Pastor Janae’s Blog

Hello again my gospo-bloggers!

Some weeks ago I participated in a working retreat at a wonderfully spiritual retreat site in Arkansas. One of our retreat commitments was to “expect the unexpected.” And boy did it come…in many regards. On one side of the spectrum, we experienced unexpected conflict as a result of clashes of varying core beliefs. We experienced unexpected inconveniences due to unplanned lodging changes. We even experienced unexpected detachment by key participants. On the other end, we experienced an unexpected shekinah, a hovering of the Spirit that still amazes us. We experienced an unexpected productivity to accomplish the “work” of the retreat while allowing God tremendous time and space to “re-create” us. We experienced unexpected confirmation of God’s preached word through the testimony of the saints. This was the epitome of EXPECT the UNEXPECTED until August 10, 2008.

This was the date that I brought my 5 year old godsister with me from Detroit to Memphis. This brings an entirely new dimension to “Expect the Unexpected.” I offered to bring her to Memphis to for summer exploration, academic enrichment, and some Mid-South fun with her “Auntie Na-Na”. But no one, I mean no one, could have prepared me for this! Most days are good, but then it’s the unexpected ones that completely throw you off course. Tonight was one of those nights.

Because I know 5 year olds are unpredictable, I tried to plan ahead! I knew today would be a long night because of our church’s Wednesday night service. So what did I do? I brought a comfortable pillow and blanket with me to the church so that after I picked her up from school she could take a nap in my office to help her endure through the long evening. GOOD! I prepared a light meal of meat and veggies to ward off any hunger pains which might develop. GREAT! I rushed home after service to get her a “real” dinner (with more veggies) and into bed at a reasonable hour. Here’s where the breakdown happens.

It takes ONE HOUR to get to bed!!! ONE HOUR! Every distraction possible…bathroom, hair, clothes… Can I have a bedtime story? NO!! We’re already 20 minutes behind Auntie Na-Na’s great schedule (I said this in my head). “No honey. We’re out of time for a story tonight. But we can tomorrow. Close your eyes and go to sleep.” I tuck her in. Give good night hugs. Turn out the lights. Walk out the door. Whhaawwww! We now commence 20 minutes of a very frustrating whiny cry that produces no tears, only annoying sounds. WHAT?!? Are you serious? Do you have any idea what time it is? (Again, this is in my head!!) So I did what any mommy (or godsister-mommy) would do. I picked her up and cuddled her with the love and gentleness her crying begged for. And then I sang to her. Thank goodness, the crying stopped! But hello…we’re 45 minutes behind schedule!!!

I was reminded then that just as unexpected crises break through the course of our schedules, so must we be patient and calm when those moments arise. They could be a test for God to see what character truly lies inside of us. Or they could be opportunities to demonstrate what we’ve learned from our time with God. Either way, we should expect the unexpected!

What unexpected situation has happened in your life recently? How do you think you handled it? Prayerfully, you’ll handle the next one better.

Lord, thank you for breaking through the scheduled monotony of our days. Your unexpected interruptions bring color and shape to our lives. Help us to handle them with maturity and honor. Amen.

Comments (0) Aug 20 2008

Hello cyberspace!

This is my first blog entry.

I decided to begin blogging while attending a Leadership Summit hosted by Bill Hybels and Willow Creek Church. The Summit was phenomenal. They hosted from Chicago and videocast to thousands of satellite locations throughout the country. I attended the satellite location at Hope Presbyterian Church in suburban Memphis, TN. I was challenged and inspired all in one breath. Particularly while listening (watching) Craig Groeshel from The Life Church, I was utterly amazed and moved. There are few words that can express how inspired and impassioned I was after experiencing his presentation. His topic was “How to Get ‘IT’ and Keep ‘IT’!” After listening to him, I said to myself, “Thank you Jesus, I’ve got IT. Please don’t let me lose IT!!”

I sat there listening to Groeshel’s presentation feeling the Spirit of Christ stir up in me. I was immediately transported into a high energy, ‘just lemme at ‘em’ frenzy ready to take on the world and ministry! I felt like a trained steed waiting for the gates to swing open so I could charge full steam ahead. Then I realized….wow….I’ve felt this feeling before. This pure, undefiled, passion for ministry…this youthful zeal that seemed unquenchable…this is ‘IT’!! And when I focus this energy onto projects, programs, and initiatives God is glorified! When was the last time you felt ‘IT”? The unfortunate reality for many of us in full-time ministry is that it is rare to feel “IT” all the time! It comes and goes, ebbs and flows.

Lord, thank you for IT! Thank you for your Spirit and the intellect to recognize your Spirit at work. Please keep the fire burning. Don’t allow the trivial and mundane to quench the blazing fire aflame in my soul!

Amen.

You can watch Craig Groeschel talk about ‘IT’ at http://swerve.lifechurch.tv

Comments (1) Aug 15 2008