Friday, May 23, 2008

"You are Here"

Yes, I know. It's been a long time since I last posted. In fact, I've been wondering if I should just shut this site down as it seems like I have too much on my plate to do it justice. But perhaps that's the reason why I should continue. Maybe there are those of you out there in cyberspace that are just as overwhelmed as I, and maybe my journey might be of some help you.


Since the first of the year, my mother had her third major surgery in a year and I traveled to Michigan to help in her recovery. I led a team of women on a mission's trip to Mindanao Philippines, and Manado Indonesia for Women's Conferences. I've been on the preaching team that rotates to all three of our campuses here in Chicagoland and Michiana. My husband started weekly team meetings that last for HOURS. My husband and I have started mentoring two different groups of men and women we feel have potential at future campus pastors. Had our annual Board of Directors meeting with the men of God who come in to advise my husband and I. Traveled back to Michigan to help my mother with things that she just can no longer do for herself. Had special services with Bishop Garlington and Bishop Tudor. Revamped the prayer room, helped my prayer director revamp the prayer ministry. Had a leadership meeting last Saturday for all of the leaders for all three campuses. With the help of my Heart to Heart Board of directors put on a women's retreat, and a women's tea to close the Heart to Heart season this past Wednesday. All of this while keeping up with a house full of family and a guest who has been living with us, working out 5 -6 days a week and maintaining, or trying to maintain my other pastoral and leadership responsibilities. Oh yes, we are preparing to take our family to Hawaii for my eldest son's wedding, pictured here...and trying to figure out how on earth we can afford this and help my youngest son and daughter-in-law get their own house. And the funny thing is, my husband and I are team preaching this weekend about putting margins in life. Well, now, that was cathartic...probably TMI. But the reason I listed some of the "stuff" that's been going on in my life is to let you know I understand, really, if you are overwhelmed. I'm NOT using the word below to set my self up as a guru who knows it all and has it all under control. I believe the Lord gave it to me to first of all help me, and then those of you who are likewise struggling. I pray that it will be of help. Much love...chris


Picture…a map posted at an amusement park, with a red dot and lettering that says, “You are here.”

Hear…the Lord say, “Stop drifting in bewilderment and uncertainty. There is certainly much that is confusing in this life. But I do not want you to be overwhelmed by it. I want my children to walk in faith and certainty. I have given you clear demarcations. Go back to what you know to be true, and go from there.

Consider: Have you ever been to a new mall or been lost in an amusement park? It is impossible to get where you want to go unless you know where you are. That is why they have maps posted in different areas with those little red dots that indicate your present location. If you are lost, all you have to do is find one of those maps, discover your present location and then decide the best route to where you want to go. At times life is overwhelming, and even confusing. It’s like you are a pilot of a plane that is spinning out of control; it is hard to determine what is up and what is down, or what is right and what is wrong. It feels like you are lost, and you just don’t know where to go, what to say or what to do. If that is where you are today, then you need to find the map with the red dot. You have to go back to what you do know and stand firmly on that. Today I know that I love God and that God loves me; and because I know that, I also know that I am going to be able to find my way. What do you know? What is the one thing that you know for sure? Focus in on that in your time of disorientation and confusion and you will be able to find your way. But some of you are in such bad condition you are wondering if you know anything, if you can keep going, or even if you want to. Please stop! You are in a dangerous downward spiral, like that pilot in the plane that is spinning out of control. Stop. Stop reacting to circumstances. Stop focusing on what you can see and hear. If you could look beyond your present circumstances into the realm of the supernatural you would be able to see there are hosts on the left and on the right cheering you on and telling you, “Yes, you can make it.” There is a crowd round about you right now in the supernatural realm that is cheering and clapping, screaming and whistling. They are rooting for you, telling you that you can and will make it. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You will find the map. You will find the dot. You will find where you are going. You will be victorious in Jesus name.

Pray: “Lord, I might be in a season that is discouraging, or at the least, disorienting, but I trust you. I love you and I know that you love me. Help me to get back to the basics. Help me to get back to what I know is true. Help me to find the demarcations that you have left plainly for me if I will only look. Guide my thoughts, my feelings and my actions for they determine my final destination... in Jesus Name, Amen.”

posted by pastorc @ 11:05 AM 1 comments