One Church Town is a devotional-style blog by an Iowa-raised writer living in Holland, Michigan, that blends faith, personal growth, and community. Using personal stories, spiritual readings, and vivid metaphors—such as a town with only one church to symbolize close-knit faith life— as Rommel, he explores themes like peace versus vibrancy and living with purpose.
His posts offer daily encouragement, invite deep introspection, and create a sense of companionship for readers.
Showing posts with label Decision Making. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Decision Making. Show all posts
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?
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?
The movie Top Gun asked the lead character "Maverick" to engage in life for the benefit of himself; his team; the Navy; and for his country too. The circumstances of life were changing as he lost his best co-pilot friend who trusted him. He even rejected the woman who risked loving him the best she could.
He says "Jesus Christ," albeit flippantly, in dismay as he faces the enemy, failures, and community rejection. He reengages, drops his stinking thinking, and defeats the enemy using his God-given talents. He becomes the man he could be - victory won.
Movie - Top Gun - "Engage Maverick!"
There'll be many reasons to disengage from the imperfect only church in town. Stay engaged! Self can relentlessly hold you back from loving: you; other people; and the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Engage in the good life God created you for. It is for freedom that Christ set you free.
Just for today...
"The invitation to live life fully is offered to me each day. I can accept the pace of change today, knowing it will bring both times of active involvement and periods of quiet waiting. I will let surprises of the day open up before me." Courage to Change (p. 281)
"Scratching itches; Festers wounds - Trusting God; Frees souls." "Loved and loving; Men build - Men of God; Move mountains." Am I a Poet?
"Why did I do that? . . . Why do I make so many mistakes? . . . Why did I resist doing good? . . . Why am I unmotivated to act? . . . Why did they reject me? . . . Why didn't I fulfill my commitment? . . . Why didn't I speak up? . . . Why couldn't I keep quiet and listen? . . . Why can't I be like them?"
Self awareness is a good thing - some say it's what makes us human. Thinking about thinking allows us to grow, adapt, improve and even survive. Yet, wrong self thinking can lead us into self-defeating spirals that take us down rat holes where precious life can be wasted or missed.
WSJ 09/09/23 (p. C1)
We're capable of dwelling on our feeling and adopting negative patterns. Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey did a good job in their article, "The Power to Decide How You Feel," of describing how we might: be more aware of our thoughts and feelings; decide what's true about them; take action when needed; and disposition them for what they really are - "...understanding that emotions are signals to your conscious brain that something is going on that requires your attention and action." Feelings can be a wonderful sensing mechanism. A self-aware mind can use them to: further understand reality; better act; and be. "I am not this anger. It will not manage me or make my decisions for me."
The only church in town will shine the Light of God revealed truth regarding what's truly valuable and lasting - stuff we can't hold in our hands.
Just for today...
"I will spend more time with myself in this lifetime than with anyone else. Let me learn to be the kind of person I would like to have as a friend." Courage to Change (p. 277)
"I tried to manipulate and control everybody in my life to change the shape of their personalities to suit mine. I even attended workshops so I could make changes happen . . . Instead of spending time with people and situations where I don't fit, I can look for ones that I do." Hope for Today (p. 277)
"Chronic stress often leads to maladaptive coping mechanisms in modern life. These include the misuse of drugs and alcohol, rumination on the sources of stress, self-harm, and self-blaming. These responses don't just fail to provide long-term relief they can further compound your problems through addiction, depression, and increased anxiety. What these coping techniques do is try to change the outside world - at least as you perceive it." Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey, "The Power to Decide How You Feel" Wall Street Journal, 9/09-10/23 (p. C1).
"We didn't match; But we're okay - Found a friend; Day by day." "Enjoying all; Friend to few - What I need; Livin true." Am I a Poet?
The USA Supreme Court protects and interprets our constitution. Who protects my constitution? I guess it's me. Should I just do it, think about it, or write in on my to-do list? Some things must be planned while others may be acted on as a matter of habit or principle. Within my constitution, can I, or should I, just do it? I understand my constitution to be principles, or precedents, for how I manage my life - how I make decisions and act on them in accordance with who I am. Take a look at a bookmark I crafted and laminated in the 1990s - it speaks to being versus doing.
This purpose statement is helpful; yet, it doesn't seem to be a constitution for how I might make daily decisions. The following are a few ideas about the choices that I expect to make today along with the principle(s) that seem to drive them. Might this be a reasonable way to write my constitution as opposed to a lofty set of ideas that I merely want to be true about me?
Make and drink coffee - Live in a supportive environment - self-care.
Put on old-blue-button-down-collar shirt - Love in storge sort of way - self-care - self-respect.
Be kind to family and community.
Enjoy lunch with a best friend - Share and grow together.
Close Exercise ring on my Apple watch - Work toward goals - self-care.
Write in the blog - Clarify understanding "what's going on" and share too.
Tweak my investment choices - Plan and prepare for the future.
Prepare for group meeting - Learn, share and grow with other men.
Pray and meditate - "Be" actively present within my relationship with God in Christ.
Answer birthday wish visits and phone calls - Build kind, growing, and loving relationships.
Greet people on the bike path - Love and receive love.
Afternoon nap - Be kind to me.
Eat meals - Care for me and be happy.
Organize basement - Simplify for me and others too.
The only church in town will likely have a written purpose statement and constitution. I hope that each member of this "called out group of people" would have their own constitution too and that the two would flow congruently.
Just for today...
"I felt afraid of doing the job incorrectly and being criticized, but I accepted it anyway. My fears were quelled because criticism never came . . . 'I can, I can, I can! And I do.'" Hope for Today (p. 276)
"Eyes on home; Busy hands here - Abide in Christ; No fear." "Senses veiled; For a time - Then we'll see; Wonderfully Thine." Am I a Poet?
(He'd be giving it to her) If she knew what she needs
(He could give her that too) If she knew what she wants
(But he can't see through her) If she knew what she wants
He'd be giving it to her Giving it to her
But she wants everything (He can pretend to give her everything)
Or there's nothing she wants (She don't want to sort it out)
He's crazy for this girl (But she don't know what she's looking for)
If she knew what she wants He'd be giving it to her
Giving it to her I'd say her values are corrupted
But she's open to change Then one day she's satisfied
And the next I'll find her crying And it's nothing she can explain
If she knew what she wants (He'd be giving it to her)
If she knew what she needs (He could give her that too)
If she knew what she wants (But he can't see through her)
If she knew what she wants He'd be giving it to her
Giving it to her (giving it to her) Some have a style
That they work hard to refine So they walk a crooked line
But she won't understand Why anyone would have to try
To walk a line when they could fly No sense thinking I could rehabilitate her
When she's fine, fine, fine She's got so many ideas traveling around in her head
She doesn't need nothing from mine If she knew what she wants
(He'd be giving it to her) If she knew what she needs
(He could give her that too) If she knew what she wants
(But he can't see through her) If she knew what she wants
He'd be giving it to her Giving it to her
But she wants everything (He can pretend to give her everything)
Or there's nothing she wants (She don't want to sort it out)
He's crazy for this girl (But she don't know what she's looking for)
If she knew what she wants He'd be giving it to her
Giving it to her (He'd be giving it to her)
(He could give her that too) (But he can't see through her)
Ooooooh Giving it to her Giving it to her now."
Susanna Hoffs and the Bangles: "If she knew what she wants."
We'll find people within the only church in town who're trusting God to meet essential needs and to bless too. We too might trust God and bear real fruit - the kind of stuff we all need. For now, I desire His Will and want to be okay in Christ - praise God.
Just for today...
"When we bring things out into the light, they lose their power over us." Courage to Change (p. 275)
"Few of us know what we really want, and none of us knows what is best for us. That knowledge remains, in spite of all our determined resistance, in the hands of God." Hope for Today (p. 275)
"... when we are strong we are always much greater than the things that happen to us, and the soul of a man who has found himself is like a deep sea in which there may be many fish: but they never come up out of the sea, and not one of them is big enough to trouble its placid surface. His "being" is far greater than anything he feels or does." Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island (p. 125)
"He enters; Life leaps - In Christ; For keeps." Am I a Poet?
I had no plans until about 5:00pm. My newspaper likely arrived about the same time that it normally did. The Apple watch gently reminded me that I'd need to stay active to close my stand-move-exercise goals. Financial investments were checked - probably made at least one change. Looked for changes while walking near my home as I picked up limbs. I interim fasted so I expect that I greatly enjoyed my lunch. The to-do list sat next to my recliner and listed the projects that I chose to work on. I greeted my spouse with love when she walked into the main room - we enjoyed each other's company. There was time to work out and enjoy my relationships that day. The relationships were most important: God; close friends, spouse; family; neighbors; acquaintances; and all those who I met.
What might I change today to improve those relationships and our lives? For me, I'd more fully rest within my relationship with God in Christ - the veil of sin dropped to be more sensitive to the Spirit of God's presence and workings. The day would include prayer and meditation - centering on fundamental truths and actualities. I'd be more aware of what's actually going on while my heart (inner-man) praised God with thankfulness. I'd live more hopeful with all peace and joy (Romans 15:13).
The only church in town will be a place where all people, in almost every stage of life, will be welcome. There'll be customs, rules, habits and expectations that'll be agreed to; yet, they'll not be a burden - they'll provide a good environment and point them towards the good life safe in Christ.
Just for today...
"I had to find a positive behavior to replace the fretting. Today if I catch myself worrying, I write down my specific fears, no matter how preposterous they may seem. Once I get them out of my mind and fix them on paper, I ask God to show me which ones are real and which are imagined." Hope for Today (p. 261)
"I do have a power, a God-given one, and that is power over my own mind, emotions and reactions. If I exercise that power wisely, the problems outside of me will work out without my interference." One Day at a Time (p. 261)
"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now - when?" Rabbi Hillel (Pirkei Avot 1:14)
"Pirkei Avot, which translates to English as Chapters of the Fathers, is a compilation of the ethical teachings and maxims from Rabbinic Jewish tradition." Wikipedia
"Utter once; Helpful advice - Repeat again; Manipulative device." "I think best; Pry to bend - Like little god; Sure to offend." "Let 'em be; Who they are - Grow to be; Travel far." Am I a Poet?
As a retiree, I've time, resources and capabilities that are ready to go. The big question is: where do I go if I don't need to go anywhere? Here's an attempt to list decision criteria that I might use in no particular order. Will doing it:
benefit me in the future?
help me feel better?
give me something to be proud of?
help relive my unwanted feelings?
be with people I'm comfortable being around?
make me more secure physically or financially?
give me something to talk about?
glorify and honor God and His Word?
help me remember "better" times?
fulfill my obligations, or promises, to other people?
occupy my mind so that I won't be thinking, or dwelling on, negative thoughts?
hurt me or diminish my capabilities?
help me to love and be loved?
teach me something new?
fulfill a latent need or want?
Not surprisingly, only one was not primarily about me - it's highlighted in bold. Personally, I want to walk through my life journey humbly and justly with God - Micah 6:8. I say "yes" to a life with choices that leads to a productive and peaceful life where "we" might experience true joy, Romans 15:13.
The only church in town will offer power, peace, rest, and hope amidst all circumstances. A respite where we might move our focus from ourselves to our Lord and Savior - a loving Father (Abba).
Just for today...
"Am I using my capabilities well? Do I recognize and appreciate all I have to be grateful for? Actually I am the possessor of unlimited resources." One Day at a Time (p. 253)
"Does my face look calm? Don't be fooled. I'm just afraid to let you see the truth. You might think I'm foolish or weak. You might reject me. So I don't talk, and the pain remains." Courage to Change (p. 253)
"... I don't have to respond to the face of anger. I don't have to explain my motives to an irrational person." Hope for Today (p. 253)
"Respite please; Away from me - Dynamically us; Freely be." Am I a Poet?
They asked me to participate in a group activity that was new to me - there was nothing particularly challenging or demanding on my part. They didn't say what we'd actually be doing - they just said "give it a try, come along, it'll be fun." How would it go? I was a bit uneasy with the unknowns - there was no particular cause that I could put my finger on. Maybe my discomfort came from my not knowing what to expect or subliminal fears of failure, rejection, or disrespect.
Who taught me to set expectations for future events and to evaluate them regarding how they either met or didn't meet my expectations? Actually, a wise mentor helped me develop a practice of evaluating business' activities or projects - was it better, the same, or worse than I expected and why?
"What if they treat me bad, what will I do?" may be substituted with "Even if they treat me bad, I'll be okay and true to who I am." Setting "bad" expectations is different than expecting little and appreciating the good that's actually experienced - the former seems foolish and the later seems wiser.
The only church in town will offer opportunities to engage in the lives of other people within the body of Christ and the community at large too. There the light of God's word can be learned - it shines on our hearts and activities to better see "what's going on." What's going on includes sowing and reaping the good fruit of life.
Just for today...
"I will not expect too much; this will shield me from being annoyed at little things that don't go just the way I wanted them to." One Day at a Time (p. 244)
"'Perhaps you could try believing that I believe,' I decided to to lean on _____ until I could develop some of my own." Hope for Today (p. 244)
"The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves and not to twist them to fit our own image." No man is an Island, Thomas Merton
"You're interesting; As you are - We're bigger; O'er the bar." Am I a Poet?
I was asked to help mentor a young man within a mentoring group of eight guys and eight adults. We performed fun games where there were a win-lose components. The leader asked that each boy rate their performance on three dimensions. The first was how they did internally - "was I positive and truly engaged on the inside?" The second was how they did externally - "did I work well with the others during the game?" And third - "what was the actual score?" I was surprised how each of the students contemplated as they assessed each dimension of their performance - they all seemed to truly get it.
Many of my disappointments have come from expecting too much. And, many of my life victories have occurred, in part, by planning for the best. How do I reconcile this tension between the two? It's like a tug-of-war with each side pulling - much tension. Expect little or plan for the best and don't willingly accept failure? Might we drop the rope and allow both to co-mingle and exist together. Is life a win-lose battle in three dimensions: Internally, Externally, and the actual score?
Hope College: 119th annual Pull
I hope that the only church in town isn't a competitive environment where each and all are trying to win in the game of life. One team pulling together against the other team(s)? I hope not - this doesn't seem like the character of God as exhibited in the life of our Lord Jesus the Christ. I expect that He plans for us to abide in Christ and bear fruit in all circumstances - together as the full-functioning Body of Christ - unity. We need each other and for the Spirit of God to work out His will within each of us too. We were created by God to be productive, enjoyed and loved too.
Just for today...
"How many of our frustrations and disappointments come from expecting too much! . . . Let me learn to settle for less than I wish were possible, and be willing to accept it and appreciate it. I will not expect too much of anyone, not even myself." One Day at a Time (p. 242)
"Life can either be a burden and a chore or a challenge and a joy. One day at a time I can meet the challenges of life head-on instead of head-down." Courage to Change (p. 242)
"I stopped trying to help her take care of herself, which also stopped the fights we had. I put the focus on myself, realizing that in my disease I didn't know where my mother ended and I began. Finding out who I was, apart from my mother, was my first challenge . . . Today my mother and I have an honest and loving relationship based on mutual respect for each other's boundaries. When we speak, I keep the focus on myself and share my experience, strength, and hope rather than telling her what to do." Hope for Today (p. 242)
"See the grass; Bug and tree - Stars and Galaxies; Point to Thee." Am I a Poet
Along with other retired people, I sometimes drive around town on weekdays between 10am and 11am. Some days, I forget and become frustrated with slow and unexpected driving maneuvers. The feelings drive me to say, in my mind, something like: "Is there something wrong with you?" Strangely, that's the first part of a better more heartfelt question: "Is there something wrong with you, and how might I help and love on ya neighbor?"
We know that everybody has strengths and weaknesses. Even the most saintly servant of God has a sin nature that motivates them to make sub-optimal, self-satisfying, decisions and maneuvers. Some aren't capable or ready to do better and they need our help.
The only church in town will honestly preach the reality of our life in Christ - right and safe with God in Christ. Lasting peace and purpose will be found there amidst life's circumstances. They need you there and you might just be loved there too.
A good friend suffered here alone; yet, he wasn't alone.
Just for today...
"I developed a tremendous fear of making mistakes. It seemed crucial to cover every possible outcome, because mistakes often led to an avalanche of accusations and abuse from . . . and eventually from myself . . . When I stop struggling to be perfect and admit when I am wrong, I can let go of my guilt and shame." Courage to Change (p. 236)
"What if that?; They'll surely say... - I'll be hurt; Please stay away." "Won't make errors; Don't be bad! - Pretending helps; Often sad." "Okay in Christ; Hearts a'lift - God's got this; Even if!" Am I a Poet?
Ottumwa, Iowa was my hometown - about 30,000 people. My employment options were limited; yet. I found work - paper routes and my job as a drug-store delivery boy. There were other kids whose jobs had different pay, hours, relationships, and location. But, I was thankful for the job that I had. I knew both people who held the jobs before me and they both asked me if I'd like to take over the job - I'm thankful they asked.
Yes, I'm comfortable with my life patterns and often do need to be asked to make changes. After I'm asked, accept, and learn my new role, I often ask myself, why did I need to be asked? Was I really free to choose before being asked? Was I behaving complacently without accurately assessing my condition and environment? Was I really self aware as to what was going on?
Since people in the USA are free to move within the country, it's reasonable to assume that our current job and community is not the best possible fit; however, relationships are real, valuable, and are lost with each job or community shift.
My current home in Western Michigan is great and I've no plans of leaving. What if someone asks me to switch communities in order to fulfill a new job or role? Would I be sensitive enough to the Will of God that I'd choose the better life-course correction?
Switching churches won't be a problem if there's only one church in town; yet, the decision to trust God and engage in the church community will be a big one for every soul who enters their doors. Their imagined self, that they've crafted and adapted throughout their life, will be at risk there. They'll hear about a better-to-best life where they can be free to be their truer selves. "It was for freedom that Christ set us free." Galatians 5:1
Just for today...
"No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched." George Jean Nathan
"As with every other aspect of my life, I didn't believe I deserved better." Hope for Today (p. 218)
"Ask them, Ask me - Bind together, Buildin we." Am I a Poet?
Twelve of the positive changes I've enjoyed during the past few years include:
Less forming or sharing opinions for what I think is "best' for them
Less scratching my metaphorical uncomfortable "itches" with food, activities, games, alcohol etc.
More frequent prayer and quiet meditation - enjoying more peace and rest
Seeking to understand others before being understood - it's more natural now
Accepting reality as opposed to developing and arguing for what oughta be
Abiding in a state of rest and peace as opposed to one of amped-up emotions
Consciously setting and relaxing personal boundaries
Living more in the present and obsessing less about the past and future
Saying no without an obligation or need to explain myself
Communicating my message once - resisting the urge to convince others with repetition
Loving more and accepting love from others
Valuing and building closer, less-guarded, relationships
"+" life change decisions like being strong
There were reasons I behaved differently than the above. I've refused temptations to revert to my past ways when triggered by whatever - I don't intend to go back. Praise God for the changes that He seems to have worked into my life both directly and through those who are His. Why choose to revert to a less fruitful life? You know the answer.
People attending the only church in town will witness the Word of God worked out through other's lives. They'll be more conscious of what their life is and what it might be. They'll learn to trust God.
Oh the vastness of God and His creation - I can only imagine. We're His creatures and He's the Creator. I hope that all men will choose to abide in Christ - safe in the hands of God.
Just for today...
"I do not respond well when someone tries to impose their will on me; why have I tried to impose my will on those around me? There is only one person I'm responsible for, and that is me." Courage to Change (p. 214)
"Little by little I can change my world - not by escaping to a new one with the same old me, but by making a new me out of the old one." One Day at a Time (p. 214)
"My spirit is set free each time I take the risk to express myself to people who understand how I think and feel." Hope for Today (p. 214)
"Truly loved; Feels so... right - Lovin others; Outta site!" "Found in Christ; Safe and sound - Preacher spoke; Eternity bound!" Am I a Poet?
"It" scrolled down upon my computer, an ad for a pulley with weight lifting attachments - it'd allow me to do pull-down exercises in my basement. "It" seemed liked a simple and doable strength solution to my lower back limitation - it was less than $30. Where would I put it? One click and it was purchased.
I took down the unused-heavy punching bag to situate it just right. The change to my weight lifting regime was both satisfying and fruitful - my triceps had never been stronger. Basketball shooting wasn't my strong point - I was surprised at how much easier, accurate and precise my shots were. Other everyday tasks were easier and more satisfying too.
It seems most people don't do strength training - "It's just not my thing." It does require 25 minutes, two or three times per week. For me, I often listen to my spiritual mentor, Charles Stanley, on the TV while I'm lifting. I emerge from the basement better off physically, emotionally, and spiritually - more whole.
We're all different and it takes time to make sustainable changes within our lives. Until the change works out into actualities and habits, it's hard to know how life will be different. For me, I don't want to give up weight lifting or my motorcycle. I've a friend who wouldn't give up her quilting, another who wouldn't give up her garage sales, another guy who is passionate about his guns, another who loved her gardening, and another who wouldn't give up her pickleball leagues.
The only church in town would allow opportunities for every person to apply their God given gifts, abilities, and interests. And, they'd hear about life-giving changes that people experience along their life journeys. They'd also hear how the Spirit of God intervened before significant real-life changes started. If it was from God, you won't want to go back to the old-stale stuff. I guess it depends on who your master is - you or your Lord.
Just for today...
"When I take one day, one moment, one task at a time and really concentrate on it, a lot more gets done." Courage to Change (p. 213)
"I must learn to accept myself as I am. Everything good I can bring about must begin with that." One Day at a Time (p. 213)
"I reaffirm that God is a Power greater than myself with thoughts and feelings very different from mine. This allows me to set my thoughts aside and take time to focus on His thoughts and how He wants to express them through me." Hope for Today (p. 213)
"God in me; Hard to believe - He works out; I can't conceive." Am I a Poet?
In June, 1981, I visited my family in Whitehall, MI, for a weekend vacation. I'd recently joined a wonderful group of believers who regularly studied their bibles together in Oak Ridge, TN. They were working out their faith in ways that were new, and filled with unexpected goodness, to me. The leader, Bill Job, was freely sharing the reality of his own faith walk as he shared God's revealed Word. I'd decided to follow Jesus - no turning back, no turning back. I first heard about the concept of God's grace through Bill.
I shared what I'd learned with my dad on our way back to the cabin for lunch. My dad paused, turned to me and said, "It sounds good, but you just can't live like that . . . life just doesn't work that way. You can try."
Why not "try to live a good righteous life, do your best, and try to be happy in all circumstances? Seriously, why not? This is a question worthy of pondering. Was my dad right? Is it impossible even with our best efforts? Like many perplexing questions, and answers, he seemed to be both right and wrong. I learned that I can't, no matter how hard I try, yet God can. He changed me from the inside out. He changed my heart - my will was bent to trust Him. Scripture says He indwells me and He has born fruit. Change is hard each step of the way - growing thru life ain't ever easy. My "good" life's growing through ongoing prayer and communion with my Father in Christ. I thankfully praise God for His might, power, grace, and love for even me. Yet, my "self" is still on the "shelf" - ready to jump in whenever...
I expect that the only church in town will offer truth, relationships, and opportunities for each attender to trust God and quit trying to be good on their own. When they do, there's no turning back - God is faithful to His Word.
Just for today...
"I choose happiness and then abandon my choice at the first sign of trouble. How deep can my commitment be if I allow even slight obstacles to rob me of my sense of well-being? . . . If I have a long-standing habit of responding to problems by feeling like a victim, it may not be easy to stand by my decision to be happy." Courage to Change (p. 212)
"Tried to be good; Thought I could - It'd be mine; If I would." "Gave up trying; A long road - I'm in Christ; Loving mode." Am I a Poet?
I regret the times that my emotions got the better of me and I reacted quickly by lashing out at other people. I treated my band director with public disrespect, I hit one fellow student in the face with a textbook, I threw an ice-cream boat towards the face of another, I went on two different long tirades condemning people for their wrongs toward someone I cared deeply for, I yelled at a co-worker in the middle of the office... I might have let them be and focused on my role in the situation - actually being a better character in the story of life. I wish these events didn't happen; but, they did.
Gary has to answer the question "whose your daddy?" It's not hard to imagine the emotions that're swirling around Gary's head. Yet, he suppresses those emotions and begins a path that stretches and grows him towards a bigger and better life. Gary's friend "Dean Martin" stands firm and refuses to grow - he misses out.
"Whose your daddy Gary?"
Will I be okay today even if this or that happens? Will I treat others with love and respect even if they...? Am I okay no matter what?
I'll have emotional responses to the hard happenings that come my way; yet, I can choose how I respond or react. It does take practice to delay my response from those emotional triggers. Some say that feelings last no more than 90 seconds yet we can keep restimulating them with our thought patterns. Oh... the perils of obsessive thinking.
The only church in town will witness each person growing throughout their lives. I hope that the people will actually "be" who they are in Christ rather than "try" to be good people. The heat of the battles of life seem to expose who we are. The Sprit of God and an ongoing relationship with Him transforms His creatures.
Just for today...
Why not trade the worrisome thoughts of "what if" with "even if?"
"When angry, count to ten before you speak; if very angry, a hundred." Thomas Jefferson
"Hidden truth; Seen by Light - Changes folks; Dark to bright." Am I a Poet?
We were hiring a new engineer and our new group-consensus recruiting process had filtered down the list of candidates to two. We used a group interview and scoring process. Both people were very different and the interviewers were split regarding who was expected to best both perform the job and work well within the group(s) and organization. I vocally supported my candidate as part of the minority. I accepted the group's decision to offer the job to the other guy; yet, I was a bit frustrated by both the process and the resulting decision. As the years went by, it was clear that the group made the right decision - "they were right and I'm glad I listened." Yes, I'm a believer in a group interviewing and decision making process. Maybe each person's perspective does shine light on the fuller implications of the decision making process?
The only church in town would value all people and seek to understand them in both the light of day and God's revelations. Might we find answers to the question of how we fit into His Will there? How do we understand God's Will for ourselves, others, and the group when we aren't even capable of actually knowing our own heart or inner man? I expect that the only church in town would focus on right relationships between God, me, and my fellow congregates too. Yes, they'd follow the greatest commandment to love the Lord their God with all heart, mind, and strength. And, to love their neighbor as they love themselves - the light of God shining on relationships, decisions, and the future too.
In my limited experience, God has intervened in my life in a continuous way. His Word and Spirit do seem to validate my walk within His will with a sense of peace. When my soul wanders and seeks to glorify my imagined self, the Spirit of God convicts me and restores our working relationship - a work of God. It's surprising when my soul is at peace when my circumstances seem to say I "should" be thinking and feeling otherwise.
Just for today...
"I do not know what is best for other people. Today I will remember that newcomers, and everyone else, are in the hands of a Power greater than myself." Courage to Change (p. 185)
"Shed's a crumbling; I thought no - Floor gave way; Light said so." "Bought supplies; Invited friend too - Changed together; Restored anew." Am I a Poet?
My grandmother shared the game of solitaire with me - she loved to play. She, or maybe another person, told me that you could play a mental game of paying $52 for the deck of cards and earn $5 for every card that makes it to the top. Its a win/lose game. I've played this game imagining what might be and finding out what I was dealt. "If I get all 52 cards on top then I'm going to..."
Maybe this behavior is one of my learned defects - I stopped playing the game one day. Forty days passed between the first draft and the posting of this original story - stopping the solitaire habit was fruitful in unexpected ways. I'm not sure what replaced the solitaire time, or trigger to play it, yet life's more peaceful and I'm trusting God more.
The only church in town will offer our Creator's version of what a good life looks like. He doesn't tell us everything but does tell us enough to live a good life walking humbly with Him. For me, regularly investing my time playing, and hoping on, a win/lose game with a deck of cards isn't a good fit.
I lose...
Just for today...
"What defects could possibly give me pleasure? Revenge, for one. I spend lots of time creating mental scenarios in which I punish those who have hurt me. I also get enjoyment from thinking that I am never wrong; in other words, I cling to pride . . . they prevent me from treating myself and others with love and respect." Courage to Change (p. 160)
"Imagining the not; Buying a toy - On my own; A lost boy." Am I a Poet?
The Holland State Parkimprovement plan was approved in 2010. It happened whether we liked it or not. I liked the park the way it was; yet, I like it better now.
One of the changes was the removal of a large number of cotton wood trees in the old parking lot. I met a woman, while visiting the park, that expressed great anguish and anger over the thought of the tree removal. She claimed that she was working diligently to stop that horrible change from happening. She seemed physically drained by the dread of the impending change - it happened anyway.
I'm so thankful that I respected our leader's decision and plan. I didn't comment much about their decisions and weathered the disruptive steps of the improvement process too. There was much unexpected goodness in those changes - for me and others too.
Politicians who implement their vision for the future, sold during the campaign, are alright with me. Certainly they need to work with, and through, others to bring ideas into fruition. Then we, the represented, can evaluate the results - good, marginal, or bad. Then, in an iterative way, we build better government and communities too.
Many people complain about paying their taxes - not me. I stand thankful for my freedom, safety, justice, property rights, care for the poor, shared facilities, parks, road system, public transportation, and all those who serve our communities.
The only church in town would treat their community leaders with respect. (NASB, Romans 13:1-7)
Just for today...
"All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you."(NASB, Ephesians 4:31-32)
"I like it; You change it - We experience; New's reality." Am I a Poet?
"Live and let live" is a life giving saying that suggests that we mind our own business and allow others the dignity and respect to live their own lives. This frees us up from the burdens of "trying" to live out other people's lives - a burden that was never ours to carry.
My house has a deck out back with floodlights mounted under the eave. I enjoy working there when the weather's nice - the floodlight above my head. In the spring, invariably, a robin will attempt to build a nest above the flood light. It was my habit to remove the nest, in various stages of build, three or even four times, before they gave up and moved elsewhere. In 2021, I chose to practice "live and let live" and accommodate the robin. I moved my "work" chair and endured the momma's chirping as she instinctually protected her chicks. We even replanned gatherings that'd need the deck space. Embarrassingly, I bragged about this good deed to all who would listen - "oh... what a proud man I can be." One day, when the chicks were about ready to leave the nest, I witnessed a barred owl swoop down to the nest and swallow all the chicks. My emotions ran deep.
What's the moral of the story? Kill the barred owls! Please don't, I love 'em. Two of them are hooting "who cooks for you" as I write. Do you "live and let live" at the risk of hurt and pain? For me, I'll continue to "live and let live" but I'm also going to remove even the first twig from that lamp - I know better. The barred owls in the woods are real.
Would the people of the only church in town be allowed the freedom to live out their own lives with dignity and respect? I hope the answer is yes. Surely, we all need to be heard and occasionally helped along our way. Allowing people the freedom to live out their own lives in a risky world seems worthy. Who knows what might happen as God works through the people of the only church in town.
Just for today...
"Before anyone else can pick up the ball, I need to be willing to drop it." Hope for Today (p. 77)
"Difficult situations often bring out qualities in us that otherwise might not have risen to the surface, such as courage, faith, and our need for one another." Courage to Change (p. 77)
"Dear eat Hosta; Plant it still. - It'll grow; This I will." "Hosta pops up; Hope springs too - Hosta stub remains; It ain't you." Am I a Poet?
