What do we really own?

I'm browsing through a somewhat controversial book "A Generous Orthodoxy" by Brian D. McLaren and it has some thought provoking ideas on stewardship. Anyone care to share their thoughts on these quotes?

"...A biblical stewardship that celebrates God's ultimate ownership could someday fuel a new grace-based economy - just as private ownersip currently fuels our greed based consumerist economy..." p. 271

and

"...whatever we "own" is really entrusted to us by God, borrowed and reverently used by us for a time, after which we must let go one way or another - either through giving and sharing or through dying and releasing our former possessions to others. Even the molecules that make up our bodies are on loan to us. One day we will give them all back, rendering an account of how we have used them through time - time also being a precious gift of which we have been made stewards." p. 271

I personally find much validity in the quotes and think if we could live this way our world would be different. My friends Jake and Jessica are a prime example of this type of sacrificial love.

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for my mother - Debbie - she is in surgery now (started 11:00 am) having her third complete knee replacement (same knee). She was quite scared last night when I talked with her. She is in Cleveland, Ohio. The surgeon told her because of her host of medical problems that she could die during surgery. The surgery is supposed to last from 3-5 hours.

What Have Your Kids Taught You?

I was cleaning out files on an old computer this evening and came across something I wrote when my daughter, B was 2 and 3/4 years old.

This morning as B and I were walking ouside to run some errands she exclaimed, "Look at the beautiful leaves that Jesus made." Then she stopped on the steps and said, "Jesus, thank You for the leaves You made and for this beatuiful day and all my friends. Amen!" Then she opened her eyes, raised her head and kept walking down the steps.

How many times do we stop in pure joy as we are scurrying out into the world and thank Jesus for what He has made? I'm guilty of not doing this enough, but I'm so thrilled that B's spirit is soft to things of God.

Another instance around that same time frame:

The other day B's eczema flared up again and I suggested that she pray to Jesus about it. She instantly stopped what she was doing and said, "Jesus thank You for my eczema." Hmmm - Are we adults so quick to thank Jesus for the pain that comes our way?

22 Questions

I'm not sure where I found this, but thought the questions would be good for us all...

It has been said that there were 22 questions members of John Wesley's Holy Club asked THEMSELVES EACH DAY in their private devotions over 200 years ago.

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?

2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?

3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?

4. Can I be trusted?

5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?

6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self justifying?

7. Did the Bible live in me today?

8. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?

9. Am I enjoying prayer?

10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?

11. Do I pray about the money I spend?

12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?

13. Do I disobey God in anything?

14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?

16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?

17. How do I spend my spare time?

18. Am I proud?

19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?

20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what I am doing about it?

21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?

22. Is Christ real to me?

TOPICS: Devotional life; Diligence;Fruit, Spiritual; Growth
SCRIPTURE: Prov 2:1-9; Mat 6:33; John 6:27

Be like Jesus

How can I conform more to the image of Christ?

How can I have less of me and more of HIM?

How can I focus more on eternity rather than this life that lasts but a moment here in the shadowlands?

Personal Mission Statement

I found this online several years ago...not sure where, but its good!

"I am created by God

to bring Him glory.

Through God's Son,

Jesus Christ,

I have been redeemed and

I make it my life's goal

to honor God

through my faith

and obedience and

prepare myself

and all whom I may

influence for eternity."

Someone Thinks I'm Nice

I got an award! My new on-line friend Kay nominated me for the "Nice Matters" Award. Kay I need to nominate you back! I first “met” Kay at Randy Alcorn's blog when she replied to one of his posts. I liked what she said and checked out her blog. I was humored and inspired by her words and check back frequently to see what she is pondering. I’m looking forward to reading her novel someday in the future! Thank you, Kay!

“This award is for some bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass it on to 7 others who you feel are deserving of this award.”

Jake and Jessica are two amazing people I am thrilled to call friends. I first met Jessica at church and became fast friends with her. When she told me about Jake I was thrilled for her because if anyone ever deserved a good husband its Jessica. Jake and Jessica have hearts of gold and are filled with compassion for God’s children. Their biggest desire is to love people like Jesus and they are doing an incredible job! Jake and Jessica’s blog takes you across the world and back as they travel and minister everywhere they go.

Jen is a wonderful person that I “met” on-line years ago. She is an incredible wife, mother, photographer and Christian. Her words are always full of inspiration and wisdom. Jen’s blog showcases her photographic talent!

Karen is a tender-hearted on-line friend that is always opening her home to children whether it’s watching nieces and nephews or ministering to other parents. She is now considering opening her heart to children in need of adoption! Karen’s blog journals her life with its ups and downs always giving God the glory.

Nora is an online buddy that I “met” many years ago. She is a mom of eight children and is preparing to leave for the mission field in Brazil. Her heart is in missions and serving others. Nora’s blog shares about her family and ministry.

Renee is another friend that I know from the World Wide Web. Renee has been through a multitude of trying situations, yet she continues to hold fast to Jesus and spread HIS love to a hurting world. Her blog chronicles her life and happenings.

Stephanie is another on-line buddy that I “met” years ago online. She has been through numerous ups and downs in her life. Her blog chronicles her family experiences and her journey to make God first place in her life.