What Mode Are You In Today?

 

Well I have been remiss in publishing the Wednesday Words! Sorry, Words fans.

Today I would like to talk about the word MODE.

This past week I have seen at least half a dozen posts on Facebook encouraging people to “just be yourself”. Just be the person you are and not try to adapt to the surroundings or change due to circumstances or similar advice.

To be perfectly honest, it annoys me.

We are called to adapt to the circumstances and surroundings. It doesn’t make us a different person or require being fake. It means using various parts of our personality and specific gifts.

Recently I purchased a new flashlight. By pressing the switch a successive number of times the light is bright, medium, or soft. By twisting the base I can change the beam from broad to focused. This changes the mode in which I am using it, yet it is still a flashlight.

Such is the case with humans.

We are all called to fill various roles in life, right? Child, friend, parent, sibling, spouse, employee, leader. We are still the same person.

Thus it is with various modes in which we are called to function: In a meeting we might need to be in executive mode or professional mode. With kids it might be parent mode. With friends it might be casual mode.

It is even reflected in the language we use: in casual mode we can use slang when hanging out with friends, whereas we should use proper words and sentence structure in professional mode when making a business presentation.

Yet in all of these places we can stick with our personality, our beliefs, our integrity. We simply adapt to the proper mode for the occasion. (Remember the scripture that says “…whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Just like my new flashlight, sometimes you have to refocus your beam or adjust the level of your light, yet you can still be your true self.

What are the modes required of you today?

Don't Forget the Squats!

 Wednesday August 7^th 2024

What should I choose this week for our word? Nothing has really stood out for me except SQUATS.

Now before you think I am going to only talk about physical exercise, give me a minute.

It is true that I have been telling everyone that it is critical to do squats daily – after surgery I discovered how important because I could not bend over for a couple weeks; but I could pick up things after just a few days if I would squat. It’s a basic, foundational exercise; some personal trainers, who specialize in helping us “experienced” adults, even consider squats the single most important exercise we can do.  

So let’s apply this to other foundational things in life. Look at what is basic; what allows you to do other things; what allows you to build your skills.

In our professional lives there are classes and courses to give us additional information. College classes are even numbered to show you how they build on one another (Psych 101, 102, 103; Calculus 101, 201, 301). There are advanced business courses and degrees which allow us to add to our already-accumulated knowledge, and training programs that allow us to elevate our skill levels.

Yet it is most important to begin at the beginning – with the basic foundations like high school Psychology and Algebra I.

In our spiritual lives there are also building blocks: intentional daily time with God – talking with Him and listening to Him (remember that listening part – it’s very important). Intentional daily time reading the scriptures and asking Him “What are You saying to me? What are You asking me to do?” These are the building blocks of our faith. There are also extra ways to add to our faith skills: pastor’s sermons, Bible study groups. There are courses at a seminary and books by learned theologians.

Yet again, it is important to start with this basic step: spend quality intentional time in prayer and scripture. This is the single most important thing you can do to build a strong faith in God.

And don’t forget to do squats!

Be appreciative

 

Wednesday July 31^st 2024

July has been an interesting month, as I have had surgery and therefore forced to be in rest and recovery mode. As we finish this month, I am thinking that my word is APPRECIATION.

Not one to sit about and be waited upon, I greatly appreciate the generous people from our church who made and delivered dinners for us for two weeks. It has been humbling to receive such caring. Often I tell others that allowing others to serve us allows that person to serve. It is quite different to be on the receiving end of one’s own advice.

I greatly appreciate all the extra household “stuff” that my husband has handled over these past weeks. He still has to do some tasks until I am able to lift heavier things and until my stamina fully returns.

There is also a greater appreciation for the daily things we usually do for ourselves: getting a cup of water, preparing a meal, answering the door, even washing up and changing clothes. It has also given me a greater appreciation for those who spend their days helping those for whom these things are always a challenge; caregivers whose days and nights are consumed by doing the little things for someone unable to do for themselves.

Scripture tells us “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV) Note it does not say give thanks for all things – it says in all circumstances. Even while you are being wheeled into surgery, while you are recovering, while you are being served when you would prefer to serve – even during those times give thanks. Appreciate the surgeon and nurses, the people who have come to serve dinner or bring flowers, even the time you can sit back to read and nap.

And while I am at it – I appreciate all of you who have read this far. You are a blessing.

Competence

 

Wednesday Jun 19^th 2024

There have been several deep conversations that bring me to today’s word: COMPETENCE.

First, there have been conversations about graduates – they are out looking for jobs and trying to get “the dream job”. Yet they are finding that employers want them to start at the bottom – which is, by the way, where (IMHO) one should start. Learn all the things and the stuff and gain competency and experience along the way.

Then there are conversations about those of us on the other end of the journey. We need to share our competency – our knowledge and experience – with those who have not yet traveled as far. What good is all this accumulated knowledge if we keep it to ourselves? It is meant for sharing!

Most importantly have been conversations about faith. Is it meant for sharing? Or to “keep it personal”? (Here’s a hint – share it!) And in sharing, does one (do I) need to know absolutely everything? (Another hint – the answer is “no”.) By studying, by praying, and by listening to the stories and experiences of those who have traveled farther we gain competence.

In all of these instances, we gain competence by being a student and we share competence by being an example. And with competence comes confidence!

A few stumbles along the way, a fair number of boring classes and meetings, and more than a few course corrections are all expected on the journey to competence in whatever area of your life. Yet there is no substitute for experience – trying, doing, falling, failing, starting again, watching the example of those ahead, reaching back to help those following - to achieve competence (and confidence).

Begin the journey!

Blame vs Accountability

 

Wednesday June 12^th 2024

Some weeks just seem to have a theme. This week’s theme is BLAME.

On Sunday we read the Genesis story of Adam and Eve eating from the tree from which they were told not to eat. Each one placed blame on the next: Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. No one took responsibility for their own actions. (See Genesis 13)

How many of us, when something happens, place the blame on someone – or something – other than ourself?

One of my common ones in the past year or so has been the typing of a wrong letter on my phone. Truth be told, it is my “fat fingering” and not the fault of the phone or even auto-correct. In fact, my phone will no longer correct some of my common mistakes! Yet I often say “stupid phone” or “annoying autocorrect” when those mistakes appear.

So, in balance, I would offer you a better word for this week: ACCOUNTABILITY.

Let’s make a conscious effort to accept responsibility for our actions, make corrections, request forgiveness when necessary, and step away from the blame game. Be an example to others as we live a lifestyle of accountability.

Wednesday Words: Remember

 

Wednesday May 22^nd 2024

You may notice that this is being posted on a Thursday, and also that I have not posted for a few weeks. That’s because I didn’t remember to do it!

So today’s word is REMEMBER.

So often we fail to remember an errand, a birthday, an appointment, or someone’s name. It slips our mind, or we failed to add it to the calendar. Just as I have failed to take the time to sit and write about the word that is standing out in my week.

This is usually a short-lived or momentary lapse of memory. And often we recall too late!

In a few days we will honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in military service. We remember them and the gift they gave. We set aside a day of the year to remember all those who served yet did not survive. They signed on to serve, knowing it could also mean to sacrifice.

[Let me take this minute to remind you that Memorial Day is the Day we remember those who died; Veterans’ Day is for honoring those who served and are living.]

As we remember those who sacrificed for our freedom, let’s also remember those they left behind, those who miss them still no matter how long it has been.

And while we’re remembering those who sacrificed, let’s remember The One who suffered for our sins so we need not. Yes – remember Jesus Christ paid that price to save you.

 Wednesday April 17^th 2024

Today’s word is MISSION.

When we think of Christ’s directive to “GO” we often stop there. We focus on the going, and think of places far away. We think of preaching, or medical mission work, in places where the Bible and the written word aren’t available.

Did we listen to Christ when he said to go into Jerusalem? For those people that was home! It wasn’t a far-off land.

Jesus wants us to be on mission to – and in ministry with – the people in our own backyard, the people who live a few miles away, the people we see at work and school and in the neighborhood.

It isn’t ju st preaching – it’s healing and serving and feeding. It’s being real. It’s doing life.

Living our faith is a way of mission. Sometimes we try to “fit in” among those who are not believers, rather than trying to be different, WHY? We are different. We should allow ourselves to be seen as different from those who do not have Jesus in their lives. We also need to be approachable and willing to serve along with those who do not so that they can see the difference Jesus makes in our lives.

Do you know people who do not belong to a faith community? There is your mission field. Love them. Serve them. Serve alongside them. Answer their questions. Be a light on their path.

You are doing mission. And discipleship means being on mission.