Just as a side note, you should check out the church's website for awesome links to resources and tons of things to help. We have links to ministries, conferences, resources for ministries and much more on the church's web resource link list here:
Blessings!
pd
Dustin Hedrick
This is a time where I am stirred up and as I write this quick snippet, I have to say that the more time I spend with other believers that are ON FIRE and the more time I spend reading the WORD, worshiping and praying in my newly finished prayer closet, I HAVE TO SAY I AM ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS AGAIN!
Now hear me, the article you are going to read is NOT my words, it the pastor at "Elevation Church." But, I have to agree with him. I mean, I hear already those of you stirred up at the thought of trying to fill seats and trying to raise money. THAT IS NOT WHAT I AM SAYING!
Read on to get the drift of this new drive of young leaders to REACH the communities around us. And yes, I AM ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS!
pd
_______________
Our church is all about the numbers.
The number of lives that Jesus can permeate and penetrate with the gospel.
The number of marriages that can be restored.
The number of teenagers following the Lord.
The number of depressed people that can find hope in Jesus.
The number of dads who don't give their kids any attention who will learn to order their lives by the Word of God and start prioritizing their families.
(Read more here: http://bit.ly/m97mB7 )
There is a difference between holding on to a principle and having a vision. A principle does not come from moral inspiration, but a vision does. People who are totally consumed with idealistic principles rarely do anything. A person's own idea of God and His attributes may actually be used to justify and rationalize his deliberate neglect of his duty. Jonah tried to excuse his disobedience by saying to God, ". . . I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness, One who relents from doing harm" (Jonah 4:2). I too may have the right idea of God and His attributes, but that may be the very reason why I do not do my duty.
But wherever there is vision, there is also a life of honesty and integrity, because the vision gives me the moral incentive.
Our own idealistic principles may actually lull us into ruin. Examine yourself spiritually to see if you have vision, or only principles.
Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?
"Where there is no revelation [or prophetic vision]. . . ." Once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless. We cast off certain restraints from activities we know are wrong. We set prayer aside as well and cease having God's vision in the little things of life. We simply begin to act on our own initiative. If we are eating only out of our own hand, and doing things solely on our own initiative without expecting God to come in, we are on a downward path. We have lost the vision. Is our attitude today an attitude that flows from our vision of God? Are we expecting God to do greater things than He has ever done before? Is there a freshness and a vitality in our spiritual outlook?
This is the firm and immovable secret of the Lord to those who trust Him- "I will give your life to you . . . ." What more does a man want than his life? It is the essential thing. ". . . your life . . . as a prize . . ." means that wherever you may go, even if it is into hell, you will come out with your life and nothing can harm it. So many of us are caught up in exhibiting things for others to see, not showing off property and possessions, but our blessings. All these things that we so proudly show have to go. But there is something greater that can never go- the life that "is hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
Are you prepared to let God take you into total oneness with Himself, paying no more attention to what you call the great things of life? Are you prepared to surrender totally and let go? The true test of abandonment or surrender is in refusing to say, "Well, what about this?" Beware of your own ideas and speculations. The moment you allow yourself to think, "What about this?" you show that you have not surrendered and that you do not really trust God. But once you do surrender, you will no longer think about what God is going to do. Abandonment means to refuse yourself the luxury of asking any questions. If you totally abandon yourself to God, He immediately says to you, "I will give your life to you as a prize . . . ." The reason people are tired of life is that God has not given them anything- they have not been given their life "as a prize." The way to get out of that condition is to abandon yourself to God. And once you do get to the point of total surrender to Him, you will be the most surprised and delighted person on earth. God will have you absolutely, without any limitations, and He will have given you your life. If you are not there, it is either because of disobedience in your life or your refusal to be simple enough.
Prayer and counseling ministry
If you need special prayer or ministry and you can't be at church on Sunday to have our prayer team pray for you on the spot, you can email letuspray@tapestrychurch.org.
If you need further counseling, deliverance or prophetic ministry, please simply let Lori know, lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org so we can schedule a time to meet with you.
Volunteers and future volunteers!
If you are interested in email distribution for the volunteer opportunities. please email lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org<mailto:lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org>. You will be added to mailing list and kept informed about the volunteering opportunities with the Tapestry Church.
Kiddos' volunteers needed
We are splitting our one kiddos class into 3! Our very patient 8 year old is tired of hanging out with the 3 year olds and our babies are starting to discover their voices! To pull this off right each Sunday we need 2 people to help with the babies. 2 people to help with our 2-5 year olds and 1 person to help with the 6-10 year olds. Please see the sign up sheet in the hall and/or email lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org<mailto:lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org>
COMING SOON!!!
Tapestry 101 - 401 - New Members Courses
Are you wanting to know what the Tapestry is all about and do you want to stop feeling like such a NEW-comer???? Well, come on and sign up for the Tapestry's NEW MEMBERS' courses. The first course is going to start this Spring and we want you to be a part. Even if you are an OLD-Timer and you really want to learn the heartbeat of the Tapestry and find your fit, sign up now!!!!! Our courses are called Tapestry 101-401 and we will be starting them SOON! Sign up today by emailing Lori @ lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org<mailto:lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org>. PD will love to have you! (They will likely be on Sunday Afternoons with lunch included!)
Building the Greeting, Welcoming and Follow up ministry.
Are you interested in making people smile? Do you like giving things away? Do you enjoy praying for people when they don't even know it? And do you love our church and want to increase the atmosphere? Well then, you are EXACTLY who we want to talk to for welcome/greeting ministry training. And yes, it is an EASY MINISTRY!!!!! If you love the heartbeat of Starbucks' atmosphere and experience, then you are the right person for this ministry. Sign up by emailing Lori @ lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org<mailto:lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org> and PD will be leading a training later this Spring 2011. Even if you are not interested in greeting at the church and simply want to work on some spiritual and interpersonal skills with relating to people, you should sign up for the training. You do NOT have to serve. We just want to learn. This is FOR YOU!
Personal Finance Seminar
Having trouble with that budget? Can you never keep money in your savings? Are you feeling a little under water when it comes to your debt situation? Would you like to be a bigger giver and a better steward of your finances? Would you like to learn how to save, budget and invest wisely in line with GOD's standards? Then, sign up now. We are developing a seminar for YOU! This one day seminar is focused on helping people find financial freedom in a Biblical way AND become blessed so they can BLESS! Email Lori @ lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org<mailto:lorihedrick@tapestrychurch.org> to sign up! PD will fill you in later on details.
Events:
New Comers Lunch
New to the Tapestry?
Old to the Tapestry but never heard the story?
Sunday May 1st
1:45 at PD's house.
Ladies pot luck at Lor's
Wednesday, May 4th, 7pm
PD is away, the Ladies will play
Please bring a yummy snack.
Look for Event on Tapestry's Facebook Soon
Worship School with Chris Dupre
May 9-13 ,2011
First 1 week worship school at Catch the Fire Toronto.
For more info contact David Huang
davohuang@gmail.com<mailto:davohuang@gmail.com>
Spiritual Retreat
May 13-15, 2011
Tapestry invites you to a church wide spiritual retreat to West Chester KOA about 2 hours from Kensington! Worship, Prayer, fellowship and family fun in the middle of God's Creation! Cost is $40.00 per adult if you plan to camp out ($30.00 for children under 17) or $65.00 if you want a Cabin. Cabins are limited so sign up soon. Children under 12 are free! Cost covers two nights, three days and includes all food and retreat activities. Please note that people are responsible for their own tents. Contact Seiji or Joan to sign up or for more information.
Wanna Play?
Sunday, May 22nd
Games and Pizza directly after service
Pizza and Soda provided!
Do you have the guts to play?
South Dakota Mission Trip: HELP!
The good news is that the Yamashita's are expecting their first baby! The bad news is that they will not be able to lead the missions trip to Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota this year. If you have a heart for children and ministering to them, and would like to be part of a team or lead a team to Pine Ridge, please contact Joan joanyamashita@tapestrychurch.org<mailto:joanyamashita@tapestrychurch.org>
Upcoming Vineyard Conferences in 2011
Project Timothy 2011
Aug 6 - Aug 13
The Barn, Landenberg, PA
The Passion City Church is really happening. There is a neat blog post with pictures from their recent event at this link. See it here.
http://www.passioncitychurch.com/blog/?p=803
I just thought it was nice to see the movement that is stirring from this church in Atlanta. Louie Giglio has been one of my long-time favorites in ministry and this is from the Good Friday event.
Check it out…
pd
Ruth 1:13
"...for it grieves me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me."
Worship for your Week
(This is a short list of a few songs that will hopefully help you as you have your own personal worship time no matter where you are. Even though it is Youtube, you can stream it in your car or while you travel and just listen).
I Will Follow | Chris Tomlin | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zx_04LdPV_Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Our GOD is Greater | Chris Tomlin | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Calling for a Flood | John Waller | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKkTeKbh3Ys&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Thought of the Week
(One of my positive thoughts for the week. My hope is to always lift, equip, inspire and encourage!)
TOPIC TITLE | Is It GOD Against Us or GOD's Positioning Movement? That's the Question...
This verse screams at me today. I have had the most interesting week and I have had so many obstacles to deal with that in my immediate reaction to them, I have thought to myself, "Why is GOD against me?????"
Now, at face value, we have probably all felt this way and to some degree, we have been a little miffed at GOD. Yet, what if the verse in Hebrews is right (Hebrews 12) and GOD does chasten those whom HE loves. What if this chastening is not just punishment as I perceive it, but HIM positioning us to be better able to receive what HE has in store for us. What if HIS positioning has more to do with HIS larger plan than just our immediate experience? What if we lived with the bigger picture instead of just the immediate need firmly in front of our eyes.
Naomi could not see the larger plan. As a matter of fact, if you look at the return in life for her immediate issue, it would seem that her life in essence was a waste. I mean, her DNA did not go any further. Her lineage stopped at the death of her sons. Her name ended. Her inheritance ended... It just seemed that she may have been a hiccup in GOD's plans.
Yet, the real question is... Where would Ruth have been without Naomi?
1 - Would she have gone back to her idols and left Naomi's GOD?
2 - Would she have ever learned the lifestyle and culture of the Jews?
3 - Would she have struggled and become a success working in the fields of Boaz?
4 - Would she have married or even met Boaz?
5 - Would Boaz have had a son named Obed?
6 - Would Obed have had a son named Jesse?
8 -Would David have been born? The King with the never ending lineage?
9 - And what of Jesus? No Ruth... No Mary & Joseph...
10 - Did this story that was told through the years affect each generation that heard it when they thought about GOD and in how they approached HIM? GOD brought beauty from "Great Great Grandma Ruth's Adopted Momma Naomi..."
The DNA may have died, BUT BOY DID THE STORY LIVE ON! Naomi could not see that without her husband and sons dying, she would have never led Ruth back to her homeland where she would meet destiny! Naomi, her husband and sons, stand in front of GOD, thanked for their part they played in redemptions story!!!!! And yet, their young deaths were perceived as GOD's hand against the family. Instead... GOD WAS FOR THIS FAMILY! It was all in the perspective!
Wow!
What about that?
Could it be that our struggles placed in full view of heaven are not at all dismal nor ugly to GOD, but these present discomforts are much more about creating a woven picture or a piece of art that united and completed, there might be something altogether redemptive? Could it be that chastening at the moment should be cherished because we can trust that our Beloved Heavenly Poppa has a plan we cannot see at the moment? And that chastening is not always because we did something wrong, but it ALWAYS CAN BE TRUSTED that it is for our best? Could it be that just because it looks bad right now, we should not fear. There is a larger story that will be told in the end?
Could it be?
Now...
Do you feel like you've lost it all and all there is left is to die? Don't give up. Look around you. Maybe there is a Ruth GOD has called you to invest in right now. In the middle of your trial, take them to your people and your faith. Show them the way to GOD. Be the bridge to their destiny.
I have always found that giving my life, time, resources and even my heart to invest in developing someone else through relationship always helps me see GOD's plan better even while still in discomfort.
It's just a thought...
Blessings!
pd
A couple notes and articles from Daeho this week:
Hope that we can pray for more church leaders and pastor/ priest to cover our community...
Dying? Plan ahead: Priests scarce for last rites
Just thought it was interesting...
U.K. astrophysicist wins $1.6 million religion prize
The reason I have these summaries here is that for all intents and purposes even though some of the companies that are listed here have their issues, the truth is that they largely have proven the theory true even if today they do not exist as totally great companies. In my mind that gives even more credence to the need for the thinking behind the book "Built to Last."
So, with that said, read these summaries, be stirred and do NOT be surprised as we confront brutal realities around us, review the metrics and the results of all we do and with great courage di into ways to approach everything we do with greatness.
For the Tapestry guys out there, if you have not gotten the book yet, I have a copy and can make sure you can get the CD's if you wish to listen to it. Just let me know and you can borrow mine!
Alright, hope this inspires!
dh
Excerpt from Wiki Summaries Below:
Chapter 1: Good is the Enemy of Great
The first chapter of the book lays out the criteria that Collins and his research team used in selecting the companies that served as the basis of the meta-analysis that provided the findings set forth in the book. The most important factor in the selection process was a period of growth and sustained success that far outpaced the market or industry average. Based on the stated criteria, the companies that were selected for inclusion were Abbott, Fannie Mae, Circuit City, Gillette, Kimberly-Clark, Kroger, Nucor, Philip Morris, Pitney Bowes,Walgreens, and Wells Fargo.
Collins also offers a few of the most significant findings gleaned from the study. Of particular note are the many indications that factors such as CEO compensation, technology, mergers and acquisitions, and change management initiatives played relatively minor roles in fostering the Good to Great process. Instead, Collins found that successes in three main areas, which he terms disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action, were likely the most significant factors in determining a company's ability to achieve greatness.
Chapter 2: Level 5 Leadership
In this chapter, Collins begins the process of identifying and further explicating the unique factors and variables that differentiate good and great companies. One of the most significant differences, he asserts, is the quality and nature of leadership in the firm. Collins goes on to identify "Level 5 leadership" as a common characteristic of the great companies assessed in the study. This type of leadership forms the top level of a 5-level hierarchy that ranges from merely competent supervision to strategic executive decision-making.
By further studying the behaviors and attitudes of so-called Level 5 leaders, Collins found that many of those classified in this group displayed an unusual mix of intense determination and profound humility. These leaders often have a long-term personal sense of investment in the company and its success, often cultivated through a career-spanning climb up the company's ranks. The personal ego and individual financial gain are not as important as the long-term benefit of the team and the company to true Level 5 leaders. As such, Collins asserts that the much-touted trend of bringing in a celebrity CEO to turn around a flailing firm is usually not conducive to fostering the transition from Good to Great.
Chapter 3: First Who, Then What
The next factor that Collins identifies as part of the Good to Great process is the nature of the leadership team. Specifically, Collins advances the concept that the process of securing high-quality, high-talent individuals with Level 5 leadership abilities must be undertaken before an overarching strategy can be developed. With the right people in the right positions, Collins contends that many of the management problems that plague companies and sap valuable resources will automatically dissipate. As such, he argues, firms seeking to make the Good to Great transition may find it worthwhile to expend extra energy and time on personnel searches and decision-making.
Collins also underscores the importance of maintaining rigorousness in all personnel decisions. He recommends moving potentially failing employees and managers to new positions, but not hesitating to remove personnel who are not actively contributing. He also recommends that hiring should be delayed until an absolutely suitable candidate has been identified. Hewing to both of these guidelines, Collins claims, will likely save time, effort, and resources in the long-term.
Chapter 4: Confront the Brutal Facts (Yet Never Lose Faith)
Another key element of some companies' unique ability to make the transition from Good to Great is the willingness to identify and assess defining facts in the company and in the larger business environment. In today's market, trends in consumer preferences are constantly changing, and the inability to keep apace with these changes often results in company failure. Using the example of an extended comparative analysis of Kroger and A & P, Collins observes that Kroger recognized the trend towards modernization in the grocery industry and adjusted its business model accordingly, although doing so required a complete transformation of the company and its stores. A & P, on the other hand, resisted large-scale change, and thus guaranteed its own demise.
Collins outlines a four-step process to promote awareness of emerging trends and potential problems: 1) Lead with questions, not answers; 2) Engage in dialogue and debate, not coercion; 3) Conduct autopsies without blame; and 4) Build red flag mechanisms that turn information into information that cannot be ignored.
Chapter 5: The Hedgehog Concept (Simplicity Within the Three Circles)
In this chapter, Collins uses the metaphor of the hedgehog to illustrate the seemingly contradictory principle that simplicity can sometimes lead to greatness. When confronted by predators, the hedgehog's simple but surprisingly effective response is to roll up into a ball. While other predators, such as the fox, may be impressively clever, few can devise a strategy that is effective enough to overcome the hedgehog's simple, repetitive response.
Similarly, Collins asserts, the way to make the transformation from Good to Great is often not doing many things well, but instead, doing one thing better than anyone else in the world. It may take time to identify the single function that will be a particular firm's "hedgehog concept," but those who do successfully identify it are often rewarded with singular success. In order to help expedite this process, Collins suggests using the following three criteria: 1) Determine what you can be best in the world at and what you cannot be best in the world at; 2) Determine what drives your economic engine; and 3) Determine what you are deeply passionate about.
Chapter 6: A Culture of Discipline
Another defining characteristic of the companies that Collins defined as great in his study was an overarching organizational culture of discipline. He is quick to point out that a culture of discipline is not to be confused with a strict authoritarian environment; instead, Collins is referring to an organization in which each manager and staff member is driven by an unrelenting inner sense of determination. In this type of organization, each individual functions as an entrepreneur, with a deeply rooted personal investment in both their own work and the company's success.
Although this discipline will manifest itself in a high standard of quality in the work that is produced by managers and employees alike, its most significant outcome will be an almost fanatical devotion to the objectives outlined in the "hedgehog concept" exercises. Disciplined workers will be better equipped to hew to these goals with a single-minded intensity that, according to Collins, will foster the transformation from merely Good to Great. In addition, the author asserts, it is important that within this overarching culture of discipline, every team member is afforded the degree of personal empowerment and latitude that is necessary to ensure that they will be able to go to unheard-of extremes to bring the firm's envisioned objectives into existence.
Chapter 7: Technology Accelerators
Today, many businesses have come to depend upon technology to increase efficiency, reduce overhead, and maximize competitive advantage. However, Collins cautions that technology should not be regarded as a potential panacea for all that ails a company. The folly of this kind of thinking was revealed in the aftermath of the crash of the tech bubble in the early 2000s. The market correction threw into sharp relief the differences between sustainable uses of the Internet to extend established businesses and ill-planned, unviable online start-ups.
Collins contends that the good-to-great companies approach the prospect of new and emerging technologies with the same prudence and careful deliberation that characterizes all of their other business decisions. Further, these companies tend to apply technology in a manner that is reflective of their "hedgehog concepts" -- typically by selecting and focusing solely upon the development of a few technologies that are fundamentally compatible with their established strengths and objectives. Collins characterizes the ideal approach to technology with the following cycle: "Pause -- Think -- Crawl -- Walk -- Run."
Chapter 8: The Flywheel and the Doom Loop
In this chapter, Collins describes two cycles that demonstrate the way that business decisions tend to accumulate incrementally in either an advantageous or a disadvantageous manner. Both, the author emphasizes, accrue over time. Despite the popular misperception that business success or failure often occurs suddenly, Collins asserts that it more typically occurs over the course of years, and that both only transpire after sufficient positive or negative momentum has been accrued.
Collins describes the advantageous business cycle that, in some cases, can foster the transition from Good to Great as "the flywheel effect." By making decisions and taking actions that reinforce and affirm the company's "hedgehog" competencies, executives initiate positive momentum. This, in turn, results in the accumulation of tangible positive outcomes, which serve to energize and earn the investment and loyalty of the staff. This revitalization of the team serves to further build momentum. If the cycle continues to repeat in this manner, the transition from Good to Great is likely to transpire. In contrast, the doom loop is characterized by reactive decision-making, an overextension into too many diverse areas of concentration, following short-lived trends, frequent changes in leadership and personnel, loss of morale, and disappointing results.
Chapter 9: From Good to Great to Built to Last
In the concluding chapter of Good to Great, Collins makes a connection between this book and his previous work, Built to Last, which represented the findings of a six-year study into the factors that determined whether a new company would survive in the long-term. First and foremost, Collins contends that companies need a set of core values in order to achieve the kind of long-term, sustainable success that may lead to greatness. Companies need to exist for a higher purpose than mere profit generation in order to transcend the category of merely good. According to Collins, this purpose does not have to be specific -- even if the shared values that compel the company toward success are as open-ended as being the best at what they do and achieving excellence consistently, that may be sufficient as long as the team members are equally dedicated to the same set of values.
Although many of the conclusions of both of the books overlap, Collins notes that Good to Great should not be seen as the follow-up to Built to Last, which focuses on sustaining success in the long-term. Instead, Good to Great actually functions as the prequel to Built to Last. First, a company should focus on developing the foundation that is necessary to work toward greatness. Then, they can begin to apply the principles of longevity that are set forth in Built to Last.
We need to learn this secret of the burning heart. Suddenly Jesus appears to us, fires are set ablaze, and we are given wonderful visions; but then we must learn to maintain the secret of the burning heart- a heart that can go through anything. It is the simple, dreary day, with its commonplace duties and people, that smothers the burning heart- unless we have learned the secret of abiding in Jesus.
Much of the distress we experience as Christians comes not as the result of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature. For instance, the only test we should use to determine whether or not to allow a particular emotion to run its course in our lives is to examine what the final outcome of that emotion will be. Think it through to its logical conclusion, and if the outcome is something that God would condemn, put a stop to it immediately. But if it is an emotion that has been kindled by the Spirit of God and you don't allow it to have its way in your life, it will cause a reaction on a lower level than God intended. That is the way unrealistic and overly emotional people are made. And the higher the emotion, the deeper the level of corruption, if it is not exercised on its intended level. If the Spirit of God has stirred you, make as many of your decisions as possible irrevocable, and let the consequences be what they will. We cannot stay forever on the "mount of transfiguration," basking in the light of our mountaintop experience (see Mark 9:1-9). But we must obey the light we received there; we must put it into action. When God gives us a vision, we must transact business with Him at that point, no matter what the cost.
We cannot kindle when we will The fire which in the heart resides, The spirit bloweth and is still, In mystery our soul abides; But tasks in hours of insight willed Can be through hours of gloom fulfilled.
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15
Perhaps you consider yourself a forgiving person, but you are now facing someone whom you cannot forgive. Whenever you struggle to forgive, you need to revisit what you were like when God first forgave you. Ephesians 2 indicates you were a "foreigner" and a "child of wrath." Yet God forgave your most grievous sin and rebellion against Him. While you were still rejecting God, Christ died for you (Rom. 5:8). This being so, how can you refuse to forgive those who sin against you? Forgiveness is not a spiritual gift, a skill, or an inherited trait. Forgiveness is a choice. Jesus looked down on those who had ruthlessly and mockingly nailed Him to a cross, yet He cried out: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do" (Luke 23:34). How, then, can we refuse to forgive those who have committed offenses against us?
Jesus said that the measure in which we are forgiving is the same standard God will use in forgiving us. God's ways are very different from ours. God's forgiveness is not based on standards we determine, but on the standards He established in His Word. God allows for no exceptions when it comes to forgiveness.
As we truly understand God's gracious forgiveness in our lives, we will naturally want to express this same forgiveness to others (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13). Before you ask God for His forgiveness, take a moment to examine the condition of your relationships. Would you want God to forgive you in the same way you are presently forgiving others?
If we lose "the heavenly vision" God has given us, we alone are responsible- not God. We lose the vision because of our own lack of spiritual growth. If we do not apply our beliefs about God to the issues of everyday life, the vision God has given us will never be fulfilled. The only way to be obedient to "the heavenly vision" is to give our utmost for His highest- our best for His glory. This can be accomplished only when we make a determination to continually remember God's vision. But the acid test is obedience to the vision in the details of our everyday life- sixty seconds out of every minute, and sixty minutes out of every hour, not just during times of personal prayer or public meetings.
"Though it tarries, wait for it . . ." (Habakkuk 2:3). We cannot bring the vision to fulfillment through our own efforts, but must live under its inspiration until it fulfills itself. We try to be so practical that we forget the vision. At the very beginning we saw the vision but did not wait for it. We rushed off to do our practical work, and once the vision was fulfilled we could no longer even see it. Waiting for a vision that "tarries" is the true test of our faithfulness to God. It is at the risk of our own soul's welfare that we get caught up in practical busy-work, only to miss the fulfillment of the vision.
Watch for the storms of God. The only way God plants His saints is through the whirlwind of His storms. Will you be proven to be an empty pod with no seed inside? That will depend on whether or not you are actually living in the light of the vision you have seen. Let God send you out through His storm, and don't go until He does. If you select your own spot to be planted, you will prove yourself to be an unproductive, empty pod. However, if you allow God to plant you, you will "bear much fruit" (John 15:8).
It is essential that we live and "walk in the light" of God's vision for us (1 John 1:7).
Someone I know has the opportunity to be on a TV show like this. It’s so inspiring. Everyone, please help her do it! You can go online and vote for her now. Here’s the information. (I am cutting and pasting this from one of my emails.
Hey Guys,
Below is a link and the attached email I received. One of our clients’ daughters has the chance to be on a TV show if we vote her on. She’s not winning yet, so, let’s all vote for her and see what happens!
Her name is Maureen. So PICK MAUREEN!
Thanks,
Blessings!
Pd
Make Your Favorite DJ a STAR!
Click Here to Vote for Maureen Online to be on a TV show on FOX DC
It’s called the Thread. As a matter of fact, you can sign up for it at: www.the-thread.com and I sent it off. It is attracting people from all over the world to my website: www.tapestrychurch.net. I am so happy!! I was up till the wee hours of the morning doing it and I did it through a group called: Constant Contact. I highly recommend them.
God is good!
I love 43things.com. I would never have gotten this done without the small bit of organization that this site has brought to my life.
He’s the greatest Jack Russell in the world and I am telling you, if you can ever get one trained, they can be the smartest, most loving and loyal dogs you will ever have. However, don’t underestimate their three-year-old-like brains, these little guys are VERY mischievious if not treated with enough love and attention.
Moose sits at my feet while I write music and play guitar!
pd
And it’s not simply becuase I personally love it, it’s the people, the atmosphere, the campus, the professors, the friends, the campus groups, the life, the seasons, the state it’s in, the level of education, the activities, the basketball team, the women’s soccer team, the value, and much more!
As you can see, I love my old school!
pd
I went on a cruise in 2000 on my honeymoon to the Caribbean on Royal Caribbean and it was absolutely wonderful! I will have to post pictures later. We went to: Curacao, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, Aruba, Cozumel and had a blast.
As a matter of fact, we are about to take another one in September! I highly recommend it!
pd
