Simplification through Elimination
I read a great quote this morning: "The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." ~ Hans Hofmann.
What a great reminder, especially during the Christmas season when everything gets so cluttered. If we want the true message of Christmas to speak loud and clear in our lives we need the ability to eliminate the unnecessary. Yet, this idea of simplification isn't reserved only for Christmas; it about life as a whole.
I'm trying to simplify my life into three pursuits: 1) develop my faith (to know God), 2) deepen my connections (to know others), 3) devote my life to God's purpose (that God would be known).
The obvious question is, "What do I need to eliminate that is preventing me from faith, connection, and life?"
I'm learning to pray as the Apostle Paul did when he prayed that we would determine what really matters (Philippians 1:9-10), and eliminate the rest.
Thank you, Veterans!
Doing some reflection about Veteran's Day. The one word that keeps coming to mind is sacrifice. Those who served, and currently serve, in our armed forces sacrifice a lot. I've never been in the military, but I do know people who are active and I see the sacrifice required to serve. What's noteworthy is "sacrifice" and "service" go hand-in-hand; to serve requires sacrifice.
To the Veterans who sacrificed by being away from their families, who missed their children growing up, who left home and country to fight in foreign lands, who left stable jobs to fight for our country, and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives...THANK YOU!
Service requires sacrifice. When Jesus came to Earth, he came as a servant. He served by sacrificing his life and dying for you and me.
As a Christ-follower, it's a reminder to follow Jesus' example of servanthood. And the freedom fought for by our military offers the greatest opportunity to serve and reach others with the Gospel.
Here's a Veteran's tribute video with shots of a lunch GBCK served at the U.S. Vets out reach in Kalaeloa: Veterans Day Video
The Power of Laughter
Last night I had a great dinner with some friends. What made it a good time wasn't the food, it was the laughter. I think we laughed the whole time. Some say laughter is the best medicine, and science is starting to prove this. Laughter is said to lower blood pressure and increase circulation. Laughter lowers stress levels and greatly improves a person's emotional well-being.
Everyone at last night's dinner is a pastor and most of our laughter came from ministry stories. If you've been in ministry any length of time you will have funny stories to tell. Why? Because ministry is about people and people do funny and bizarre things. And because pastors are people too, we do funny and bizarre things. We had a good laugh at ourselves too.
We all need a good dose of laughter. I ended the night feeling very refreshed and grateful for good friends. I needed that.
God’s Will
I had a thought this morning about God's will, here it is: Knowing God's will is more about education than revelation. Reading from Ps. 143:10, David requests of God, "Teach me to do your will..." This jumped out at me because I often ask God to show me his will. But David asks God to teach him. Moses asked the same thing in Exodus when he asked God to "teach me your ways".
Here are some distinctions between teach me and show me:
Sad day…
- Just got word today that my friend, Elliott Tomai, died last night.
- Elliot was a profile in courage: born with Spina Bifida, Elliott wasn't supposed to live very long.
- He died last night in his sleep. I think he was 28.
- I remember he started a bible study while he was studying at LCC. He always had a desire to reach his friends for Jesus.
- I remember he invited me to sit in on his religion class because he couldn't believe the crap the prof was teaching.
- I remember Elliot was on our mission team to Maui when we went to serve at GBC Maui's youth camp.
- I remember cruising I'ao needle and Lahaina with him.
- I remember his dog, Vita, and how Vita used to chase mongoose at KCC.
- I remember watching him swim in Bruce's pool and thinking how fluid and free he looked.
- I remember he loved chicken katsu.
- I remember when he told me about a girl he liked.
- I remember his heart and desire for ministry.
- Now, Elliott's without his wheels and with his Father.
- See you again, ET!
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