Potty training is tough. It's a lot like being on the bomb squad- every second counts. Elisha's getting the hang of it, though. It's a little tough to get him there, but he always gets up excited and ready to wash his hands (AKA. play in the water). Usually I wait for him to get finished, but one time I left him on the potty to go grab something. He finished before I got back, slammed the lid, and let out a loud "Good job!" to himself.
Elisha often completes tasks with a hearty "good job". He has heard these words said to him over and over, and others, like "way to go," "you got it," " that a boy," and " I'm proud of you!" He has heard encouragement enough that he encourages himself if no one else is around! And, he has experienced encouragement enough that he is learning to give it to others; Elisha often congratulates me or his mom with a great big "Good job!"
Encouragement is something that we seem to receive less of as we grow older. Some people scarcely receive praise or encouragement at all in their lives. Maybe others receive encouragement, but are unable to appreciate it. Still others rely completely on the people around them to keep them going. None of these scenarios are ideal or healthy.
The great thing is that encouragement can be a choice. We can choose to be with encouraging people. The company we keep is an important key to staying encouraged. We can choose to be an encouragement to others. Being an encourager is often the best cure for our own discouraging times. And, like Elisha, when no one else is around or seems to know what we are going through, we can encourage ourselves. Don't be afraid to tell yourself "Good job!" You deserve it!
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's time to catch fire!
We had an amazing watch service last night at Beech Bluff UPC, ushering in the new year with singing, preaching, prayer and praise. Many of the things that you would expect to find at a New Year's Eve service were present, but there were some things that are not expected, at least any where other than Beech Bluff.
Each of our four pastoral staff members preached for 15-20 minutes. Pastor Howard wrapped up the preaching by emphasizing the importance of prayer as we enter a new year of service to the Kingdom of God. Then we entered a time of prayer minutes before midnight.
After a time of prayer, we entered praise and worship to God for His help in 2009. As we worshiped, the Holy Ghost spoke through the gifts of the Spirit. He admonished us to get passionate for Him and His work. While we have true doctrine, anointed preaching, and demonstrative worship, it will be the passion of the Holy Ghost resident in us and exuded from us that will set us apart and draw people to us and toward Christ. He promised through John the Baptist that He would baptize us with Holy Ghost and FIRE. The fire burns and purges us, and gives us the power to make an impact in this world. It is also what will call us up from this earth at Christ's return.
The last thing I have to worry about is a young person, adult, or couple that is passionate and ON FIRE for God and His work. While we must have preaching, teaching, and Bible knowledge to know right from wrong, it is an individual's passion to please Jesus that really keeps him or her in prayer, repented, renewed, and ready for God's will.
I expressed last night that 2009 is going to find me communicating God's vision in as many ways as I can, which is why I write this blog. After the miraculous word of God we received on the dawn of the new year, I am also going to spend less time worrying about our youth and more time praying for them to get passionate for Jesus and His work in their lives. I want to demonstrate passion and speak passionately so I can play a role in transmitting to others the joy of being passionate for God and His Kingdom!
Each of our four pastoral staff members preached for 15-20 minutes. Pastor Howard wrapped up the preaching by emphasizing the importance of prayer as we enter a new year of service to the Kingdom of God. Then we entered a time of prayer minutes before midnight.
After a time of prayer, we entered praise and worship to God for His help in 2009. As we worshiped, the Holy Ghost spoke through the gifts of the Spirit. He admonished us to get passionate for Him and His work. While we have true doctrine, anointed preaching, and demonstrative worship, it will be the passion of the Holy Ghost resident in us and exuded from us that will set us apart and draw people to us and toward Christ. He promised through John the Baptist that He would baptize us with Holy Ghost and FIRE. The fire burns and purges us, and gives us the power to make an impact in this world. It is also what will call us up from this earth at Christ's return.
The last thing I have to worry about is a young person, adult, or couple that is passionate and ON FIRE for God and His work. While we must have preaching, teaching, and Bible knowledge to know right from wrong, it is an individual's passion to please Jesus that really keeps him or her in prayer, repented, renewed, and ready for God's will.
I expressed last night that 2009 is going to find me communicating God's vision in as many ways as I can, which is why I write this blog. After the miraculous word of God we received on the dawn of the new year, I am also going to spend less time worrying about our youth and more time praying for them to get passionate for Jesus and His work in their lives. I want to demonstrate passion and speak passionately so I can play a role in transmitting to others the joy of being passionate for God and His Kingdom!
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