PERSONALITIES!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. -Psalm 139: 13-14

We just got home from a ski trip. As you can see in the picture above, both girls got to try their hand at skiing. Before they even put skis on they were both a little skeptical. However, we told them they both had to give a 2 hour session of ski school a try, and then they could decide if they wanted to keep it up, or that it wasn't for them. I was so excited that they had this opportunity. I think the opportunities we have in life shape so much of what we are willing to try. For instance, I'm terrified of skiing - mostly because of ski lifts. But had I had the opportunity to try it when I was younger and less fearful, I may be an expert skier now. Who knows?

The girls both did a great job in ski school. They listened to their instructor and tried everything he asked of them. However, even given opportunities to try something new does not change how your individual personality will cause you to respond. By the end of the class, Hannah was loving it. Being our adrenaline junkie this was no surprise. We went back for lunch and she declared that she was ready for the black (most dificult) slopes! Not quite. She did get to go on the greens (easiest but harder than the bunny hill) and she did most of them. She had a blast skiing with Daddy and especially loved the ski lift. I'm so glad I wasn't able to watch that! She can't wait to go back next year and work her way up to blues with the hopes of hitting the blacks some day.

Abby on the other hand is our more cautious child. Not much of an adventurer, or lover of physical activity, Abby was done before the 2 hours was up. Abby only likes to do that at which she excels. She struggled with her atheletic stance which in turn made it hard for her to stop. She did not appreciate the instructors gentle correction (we couldn't have asked for a nicer guy) and when you add the cold weather and physical exertion to all of that . . . well, she decided quickly that skiing was NOT for her. She spent the rest of the trip hanging out in the nice warm condo with mommy. Watching movies, playing games, and working on her homework - that's our Abby! We are hopeful she will try again in a year or two - and who knows, Mommy may even work up the courage.

It was a great trip and I had a lot of fun observing our girls and the unique people God has created them to be. They certainly are "fearfully and wonderfully made!"

Thoughts on Philosophy

The following illuminating ideas/quotes came from my first day of class this term. I'm taking "Philosophical Foundations of Ministry" with Dr. David Rahn. We will be developing our own POM. I must say I went in to this class kicking and screaming. After today's class filled with a lot of deep, even painful thinking, I'm only kicking.

1. How is a balloon like your philosophy of ministry? For me: The balloon is my life. Just as it is easier to blow up or grow a balloon into fullness if you stretch it first, God has been stretching me over the years through various life experiences - good and bad. When I allow myself to be stretched and then filled with the breath of God or His spirit, I grow as a follower and my circle of influence becomes greater, thus allowing me to have a greater impact on God's kingdom.

2. "Is to think better a requirement for greater fruitfulness?" (Dr. Rahn) For years I have said I am not the type of person to analyze or think my faith into being. I believe. Period. However, I am beginning to see that there is more to it than that. After all, the Bible tells us to love God with all our minds. If philosophy is the why we do what we do, I guess I better pay attention and know what I'm doing so I can have a fruitful outcome.

3. "When the one way becomes THE way, we've lost focus on why we're doing what we're doing." (Dr. Rahn) Need I say more? We fear change and allow it to get us stuck. It's like the definition of insanity. Doing the same thing but expecting a different result. This is a real danger in many things: ministry, parenting, marriage, friendship, life. . .

4. You've heard it said that you can't see the forest for the trees. Counter that with this thought: "You can't know what a forest is until you know what a healthy tree looks like." I'm still pondering this one. I will say that often I get ahead of myself in ministry and in life I can get focused on the big picture and forget to think about what it is I should be viewing as health. Is it numbers, big - ness, growth, OR transformation into healthy, fully devoted followers of Christ.

As you can see it's a lot to think about and ponder. It hurts my brain, but I suppose that's what God gave me a brain for. When the day finally comes that I'm able to articulate my philosphy of ministry, I'll post it here. Until then . . . pray that God will stretch my thinking capacity!