Jack Hough’s article, “Why More is Less” in this month’s Smart Money magazine quotes a stat, I found very interesting:
"A study published in The Journal of Finance found that over the 35 years ended in 2003, shares of companies with little or negative asset growth in a given year outperformed those with fast asset growth by nearly 20 percentage points in the following year and continued outperforming for five years."What this means is companies who are increasing their ROI (returns on investment) with less stuff actually are better bets than those who gain in both returns and stuff.
Seems a bit logical, stuff takes time and money to maintain. It drains resources away from the mission of the company when it breaks down or is not functioning correctly.
There also seems to be a general principle here that translates over to the personal balance sheet, and it had me thinking of where I could maximize my ROI – God’s Kingdom. After all, He takes dirty ragamuffins, cleanses them and equips them for service for Him.
Maybe then I should be asking myself this question: are there areas where my earthy ‘assets’ are minimizing His Kingdom ROI?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Tuesday Twilight for His Highest
We had decided that as sisters, our last hurrah prior to my move would be to attend the midnight showing of the newest teen movie, Eclipse. My sister’s infatuation with the series was apparent. She had read all of the books, purchased the previous two movies and signed up to sit through 6 hours of the movies one and two of series that very night. While I found the story line of the novels entertaining, the actual prose left my literary palate dry. But tonight was not about words on a page, tonight was about the love story of the novels coming to life.
We left the theater at 2:30 AM with salt from popcorn on our fingers and me with a plastic taste in my mouth. Why did I still feel hallow after I had witness the resolution of an intense angsty love triangle? I should feel at ease in my post-Hollywood romantic euphoria.
I began to think through what might have affected my affections for a good dramatic story. What had taken the high out of Hollywood’s heroin? In the movie, the characters sacrificed their desires for the health and safety of others. Edward often chose, for good and for bad, to make decisions that would protect Bella both physically and morally. Yet, in the movie, each still yielded an end in other character.
This got me thinking of the passage that had awakened my heart from earlier in the evening. As I had lain down to store up slumber for the night, I reached the part of Oswald Chamber’s biography where he and his Biddy become engaged. Prior to their engagement, Chambers writes to Biddy:
I have nothing to offer you but my love and steady lavish service for Him. I can hear you say: Foxes have holes…but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.
I have His Word, let us both take it, subsequent days will prove His meaning in it – Let us go forth unto Him, without the camp, bearing His reproach. Mark it in your Bible and I will do the same, with the date.
The honesty of Chamber’s love, comes not only as a sacrifice of his affections for what is best for Biddy, but more so for his sacrifice of his affections in obedience to Christ. Here is where a true hero is found: love sought openly before the eyes of God, second to the love of Christ.
But what more could Chambers do for a God who had loved him so as to give His only Son Jesus Christ as a ransom from sin, lifted high on a Cross. True love, the Lamb, is laid upon the altar given over to the steadfast, unchangable, perfect Father. From His Highest who gave His most precious Son us, does He then not deserve our utmost?
We left the theater at 2:30 AM with salt from popcorn on our fingers and me with a plastic taste in my mouth. Why did I still feel hallow after I had witness the resolution of an intense angsty love triangle? I should feel at ease in my post-Hollywood romantic euphoria.
I began to think through what might have affected my affections for a good dramatic story. What had taken the high out of Hollywood’s heroin? In the movie, the characters sacrificed their desires for the health and safety of others. Edward often chose, for good and for bad, to make decisions that would protect Bella both physically and morally. Yet, in the movie, each still yielded an end in other character.
This got me thinking of the passage that had awakened my heart from earlier in the evening. As I had lain down to store up slumber for the night, I reached the part of Oswald Chamber’s biography where he and his Biddy become engaged. Prior to their engagement, Chambers writes to Biddy:
I have nothing to offer you but my love and steady lavish service for Him. I can hear you say: Foxes have holes…but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.
I have His Word, let us both take it, subsequent days will prove His meaning in it – Let us go forth unto Him, without the camp, bearing His reproach. Mark it in your Bible and I will do the same, with the date.
The honesty of Chamber’s love, comes not only as a sacrifice of his affections for what is best for Biddy, but more so for his sacrifice of his affections in obedience to Christ. Here is where a true hero is found: love sought openly before the eyes of God, second to the love of Christ.
But what more could Chambers do for a God who had loved him so as to give His only Son Jesus Christ as a ransom from sin, lifted high on a Cross. True love, the Lamb, is laid upon the altar given over to the steadfast, unchangable, perfect Father. From His Highest who gave His most precious Son us, does He then not deserve our utmost?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Reading through a book with several members of the launch team for "Seed Austin"
Title of Book- "Total Church" -Tim Chester and Steve Timmis
Enjoyed this line by by John Calvin taken from the book....
"Doctrine is not an affair, ' not of the tongue, but of life. It is not apprehended by the understanding and memory alone...but it is received only when it possesses the whole soul, and finds a seat and resting place in the inmost affection of the heart.. It must enter our heart and pass into our daily living, and so transform us into itself that it may not be unfruitful for us..." John Calvin
Title of Book- "Total Church" -Tim Chester and Steve Timmis
Enjoyed this line by by John Calvin taken from the book....
"Doctrine is not an affair, ' not of the tongue, but of life. It is not apprehended by the understanding and memory alone...but it is received only when it possesses the whole soul, and finds a seat and resting place in the inmost affection of the heart.. It must enter our heart and pass into our daily living, and so transform us into itself that it may not be unfruitful for us..." John Calvin
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Forgiveness
Only God can renew relationships...
Relationships that have been broken due to sin, betrayal, lies and just yucky stuff.
Thank you God for renewing an important relationship in my life and changing my heart to love him. Only God could of have done it. Thank you for allowing me to have the relationship that exists between us today.
*************************************************************************************
Such a great time in Omaha this Weekend- The "Seed Austin" Commissioning Ceremony!
Thank you God for the Coram Deo Church Community. Thank you for the leaders you've raised up, sent out, and now replaced with new leaders!
Relationships that have been broken due to sin, betrayal, lies and just yucky stuff.
Thank you God for renewing an important relationship in my life and changing my heart to love him. Only God could of have done it. Thank you for allowing me to have the relationship that exists between us today.
*************************************************************************************
Such a great time in Omaha this Weekend- The "Seed Austin" Commissioning Ceremony!
Thank you God for the Coram Deo Church Community. Thank you for the leaders you've raised up, sent out, and now replaced with new leaders!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Single servings
Tonight dreams are to be had on an air mattress in the playroom.
Being single and unencumbered in the ability to serve has really been a blessing today. I see that as we pack three car seats with children, rattles and sippy cups full of milk into the car and head to Walmart. Bananas and Mary Poppins await us.
I would not trade it right now.
Being single and unencumbered in the ability to serve has really been a blessing today. I see that as we pack three car seats with children, rattles and sippy cups full of milk into the car and head to Walmart. Bananas and Mary Poppins await us.
I would not trade it right now.
Don't you love it when......
You are having a conversation with someone.
All of a sudden it turns to God.
All of a sudden you are in this deep conversation about the Glory of God.
All of a sudden you are proclaiming the gospel to someone.
Then you say to yourself... That was totally all God. I don't know how in the world I could of possibly articulated all of that...
That's one of those moments you see the evidence of God's Grace... the Holy Spirit working inside you and telling you what to say. Then you are reminded that it is not "me" that changes hearts. Only God.
Had this moment last Saturday and God used me to share the gospel. Incredibly humbled.
Even more it happened here as we were watching the sunset!!!!
http://www.oasis-austin.com/
All of a sudden it turns to God.
All of a sudden you are in this deep conversation about the Glory of God.
All of a sudden you are proclaiming the gospel to someone.
Then you say to yourself... That was totally all God. I don't know how in the world I could of possibly articulated all of that...
That's one of those moments you see the evidence of God's Grace... the Holy Spirit working inside you and telling you what to say. Then you are reminded that it is not "me" that changes hearts. Only God.
Had this moment last Saturday and God used me to share the gospel. Incredibly humbled.
Even more it happened here as we were watching the sunset!!!!
http://www.oasis-austin.com/
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
It is Finished
I loved the message of these lyrics that I sang at Reedeemer last Sunday:
It is Finished
James Proctor
Nothing, either great or small - nothing, sinner, no;
Jesus died and paid it all, long, long ago.
When he, from his lofty throne,
Stooped to do and die,
Everything was fully done; hearken to his cry!
It is finished; stand in him complete
He, and he alone, is all you need
"It is finished!" yes, indeed; finished, every jot;
Sinner, this is all you need; tell me, is it not?
Weary, working, burdened one,
Wherefore toil you so?
Cease your doing; all was done, long, long ago.
It is finished; stand in him complete
He, and he alone, is all you need
Till to Jesus' work you cling by simple faith,
"Doing" is a deadly thing - "doing" ends in death.
It is finished; stand in him complete
He, and he alone, is all you need
It is Finished
James Proctor
Nothing, either great or small - nothing, sinner, no;
Jesus died and paid it all, long, long ago.
When he, from his lofty throne,
Stooped to do and die,
Everything was fully done; hearken to his cry!
It is finished; stand in him complete
He, and he alone, is all you need
"It is finished!" yes, indeed; finished, every jot;
Sinner, this is all you need; tell me, is it not?
Weary, working, burdened one,
Wherefore toil you so?
Cease your doing; all was done, long, long ago.
It is finished; stand in him complete
He, and he alone, is all you need
Till to Jesus' work you cling by simple faith,
"Doing" is a deadly thing - "doing" ends in death.
It is finished; stand in him complete
He, and he alone, is all you need
Kansas City Trip Reflections
Saturday night we were in the P&L district celebrating a friend's 30th birthday. By midnight, I was ready to go back to the hotel room. (I was ready at 7:00 when the bachelorette parties showed up!)
One of the girls I had met that night was also ready to leave when I was ready. Because she drove and parked under the P&L, it made the safest sense for me to walk with her to her car and then for her to drive me to my hotel. That way we would both be safe.
On the walk to the car and ride to the hotel, she began asking about my move to Austin and what type of church it was. That discussion led to a discussion about guilt and the burden of living with guilt. I shared that I was freed from that guilt by friends who openned the Bible with me and showed me that when Christ said on the Cross 'It is Finished,' He meant the price was paid. Now we can say, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) This led to the whole Gospel story.
As I got out of the car, I thought $140 for a room to be able to be used to deliver a priceless message. Hmmmm, God does know what He's doing and how much it would cost.
One of the girls I had met that night was also ready to leave when I was ready. Because she drove and parked under the P&L, it made the safest sense for me to walk with her to her car and then for her to drive me to my hotel. That way we would both be safe.
On the walk to the car and ride to the hotel, she began asking about my move to Austin and what type of church it was. That discussion led to a discussion about guilt and the burden of living with guilt. I shared that I was freed from that guilt by friends who openned the Bible with me and showed me that when Christ said on the Cross 'It is Finished,' He meant the price was paid. Now we can say, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1) This led to the whole Gospel story.
As I got out of the car, I thought $140 for a room to be able to be used to deliver a priceless message. Hmmmm, God does know what He's doing and how much it would cost.
So much to be thankful for....
God's Grace has been crazy all over the place in the last few weeks!
He has given me so much confidence to move to Austin, TX. Yes, I love so many people in Omaha (Momma V and Dad!) and in my past when I lived in Lincoln I would cry the whole 45 mins drive from Omaha to Lincoln because I didn't want to leave. When we trust in God, when we believe in Him...oh how does life change! He has blessed me tremendously. I've cried only twice moving to Austin (small cries!!-That's huge for me ), and immediately He turned those tears to joy. I have seen God's Grace over me through placing me in the perfect home with two wonderful people (Kendal's mom and step dad)till my room mates come down. He has taught me so much in living with them. He has pointed out selfish pride, He has given me time to rest, He has given me time to read His word, He has given me time to explore the city before others from the launch team arrive. He has pointed me to people that need to hear the gospel. He has blessed me with the beautiful drive to work along Highway 360. He has surrounded me with strangers that I already love. He has taught me that when you make scotcharoo's you use corn syrup NOT CORN OIL. God's Grace has been clearly evident to me. He has blessed me for taking a step in faith to go to Austin. My only prayer is that this excitement will continue to grow ..... That this growth will be rooted deeply in the gospel .... As it grows it will produce joy that only comes knowing the meaning of the Gospel... Joy that will keep me on the edge of my seat to share His grace and proclaim the Gospel.
I am in love with God !
He has given me so much confidence to move to Austin, TX. Yes, I love so many people in Omaha (Momma V and Dad!) and in my past when I lived in Lincoln I would cry the whole 45 mins drive from Omaha to Lincoln because I didn't want to leave. When we trust in God, when we believe in Him...oh how does life change! He has blessed me tremendously. I've cried only twice moving to Austin (small cries!!-That's huge for me ), and immediately He turned those tears to joy. I have seen God's Grace over me through placing me in the perfect home with two wonderful people (Kendal's mom and step dad)till my room mates come down. He has taught me so much in living with them. He has pointed out selfish pride, He has given me time to rest, He has given me time to read His word, He has given me time to explore the city before others from the launch team arrive. He has pointed me to people that need to hear the gospel. He has blessed me with the beautiful drive to work along Highway 360. He has surrounded me with strangers that I already love. He has taught me that when you make scotcharoo's you use corn syrup NOT CORN OIL. God's Grace has been clearly evident to me. He has blessed me for taking a step in faith to go to Austin. My only prayer is that this excitement will continue to grow ..... That this growth will be rooted deeply in the gospel .... As it grows it will produce joy that only comes knowing the meaning of the Gospel... Joy that will keep me on the edge of my seat to share His grace and proclaim the Gospel.
I am in love with God !
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Thoughts on the Process God is Taking me through
I have been reflecting on what Alicia said, which is that it's odd that out of a team of 16 people from Omaha: 5 are on staff, 1 has a job (Micah), and 10 people are without jobs at this point.
That is a high number of people to be planning to move in the next two months that don't have gainful employment at this point. BUT here's the thing, God has ordained this to happen. It is evident in Walker's and Kendal's approval to gather a team together from Acts 29. It is evident in Coram releasing them and the Paladinos from the church to move to Austin. It is evident by the Walkers selling their house so quickly. So what shall we then say, if God is for us, who then can be against us?
That is a high number of people to be planning to move in the next two months that don't have gainful employment at this point. BUT here's the thing, God has ordained this to happen. It is evident in Walker's and Kendal's approval to gather a team together from Acts 29. It is evident in Coram releasing them and the Paladinos from the church to move to Austin. It is evident by the Walkers selling their house so quickly. So what shall we then say, if God is for us, who then can be against us?
Saturday, April 3, 2010
EGG #2
God showing me that everything I do, everything I have.... is His Grace. We deserve absolutely nothing, yet He gives me a computer to type on ... a job.... money to provide food.... a fun new skirt ......friends.....I have been praying for the last few months that God would reveal a sense of awe for Him deep within me and deep Gratitude. He is working!!!!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Evidence of God's Grace (EGG) #1
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Relationships-How God shows us his character through others. When reading last night : Genesis 33:10 "And what a relief to see your friendly your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God". I think of all my friends and how God gives me so many smiles through them!
Relationships-How God shows us his character through others. When reading last night : Genesis 33:10 "And what a relief to see your friendly your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God". I think of all my friends and how God gives me so many smiles through them!
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