StudioJewel - Journey of a Jeweler: Just a thought....

StudioJewel - Journey of a Jeweler: Just a thought....
"Many are the plans in a man's heart but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Years ago I stopped tring to find "God's plan" and began a journey of pursuing God, knowing that His purpose will prevail. Discovered "Jeaus Calling" by Sarah Young a few years ago. It is a daily reminder of where my spiritual focus should be. Highly recommend it. Great thoughts Lisa!

Season of following Christ and Politics

     Recently was in a discussion on fb where a friend was expressing "good bye" to the Tea Party. (sounds like Jon Piper's good bye to Rob Bell) Anyway, I responded briefly and invoked Rush L's name. Well...my hair was blown back by responses from 3 people, 2 who are friends. They made all kinds of assumptions and we had a spirited dialogue.
     Here's where I landed with all the banter: First of all, I do not believe Christianity or Morality are strong hallmarks of conservatives and the "reason" to side with the Tea Party or Republicans. I do not believe that morality will ever arrive in Washington D.C. on air force one. Second...I am a proud citizen of this great country and have the wonderful privilege of voting, so believe that I should be informed when I vote.
     Do I struggle with balancing my spiritual life with the non-spiritual things around me? Sure, but in recent years I have come to understand that we do not live in a divided world--secular/spiritual. We live in a spiritual world. Everything I do, according to scripture, I do for Christ. (obviously I can choose to step off that path with sin) So, to function in this spiritual world, I must always be focusing on my spiritual journey and relationship with Jesus Christ.
     When I am doing this, I usually can tell when my pursuit or passion of "other things" gets out of balance, which can be anything from politics, to eating, to golf, to work, to sleep...etc.!
     Were you raised as a Christian viewing the world in 2 parts--Christian and Secular? Where has your journey taken you? How do you divide these two worlds? How do you "live" as a follower of Christ?
     Let's discuss!! Am I missing something? Please share your thoughts and ideas.

Here's TLC in Pics

Finally, giving you a visual pic of TLC. This is where I'm hanging out most of the time. My office is on the first floor of the Admin Bldg.

Tempus continues to Fugit

Month 3 begins at Transformation Life Center. My blog entry music tonight is the Rend Collective Experiment from Ireland. A must listen for worship music. After 2 months of mingling with the residents at TLC and beginning to immerse myself in the process of recovery, I've made a discovery. Most of us have addictions that are more insidious than drugs and alcohol. Would love to get your feedback on this. Does it make sense? Do you get it? Am I missing something? Let's talk.

Blogging again...

Welcome to New York! I can't believe it's week #6 already! The journey is off to a good start. To learn more about Transformation Life Center, you can log onto tlc911.org and when you do, you will be looking at our brand new site, created by Kyle. We have been working on an overall marketing communications plan for TLC. This is happening in the middle of writing newsletters, working on new video project interviewing residents to capture their stories, complete renovation of the 2 resident dorms, an event in New Jersey a week ago, planning a large local community event for the summer in cooperation with the mayor and city officials of Walden, writing grant proposals, staff meetings, etc.!! Never a dull moment. I am having a blast here and am already humbled by the task. Just a note about my family in Grand Rapids...last week Catherine had surgery to repair a torn retina. She is now in the middle of a 2 week +, face-down recovery. She cannot read or work on her computer, but can watch tv or movies and listen to books on line. Please pray for a speedy recovery! Next blog will explore the history of the area, including the famous...or infamous, Woodstock!