“Are we there yet”? I can’t tell you how many times I have heard those words. I am sure that every parent on the planet has heard them enough to last a lifetime. I remember saying over and over “we will get there when we get there.” With five kids you can only imagine how a long drive might have gone for us.
Not much has changed in the last 18 years, I still am hearing are we there yet. The only problem is I can recognize the voice and I realize that it’s mine. I am always asking God are we there yet? I catch myself wanting to get “there”, wherever “there” is, sooner or faster. I am not sure what my problem is, but I do know that lots of us suffer from the same affliction. We want to be God.
I don’t know about you but when I was told that I wanted to be God I was a little uncomfortable with that idea. How could anyone think that I wanted to be God? After all I love God and I’m a pastor and all. How could anyone even think that? Then I began to think and reason with myself.
If I constantly want to know why God is taking so long and I keep wondering why he doesn’t move in the time I want, then I must know better than God what’s good for me. After all if I’ve trusted Him, I mean really trusted Him I would just sit in my seat and enjoy the view.
In my head I always know that God loves me and is doing what He knows to be right for me, but sometimes I just need to let that thought settle into my heart. I have to give myself to Him without holding anything back. For me that was the real eye opener. If I was impatient with God’s timing not only did I want to be God and hurry things up I was not giving myself to Him so he would be able to work fully in my life.
When I look back at my own history I can see where I tried to play God and do it on my own and in my timing, and for me this is not a pretty picture. I have a knack of making things so complicated. I am sure none of you know what I mean at all. However, when I look at the times I have let God be God and let Him direct my life as He sees fit, what a grand picture it is with a wonderful view along the way.
If you find yourself like me trying to drive the car and still asking “are we there yet?” here is the good news. Fixing this is easy. Slide over in the seat to the passenger’s side and let God do the driving and whenever you feel the need to ask God “are we there yet”, just do something productive with that energy like clean the widow so you can really enjoy the view.
I am sure you don’t want God to have to tell you again “we will get there when “you” get there”.
God’s Blessings to you all
PG (Pastor Gordon)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Book Recommendation
I have read a lot of books in the last 15 years… and I have never felt so strongly about recommending a book as I do right now. The book that I would encourage you all to purchase and read is “The Shack” by William P. Young.
A copy of this book was loaned to me and I began reading it as a favor to that individual. After all it’s the least I can do; you know help this person out and give them my option. Most times my opinion is worth just what you paid for and it’s always free advice. As I got into the book I soon learned that the favor being done was by the person who gave me this book.
It’s a gripping fictional story that has great truths stated in the simplest of terms. I believe it has something for everyone, the mature Christ Follower, and the new explorer. I found myself challenged, driven to learn more and was hungry for the Bible to support the new things I was learning.
That is a good indicator for me that I have grown as a result of reading a book, any book. Am I compelled to seek answers in the Bible? Now there has been a time or two that I have not been able to support what I was learning with the word of God. Does that mean I didn’t grow? Not at all. If something I read causes me to seek God’s word for answers then for me that’s growth. I then threw out what I read as not true and hung onto God and His truth. In reading this book I did not have to disregard anything that I was learning. I found it to be a good challenge, as well as supportive to God’s word. It was a good read and helped me grow.
In the reading of this book I didn’t find anything that is contrary to God’s word. This is not to say I didn’t get a little stretched. I did. Was I challenged? I was. Did I grow? I did, and think you will too.
So there it is a book of the month recommendation. As a Faith Community we will be purchasing these books and be making them available to you to buy for yourself and an extra to give away.
A copy of this book was loaned to me and I began reading it as a favor to that individual. After all it’s the least I can do; you know help this person out and give them my option. Most times my opinion is worth just what you paid for and it’s always free advice. As I got into the book I soon learned that the favor being done was by the person who gave me this book.
It’s a gripping fictional story that has great truths stated in the simplest of terms. I believe it has something for everyone, the mature Christ Follower, and the new explorer. I found myself challenged, driven to learn more and was hungry for the Bible to support the new things I was learning.
That is a good indicator for me that I have grown as a result of reading a book, any book. Am I compelled to seek answers in the Bible? Now there has been a time or two that I have not been able to support what I was learning with the word of God. Does that mean I didn’t grow? Not at all. If something I read causes me to seek God’s word for answers then for me that’s growth. I then threw out what I read as not true and hung onto God and His truth. In reading this book I did not have to disregard anything that I was learning. I found it to be a good challenge, as well as supportive to God’s word. It was a good read and helped me grow.
In the reading of this book I didn’t find anything that is contrary to God’s word. This is not to say I didn’t get a little stretched. I did. Was I challenged? I was. Did I grow? I did, and think you will too.
So there it is a book of the month recommendation. As a Faith Community we will be purchasing these books and be making them available to you to buy for yourself and an extra to give away.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What I learned on vacation
It is good to be writing again. I took a few days off to see what it would be like to have a mini vacation. I found out some interesting things about myself on this vacation.
One thing is that I like time off. I never grew up in a household that took vacations. All of my father’s time off was working vacations, a chance to get caught up around the home. I enjoyed having a chance to watch people and just slow down. Now I am not looking to make a big lifestyle change and just wear white double knit pants and eat dinner at 4pm, but I can see taking time off to set my life in balance again.
Another thing I learned is that there is so much to see and experience. I look forward to exploring more. It is so much fun to ask people about their town and see them light up as they tell you all about it. People are most generally proud of where they live and are looking for the chance to tell someone, anyone about it. I enjoy being that person that they get to brag to.
I learned that it is ok to just stop and let others do. It was great to come home the hear how well things went in my absence. To hear the stories of three new people coming to Christ. All of this happening while I was eating ice cream for breakfast. Well done and thank you!
The most important thing I learned is that I’m still learning. I’m still discovering myself and what I like and need to stay reaching for the top. We can never get to settled in our own personal rut that we forget that there might be a better way or that we might need to step back and look at ourselves. For me slowing down is the only way that it’s going to happen.
Have a great day and God Bless
In his Service
PG
One thing is that I like time off. I never grew up in a household that took vacations. All of my father’s time off was working vacations, a chance to get caught up around the home. I enjoyed having a chance to watch people and just slow down. Now I am not looking to make a big lifestyle change and just wear white double knit pants and eat dinner at 4pm, but I can see taking time off to set my life in balance again.
Another thing I learned is that there is so much to see and experience. I look forward to exploring more. It is so much fun to ask people about their town and see them light up as they tell you all about it. People are most generally proud of where they live and are looking for the chance to tell someone, anyone about it. I enjoy being that person that they get to brag to.
I learned that it is ok to just stop and let others do. It was great to come home the hear how well things went in my absence. To hear the stories of three new people coming to Christ. All of this happening while I was eating ice cream for breakfast. Well done and thank you!
The most important thing I learned is that I’m still learning. I’m still discovering myself and what I like and need to stay reaching for the top. We can never get to settled in our own personal rut that we forget that there might be a better way or that we might need to step back and look at ourselves. For me slowing down is the only way that it’s going to happen.
Have a great day and God Bless
In his Service
PG
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Plant The Seed!
This is a big week for our faith community. This is the week that we purchase and build our 4 x 4 gardens. This is a fun time and it’s a time that we get to give something that is not just a good intention but a living thing that will provide hours of entertainment not to mention fresh produce to the family.
What is special is when the job is done there is little to show for it. Most of that garden is underground and not growing yet. But soon there will be signs of life and proof that it’s changing and soon there will be something to show for our effort.
Often when we attempt to serve other people we look for immediate results. Giving sometimes means just that, giving, without expectations or “proof of life”.
We are sometimes moved to just give out of what we have and we may not see how it could possibly make a difference. I would encourage you to just plant the seed and let God do the rest. We try so hard to understand how God thinks and how we fit into His plan.
When I am sure that I am being moved by God but unsure of what His plan might be I try and remember this, “One out of two isn’t bad” and I just go with it.
God Bless you
P.G.
If you would like to know more about the 4x4 gardens copy and past this URL
http://imaginethisllc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=26
What is special is when the job is done there is little to show for it. Most of that garden is underground and not growing yet. But soon there will be signs of life and proof that it’s changing and soon there will be something to show for our effort.
Often when we attempt to serve other people we look for immediate results. Giving sometimes means just that, giving, without expectations or “proof of life”.
We are sometimes moved to just give out of what we have and we may not see how it could possibly make a difference. I would encourage you to just plant the seed and let God do the rest. We try so hard to understand how God thinks and how we fit into His plan.
When I am sure that I am being moved by God but unsure of what His plan might be I try and remember this, “One out of two isn’t bad” and I just go with it.
God Bless you
P.G.
If you would like to know more about the 4x4 gardens copy and past this URL
http://imaginethisllc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=33&Itemid=26
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
About Blogging
I have learned some interesting things about blogging.
First;
Everyone has some kind of blog site. It seems to be one of the newest ways to communicate thoughts and ideas today. Now I’m not sure if it is the most balanced way to talk to folks. You have to admit this is very one sided. You really don’t have any way of stopping me and asking questions or rebutting my ideas. For all practical purposes this is a monologue in its truest from. I don’t even have to contend with a heckler.
Second;
I believe that blogging is important to lots of people. I have met many people that have told me that they keep certain blog sites on their favorites list, and return to them regular to see what new ideas that they can pick up from them, and I can see how that makes sense I guess, as long as you remember the first point in this entry, that this is a very one sided conversation.
Finally;
If you’re going to have a blog you have to make it a priority to keep up with it and keep it current. As some of you know, that has been my biggest struggle. I will say things like I just have to find the time. The truth is I won’t “find” the time, I will “make” the time if it’s important to me.
Please don’t think I am making the time to blog because I have so many important things to say, not at all. I will make the time because I think God is doing great work in Grand Ledge and His story should be told. So I will do my best to provide “color commentary” to God’s actions here in Grand Ledge.
I hope you all have a great day and as always please feel free to share your thoughts with me too.
In His Service
PG
First;
Everyone has some kind of blog site. It seems to be one of the newest ways to communicate thoughts and ideas today. Now I’m not sure if it is the most balanced way to talk to folks. You have to admit this is very one sided. You really don’t have any way of stopping me and asking questions or rebutting my ideas. For all practical purposes this is a monologue in its truest from. I don’t even have to contend with a heckler.
Second;
I believe that blogging is important to lots of people. I have met many people that have told me that they keep certain blog sites on their favorites list, and return to them regular to see what new ideas that they can pick up from them, and I can see how that makes sense I guess, as long as you remember the first point in this entry, that this is a very one sided conversation.
Finally;
If you’re going to have a blog you have to make it a priority to keep up with it and keep it current. As some of you know, that has been my biggest struggle. I will say things like I just have to find the time. The truth is I won’t “find” the time, I will “make” the time if it’s important to me.
Please don’t think I am making the time to blog because I have so many important things to say, not at all. I will make the time because I think God is doing great work in Grand Ledge and His story should be told. So I will do my best to provide “color commentary” to God’s actions here in Grand Ledge.
I hope you all have a great day and as always please feel free to share your thoughts with me too.
In His Service
PG
Monday, March 10, 2008
Another "Why"
It is interesting as I sit here and write another blog posting. Three months ago I didn’t know what a blog was and I sure didn’t know anything about writing one. Now I am sure I’m breaking many blogging rules in the creation of this blog…
First of all, I don’t actually post this blog. I have someone that knows how to navigate all the “ins and outs” of the blogging world add them to my blog site. I am sure there is some written rule about posting your own blog, and if there isn’t, given enough time there will be.
Second, I am not sure what a person is supposed to write about on a blog. Should it be just the day’s events, simple memo type communication, or should it be deep thoughts that are meant to change history? I will not attempt to put mine in any category today, as I am not really sure what category mine would fit into so I leave that up to you.
Finally, why blog at all? That is a good question. What is it that I am trying to accomplish by blogging? I can extend that question into many areas of my life. Why?
Why do we get up early or stay up late? Why is it that we go to work or get married? Why is it that we choose to smile at that stranger we pass in the store? Why do we become passionate about a cause that touches our heart? There are as many answers as there are whys. All of them good but there is one answer that is meant to be best.
Some would say that it is the mother of all answers. I can say for myself it is an answer that sometimes eludes me and causes me to really look at myself and realized that I don’t have it all together. It is sad to me sometimes that at the age of 47, soon to be 48, I still miss it.
I should only be doing the things that God would want me to do, only those things that would be pleasing to God. You know what I mean, to go only where He goes.
So when I sit down to write this blog, I know that I may not be perfect in blogging edict but I do try and be where God is. As you read this and give it time to sink in, ask yourself what areas of your life need to be adjusted. What is your motivation for some of the things you do? We may not get it 100% right immediately, but getting it right should at least be a desire.
Below are a couple of verses that I use when I need to be reminded that I need to be where God is. It is a time when Moses is trying to reason in his mind what he should do next, and in a conversation with God Moses decides that the only place that he wants to go is where God is going.
Exodus 33:13-15
If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don’t forget, this is your people, your responsibility.”
14 GOD said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.”
15 Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now.
Peterson, Eugene H.: The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs, Colo. : NavPress, 2002, S. Ex 33:13-15
First of all, I don’t actually post this blog. I have someone that knows how to navigate all the “ins and outs” of the blogging world add them to my blog site. I am sure there is some written rule about posting your own blog, and if there isn’t, given enough time there will be.
Second, I am not sure what a person is supposed to write about on a blog. Should it be just the day’s events, simple memo type communication, or should it be deep thoughts that are meant to change history? I will not attempt to put mine in any category today, as I am not really sure what category mine would fit into so I leave that up to you.
Finally, why blog at all? That is a good question. What is it that I am trying to accomplish by blogging? I can extend that question into many areas of my life. Why?
Why do we get up early or stay up late? Why is it that we go to work or get married? Why is it that we choose to smile at that stranger we pass in the store? Why do we become passionate about a cause that touches our heart? There are as many answers as there are whys. All of them good but there is one answer that is meant to be best.
Some would say that it is the mother of all answers. I can say for myself it is an answer that sometimes eludes me and causes me to really look at myself and realized that I don’t have it all together. It is sad to me sometimes that at the age of 47, soon to be 48, I still miss it.
I should only be doing the things that God would want me to do, only those things that would be pleasing to God. You know what I mean, to go only where He goes.
So when I sit down to write this blog, I know that I may not be perfect in blogging edict but I do try and be where God is. As you read this and give it time to sink in, ask yourself what areas of your life need to be adjusted. What is your motivation for some of the things you do? We may not get it 100% right immediately, but getting it right should at least be a desire.
Below are a couple of verses that I use when I need to be reminded that I need to be where God is. It is a time when Moses is trying to reason in his mind what he should do next, and in a conversation with God Moses decides that the only place that he wants to go is where God is going.
Exodus 33:13-15
If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don’t forget, this is your people, your responsibility.”
14 GOD said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.”
15 Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now.
Peterson, Eugene H.: The Message : The Bible in Contemporary Language. Colorado Springs, Colo. : NavPress, 2002, S. Ex 33:13-15
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
The Big Game
Well the big game is over. Millions watched as two teams fought it out to see just who was going to be called the world champs. It was funny however that coverage of the pregame started at 9am on Fox networks and kick off wasn’t until 6:17pm.
This is a day that the big game can seem like the only event of the day but it wasn’t the only big news. There were more reporters on the field than there were players. Each 30-second commercial spot was 2.7 million dollars! Many people tune in to watch just the commercials and if the game is bad they can sometimes make the afternoon more enjoyable. The networks do their best to give us every possible angle, and I would say they did a pretty good job. I saw more reports that had nothing to do with football, which is good to try to be balanced. Sometimes that day seems like it is only about football.
That is just how is goes sometimes. Here in front of you is the real big story and is gets lost in all the white noise of all the little things happening. This is true of almost everyone; we can focus on one event of life and totally miss what God is trying to tell us.
I have done this often and therefore feel like an expert. For myself I know that if I keep myself so busy that I don’t take the time to look and listen I can miss the real “story” every time. In America we have become experts at keeping busy and moving fast. Now I can say this with all the confidence in the world, I have become an expert at keeping busy and very often too busy.
I have found it necessary to have a number of people that keep an eye on me to make sure I don’t get too far out of balance. Notice that I said too far, that is because I am very often a little out of balance.
How does a person know if they are too far out of balance? For myself I think prayer is the first indicator. I ask myself this question? Am I going to God with all my thoughts, including, I love you, or am I just asking God for help. That is a good sign that you’re missing the real big picture.
We have to keep looking and thanking God for His hand in our lives. That doesn’t mean that we will always understand it or even like it, but it’s important that we don’t get too caught up in ourselves that we forget that God is God and He loves us. If we can start there that He loves us we can start to hold on to the fact that if He loves us He wants what is best for us. Again I will say that it is sometimes hard for me to like or understand what God is doing in my life. I just know that I have to let God be God and understand He is not asking me to be His divine consultant.
Have a great day and keep it balanced
PG
This is a day that the big game can seem like the only event of the day but it wasn’t the only big news. There were more reporters on the field than there were players. Each 30-second commercial spot was 2.7 million dollars! Many people tune in to watch just the commercials and if the game is bad they can sometimes make the afternoon more enjoyable. The networks do their best to give us every possible angle, and I would say they did a pretty good job. I saw more reports that had nothing to do with football, which is good to try to be balanced. Sometimes that day seems like it is only about football.
That is just how is goes sometimes. Here in front of you is the real big story and is gets lost in all the white noise of all the little things happening. This is true of almost everyone; we can focus on one event of life and totally miss what God is trying to tell us.
I have done this often and therefore feel like an expert. For myself I know that if I keep myself so busy that I don’t take the time to look and listen I can miss the real “story” every time. In America we have become experts at keeping busy and moving fast. Now I can say this with all the confidence in the world, I have become an expert at keeping busy and very often too busy.
I have found it necessary to have a number of people that keep an eye on me to make sure I don’t get too far out of balance. Notice that I said too far, that is because I am very often a little out of balance.
How does a person know if they are too far out of balance? For myself I think prayer is the first indicator. I ask myself this question? Am I going to God with all my thoughts, including, I love you, or am I just asking God for help. That is a good sign that you’re missing the real big picture.
We have to keep looking and thanking God for His hand in our lives. That doesn’t mean that we will always understand it or even like it, but it’s important that we don’t get too caught up in ourselves that we forget that God is God and He loves us. If we can start there that He loves us we can start to hold on to the fact that if He loves us He wants what is best for us. Again I will say that it is sometimes hard for me to like or understand what God is doing in my life. I just know that I have to let God be God and understand He is not asking me to be His divine consultant.
Have a great day and keep it balanced
PG
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