November 1st - Wanna be content and peaceful?

The story...

One night, I participated in a meeting where I had no discernable anxious thoughts.  When we broke into sub-groups, I actually listened to each person's share to understand them better. There was no discernable evaluation process working within the recesses of my mind.  Thirty seconds were left when somebody asked for my related thoughts - my response was honest and unembellished.  My mind, heart, and soul seemed peaceful and honest throughout.  To my knowledge, I didn't play any role - I was close to the real me.  It felt so... good.

U.S. National Park Service

Is it possible to live a peaceful, restful, honest, condition in reality?  Might our minds operate within a quiet sense of "okayness?"  Can we be in touch with our feelings without reacting to each unsettling impulse? Might we live in the present reality with: me; others; the situation; and the presence of God too?

The only church in town will share God's revealed word regarding the condition that He wants us to live our life within - the sweet spot.  It seems people aren't generally peaceful or restful and we must live our lives amongst them.  Remember the greatest commandments?   They're our highest-level purpose.

Just for today...

"All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit quiet in a room alone."   Blaise Pascal

"Sometimes a horse refuses to obey the rider's command and races out of control. My thoughts can do this too, when I frantically try, over and over, to solve a difficult problem. Riding lessons have taught me not to continually repeat a command louder, but to stop the horse, get his attention, and begin again. Likewise, when my thoughts race out of control, I need to stop."  Courage to Change (p. 306)

"What's next; Please refrain - Reflect the now; Pause da brain."
"See bigger; What's goin on - Love and loved; This I don."   Am I a Poet?

October 31st - I'm okay in Christ

The story...

Numbness in both legs began - it couldn't be ignored as I was lovin' on my grand daughter by carrying her to the car after the hockey tournament.  The reality of the degenerating lumbar vertebrae could no longer be ignored.  My behavior wasn't in synch with the reality of my nervous system condition.  My body gave me direct and pointed feedback - ouch, reality sat in.

I expected that some nice person would call to schedule an MRI.  They'd insert my body in a big-metal tube to take 3D pictures of unseen reality.  I expected that two of the disks would be a bit flatter and more protruded than before.  And, the stenosis would've narrowed the holes that nerves thread through.  I'd be more aware of my limitations...

The surgeon told me in 2009 that he'd likely see me again in 15 years.  So, why did this catch me by surprise?  I couldn't help but notice that my height's shrinking as my disks flatten.  My spine doesn't care if I like the reality or not - it just is.  My only realistic choice is to adapt to what's true and how I'll move my body.  It seems that my top-three choices are to: be thankful for every miraculous breath; imagine an alternate reality; or whine and complain - sometimes I choose all three.

The only church in town will offer opportunities to walk side-by-side others as "we" walk humbly with God.  A more honest life may be lived with a clearer, albeit veiled, view of spiritual realities and eternity too.

Just for today...

"I'm attacked by thoughts of disaster. I imagine failure, torment, agony. And then I act. I do something rash or fruitless in order to put a bandage on the situation, because the one thing I most fear is being afraid."  Courage to Change (p. 305)

"I grew up in a family where scorn, criticism, and teasing were everyday modes of communication. To cope, I developed the ability to hide my pain and confusion behind sarcasm and ridicule. Making myself feel bigger and better by making fun of others never filled the emptiness I felt inside."  Hope for Today (p. 305)

"Imagined bad; Fears me so - Rush to fix; Refuse to slow."
"Let'em be; You and me - Trust His Word; Spirit sees."   Am I a Poet?

October 30th - Help, be, do together

The story...

One day, I saw my neighbor walking down the bike path.  I remembered a picture of him with a 4' sturgeon - he caught it earlier in the week.  I was riding my motorcycle so it would've been easy to turn around into a driveway to hear his story - the sharing would likely have been good for him and built up our relationship too.  Even though I paused a bit longer than I would've hoped, my motorcycle came back and we strengthened our relationship.

Wikipedia

Why was this interchange important?  Maybe it demonstrated that: I was truly interested in him; shared in his unexpected joy, wanted to know the "fight" details; and that our friendship was important.  It was all about him.  It felt good to know that it was natural and true behavior on both of our parts.  I wasn't "trying" to demonstrate interest and happiness along with him - I actually was happy for and interested in his life.  That seems like good living.

I expect that my turning around to love on my neighbor as myself was "doing" who I want to "be."  As I reflect on the reality of this simple situation - I'm so thankful for the changes in my life that've reduced my self focus and turned my eyes and heart more towards others.

There'll be happiness and joy within the community of the only church in town.  They'll be a sort of organism that values each of their unique parts - they'll know it takes all of the parts of a body for it to function as He designed.  Praise God for the Body of Christ worked out in the Light.

Just for today...

"Many a solution to a difficulty of my own has come to me while I was helping someone else."  One Day at a Time (p. 304)

"Know me; Not you - Quietly heard; Built anew."
"Woven friends; Beyond sight - Valued living;  Levered might."   Am I a Poet?

October 29th - Making the most of life

The story...

I/m so thankful that I read the quote from Peter Marshall - it was simple, wise, and seems true according to my own life experiences.  His quote makes me smile today.  So, I investigated who this Peter was.  His story was a surprising story of doing, being, trusting, walking by faith, and engaging in life.  His was a good story; but, not exceptionally long.

I purchased his life story, "A Man Called Peter," that was written lovingly by his wife, Catherine Marshall, in 1951.  It was a joyful life story to read, chunk by chunk, savoring it and not wanting it to end.  I took my time with it - the book laid next to my bed.

Peter Marshall - A truly good man

The only church in town will have wonderfully unique and interesting people congregating together.  There you can live out your gift of life together - in community.  It will be a story that you can enjoy chunk by chunk - not wanting it to end; yet, knowing that it must according to God's will.  There you can imagine more clearly the life that Peter Marshall is now living in Christ - I can only imagine.  His story didn't end because he wasn't separated from God - his life is hidden in Christ.

Just for today...

"...The most important person to gain love and respect from is myself."  Courage to be Me (p. 137)

"All our resolves and decisions are made in a mood or frame of mind which is certain to change."  Marcel Proust

"Lord, when we are wrong, make us willing to change. And when we are right, make us easy to live with."  Peter Marshall

"Respect yourself; How's it done? - Loved and loving; Victory won!"
"That an answer?; Yes it is - Loved in Christ; Totally His."     Am I a Poet?

October 28th - Engage in Today - the Now

The story...

What does the day look like for you?  I'm writing this story in history and aren't aware of the future present.  Strangely, that first sentence is in the past and I may need to reread it to remember what I wrote.  I must also remember what the first words of the sentence were in order to understand the sentence's message.

The "Just for Today" quotes were written by others years ago - they can be enjoyed today.  They were highlighted as important to me years ago.  I'm considering, and making sense of, them in the present. And, they're conveyed to you from history.  You're enjoying them in the now - the present.

We've got today...

The only church in town will be built on what God's revealed about Him, us, the past, and the future too.   They'll focus on revealed reality, where to go, and how to get there too.  Their faith will be in their Creator and Sustainer's revelation and presence.  They'll meet together and walk humbly and honestly with Him in the present.

Just for today...

"So it's in my best interest to treat others as I wish to be treated. I try to imagine that my words and actions are being addressed to myself, because in the long run I generally get back what I give out."  Courage to Change (p. 302)

"I've learned that if an issue isn't going to be important in 30 days, then it's probably not worth troubling myself with now."  Hope for Today (p. 302)

"Today is mine, It is unique. Nobody in the world has one exactly like it. It holds the sum of all past experience and the future of all potential."  One Day at a Time (p. 302)

"Past recalled; Now's real - Future's unwritten; Livin the deal."   Am I a Poet?

October 27th - Be quiet - tune into what's really going on

The story...

In group prayer, I've often found myself thinking about my turn to pray and what's the best thing for me to share.  Some people's prayers were helpful and others weren't according to my ideas of what prayer should be.  Recently, I began both resting in prayer groups and quieting my mind - sometimes I don't pray aloud at all.  Other times, I'm more attentive to the Spirit of God working His way out through another person's prayers that previously seemed odd or "off the mark."  The change has been good for me and possibly the groups too.

Scripture says that the Holy Spirit indwells and works out through the life of believers who're right with God in Christ.  Therefore, He's present and speaking amongst many of those within the group - silently and sometimes in words.  I expect that the full group is strengthened when acknowledging and tuning into the presence of God within their midst. 

Be quiet and tune into what's really going on.

The only church in town will be filled with the Holy Spirit - indwelling those who are trusting in Christ.  Even though our bodies don't have sensors to clearly perceive the spiritual realities that're presently working - they're there.  Maybe poetry captures some of that unseen reality that's hard to capture with words,

Just for today...

"I often feel closest to God when I hear others share about how well God has taken care of them. Today I try to remember that there is enough love for us all."  Courage to Change (p. 301)

"I will remind myself that the only vital thing is to apply what I have learned - to make it work for me in all the happenings of my daily life . . . keep hands off what is truly none of my business."  One Day at a Time (p. 301)

"Heart senses; Presence known - Silently experience; Abiding love."   Am I a Poet?

October 26th - Criticize to deflect self-critique?

The story...

On the way home from church, the conversation often focused on the pastor and the sermon they just delivered.  Rather than focusing on what may have been true about me, my faith, my heart, and my life; I often, not to subtly, directed the conversation toward the pastor's message, the pastor, or other people within the church.  Sure, my criticism might have been tactfully disguised as an opinion; but, the intent was likely to feel better about myself by critiquing others. 

Maybe these sermons upset my vision of who I was, what I was doing, and where I was going.  Maybe I was imaging a reality that was skewed and in need of change?  Now, I believe that I was deflecting, denying, and delaying.  Then, I was protecting myself and the status quo.  A condition that included unresolved rejection, shame, guilt, hurt...

The only church in town will preach the Word of God in reality.  People will not be pleased when their selfish attempts to control their life don't look so good in the Light of God's revealed Word.  There's going to be turmoil both before and after the transformational work of the gospel believed.  Yet, this is the place where that rejection, shame, guilt, and hurt can be left at the foot of the cross - forgiveness and redemption are found there.  There is the joy of a good heart walking honestly and humbly with the Lord their God.

Just for today...

"For a few minutes I felt better about myself - but not for long and only at other people's expense. Gossip never enriched anyone's character. It was only an excuse to avoid focusing on myself . . . When I feel good about myself, it's much easier not to take insults personally."  Courage to Change (p. 300)

"Some folks worry and putter, Push and shove, Hunting little molehills, To make big mountains of."   One Day at a Time (p. 300) 

"He said that; I know why - They want this; On pulpit unshy."
"Man can't know; Another man's soul - Trust God's Word; Our primary goal."   Am I a Poet?

October 25th - It's going to be what it's going to be - let it go

The story...

A wise boss once told me to focus on the 20% of the stuff that's within my control, or that I can strongly influence, to get the best results - the essentials.  Let the random variables bounce around within limits and trust our capable people to address the minor issues as they arise.   Our competitors can waste their time focused on the trivial and wear themselves out trying to control the uncontrollable - "We'll eat their lunch."

Steven Covey developed a useful model of three concentric circles that illustrates how we might best classify issues within our mind.  The innermost circle contains issues that are within our control - it's small.  The next bigger circle contains the issues that we can influence - it's bigger.  The next bigger circle are those issues that we are concerned about yet we can't influence or control.

Circles of: Concern, Influence, and Control

Stephen Covey idea

The only church in town will focus on the essentials for growing each person and the group too.  They'll speak to concerns outside their influence and control yet they won't stay there.  They'll trust the power of God to work out His will in those matters - He's fully capable and trustworthy of managing His creation.  His circles have no boundaries.

Just for today...

"One of my defects of character is to make choices passively - letting things happen rather than taking action."   Courage to Change (p. 299)

"... weather was one of the many things completely out of my control.  This perception relieved me of responsibility for the weather, sunny or cloudy, and reminded me of the many things in life over which I have no control. I can only let go and let them be."   Hope for Today (p. 299)

"Wars and votes; Funds and rot - Distract the mind; Control them not."
"Loved and loving; Place to be - Free to live; Clear to see."   Am I a Poet?

October 24th - Real, sustainable, change - longer than expected

The story...

Obsessive thinking happened more often than I realized.  Did I begin this self-defeating behavior for self-preservation?  Was it a defensive mechanism to prevent future pain?  Did I witness it modeled within my family?  Was it something that I conjured up myself?  Others, who were traveling on a similar path, helped me see the negative effects and the possibility of lasting change.  Sharing my successes and failures, with friends who cared, motivated and sustained me through the long change process.  Obsessive thoughts continue to "pop" into my head; but, now I recognize the ugly buggers for what they are; decide what's true about 'em; accept what's my part; and trust God for the rest.

My victory over chronic obsessive thinking is a good story for me; yet, that's not the point of this story.  This story's about how long it took to achieve and sustain this personal victory in reality.  Initially, I naively thought that mere knowledge of the subject would do it.  Then, I thought a few victories using coping methods would suffice.  Then, I thought that I made it when I could share the why's and how's with other people.  Then, I thought that a few months of many cycles of obsessive thinking recognition, tool application, and significant change was the victory that I was looking for.  It wasn't until my new way of thinking, behaving, and being were internalized that I achieved fundamental personal change.   This took over a year - at least 4X longer than I expected at the onset.

Working out life together within the only church in town will require patience. The community will offer grace and mercy during these long and bumpy life-change processes.  There are reasons why people are behaving in ways that they really don't want to - they often feel like victims.  The only church in town is a place to understand the "why," the "how," and to experience glimpses of the presence of God worked out through the lives of others.  Some changes seem to happen instantly - most seem to take much time and likely suffering too.  It's hard to say goodbye to even those things that weren't really working for me - "goodbye!"

Just for today...

"I now view my problems as survival skills that served me well as I was growing up . . .  To cope with the blaming and criticism in my home, I became a perfectionist."  Hope for Today (p. 298)

"Like the birch tree, I can be wounded if I am prematurely stripped of my defenses. Most of us have spent a significant amount of time trying to cope with these wounds from the past rather than growing and changing . . . When I am ready, the changes will come easily."  Courage for Change (p. 298)

"Comfy habits; Ingrained ways - Forced change; New birth."
"Friends cultivate; Fruit reaped - Good living; Sin creep."
"Drifted in; How's it so? - Agree with Him; Power renewed."
"Growin stronger; Onward way - More like Him; Ripe old age."     Am I a Poet?

October 23rd - Quiet minds see more wholly?

The story...

It was a cool, fall, windy, and partly-cloudy day.  I was hiking in the woods while thinking about a few important subjects.  That wasn't what I wanted out of the hike.  I was also earning exercise-points on my Apple watch, increasing my stamina, tearing down my muscles for rebuilding, tiring my body for getting more out of my night's sleep, and maybe even arriving at a few good decisions.  Yet, I wasn't getting what I wanted out of the hike - what I want out of life.

Same beach - different day - similar blessing

I was expecting to quiet my mind so that I might take in the abundance of reality that was going on around me.  As I began to descend the dunes toward the beach, my mind let go of it's grip and the world opened up to me.  The sun, wind, clouds, chill, heat, birds, waves, and sand seemed more alive - I took it all in.  Yes, I was more fully engaged in life.  A wave of fruit seemed to pour in and through my inner man.  I seemed to be experiencing a love for God, my fellow man, and me too - restored, strengthened, rested, at peace, full of hope...

The only church in town would be a place where you could lay down your concerns and rest in the reality of who God is and who he made us to be.  It's a great thing to be walking rightly with God in Christ - a fruitful life in the midst of life's ever-changing circumstances.

Just for today...

"Let us stand aside so the light can shine on us and on all we do, so we can see ourselves and our circumstances with true clarity . . . I must find the vantage point where I can most clearly see my difficulty as it is; then answers will come."  One Day at a Time (p. 297)

"I don't have to accept the unacceptable, nor do I have to argue back or convince another person that I'm innocent or right . . . I can listen without taking the words personally."  Courage to Change (p. 297)

"My parents used religion to keep me in line. I believed we went to the only true church . . . He doesn't live in a box. He lives in me and in those around me. He loves me, cares for me, and accepts me just as I am - a work of art in progress."  Hope for Today (p. 297)

"Iniquity reigned; Cruel master - Enemy's me; Running faster."
"Gospel heard; Needed Savior - Love won; His favor." 
"Knit together; Him n me - Free to live; Faithfully be."   Am I a Poet?

October 22nd - Act the person you wanna be?

The story...

During my mid-life years, I went fishing to recreate.  Inevitably, I'd call my dad to tell him what happened.  I knew that he was interested in fishing, and he seemed to appreciate learning about my episodes too.  There was a sort of give-and-take in those conversations - we were both able  to "check in" with each other.

I lost most of my interest in fishing after my dad died.  Strangely, I seem to have gone fishing to reexperience good feelings from early years.  Maybe I wanted my dad to know that I was okay and that I appreciated him in a way that I could communicate.  

My dad was a good man.  Yet, he wasn't able to meet some of my significant needs.  I accepted this truth and loved him, thankfully, for who he was.

I do fish now for different reasons.  I no longer seek my dad's approval and I don't need to be fishing with another person to be fulfilled - I'm "okayer," more thankful and content.

The only church in town will be a place where you can meet a close friend, friends, community, and God within view of that bright Light that's God's revealed Word.  Why not honestly live out life within community as opposed to acting out on your own?  You're an important part of this epic story of life - why not live out your part together?

Just for today...

"Expecting him to be a nurturing person was unrealistic . . . I adopted some of his character defects as my own . . . I needed to give myself what was not in his power to give - love, acceptance, wisdom, a safe childhood, and a healthy initiation into manhood."  Hope for Today (p. 296)

"Dad's power; Knew all - Chinked armor; Dropped ball."
"Merely man; Surprised to see - Led to God; Christ in me."     Am I a Poet?

October 21st - Interfering to keep as it ought to be?

The story...

Winning a competitive game, by a significant margin, doesn't fit me.  I'd prefer to play a close game with an exciting finish - each person finishing in a positive state or condition.  I might be compelled to personal preferences like that with others - should I?

Bill Shankly's quote for competitive games - not so good in real life?

When are parent's expected to stop interfering through unwanted advice given to their kids?  Should they first receive requests or permission from their teenagers?  Sure there're necessary safety and household rules; but, when do attempts to positively influence become destructive interference?

Why not offer others the dignity and respect to work out their own lives?  We can still help by developing strong relationships that provides a safe space to walk side-by-side with - helping and sharing as needed and requested.

The only church in town will be a place to meet and grow together.  Honest, humble, and respectful relationships built around the revealed Word of God may be found.

Just for today...

"We brought many troubles on ourselves by interfering . . . Am I fearful, picturing with dread what the future will bring? I will let go and let God, and live only of this one day."  One Day at a Time (p. 295)

"I was taught that if I did what I was told without question, I would be safer and happier. In my family, obedience meant following a strict, straight line."  Hope for Today (p. 295)

"Struggling life; Twisty doubts - Secretly try; Stay or live."
"Uniquely you; Once around - His Way; Loving hands."    Am I a Poet?

October 20th - Loving in spite of fear

The story...

For about a year, I invested in people who lived in an independent care facility - the workers, the residents, and visitors too.   A person, whom I loved, lived there.  The atmosphere was welcoming and initial interactions were good.   Even so, I'm not sure if they truly wanted me to intervene within their lives - to love and be loved.

One day, I planned to leave my home at 10:45 AM to spend about 1.5 hours there.  It was just a plan so I wasn't sure that I'd follow through.  There seem to be forces that seemingly inhibit, or resist, my good intentions.  Who knows the sources of our fears; even so, I brainstormed a list of what they might be.  They're ranked according to my perceived likelihood that they'd deter my visit.  It's strange to acknowledge that these fears may hold me back from working out a doable and loving activity that certainly fits within my "constitution."

• End-of-life situations experienced
• Perceived rejection
• Time invested that could or should've spent elsewhere
• Periods of time not knowing what to do - abiding
• Frequent thoughts of escape - "get out of there"
• Trying to be a "good boy" - a "brag" story
• Strange interactions with limited ability to communicate
• Uncomfortable smells and sounds

Secure hearts and loving inertia will motivate loving actions within the only church in-town.  They'll truly be witnessed and experienced within and outside community.  There'll be a sort of supernatural sense of being, or condition, for the loved who are abiding in Christ - inoculated with love.

Just for today...

"I've lost many, many hours waiting to solve a problem or be freed of a character defect. Today I am learning to make room in my life for the wonders that life has to offer."  Courage to Change (p. 294)

"Fear is a feeling, not an action. Courage is not the absence of fear. It's choosing to act with love in spite of fear."  Hope for Today (p. 294)

"Like me; Like Him - I change; He's true."
"He indwells; Abiding power - Sin blocks; Agree'n restores."
"Veil lowered; See Him be - Actually loved; Calmed sea."     Am I a Poet?

October 19th - Want to be Self Actualized?

The story...

Fourteen other men attended the meeting.  We were all focused on a topic that was important to each of us.  As group leaders, we'd later facilitate similar discussions within our own groups. There were expectations that we'd engage in conversation to learn from each other as we prepared for leading our own groups.  Before, I often felt a strong desire to share what was on my mind.  Noble motives for my self focus included: edifying others; redirecting conversation to my concepts of the most important; identifying logical, practical or factual flaws; or to model "good" group member behavior.

That day; I listened more and recorded helpful learnings and observations that worked their way into my own group's topical conversation.  I didn't speak up as much and felt peaceful and content within the full meeting.  It was like my self was quietly riding in the back seat and that the real me, trusting God, was upfront driving the car.  I was content and thankful alongside compadres.

Self seems to want to be: proud, accepted, admired; and the focus of attention - even at the expense of others.  My self seems to be a competitor.  He wants to expand what is his with hopes of being safer, more secure, and admired by others - indispensable.  Self tends to live in an imaginary world where he's the main character - the most important.  Kinda like a little "god."  Ugh...

Maslow's hierarchy of five needs suggests that each self's goal is to be self actualized.  It assumes that everyone wants to be a winner.  Human history seems to read as a long saga of pain and anguish fueled by selfish selves warring against each other while trying to fulfill their grandiose view of self.  Self aims to be elevated to a higher level - a little "god."  Do we all crave this type of illusive self love?

Maslow's hierarchy of needs with an additional level?

The only church in town will preach what God has revealed about who He is and who we are as His creatures.  How to be free from the tyrannical rule of self will be shared.  They'll learn to love themselves because of who they've become in Christ - right with God. 

Just for today...

"I need to distinguish between giving out of love and giving to please others in order to gain their attention or approval."   Hope for Today  (p. 293)

"Struggling and worrying didn't help me to solve my problem. Doing my part and trusting God with the rest did."   Courage to Change (p. 293)

"I will not allow my imagination to build small troubles into big ones. I will try to see each situation clearly, and give it only the value and attention it deserves."  One Day at a Time (p. 294)

"Self wants; Love gives - Love received; Pays forward."    Am I a Poet?

October 18th - Choose Contentment

The story...

While reflecting on my condition, contentment seems to characterize much of my later life.  I'm more loved and able to love others.  My physical needs are met; although, I do move through periods of suffering.  There's nothing that I strongly desire that I believe would significantly improve my condition.  Long-term hopes have been realized in unexpected good ways.  And, I don't seem to have expectations, or opinions, regarding other people's behavior - they don't need to act according to my will.  I've been trusting God for what's next.

I'm retired and physically able to go and do the majority of things that I need or want to do. I chose to grow with close friends who walk side-by-side with me.  I've a working faith that trusts God and His promises.  Fruit seems to be born from my faith walk - Spiritually operational.

One day my life will be otherwise - two rotator cuff full tears required surgery and a really long recovery in 2025.  I've witnessed people, in similar "content" situations, experience bouts of suffering.  Their pain either improved their lives and faith or eroded them into a shadowy resemblance of who they hoped to be.  Some gave up much with a gloomy perspective that life just ain't fair.  If you're suffering, I recommend the 31-page book: Suffering - Eternity Makes a Difference.

The only church in town will be a place where people can experience hope, friendships, love and the presence of God within it all.  It's a place where you can honestly live out each stage of life - suffering too.  It sure beats living in an imaginary world concocted to pretend that every thing is "groovy" when it ain't.  Why not discover more about the good and lasting promises and presence of God?

Just for today...

"We may even think we have overcome resentment, self-righteousness and self-pity, but if they are still there inside us, they will in some mysterious way emanate from us and deny what we try to cover up by our play-acting."    Courage to Change (p. 292)

Trip, P. (2001) Suffering - Eternity Makes a Difference

"Acting group; Looking good - Seem best; Doing should."
"Light exposes; Actors shriek - God disbands; Him to seek."   Am I a Poet?

October 17th - Unrequested opinions are criticism?

The story...

I planned an experimental day and willed to identify when, or if, I offered unrequested opinions.  The number of opinions that I've maintained seems to have diminished over the years.  Yes, I believe I've fewer ideas regarding what others should be or do.  The experiment was testing the degree that I might be overstating the change.  I drew an "O" on my left thumb to remind me of the random experiment checkpoints.  Was I airing unwanted opinions? 

I tested, forgot, told another person, tried again, forgot, told another person, and tried again.  The concentrated effort to measure, my level of opinionating, didn't last.  Yet, I've witnessed fewer personal opinions from me.  This less-opinionated life seems to be part of my conception of the good life that seems to build community engagement and enjoyment too.

The only church in town will offer space for people to grow together as they walk side-by-side towards the "Celestial City" - living and walking humbly with God in the Light of His Word.  Our sanctification process is good, real, and seems to be best worked out with and through others.

Just for today...

"Tuned in; Alert to - Beyond horizon; What's new?"
"Back there; Whose to say - Lessons learned; We're okay."
"Wonderfully different; Human power - Let 'em be; Bloom and flower."   Am I a Poet?

October 16th - Am I worthy of love and tenderness?

The story...

A friend of mind mocked what I was doing one day - they alluded to my way of living as kind of trivial or unimportant.  Maybe they were: comparing their life to mine, wanting something more from me, or acting out a habit of putting me in my place so that they might feel okayer.  I needed friendship-love; but, I was hit with chisels and sandpaper - biting, rough, dusty, and uncomfortable.

What do I do about it?  Do I let them know how being marginalized feels?  Do I treat them similarly?  Do I set up new boundaries to prevent future corrosion and hurt?  Or, do I first treat me with the love, respect and tenderness that I don't often receive from others?   I'd rather actually be okay, in the light of day, with who I truly am - know and value me.

I hope that everybody attending the only church in town will feel okay, loved, and supported within the Body of Christ. Why?  The group is gifted with what we need.  If your mom wasn't gifted to be nurturing, you'll fill find nurturing mom's who are empowered and freer to love.  Your mom will be free to exercise and give her gifts too. 

We're okay when we trust what the Son of God did on our behalf.  Our self-willed attempts to be good and accepted by others are powerless.  He's risen from the dead and seated at the right-hand of God making intercession for those who trust in Him and His GREAT work.  He says that belief/trust/faith in the atoning work of the Lamb of God positions us with Him.  I'm safe, sound, and empowered in Christ.

Just for today...

"When I treat myself with love and tenderness, I am better able to deal with the challenges that life presents. I have a chance to feel good, even surrounded by crisis."  Courage to Change (p. 290)

"Your reflection; Ain't from me - Your prodigy; Won't be."
"Mold and shape; To no avail - "Helping" ideas; Truly assail."
"Try to act ; Can I be? - Christ saved ; Truly me."     Am I a Poet?

October 15th - Elusive loving relationships?

The story...

A female friend shared an intimate truth with me that betrayed the trust of one of her close friends.  They must have shared their impropriety with their friend because thereafter they avoided me - I assume they both experienced embarrassment.  I actually shared the issue with a pastor to better understand how he'd successfully dealt with situations like this - my plan was to follow his lead to resolve the relationship breakdown.  Due to the intricacies of the problem, we didn't come up with a good way to resolve it and the relationship breakdown remained for about two months.  Yesterday, I saw them at church standing together, I took a risk and gave the one who shared the story a side hug and hung on.  The embarrassment seemed to melt away immediately and the situation was resolved between the three of us with much relief and smiles - I expect that we all were freed up from a sort of dark cloud that affected us all.

The only church in town would read, in the book of Genesis, the story of all people being cursed with a sin nature.  These selfish people emotionally and physically hurt each other.  They often move toward isolation as opposed to working together and demonstrating the kinds of love that we secretly crave. This sin nature resists both the giving and receiving of love.  More importantly, unresolved sin creates a barrier between God and us.  We seem left on our own trying to "do" the best we know how.

That only church would preach the good news of how God resolved our relationship barrier through the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus the Christ - He paid the death penalty for our sin.  His resurrection proves both who He is and that we can expect resurrection too.  Through faith in the great work of Christ, our sin issue is resolved and we can walk through life humbly and honestly with God in Christ.  Man, that's good news!

Just for today...

"It seemed as though I was ricocheting off two walls, one marked 'inactive' and the other marked 'reactive.'  . . .  Impulsiveness can be as much a trap as immobility."  Hope for Today (p. 289)

"I think of forgiveness as a scissors, I use it to cut the stings of resentment that bind me to a problem or a past hurt . . . By letting go, I detach and forgive. When my thoughts are full of bitterness, fear, self-pity, and dreams of revenge, there is little room for love or for the quiet voice of guidance within me."  Courage to Change (p; 289)

"Run away; Courage wains - Lost adrift; Swirling pains."
"Kind touch; Sees me - Loved by His; Freed to be."    Am I a Poet?

October 14th - Feelings - Stuff 'em up or look at 'em in the light?

The story...

Oh... I wish I'd have acknowledged my strong feelings, paused, and decided how to best respond to that situation.  The way I reacted was true to my feelings but clearly the wrong thing to do.  In other situations, I wish I'd have been attentive to my feelings and garnered the courage to speak what wasn't said - I often recognize that needed-unspoken message ten minutes to a few hours later.  "Why didn't I speak up or why did I say that?"

Does the Spirit of God stir up our feelings or press on our mind/soul to act according to His will?  When we're right with God, I expect that there's a flow from His Spirit channeled through our lives like a calm river that flows, smooth, and deep.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway - steady and deep.

The Saint Lawrence Seaway is a series of locks, canals, and channels that allows ships to float from the Atlantic to as far as Duluth, MN.  In 1959, A hydropower project, a series of electricity producing dams, increased the depth to enable big ships to navigate the route.   The "river" is up to 250' feet deep in some places.  The project required cooperation between Canada and the United States.  It runs deep and generates power.

Might the only church in town be a bit like the Saint Lawrence Seaway?   Deep flowing waters generating power - Christ-ones cooperating to channel and work out the power of God in actualities?

Just for today...

"We soon discover that our willingness to help others has an immediate and beneficent reaction on us . . . The giver is only a channel for the gifts he has received from God. He cannot hoard or withhold them without blocking the channel."  One Day at a Time (p. 288)

"Much of what I find wrong in my life is related to my opinions - that is, my prejudices, assumptions, self-righteousness stances, and attitudes . . . Reality proves me wrong. I also revert to the idea that ignoring my feelings is practical, even desirable . . . It is no easy task to change the thinking of a lifetime, even when I am sure that I want to change."  Courage to Change (p. 288)

"Felt 'em true, Whatta they mean? - Super senses; Shadows unseen."
"Super hero?; Power to wield? - Consider validity; Mostly concealed."
"Situational power; Decide what's true - Sensory power; Better you."    Am I a Poet?

October 13th - Being who you are or who they want you to be?

The story...

There's a guy I knew who experienced health changes that resulted in him being less inhibited and less likely to behave within accepted group-norm boundaries.  I looked forward to his more interesting, vibrant, and refreshing group shares.  He honestly broke the rules - you didn't know what he'd say next.  He spontaneously spoke from his heart.  He seemed to bypass the filters that most of us have refined throughout the years by adapting to group behavior norms.  The group enforces those rules either subtly or directly.

We seem more fun as ourselves rather than acting out our assigned group role.  I expect a group matures more when members act more naturally rather than "try" to conform to the idealized "best" role.  This idea may support casual, rather than formal, dress within community.  Certainly  there are times when its best to agree to be better version of ourselves for the good of us all.  Formal dress does suggest the group's desire to act and behave according to a standard that might be more desirable and honorable.  "If everybody would just _____ everything would be fine - just like it use to be."

The only church in town would teach about the Body of Christ and the expected uniqueness of each of the members.  Like a body, there are mouths, ears, little-toes, knees, hair follicles, and eyes - each uniquely equipped to serve their role.  The body will not function as designed unless each part behaves as designed - we all can't be like the mouth (1 Cor. 12:12-27).  The family would frequently remind each other of this mystical union that's facilitated and empowered by the Spirit of God - God working out His will amongst and through community.   We can actually enjoy each part of the body.

Just for today...

"Did this behavior get me what I wanted or encourage me to feel good about myself?  When I took a good look, I realized that the answer to the question was 'No.'  Loud, angry words and actions demonstrated my frustration and pushed away all hope for peaceful solutions to my problems . . . Easy does it."  Courage to Change (p. 287)

"Eyes off me; I see you - We need us; Need you too."
"Abide in Him; Safely sound - Be as one; Love abound."   Am I a Poet?

October 12th - It was for freedom...

The story...

I resented the implication that the problem with the situation seemed to be centered around me.  My actions seemed just and righteous - I intended to "help" solve the problem.  They seemed to be wrongly complacent by following down a path that "might" lead them to a place where "I" didn't think that "they" wanted to go.  They clearly weren't capable of living their own lives well - why?

It's easy to recognize the faults of my family members yet those faults are often true about me too.  We share the same gene pool, grew up in a similar environment, and learned from each other along the way.  Why couldn't I focus on being okay with the person that I was, and wanted to be, and allow them the same freedom too?  I expect that we were co-dependent on each other.  Maybe we misunderstood the life coping skill of co-dependency as love?

It was for freedom that Christ set us free (Galatians 5:1).  The only church in town would proclaim the freedom we can have from the tyrannical ruler "self."   They'll also share scripture's path of walking humbly with God, side-by-side with other sojourners, towards our eternal destiny.

Just for today...

"I had to unlearn a lot of romantic nonsense in order to find a satisfying  life in the here-and-now . . .  My security cannot be based on learning 'the rules,' because once I learn them they change. With God's help, I will find some security in being exactly where I am today."  Courage to Change (p. 286)

"Sometimes what I perceive as a threat is something I've conjured up in my own mind . . . I've learned to distinguish between real and imagined threats. I've learned to recognize and respect others' boundaries. I'm also able to discern when it's wiser for me to remain open to someone I love and trust even when I want to close up out of fear."  Hope for Today (p. 286)

"Set of rules; "Storge" confine - Safely normal; Bitter wine."
"Break the rules; Righteous rebellion - Push loudly; Little hellion."
"Another way?; Can it be? - Creator did; Gifted by HE!"
"Sin barrier broken; He loves me - Okay I am; Free to be."    Am I a Poet?

October 11th - Wisdom: Knowing where to go and how to get there

The story...

The Just for today... quotes contain pearls of  personal wisdom that were shared from three souls who lived them out in reality.  I've benefited much from others like them - you have the opportunity to receive too.  Most of my knowledge, and wisdom too, seems to have come from others rather than garnered from my own experiences, thoughts, imagination, and ideas.

My favorite definition for wisdom is: "knowing where to go and how to get there."  I first heard this definition in my 30's and I've retained it into my 60's - It's sufficed.  It feels like my own though I heard it from another.  I heard the definition of God as "That than which their is no greater" - It's sufficed.  My framework, world view, or model of truth has been received and developed over a lifetime.  But, reality speaks truth and "rocks my boat."  The truth helps me more honestly and rightly view history, life, and future possibilities too.  Often these realizations occur while walking side-by-side with my close friends and through reflection on the truth that God's revealed to us.

Amen means truly.  People within the only church in town will often say "amen" when they hear the proclamation of what God says is true.  It's a good thing to freely walk in the reality of the love of God in Christ.

 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1)

Just for today...

"Each of us has the right and the obligation to make our own decisions. It is character-destroying to usurp that right."   One Day at a Time (p. 285)

"But sometimes my thirst for knowledge can be an attempt to exercise power where I am powerless."  Courage to Change (p. 285)

"...years of isolating myself had left me with scars that couldn't heal overnight. I suffered from low self-esteem, impaired social skills, and lack of self knowledge, to name a few."  Hope for Today (p. 285)

"Imagine here; Truth bent there - Lose yer way; Going where?"
"Plug yer ears; Simmer the stew - Awaken to God; Life's brand new."   Am I a Poet?

October 10th - Decide what's your part - trust God with the rest

The story...

An issue jumps into my conscious mind from who knows where.  It nudges me to ponder it before stuffing it back into a corner - hope it'll be forgotten.  It's kind of like how I used my basement ping-pong table - a staging area for stuff that I was currently working on or hadn't yet decided if and where to store.  Some might best be dispositioned to a charity for people who actually need them.  Others may be restored and placed where they can be found.  The clutter "takes its toll."

Some of the issues that I don't trust God with become worries that only cause me and others strife.  I'm capable of ruminating and imagining these worries into possible realities that'll never see the light of day.  If I worry, I'll likely suffer similar consequences to those that I actually fear.  Worse yet, my efforts to fix, manage, and control the situation is often doomed due to my limited capabilities, resources, and understanding of what might be.  

The only church in town will work out their lives abiding with God in Christ, believing His revealed Word, and trusting Him with the results.  Yet, church activities might look even messier than my ping-pong table.  But, they'll allow for the bright light of God's revealed truth on that messy table.  They'll decide what stays in play, what's rebuilt or improved, what gets put away, what's given away, what's repurposed, and what's discarded.

What's on your ping-pong-table?

Just for today...

"Without faith in a power greater than myself, I am like a storm-tossed ship without a rudder. I am flung from one trouble to another; however bravely I may battle the elements, my own strength and wisdom are not enough."  One Day at a Time (p. 284)

"...when I'm feeling insane, I'm forgetting my powerlessness and trying to control outcomes or other people . . . I try to get my own way."  Hope for Today (p. 284)

"I can't make life unfold according to my plans, I can admit my powerlessness and turn to God for help."  Courage to Change (p. 284)

"Unsettled mind; Wounded heart - Misplaced love; Grown apart."
"Stop trying; Trust God's Word - Off entanglements; Cut da cord."
"True light; Heart sees - Truly loved; Wonder-filled free."   Am I a Poet?

October 9th - Do and trust God with the rest

The story...

I received an all-group e-mail that encouraged me to better participate in this years group meetings by attending less preoccupied.  They suggested the following method to better prepare for group activities:

"Get out a piece of paper and write down everything on your mind. Write down anxieties, distractions, expectations of the evening, plans for tomorrow, and anything else consuming your thoughts. Getting our mind-clutter out and onto the page frees us to focus on one another."

Since I was planning on attending a meeting that evening, I intentionally identified the things that were weighing on my mind.  If I "dropped" them, might I: more freely focus on others; receive their messages more clearly; reflect more deeply; and be more sensitive to the Spirit of God too?  Instead of writing each one down, I went out to my drive way and shot free-throws.  

First, I identified what was true about the situation.  Second, I acknowledged my part.  Third, I voiced my responsibility.  Fourth, I decided what related actions to take.  And finally, I trusted God to work out the rest in the truly best way according to His will.  The whole process seemed right, fruitful, and a good lifelong habit.  As you might expect, I participated in the meeting in a more attentive, balanced, and supportive way - more engaged.

The only church in town will focus on the reality of God's will and presence in creation, history, the "now," our lives, and the future too.  If God wills something to be done then it'll be done.  Yet, if He is going to work His will out through us, we must be rightly related to Him.  That's where I want to stay.

Just for today...

"I use my intellect instead of my emotions before responding. I detach from the person or situation until I can calm down and think rationally."   Hope for Today (p. 283)

"I'm willing to stop fighting reality, to stop trying to do God's part, and to do my own . . . I am free to live my own life, safe in the knowledge that God is taking care of the world, my loved ones, and myself."  Courage to Change (p. 286)

"...confuse not the business of others with your own."  One Day at a Time (p. 283)

"Toted a burden; Hurt and blame - Shoulders sagged; Guilt and shame."
"Christ bore sin; I am freed - We walk tall; God and me."   Am I a Poet?