So I looked down at my shoes today...

Watch your step.
"Sweet Legacy." I hope that's where my steps are taking me.

"We need to quit...unless we are going to decide to be the best in the world."

Think about it.



Now, you get to define "best" and "world" however you want. And this isn't a competition or an ego trip. It's about commitment.
If you could be the best at five things, what would they be?

Mine:
-Follower of Jesus (Once again, I know there's no such thing as a "best follower of Christ." I'm simply stating I want to give this every ounce of heart and effort.)
-Husband
-Father
-Band
-Writer

What could keep you and I from being the best:
-running out of resources (time and money)
-getting scared
-not being committed enough
-losing interest and settling
-focusing on the short term instead of long term
-just not having the talent

Here's the challenge...if you aren't willing to do what it takes to be the best in the world, just quit so you can refocus your resources where you are willing to do what it takes.

The best quote I've read in a long time:

"One purchases immortality through generosity; and, by giving the perishing things of the world, receives in exchange for these an eternal mansion in the heavens! Rush to this market, if you are wise, O rich man! If need be, sail around the whole world."
-Clement

Sink this into me.

My generosity should be for those across the seas and across the table.
Do my friends think I'm generous?
I'm scared of the answer.

"God, teach me to rise by descending."

"Measure twice. Cut once."
-Grandpa

There was a situation last night that would have needed some repair if I hadn't thought about this phrase. And it's always tougher to mend relationships than materials. Thanks for the advice. May I remember it more often.

Personalities perfectly pictured in pumpkin carving.

I want to be better at fully engaging in situations as I experience them.
That sounds weird and intense as I type it, but I just want to pay more attention.
I don't want things like seasons, holidays, good meals, and pumpkin patches to pass me by.
I guess I just mean that pumpkin carving and things of the like just help me.
They help me feel.

"We should quit...unless we are going to become the best. What is the best? The most passionate."
"How are we going to reach people tonight?"
"All of this is pointless if we aren't telling people about Jesus."
"So be it if we 'lose opportunities.' If we aren't taking the gospel to people then we were never taking opportunities in the first place."
"What I once called physical blessings, I have seen become curses. I am no longer under the illusion."

Enthusiam comes from the two Greek words en and Theos.
Together they mean in God.
I sat across the living room from a couple of my best friends in the world today. They reminded me that as people who believe that Jesus is God and that he sacrificed himself for us, we should be the most passionate people in the world. I need those people to help me chase my passions.
What are my passions?
What am I chasing?

Rainy days can be beautiful.



By Lauren.