I have to do this! Nothing excites me more. When the opportunity comes up my heart flutters with anticipation. I feel like this is what I was made for.
It happened again yesterday.
Dennis and I were at City Life church in downtown Grand Rapids where Adam and Christy Lipscomb pastor. I introduced myself to a gal named Sonja who is going through the one-year program at the Mel Trotter mission just blocks away. An addict to cocaine and alcohol, this African American mother and grandmother shared with me how after four jail sentences last year, she wanted to get her life straightened out. Seven months into the program she has reached "level 3" which gives her new privileges, one being able to attend a church outside of the mission facility. This was her second week to be at City Life.
We sat across from each other at the FallFest cookout after the service. With a band in the background and people from all walks of life sitting at tables set up on an old broken up parking lot, we engaged in conversation. I learned more of this 41-year-old's life - a life affected by the need to get high and escape her troubles - one that has had ramifications for her five children. She says, "God is good. He's in my life now. With his help I'm going to change the direction of my life."
Nothing excites me more than to see life-change from the inside out. I love to come along side others to guide, encourage, and support. I love connecting them to a God who is the ultimate transformer! I believe that God truly does make a person into a “new creation” through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). C.S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity wrote an entire chapter entitled “The New Man” where he states that it’s “not mere improvement, but transformation.” Transformation. That’s what I love to be a part of – an agent of God’s love and grace that changes lives, marriages, families. That’s what I’m passionate about! Whether it's teaching, mentoring, writing, or counseling, transformation is the focus of my life.
Passions form the focus of our lives. They give shape to our strengths. They represent those ideas, values, desires that we are most passionate about. They give our heart energy, enthusiasm, and an eagerness for life – our passions move us forward, giving motivation and direction to life. They give us that "This is what I was made for" feeling. Nothing is more rewarding than serving in the mix of our passions and strengths.
God placed those passions in your heart for a reason. What are you passionate about?
9.29.2008
9.24.2008
Summer's Back!
Summer's officially over, but this week has been beautiful!
Yeaaaa sunshine and warmer temps!
We're going apple picking on Saturday! Something we started doing way back when with our kids and now it's tradition, kids or not.
Yeaaaa sunshine and warmer temps!
We're going apple picking on Saturday! Something we started doing way back when with our kids and now it's tradition, kids or not.
9.22.2008
Knowing who you are...
Sometimes people ask (at least I do), "So, what am I good at?" This answer may come easier for some than others. The thing I like about the StrengthsFinder profile is that it not only gives clarification to your strengths, but definition to what a particular strength looks like.
Once I took the online questionnaire, got my results, read the descriptions, I was like... "Oh my word! This really describes how I think, relate, and engage in life!" The following list describes my top five strengths - those yearnings that I had even as a child, the reactions that come so spontaneously, the responses that come naturally, and that which satisfies my desire to make a difference in this world. The combination of all five is what makes me unique. Drum roll please...
Empathy - I can sense the feelings of other people by imagining myself in others' lives or others' situations. I hear the unvoiced questions. I anticipate the need. Ahhh... this one explains my tears. At times I sense the joy or tragedy in another's life more poignantly than even the person does! It's not sympathy, but understanding. I help others give voice to their emotional life. And, if you ask me what my "gut feeling" is, I'm usually right. Wow!
Intellection - I'm energized by thinking (thus, the title given to my blog:) and I appreciate intellectual discussions (though I'm not one for pessimists and cynics). Actually, I need a few long stretches in my week to simply muse, which explains the reason I'm not a daily person and would not enjoy a nine-to-five job. For however it may be hard for one to believe, I find simply musing very productive. I love to read! And I love discussing my strengths (and yours, too, if you like). Yawn... am I boring you?
Restorative - I absolutely love bringing resolution to challenging obstacles. I won't only help you define the problem, but I'll help you solve it. I love watching people "get it," then taking steps to change.
Connectedness - My Christian faith leans into this strength. There's a reason for all things. One dot connects to another. I can build cultural bridges and I like to feel part of something larger than myself. This may explain why I love history, even though I can't remember exactly what, when, or who.
Responsibility - With this one I've got to be careful how much I take on, because I will deliver no matter what. And quality is important to me, so don't rush me please!
As I look back over the years of my life I can see these strengths lived out in many ways. They have been there all along... it's just taken time to hone them, which is the work of a lifetime. Even greater is the overlap I see when it comes to my spiritual gifts and passions (more to be said on these). They all form a thread that make up the fabric of my life.
I can see how these strengths have enhanced our marriage and how they've been influential in my parenting role. Certainly these have played out well in the work of the church, something Dennis and I have been doing for over 30 years. In this new season of life, I see these strengths played out even more. God has a way of bringing us to a place where the depth of development and the years of experience empower the deepest impact.
The thing I like best about knowing who you are, is that you recognize how God uniquely made you to do your part in bringing His kingdom to the world. Then it's doesn't stop short in only being about me, but realizing that I am who I am for the sake of others.
Father, thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in my mother's womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Thank you that you made me, love me and use me.
Psalm 139:14-16
Once I took the online questionnaire, got my results, read the descriptions, I was like... "Oh my word! This really describes how I think, relate, and engage in life!" The following list describes my top five strengths - those yearnings that I had even as a child, the reactions that come so spontaneously, the responses that come naturally, and that which satisfies my desire to make a difference in this world. The combination of all five is what makes me unique. Drum roll please...
Empathy - I can sense the feelings of other people by imagining myself in others' lives or others' situations. I hear the unvoiced questions. I anticipate the need. Ahhh... this one explains my tears. At times I sense the joy or tragedy in another's life more poignantly than even the person does! It's not sympathy, but understanding. I help others give voice to their emotional life. And, if you ask me what my "gut feeling" is, I'm usually right. Wow!
Intellection - I'm energized by thinking (thus, the title given to my blog:) and I appreciate intellectual discussions (though I'm not one for pessimists and cynics). Actually, I need a few long stretches in my week to simply muse, which explains the reason I'm not a daily person and would not enjoy a nine-to-five job. For however it may be hard for one to believe, I find simply musing very productive. I love to read! And I love discussing my strengths (and yours, too, if you like). Yawn... am I boring you?
Restorative - I absolutely love bringing resolution to challenging obstacles. I won't only help you define the problem, but I'll help you solve it. I love watching people "get it," then taking steps to change.
Connectedness - My Christian faith leans into this strength. There's a reason for all things. One dot connects to another. I can build cultural bridges and I like to feel part of something larger than myself. This may explain why I love history, even though I can't remember exactly what, when, or who.
Responsibility - With this one I've got to be careful how much I take on, because I will deliver no matter what. And quality is important to me, so don't rush me please!
As I look back over the years of my life I can see these strengths lived out in many ways. They have been there all along... it's just taken time to hone them, which is the work of a lifetime. Even greater is the overlap I see when it comes to my spiritual gifts and passions (more to be said on these). They all form a thread that make up the fabric of my life.
I can see how these strengths have enhanced our marriage and how they've been influential in my parenting role. Certainly these have played out well in the work of the church, something Dennis and I have been doing for over 30 years. In this new season of life, I see these strengths played out even more. God has a way of bringing us to a place where the depth of development and the years of experience empower the deepest impact.
The thing I like best about knowing who you are, is that you recognize how God uniquely made you to do your part in bringing His kingdom to the world. Then it's doesn't stop short in only being about me, but realizing that I am who I am for the sake of others.
Father, thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous - and how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in my mother's womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. Thank you that you made me, love me and use me.
Psalm 139:14-16
9.18.2008
Another Fellow Strengths Finder
One of the blogs that I check quite frequently is Anne Jackson's (no relation). Anne has a book coming out in 2009 called Mad Church Disease, and out of the several blogs I read, hers gets more comments than any other I know. In her most recent post she refers to one of her strengths, Connectedness, which is also one of my top five (see post below)!
Cool.... check her post out... funny story. I agree with her husband - maybe crazy rather than connectedness.
A quick description of Connectedness - People strong in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason.
I knew there was a reason I checked Anne's blog today!
Cool.... check her post out... funny story. I agree with her husband - maybe crazy rather than connectedness.
A quick description of Connectedness - People strong in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason.
I knew there was a reason I checked Anne's blog today!
9.16.2008
Playing into Your Strengths
I think it's safe to say that most of us could easily rattle off a list of our weaknesses. And, it's our weaknesses that we so easily focus on with the effort to make ourselves better. But, if you think about it, we call them weaknesses because it's really not something we're good at. Why is it that we play to our weaknesses rather than our strengths?
I don't like math. Never have, never will. I don't like the scientific side of things. So, why in the world was I always worried and focused on trying to understand math better? Why did I begin to pursue a nursing degree after high school? I didn't like pharmacology or chemistry. I don't even have the gift of mercy, which I would think is an important virtue to being a nurse. Dennis dreads being sick because I'm just not the greatest caregiver.
If I had life to do over again (and there are only a few things I would do over... getting braces is one of them), I wish I would have understood my strengths as a young adult and leaned into them then, rather than in my 50's. But it's okay... there's lots of life left and sometimes it just takes the journey of life to figure it all out. But, a helpful tool that may have helped me to discover my strengths earlier in life (if it had been published then) is the book Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, along with the StrengthsFinder Profile, an online talent assessment tool that helps you find where you have the greatest potential for a strength (the book comes with a ID code than enables you to take the assessment - check out the profile website for other books that connect with the profile assessment).
Discovering my strengths has revolutionized my life. In fact, where I sit at my desk in my study, I can see an 8x10 sheet of paper tacked on the back of my book shelf listing my five signature themes - my five most dominant themes of talent. It's just a reminder to concentrate on what I do best, not my weaknesses. The book and the profile tool not only highlighted my strengths, but validated my significance in this world, giving me a fresh confidence to function in what comes most naturally to me, which leads to a more fruitful and fulfilling life!
You may be asking, "Hmm, what are Gwen's strengths?" Well, out of the 34 possible themes, I discovered five that fit me to a T... next time.
I don't like math. Never have, never will. I don't like the scientific side of things. So, why in the world was I always worried and focused on trying to understand math better? Why did I begin to pursue a nursing degree after high school? I didn't like pharmacology or chemistry. I don't even have the gift of mercy, which I would think is an important virtue to being a nurse. Dennis dreads being sick because I'm just not the greatest caregiver.
If I had life to do over again (and there are only a few things I would do over... getting braces is one of them), I wish I would have understood my strengths as a young adult and leaned into them then, rather than in my 50's. But it's okay... there's lots of life left and sometimes it just takes the journey of life to figure it all out. But, a helpful tool that may have helped me to discover my strengths earlier in life (if it had been published then) is the book Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton, along with the StrengthsFinder Profile, an online talent assessment tool that helps you find where you have the greatest potential for a strength (the book comes with a ID code than enables you to take the assessment - check out the profile website for other books that connect with the profile assessment).
Discovering my strengths has revolutionized my life. In fact, where I sit at my desk in my study, I can see an 8x10 sheet of paper tacked on the back of my book shelf listing my five signature themes - my five most dominant themes of talent. It's just a reminder to concentrate on what I do best, not my weaknesses. The book and the profile tool not only highlighted my strengths, but validated my significance in this world, giving me a fresh confidence to function in what comes most naturally to me, which leads to a more fruitful and fulfilling life!
You may be asking, "Hmm, what are Gwen's strengths?" Well, out of the 34 possible themes, I discovered five that fit me to a T... next time.
9.10.2008
Life Rhythms...
With my last entry lamenting the end of summer, I must say that I do enjoy the seasons, and even though I'm sad to see summer come to an end, I am looking forward to fall.For one thing, I was gone almost seven weeks this past summer... all good things, but I'm ready for a new season in which I can settle into a fulfilling and content rhythm at home and in our ministry role in the district.
Seasons are good. They give us permission to revise, to begin again, to refocus. Seasonal people (which I am), think, live, and work in "seasons," not necessarily in sync with the four calendar seasons (although this is often the case), but nonetheless, seasons... whether it's three months or a year. David Drury, pastor, writer, and author, first put me onto this with an article he wrote, Life Rhythm Theory, which he prefaces as an "unfinished piece." Still, I found it very valuable. Check it out at this site - it's a fascinating thought, and one that has given new dimensions as to how I function in life. From his descriptions, it became quite clear that I was a seasonal person. You may find that you are daily, weekly/monthly, or seasonal/yearly. One's not better than another... it's just the way we do life.
This new awareness enables me to function as I was made to! For too long I tried to fit into the daily person box and it just didn't work for me. This discovery has:
- given me permission to order my life around seasons
- freed me from being a guilt ridden non-daily person
- impacted how I enter in and engage in my spiritual growth
- allowed me to dive energetically into a season with a task in mind, knowing that when the season is over... task completed!
- empowered me to put perimeters on my commitments (I know that I work/serve best in a season that has an end to it)
- no wonder I love being a student (semesters with breaks :)
After reading Dave's article, let me know what you discover to be your life rhythm.
9.08.2008
Summer...
It feels like summer is over, though not officially until September 22. But...
We love living in the lakeshore area, especially in the summer. Walks on the pier, a stroll on the beach or deciding what produce to buy at the Saturday morning Farmer's Market are a few of our favorite things to do.
I love summer! I'm sad to see it come to an end. Maybe an Indian summer (that sunny warm weather that comes in the fall, usually after the first frost) is in store for us... oh, but widipedia tells me that an Indian summer comes "not long before winter." Rats! They did have to say that, didn't they?
- when we see those yellow buses up and running
- and when the township parks dismantle the fee boxes
- and when the calendar shows September and Labor Day weekend is over
- and when it turns rainy and cold the first week in September
We love living in the lakeshore area, especially in the summer. Walks on the pier, a stroll on the beach or deciding what produce to buy at the Saturday morning Farmer's Market are a few of our favorite things to do.
I love summer! I'm sad to see it come to an end. Maybe an Indian summer (that sunny warm weather that comes in the fall, usually after the first frost) is in store for us... oh, but widipedia tells me that an Indian summer comes "not long before winter." Rats! They did have to say that, didn't they?
9.03.2008
The Benefits of Cinnamon...
This may be justifying my Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Latte habit, but I've been hearing lately that cinnamon has some good nutritional benefits. The Yahoo! news this morning caught my eye and confirmed my thoughts - "sprinkle some cinnamon..." under the headline, 9 foods that help burn fat.Here's what the Hungry Girl has to say about CINNAMON:
Sure this stuff tastes good -- that's why it's found in SO many things. But those chefs might not know that their sprinkling of cinnamon is helping the body process sugar more effectively and lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can lead to the body storing more fat, so maybe put together a little shaker of cinnamon and Splenda to sprinkle on your favorite foods! Then whip up some fat-burning cinnamon toast by using your new concoction on whole-wheat bread!
So, there you have it. Okay, so I know the caloric intake of a CDL (especially with the whipped topping!) isn't the greatest, but just maybe the cinnamon offsets the sugar content enough to make a difference.
I'd like to think so, anyway.
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