Burned Out!
Tired out means that we have run out of gas. All we need to do after making such a foolish mistake is slip unnoticed into a filling station and get a gallon to go for $2.60. A friend of mine ran out of gas on "faith" one time. He was coming back from a trip to Chicago and suddenly noticed his gas gauge was on EMPTY.
Bob quickly sent up an urgent arrow prayer, "Oh Lord, just help me make it to the next exit so I can get gas." He made it but since he had done so well on the first prayer he got prideful and decided he could get all the way home. He ran out just a mile beyond the exit he hadjust passed.
When we are tired out in life after a very hard day's work all we need to do to recover is get some rest and sleep. It is amazing what that will do to rejuvenate us. In fact, we need exercise and physical exhaustion is good for us.
Burn out is different. We cannot recover so easily from it because it is running out of oil not gas. Running out of gas requires a new tank of petrol but running out of oil means a new engine. A former employee of ours was returning home to the East Coast when she saw the oil light blinking. "Oh, goody" she thought. "I must be producing oil."
Her discernment and auto knowledge were faulty so before long the car began to knock and ping and it finally came to a grinding halt. When AAA got there he told her the problem and she said, "Put in some oil. I have to get to the coast."
But oil will not work when burn out occurs because the engine, the source of power and drive is burnt to a crisp. As they say, "Stick a fork in him. He is done!"
When we burn out we have to refigure our inner lives. We need a new driver and a new source of power. We can run our lives by our own power when we are young but that ends at about age 40. Burn out occurs at the time between youth and maturity.
Few churches or ministries have a picture of a mature ministry or mature success. All the modern models are for the youth among us. All we hear is, "Tear down the old barns and build bigger ones."
I am spending lots of time with successful men who have run out of oil. They desperately need a new source of power and a new vision of the next stage in life. Thankfully, God is showing up in our talks and we are seeing Him act on their behalf. It is very exciting.
I say this: "Don't Retire; Refire."
The Kingdom of God is within. Jesus
Friday, March 31, 2006
St Mary’s Church
Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland
Rev Jim Cowie
Writing this letter in early February, I heard on the radio that today (Feb 6th) is the day when most people are absent from work due to illness. This follows the day in January when people felt at their lowest. It’s all put down to short winter days, long nights and summer holidays seeming so far away. Our grandparents might have laughed at the thought that our whole lives could be affected by such annual occurrences which are simply part of the natural cycle they knew so well.
With so much emphasis today put on living every moment to the full, there’s little time to accept a rhythm to life – work and rest, activity and stillness. In Britain we work the longest hours of any workers in Europe. We have the highest rate of binge drinkers (mostly young people at weekend). There is sadly a long list of unattractive and destructive things where we top the international poll such as violence, teenage pregnancy and heart disease. It’s as if we have made a giant treadmill for ourselves from which we can’t escape. We have to keep going, even though it exhausts us and doesn’t seem to get us anywhere.
“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his very soul?” asked Jesus 2000 years ago. In the endless quest for money, status, party going, living life to the full and to excess, we can legitimately ask the question today – “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his very soul?”
The greatest lesson we can learn and the greatest truth we can hand on to our children and generations to come, is that individuals are happier; families are stronger; society is more equitable when we pay as much attention to our “souls” as we do to our bodily needs.
Jesus also said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things will be yours as well” and “Seek the things that do not rust and cannot be taken from you”.It takes precious time. Sometimes it is hard work. But it’s worth it! Building the foundation of peace and contentment in our hearts that enables us to weather the storms of life. It’s about establishing and building up a relationship with God through Jesus that gives life true meaning and hope.
Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland
Rev Jim Cowie
Writing this letter in early February, I heard on the radio that today (Feb 6th) is the day when most people are absent from work due to illness. This follows the day in January when people felt at their lowest. It’s all put down to short winter days, long nights and summer holidays seeming so far away. Our grandparents might have laughed at the thought that our whole lives could be affected by such annual occurrences which are simply part of the natural cycle they knew so well.
With so much emphasis today put on living every moment to the full, there’s little time to accept a rhythm to life – work and rest, activity and stillness. In Britain we work the longest hours of any workers in Europe. We have the highest rate of binge drinkers (mostly young people at weekend). There is sadly a long list of unattractive and destructive things where we top the international poll such as violence, teenage pregnancy and heart disease. It’s as if we have made a giant treadmill for ourselves from which we can’t escape. We have to keep going, even though it exhausts us and doesn’t seem to get us anywhere.
“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his very soul?” asked Jesus 2000 years ago. In the endless quest for money, status, party going, living life to the full and to excess, we can legitimately ask the question today – “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his very soul?”
The greatest lesson we can learn and the greatest truth we can hand on to our children and generations to come, is that individuals are happier; families are stronger; society is more equitable when we pay as much attention to our “souls” as we do to our bodily needs.
Jesus also said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things will be yours as well” and “Seek the things that do not rust and cannot be taken from you”.It takes precious time. Sometimes it is hard work. But it’s worth it! Building the foundation of peace and contentment in our hearts that enables us to weather the storms of life. It’s about establishing and building up a relationship with God through Jesus that gives life true meaning and hope.
Resilience is Necessary in Leadership
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” - 2 Timothy 4:2
John Wesley's heart was strangely warmed on May 24, 1738 at a religious society on Aldersgate Street in London. The small group leader was reading the introduction to Romans when the Holy Spirit touched Rev Wesley deeply.
He had been a devout Christian for many years and a part of the Holy Club of students at Oxford University. He was an ordained Anglican Priest and the son of a priest and a very spiritual mother.
Soon after being touched by the Spirit, however, he felt a new and strong desire to share his faith. He said, "it pleased God to kindle a fire which I trust shall never be extinguished." Soon afterward John served as an itinerant preacher. Here is a series of diary entries he made over five weeks during the early years of travel.
Sunday, A.M., May 5 Preached in St. Anne's. Was asked not to come back anymore.
Sunday, P.M., May 5 Preached in St. John's. Deacons said "Get out and stay out."
Sunday, A.M., May 12 Preached in St. Jude's. Can't go back there, either.
Sunday, A.M., May 19 Preached in St. Somebody Else's. Deacons called special meeting and said I couldn't return.
Sunday, P.M., May 19 Preached on street. Kicked off street.
Sunday, A.M., May 26 Preached in meadow. Chased out of meadow as bull was turned loose during service.
Sunday, A.M., June 2 Preached out at the edge of town. Kicked off the highway.
Sunday, P.M., June 2 Afternoon, preached in a pasture. Ten thousand people came to hear me.
The epidemic of Adversity Deprivation Disorder keeps many of us from bouncing back and heeding God's call. Right now I am finishing two weeks on a rather strict diet but so far the pounds are stubbornly stuck to my waist. I am discouraged so I need RESILIENCE to go on.
John Wesley needed enormous resilience to go on and he had enough to keep the faith until God brought thousands to hear him preach. Do not give up before the pounds come off or God's chosen come to Him.
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.” - 2 Timothy 4:2
John Wesley's heart was strangely warmed on May 24, 1738 at a religious society on Aldersgate Street in London. The small group leader was reading the introduction to Romans when the Holy Spirit touched Rev Wesley deeply.
He had been a devout Christian for many years and a part of the Holy Club of students at Oxford University. He was an ordained Anglican Priest and the son of a priest and a very spiritual mother.
Soon after being touched by the Spirit, however, he felt a new and strong desire to share his faith. He said, "it pleased God to kindle a fire which I trust shall never be extinguished." Soon afterward John served as an itinerant preacher. Here is a series of diary entries he made over five weeks during the early years of travel.
Sunday, A.M., May 5 Preached in St. Anne's. Was asked not to come back anymore.
Sunday, P.M., May 5 Preached in St. John's. Deacons said "Get out and stay out."
Sunday, A.M., May 12 Preached in St. Jude's. Can't go back there, either.
Sunday, A.M., May 19 Preached in St. Somebody Else's. Deacons called special meeting and said I couldn't return.
Sunday, P.M., May 19 Preached on street. Kicked off street.
Sunday, A.M., May 26 Preached in meadow. Chased out of meadow as bull was turned loose during service.
Sunday, A.M., June 2 Preached out at the edge of town. Kicked off the highway.
Sunday, P.M., June 2 Afternoon, preached in a pasture. Ten thousand people came to hear me.
The epidemic of Adversity Deprivation Disorder keeps many of us from bouncing back and heeding God's call. Right now I am finishing two weeks on a rather strict diet but so far the pounds are stubbornly stuck to my waist. I am discouraged so I need RESILIENCE to go on.
John Wesley needed enormous resilience to go on and he had enough to keep the faith until God brought thousands to hear him preach. Do not give up before the pounds come off or God's chosen come to Him.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
hallelujah; Back to Russia
Galina called this morning and we chatted for almost two hours. We are so fortunate to have discovered her when we traveled to Moscow in 1991. When we met She was a struggling young single mother as well as a Psychiatrist who lost her job in the local hospital because she enrolled in a course of study to learn Christian Psychology. Only someone with enormous courage could have survived in medicine as a Christian during the Communist era in any case but when she chose to follow Jesus Christ at the expense of giving up her career in the best hospital in Moscow I saw just how gutsy she is.
At one time Galina was offered a job as director of s Christian Training Center, but she refused to accept. The reason was due to her integrity. In order to continue to receive money from the supporters in the USA Galina would have to "Puff the truth" about how many people were getting saved, healed and helped by the center. She refused to write anything but the facts.
Steve Griebling and I will be able to return to Moscow the last week of May and the first week of June to do an intensive training of her key leaders in Christian counseling skills and theory. Two years ago Steve had to resign to take a job that actually paid him a reasonable salary. He is till working but is willing to give up two weeks vacation to help me and his friends in Russia.
I am very excited about our visit and ask your prayer and financial support. Life Way Ministries sends Galina a monthly stipend so she can live reasonably well and travel extensively to minister to others. However, there is not enough to cover our trips.
Your gifts are a charitable deduction.
Gary Sweeten
Galina called this morning and we chatted for almost two hours. We are so fortunate to have discovered her when we traveled to Moscow in 1991. When we met She was a struggling young single mother as well as a Psychiatrist who lost her job in the local hospital because she enrolled in a course of study to learn Christian Psychology. Only someone with enormous courage could have survived in medicine as a Christian during the Communist era in any case but when she chose to follow Jesus Christ at the expense of giving up her career in the best hospital in Moscow I saw just how gutsy she is.
At one time Galina was offered a job as director of s Christian Training Center, but she refused to accept. The reason was due to her integrity. In order to continue to receive money from the supporters in the USA Galina would have to "Puff the truth" about how many people were getting saved, healed and helped by the center. She refused to write anything but the facts.
Steve Griebling and I will be able to return to Moscow the last week of May and the first week of June to do an intensive training of her key leaders in Christian counseling skills and theory. Two years ago Steve had to resign to take a job that actually paid him a reasonable salary. He is till working but is willing to give up two weeks vacation to help me and his friends in Russia.
I am very excited about our visit and ask your prayer and financial support. Life Way Ministries sends Galina a monthly stipend so she can live reasonably well and travel extensively to minister to others. However, there is not enough to cover our trips.
Your gifts are a charitable deduction.
Gary Sweeten
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The Original Serenity Prayer
Rev Reinhold Niebuhr
God, grant me the serenity to accept
The things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time:
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace:
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it:
Trusting that you will make all things right
If I surrender to your will:
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with you in the next
Rev Reinhold Niebuhr
God, grant me the serenity to accept
The things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time:
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace:
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it:
Trusting that you will make all things right
If I surrender to your will:
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with you in the next
Be Courageous
Repleace A.D.D. With Faith
St Julian of Norwich lived during the Black Plague, one of the most terrible times in history. Despite losing many friends and family members he did not give up on God. Instead, he cared for others and turned his frustrations into creativity.
One of his poems was sung by the people of that time as an act of faith.
But all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well…God said not,
“You shall not be caught in a terrible tempest storm, or that you shall not be travailed or you shall not be diseased,” but he said, “You shall not be overcome.”
Repleace A.D.D. With Faith
St Julian of Norwich lived during the Black Plague, one of the most terrible times in history. Despite losing many friends and family members he did not give up on God. Instead, he cared for others and turned his frustrations into creativity.
One of his poems was sung by the people of that time as an act of faith.
But all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well…God said not,
“You shall not be caught in a terrible tempest storm, or that you shall not be travailed or you shall not be diseased,” but he said, “You shall not be overcome.”
Is Christianity Becoming Illegal in America?
'A small Easter display (consisting of marshmellow rabbits and chickens) was removed from the City Hall lobby on Wednesday out of concern that it would offend non-Christians,' the Associated Press reports from St. Paul, Minn...
Well, this certainly makes sense. After all, everyone knows the Easter Bunny is a Christian symbol, which has no place in the public square in St. Paul, a city named after---uh, we've forgotten. Does anyone know where St. Paul got its name?" -- James Taranto
Should San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and St. Paul be forced to change their names lest some poor, sensitive pagan get offended? We all know that non-Christians cannot stand the slightest Adversity.
'A small Easter display (consisting of marshmellow rabbits and chickens) was removed from the City Hall lobby on Wednesday out of concern that it would offend non-Christians,' the Associated Press reports from St. Paul, Minn...
Well, this certainly makes sense. After all, everyone knows the Easter Bunny is a Christian symbol, which has no place in the public square in St. Paul, a city named after---uh, we've forgotten. Does anyone know where St. Paul got its name?" -- James Taranto
Should San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and St. Paul be forced to change their names lest some poor, sensitive pagan get offended? We all know that non-Christians cannot stand the slightest Adversity.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Adversity Deprivation National Disordered Awards
From the San Francisco Chronicle
More than 25,000 evangelical Christian youth landed Friday in San Francisco for a two-day rally at AT&T Park against "the virtue terrorism" of popular culture, and they were greeted by an official city condemnation and a clutch of protesters who said their event amounted to a "fascist mega-pep rally." . . .
Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, . . . told counterprotesters at City Hall on Friday that while such fundamentalists may be small in number, "they're loud, they're obnoxious, they're disgusting, and they should get out of San Francisco." . . .
Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution condemning the "act of provocation" by what it termed an "anti-gay," "anti-choice" organization that aimed to "negatively influence the politics of America's most tolerant and progressive city."
These liberal guys think they have to protect the entire city of San Francisco.
From the San Francisco Chronicle
More than 25,000 evangelical Christian youth landed Friday in San Francisco for a two-day rally at AT&T Park against "the virtue terrorism" of popular culture, and they were greeted by an official city condemnation and a clutch of protesters who said their event amounted to a "fascist mega-pep rally." . . .
Assemblyman Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, . . . told counterprotesters at City Hall on Friday that while such fundamentalists may be small in number, "they're loud, they're obnoxious, they're disgusting, and they should get out of San Francisco." . . .
Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution condemning the "act of provocation" by what it termed an "anti-gay," "anti-choice" organization that aimed to "negatively influence the politics of America's most tolerant and progressive city."
These liberal guys think they have to protect the entire city of San Francisco.
A.D.D. National Awards
The last Post I argued that we are being bombarded daily with false information about how to rear healthy kids and be healthy ourselves. The current craze about such things as bullies, hate speech, elf esteem, shielding people from adversity, etc may be well-intentioned but they are all heading in the wrong direction. We need to help everyone face Adversity and overcome it.
Here are some awards for people who have made notable and ridiculous attempts to protect humans from harmless Adversity.
From the Morning Journal of Lorain, Ohio:
Lorain school officials this week executed an ''emergency removal'' of an 8-year-old boy who they say sexually harassed a girl in gym class.
The boy's mother, Tammy Barth, said yesterday her son was playing in gym on Tuesday when a girl student said he and two other boys may have grabbed her buttocks.
He was then questioned in an informal hearing by school officials and he admitted he had been passing love notes to the same girl.
The second-grader then asked to sign a notice of emergency removal form for sexual harassment without a parent present, Barth said. The boy printed his first name on the portion of the form asking for his signature.
First, Sexual harassment by an eight year old boy?
Second, did she know she had been "sexually harassed" until they told her?
The intervention was undoubtedly harder on all the kids involved than any buttock's grabbing.
The last Post I argued that we are being bombarded daily with false information about how to rear healthy kids and be healthy ourselves. The current craze about such things as bullies, hate speech, elf esteem, shielding people from adversity, etc may be well-intentioned but they are all heading in the wrong direction. We need to help everyone face Adversity and overcome it.
Here are some awards for people who have made notable and ridiculous attempts to protect humans from harmless Adversity.
From the Morning Journal of Lorain, Ohio:
Lorain school officials this week executed an ''emergency removal'' of an 8-year-old boy who they say sexually harassed a girl in gym class.
The boy's mother, Tammy Barth, said yesterday her son was playing in gym on Tuesday when a girl student said he and two other boys may have grabbed her buttocks.
He was then questioned in an informal hearing by school officials and he admitted he had been passing love notes to the same girl.
The second-grader then asked to sign a notice of emergency removal form for sexual harassment without a parent present, Barth said. The boy printed his first name on the portion of the form asking for his signature.
First, Sexual harassment by an eight year old boy?
Second, did she know she had been "sexually harassed" until they told her?
The intervention was undoubtedly harder on all the kids involved than any buttock's grabbing.
Adversity Deprivation Disorder
I almost daily see items in the news that remind me how important it is to correctly interpret research. Scare items fill the "Lifestyle"sections of the local news papers and TV "News Reporters" regularly feature "Experts" on food, exercise, surgery and other health-related items. These experts are often selling a certain product or promoting some specific principle that gets lost in the reporting.
The myths, misrepresentations and incorrect assumptions about psychological and counseling are especially wrong and misunderstood. That should not be surprising for the things that actually work in counseling and therapy are usually inappropriate for common, every day application. For, example, self-esteem.
When counseling someone who has been brutally abused or neglected we obviously look for ways to bring change and healing. We may need to affirm the person and encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities. This often means that we try to reduce their overactive ability to induce false guilt and feel terrible about making the slightest mistake. That makes sense.
It does not make sense to affirm everyone in the same manner. We must not tell a child child to stop feeling guilty if is he/she is indeed guilty. We need to help children understand that guilt is a good emotion and a sensitive conscience is good. Here we may face the opposite of an overactive conscience and discover a lack of knowledge about right and wrong.
Christian parents, of course, have a definite advantage. We can help children see they are wrong and then teach them how to confess, repent and be forgiven. It may seem like a small thing but that process is actually hugely important.
Never, ever brag about a child's behavior that exaggerates their performance. Always tell the truth to your child. They must learn that the truth will set them free and you need to realize that exaggerations are lies. Consistent lies teach the child to disbelieve you and assume they are horrible people.
The entire Self-esteem industry is based on supposedly reliable psychological research. Much of what passes for promoting good self-esteem is not psychologically true. It is false teaching that has terrible consequences for it attempts to eliminate Adversity from life and that is impossible.
Pain is inevitable.
Misery is optional.
Facing our mistakes and misbehaver teaches us the difference.
Far too many modern kids suffer from A.D.D. Adversity Deprivation Disorder. Make sure they experience disappointments, pain and failures so they will know how to respond with resilience.
What has been your experience?
I almost daily see items in the news that remind me how important it is to correctly interpret research. Scare items fill the "Lifestyle"sections of the local news papers and TV "News Reporters" regularly feature "Experts" on food, exercise, surgery and other health-related items. These experts are often selling a certain product or promoting some specific principle that gets lost in the reporting.
The myths, misrepresentations and incorrect assumptions about psychological and counseling are especially wrong and misunderstood. That should not be surprising for the things that actually work in counseling and therapy are usually inappropriate for common, every day application. For, example, self-esteem.
When counseling someone who has been brutally abused or neglected we obviously look for ways to bring change and healing. We may need to affirm the person and encourage them to believe in themselves and their abilities. This often means that we try to reduce their overactive ability to induce false guilt and feel terrible about making the slightest mistake. That makes sense.
It does not make sense to affirm everyone in the same manner. We must not tell a child child to stop feeling guilty if is he/she is indeed guilty. We need to help children understand that guilt is a good emotion and a sensitive conscience is good. Here we may face the opposite of an overactive conscience and discover a lack of knowledge about right and wrong.
Christian parents, of course, have a definite advantage. We can help children see they are wrong and then teach them how to confess, repent and be forgiven. It may seem like a small thing but that process is actually hugely important.
Never, ever brag about a child's behavior that exaggerates their performance. Always tell the truth to your child. They must learn that the truth will set them free and you need to realize that exaggerations are lies. Consistent lies teach the child to disbelieve you and assume they are horrible people.
The entire Self-esteem industry is based on supposedly reliable psychological research. Much of what passes for promoting good self-esteem is not psychologically true. It is false teaching that has terrible consequences for it attempts to eliminate Adversity from life and that is impossible.
Pain is inevitable.
Misery is optional.
Facing our mistakes and misbehaver teaches us the difference.
Far too many modern kids suffer from A.D.D. Adversity Deprivation Disorder. Make sure they experience disappointments, pain and failures so they will know how to respond with resilience.
What has been your experience?
Saturday, March 25, 2006
A Great Parable of Grace
From a Chinese "Daughter" in Singapore to Uncle Gary
The Cracked Pot
A Water Bearer in India had two large pots, each hung
on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other
pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of
water at the end of the long walk from the stream to
the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half
full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the
bearer delivering only one and one half pots of water
in his master’s house.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments,
perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor
cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and
miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of
what it had been made to do. After two years of what
it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the Water
Bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize
to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you
ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to
deliver only half my load because this crack in
my side causes water to leak out all the way
back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws,
you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get
full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old cracked
pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return
to the master’s house, I want you to notice the
beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked
pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful
wild flowers on the side of the path, and this
cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still
felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and
so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that
there were flowers only on your side of your path,
but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I
have always known about your flaw, and I took
advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side
of the path, and every day while we walk back from
the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I
have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to
decorate my master’s table. Without you being
just the way you are, he would not have this beauty
to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all
cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord
will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table. I
n God’s great economy, nothing goes to waste.
So as we seek ways to minister together, and
as God calls you to tasks He has appointed for
you, don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge
them, and allow Him to take advantage of them,
and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His
pathway. Go out boldly, knowing that in our
weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him
every one of God’s promises is a Yes."
From a Chinese "Daughter" in Singapore to Uncle Gary
The Cracked Pot
A Water Bearer in India had two large pots, each hung
on each end of a pole which he carried across his neck.
One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other
pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of
water at the end of the long walk from the stream to
the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half
full. For a full two years this went on daily, with the
bearer delivering only one and one half pots of water
in his master’s house.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments,
perfect to the end for which it was made. But the poor
cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and
miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of
what it had been made to do. After two years of what
it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the Water
Bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize
to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you
ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to
deliver only half my load because this crack in
my side causes water to leak out all the way
back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws,
you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get
full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old cracked
pot, and in his compassion he said, "As we return
to the master’s house, I want you to notice the
beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked
pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful
wild flowers on the side of the path, and this
cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still
felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and
so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that
there were flowers only on your side of your path,
but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I
have always known about your flaw, and I took
advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side
of the path, and every day while we walk back from
the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I
have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to
decorate my master’s table. Without you being
just the way you are, he would not have this beauty
to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We're all
cracked pots. But if we will allow it, the Lord
will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table. I
n God’s great economy, nothing goes to waste.
So as we seek ways to minister together, and
as God calls you to tasks He has appointed for
you, don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge
them, and allow Him to take advantage of them,
and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His
pathway. Go out boldly, knowing that in our
weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him
every one of God’s promises is a Yes."
A Great Parable of Grace
From a Chinese "Daughter" in Singapore to Uncle Gary
The Cracked Pot
A Water Bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole
which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and
while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water
at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the
cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and one half pots of water in his master’s house.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for
which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own
imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what
it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter
failure, it spoke to the Water Bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load
because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to
your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work,
and you don’t get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion
he said, "As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the
beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun
warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered
it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out
half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on
your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I
have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted
flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from
the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick
these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being
just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We re all cracked pots. But if we will
allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table. In God’s
great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister
together, and as God calls you to tasks He has appointed for you, don’t be
afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of
them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out
boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him
every one of God’s promises is a Yes."
From a Chinese "Daughter" in Singapore to Uncle Gary
The Cracked Pot
A Water Bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole
which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and
while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water
at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the
cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and one half pots of water in his master’s house.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for
which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own
imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what
it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter
failure, it spoke to the Water Bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load
because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to
your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work,
and you don’t get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion
he said, "As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the
beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun
warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered
it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out
half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on
your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I
have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted
flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from
the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick
these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being
just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We re all cracked pots. But if we will
allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table. In God’s
great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister
together, and as God calls you to tasks He has appointed for you, don’t be
afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of
them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out
boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him
every one of God’s promises is a Yes."
A Great Parable of Grace
From a Chinese "Daughter" in Singapore to Uncle Gary
The Cracked Pot
A Water Bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole
which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and
while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water
at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the
cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and one half pots of water in his master’s house.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for
which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own
imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what
it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter
failure, it spoke to the Water Bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load
because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to
your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work,
and you don’t get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion
he said, "As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the
beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun
warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered
it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out
half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on
your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I
have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted
flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from
the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick
these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being
just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We re all cracked pots. But if we will
allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table. In God’s
great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister
together, and as God calls you to tasks He has appointed for you, don’t be
afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of
them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out
boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him
every one of God’s promises is a Yes."
From a Chinese "Daughter" in Singapore to Uncle Gary
The Cracked Pot
A Water Bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole
which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and
while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water
at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the
cracked pot arrived only half full. For a full two years this went on daily,
with the bearer delivering only one and one half pots of water in his master’s house.
The perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, perfect to the end for
which it was made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own
imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what
it had been made to do. After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter
failure, it spoke to the Water Bearer one day by the stream.
"I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you."
"Why?" asked the bearer. "What are you ashamed of?"
"I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load
because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to
your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work,
and you don’t get full value from your efforts," the pot said.
The Water Bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion
he said, "As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the
beautiful flowers along the path."
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun
warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered
it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out
half its load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, "Did you notice that there were flowers only on
your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I
have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted
flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from
the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick
these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being
just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house."
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We re all cracked pots. But if we will
allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father’s table. In God’s
great economy, nothing goes to waste. So as we seek ways to minister
together, and as God calls you to tasks He has appointed for you, don’t be
afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of
them, and you, too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway. Go out
boldly, knowing that in our weakness we find His strength, and that "In Him
every one of God’s promises is a Yes."
Friday, March 24, 2006
Nation Building
For the past 15 years I have been involved in the USSR/Russia with Christian people who desperately want to be free. Part of this freedom is to develop a participatory democracy where people can speak openly and vote their consciences. It is a very difficult challenge.
Russia has never lived in such an open society. Few of its larger institutions promoted open discussions among its people so moving now from a brutal and callous dictatorship under the Communist regimes to free and open elections is taking some time. An article in the Wall Street Journal states:
Democracy, to use the old Millian phrase, is "government by discussion," and voting is only one part of a broader picture (an understanding that has, alas, received little recognition in post-intervention Iraq in the attempt to get straight to polling without the development of broad public reasoning and an independent civil society).
There can be no doubt at all that the modern concepts of democracy and of public reasoning have been very deeply influenced by European and American analyses and experiences over the last few centuries (including the contributions of such theorists of democracy as Marquis de Condorcet, Jefferson, Madison and Tocqueville). But to extrapolate backward from these comparatively recent experiences to construct a quintessential and long-run dichotomy between the West and non-West would be deeply misleading.
There is a long history of public reasoning across the world, and while it has gone through ups and downs everywhere, the sharp priority of liberal tolerance that has emerged in the West over the past three centuries reflects how social evolution can strengthen and consolidate one tendency to the exclusion--or near exclusion--of other tendencies. http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008132
Government by discussion requires local places where open discussions can take place; where people can argue and debate ideas. The Russian people are bright and well educated and they love to argue. Unfortunately, many of them resort to their fists in the midst of a debate because the fine art of political and or religious argumentation was lost under Stalin's boot.
It also requires individuals and families that are intact and sober enough to participate in church, labor and politics. My family had politics and religion for dessert every meal. We boys had to learn how to hold our own among very strong arguments from each other and if we did not hold our own the humiliation was great.
One of the major things we do in Russia is teach Christians how to assert themselves through small groups. They have strong rules about listening, respect and taking turns but they are also urged to present their cases in clear concise arguments. One local leader cried out that I was "mean" because I made them decide for themselves how to organize and lead the ministry.
I am also mean because I insist that sobriety is better than hiding in alcohol. Both are progressing nicely.
For 70 years the government made all decisions for these people but now they must think, hear God and provide for themselves. It is hard work but no other process can build Russia into a friendly, open, democratic nation who will allow God's Spirit to move.
I return to Russia in late May-early June to train leaders from around the country. Keep us in your prayers.
Gary Sweeten
For the past 15 years I have been involved in the USSR/Russia with Christian people who desperately want to be free. Part of this freedom is to develop a participatory democracy where people can speak openly and vote their consciences. It is a very difficult challenge.
Russia has never lived in such an open society. Few of its larger institutions promoted open discussions among its people so moving now from a brutal and callous dictatorship under the Communist regimes to free and open elections is taking some time. An article in the Wall Street Journal states:
Democracy, to use the old Millian phrase, is "government by discussion," and voting is only one part of a broader picture (an understanding that has, alas, received little recognition in post-intervention Iraq in the attempt to get straight to polling without the development of broad public reasoning and an independent civil society).
There can be no doubt at all that the modern concepts of democracy and of public reasoning have been very deeply influenced by European and American analyses and experiences over the last few centuries (including the contributions of such theorists of democracy as Marquis de Condorcet, Jefferson, Madison and Tocqueville). But to extrapolate backward from these comparatively recent experiences to construct a quintessential and long-run dichotomy between the West and non-West would be deeply misleading.
There is a long history of public reasoning across the world, and while it has gone through ups and downs everywhere, the sharp priority of liberal tolerance that has emerged in the West over the past three centuries reflects how social evolution can strengthen and consolidate one tendency to the exclusion--or near exclusion--of other tendencies. http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008132
Government by discussion requires local places where open discussions can take place; where people can argue and debate ideas. The Russian people are bright and well educated and they love to argue. Unfortunately, many of them resort to their fists in the midst of a debate because the fine art of political and or religious argumentation was lost under Stalin's boot.
It also requires individuals and families that are intact and sober enough to participate in church, labor and politics. My family had politics and religion for dessert every meal. We boys had to learn how to hold our own among very strong arguments from each other and if we did not hold our own the humiliation was great.
One of the major things we do in Russia is teach Christians how to assert themselves through small groups. They have strong rules about listening, respect and taking turns but they are also urged to present their cases in clear concise arguments. One local leader cried out that I was "mean" because I made them decide for themselves how to organize and lead the ministry.
I am also mean because I insist that sobriety is better than hiding in alcohol. Both are progressing nicely.
For 70 years the government made all decisions for these people but now they must think, hear God and provide for themselves. It is hard work but no other process can build Russia into a friendly, open, democratic nation who will allow God's Spirit to move.
I return to Russia in late May-early June to train leaders from around the country. Keep us in your prayers.
Gary Sweeten
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Children in the Lord
I just received a note from a high school classmate, Sue Alice Inskeep Erickson, whose college age son has been suffering from cancer. I have been praying for Sean but he died two weeks ago. I am very saddened to hear it.
Here are some journal entries he wrote before he became ill.
March 1, 2005
Devotional
I have heard Your name and I have seen You from afar.
You have paid the highest price for me.
Now come, and woo my heart.
I have agreed to become Yours.
Now come, and woo my heart.
Let Your love change me.
I want Your love to move me
I need to know You love me even more, even more.
So much more than I do.
March 8, 2005
Song
Is this the fire that I’m feeling? The burning in my heart?
Burning, burning, burning ashes drift away.
Idols, ashes, hopes and dreams drift away.
Drift away glowing in the dark, scattered by the wind.
All my life, it seems, is burning in the dark,
Smoldering ashes still glowing in my heart.
I remember how You met me, in my terror in the night
And touched me in my blindness, and opened up my eyes.
You came to me, You came to me, You came to me.
You have never gone away.
Burn up my idols….ashes drift away.
I will rest in You.
I will trust in You.
I will stay in the fire.
Until you take the fire away.
Sean Erickson
Now, a year later he is with the Lord and his parents are looking for the Resurrection with anticipation. Nothing is sweeter than knowing our kids are in Christ.
I just received a note from a high school classmate, Sue Alice Inskeep Erickson, whose college age son has been suffering from cancer. I have been praying for Sean but he died two weeks ago. I am very saddened to hear it.
Here are some journal entries he wrote before he became ill.
March 1, 2005
Devotional
I have heard Your name and I have seen You from afar.
You have paid the highest price for me.
Now come, and woo my heart.
I have agreed to become Yours.
Now come, and woo my heart.
Let Your love change me.
I want Your love to move me
I need to know You love me even more, even more.
So much more than I do.
March 8, 2005
Song
Is this the fire that I’m feeling? The burning in my heart?
Burning, burning, burning ashes drift away.
Idols, ashes, hopes and dreams drift away.
Drift away glowing in the dark, scattered by the wind.
All my life, it seems, is burning in the dark,
Smoldering ashes still glowing in my heart.
I remember how You met me, in my terror in the night
And touched me in my blindness, and opened up my eyes.
You came to me, You came to me, You came to me.
You have never gone away.
Burn up my idols….ashes drift away.
I will rest in You.
I will trust in You.
I will stay in the fire.
Until you take the fire away.
Sean Erickson
Now, a year later he is with the Lord and his parents are looking for the Resurrection with anticipation. Nothing is sweeter than knowing our kids are in Christ.
Monday, March 20, 2006
DREAMS
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.
She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze. "Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.
She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of kids.."
"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!". After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.
Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."
As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success.
You have to laugh and find humor every day.
You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!
There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change .
Have no regrets. The elderly usuall y don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."
She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives... At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.
One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being.
She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?"
I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze. "Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked.
She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, have a couple of kids.."
"No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age.
"I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!". After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me.
Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'll never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know."
As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, "We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success.
You have to laugh and find humor every day.
You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it!
There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity in change .
Have no regrets. The elderly usuall y don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets."
She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives... At the year's end Rose finished the college degree she had begun all those years ago.
One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.
Never too Late to Learn
Back in the 1980's I was teaching at a Presbyterian Renewal Conference in Montreat, North Carolina when a petite lady came up and asked what I thought about her returning to college to get a Master's Degree in Counseling. Should she pursue a degree from a "secular" school or a seminary or a Christian grad school? Before answering I asked her a few questions.
"What led her to be interested in Christian counseling?"
"What were her gifts?"
"How was she ministering now?"
"Why not get a degree?"
That little lady was Bobbie Clemmons and she was full of the Holy Spirit as well as vim and vigor. She was avery actively involved in personal ministry of healing and lay care. Her husband, Elton, was President of an international Men's Movement and traveled to all parts of the known and unknown world to minister to missionaries. Many of these missionaries came to her for prayer and counsel. She knew there was a good graduate program she could attend but maybe she was "Too old".
"Why not sign up right now?" I asked.
She replied, "Do you know how old I will be in the four years it will take for me to graduate?"
I said, "Nope, but how old will you be in four years if you do not go to school?"
Bobbie attended that school and received her master's Degree. She went on to train hundreds of missionaries, pastors and leaders around the world. She established an advanced degree based on the Teleios Model of Ministry at the South Asia Institute for Advanced Christian Studies in Bangalore, India and taught there for 12 years.
She is one of the best counselors I know. PTL! she did not quit.
She got no older as a professional learner than as a wife. We need thousands of bright, dedicated, gifted men and women to keep growing and learning so they can minister in God's Kingdom.
Back in the 1980's I was teaching at a Presbyterian Renewal Conference in Montreat, North Carolina when a petite lady came up and asked what I thought about her returning to college to get a Master's Degree in Counseling. Should she pursue a degree from a "secular" school or a seminary or a Christian grad school? Before answering I asked her a few questions.
"What led her to be interested in Christian counseling?"
"What were her gifts?"
"How was she ministering now?"
"Why not get a degree?"
That little lady was Bobbie Clemmons and she was full of the Holy Spirit as well as vim and vigor. She was avery actively involved in personal ministry of healing and lay care. Her husband, Elton, was President of an international Men's Movement and traveled to all parts of the known and unknown world to minister to missionaries. Many of these missionaries came to her for prayer and counsel. She knew there was a good graduate program she could attend but maybe she was "Too old".
"Why not sign up right now?" I asked.
She replied, "Do you know how old I will be in the four years it will take for me to graduate?"
I said, "Nope, but how old will you be in four years if you do not go to school?"
Bobbie attended that school and received her master's Degree. She went on to train hundreds of missionaries, pastors and leaders around the world. She established an advanced degree based on the Teleios Model of Ministry at the South Asia Institute for Advanced Christian Studies in Bangalore, India and taught there for 12 years.
She is one of the best counselors I know. PTL! she did not quit.
She got no older as a professional learner than as a wife. We need thousands of bright, dedicated, gifted men and women to keep growing and learning so they can minister in God's Kingdom.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Return from Russia
I wish I could tell you about all the things Arthur and Betty Gasch accomplished during their recent trip to minister in Moscow. The issue of privacy and keeping a low profile makes actual reports a bit dangerous to include to the public. The Russian government definitely runs blog checks to see who is sending money and giving support to non-profits there.
Betty Gasch wrote a great book, Heart to Heart-A Journey to Wholeness several years ago to courageously chronicle her healing from sexual abuse. That book is now translated into Russian and offered to women in recovery. You can get the book from me for $15.00 + mailing by sending an e-mail. All the proceeds go to support the Russian Ministry.
To speak so openly and helpfully about recovery is almost unheard of in Russia. Abuse is common and women are often treated very badly. Betty's book offers real hope and healing for anyone willing to openly ask and then seek the Lord.
Thank God for people such as Arthur and Betty who sacrificed time, energy and money to take the good news about healing to a nation devastated by evil men.
I wish I could tell you about all the things Arthur and Betty Gasch accomplished during their recent trip to minister in Moscow. The issue of privacy and keeping a low profile makes actual reports a bit dangerous to include to the public. The Russian government definitely runs blog checks to see who is sending money and giving support to non-profits there.
Betty Gasch wrote a great book, Heart to Heart-A Journey to Wholeness several years ago to courageously chronicle her healing from sexual abuse. That book is now translated into Russian and offered to women in recovery. You can get the book from me for $15.00 + mailing by sending an e-mail. All the proceeds go to support the Russian Ministry.
To speak so openly and helpfully about recovery is almost unheard of in Russia. Abuse is common and women are often treated very badly. Betty's book offers real hope and healing for anyone willing to openly ask and then seek the Lord.
Thank God for people such as Arthur and Betty who sacrificed time, energy and money to take the good news about healing to a nation devastated by evil men.
Men at Church? Hardly!
Here are some data from David Murrow's book, Why Men Hate Going to Church.
Here are some data from David Murrow's book, Why Men Hate Going to Church.
- The typical U.S. Congregation draws an adult crowd that’s 61% female, 39% male. This gender gap shows up in all age categories.
- On any given Sunday there are 13 million more adult women than men in America’s churches.
- This Sunday almost 25 percent of married, churchgoing women will worship without their husbands.
- Midweek activities often draw 70 to 80 percent female participants.
- The majority of church employees are women (except for ordained clergy, who are overwhelmingly male).
- As many as 90 percent of the boys who are being raised in church will abandon it by their 20th birthday. Many of these boys will never return.
- More than 90 percent of American men believe in God, and five out of six call themselves Christians. But only two out of six attend church on a given Sunday.
- The average man accepts the reality of Jesus Christ, but fails to see any value in going to church.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Prescription for religion
March 17, 2006
Religion and spirituality may be the cure for depressed young doctors at the mercy of long hours and trying schedules, according to research funded by the National Institutes of Health and released yesterday by the University of Cincinnati.
Hospital residents -- physicians in training who must put book learning to practical use -- can fall prey to emotional exhaustion, despair and burnout, according to the study, which gauged the mental and spiritual well-being of 227 residents -- all younger than 30 -- in two Cincinnati hospitals. A quarter reported that they were "significantly depressed," a finding that the researchers deemed "disturbingly high." Research in the past two decades revealed that the number of depressed hospital residents was typically about 18 percent.
In addition, the arduous work schedule for residents supposedly had changed for the better recently. "We might have expected that number to fall after the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education implemented work-hour restrictions in 2003," principal investigator Dr. Michael Yi said. The number actually had increased, prompting the research team to look for possible alternative panaceas.
They turned to religion. "Because the psychological well-being of physicians in training may impact patient care, addressing the spiritual needs of residents at greater risk for mood problems may help them cope with the stresses associated with their training," Dr. Yi said.
Spirituality and religion can counter stress and illness by steering residents toward "salutary health-related behaviors, involvement in social networks and establishment of a sense of coherence or meaning to life," according to the study.
It also found that residents struggling with religious values -- questioning their faith or feeling abandoned -- "were more likely to have significant depressive symptoms." The researchers suggested "interventions" to minimize such negative experiences, plus structured programs "to improve spiritual well-being" tailored to individual religious traditions.
The role of religion in medicine has been discussed frequently in the past five years. The Mayo Clinic, Saint Louis University, Brown University and other institutions have reported that prayer and spiritual guidance play a significant role in treating physical and mental illness.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and other groups now encourage doctors to take a spiritual assessment of their patients; 50 U.S. medical schools offer courses on the role of religion and spirituality in health and medicine.
"Engaging the spiritual dimension of health and health care can also help physicians and physicians-to-be maintain balance, better understand their calling and capabilities, and better appreciate their limits and life's work," according to the University of Virginia School of Medicine curriculum description. The school has offered spiritual training for its medical students since 1998.
As a Christian Minister with training in spiritual Formation, Coaching and Counseling I can testify to the wonderful effects of prayer and developing a flowing relationship with God. This is especially true for folks experiencing major job stresses as well as those moving into Mid-Life Transitions.
Most of the people I Coach are over 40 who are experiencing some burn out or frustrations after many successes in life. Getting in touch with God is a great way to get refreshed. Many Pastors and Leaders could sure use a dose of spiritual power after the age of 40.
I attend a monthly meeting of pastors, chaplains and researchers at U.C. that are looking at the integration of faith and medical treatment. One of the researchers is Dr. Michael Yi, M.D. He recently published the study below.
Gary
By Jennifer Harper THE WASHINGTON TIMESMarch 17, 2006
Religion and spirituality may be the cure for depressed young doctors at the mercy of long hours and trying schedules, according to research funded by the National Institutes of Health and released yesterday by the University of Cincinnati.
Hospital residents -- physicians in training who must put book learning to practical use -- can fall prey to emotional exhaustion, despair and burnout, according to the study, which gauged the mental and spiritual well-being of 227 residents -- all younger than 30 -- in two Cincinnati hospitals. A quarter reported that they were "significantly depressed," a finding that the researchers deemed "disturbingly high." Research in the past two decades revealed that the number of depressed hospital residents was typically about 18 percent.
In addition, the arduous work schedule for residents supposedly had changed for the better recently. "We might have expected that number to fall after the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education implemented work-hour restrictions in 2003," principal investigator Dr. Michael Yi said. The number actually had increased, prompting the research team to look for possible alternative panaceas.
They turned to religion. "Because the psychological well-being of physicians in training may impact patient care, addressing the spiritual needs of residents at greater risk for mood problems may help them cope with the stresses associated with their training," Dr. Yi said.
Spirituality and religion can counter stress and illness by steering residents toward "salutary health-related behaviors, involvement in social networks and establishment of a sense of coherence or meaning to life," according to the study.
It also found that residents struggling with religious values -- questioning their faith or feeling abandoned -- "were more likely to have significant depressive symptoms." The researchers suggested "interventions" to minimize such negative experiences, plus structured programs "to improve spiritual well-being" tailored to individual religious traditions.
The role of religion in medicine has been discussed frequently in the past five years. The Mayo Clinic, Saint Louis University, Brown University and other institutions have reported that prayer and spiritual guidance play a significant role in treating physical and mental illness.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and other groups now encourage doctors to take a spiritual assessment of their patients; 50 U.S. medical schools offer courses on the role of religion and spirituality in health and medicine.
"Engaging the spiritual dimension of health and health care can also help physicians and physicians-to-be maintain balance, better understand their calling and capabilities, and better appreciate their limits and life's work," according to the University of Virginia School of Medicine curriculum description. The school has offered spiritual training for its medical students since 1998.
As a Christian Minister with training in spiritual Formation, Coaching and Counseling I can testify to the wonderful effects of prayer and developing a flowing relationship with God. This is especially true for folks experiencing major job stresses as well as those moving into Mid-Life Transitions.
Most of the people I Coach are over 40 who are experiencing some burn out or frustrations after many successes in life. Getting in touch with God is a great way to get refreshed. Many Pastors and Leaders could sure use a dose of spiritual power after the age of 40.
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