go to bed and turn the TV on. Every meal was eaten at the coffee table. I think children changed that.

I am more into the occasional movie.

So I’ve made my time. I have plenty of time. I never realized the importance of that part time job. The author of the book chose to go part time so she could write. And here I am in what I used to see as forced part time. Now I feel that I would fight to keep it. It is a privilege to remain part time.

I used to think that I was forced into part time because someone was against me. And then my oldest went to school and I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to be more available for my children. I can spend the extra time on the homework and the studying. My child will never have to struggle to do it alone.

But now I see that it wasn’t just for her or for them that I work part time. Perhaps it is for me as well. And so I need to embrace the time that has been given me rather than begrudge it. I need to celebrate it and use it for Him who gave it to me.

I was beginning to think that I was ready to get back into the ballgame again. I had sat out for too long. What a joke they have sold us! I found something better.

And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

And no Malachi 4:13

Chapter 7 – Making Time – Part 4

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58

Exercise 4: Telephone Liberation

For practice, don’t answer your phone this week whether or not you are on the artist-time clock. Let your answering machine take messages for you. If you do give in and pick up the telephone, write down the Caller’s Name, Date, and Time Spent Talking. At the end of the week, add up the time you spent on the phone – that could’ve been artist time!

My phone never rings. It is so rare that it should ring, that it is usually important. My phone rang three times in the last week. My Mom wanted us to bring cheesecake for dessert. My daughter’s prescription was ready. The Dance Studio wanted to remind us of an extra practice. That’s it. I bet each call lasted under a minute. Wow! 3 whole minutes of artist time. Sorry. Joking. Telephones are not my problem.

I don’t even get enough email to warrant turning it off. You know, only check it in the morning and ignore it the rest of the day.

And I get so few texts, it is a game to see how long I can string someone along to continue to talk to me… Secret’s out.

SSSSSooooooo. Yesterday was amazing! I was in the zone. I was at work and it was relatively quiet and I drew a castle that was 50 inches at the base and 72 inches to its highest turret. And I must have done it in 4 hours. It was the last of 7 seven castles and the big one. 6 whole sheets of poster board. I had already measured it for scale a couple of weeks ago, but yesterday was the moment of truth.

I sat there looking at it. It was so huge and detailed that I began to question my sanity. I couldn’t work on it as a whole. I had to build it from the ground up. The original picture was so tiny – less than an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper. Every ½ inch equaled 4 inches.

And then I started and the lovely thing was that the bottom quarter held the mass. The further I got up the building, the less that needed to be done. It was so exciting. I got tunnel vision and all I could see was each 8 inch by 12.5 inch square I had marked off. I saw only vertical lines capped off by turrets. It was glorious.

And then I was interrupted a few times, but that was even WOW. My mind was so primed that the information just flowed. You need what? How about “some obscure title.” I had conversations where I just couldn’t find the right word to finish a sentence and yet the other person knew exactly what I was trying to say.

I was grinning like an idiot.

I was there. The time melted away, but every second was used. And I could finally exhale.

I did it. Insane? Yes! But I did it. I knew I could. Why do I question myself? It’s what I do. What I was gifted to do. I’d rather do that than anything else. Get in that zone…

And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5

He said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” I said, “No, my lord.” Zechariah 4:13 (ESV)

God has a beautiful sense of humor.