How to Make the Impossible Possible, Post #52

October 14, 2014

How to Make the Impossible Possible, Post #52

Sir Roger Bannister was the first man in the history of the world (or record keeping) to run a four-minute mile. It was said it couldn’t be done. He made the impossible possible.

On May 6, 1954, at Iffley Road Track in Oxford, Bannister broke the four-minute mile with a time of three minutes, 59.4 seconds. Bannister was 25 years old, and at the time was practicing as a junior doctor. After accomplishing this supposed impossible feat, Bannister’s record only lasted 46 days. Not even two months.Bannister went onto become a notable neurologist. Watch the incredible footage for yourself below in the video link in “Resources.”

What a man. What a dream. What a goal—a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal (BHAG), as Jim Collins and Jerry Porras call it in their 1994 book Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies.

I would rather call it a Big, Holy, Audacious Goal (BHAG). So, dear friend, What is your BHAG, your biggest dream? What are your passions? What is hindering you from achieving your God-sized dreams? I wrestle with these questions.

A few years ago I started my life goal list, some would say a “Bucket List.” Included on my list was/still is to write and publish a book. Most of my life I have enjoyed writing. For 12 years, I have dreamt of writing and publishing a non-fiction book. So what did I do about it? I started a folder and would occasionally add handwritten sticky notes with a chapter outline, idea, or quote. The BHAG of writing a book and even thinking of getting it published became overwhelming. “Perhaps when I retire,” I pondered.

In December 2012, my heart was shattered and blindsided by a serious relationship breakup to a man I thought I’d marry. In the healing process, I cried out to God and asked what life lessons I could learn from this experience. The divine answer I received was: “Write. Write and speak for Me. I am your First Love.” You see, I idolized my future husband. It took a heartbreak to recalibrate my stubborn self and priorities back to putting God first.

In January 2013, Proverbs 31 ministries President Lysa TerKeurst wrote in a daily devotional that a typical non-fiction book contains about 60,000 words. She wrote that she usually makes a 12-chapter outline, and tries to write 5000 words per chapter. Suddenly after reading that practical devotional, the impossibility of my BHAG became possible.

This adventure led me the last two summers to the dynamic Proverbs 31 Ministries “She Speaks” Conference in Charlotte. It was such a delight to meet so many incredible writers and speakers and learn from them. Their passion for Jesus was contagious. Through their influence and the Holy Spirit’s leading, starting this little “Pure Inspiration” blog was also a leap of faith.

Only our precious sovereign Lord could know that attending the Proverbs 31 “She Speaks” Conference in 2013 would divinely lead me to the high calling as Proverbs 31 Ministries Executive Director of Donor Development. Words cannot express what a blessing it is to work for and serve God through such a Spirit-filled, dynamic ministry. It reminds me that there’s just enough Light for the step we’re on. As much as we plan, God’s plans are even bigger and better. He has BHAGs for each of us.

I look forward to learning from so many Godly leaders, especially Lysa TerKeurst, AND to continue writing and speaking for and about Jesus. Walking by faith in God makes the impossible possible.

Reflect:

What is/are your Big, Holy Audacious Goal(s)?
What keeps you from dreaming big?

Renew:

•“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith, I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’” –Matthew 17:20 NIV84

•“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!” –Luke 1:45 NIV84

Recharge:

•Add a deadline and a timeline to accomplishing your BHAG.

•List the first steps to accomplish your BHAG. Do your first step this week. You can do it! Please let me know what you decide to do.

Resources:

•http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTp9ZgjZkNA

www.proverbs31.org

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Hairy_Audacious_Goal

September 30, 2014

Let’s Get Out of the Huddle, Post #50

Ahhhh…’tis the season. Autumn. Cooler weather (albeit rainy). We are in the full throws of pumpkin spice, harvest décor and football games on every channel and in every stadium. Even from my front yard on Friday nights I can hear the high school band playing and football fans cheering at nearby West Ashley High School.

Imagine paying for college or professional football tickets. You’re in the stands, greasy food in your hands. You’re adorned in your favorite teams regalia, the fans are cheering, momentum is building….Your favorite team runs onto the field and gathers in a huddle. The huddle lasts for 10 minutes, then 20, then 40, then one hour! Then they walk off the field. What would you do? How would you respond?

Pastor Harvey Carey is the pastor of a thriving, mission-minded church in Detroit, MI. Located in one of the poorest zip codes in America, Pastor Harvey Carey’s church was identified as one of the top churches in growing people spiritually. Pastor Harvey is the one who gave the aforementioned analogy about the long huddle at a football game.

Isn’t that what we do on Sunday mornings as Christians—huddle for one hour and go off the “field”? How do you think God reacts when He sees us all “huddled up”?

Pastor Harvey’s passionate sermon was quite convicting. He said many of us “huddle” from one Sunday to the next. We often don’t actually “play the game” of our faith, loving our neighbor as ourselves, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28) and serving the “least of these” in Matthew 25. He said we go to all these seminars, retreats, and conferences year after year, collecting binders of information on our shelves, which only collect dust. When are we to play the game?

After really feeling convicted about his sermon, I thought of the uplifting seminars and retreats and conferences I’ve attended. Have I been in a “huddle”? Maybe I’m wrong, but I liken them to Spring Training or Boot Camp to condition my/our spiritual muscles for the “game of ministry.” Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, you are conditioned, you are prayed up, you have done your calisthenics. Let’s get out of the huddle now and play this Game of Life. Go serve! Go minister!

Reflect:

–In what ways are you still in your comfortable huddle? Please comment.

–How will you execute your plans from the huddle and play the game of Life?

Renew:

–“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'” –Matthew 25: 40 NIV84

–Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…’” –Matthew 28:19 NIV84

–“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” –1 Corinthians 9:25 NIV84

Recharge:

–Name three “Fields” you will play on this month.

–What is one way your family can help “the least of these’ or your neighbor?

Resource:

— www.citadeloffaith.org

September 23, 2014

Are You Bearing Fruit or Flashy Foliage? Post #49

On this first day of autumn, I thought it appropriate to ask ourselves a reflective question. Would you say you bear fruit or foliage?

How many of us have driven hours upon hours to the mountains of NC or even flown to the Northeast in the autumn to spend a weekend “leaf looking”? I admit I drive to Blowing Rock, NC every autumn to enjoy the glorious majesty of the spectacular foliage, too breathtaking to capture properly on canvas or camera.

The majestic transformation of the leaves in the mountains or in the Northeast is a sight to behold–for a few weeks. It is amazing to think that this beauty only lasts a mere three weeks or so. Then the leaves fall from the trees, withering and dying on the ground, crunching beneath our feet.

To that end, would you even walk across the street to see an apple tree ready to harvest? To see apples hanging on the limbs juicy and ripe, enough to feed a family sustainably for days, weeks, or years if needed? Sadly, the answer is probably an under-the-breath “no.”

Bearing fruit for Jesus Christ to better God’s Kingdom is not a glamorous job. How many of us have started off doing a service for God, only to slack off in just a few weeks and get tired?

“‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples….You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit–fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.'”–John 15:5-8, 16. NIV84

The message is that simple, is that hard. Let’s roll up our sleeves, delve into God’s Word daily, work diligently for the Lord and bear much fruit. Like the apple trees, we will bear much fruit for God’s Kingdom, for eternity–true eternal sustanance.

Reflect:

–What are your plans to bear more fruit? Please comment.

–How can you encourage the “flashy foliage” bearers in your life? Please comment.

Renew:

–“‘ Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.'” –Matthew 7:15-20 NIV 84

–“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” –Galatians 5:22 NIV84

Recharge:

–“If Christ, the heavenly Vine, has taken the believer as a branch, then He has pledged Himself, in the very nature of things, to supply the sap and spirit and nourishment to make it bring forth fruit…The soul need but have one care—to abide closely, fully, wholly. He will give the fruit. He works all that is needed to make the believer a blessing.” –Andrew Murray