Pack Light

I love to travel. We have been to some glorious places. We’ve seen the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial in Hawaii, Mt. McKinley in Alaska, the London Bridge in Arizona and the Sequoia’s in California. We don’t go for the touristy places, we want to explore nature, old landmarks or museums.  I love meeting people and hearing their stories. But basically, I just love to “go”.

I get my love for traveling honest. My grandmother loved to “go” too.  I remember so clearly, my mother would ask Mama ( that’s what we called our grandmother) “Wanna go home with me?” Almost, every time, she would say "let me change my apron". She’d find a fresh apron, lay some clean underwear inside her apron, roll it into a tight roll and tuck it under her arm. She’d return to the living room with it tucked under her arm and a smile on her face and say "I’m ready”. That woman should have won a medal for “lightest luggage” or something. That has to have been some kinda record.

I’m not recommending you travel that light, but with the fees airlines are charging these days for luggage we are all packing lighter. I have three suggestions to help you pack lighter.

Pack for where you’re going. Not where you are.

                How does a Florida girl pack for Alaska? She doesn’t pack shorts and sleeveless shirts, that’s for sure. I wanted to have clothes that would be warm enough and appropriate for where I was going. It didn’t matter that I was from Florida; I needed clothing that was appropriate for Alaska. So I called a friend that had just returned from Alaska. He knew exactly what I should and should not pack.

     1. You gotta know where you’re going. What do you want to accomplish with your life or ministry? What is your goal? What is God’s goal for your life? What is your passion?

     2. Unpack your past. Unpack fear, pain, offenses and prejudices. Unpack jealousy, the dirty clothes, the scraps of paper and junk that litter the bottom of your suitcase from your last trip.

     3. Know what you need. What skill sets will you need for where you’re going? If you want to write, take a course in writing. Start sharpening your skill sets and your knowledge base for where you are going.

It's My Birthday

Today's my birthday. I never mention it, but today I will. I mention it only because I want to share some things with you that I  have learned in life and ministry. I would like to make it a "Top Ten List", but you know how long winded I am. However, since it's my birthday I'll just be who I am-long winded! And you don't want to miss the last one either because it's my personal favorite, but if you're squeamish don't read it. 

1. I’ve learned to be flexible. Steel flexes, iron snaps. The best laid plans are subject to change. In the middle of an Easter program when the pastor says cut it short, you gotta be flexible or you'll snap. Then there are those times when you have an eight foot stage and seven foot ceiling. Or when you've been told to use one room for your class, but when you get there they give you a different room. My personal favorite is when you meticulously plan an hour and a half program and the evangelist rambles, oops preaches, for three hours. (I can say it, because I am one of those evangelist now.)
2. Think the best of people. Find good in everyone. They’ll love you when you value them. Love people, because love never fails. Seek to understand before you seek to be understood. I’ve learned not to look down on others because they don’t know what I know; everyone knows things I don’t.
3. Get behind your leader, but don’t kick him/her as tempting as it may be.
4. Forget about the wrong, remember the good. I’d like to give you examples of the wrongs, but I’ve forgotten them.
5. Be careful what you say and who you say it to. Ministry is not the place for motor mouths without an off switch.
6. Never put an Aaron in charge until he has your heart.
7. You have to play by the rules of the park you’re playing in; never your rules.
8. I am responsible for only what I’m responsible for - nothing more, nothing less.
9. There is a God and His name is not Pat Holland.
10. People can’t follow you if you’re not going somewhere.
11. I want to develop participators, not spectators.
12. Don’t become road kill on the road to success. The road to success is strewn with dead quitters (critters). Forgive, guard your attitude and keep moving upward.

Pentecost Celebration

I am so thankful for Pentecost. I am so thankful that we are not alone, but that Holy Spirit came to fill us and enable us to do ministry. Still His ability is only available as we partner with Him and access His ability.

I am also thankful that I was able to celebrate Pentecost with dear friends this weekend. Sue Combs whipped up one of her amazing meals for us. She made fresh mashed potatoes (did you know mashed potatoes can be cooked without a box…go figure), fresh green beans (honestly now, fresh green beans…AMAZING!), real southern fried chicken like only a true southern belle can make, sweet tea that is only found south of the Mason Dixie line and a forget you need to lose 20 lbs carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. If for one minute I could have frozen the scene, so no one was looking, I would have licked my plate. SOOO GOOD! Not only does she cook good, she prays good too!

But Wayne and I did more than eat; I could talk about that at length, but I will refrain because my stomach is growling and complaining. Father set an amazing table for us too. His presence was so real at Peggy and Randy Williams church on Friday night and then again at every service the entire weekend. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I can tell you, I preached myself hungry!

I want more of God. I want more of His ability, not so I can be a reservoir to contain it, but so I can be a conduit for it to flow through. His love and power, like water in the desert, changes things, and our neighborhoods and cities need the change that only Jesus can bring!