Today I had the privilege to disconnect for a few hours here.  Something about nature rejuvenates me like nothing else.

I hiked.  I sat at the foot of the falls.  I read.  I actually swung on that swing.  I prayed.  I talked aloud to the sounds in the woods.  I didn’t talk to another human soul.

I feel refreshed.

When was the last time you pulled yourself out of the normal routine to pause and reflect?  What kind of environment refreshes you?

The word “PATIENCE” has come up in several discussions today.

It’s got me thinkin’…

What’s the patience quotient look like in my life?  How about you?

I’ve been processing this one a lot since Sunday’s message, but man I have managed to mess it up a lot this week!

I Corinthians 13:3-7 (The Message)

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.  So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.  Love cares more for others than for self.

Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.  Love doesn’t strut.

Doesn’t have a swelled head, doesn’t force itself on others.

Isn’t always “me first,” doesn’t fly off the handle.

Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, doesn’t revel when others grovel.

Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, puts up with anything.

Trusts God always, always looks for the best.

Never looks back, but keeps going to the end.

There is so much I need to hear, comprehend, learn, apply, do from this passage, but I think the phrase that stands out to me the most right now is “Love never gives up”.

Which portion of this scripture speaks to you today?

“Whatever”

There was a reoccurring word in Pete‘s message today: Whatever

But we’re not talking about the put your hand on your hip, toss your chip up, sarcastic “what-e-ver”, we’re talking about the Colossians 3:17 “whatever”

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

and the

Ecclesiastes 9:10 “whatever”

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”

and the

I Corinthians 10:31 “whatever”

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

You see in addition to our individual purpose, each of us has a Global Purpose: To bring glory to God in every single thing we do.

Pete challenged us that in order to live out this purpose we need to focus on 2 things:

1. Stand out at Loving
2. Stand out at Serving

• Love radically – I challenge you to go read The Message version of 1 Corithians 13
• Serve beyond what is expected of you
• Be honest and dependable all the time

When you love and serve, you are most accurately reflecting the nature and character of God.

So, which of these (loving or serving) do you need to work on the most?  Which one is more natural for you?

I spent my morning at CP Dickson today.  It was the launch of Dream Job at this campus so I got to enjoy again this hilarious video of Pete trying to be a weatherman and another dose of “Identity”.  Being the ladder climber I am I probably needed to hear this again.

[vimeo=http://vimeo.com/2087400]

Tonight I’ll catch back up at Cross Point Nashville with a message about “Purpose”.  I’m sure this one will be a doosie too!

And for a fun twist, I’ll be joining Melissa right after the service to see Sara Bareilles in concert!  Woohoo!

Rebecca St. James recently released her new book Pure – a 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, the Body & the Spirit.

I was excited to share this book with you because unlike some books that I might review or endorse, I know this precious, Godly women personally and I can assure you that this book is an overflow of her heart and passion to live a pure, God-honoring life.

During my days at ForeFront Records, I had the privilege to work on the marketing and sales promotion of Rebecca’s music.  Additionally I traveled to various cities with her assisting with promotional events and concerts.  Those trips to more were less like work and more like journeys with a friend.

While purity, especially sexual purity,  has been a subject that Rebecca has long been known for I love that this book speaks to purity of heart affecting mind, body and spirit.  This devotional is broken into 90 quick, short, daily reads which make it possible to stick to a 90-day reading commitment.  Rebecca makes good use of personal stories that make you feel a part of the journey with her.  Each devotional begins with a scripture reference followed by a “reflection” section where Rebecca shares personal stories and application.  The “Living it Out” section asks questions and gives suggestions for application of the subject for the day.

If I missed anything in this book, it would be additional space for responding to the “Living it Out” suggestions.  This could easily be a devotional journal.  I would suggest using a journal alongside it as you study to help you reflect and apply.

This book would be a great Christmas gift for the young women in your life.  Put it on your Christmas lists or go buy it HERE!

BONUS – I’m giving a copy away.  Respond in the comments and I’ll enter your name into the drawing!

In Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster says that:

“Of all people, we (Christ-followers) should be the most free, alive, interesting.”

I absolutely love this statement and believe it with all my heart, but here’s my question:

HOW?  How do we be the most free, alive and interesting?  What do you think?

Today we FINALLY wrapped up the “Baggage Series” at Cross Point Nashville.  I don’t think I’ve ever had such a love/hate relationship with a series at Cross Point.

We finished today’s service with the Josh Wilson song “Savior, Please”.  The lyrics of this song have become my prayer for myself and all of us that have been working through our baggage.

Savior, please take my hand
I work so hard, I live so fast
This life begins, and then it ends
And I do the best that I can, but I don’t know how long I’ll last

I try to be so tough
But I’m just not strong enough
I can’t do this alone, God I need You to hold on to me
I try to be good enough
But I’m nothing without Your love
Savior, please keep saving me

Savior, please help me stand
I fall so hard, I fade so fast
Will You begin right where I end
And be the God of all I am because You’re all I have

Hallelujah
Everything You are to me
Is everything I’ll ever need
And I am learning to believe
That I don’t have to prove a thing
‘Cause You’re the one who’s saving me

How can I pray for you this week?

Today’s Baggage: Taming the Tongue

This message was really powerful for me today because I usually pride myself in refraining for speaking out before thinking.  (Um… notice that I said “PRIDE myself”… yeah one of the other baggage issues… ugghh!)  Anyway, although my words may be fewer than some, when I do unload it can be pretty painful.

Here are a few scriptures for you to look at and some key points from Pete‘s message today:

• We all have a weapon which can be life or death of the soul – our mouth.
• Proverbs 18:21
• James 3:2-8
• Matthew 12:34
• It’s not a mouth problem, it’s a heart problem.  Whatever is going on in my heart is eventually going to come out of my mouth.
• God has designed the human soul in such a way that your words will either destroy or build up one another.
• No matter how well put together someone looks, they need healing.
• Your words can bring healing to another person if you use them wisely.

We ended today’s message with John Mayer’s song “Say.”  Powerful!

So…

What do the people in your life need to hear you say?  SAY IT! And then tell us about it.

“A leader is a person who must take special responsibility for what’s going on inside him-or herself, inside his or her consciousness, lest the act of leadership create more harm than good.”

Parker Palmer, “Leading from Within”

OUCH!

As a leader, are you keeping up appearances or are you taking responsibility for your personal spiritual growth?