Inspiring week

This week I have been deeply inspired by the personal movement within people lives all around me. I have had more people coming and going through the office, having lunches, and dialoging via e-mail with than I have in a while. It's not just the volume of the talks, it's the depth and openness of them. There is a passion burning right now to go deeper and higher with God.
There is a desire to be vulnerable, hear the truth and press forward.

This last week we explored the "elephant in the church of the supernatural". How God supernaturally has gifted each of us, as believers to build up, equip and grow the church and it's people. People are exploring this elephant, and beginning to see new insights as to who they are in Christ and who they can become... if they engage these God-given gifts. It has inspired me to review my gift mix and make sure I am being all that I can be with the Holy Spirt and for Jesus.

I want to see the supernatural happen through God's people.
I believe that it does and is happening daily.
I want to make sure that use my gifts, not waste them, and see others grow and grow.

This week has been a domino effect type of week for me. If you're not seeing it, maybe it's because you haven't actively engaged in the supernatural with God, because you're not using your gifts that he has given you. If you have one of the handwritten test, take it and stop by my office.... it may radically effect your life and faith.
Or take a short version at this link (15 min max), and then forward the results to me at rich@journeychurch.net

http://churchgrowth.org/analysis/intro.php

What a super.... supernatural week.... I long for more and more of them.
Thanks to those that have stepped up and engaged the Holy Spirit this week.
Now go... and use what has been given to you for the sake of the church/ God's kingdom.

New President

Today I watched history unfold. We say that we live in unique times, but today we have really watched and experienced global moment in time. As Obama was sworn in and began his address the nation and world, he pointed the finger at all of us. All of us that have failed each other, failed our country, failed our hopes and dreams. Rather than point finger at one group or the other, he pointed it to all of us.
Obama also make a strong reference to 1 Corinthians and the call to "grow up" and put away, "childish things". What a great attitude for us to hear. Our nation needs to take responsibility and actively take steps to change and make our nation healthy again.

I know many are have various opinions on our new president. But as Christians we are commanded to respect those in authority and pray for them. So as President Obama calls us to grow, let do so and show our support for him, our nation and God.
May this moment in time, not be wasted, but may it really bring us new hope.

SuperBowl 43

OK the teams are set. In two weeks the Steelers will meet the Cardinals for the Championship (and trip to Disney).

Growing up as a Packer fan (still am), my younger brother was also a big Steeler fan. So our family, often cheered extra hard for the Steelers in the AFC. That was back in the amazing days of the "steel curtain". Guys like Terry Bradshaw, Lynn Swan, Franco Harris, "Mean" Joe Greene. Yeah that was classic football stuff.

The Cardinals have moved three times in the NFL history and never really been a big hit. Chicago... years and years ago. The St. Louis (Where they still should be and have the biggest fan base), then now Arizona. The last two years the cards have put together an impressive team. Their team attitude is very solid and they have number one class act QB - Kurt Warner. (almost as old as Brett Farve).

Where I may have the family history with the Steelers, I am going with ARIZONA CARDINALS.
The difference to me is that the Cards defense has really stepped as the playoff have gone on. They have not leveled off or repeated what they did all season. They are actually getting better every week. Rare in any time.

I predict a pretty high scoring game. Both QB's have weapons, and read defenses very well.

So I hope to see you at a superbowl party (somewhere) Feb. 1st. Enjoy the food, the fun and celebrate the new champs of the NFL... the ARIZONA CARDINALS.

Record Cold

It's one thing to be cold, it's another to be COLD!
This winter has reminded me so much of my first winter in MN. I was 17 yrs. old and in High School.
I had to walk to school (10 blocks). Mid-way through a week of a arctic blast like we are experiencing now my mom meet after school, near tears. She apologized for having made my younger brother and I walk to school all week. She had not really believed us it was "that cold" and "that dangerous". As we drank our warm coco, she promised to drive us to school the next few days.

This type of cold is nuts. Yet, it's amazing how people adjust, bundle up and for the most part make the best of it.
Today, my kids simply wanted to stay inside, watch TV, play games and relax with extra blankets on.
No complaining... just kids wanting to "chill out".

We are more adaptable than we think we are. We can adjust, when we have to. But wouldn't it be better if we adjusted because we wanted to. Won't be great if changing and adapting was just a natural, normal part of life, instead of fighting it.
Why does it take the extreme to have this happen?

By Sunday it's supposed to 27 above and we'll believe it's a heat wave, or believe it's still to cold.

For now, adapt, and enjoy the sunny sky, cool temps, and warm coco.

Rich

Disruptions

Normally I don't mind being interrupted and asked to stop, listen or help someone else.
Interruptions are a part of everyday life.
What bugs me sometimes is disruptions.
Disruptions as in, I'm in the zone.... learning, studying, reading and then bang... someone or something calls or walks in the room and the train of thought derails... crash. It's so hard to go back, get that vibe or flow down.
I find it very hard when a disruption breaks a special moment with God.
I may be a place where I am hearing/ sensing more clearly from God than I have in a long, long time. I want to stay in that conversation, I want to stay in that place. But the disruption pulls me out of it.
Is it Ok for me to not stop sometimes?
Is it OK for me to ignore those other pulls and stay in that "place" with God.

I love surprises. I love being "on call" and seeing what may happen next.
What I am learning is... is that maybe I need to not always jump.... maybe I need to pause and stay a little longer with God.
The interruptions and disruption will always come... but that moment with God may not.