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Sunday, 07 December 2008

Ever wish you didn't look in the mirror?

Read the following and share your thoughts, comments, and reflections. What should we learn from this and are we increasingly guilty of such silliness?

ILLUSTRATION... A Plea for Fishing (Darrell W. Robinson, People Sharing Jesus, (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995), pp. 21-23)
Now it came to pass that a group existed who called themselves fishermen. There were many fish in the waters all around. In fact, the whole area was surrounded by streams and lakes filled with fish. And the fish were hungry. Week after week, month after month, and year after year, these who called themselves fishermen met in meetings and talked about their call to fish, the abundance of fish, and how they might go about fishing. Year after year they carefully defined what fishing means, defended fishing as an occupation, and declared that fishing is always to be a primary task of fishermen.
Continually, they searched for new and better methods of fishing and for new and better definitions of fishing. Further they said, "The fishing industry exists by fishing as fire exists by burning." They loved slogans such as "Fishing is the task of every fisherman." They sponsored special meetings called "Fishermen’s Campaigns" and "The Month for Fishermen to Fish." They sponsored costly nationwide and world-wide congresses to discuss fishing and to promote fishing and hear about all the ways of fishing such as the new fishing equipment, fish calls, and whether any new bait had been discovered.
These fishermen built large, beautiful buildings called "Fishing Headquarters." The plea was that everyone should be a fisherman and every fisherman should fish. One thing they didn’t do, however: They didn’t fish.
In addition to meeting regularly, they organized a board to send out fishermen to other places where there were many fish. The board hired staffs and appointed committees and held many meetings to define fishing, to defend fishing, and to decide what new streams should be thought about. But the staff and committee members did not fish.
Large, elaborate, and expensive training centers were built whose original and primary purpose was to teach fishermen how to fish. Over the years courses were offered on the needs of fish, the nature of fish, where to find fish, the psychological reactions of fish, and how to approach and feed fish. Those who taught had doctorates in fishology, but the teachers did not fish. They only taught fishing. Year after year, after tedious training, many were graduated and were given fishing licenses. They were sent to do full-time fishing, some to distant waters which were filled with fish.
Many who felt the call to be fishermen responded. They were commissioned and sent to fish. But like the fishermen back home, they never fished. Like the fishermen back home, they engaged in all kinds of other occupations. They built power plants to pump water for fish and tractors to plow new waterways. They made all kinds of equipment to travel here and there to look at fish hatcheries. Some also said that they wanted to be part of the fishing party, but they felt called to furnish fishing equipment. Others felt their job was to relate to the fish in a good way so the fish would know the difference between good and bad fishermen. Others felt that simply letting the fish know they were nice, land-loving neighbors and how loving and kind they were was enough.
After one stirring meeting on "The Necessity for Fishing" one young fellow left the meeting and went fishing. The next day he reported that he had caught two outstanding fish. He was honored for his excellent catch and scheduled to visit all the big meetings possible to tell how he did it. So he quit his fishing in order to have time to tell about the experience to the other fishermen. He was also placed on the Fishermen’s Board as a person having considerable experience.
Now it’s true that many of the fishermen sacrificed and put up with all kinds of difficulties. Some lived near the water and bore the smell of dead fish every day. They received the ridicule of some who made fun of their fishermen’s clubs and the fact that they claimed to be fishermen yet never fished. They wondered about those who felt it was of little use to attend the weekly meetings to talk about fishing. After all, were they not following the Master who said, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men?"
Imagine how hurt some were when one day a person suggested that those who don’t catch fish were really not fishermen, no matter how much they claimed to be. Yet it did sound correct. Is a person a fisherman if, year after year, he never catches a fish? Is one following if he isn’t fishing?

Thursday, 27 November 2008

WOW! SUPER WEIRD

So, I've posted twice and somehow my site was changed and placed on a different xanga page. Anyway...here are the 2 posts from today and a few weeks ago.

Thanksgiving

So, now that we are in a routine with Abigail and the sisters I can finally have use of my brain again! Ahhh, it's nice! I've missed writing and reflecting on here. In light of today's celebration I wanted to pass along some info that I have found helpful. If you are looking for a new perspective...need to change your attitude, find everything is so dark and gloomy, or just think you can't make it through the day without something terrible happening...try this.
1. Remember gratitude pleases God....He inhabits the praise of His people. Whatever we bring to the table (experiences, frustrations, thorns in our side, weaknesses, struggles) God will use it to encourage and build our relationship with Him. I bring all I have (how little, irrelevant, or unremarkable as I think it is) and God chooses to take and use this for His Kingdom work today! What the world sees as insignificant, God makes significant in His Kingdom! Praise Him for that!
2. Avoid complaining at all costs! Have you ever entered a room excited about something and in 5 minutes with complainers forgot what was so great about it? This isn't about stuffing our troubles, but picking our battles. If everything becomes a battle, where will we get the energy to fight the war? The next time you start complaining look at yourself in the mirror...does your face get all scrunched up like Scrooge? Step one: admit you have a problem...step two: do something about it!
3. Choose gratitude: We have choices to make everyday. Yes, there are thorns in the bed of roses of life (or some days it may feel like the bed of thorns has a few roses). In any case, choose gratitude (see #1).
4. Daily discipline: Oh no! The "D" word. It's challenging, it's difficult, it's a blessing. When you wake up in the morning find one thing for which to thank God (which can be easy). Then when you go to bed....find one thing for which to thank God (may be more difficult after walking around in your world/life that day). Write it down, keep a journal, or just say it out loud...add more through the day as you grow in this discipline. God will help you find blessings in the most unexpected places (yes, rejoicing even in the difficulties of the day-that's the gratitude marathon runners experience: see Paul!).

Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the time with family and friends. Blessings, and I will try harder to discipline myself in the weekly posts!

Ponder this....(November 5th entry)

Ok, so it's been FOREVER since I've written and a ton has happened since. Everyday I am learning something new about myself, my calling, my family, and most importantly my walk with the Lord. So, I came across this quote on the "Addicted to Lost" page from Facebook. Mr. Eko (of course if you don't know who he is...google it I don't have enough space to explain) says this "Don't mistake confidence for faith." Seems so simple, but do we at times get too cocky in our experiences...too comfortable...too predictable in our faith walk? Isn't God always doing a new thing...working above and beyond what we could ever imagine? Short reflection, but what do you think that quote means and does it have significance to our Christian walk and relationship with the Lord?

Monday, 25 August 2008

What I've Learned on My Summer "Vacation"

Elizabeth returns to school tomorrow and it has me thinking about the question: "what did you do on your summer vacation?". I DID a lot...but what did I learn from it all? I ask you to reflect on the same...what did you learn during the summer months?
...I've learned that God brings people into your life for a reason: This summer we experienced some changes in personnel at the corps. I had been praying for some time to have drastic change come upon our ministry (whether through a Jesus experience and heart change..or simply those in ministry). God brought a young man into our ministry team who has such passion for Him and the mission of the Army that I know he was lead to us by God's great plan. For years it's been status quo...and now the church is being shaken up a bit...brings about new life, but also criticism and panic for others. I've been blessed over the last month to have in depth discussions about the calling on my life and what that actually means. I've been blessed to have so many praying for peace to wash over me. I've been blessed to meet and to be encouraged an incredible woman of God who has been in ministry for years (and has a kindred spirit and personality to mine).
...I've learned that just when I have the plan figured out, God mixes it up a bit: As you know, our newest addition came 5 weeks early (certainly not on MY schedule). But God has a great way of getting my attention when stuff gets too scheduled. So, I've learned flexibility in work and family. I've learned that the program will continue in my brief absence and I don't have to panic...or allow others to place that burden on me. When I thought I had individuals "figured out" a curve ball was thrown and my (assumed) biggest supporters became the biggest critics and frustration. On the flip side...those I thought were unfeeling and "lazy" in their commitment were just being bullied spiritually. I have learned that when I am in my darkest place spiritually...God is still working in the midst of it!
...I've learned that I can do the ordinary and God will make it extraordinary: It's been a rough year, we've survived the transition to a new appointment and now in year 2 it is time for implementing God's vision. It's going to be a tough road and we'll be brought to our knees daily from the struggle we'll face...but we just have to be faithful. Major Mary Gair shared words at Family Camp this weekend that stood out to me: Do great things as if they were small things because only through His strength can they be done. Do small things as if great things because only through His power are they accomplished. The big stuff may seem overwhelming..but I know He'll see us through it...and the small things are not to be overlooked because they are just as important to His plan!
...I've placed Isaiah 58 as my daily word of encouragement from the Lord: Appearance and others opinion will not make it when it comes to Lord. I need to be about His work...and if others have another agenda for me, if it does not align with His it's not worth it. If I want to impact my community I need to be focused and prayed up before my feet even hit the floor in the morning. I need in faith to approach each day and know that even if the outcome is unpopular and the process seen by others as risky...I can't allow that to discourage us. The message may be difficult, but the results will be brought about by the Lord.
So, what did you learn this summer? Did the Lord place a new vision or direction for your life/ministry/calling? Please share!

Friday, 18 July 2008

Update: Abigail

Well, we had our final visit at the doctor's until next month. Wow! We've been there 4 times since she's come home. But thank you for your prayers...she's bulked up to 5 pounds 1.5 ounces today (that's 6 ounces in a week). I thank the Lord for our miracle baby! I just know she is His joy...He knows what exciting plans He has for her life. To be born 5 weeks early and no major issues! No vents or tubes, no extra hospital stay! And now for her to gain this amt of weight over the week to bring her out of the twice a week visits, praise Him!
So, all the princesses have been home for a week together (thanks again to mom and dad for that first week of baby transition). Kisses and hugs are coming at Abigail from all directions from her big sisters. Elizabeth loves to just look at her and hold her. Gabrielle likes to kiss her and hold the bottles. Ok, so I'll freeze time so we don't have to grow any older in our house!
I don't really know how the sisters thing works (I only have a younger brother--Dave I'm grateful!). Just pray for daddy as we become an increasingly estrogen filled home...drama, hormones, and girl-issues! Elizabeth is just growing up too fast, Gabrielle is growing into her own personality, and I can't wait to see how Abigail will fit into our Hostetler Circus !

Thursday, 10 July 2008

Welcome Abigail Joy!

So, God has a great way of putting things into perspective. I have been so focused on being prepared for the birth of the newest Hostetler....I discounted any possibility for early arrival. But she blessed our world Monday, July 7th at 10:53am. She was only 5 pounds...the smallest in the nursery. Because she was 5 weeks early, we have some concerns regarding her weight and the newest problem that developed..jaundice. I ask for your prayers and also want to thank the Lord for the newest miracle in our lives. When she was born we discovered there was a knot in her umbilical cord...don't know when that happened but the very reason I am certain she came so early. We have to use a bili-blanket and hope she will continue eating well to gain some weight. Thank you for all your prayers and support!