http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/getFeed.kickAction?quantity=25 New blogs from susanhlawrence on Radiant magazine Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:40:54 GMT Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:40:54 GMT radiant@radiantmagazine.com (relevant) radiant@radiantmagazine.com (relevant) KickApps Feed Builder 2009-07-05T03:40:54Z 19 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/searchEverything.kickAction?as=57566&sortType=recent 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Free-to-Be-Me/BLOG/420219/57566.html It's Independence Day. Not a day I typically get ultra-excited about. Not that I don't think it's important. I'm honored to live in the United States of America. I say thanks to servicemen and women whenever I get the chance. I respect the flag. I appreciate this country's history. I appreciate the freedom I have.Or do I? I had a busy week, but God prompted me to pause occasionally to remind me of the freedoms I have...and often take for granted.I drove from Illinois to Kentucky to Missouri. I didn't worry about my security. I stopped when I wanted to get a drink. I chose where to buy gasoline. I talked to whom I wanted.I ate when I wanted, where I wanted. One day I walked into a restaurant and asked to see the menu before I decided. I chose to eat there with two of my girlfriends...and what a great choice it was!I walked through a convention center for several days, chatting with such a wide variety of people about different topics: family, ministry, government, travel. That's my sticky note version. Make a list of your own. Think about today. What have you been free to do today?Do you consider your everyday freedoms as "rights" or "privileges"? I'd certainly like to say privileges...but I'd be lying. I make choices every day that I treat more like a right than a privilege. I should be able to access the internet. I should be able to shop where and when I want. I should be able to talk about whatever I want with family and friends. I should be able to worship where, how, and when I want.When I consider my choices as rights instead of privileges, it all becomes about me. And it's not about me at all. With freedom comes requirements and responsibilities. Not selfishness.Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. - Romans 6:14 (NLT)Sure, I'm free to be me...the me God created me to be.For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. - Galatians 5:13 (NLT)God gave you freedom. How does your life reflect it? It's Independence Day. Not a day I typically get ultra-excited about. Not that I don't think it's important. I'm honored to live in the United States of America. I say thanks to servicemen and women whenever I get the chance. I respect the flag. I appreciate this country's history. I appreciate the freedom I have.Or do I? I had a busy week, but God prompted me to pause occasionally to remind me of the freedoms I have...and often take for granted.I drove from Illinois to Kentucky to Missouri. I didn't worry about my security. I stopped when I wanted to get a drink. I chose where to buy gasoline. I talked to whom I wanted.I ate when I wanted, where I wanted. One day I walked into a restaurant and asked to see the menu before I decided. I chose to eat there with two of my girlfriends...and what a great choice it was!I walked through a convention center for several days, chatting with such a wide variety of people about different topics: family, ministry, government, travel. That's my sticky note version. Make a list of your own. Think about today. What have you been free to do today?Do you consider your everyday freedoms as "rights" or "privileges"? I'd certainly like to say privileges...but I'd be lying. I make choices every day that I treat more like a right than a privilege. I should be able to access the internet. I should be able to shop where and when I want. I should be able to talk about whatever I want with family and friends. I should be able to worship where, how, and when I want.When I consider my choices as rights instead of privileges, it all becomes about me. And it's not about me at all. With freedom comes requirements and responsibilities. Not selfishness.Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. - Romans 6:14 (NLT)Sure, I'm free to be me...the me God created me to be.For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. - Galatians 5:13 (NLT)God gave you freedom. How does your life reflect it? Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:40:54 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Free-to-Be-Me/BLOG/420219/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-07-05T03:40:54Z Radiant magazine It's Independence Day. Not a day I typically get ultra-excited about. Not that I don't think it's important. I'm honored to live in the United States of America. I say thanks to servicemen and women whenever I get the chance. I respect the flag. I appreciate this country's history. I appreciate the freedom I have.Or do I? I had a busy week, but God prompted me to pause occasionally to remind me of the freedoms I have...and often take for granted.I drove from Illinois to Kentucky to Missouri. I didn't worry about my security. I stopped when I wanted to get a drink. I chose where to buy gasoline. I talked to whom I wanted.I ate when I wanted, where I wanted. One day I walked into a restaurant and asked to see the menu before I decided. I chose to eat there with two of my girlfriends...and what a great choice it was!I walked through a convention center for several days, chatting with such a wide variety of people about different topics: family, ministry, government, travel. That's my sticky note version. Make a list of your own. Think about today. What have you been free to do today?Do you consider your everyday freedoms as "rights" or "privileges"? I'd certainly like to say privileges...but I'd be lying. I make choices every day that I treat more like a right than a privilege. I should be able to access the internet. I should be able to shop where and when I want. I should be able to talk about whatever I want with family and friends. I should be able to worship where, how, and when I want.When I consider my choices as rights instead of privileges, it all becomes about me. And it's not about me at all. With freedom comes requirements and responsibilities. Not selfishness.Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. - Romans 6:14 (NLT)Sure, I'm free to be me...the me God created me to be.For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. - Galatians 5:13 (NLT)God gave you freedom. How does your life reflect it? freedom, grace, independence nonadult false Free to Be Me text blog freedom,grace,independence 140 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 420219 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Im-a-Big-Girl-Now/BLOG/407357/57566.html ...or am I? As I clashed with my daughter this week, I realized she looks like an adult and usually sounds like an adult...but sometimes acts like a child. And she has a mom (me!), who looks like an adult and usually sounds like an adult...but sometimes acts like a child. And when both of us are in child-mode at the same time, it's not pretty.We know where the hot buttons are, and we press them...and get our own buttons pressed, too. It's like sitting in a dunk tank. You know you're in there and you know you're going to get dunked, but you don't get out. You just watch that big red button get pressed and down you go into the water. Predictable, yet startling.When do your hot buttons get pressed? Think of the following areas of your life and jot down people or situations that put you in a dunk tank:family work church volunteer organizations sports teamsNow look at that list and be honest. Is it possible you're doing some button-pushing of your own with people in those situations? Circle them.It would be easy to say, "I'm a victim. I have no control over this situation. They make me respond this way. They don't like me. They make my life miserable." But the truth is you have a choice to get out of the dunk tank, just as you have a choice to stop pressing the dunk tank button.But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. - 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 (NLT) ...or am I? As I clashed with my daughter this week, I realized she looks like an adult and usually sounds like an adult...but sometimes acts like a child. And she has a mom (me!), who looks like an adult and usually sounds like an adult...but sometimes acts like a child. And when both of us are in child-mode at the same time, it's not pretty.We know where the hot buttons are, and we press them...and get our own buttons pressed, too. It's like sitting in a dunk tank. You know you're in there and you know you're going to get dunked, but you don't get out. You just watch that big red button get pressed and down you go into the water. Predictable, yet startling.When do your hot buttons get pressed? Think of the following areas of your life and jot down people or situations that put you in a dunk tank:family work church volunteer organizations sports teamsNow look at that list and be honest. Is it possible you're doing some button-pushing of your own with people in those situations? Circle them.It would be easy to say, "I'm a victim. I have no control over this situation. They make me respond this way. They don't like me. They make my life miserable." But the truth is you have a choice to get out of the dunk tank, just as you have a choice to stop pressing the dunk tank button.But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. - 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 (NLT) Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:28:52 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Im-a-Big-Girl-Now/BLOG/407357/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-06-25T19:28:52Z Radiant magazine ...or am I? As I clashed with my daughter this week, I realized she looks like an adult and usually sounds like an adult...but sometimes acts like a child. And she has a mom (me!), who looks like an adult and usually sounds like an adult...but sometimes acts like a child. And when both of us are in child-mode at the same time, it's not pretty.We know where the hot buttons are, and we press them...and get our own buttons pressed, too. It's like sitting in a dunk tank. You know you're in there and you know you're going to get dunked, but you don't get out. You just watch that big red button get pressed and down you go into the water. Predictable, yet startling.When do your hot buttons get pressed? Think of the following areas of your life and jot down people or situations that put you in a dunk tank:family work church volunteer organizations sports teamsNow look at that list and be honest. Is it possible you're doing some button-pushing of your own with people in those situations? Circle them.It would be easy to say, "I'm a victim. I have no control over this situation. They make me respond this way. They don't like me. They make my life miserable." But the truth is you have a choice to get out of the dunk tank, just as you have a choice to stop pressing the dunk tank button.But when full understanding comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. - 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 (NLT) adults, buttons, childish, hot nonadult false I'm a Big Girl Now text blog adults,buttons,childish,hot 109 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 407357 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_JK/BLOG/402129/57566.html A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless. - Ecclesiastes 7:6 (NLT)How often do you say "just kidding" or text JK? And are you really JK? How often do we "excuse" what we say or do with that simple phrase?We smile and laugh, but there's tension, and we're well aware of it. The other person might not be aware of our motivations, but we (hopefully) feel uncomfortable. Perhaps sometimes we feel vindicated instead. In reality, our comments are sarcastic...served with a twist of truth and topped off with humor. We purge what we need but have "JK" as our out, so even if the person suspects we're being mean, they can't really argue with us once we say "just kidding."It's such a fine line. I enjoy laughing, but kidding around with someone can easily slip into making fun of someone. And we think we make it all better by saying "I was just kidding!" Is it that simple? Think about people you know whose feelings have been hurt and friendships have suffered because of "just kidding" moments. How much baggage is being carried around because of sarcastic (and hurtful) humor?When do you rationalize sarcastic humor? Think about the situations you find yourself saying "just kidding."Are you usually working with groups of people? Serving or leading?Do you feel trapped and need to escape? Self-preservation?Is jealousy getting the best of you? Are you grasping for a way to tell someone something that's a little uncomfortable for you?Be familiar with the situations and people you're most tempted to cross the line between appropriate humor and sarcastic humor. Know your temptations. And know your motivations. Stop rationalizing and consider how the other person might perceive and be affected by your comments. Even if you can "get away" with sarcastic humor, should you?And is there anyone you need to humbly apologize to, someone you might have wounded with words recently? Do it today. NJK (not just kidding).Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. - Proverbs 23:16 (NLT) A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless. - Ecclesiastes 7:6 (NLT)How often do you say "just kidding" or text JK? And are you really JK? How often do we "excuse" what we say or do with that simple phrase?We smile and laugh, but there's tension, and we're well aware of it. The other person might not be aware of our motivations, but we (hopefully) feel uncomfortable. Perhaps sometimes we feel vindicated instead. In reality, our comments are sarcastic...served with a twist of truth and topped off with humor. We purge what we need but have "JK" as our out, so even if the person suspects we're being mean, they can't really argue with us once we say "just kidding."It's such a fine line. I enjoy laughing, but kidding around with someone can easily slip into making fun of someone. And we think we make it all better by saying "I was just kidding!" Is it that simple? Think about people you know whose feelings have been hurt and friendships have suffered because of "just kidding" moments. How much baggage is being carried around because of sarcastic (and hurtful) humor?When do you rationalize sarcastic humor? Think about the situations you find yourself saying "just kidding."Are you usually working with groups of people? Serving or leading?Do you feel trapped and need to escape? Self-preservation?Is jealousy getting the best of you? Are you grasping for a way to tell someone something that's a little uncomfortable for you?Be familiar with the situations and people you're most tempted to cross the line between appropriate humor and sarcastic humor. Know your temptations. And know your motivations. Stop rationalizing and consider how the other person might perceive and be affected by your comments. Even if you can "get away" with sarcastic humor, should you?And is there anyone you need to humbly apologize to, someone you might have wounded with words recently? Do it today. NJK (not just kidding).Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. - Proverbs 23:16 (NLT) Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:19:07 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_JK/BLOG/402129/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-06-22T17:19:07Z Radiant magazine A fool’s laughter is quickly gone, like thorns crackling in a fire. This also is meaningless. - Ecclesiastes 7:6 (NLT)How often do you say "just kidding" or text JK? And are you really JK? How often do we "excuse" what we say or do with that simple phrase?We smile and laugh, but there's tension, and we're well aware of it. The other person might not be aware of our motivations, but we (hopefully) feel uncomfortable. Perhaps sometimes we feel vindicated instead. In reality, our comments are sarcastic...served with a twist of truth and topped off with humor. We purge what we need but have "JK" as our out, so even if the person suspects we're being mean, they can't really argue with us once we say "just kidding."It's such a fine line. I enjoy laughing, but kidding around with someone can easily slip into making fun of someone. And we think we make it all better by saying "I was just kidding!" Is it that simple? Think about people you know whose feelings have been hurt and friendships have suffered because of "just kidding" moments. How much baggage is being carried around because of sarcastic (and hurtful) humor?When do you rationalize sarcastic humor? Think about the situations you find yourself saying "just kidding."Are you usually working with groups of people? Serving or leading?Do you feel trapped and need to escape? Self-preservation?Is jealousy getting the best of you? Are you grasping for a way to tell someone something that's a little uncomfortable for you?Be familiar with the situations and people you're most tempted to cross the line between appropriate humor and sarcastic humor. Know your temptations. And know your motivations. Stop rationalizing and consider how the other person might perceive and be affected by your comments. Even if you can "get away" with sarcastic humor, should you?And is there anyone you need to humbly apologize to, someone you might have wounded with words recently? Do it today. NJK (not just kidding).Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. - Proverbs 23:16 (NLT) humor, just, kidding, laughter, sarcasm nonadult false JK text blog humor,just,kidding,laughter,sarcasm 131 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 402129 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Drink-Driven/BLOG/348044/57566.html I repeatedly travel the same roads. The road to a nearby town, where I do just about everything except sleep. The road to the airport. The road to my favorite shopping area. And I have my favorite drink stops along the way.Not Starbucks, which I generally reserve for airport days. I'm not a coffee drinker, but love strawberries and cream Fraps! No, I'm driven by fountain drinks...but I have requirements.Must be Diet Coke. Must have flavored syrup. Cherry is the best. Cherry and lime are the best combination. I can deal with vanilla. Must be in a styrofoam cup. I know, not environmentally-friendly, which isn't consistent for me, but I don't like the way other cups "sweat" in the Summer. Must be inexpensive. Okay, so I'll give a little on this one and pay extra for the flavoring if I have to.I seriously have a problem. As an advocate for multi-tasking, I maximize my trips, planning the most efficient routes in my mind. But I almost always consider one of my favorite drink stops as a non-negotiable stop.It used to drive my husband crazy that I was drink-driven. He thought stopping was a waste of time and money. Thankfully over the years, some of my annoying habits, including this one, have become endearing to him. He even encourages my habit and often surprises me with my favorites. (He prefers Pepsi products and vanilla flavoring.)But I wonder...Am I drink-driven for Jesus?Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” - John 4:13-15 (NLT)What about you? Will you go out of your way for Jesus? Do you plan your schedule with him in mind? Is spending time with him non-negotiable?Perhaps being drink-driven is such a bad thing after all. I repeatedly travel the same roads. The road to a nearby town, where I do just about everything except sleep. The road to the airport. The road to my favorite shopping area. And I have my favorite drink stops along the way.Not Starbucks, which I generally reserve for airport days. I'm not a coffee drinker, but love strawberries and cream Fraps! No, I'm driven by fountain drinks...but I have requirements.Must be Diet Coke. Must have flavored syrup. Cherry is the best. Cherry and lime are the best combination. I can deal with vanilla. Must be in a styrofoam cup. I know, not environmentally-friendly, which isn't consistent for me, but I don't like the way other cups "sweat" in the Summer. Must be inexpensive. Okay, so I'll give a little on this one and pay extra for the flavoring if I have to.I seriously have a problem. As an advocate for multi-tasking, I maximize my trips, planning the most efficient routes in my mind. But I almost always consider one of my favorite drink stops as a non-negotiable stop.It used to drive my husband crazy that I was drink-driven. He thought stopping was a waste of time and money. Thankfully over the years, some of my annoying habits, including this one, have become endearing to him. He even encourages my habit and often surprises me with my favorites. (He prefers Pepsi products and vanilla flavoring.)But I wonder...Am I drink-driven for Jesus?Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” - John 4:13-15 (NLT)What about you? Will you go out of your way for Jesus? Do you plan your schedule with him in mind? Is spending time with him non-negotiable?Perhaps being drink-driven is such a bad thing after all. Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:10:13 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Drink-Driven/BLOG/348044/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-06-14T03:10:13Z Radiant magazine I repeatedly travel the same roads. The road to a nearby town, where I do just about everything except sleep. The road to the airport. The road to my favorite shopping area. And I have my favorite drink stops along the way.Not Starbucks, which I generally reserve for airport days. I'm not a coffee drinker, but love strawberries and cream Fraps! No, I'm driven by fountain drinks...but I have requirements.Must be Diet Coke. Must have flavored syrup. Cherry is the best. Cherry and lime are the best combination. I can deal with vanilla. Must be in a styrofoam cup. I know, not environmentally-friendly, which isn't consistent for me, but I don't like the way other cups "sweat" in the Summer. Must be inexpensive. Okay, so I'll give a little on this one and pay extra for the flavoring if I have to.I seriously have a problem. As an advocate for multi-tasking, I maximize my trips, planning the most efficient routes in my mind. But I almost always consider one of my favorite drink stops as a non-negotiable stop.It used to drive my husband crazy that I was drink-driven. He thought stopping was a waste of time and money. Thankfully over the years, some of my annoying habits, including this one, have become endearing to him. He even encourages my habit and often surprises me with my favorites. (He prefers Pepsi products and vanilla flavoring.)But I wonder...Am I drink-driven for Jesus?Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again, and I won’t have to come here to get water.” - John 4:13-15 (NLT)What about you? Will you go out of your way for Jesus? Do you plan your schedule with him in mind? Is spending time with him non-negotiable?Perhaps being drink-driven is such a bad thing after all. drinks, jesus, samaritan, travel, water, woman nonadult false Drink Driven text blog drinks,jesus,samaritan,travel,water,woman 135 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 348044 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_No-Your-Limits/BLOG/337826/57566.html I suppose I could have kept my eyes open a little longer. But I was sleepy, and the sun was so warm, and everything on my list of things to do could honestly wait. So I relinquished...and took a short nap. Ahhh...How refreshing!Sometimes I push myself too hard, ignoring limits. And yet there are also times my limits are marked with a huge red flag. When I see the flag looming ahead, I stop.According to www.merriam-webster.com, a limit is definited as "something that bounds, restrains, or confines." What limits you? Create a list.When does fear limit you? What types of emotion limit you? How does money, location, transportation limit you? What relationships limit you? How does "baggage" limit you?There are situations in which a limit is placed in our path as a warning to take another route, proceed with caution, or cease pursuing that direction altogether. But sometimes we use limits as an excuse to stop, pause, or retreat. And sometimes limits are a test of our perseverance.I'm too self-sufficient sometimes. Okay, a lot of times. The fact is my limits aren't limits at all, because I know God, who has no limits. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." (Mark 10: 27, NLT) I'm only limited by my stubbornness to rely on my own strength, courage, and perseverance. And I get worn out and give up so quickly!Take a look at your list of limits. Circle the items beyond God's limits. You can keep those things on your list of definite "no-can-do" limits. Cross off the items that are not beyond God's limits. My guess is, you'll be drawing a few lines on your paper!Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. - John 3:33-35 (NLT) I suppose I could have kept my eyes open a little longer. But I was sleepy, and the sun was so warm, and everything on my list of things to do could honestly wait. So I relinquished...and took a short nap. Ahhh...How refreshing!Sometimes I push myself too hard, ignoring limits. And yet there are also times my limits are marked with a huge red flag. When I see the flag looming ahead, I stop.According to www.merriam-webster.com, a limit is definited as "something that bounds, restrains, or confines." What limits you? Create a list.When does fear limit you? What types of emotion limit you? How does money, location, transportation limit you? What relationships limit you? How does "baggage" limit you?There are situations in which a limit is placed in our path as a warning to take another route, proceed with caution, or cease pursuing that direction altogether. But sometimes we use limits as an excuse to stop, pause, or retreat. And sometimes limits are a test of our perseverance.I'm too self-sufficient sometimes. Okay, a lot of times. The fact is my limits aren't limits at all, because I know God, who has no limits. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." (Mark 10: 27, NLT) I'm only limited by my stubbornness to rely on my own strength, courage, and perseverance. And I get worn out and give up so quickly!Take a look at your list of limits. Circle the items beyond God's limits. You can keep those things on your list of definite "no-can-do" limits. Cross off the items that are not beyond God's limits. My guess is, you'll be drawing a few lines on your paper!Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. - John 3:33-35 (NLT) Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:21:30 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_No-Your-Limits/BLOG/337826/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-06-06T22:21:30Z Radiant magazine I suppose I could have kept my eyes open a little longer. But I was sleepy, and the sun was so warm, and everything on my list of things to do could honestly wait. So I relinquished...and took a short nap. Ahhh...How refreshing!Sometimes I push myself too hard, ignoring limits. And yet there are also times my limits are marked with a huge red flag. When I see the flag looming ahead, I stop.According to www.merriam-webster.com, a limit is definited as "something that bounds, restrains, or confines." What limits you? Create a list.When does fear limit you? What types of emotion limit you? How does money, location, transportation limit you? What relationships limit you? How does "baggage" limit you?There are situations in which a limit is placed in our path as a warning to take another route, proceed with caution, or cease pursuing that direction altogether. But sometimes we use limits as an excuse to stop, pause, or retreat. And sometimes limits are a test of our perseverance.I'm too self-sufficient sometimes. Okay, a lot of times. The fact is my limits aren't limits at all, because I know God, who has no limits. Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God." (Mark 10: 27, NLT) I'm only limited by my stubbornness to rely on my own strength, courage, and perseverance. And I get worn out and give up so quickly!Take a look at your list of limits. Circle the items beyond God's limits. You can keep those things on your list of definite "no-can-do" limits. Cross off the items that are not beyond God's limits. My guess is, you'll be drawing a few lines on your paper!Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. - John 3:33-35 (NLT) impossible, limits, perseverance, possible, self-sufficiency nonadult false "No" Your Limits text blog impossible,limits,perseverance,possible,self-sufficiency 129 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 337826 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Pin-the-Tail/BLOG/296855/57566.html Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home. - Esther 2:20 (NLT)I sat at a high school graduation this weekend and looked at all the graduates, thinking of their different backgrounds. How each person is entering the world with different tools, experiences and perspectives. It's like a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.For the last eighteen years of their lives, these kids have been preparing to take their first steps forward toward the purpose of their lives. Only some kids have been twisted so often and fast, they're still spinning as they enter the adult world. So much that they can't tell which direction they're headed. It'll take them years to get their bearings...if ever. A few are so focused, they've had their blindfolds off for awhile and have their eyes locked on the goal. Their arms are outstretched and they're deliberately taking their first steps into adulthood. Many kids are somewhere in between.Think about how you entered the adult world. Were you spinning with no sense of direction, or were you focused? Did you stumble, or were you stable? What/Who helped prepare you? What would have prepared you more?It's not a blame-game. We all carry baggage into our adult lives. The important thing is what we do with that baggage. Who we hurt with it and how we hurt ourselves with it. But we need to be honest with ourselves about how focused or unfocused we are. Otherwise, how are we going to be able to focus on the purpose God has for us? It's time to stop spinning out of control and look for that target. Reach out to it, so you can reach it!I pondered the direction of my life,and I turned to follow your laws. - Psalm 119:59 (NLT) Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home. - Esther 2:20 (NLT)I sat at a high school graduation this weekend and looked at all the graduates, thinking of their different backgrounds. How each person is entering the world with different tools, experiences and perspectives. It's like a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.For the last eighteen years of their lives, these kids have been preparing to take their first steps forward toward the purpose of their lives. Only some kids have been twisted so often and fast, they're still spinning as they enter the adult world. So much that they can't tell which direction they're headed. It'll take them years to get their bearings...if ever. A few are so focused, they've had their blindfolds off for awhile and have their eyes locked on the goal. Their arms are outstretched and they're deliberately taking their first steps into adulthood. Many kids are somewhere in between.Think about how you entered the adult world. Were you spinning with no sense of direction, or were you focused? Did you stumble, or were you stable? What/Who helped prepare you? What would have prepared you more?It's not a blame-game. We all carry baggage into our adult lives. The important thing is what we do with that baggage. Who we hurt with it and how we hurt ourselves with it. But we need to be honest with ourselves about how focused or unfocused we are. Otherwise, how are we going to be able to focus on the purpose God has for us? It's time to stop spinning out of control and look for that target. Reach out to it, so you can reach it!I pondered the direction of my life,and I turned to follow your laws. - Psalm 119:59 (NLT) Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:37:41 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Pin-the-Tail/BLOG/296855/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-06-01T18:37:41Z Radiant magazine Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home. - Esther 2:20 (NLT)I sat at a high school graduation this weekend and looked at all the graduates, thinking of their different backgrounds. How each person is entering the world with different tools, experiences and perspectives. It's like a game of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey.For the last eighteen years of their lives, these kids have been preparing to take their first steps forward toward the purpose of their lives. Only some kids have been twisted so often and fast, they're still spinning as they enter the adult world. So much that they can't tell which direction they're headed. It'll take them years to get their bearings...if ever. A few are so focused, they've had their blindfolds off for awhile and have their eyes locked on the goal. Their arms are outstretched and they're deliberately taking their first steps into adulthood. Many kids are somewhere in between.Think about how you entered the adult world. Were you spinning with no sense of direction, or were you focused? Did you stumble, or were you stable? What/Who helped prepare you? What would have prepared you more?It's not a blame-game. We all carry baggage into our adult lives. The important thing is what we do with that baggage. Who we hurt with it and how we hurt ourselves with it. But we need to be honest with ourselves about how focused or unfocused we are. Otherwise, how are we going to be able to focus on the purpose God has for us? It's time to stop spinning out of control and look for that target. Reach out to it, so you can reach it!I pondered the direction of my life,and I turned to follow your laws. - Psalm 119:59 (NLT) adults, baggage, games, graduation, purpose nonadult false Pin-the-Tail text blog adults,baggage,games,graduation,purpose 95 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 296855 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Safety-Belts/BLOG/287398/57566.html Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. - Job 11:17-19 (NLT)Many years ago, there was a fervent debate about proposed seat belt laws. Was it an infringement on personal rights? If I understand the risks and I'm the only one affected, should I be forced to comply with a rule? Even if I would wear my seat belt anyway, who is the government to tell me I have to?Many years later, most of us automatically buckle up. (1) We don't want a ticket. (2) Although we don't plan to crash, we'd like to be prepared if we do. Seat belts save lives. But not everyone who wears a seat belt survives a crash.God gives us hope as a safety belt. Hope gives us courage just as seat belts give us a sense of security. In both cases, we're relying on something or someone else. We have hope in God and his courage strengthens us. We feel secure by the strap of fabric across our chest. God protects us, as does the seat belt. We can rest in safety. Not safety of a 100% accident-free record (or trouble-free life). Safety of using the wisdom and guidance God gives us and resting in his will for us.How do you feel about wearing a seat belt? How do you feel about God's security?Commit to one of the following verses as God's safety belt for you this week.Keep me safe, O God,for I have come to you for refuge. - Psalm 16:1 (NLT)Those who trust their own insight are foolish,but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. - Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” - John 11:9-10 (NLT) Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. - Job 11:17-19 (NLT)Many years ago, there was a fervent debate about proposed seat belt laws. Was it an infringement on personal rights? If I understand the risks and I'm the only one affected, should I be forced to comply with a rule? Even if I would wear my seat belt anyway, who is the government to tell me I have to?Many years later, most of us automatically buckle up. (1) We don't want a ticket. (2) Although we don't plan to crash, we'd like to be prepared if we do. Seat belts save lives. But not everyone who wears a seat belt survives a crash.God gives us hope as a safety belt. Hope gives us courage just as seat belts give us a sense of security. In both cases, we're relying on something or someone else. We have hope in God and his courage strengthens us. We feel secure by the strap of fabric across our chest. God protects us, as does the seat belt. We can rest in safety. Not safety of a 100% accident-free record (or trouble-free life). Safety of using the wisdom and guidance God gives us and resting in his will for us.How do you feel about wearing a seat belt? How do you feel about God's security?Commit to one of the following verses as God's safety belt for you this week.Keep me safe, O God,for I have come to you for refuge. - Psalm 16:1 (NLT)Those who trust their own insight are foolish,but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. - Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” - John 11:9-10 (NLT) Sat, 23 May 2009 20:13:14 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Safety-Belts/BLOG/287398/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-05-23T20:13:14Z Radiant magazine Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety. You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help. - Job 11:17-19 (NLT)Many years ago, there was a fervent debate about proposed seat belt laws. Was it an infringement on personal rights? If I understand the risks and I'm the only one affected, should I be forced to comply with a rule? Even if I would wear my seat belt anyway, who is the government to tell me I have to?Many years later, most of us automatically buckle up. (1) We don't want a ticket. (2) Although we don't plan to crash, we'd like to be prepared if we do. Seat belts save lives. But not everyone who wears a seat belt survives a crash.God gives us hope as a safety belt. Hope gives us courage just as seat belts give us a sense of security. In both cases, we're relying on something or someone else. We have hope in God and his courage strengthens us. We feel secure by the strap of fabric across our chest. God protects us, as does the seat belt. We can rest in safety. Not safety of a 100% accident-free record (or trouble-free life). Safety of using the wisdom and guidance God gives us and resting in his will for us.How do you feel about wearing a seat belt? How do you feel about God's security?Commit to one of the following verses as God's safety belt for you this week.Keep me safe, O God,for I have come to you for refuge. - Psalm 16:1 (NLT)Those who trust their own insight are foolish,but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe. - Proverbs 28:26 (NLT)Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. But at night there is danger of stumbling because they have no light.” - John 11:9-10 (NLT) accident, courage, hope, safety, security nonadult false Safety Belts text blog accident,courage,hope,safety,security 123 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 287398 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Mountain-Top/BLOG/280012/57566.html I've been to the mountain top today. Literally. Figuratively, it's been more like a dumpster diving day...a little smelly and sticky.I've been surrounded the past couple days by gorgeous hills, building into the Appalachians. Covered with vibrant green trees and often skirted in mist. A friend and I trekked to a lookout point yesterday, and it was well worth the climb. I even decided to take another route to the same location later in the day. I wondered how many miles I could see from that vantage point. A lot. Funny how even when our perspective is expanded, we still have no clue how much, or how little, of the big picture we're actually seeing.God gave me a glimpse of the big picture today. My schedule was hectic, and the time in which I thought I could easily fit in a short hike suddenly flooded with trouble-shooting and adjustments. But God was beckoning me to spend some time with him. Because I was expected to soon be encouraging a large group of women, helping them laugh with each other and dance in God's presence, I knew that if I kept on my own course, I'd be zapped of energy and enthusiasm. So I did something I don't do often enough. I said "no" to an obligation and said "yes" to God. And I hiked to the lookout point I'd visited yesterday.The climb was steep. And I started thinking how being obedience to God is not easy. Obedience challenges me. But I do better with it when I'm well-equipped. For hiking, my map and water are musts. For obedience, constant communication with God. Through his word, prayer, worship. So as I climbed, I took each step for him. When I stopped to take a drink, I savored God's words to me. When a heard the sounds of the hills, I listened for his voice. When I reached the top and marvelled again at the complexity and beauty of his creation, I raised my face to his in worship.The hike down was just as challenging physically, and spiritually, God reminded me that I can go too fast sometimes and get caught up in the rush of everyday life. I was walking back to my obligations and daily life, but with renewed purpose. Only God knew the challenges waiting for me at the bottom of that mountain top, but I sure am thankful I chose obedience today, so he could prepare me in his providential way.Send out your light and your truth;let them guide me.Let them lead me to your holy mountain,to the place where you live. - Psalm 43:3 (NLT) I've been to the mountain top today. Literally. Figuratively, it's been more like a dumpster diving day...a little smelly and sticky.I've been surrounded the past couple days by gorgeous hills, building into the Appalachians. Covered with vibrant green trees and often skirted in mist. A friend and I trekked to a lookout point yesterday, and it was well worth the climb. I even decided to take another route to the same location later in the day. I wondered how many miles I could see from that vantage point. A lot. Funny how even when our perspective is expanded, we still have no clue how much, or how little, of the big picture we're actually seeing.God gave me a glimpse of the big picture today. My schedule was hectic, and the time in which I thought I could easily fit in a short hike suddenly flooded with trouble-shooting and adjustments. But God was beckoning me to spend some time with him. Because I was expected to soon be encouraging a large group of women, helping them laugh with each other and dance in God's presence, I knew that if I kept on my own course, I'd be zapped of energy and enthusiasm. So I did something I don't do often enough. I said "no" to an obligation and said "yes" to God. And I hiked to the lookout point I'd visited yesterday.The climb was steep. And I started thinking how being obedience to God is not easy. Obedience challenges me. But I do better with it when I'm well-equipped. For hiking, my map and water are musts. For obedience, constant communication with God. Through his word, prayer, worship. So as I climbed, I took each step for him. When I stopped to take a drink, I savored God's words to me. When a heard the sounds of the hills, I listened for his voice. When I reached the top and marvelled again at the complexity and beauty of his creation, I raised my face to his in worship.The hike down was just as challenging physically, and spiritually, God reminded me that I can go too fast sometimes and get caught up in the rush of everyday life. I was walking back to my obligations and daily life, but with renewed purpose. Only God knew the challenges waiting for me at the bottom of that mountain top, but I sure am thankful I chose obedience today, so he could prepare me in his providential way.Send out your light and your truth;let them guide me.Let them lead me to your holy mountain,to the place where you live. - Psalm 43:3 (NLT) Sun, 17 May 2009 03:06:46 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Mountain-Top/BLOG/280012/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-05-17T03:06:46Z Radiant magazine I've been to the mountain top today. Literally. Figuratively, it's been more like a dumpster diving day...a little smelly and sticky.I've been surrounded the past couple days by gorgeous hills, building into the Appalachians. Covered with vibrant green trees and often skirted in mist. A friend and I trekked to a lookout point yesterday, and it was well worth the climb. I even decided to take another route to the same location later in the day. I wondered how many miles I could see from that vantage point. A lot. Funny how even when our perspective is expanded, we still have no clue how much, or how little, of the big picture we're actually seeing.God gave me a glimpse of the big picture today. My schedule was hectic, and the time in which I thought I could easily fit in a short hike suddenly flooded with trouble-shooting and adjustments. But God was beckoning me to spend some time with him. Because I was expected to soon be encouraging a large group of women, helping them laugh with each other and dance in God's presence, I knew that if I kept on my own course, I'd be zapped of energy and enthusiasm. So I did something I don't do often enough. I said "no" to an obligation and said "yes" to God. And I hiked to the lookout point I'd visited yesterday.The climb was steep. And I started thinking how being obedience to God is not easy. Obedience challenges me. But I do better with it when I'm well-equipped. For hiking, my map and water are musts. For obedience, constant communication with God. Through his word, prayer, worship. So as I climbed, I took each step for him. When I stopped to take a drink, I savored God's words to me. When a heard the sounds of the hills, I listened for his voice. When I reached the top and marvelled again at the complexity and beauty of his creation, I raised my face to his in worship.The hike down was just as challenging physically, and spiritually, God reminded me that I can go too fast sometimes and get caught up in the rush of everyday life. I was walking back to my obligations and daily life, but with renewed purpose. Only God knew the challenges waiting for me at the bottom of that mountain top, but I sure am thankful I chose obedience today, so he could prepare me in his providential way.Send out your light and your truth;let them guide me.Let them lead me to your holy mountain,to the place where you live. - Psalm 43:3 (NLT) challenge, mountain, obedience nonadult false Mountain Top text blog challenge,mountain,obedience 108 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 280012 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Make-A-Difference/BLOG/273629/57566.html My husband and I have great conversations as we're walking. He's getting ready to speak at a community leaders' luncheon this week, so we were recently discussing his topic: making a difference through community service. Because we're both in ministry, we started talking about our different experiences, when our ministries have had the most significant impact, and how God uses our gifts at different times in different ways.I'm sure we're not the first ones to recognize this, but significant impact often follows a shift or change. A new leader comes into a church. A ministry team is reorganized. Volunteers are recruited and trained church wide. Each time we've moved, the ministries we've moved out of and into both changed. People's lives were impacted.Make a difference by doing something different.When I took on a new position as Small Groups Coordinator, the seeds planted in the first six months were super-seeds. I sometimes wondered if God was using his version of Miracle-Gro every day! Groups grew, leaders emerged, and individual lives were changed. Then we reached a plateau. There was still growth, but enthusiasm waned and was replaced by some "maintain status quo" attitudes. When a new Coordinator replaced me, I strongly encouraged him to question everything I had put in place, not because I didn't believe in the vision and direction I had but because I had experienced how people respond to freshness. It's essential to growth.Make a difference by doing something different.Change is essential to growth. You can keep watering the same seeds in the same way every day, but the plant changes and will eventually rot from too much water, outgrow the pot, or consume all the nutrients in the soil.Make a difference by doing something different.Are you too comfortable? Are you where God wants you to be? Or is where you are more about where you want to be (and don't want to be) right now? I'm not saying your gifts or passions are always changing, but how you use your God-given gifts and passions can definitely change. Does your hand always do the same thing for you every day, all day? No! It would take you a long time just to make a list of everything your hand does in a single day. Consider your gifts and passions in the same way. How will you use them? Be creative. God is.Make a difference by doing something different.You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, my word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” - 2 Corinthians 1: 17-18 My husband and I have great conversations as we're walking. He's getting ready to speak at a community leaders' luncheon this week, so we were recently discussing his topic: making a difference through community service. Because we're both in ministry, we started talking about our different experiences, when our ministries have had the most significant impact, and how God uses our gifts at different times in different ways.I'm sure we're not the first ones to recognize this, but significant impact often follows a shift or change. A new leader comes into a church. A ministry team is reorganized. Volunteers are recruited and trained church wide. Each time we've moved, the ministries we've moved out of and into both changed. People's lives were impacted.Make a difference by doing something different.When I took on a new position as Small Groups Coordinator, the seeds planted in the first six months were super-seeds. I sometimes wondered if God was using his version of Miracle-Gro every day! Groups grew, leaders emerged, and individual lives were changed. Then we reached a plateau. There was still growth, but enthusiasm waned and was replaced by some "maintain status quo" attitudes. When a new Coordinator replaced me, I strongly encouraged him to question everything I had put in place, not because I didn't believe in the vision and direction I had but because I had experienced how people respond to freshness. It's essential to growth.Make a difference by doing something different.Change is essential to growth. You can keep watering the same seeds in the same way every day, but the plant changes and will eventually rot from too much water, outgrow the pot, or consume all the nutrients in the soil.Make a difference by doing something different.Are you too comfortable? Are you where God wants you to be? Or is where you are more about where you want to be (and don't want to be) right now? I'm not saying your gifts or passions are always changing, but how you use your God-given gifts and passions can definitely change. Does your hand always do the same thing for you every day, all day? No! It would take you a long time just to make a list of everything your hand does in a single day. Consider your gifts and passions in the same way. How will you use them? Be creative. God is.Make a difference by doing something different.You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, my word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” - 2 Corinthians 1: 17-18 Mon, 11 May 2009 03:16:55 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Make-A-Difference/BLOG/273629/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-05-11T03:16:55Z Radiant magazine My husband and I have great conversations as we're walking. He's getting ready to speak at a community leaders' luncheon this week, so we were recently discussing his topic: making a difference through community service. Because we're both in ministry, we started talking about our different experiences, when our ministries have had the most significant impact, and how God uses our gifts at different times in different ways.I'm sure we're not the first ones to recognize this, but significant impact often follows a shift or change. A new leader comes into a church. A ministry team is reorganized. Volunteers are recruited and trained church wide. Each time we've moved, the ministries we've moved out of and into both changed. People's lives were impacted.Make a difference by doing something different.When I took on a new position as Small Groups Coordinator, the seeds planted in the first six months were super-seeds. I sometimes wondered if God was using his version of Miracle-Gro every day! Groups grew, leaders emerged, and individual lives were changed. Then we reached a plateau. There was still growth, but enthusiasm waned and was replaced by some "maintain status quo" attitudes. When a new Coordinator replaced me, I strongly encouraged him to question everything I had put in place, not because I didn't believe in the vision and direction I had but because I had experienced how people respond to freshness. It's essential to growth.Make a difference by doing something different.Change is essential to growth. You can keep watering the same seeds in the same way every day, but the plant changes and will eventually rot from too much water, outgrow the pot, or consume all the nutrients in the soil.Make a difference by doing something different.Are you too comfortable? Are you where God wants you to be? Or is where you are more about where you want to be (and don't want to be) right now? I'm not saying your gifts or passions are always changing, but how you use your God-given gifts and passions can definitely change. Does your hand always do the same thing for you every day, all day? No! It would take you a long time just to make a list of everything your hand does in a single day. Consider your gifts and passions in the same way. How will you use them? Be creative. God is.Make a difference by doing something different.You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, my word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” - 2 Corinthians 1: 17-18 change, difference, gifts, ministry, passion nonadult false Make A Difference text blog change,difference,gifts,ministry,passion 124 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 273629 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Sticky-Rain/BLOG/265614/57566.html I walked outside the church building the other day while it was raining, and I stood under the awning, mesmerized. There were few cars in the parking lot, and as the wind blew, it looked as if tiny waves moved across the pavement. I watched as individual drops quickly fell into the mass of puddles and those individual drops instantly rippled and absorbed into the moving water.I thought of the church. Individuals each coming on their own and then being absorbed into the mass of water, adhering to other raindrops and moving with fluidity together. The wind doesn't blow one raindrop by itself. The combined drops wave together. Shared direction, firm togetherness.Sounds great in theory. I'm pretty sure the idea of sticking together as believers is even biblical. And while I've caught glimpses of shared vision, purpose, and movement within the church, I've also experienced a lot of room for improvement (which is the nice way to say "we often stink at biblical community!).Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. - Philippians 1:2-3 (NLT)Alright. So it's definitely biblical. Which is another way of saying "we'd better practice what we say we believe!" What can you do this week to apply Philippians 1:2-3 to your life?What are you bitter or discontent about? Worship music? Church leadership? Children's programing? How are your dealing with your discontentedness? Speak the truth in love. Confront when necessary. But also realize sometimes you'll be unhappy with something because it's just not your style or it's inconvenient for you. When you take a close look, you may find nothing biblically wrong with what's going on, and if that's the case, you may just need to change your own attitude! Are you involved, or are you waiting for someone to invite you to be involved? Take intitiative. Explore different areas of service. If you've served in the same area for years, and you find yourself dreading meetings or ministry, maybe it's time to move to another ministry. Talk with people, gather information, and take a step. Humility. According to Mirriam-Webster, humble means "not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive." It's thinking of yourself less...not thinking of yourself as less but just less. When you're feeling sorry for yourself or unappreciated, or you're just having one of those days when you don't seem to be able to focus on anything except your own challenges (even coffee isn't jumpstarting you!), SERVE someone. Get your mind on someone else. It does the trick for me every time!The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. - Isaiah 55:10 (NLT). I walked outside the church building the other day while it was raining, and I stood under the awning, mesmerized. There were few cars in the parking lot, and as the wind blew, it looked as if tiny waves moved across the pavement. I watched as individual drops quickly fell into the mass of puddles and those individual drops instantly rippled and absorbed into the moving water.I thought of the church. Individuals each coming on their own and then being absorbed into the mass of water, adhering to other raindrops and moving with fluidity together. The wind doesn't blow one raindrop by itself. The combined drops wave together. Shared direction, firm togetherness.Sounds great in theory. I'm pretty sure the idea of sticking together as believers is even biblical. And while I've caught glimpses of shared vision, purpose, and movement within the church, I've also experienced a lot of room for improvement (which is the nice way to say "we often stink at biblical community!).Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. - Philippians 1:2-3 (NLT)Alright. So it's definitely biblical. Which is another way of saying "we'd better practice what we say we believe!" What can you do this week to apply Philippians 1:2-3 to your life?What are you bitter or discontent about? Worship music? Church leadership? Children's programing? How are your dealing with your discontentedness? Speak the truth in love. Confront when necessary. But also realize sometimes you'll be unhappy with something because it's just not your style or it's inconvenient for you. When you take a close look, you may find nothing biblically wrong with what's going on, and if that's the case, you may just need to change your own attitude! Are you involved, or are you waiting for someone to invite you to be involved? Take intitiative. Explore different areas of service. If you've served in the same area for years, and you find yourself dreading meetings or ministry, maybe it's time to move to another ministry. Talk with people, gather information, and take a step. Humility. According to Mirriam-Webster, humble means "not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive." It's thinking of yourself less...not thinking of yourself as less but just less. When you're feeling sorry for yourself or unappreciated, or you're just having one of those days when you don't seem to be able to focus on anything except your own challenges (even coffee isn't jumpstarting you!), SERVE someone. Get your mind on someone else. It does the trick for me every time!The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. - Isaiah 55:10 (NLT). Sun, 03 May 2009 04:10:05 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Sticky-Rain/BLOG/265614/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-05-03T04:10:05Z Radiant magazine I walked outside the church building the other day while it was raining, and I stood under the awning, mesmerized. There were few cars in the parking lot, and as the wind blew, it looked as if tiny waves moved across the pavement. I watched as individual drops quickly fell into the mass of puddles and those individual drops instantly rippled and absorbed into the moving water.I thought of the church. Individuals each coming on their own and then being absorbed into the mass of water, adhering to other raindrops and moving with fluidity together. The wind doesn't blow one raindrop by itself. The combined drops wave together. Shared direction, firm togetherness.Sounds great in theory. I'm pretty sure the idea of sticking together as believers is even biblical. And while I've caught glimpses of shared vision, purpose, and movement within the church, I've also experienced a lot of room for improvement (which is the nice way to say "we often stink at biblical community!).Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. - Philippians 1:2-3 (NLT)Alright. So it's definitely biblical. Which is another way of saying "we'd better practice what we say we believe!" What can you do this week to apply Philippians 1:2-3 to your life?What are you bitter or discontent about? Worship music? Church leadership? Children's programing? How are your dealing with your discontentedness? Speak the truth in love. Confront when necessary. But also realize sometimes you'll be unhappy with something because it's just not your style or it's inconvenient for you. When you take a close look, you may find nothing biblically wrong with what's going on, and if that's the case, you may just need to change your own attitude! Are you involved, or are you waiting for someone to invite you to be involved? Take intitiative. Explore different areas of service. If you've served in the same area for years, and you find yourself dreading meetings or ministry, maybe it's time to move to another ministry. Talk with people, gather information, and take a step. Humility. According to Mirriam-Webster, humble means "not proud or haughty : not arrogant or assertive." It's thinking of yourself less...not thinking of yourself as less but just less. When you're feeling sorry for yourself or unappreciated, or you're just having one of those days when you don't seem to be able to focus on anything except your own challenges (even coffee isn't jumpstarting you!), SERVE someone. Get your mind on someone else. It does the trick for me every time!The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. - Isaiah 55:10 (NLT). church, community, humility, ministry, rain, service nonadult false Sticky Rain text blog church,community,humility,ministry,rain,service 138 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 265614 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Gods-Sticky-Note/BLOG/256970/57566.html Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12 (NIV)We can't mature without perseverance. So, if we’re not persevering, we’re not growing; we’re staying childish. Ouch! God has a plan and purpose for each of us, but we can only fulfill that purpose if we are growing, which means persevering through trials and struggles! If we refuse to grow up, we can’t begin to accomplish what God has planned for us.God wants us to persevere through trials, because he sees the growth we’ll have when we walk through the other side of our sufferings. We’ll be closer to him, more like him, and more like the person he made us each to be. We can sit in the middle of our struggles, look ahead and painfully wonder what it would be like if our lives were different. Or, we can look ahead with hope and then move our feet, one step at a time, according to God’s direction and timing. And when we’re taking one step at a time according to his will, we’ll often find ourselves in a different place, closer to God, and can glance back and celebrate the triumphs of persevering through trials.We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)Q: How does perseverance produce character and character produce hope?Q: Describe what being powerless versus powerful means.Q: How and when does God respond? How do you respond to power/powerlessness?Q: How does God instruct us to consider trials? Share your reaction to his instruction.Q: If you followed God’s example of giving “generously to all without finding fault,” how would your approach to trials and sufferings change?Write one word or short phrase on a sticky note...something that sticks with you from these questions or Scripture verses. Consider how that word or phrase will impact your everyday struggles and trials this week. Stick your note somewhere you’ll see it throughout the week. Consider it one of God’s sticky notes…a little note he gives you to help you through life’s sticky situations.  Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12 (NIV)We can't mature without perseverance. So, if we’re not persevering, we’re not growing; we’re staying childish. Ouch! God has a plan and purpose for each of us, but we can only fulfill that purpose if we are growing, which means persevering through trials and struggles! If we refuse to grow up, we can’t begin to accomplish what God has planned for us.God wants us to persevere through trials, because he sees the growth we’ll have when we walk through the other side of our sufferings. We’ll be closer to him, more like him, and more like the person he made us each to be. We can sit in the middle of our struggles, look ahead and painfully wonder what it would be like if our lives were different. Or, we can look ahead with hope and then move our feet, one step at a time, according to God’s direction and timing. And when we’re taking one step at a time according to his will, we’ll often find ourselves in a different place, closer to God, and can glance back and celebrate the triumphs of persevering through trials.We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)Q: How does perseverance produce character and character produce hope?Q: Describe what being powerless versus powerful means.Q: How and when does God respond? How do you respond to power/powerlessness?Q: How does God instruct us to consider trials? Share your reaction to his instruction.Q: If you followed God’s example of giving “generously to all without finding fault,” how would your approach to trials and sufferings change?Write one word or short phrase on a sticky note...something that sticks with you from these questions or Scripture verses. Consider how that word or phrase will impact your everyday struggles and trials this week. Stick your note somewhere you’ll see it throughout the week. Consider it one of God’s sticky notes…a little note he gives you to help you through life’s sticky situations.  Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:13:24 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Gods-Sticky-Note/BLOG/256970/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-04-26T03:13:24Z Radiant magazine Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, that God has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12 (NIV)We can't mature without perseverance. So, if we’re not persevering, we’re not growing; we’re staying childish. Ouch! God has a plan and purpose for each of us, but we can only fulfill that purpose if we are growing, which means persevering through trials and struggles! If we refuse to grow up, we can’t begin to accomplish what God has planned for us.God wants us to persevere through trials, because he sees the growth we’ll have when we walk through the other side of our sufferings. We’ll be closer to him, more like him, and more like the person he made us each to be. We can sit in the middle of our struggles, look ahead and painfully wonder what it would be like if our lives were different. Or, we can look ahead with hope and then move our feet, one step at a time, according to God’s direction and timing. And when we’re taking one step at a time according to his will, we’ll often find ourselves in a different place, closer to God, and can glance back and celebrate the triumphs of persevering through trials.We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. - Romans 5:3-5 (NLT)Q: How does perseverance produce character and character produce hope?Q: Describe what being powerless versus powerful means.Q: How and when does God respond? How do you respond to power/powerlessness?Q: How does God instruct us to consider trials? Share your reaction to his instruction.Q: If you followed God’s example of giving “generously to all without finding fault,” how would your approach to trials and sufferings change?Write one word or short phrase on a sticky note...something that sticks with you from these questions or Scripture verses. Consider how that word or phrase will impact your everyday struggles and trials this week. Stick your note somewhere you’ll see it throughout the week. Consider it one of God’s sticky notes…a little note he gives you to help you through life’s sticky situations.  growth, notes, perseverance, questions, trial nonadult false God's Sticky Note text blog growth,notes,perseverance,questions,trial 220 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 2 0 256970 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Heart-of-Worship/BLOG/243256/57566.html When the music fades And all is stripped away And I simply come Longing just to bring Something that's of worth That will bless your heartI lift my face to the rain, letting everything wash away. I feel the rain refresh me, cleanse me. I close my eyes in preparation.I'll bring You more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the ways things appear You're looking into my heartI close my eyes and drop my head. My knees weaken and I slowly fall to the ground. I feel overwhelmed but free from burden.I'm coming back to the heart of worship And it's all about You All about You, Jesus I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it When it's all about You It's all about You JesusMy burden is light. My heart is full. I breathe in the fresh air and slowly stand to my feet. Lighter. Refreshed. Renewed.I'll bring You more than just a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the way things appear You're looking into my heartMy hands begin to reach out to my sides, palms up. I open my eyes and focus on Jesus. It's just He and I in the crowded worship center today. He comes to me and I to Him. Because it's all about You, Jesus.*lyrics from Matt Redman's The Heart of Worship When the music fades And all is stripped away And I simply come Longing just to bring Something that's of worth That will bless your heartI lift my face to the rain, letting everything wash away. I feel the rain refresh me, cleanse me. I close my eyes in preparation.I'll bring You more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the ways things appear You're looking into my heartI close my eyes and drop my head. My knees weaken and I slowly fall to the ground. I feel overwhelmed but free from burden.I'm coming back to the heart of worship And it's all about You All about You, Jesus I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it When it's all about You It's all about You JesusMy burden is light. My heart is full. I breathe in the fresh air and slowly stand to my feet. Lighter. Refreshed. Renewed.I'll bring You more than just a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the way things appear You're looking into my heartMy hands begin to reach out to my sides, palms up. I open my eyes and focus on Jesus. It's just He and I in the crowded worship center today. He comes to me and I to Him. Because it's all about You, Jesus.*lyrics from Matt Redman's The Heart of Worship Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:18:02 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Heart-of-Worship/BLOG/243256/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-04-15T02:18:02Z Radiant magazine When the music fades And all is stripped away And I simply come Longing just to bring Something that's of worth That will bless your heartI lift my face to the rain, letting everything wash away. I feel the rain refresh me, cleanse me. I close my eyes in preparation.I'll bring You more than a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the ways things appear You're looking into my heartI close my eyes and drop my head. My knees weaken and I slowly fall to the ground. I feel overwhelmed but free from burden.I'm coming back to the heart of worship And it's all about You All about You, Jesus I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it When it's all about You It's all about You JesusMy burden is light. My heart is full. I breathe in the fresh air and slowly stand to my feet. Lighter. Refreshed. Renewed.I'll bring You more than just a song For a song in itself Is not what You have required You search much deeper within Through the way things appear You're looking into my heartMy hands begin to reach out to my sides, palms up. I open my eyes and focus on Jesus. It's just He and I in the crowded worship center today. He comes to me and I to Him. Because it's all about You, Jesus.*lyrics from Matt Redman's The Heart of Worship cleanse, heart, lyrics, rain, refresh, worship nonadult false Heart of Worship text blog cleanse,heart,lyrics,rain,refresh,worship 113 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 243256 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Savor-the-Sacrifice/BLOG/238755/57566.html A common thread runs through most of our Easters past. We decide which of three worship services to attend, usually the middle one, because it doesn't force us to get up too early, but we still get out of church early enough to drive the hour to my parents' house before lunch. Where everyone's waiting. My family is the only church-attending family, so one of my sisters complains the schedule on Easter always revolves around me. By the time we arrive, there's a bit of tension in the air. In fact, we've missed major drama a couple times (which I've been thankful for!). Yet I love spending time with my extended family on Easter. I grew up on a family farm, and when the weather is nice, we spend the afternoon in creating scavengar hunts around the property. My parents have created fun ways for the kids and adults to enjoy the day, and many of their ideas grew into traditions. We always end up having a great day.But it's the beginning that's rough. Getting to and from church. "Fitting in" worship. Rush, rush, rush. Not this year. When my sister mentioned (once again) the schedule revolving around me, I reminded her that we wouldn't even be celebrating Easter as a family if it weren't for Jesus Christ, so my priority was unhesitatantly and unashamedly going to be worship first. Yet as I spoke those words, God challenged me, "Is worship really your priority, Susan?" Ouch. Of course, my intention in going to Easter worship services has been to worship, but what's my heartitude been when I can barely slow down enough to sit still? Or I sit like a spectator, expecting to be entertained? Or I'm critical of a song choice, video clip, or message length?Okay, God, I get the point. So our family talked, and we're making worship a priority this year. We're going to a different worship service at a different church to help jolt us out of our routine rut. We'll have time together before and after worship to prepare and savor. To savor Jesus' sacrifice and triumphant resurrection. To savor God's sacrifice.God created time, so I don't need to rush. God gave me Jesus, so I don't need to die. The least I can do is live for him. I'm choosing to savor the sacrifice. A common thread runs through most of our Easters past. We decide which of three worship services to attend, usually the middle one, because it doesn't force us to get up too early, but we still get out of church early enough to drive the hour to my parents' house before lunch. Where everyone's waiting. My family is the only church-attending family, so one of my sisters complains the schedule on Easter always revolves around me. By the time we arrive, there's a bit of tension in the air. In fact, we've missed major drama a couple times (which I've been thankful for!). Yet I love spending time with my extended family on Easter. I grew up on a family farm, and when the weather is nice, we spend the afternoon in creating scavengar hunts around the property. My parents have created fun ways for the kids and adults to enjoy the day, and many of their ideas grew into traditions. We always end up having a great day.But it's the beginning that's rough. Getting to and from church. "Fitting in" worship. Rush, rush, rush. Not this year. When my sister mentioned (once again) the schedule revolving around me, I reminded her that we wouldn't even be celebrating Easter as a family if it weren't for Jesus Christ, so my priority was unhesitatantly and unashamedly going to be worship first. Yet as I spoke those words, God challenged me, "Is worship really your priority, Susan?" Ouch. Of course, my intention in going to Easter worship services has been to worship, but what's my heartitude been when I can barely slow down enough to sit still? Or I sit like a spectator, expecting to be entertained? Or I'm critical of a song choice, video clip, or message length?Okay, God, I get the point. So our family talked, and we're making worship a priority this year. We're going to a different worship service at a different church to help jolt us out of our routine rut. We'll have time together before and after worship to prepare and savor. To savor Jesus' sacrifice and triumphant resurrection. To savor God's sacrifice.God created time, so I don't need to rush. God gave me Jesus, so I don't need to die. The least I can do is live for him. I'm choosing to savor the sacrifice. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:32:54 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Savor-the-Sacrifice/BLOG/238755/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-04-10T13:32:54Z Radiant magazine A common thread runs through most of our Easters past. We decide which of three worship services to attend, usually the middle one, because it doesn't force us to get up too early, but we still get out of church early enough to drive the hour to my parents' house before lunch. Where everyone's waiting. My family is the only church-attending family, so one of my sisters complains the schedule on Easter always revolves around me. By the time we arrive, there's a bit of tension in the air. In fact, we've missed major drama a couple times (which I've been thankful for!). Yet I love spending time with my extended family on Easter. I grew up on a family farm, and when the weather is nice, we spend the afternoon in creating scavengar hunts around the property. My parents have created fun ways for the kids and adults to enjoy the day, and many of their ideas grew into traditions. We always end up having a great day.But it's the beginning that's rough. Getting to and from church. "Fitting in" worship. Rush, rush, rush. Not this year. When my sister mentioned (once again) the schedule revolving around me, I reminded her that we wouldn't even be celebrating Easter as a family if it weren't for Jesus Christ, so my priority was unhesitatantly and unashamedly going to be worship first. Yet as I spoke those words, God challenged me, "Is worship really your priority, Susan?" Ouch. Of course, my intention in going to Easter worship services has been to worship, but what's my heartitude been when I can barely slow down enough to sit still? Or I sit like a spectator, expecting to be entertained? Or I'm critical of a song choice, video clip, or message length?Okay, God, I get the point. So our family talked, and we're making worship a priority this year. We're going to a different worship service at a different church to help jolt us out of our routine rut. We'll have time together before and after worship to prepare and savor. To savor Jesus' sacrifice and triumphant resurrection. To savor God's sacrifice.God created time, so I don't need to rush. God gave me Jesus, so I don't need to die. The least I can do is live for him. I'm choosing to savor the sacrifice. easter, family, rush, sacrifice, savor, worship nonadult false Savor the Sacrifice text blog easter,family,rush,sacrifice,savor,worship 106 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 238755 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Size-Matters/BLOG/231221/57566.html Right after Christmas, I went shopping for a new pair of jeans. I love to shop at a specific shop in the mall, where sizes are consistent. I loathe trying on clothes, so I like that I can easily look through the sales racks, pick out what I need in my size, and check out with little trauma...or so I thought.I found jeans I liked, and I also found a couple shirts, but I need to try them on because I wasn't sure if the shirts would look right layered on me. So I went ahead and tried on the jeans, too. My size. But to my horror, they did NOT fit! I thought about buying them anyway. After all, it was probably just my extra 5 pounds from Christmas goodies, but then again, we vacationed over Christmas, and I actually ate fairly healthy, AND I worked out every day. But I didn't want the pressure. I thought about trying one size bigger, but that thought quickly flew out of my head. I didn't want the reality check. So I bought nothing.Two weeks ago by daughter and I went dress shopping. She found a dress she adored but it wasn't in her size. So she had to choose between a dress one size too big or one size too small. She went with the smaller size, and it fit perfectly. The dress was "the" dress, and with the added benefit of having a smaller size on the tag, she was thrilled!Why is that small piece of fabric with a number on it so important to us? If we're wearing clothes that complement our bodies and are comfortable to us, what difference does it make what that tag says? Next time you go shopping, buy what fits well and looks great, and then go home and cut out those tags!  Right after Christmas, I went shopping for a new pair of jeans. I love to shop at a specific shop in the mall, where sizes are consistent. I loathe trying on clothes, so I like that I can easily look through the sales racks, pick out what I need in my size, and check out with little trauma...or so I thought.I found jeans I liked, and I also found a couple shirts, but I need to try them on because I wasn't sure if the shirts would look right layered on me. So I went ahead and tried on the jeans, too. My size. But to my horror, they did NOT fit! I thought about buying them anyway. After all, it was probably just my extra 5 pounds from Christmas goodies, but then again, we vacationed over Christmas, and I actually ate fairly healthy, AND I worked out every day. But I didn't want the pressure. I thought about trying one size bigger, but that thought quickly flew out of my head. I didn't want the reality check. So I bought nothing.Two weeks ago by daughter and I went dress shopping. She found a dress she adored but it wasn't in her size. So she had to choose between a dress one size too big or one size too small. She went with the smaller size, and it fit perfectly. The dress was "the" dress, and with the added benefit of having a smaller size on the tag, she was thrilled!Why is that small piece of fabric with a number on it so important to us? If we're wearing clothes that complement our bodies and are comfortable to us, what difference does it make what that tag says? Next time you go shopping, buy what fits well and looks great, and then go home and cut out those tags!  Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:18:58 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Size-Matters/BLOG/231221/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-04-03T21:18:58Z Radiant magazine Right after Christmas, I went shopping for a new pair of jeans. I love to shop at a specific shop in the mall, where sizes are consistent. I loathe trying on clothes, so I like that I can easily look through the sales racks, pick out what I need in my size, and check out with little trauma...or so I thought.I found jeans I liked, and I also found a couple shirts, but I need to try them on because I wasn't sure if the shirts would look right layered on me. So I went ahead and tried on the jeans, too. My size. But to my horror, they did NOT fit! I thought about buying them anyway. After all, it was probably just my extra 5 pounds from Christmas goodies, but then again, we vacationed over Christmas, and I actually ate fairly healthy, AND I worked out every day. But I didn't want the pressure. I thought about trying one size bigger, but that thought quickly flew out of my head. I didn't want the reality check. So I bought nothing.Two weeks ago by daughter and I went dress shopping. She found a dress she adored but it wasn't in her size. So she had to choose between a dress one size too big or one size too small. She went with the smaller size, and it fit perfectly. The dress was "the" dress, and with the added benefit of having a smaller size on the tag, she was thrilled!Why is that small piece of fabric with a number on it so important to us? If we're wearing clothes that complement our bodies and are comfortable to us, what difference does it make what that tag says? Next time you go shopping, buy what fits well and looks great, and then go home and cut out those tags!  dress, jeans, self-image, size, weight nonadult false Size Matters text blog dress,jeans,self-image,size,weight 203 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 231221 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Shut-Your-Mouth/BLOG/222484/57566.html Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. - Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)"I didn't mean to let it slip. And I only told one person. Really, it's not that big of a deal, is it? I mean, if she didn't want anyone to know, why did she tell me?""I didn't mean it really. I ws just gabbing with some friends and we talking about another friend. What I said about her was true...at least, a little bit. The truth hurts sometimes."I was recently leaving a gathering of women and briefly overheard a conversation of three women making some plans for the following weekend. The conversation took a turn from "who would be there" to "so-and-so, who probably wouldn't be there, but that's just typical because she....." You get the idea.I've said my share of hurtful things to and about other women in the past, and I've been hurt by what others have said about me. Why do we women do that to each other? Isn't there enough hurt in the world without us talking about each other? We rationalize it and sometimes even enjoy the feeling of having juicy information or being "in the know"! Whether or not we'll openly admit it, we like the power. Or, we're so insecure ourselves, we somehow twist our thinking into believing if we tear others down, we build ourselves up.Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut. Try that this week. Place 15 pennies in your left pocket when you get dressed each morning. Each time you hold your tongue, move one penny from your left pocket to your right pocket. When you say something hurtful or judgmental or you share confidential information or gossip, move 5 pennies from your right pocket to your left.Where are your pennies at the end of each day?Check out more blogs to challenge you at http://susanhlawrence.blogspot.com/ Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. - Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)"I didn't mean to let it slip. And I only told one person. Really, it's not that big of a deal, is it? I mean, if she didn't want anyone to know, why did she tell me?""I didn't mean it really. I ws just gabbing with some friends and we talking about another friend. What I said about her was true...at least, a little bit. The truth hurts sometimes."I was recently leaving a gathering of women and briefly overheard a conversation of three women making some plans for the following weekend. The conversation took a turn from "who would be there" to "so-and-so, who probably wouldn't be there, but that's just typical because she....." You get the idea.I've said my share of hurtful things to and about other women in the past, and I've been hurt by what others have said about me. Why do we women do that to each other? Isn't there enough hurt in the world without us talking about each other? We rationalize it and sometimes even enjoy the feeling of having juicy information or being "in the know"! Whether or not we'll openly admit it, we like the power. Or, we're so insecure ourselves, we somehow twist our thinking into believing if we tear others down, we build ourselves up.Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut. Try that this week. Place 15 pennies in your left pocket when you get dressed each morning. Each time you hold your tongue, move one penny from your left pocket to your right pocket. When you say something hurtful or judgmental or you share confidential information or gossip, move 5 pennies from your right pocket to your left.Where are your pennies at the end of each day?Check out more blogs to challenge you at http://susanhlawrence.blogspot.com/ Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:21:47 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Shut-Your-Mouth/BLOG/222484/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-03-26T19:21:47Z Radiant magazine Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. - Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)"I didn't mean to let it slip. And I only told one person. Really, it's not that big of a deal, is it? I mean, if she didn't want anyone to know, why did she tell me?""I didn't mean it really. I ws just gabbing with some friends and we talking about another friend. What I said about her was true...at least, a little bit. The truth hurts sometimes."I was recently leaving a gathering of women and briefly overheard a conversation of three women making some plans for the following weekend. The conversation took a turn from "who would be there" to "so-and-so, who probably wouldn't be there, but that's just typical because she....." You get the idea.I've said my share of hurtful things to and about other women in the past, and I've been hurt by what others have said about me. Why do we women do that to each other? Isn't there enough hurt in the world without us talking about each other? We rationalize it and sometimes even enjoy the feeling of having juicy information or being "in the know"! Whether or not we'll openly admit it, we like the power. Or, we're so insecure ourselves, we somehow twist our thinking into believing if we tear others down, we build ourselves up.Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut. Try that this week. Place 15 pennies in your left pocket when you get dressed each morning. Each time you hold your tongue, move one penny from your left pocket to your right pocket. When you say something hurtful or judgmental or you share confidential information or gossip, move 5 pennies from your right pocket to your left.Where are your pennies at the end of each day?Check out more blogs to challenge you at http://susanhlawrence.blogspot.com/ confidential, gossip, mouth, tongue nonadult false Shut Your Mouth text blog confidential,gossip,mouth,tongue 150 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 222484 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Unfair-Assumptions/BLOG/214868/57566.html I hadn't noticed who was behind me as we boarded the plane, but I heard her ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extension. I was focused on finding my seat and settling in for my flight with a good book. I placed my laptop case in the overhead bin and sat down. Just as I clicked my seatbelt, I realized the women behind me was waiting to sit down...next to me.Yes, she was overweight. Obese if you want to use a technical term. My initial reaction surprised me. I like comfort on planes...but there's something more important to me. Each time I fly, I pray that God will connect me with whomever is in his plans for that day (whether I like it or not!). When my seat mate said, "Excuse me," instead of thinking "Oh, great...this will be a long flight!," I realized this is the woman I had just heard ask for a seatbelt extension, and I thought "How degrading that must feel each time she boards a plane." Worse yet, the extension she was given was the wrong size, and she had to ask another attendant for a replacement. And this time, as loud as the attendant's voice was, all those around us must have heard. Several turned to look at "the woman who needs a seat belt extension."Now before you think I had a gracious response and should be commended, let me assure you my reaction caught me completely off guard. I've judged a lot of people in my life, particularly overweight people, despite obesity running in my family and my own minor struggles with weight. I often feel sorry for people who "get stuck" next to someone who spills over into their seat. But this time, God had a lesson to teach me.My seatmate and I immediately hit it off. We had a lot in common, and we talked nearly the entire flight. She shared her passions, and I shared stories of my family. She talked about her current trip and past travels. I was conscious of her trying to hold her arms together to avoid getting into my space, but I tried to nonverbally welcome her. I realized she didn't have enough room to put down her lap tray, so as she juggled her drink and snack, I encouraged her to use mine if she wanted.I had planned to dig into my good book, but God dug into my comfort zone instead. I learned that when I don't "judge a book by it's cover," I might be just be surprised by the story that follows. Funny how he has to send wonderful people my way to remind me of the lessons he teaches me...over and over. I hadn't noticed who was behind me as we boarded the plane, but I heard her ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extension. I was focused on finding my seat and settling in for my flight with a good book. I placed my laptop case in the overhead bin and sat down. Just as I clicked my seatbelt, I realized the women behind me was waiting to sit down...next to me.Yes, she was overweight. Obese if you want to use a technical term. My initial reaction surprised me. I like comfort on planes...but there's something more important to me. Each time I fly, I pray that God will connect me with whomever is in his plans for that day (whether I like it or not!). When my seat mate said, "Excuse me," instead of thinking "Oh, great...this will be a long flight!," I realized this is the woman I had just heard ask for a seatbelt extension, and I thought "How degrading that must feel each time she boards a plane." Worse yet, the extension she was given was the wrong size, and she had to ask another attendant for a replacement. And this time, as loud as the attendant's voice was, all those around us must have heard. Several turned to look at "the woman who needs a seat belt extension."Now before you think I had a gracious response and should be commended, let me assure you my reaction caught me completely off guard. I've judged a lot of people in my life, particularly overweight people, despite obesity running in my family and my own minor struggles with weight. I often feel sorry for people who "get stuck" next to someone who spills over into their seat. But this time, God had a lesson to teach me.My seatmate and I immediately hit it off. We had a lot in common, and we talked nearly the entire flight. She shared her passions, and I shared stories of my family. She talked about her current trip and past travels. I was conscious of her trying to hold her arms together to avoid getting into my space, but I tried to nonverbally welcome her. I realized she didn't have enough room to put down her lap tray, so as she juggled her drink and snack, I encouraged her to use mine if she wanted.I had planned to dig into my good book, but God dug into my comfort zone instead. I learned that when I don't "judge a book by it's cover," I might be just be surprised by the story that follows. Funny how he has to send wonderful people my way to remind me of the lessons he teaches me...over and over. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:17:17 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Unfair-Assumptions/BLOG/214868/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-03-18T22:17:17Z Radiant magazine I hadn't noticed who was behind me as we boarded the plane, but I heard her ask the flight attendant for a seatbelt extension. I was focused on finding my seat and settling in for my flight with a good book. I placed my laptop case in the overhead bin and sat down. Just as I clicked my seatbelt, I realized the women behind me was waiting to sit down...next to me.Yes, she was overweight. Obese if you want to use a technical term. My initial reaction surprised me. I like comfort on planes...but there's something more important to me. Each time I fly, I pray that God will connect me with whomever is in his plans for that day (whether I like it or not!). When my seat mate said, "Excuse me," instead of thinking "Oh, great...this will be a long flight!," I realized this is the woman I had just heard ask for a seatbelt extension, and I thought "How degrading that must feel each time she boards a plane." Worse yet, the extension she was given was the wrong size, and she had to ask another attendant for a replacement. And this time, as loud as the attendant's voice was, all those around us must have heard. Several turned to look at "the woman who needs a seat belt extension."Now before you think I had a gracious response and should be commended, let me assure you my reaction caught me completely off guard. I've judged a lot of people in my life, particularly overweight people, despite obesity running in my family and my own minor struggles with weight. I often feel sorry for people who "get stuck" next to someone who spills over into their seat. But this time, God had a lesson to teach me.My seatmate and I immediately hit it off. We had a lot in common, and we talked nearly the entire flight. She shared her passions, and I shared stories of my family. She talked about her current trip and past travels. I was conscious of her trying to hold her arms together to avoid getting into my space, but I tried to nonverbally welcome her. I realized she didn't have enough room to put down her lap tray, so as she juggled her drink and snack, I encouraged her to use mine if she wanted.I had planned to dig into my good book, but God dug into my comfort zone instead. I learned that when I don't "judge a book by it's cover," I might be just be surprised by the story that follows. Funny how he has to send wonderful people my way to remind me of the lessons he teaches me...over and over. nonadult false Unfair Assumptions text blog 204 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 214868 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Halftime-Sweep/BLOG/209991/57566.html Have you ever watched the person who sweeps the basketball court at halftime? If you're at a high school game, usually only one person takes care of it, and he or she starts in one corner and walks all the way down the length of the court and then turns around and walks all the way down the court in the other direction. Up and down. Up and down.That would never work in my everyday life. There are so many small pieces here and there that I have to get down the floor. I'm on one end of the court, sweeping a little to the right and then swerving to the left and then backtracking a little. Ah, for the luxury of getting a project completely done before starting another one! What am I saying? I think I'd get bored with the monotony of back and forth, back and forth.My life might not be predictable, but even when it looks chaotic, when I'm moving in the direction God wants me moving in, paying attention to where and why he wants me moving around on the court, everything gets done that he intends me to do. He controls the game clock anyway! Have you ever watched the person who sweeps the basketball court at halftime? If you're at a high school game, usually only one person takes care of it, and he or she starts in one corner and walks all the way down the length of the court and then turns around and walks all the way down the court in the other direction. Up and down. Up and down.That would never work in my everyday life. There are so many small pieces here and there that I have to get down the floor. I'm on one end of the court, sweeping a little to the right and then swerving to the left and then backtracking a little. Ah, for the luxury of getting a project completely done before starting another one! What am I saying? I think I'd get bored with the monotony of back and forth, back and forth.My life might not be predictable, but even when it looks chaotic, when I'm moving in the direction God wants me moving in, paying attention to where and why he wants me moving around on the court, everything gets done that he intends me to do. He controls the game clock anyway! Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:31:24 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Halftime-Sweep/BLOG/209991/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-03-13T19:31:24Z Radiant magazine Have you ever watched the person who sweeps the basketball court at halftime? If you're at a high school game, usually only one person takes care of it, and he or she starts in one corner and walks all the way down the length of the court and then turns around and walks all the way down the court in the other direction. Up and down. Up and down.That would never work in my everyday life. There are so many small pieces here and there that I have to get down the floor. I'm on one end of the court, sweeping a little to the right and then swerving to the left and then backtracking a little. Ah, for the luxury of getting a project completely done before starting another one! What am I saying? I think I'd get bored with the monotony of back and forth, back and forth.My life might not be predictable, but even when it looks chaotic, when I'm moving in the direction God wants me moving in, paying attention to where and why he wants me moving around on the court, everything gets done that he intends me to do. He controls the game clock anyway! nonadult false Halftime Sweep text blog 112 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 209991 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Blue-Jeans/BLOG/207625/57566.html As I type this, the banner at the top of the screen says "Are you looking for great jeans?"! I'm convinced God has a sense of humor!I have a myriad of jeans, ranging through three sizes. And I usually pick out what I'll feel best in for the day. I don't get how one pair of jeans can make me feel amazing one day and miserable the next, but it's true! And then there are the jeans that remind me of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants..in reverse.I randomly shared this with my husband on the way home from a date not long ago. We had stopped by Starbucks, and he commented on how nice I looked, and that's all it took..."The funny thing about these jeans is that I bought them about a year ago when I wasn't walking as often. And they were a little snug, but they "held it all in," which was good. And then I toned up. And the perplexing thing is...they still fit the same! Why is it I still have to suck it in when I put them on, even on those flat stomach days???!!!"By the dazed and confused look on my husband's face, I knew I had spewed a blast of womanhood on him. I had just returned from a presentation with my girlfriends. I'm not a girly-girl. I'm not that chatty. But something changes when I'm around my girlfriends for a couple days. A silly side emerges, and my defenses diminish.My husband finally stammered, "I feel like I've just been privy to private girlfriend information."My husband is wonderful, and I love long chats with him. But there are just some things we need to share with our girlfriends! As I type this, the banner at the top of the screen says "Are you looking for great jeans?"! I'm convinced God has a sense of humor!I have a myriad of jeans, ranging through three sizes. And I usually pick out what I'll feel best in for the day. I don't get how one pair of jeans can make me feel amazing one day and miserable the next, but it's true! And then there are the jeans that remind me of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants..in reverse.I randomly shared this with my husband on the way home from a date not long ago. We had stopped by Starbucks, and he commented on how nice I looked, and that's all it took..."The funny thing about these jeans is that I bought them about a year ago when I wasn't walking as often. And they were a little snug, but they "held it all in," which was good. And then I toned up. And the perplexing thing is...they still fit the same! Why is it I still have to suck it in when I put them on, even on those flat stomach days???!!!"By the dazed and confused look on my husband's face, I knew I had spewed a blast of womanhood on him. I had just returned from a presentation with my girlfriends. I'm not a girly-girl. I'm not that chatty. But something changes when I'm around my girlfriends for a couple days. A silly side emerges, and my defenses diminish.My husband finally stammered, "I feel like I've just been privy to private girlfriend information."My husband is wonderful, and I love long chats with him. But there are just some things we need to share with our girlfriends! Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:33:50 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Blue-Jeans/BLOG/207625/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-03-11T15:33:50Z Radiant magazine As I type this, the banner at the top of the screen says "Are you looking for great jeans?"! I'm convinced God has a sense of humor!I have a myriad of jeans, ranging through three sizes. And I usually pick out what I'll feel best in for the day. I don't get how one pair of jeans can make me feel amazing one day and miserable the next, but it's true! And then there are the jeans that remind me of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants..in reverse.I randomly shared this with my husband on the way home from a date not long ago. We had stopped by Starbucks, and he commented on how nice I looked, and that's all it took..."The funny thing about these jeans is that I bought them about a year ago when I wasn't walking as often. And they were a little snug, but they "held it all in," which was good. And then I toned up. And the perplexing thing is...they still fit the same! Why is it I still have to suck it in when I put them on, even on those flat stomach days???!!!"By the dazed and confused look on my husband's face, I knew I had spewed a blast of womanhood on him. I had just returned from a presentation with my girlfriends. I'm not a girly-girl. I'm not that chatty. But something changes when I'm around my girlfriends for a couple days. A silly side emerges, and my defenses diminish.My husband finally stammered, "I feel like I've just been privy to private girlfriend information."My husband is wonderful, and I love long chats with him. But there are just some things we need to share with our girlfriends! blue, girlfriends, jeans nonadult false Blue Jeans text blog blue,girlfriends,jeans 146 2 2.5 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 207625 5185312 Member 0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Connections/BLOG/206564/57566.html Times are tough. We all know women who are losing jobs and houses. Women who have health issues. And little or no health insurance. Financial losses. The list goes on. But I look around the world and feel like a whiner. The struggles we're having in the U.S. today aren't new. They're just foreign to many of us, because we're spoiled. We may not feel spoiled because we compare ourselves with the people on magazine covers and watch TV shows that throw images of the extremely wealthy in our faces. The irony is we can afford TV and magazines! How many people around the world can't even imagine access to such luxuries?And yet we have something in common with people of all economic situations around the world. The fact that connections with other people encourage us, challenge us, and keep us going. Strip all the stuff of the world from us but let us keep a few close family and friends...you know, the ones who stand by you no matter what. Let us stay connected, and we still have hope. Times are tough. We all know women who are losing jobs and houses. Women who have health issues. And little or no health insurance. Financial losses. The list goes on. But I look around the world and feel like a whiner. The struggles we're having in the U.S. today aren't new. They're just foreign to many of us, because we're spoiled. We may not feel spoiled because we compare ourselves with the people on magazine covers and watch TV shows that throw images of the extremely wealthy in our faces. The irony is we can afford TV and magazines! How many people around the world can't even imagine access to such luxuries?And yet we have something in common with people of all economic situations around the world. The fact that connections with other people encourage us, challenge us, and keep us going. Strip all the stuff of the world from us but let us keep a few close family and friends...you know, the ones who stand by you no matter what. Let us stay connected, and we still have hope. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:37:43 GMT http://community.radiantmagazine.com/_Connections/BLOG/206564/57566.html susanhlawrence 2009-03-10T15:37:43Z Radiant magazine Times are tough. We all know women who are losing jobs and houses. Women who have health issues. And little or no health insurance. Financial losses. The list goes on. But I look around the world and feel like a whiner. The struggles we're having in the U.S. today aren't new. They're just foreign to many of us, because we're spoiled. We may not feel spoiled because we compare ourselves with the people on magazine covers and watch TV shows that throw images of the extremely wealthy in our faces. The irony is we can afford TV and magazines! How many people around the world can't even imagine access to such luxuries?And yet we have something in common with people of all economic situations around the world. The fact that connections with other people encourage us, challenge us, and keep us going. Strip all the stuff of the world from us but let us keep a few close family and friends...you know, the ones who stand by you no matter what. Let us stay connected, and we still have hope. connections, economy, friendships nonadult false Connections text blog connections,economy,friendships 133 0 0.0 http://community.radiantmagazine.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=5185312&as=57566 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/57566/photos/PHOTO_4473980_57566_5185312_ap_160X120.jpg false 0 0 206564 5185312 Member 0