Shepherding

I have been pondering shepherding and leadership lately. As a teacher, it is my job to equip the little ones entrusted to me. I have learned, however, these past few years that being a teacher and a leader is more about shepherding than instructing.

Shepherds set boundaries for their sheep to keep them from harm not to be mean and keep them from fun. In fact I think some of the best Shepherds can probably laugh with their flock and have a good ol time!

Shepherds gently lead their flock away from danger zones. They are firm but gentle not harsh and condemning.

Shepherds work to grow their flock, focusing on building up their gifts and talents not tearing them down.

Two quotes our pastor recently shared with us have really challenged and encouraged me in both my teaching and leadership roles.

“As a leader my responsibility is not only to live each day to fulfill my purpose, but also lead those God has sent me in fulfilling theirs.”

“Your job as a leader isn't to be the smartest person in the room. It's to make everyone else feel THEY are...” Phil Cooke

I am learning as a teacher and a leader my job is more about cultivating the gifts and talents inside each person entrusted to me than forcing my thoughts and opinions.

Come and Worship

One of my favorite Christmas songs is by Bebo Norman. The words are simple.

"Come and Worship"

We are invited to come. Come into His Holy Presence and worship the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Almighty!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaHKGNaYcrU

Angels from the
Realms of Glory
Wing your flight o'er the Earth
Ye who sang creation's story
Now proclaim the Messiah's birth

Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Worship Christ the Newborn King

Shepards in the
Fields abiding
Watching o'er the flocks by night
God with man is
Now residing
Yonder shines the infant light

Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Worship Christ the Newborn King

Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Worship Christ the Newborn King

Saints before the
Alter bending
Watching long in hope and fear
Suddenly the Lord descending
In His temple shall appear

Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Worship Christ the Newborn King

Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Come and Worship
Worship Christ...the Newborn King

Love and Serve

God has been messing up my heart in many ways these past few months.

I thought I loved people well. I don't.

I realized my attitude towards a co-worker was not right. First, the Lord showed me that I needed to stop talking about her when she frustrated me. I was doing good with that...then He showed me that really loving her would be not even having the thoughts of frustration and negativity. So we're doing good with that...then He said, well that's good but now I want you to care about her and her story. WHOA! Ok, I've stopped talking/thinking negatively about her and now I'm supposed to be her friend! Well, as soon as I began to care about her story a release of compassion flooded my heart.

I have found recently that in the most unusual situations I am concerned about someones story. Do they know Jesus? Do they need some hope?

Most recently this occurred while in a restaurant with my family. There was a lady sitting at the table next to me rolling the silverware. I began to wonder about her family, her story, did she have the hope of Jesus? Then I became so overwhelmed as I realized, no matter what her story was, her job was to serve me. She took a job rolling silverware to serve me. I am still getting over that moment of humility.

I have continued to ponder this moment, thinking about how often I am served on a daily basis compared to how often I serve.

The Lord is really sharpening the way I love people and the way I serve people. I am so thankful for His mercy and grace because I need it desperately everyday to love and serve those around me.

Holiness

Several Sundays ago I watched a dear couple I've known for many years walk into church. Their lives and marriage exude holiness and love. I honestly have no idea what areas of the church they serve or what many acts of kindness they have done over the years. While watching them and pondering their legacy God continued to press into me something He's been teaching me lately.
"Holiness is a way of being, not a way of doing"
While holiness does result in doing - my doing does not result in holiness. The holiness of Jesus drew sinner's to their knees. He was perfect and pure and yet the lowliest came to Him in desperation. I want my life to exude this kind of holiness. I want sinner's to be drawn to Jesus in me. This is a great post about the holiness of Jesus http://www.catalystspace.com/content/read/NOV10_article--what_kind_of_holiness_is_this--hirsch/

Seasons

Winter seems to be creeping in early this year. I love quiet winter mornings. Soft clouds blanket the sky, threaded with color as the sun quietly rises behind their warmth. It beckons me to slow down, to stop and rest. Winter is a season of rest. Though it is often harsh and barren it is a much needed time of pruning and restoration for the fruit bearing seasons of spring and summer.

Like the earth, our spiritual lives go through seasons. Though winter is often much harsher than the other seasons, it is vital for us to be thriving and fruit bearing for the Kingdom. I was reminded of this, this morning as I enjoyed a quiet early winter morning. Despite the barreness and ugliness that often surrounds winter, I find that I am drawn to the beauty of it. The beauty is not is what is seen, but in the closeness of the Father, tending to the soil of our hearts, restoring, pruning, preparing us for the beautiful Spring. So snuggle up with the Father during your long harsh winters, let Him have His way with you for there is always the promise of spring!

Heritage

Boston is steeped in heritage. Not only our country's heritage but as Believers our spiritual heritage. The Commonwealth of Boston was established by Puritans. Like every generation of Believers, they had their faults, however, they forged the way for us to be able to worship freely today. We passed many historical churches and toured The Old North Church. Many of these churches have been a place for Believers to come and worship for 300 years! As we walked through The Old North Church it was humbling to think of the number of saints who had sought after God in those pews. I pray I will leave behind a rich heritage for the next generation to follow in.

Inspiration

My affinity for Boston began in 1999 on a two day drive by while on a church trip. My heart quickly fell in love with its beauty, history and community feel. (I am a closet history nerd whose secret indulgence often involves the history channel). My heart has not been disappointed today! The beauty of Boston in the fall far surpassed my expectations! I realize how important times like this are for me. I love teaching but it drains every bit of creativity and passion that I have leaving very little to devote to other passions of my heart. Getting away to places that inspire my creativity and passions are so vital! Not to mention good time to enjoy my Father! More to come over the next few days! Enjoy some of my inspirations from today!