Leadership runs deep

I've been trying to be very intentional with my study about leadership.  I want to make sure I have a good understanding of the younger generations and what their needs are, as well as trying to improve my leadership for those I've served with for years.

The first thing in my studies that is very consistent, is the need to embrace the fact that God gifted me to lead.  This has always been difficult for me because although I'm very opinionated, I prefer group leadership, owning and carrying out decisions made by a group instead of being "the" leader.  This is why I love serving as one of the Directors of Crossroads - group ownership is the best!

However, as I look at my life, I see over and over again that God keeps placing me in positions of leadership both at work and in my personal life, so AGAIN I'm stepping completely into that confidence and thanking the Lord for the opportunities.  AND, continuing to try to learn and develop.

Secondly, in my studies, I'm seeing again how important it is to work toward health in the Lord.

A firm, full-in commitment to studying His Word, really studying, not just reading and covering our ministry, my family, my country and friends in prayer.

And then, confessing constantly.

The other day I was praying and He brought to mind all these little things, wrong thoughts, jealousy, unkind words - seemingly trivial things if you begin to compare.  As He placed each one on my heart I began to confess them .....and I suddenly felt the weight of those 'little' sins.

Even a single unkind word - created a need for a Savior.  Remembering that all sin is equal in it's requirement of confession and forgiveness, caused me in that moment to really understand why my leadership, life and everything that comes out of my mouth must be glorifying to the Lord.

My desire to be healthy before my Lord, must include the physical as well.  I've been blessed with a very high metabolism, however, weight is not the only deciding factor for a call to better health.  I'm seeing more and more people my age who are not overweight developing 'lifestyle' related critical illnesses.  Some of which would possibly be prevented with a very healthy lifestyle.  I read recently, "For the first time in history as many people are suffering from too much food, as are from malnutrition" Rick Warren.  Too much food is a choice.  I am really, really going to attempt to provide healthy choices for my family as I cook and prepare our meals, snacks and 'outings' together.

The other thing I feel we should all take advantage of are opportunities like the Global Leadership Summit Simulcast - that we will broadcast for 2 days, Thursday and Friday, August 6 & 7th at Crossroads.  This event provides important leadership development whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a CEO of a large company.  Because it's not possible for our Crossroads leaders and attendees to all go away for a conference due to our busy schedules, we decided to bring it to us!

I'm asking you, PLEASE consider attending this with us.  To register or find out more about it click on this link, http://www.crossroadswired.com/summit and remember Crossroads attendees, we have a special code for a cheaper price!

Strong leadership (all of us have areas we lead in), healthy lifestyle, burying ourselves in Him = the life He created us to live.

abide

I haven't had even a couple of minutes to write recently.   I'm sure it means I'm not managing my time well, but here I am!

I've been occupied by many things including being concerned by several people around me that have been ill recently.  One seriously ill, the others more 'regular' sick.

In thinking about them and what they're going through, I'm not sure if anything brings focus and inner reflection like illness does.

The most serious thing I've ever had to deal with were the 2 night-time seizures I had over the past 3+ years.  The only residual effect they had was my friends lecturing me about going to bed earlier and avoiding stress, waking up with a chewed tongue and being confused for a few minutes.  (wait, actually that's a daily thing!  ha ha)

I cannot imagine what it's like to go through illness that's life threatening!

I would think it is completely consuming as if life stands still - takes a time-out, while you watch the goings-on from a far.  Being around it should bring perspective to those of us watching - revealing how we should spend our precious few years here on earth.  And forcing an evaluation of how our time is being spent.

Looking at my day as I sit on my deck I wonder what was eternal about it?

My determination to try to the best of my ability to prioritize my days to reflect that God is first place in my life - as if His existence is the driving force behind my choices is renewed once again as I think about my friends and pray for them.

I would love to not only trust Him each day, but actually, completely ABIDE in Him.  So I leave you tonight and plan to study about abiding…what does that look like and require - and am I capable of it?

If you too study about how to live a life of abiding completely in Him - please comment and share the information you find with all of us!  Let's learn together as we do this life together!

I'm often distracted

I probably get the most frustrated with myself when I get distracted.  Facebook, Twitter etc I can turn off.

My distractions are often things that cross my path that are none of my business, but I make them my business by trying to solve problems or asking dumb questions when I have PLENTY to do right in front of me.  It's often shocking to remember the world can survive without me managing everything…

recently I've had to confess to the Lord that I'm dwelling on things that feel unfair.

Like how our kids are working like crazy to pay baby bills and to secure a future for themselves while others we know similar in age choose not to marry, not to work and let the government pay for baby, send them to college free and put food on their tables, food that they are physically more then capable of working for.

Now with my mom's illness I can go down that path again.  She's loved the Lord and served Him faithfully her entire life - why cancer - feels unfair.  Then I realize how that line of thought must cause the Lord to be so disappointed in me.  Because if I had His Words hidden in my heart I would remember that the greatest reward for a life well lived is to be in His presence.  To be spared from evil here on earth.

To stand in front of Him and hear "well down my good and faithful servant" coming out of his mouth should make it the deepest desire of my heart, to get out of here, to be present with Him.

But the distractions of my life here on earth tantalize my attention away from Him - away from a deep understanding of how pale all of this is in comparison to Him.

My prayer today is for singular focus, and that I'll have an unquenchable desire for Him that deadlines, and gossip, and problems can't cause me to be distracted.

dis·trac·tion

1. extreme agitation of the mind or emotions.

   synonyms:

   frenzy, hysteria, mental distress, madness, insanity, mania;

trials

The Bible talks about how adversity and trials lead to maturity and a deeper understanding and trust in the Lord.

Trials also offer others an opportunity to pour into your life like no other time.

I find that when everything is going well I don't need anyones' help or care, or at least I don't think I do.  But the moment something goes wrong or I become weak - I need others around me to be strong and I need their help.

This may be why one of the greatest opportunities in ministry to serve is when there is illness or the loss of a loved one.  These difficult times make people extremely willing to 'let you in'...deeply in.

My hubby is the primary person on staff to organize and conduct funerals.  When I can, I go with him.  I understand now why it's so rewarding to assist people in this time of loss.  They are receptive, attentive and very interested in the Lord and in any reassurance you can give them regarding their loved ones final destination.  They need you.

I suppose since my main responsibilities are usually in a large service or event setting, these small intimate settings offer a more immediate response to our work.  You know where you stand, what you've accomplished and that it mattered that you were there.  Trials bring people close, and they never forget that you cared enough to be there and to help.

It is obviously never my desire for someone to experience loss, but I do thank God that my husband and I can share such a deep experience in others' lives.  That we can try to be the hands of the Lord when someone needs that kind of support....What a privilege.