I want to thank my WW family for the generous Christmas gift. I am so blessed to work at Westwinds and be part of an incredible team who are sold out to shadowing God. I am honored to be serving along each of you. I have personally deepen my relationship with God as we have served together in wwKids ministry.
Thanks again - Love, Lori
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
A prayer for my friends
My friend, do not forget to care for yourself. Be gentle and kind to yourself.
When you accept the gentleness and love of Jesus, you will become that for others.
Make time for yourself. Take a walk, read a book, take a bubble bath.
Care for your body. Exercise, eat healthy, get plenty of rest.
When you take time of yourself, amazingly you have more to give to others.
Create space in your day that has no agenda or "to do" list,
Part of being spiritual is being constantly amazed
When you open up space and time in your daily life, the Spirit speaks and She will amaze you.
Each new day is a freshing time, a time of possibility and promise.
Dawn brings awakening and renewal.
Dawn unveils the mystery of this universe.
Dawn is the ultimate surprise. . . it awakens us to the immense "thereness" of nature.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to end.
They are new every morning,
Great is your faithfulness, O Lord.
When you accept the gentleness and love of Jesus, you will become that for others.
Make time for yourself. Take a walk, read a book, take a bubble bath.
Care for your body. Exercise, eat healthy, get plenty of rest.
When you take time of yourself, amazingly you have more to give to others.
Create space in your day that has no agenda or "to do" list,
Part of being spiritual is being constantly amazed
When you open up space and time in your daily life, the Spirit speaks and She will amaze you.
Each new day is a freshing time, a time of possibility and promise.
Dawn brings awakening and renewal.
Dawn unveils the mystery of this universe.
Dawn is the ultimate surprise. . . it awakens us to the immense "thereness" of nature.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
His mercies never come to end.
They are new every morning,
Great is your faithfulness, O Lord.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Embrace the Father's Gift
As I prepare for our Soul Dig January session I am comforted and loved to see how much Jesus loves us, by giving us the Holy Spirit. For years I felt like I knew Jesus and I knew God but the Holy Spirit was a mystery to me. I always thought my relationship with God was about what I did; rather it seems to be much more about what He does.
I am to receive, accept, not run away from it. I am to embrace and hold the "good gifts" from the Father.
In a culture that is filled with “takers” and consumerism, it is amazing that we have such a difficult time receiving the awesome gifts of the Father.
I am to receive, accept, not run away from it. I am to embrace and hold the "good gifts" from the Father.
In a culture that is filled with “takers” and consumerism, it is amazing that we have such a difficult time receiving the awesome gifts of the Father.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Stories of Transformation
Over the last couple of weeks my team at Westwinds has shared numerous stories of how God is changing their hearts. Our stories are important both for ourselves and the community we are part of. With our stories others are can be encouraged, challenged, directed and even corrected.
Hear’s what I’m hearing:
ONE: The other week I really didn’t want to be here (at church with the kids). I had a grumpy attitude. But when I was M&M studio the kids were singing this song (note: one I didn’t like!) and this little girl next to me began to sing. As I listened to her sing with love and conviction, God melted my heart. I knew I was where I needed to be.
TWO: Lately I’ve been evaluating everything I do and how I spend my time. Does this draw me closer to God? Is it a neutral experience? Does it draw me away from God? I feel like God is asking me to be more intentional about how I live everyday. Did that conversation, did that book, did that gathering, did that movie draw me towards God or did I feel distanced from him.
THREE: The other day I made all sorts of changes on an organizational chart to help this older volunteer feel good about what we were doing. The way I had the chart made more sense to me, but it wasn’t “the way it was done” before. So I decided that instead of arguing with this lady that I would willingly accommodate her “anal retentive need-ness” (oops) and give her what she wanted. I didn’t give in to her out of anger or frustration, I did what I did to help her.
FOUR: A friend shared that when her new grandbaby was born, the other grandma kinda pushed her way into the hospital room and monopolized the parent’s and newborn’s attention. I was angry and hurt but for the sake of the relationship with my kids I remained quiet. It was really hard but it was the right thing to do.
FIVE: Something happened a couple of months ago that really hurt me. It wasn’t intentional but it still hurt. Later I found out the information I had shared was not passed on to other key people, hence no one from church knew about my brother’s death. . . Through a lot of prayers and tears my spouse and I have decided to make sure this doesn’t happen to another family. We are going to stand in the gap and help the church establish some type of process to help other families who have a death in the family.
SIX: Talked to a woman the other day. She mentioned that even though she has 2 small kids, she’s been trying to spend some quiet time, time alone with God to listen for His voice. She’s noticing a difference in her relationship with God.
Each of these stories is about transformation. When you give up something you really would rather hang onto – your time, your chart, your desires – you “die” to yourself and become more like Jesus. Transformation costs you something. Just like in the child's book The Velveteen Robbit, it hurts to become real. Transformation happens when we let go of something to receive a “new, better” something.
How are you growing in your relationship with Jesus?
How are you being transformed? How is the Spirit talking to you? How is your heart?
Hear’s what I’m hearing:
ONE: The other week I really didn’t want to be here (at church with the kids). I had a grumpy attitude. But when I was M&M studio the kids were singing this song (note: one I didn’t like!) and this little girl next to me began to sing. As I listened to her sing with love and conviction, God melted my heart. I knew I was where I needed to be.
TWO: Lately I’ve been evaluating everything I do and how I spend my time. Does this draw me closer to God? Is it a neutral experience? Does it draw me away from God? I feel like God is asking me to be more intentional about how I live everyday. Did that conversation, did that book, did that gathering, did that movie draw me towards God or did I feel distanced from him.
THREE: The other day I made all sorts of changes on an organizational chart to help this older volunteer feel good about what we were doing. The way I had the chart made more sense to me, but it wasn’t “the way it was done” before. So I decided that instead of arguing with this lady that I would willingly accommodate her “anal retentive need-ness” (oops) and give her what she wanted. I didn’t give in to her out of anger or frustration, I did what I did to help her.
FOUR: A friend shared that when her new grandbaby was born, the other grandma kinda pushed her way into the hospital room and monopolized the parent’s and newborn’s attention. I was angry and hurt but for the sake of the relationship with my kids I remained quiet. It was really hard but it was the right thing to do.
FIVE: Something happened a couple of months ago that really hurt me. It wasn’t intentional but it still hurt. Later I found out the information I had shared was not passed on to other key people, hence no one from church knew about my brother’s death. . . Through a lot of prayers and tears my spouse and I have decided to make sure this doesn’t happen to another family. We are going to stand in the gap and help the church establish some type of process to help other families who have a death in the family.
SIX: Talked to a woman the other day. She mentioned that even though she has 2 small kids, she’s been trying to spend some quiet time, time alone with God to listen for His voice. She’s noticing a difference in her relationship with God.
Each of these stories is about transformation. When you give up something you really would rather hang onto – your time, your chart, your desires – you “die” to yourself and become more like Jesus. Transformation costs you something. Just like in the child's book The Velveteen Robbit, it hurts to become real. Transformation happens when we let go of something to receive a “new, better” something.
How are you growing in your relationship with Jesus?
How are you being transformed? How is the Spirit talking to you? How is your heart?
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Help Protrait @ Westwinds
This Saturday, Dec. 12 my coworkers, Mel and Sheryl have organized a community outreach called Help Protrait. This outreach to Paragon families (the school located next to Westwinds Church) invites them to come to church Saturday afternoon to receive a free professional family portrait. We have makeup artists, hair stylist, food and hospitality folks here. Our desire is to bless these families with this personal gift and let them experience Jesus' love through our WW people.
These youtube videos are great and express the heart of Help Portrait. Please pray for us serving this weekend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9tu1XrBn3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3BFwgf1f2I
(NOTE Help Protrait is a national event. There are studios set up all over Jackson, Michigan, and the country)
These youtube videos are great and express the heart of Help Portrait. Please pray for us serving this weekend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9tu1XrBn3A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3BFwgf1f2I
(NOTE Help Protrait is a national event. There are studios set up all over Jackson, Michigan, and the country)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sabbath day of rest
A friend recently shared that over the last 6-9 months he had not stayed closely connected with some personal friends - friends that he played and laughed with; friends that asked good questions about his personal life, marriage and ministry. My friend said he was feeling the effects of not having those significant people present in his life and he shared a few ideas of how he would better stay connected.Through these simple observation and self-discovery moments, my friend is better able to "fine tune" his activities so that his soul is healthy.
Today, I'm taking the day off. I too have felt the effects of not caring of my soul. Even though I have officially had days off over the last 6 weeks or so, they have beeen filled with fieldtrips with the kids (great things) and all day visits at the hospital with my parents. These activities are worthwhile and good but take my energy rather than restore it.
So today is all about me and re-creating. I'm cooking, writing, studying, maybe drawing. Taking a nap and maybe hiking out at the reserve. I'm calling to make an appointment with my spiritual director. Then this afternoon I'll be ready to pickup the kids and meet another family to go help out at The Priceless Gift Store.
For me that is what Sabbath rest is about. Making time to restore my soul, stay healthy and connected to the Vine (Jesus Christ). The result is fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, etc. I'm a better follower of Jesus and a better wife, mom, friend, pastor
Today, I'm taking the day off. I too have felt the effects of not caring of my soul. Even though I have officially had days off over the last 6 weeks or so, they have beeen filled with fieldtrips with the kids (great things) and all day visits at the hospital with my parents. These activities are worthwhile and good but take my energy rather than restore it.
So today is all about me and re-creating. I'm cooking, writing, studying, maybe drawing. Taking a nap and maybe hiking out at the reserve. I'm calling to make an appointment with my spiritual director. Then this afternoon I'll be ready to pickup the kids and meet another family to go help out at The Priceless Gift Store.
For me that is what Sabbath rest is about. Making time to restore my soul, stay healthy and connected to the Vine (Jesus Christ). The result is fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, etc. I'm a better follower of Jesus and a better wife, mom, friend, pastor
Monday, December 7, 2009
I wonder. . .did Jesus know he was Son of God?
Last week Dave McDonald (www.westwinds.org) taught on the incarnation. During Cue people texted in questions. One question asked was, "When did Jesus know that he was the Son of God - or part of the Godhead? What a great question!
Just recently I have begun to understand and appreciate the humanity of Jesus as a deeper level. I now see Jesus as a fully, developing/evolving human person who went through both developmental and spiritual stages.
For years I have consciously held the knowledge that Jesus is both fully human and divine, yet I have been introduced to some new information that has blown up my “box.” I am seeing Jesus to be a lot more HUMAN than I previously envisioned. Having kids and working with kids like I do, gives me perhaps a different perspective on Jesus – the Kid!
Having said that . . . here are some reflections on Luke 2.41-52
(Jesus in the temple when he was about 12 years old)
The family’s yearly journey to Jerusalem may have been like our family vacation with friends and family. Family routines and rules are relaxed as everyone is hanging out together. It is easy to see how one parent thought the other parent knew where the kids were – over with the cousins in the next “cabin.” I can’t imagine what it would feel like to realize that your kid is missing. He’s not over with these cousins, or that uncle or those friends. Where is he?
At 12 years old Jesus is no little kid (toddler) who has wandered off and is lost. Something has caught his attention and his focus has shifted, he’s distracted and pulled in another direction.
He is intrigued by this group of men in the temple. They appear to be learned men and their discussion is interesting. He sits and listens. How long does a 12 year old sit and listen? In our culture a kid could play a video game for 3 days straight! All this information Jesus is hearing doesn’t make sense, he can no longer only sit quietly, so he creeps in closer to the circle of men. Someone notices that he has been there for quite some time. One of the teachers looks at Jesus and asks, “What do you think about this comment?”
And so the questions and answers begin to flow. Hours fly by. Maybe this is one of the first times Jesus has sat with a formal group of teachers. Food is brought in to the group of men and Jesus eats with them. The sky is light, then dark, then light and dark again, but they are inside the temple and no one really notices. I imagine it is a like a young kid on an adventure in the woods – following a trail and then all of sudden realizes they have been gone for hours/days.
There is some commotion, there are some voices, a woman’s voice, something not often heard in the temple. It’s not just any woman’s voice; it’s his mom’s voice. What is she doing in here? All of sudden Jesus is not just “one of the guys” that the teachers are quizzing, he’s someone’s son – a son that has been missing, not just for hours but days! Oh crap – he’s in trouble!!!
His mom is angry, upset, emotional, astonished and relived all at once (women are such complex beings!) What are you doing? Why did you go off and not tell us? We have been so worried about you. . .
Jesus is 12 years old – he just got “caught” messing up. I think he knows that he messed up and comes up with the best possible answer he can quickly find. . . “Like come on Mom? Don’t you know that I’m special – Did you not know that I would be in my Father Abba’s house?” Geezz – he got out of that one. Pull out the big guns – I’m in my Father’s house – the trump card. I think that religious answer just saved his butt!
I can imagine Mary thinking, “I don’t care if you are special and are the Son of God, and you better listen to me – your mom – because I’m the one that is HERE in your face!!
Kids are so amazing. Just when they are ready to send you off the deep end, they say something that blows you out of the water. I seriously wonder if Jesus’ statement was a great escape clause (get me out of trouble with mom) – BUT was also an incredible moment of truth. Truth that was for the first time spoken out loud!
Ever have those moments that you finally say something out loud, something you’ve been thinking about for a while in your mind or maybe you've been having a feeling about something. As soon as you say those words out loud you know that it is a true statement.
Perhaps Jesus’ statement was like that. A statement that was Spirit lead. Perhaps this was a profound moment in Jesus’ spiritual formation. A moment when he got a glimpse into what his future would held.
Anyways they went home. So they went home where they all pondered and tried to make sense of this odd incident in their family’s journey.
Just recently I have begun to understand and appreciate the humanity of Jesus as a deeper level. I now see Jesus as a fully, developing/evolving human person who went through both developmental and spiritual stages.
For years I have consciously held the knowledge that Jesus is both fully human and divine, yet I have been introduced to some new information that has blown up my “box.” I am seeing Jesus to be a lot more HUMAN than I previously envisioned. Having kids and working with kids like I do, gives me perhaps a different perspective on Jesus – the Kid!
Having said that . . . here are some reflections on Luke 2.41-52
(Jesus in the temple when he was about 12 years old)
The family’s yearly journey to Jerusalem may have been like our family vacation with friends and family. Family routines and rules are relaxed as everyone is hanging out together. It is easy to see how one parent thought the other parent knew where the kids were – over with the cousins in the next “cabin.” I can’t imagine what it would feel like to realize that your kid is missing. He’s not over with these cousins, or that uncle or those friends. Where is he?
At 12 years old Jesus is no little kid (toddler) who has wandered off and is lost. Something has caught his attention and his focus has shifted, he’s distracted and pulled in another direction.
He is intrigued by this group of men in the temple. They appear to be learned men and their discussion is interesting. He sits and listens. How long does a 12 year old sit and listen? In our culture a kid could play a video game for 3 days straight! All this information Jesus is hearing doesn’t make sense, he can no longer only sit quietly, so he creeps in closer to the circle of men. Someone notices that he has been there for quite some time. One of the teachers looks at Jesus and asks, “What do you think about this comment?”
And so the questions and answers begin to flow. Hours fly by. Maybe this is one of the first times Jesus has sat with a formal group of teachers. Food is brought in to the group of men and Jesus eats with them. The sky is light, then dark, then light and dark again, but they are inside the temple and no one really notices. I imagine it is a like a young kid on an adventure in the woods – following a trail and then all of sudden realizes they have been gone for hours/days.
There is some commotion, there are some voices, a woman’s voice, something not often heard in the temple. It’s not just any woman’s voice; it’s his mom’s voice. What is she doing in here? All of sudden Jesus is not just “one of the guys” that the teachers are quizzing, he’s someone’s son – a son that has been missing, not just for hours but days! Oh crap – he’s in trouble!!!
His mom is angry, upset, emotional, astonished and relived all at once (women are such complex beings!) What are you doing? Why did you go off and not tell us? We have been so worried about you. . .
Jesus is 12 years old – he just got “caught” messing up. I think he knows that he messed up and comes up with the best possible answer he can quickly find. . . “Like come on Mom? Don’t you know that I’m special – Did you not know that I would be in my Father Abba’s house?” Geezz – he got out of that one. Pull out the big guns – I’m in my Father’s house – the trump card. I think that religious answer just saved his butt!
I can imagine Mary thinking, “I don’t care if you are special and are the Son of God, and you better listen to me – your mom – because I’m the one that is HERE in your face!!
Kids are so amazing. Just when they are ready to send you off the deep end, they say something that blows you out of the water. I seriously wonder if Jesus’ statement was a great escape clause (get me out of trouble with mom) – BUT was also an incredible moment of truth. Truth that was for the first time spoken out loud!
Ever have those moments that you finally say something out loud, something you’ve been thinking about for a while in your mind or maybe you've been having a feeling about something. As soon as you say those words out loud you know that it is a true statement.
Perhaps Jesus’ statement was like that. A statement that was Spirit lead. Perhaps this was a profound moment in Jesus’ spiritual formation. A moment when he got a glimpse into what his future would held.
Anyways they went home. So they went home where they all pondered and tried to make sense of this odd incident in their family’s journey.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Blessing Others
The other day my husband shared that he really missed not playing his guitar. In the 12 years I've been with him, playing music has not been a priority for him. He mentioned that he felt something was missing and perhaps it was his music.
I was so pleased to hear him express this desire. I told him that if he picked up his guitar and began playing again that everyone in our family would benefit and be blessed. I honestly believe that. Our kids need to see this other creative side to their dad; our kids need experience their dad's talent and see the pleasure it brings him.
Everyone in the family/community benefit when we practice and use the unique gifts God has given to us. Even if Randy never again plays in public, we will be blessed and encouraged to use our gifts.
I took his guitar to have it fixed for his upcoming birthday/cxmas gift. He doesn't read my blog so I can say this :)
I was so pleased to hear him express this desire. I told him that if he picked up his guitar and began playing again that everyone in our family would benefit and be blessed. I honestly believe that. Our kids need to see this other creative side to their dad; our kids need experience their dad's talent and see the pleasure it brings him.
Everyone in the family/community benefit when we practice and use the unique gifts God has given to us. Even if Randy never again plays in public, we will be blessed and encouraged to use our gifts.
I took his guitar to have it fixed for his upcoming birthday/cxmas gift. He doesn't read my blog so I can say this :)
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Creativity
Most people in my life right now don't know that I have a degree in Art & Design from Grand Valley. My first eight years out of college I was a graphic designer and corporate communication specialist at EDS. In that time however I realized that I was a very mediocre designer and gradually moved towards the writing and managing various teams.
For years I have said that my creativity comes out in some of my writing, photography, gardening, cooking, and decorating. I did very little with my art training or background until I was at a silent retreat several years ago. At this particular retreat there was an art studio where I played, prayed and created a triptych collage with inexpensive material.
Lately I've been sensing not just a desire but a need to "play" around with my art. In November's Soul Dig gathering, we played in silence for a hour creating a sculpture collage. I was pleased and amazed at how all the women embraced the opportunity to create something. I think our desire to create is part of the Image of God imprint.
I don't write or create art for other people's pleasure or to seek their affirmation. I need to create because it nurtures my soul. It draws me to God. I need to do this for me.
For years I have said that my creativity comes out in some of my writing, photography, gardening, cooking, and decorating. I did very little with my art training or background until I was at a silent retreat several years ago. At this particular retreat there was an art studio where I played, prayed and created a triptych collage with inexpensive material.
Lately I've been sensing not just a desire but a need to "play" around with my art. In November's Soul Dig gathering, we played in silence for a hour creating a sculpture collage. I was pleased and amazed at how all the women embraced the opportunity to create something. I think our desire to create is part of the Image of God imprint.
I don't write or create art for other people's pleasure or to seek their affirmation. I need to create because it nurtures my soul. It draws me to God. I need to do this for me.
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