Deep Wisdom From Starbucks!!

Thanks, Vicky! I’ll be praying for your appointment today!

I’d actually been feeling a little discouraged about where I’ve been at spiritually lately, but was greatly encouraged yesterday. Some good friends back in Michigan have been going through a tough time and I was able to spend some time with them on the phone and God gave me the right words to encourage them and help with their situation.

Also, I got rear-ended last night, and was glad to find that it didn’t upset me – at the moment it happened or later on. It’s a bit of a bummer having my new car messed up already, and it’ll be a small nuisance having to get it fixed, but overall it’s not a big deal at all.

I think part of my problem in the area of spiritual disciplines is that I’m not predisposed to keep a very regular schedule – with anything. However, I do see the great benefit in disciplining myself to spend time regularly doing the things that help my roots grow deep. It’s a little bit like studying during a semester at school. Certain things must be done regularly over a long period of time; they don’t work the same if you try to cram in a lot at once.

For me, this is also tied to your recent post on sharpening the saw. I find it so easy to busy myself completely with so many things that it becomes difficult to make the time for a consistent quite time alone. I am improving in this area though. :o)

Very good and very true, something i notice in everyday life. It’s the choices we make that define how we will come to be. If I start out the day with God it’s puts the focus right on the things that are important and fuels my longing to go out and do these things.
To root is to choose.

I harp on it a lot, but I’ll say it again: if you want a wide reach, be the best at what you do. Vick, make the best quality music you can. If you’re a janitor, be the best cleaner, if you make shoes, be the best shoemaker, and if you’re a multi-billionaire technology maverick, make the best quality product you can.

When the world sees Christians who are not only highly successful within their sphere of influence, as well as humble, they ask questions.

The answer should always come back to Jesus.

That’s good, Covenant! Do you have any practical examples of how to bring things back to Jesus effectively in that sort of situation? It sounds to me that you may have experience that would be helpful to others of us here. :o)

Linz, I’m joining you in the dark ages… I’m replacing my personal laptop (which recently went on the fritz) with a desktop. I found a great deal on a refurbished quad-core system on PriceScan.com, and I hope to set it up tomorrow and can’t wait to start using it! I still have my handheld and my work laptop… I guess I don’t need much more mobility beyond that right now. :o)

Jase, it’s encouraging to hear about your recent growth in this area! Keep it up. :o)

Sorry, Covenant, I should have been more specific in my question. :o) I got that first part about working to be the best in your field… that was good stuff. I was talking more about some things you might say once people have noticed your success – without coming across like a 1940′s toothpaste commercial! ;o) Of course what you say about each situation being different is so true. We’ve gotta be guided by the Holy Spirit in each situation.

Yeah, clubs are fun. Let’s start a club! :o)

LOL. We’d have to have a decoder ring at least!

Back on the main topic of this thread, I got to thinking about having regular quiet times, and I guess I actually do have regular quite times (daily or close to daily). It’s just that these are not at the same time every day or for a specific amount of time every day. Also, lately I’ve been spending more time listening than I have speaking or reading. I think it would do me good to set a goal of even ten or fifteen minutes a day for reading God’s word. Though there are other ways He speaks to us, this is a huge component of how we hear His voice and I’ve been missing out on this lately. Thanks for the encouragement, Vicky!

…and I’m asssuming that no news is good news about your hospital appointment? I trust so. :o)

I love it. The whole tree analogy is so simple yet so complex at the same time. I wonder all the time if I’m growing deeper. I go about spiritual growth in a disorganized fashion – bible study, journaling, bible reading, devotional reading, bible study class, meeting with friends for one-on-one deep spiritual discussions/discipleship. I want my roots to grow deeper and for my branches to grow taller, wider, and to bear much fruit for the kingdom of God.

Love your blog.

Thanks, Vicky…good word.

Great post! Totally reminded me of, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

you we could be like cool nerds or something? also the decorder ring is a must!

i like your thoughts sanne, the greatest comandments were to love God and love people, and it didnt just say “some people”. Jesus meant for everyone to love and be loved.

Linz

VB,
I am one of the music directors at a church in NYC called Origins (www.originsnyc.com).
I have been reading your twitter updates regarding you mac. Guess what, I work at the SoHo Apple Store in New York City and if you ever need anymore Apple help, let me know.

Patrick

I had a question. Awhile back you wrote that you were interested in the notion of the union twixt law and Spirit,… and I understand you matriculated from Oxford (big congratulations.)I am visting there this summer for grad. school. And I wondered if anyone there, currently in the faculty, would be interested in that notion also? And if so, would you tell me who they are? I would appreciate any suggestions. Keep up the most excellent work.

stephen