Move already!

So last night B(that's my wife for those that might read this who don't know me) said "You should write". Of course, by this she meant "Hey, you're a good writer and you could probably make some money doing it so....you should write". OK.....so I created this blog back in March of last year and it has sat idly by as I tried to decide how to approach the "blogging" thing. Still really don't get it but it seems to be quite the rage these days. And if you know me you know I'm all about the latest rage. Ummm....no.

I will share this with you, however. God gave me an idea about 2 years ago that has been marinating inside of me. The heat has been turned up lately and and now the waters are beginning to roil just a little bit more than they have in the last few months. While the idea is for a new ministry it has become increasingly clear that it has merit beyond a "christian" context. You see, the thought is to move. Simple as that. Not "move" to another town (although that is in the hopper for us as we speak) but to move....act when we feel led to do so. For me, that means that God wants me to be more responsive when he shoves me in the direction of a person that doesn't Christ. Now....before you stop reading because this is getting to "religious" stay with me.

There are times, every single day, that every single one of us feels the push, pull, tug, shove, gentle urging, or outright inspiration to do the right thing for someone else. It may be to stop and listen for a little while longer as a co-worker talks about problems at home. It might be saying "hello" to a stranger that has a look of despondence in their eyes. It might be responding to a Facebook status that you know will end up bringing you more information than you think you have time to hear. It may be NOT passing by that homeless guy at the intersection AGAIN as his sign, and his clothes, are getting drenched by the rain. We can call this urging different things. While, as a Christian, I believe it is the Holy Spirit, a sort of "God texting", you may simply view it as your conscience or your heart strings being tugged. I'm good with that. We can get into the difference between the two some other time. But for now let's just talk about why, when that "feeling" comes, we tend to do nothing more often than not.

Avery, our 7 year-old, came home from school today and after hearing about the benefits of jumping rope in combating heart disease has decided to jump rope in our driveway with a sign asking those who drive by to donate to the cause. THAT is  moving! It has taken me twice as long to finish this because of taking breaks to help her with her sign (pics will follow). What keeps us from moving on that impulse no matter what we like to call it? Fear obviously is the first answer but fear of what? Rejection? Personal injury? The idea that our help will be abused? Racism? What is it? I tend to be quicker than others to strike up conversations with strangers. However I tend to be slower than most at reaching out to those in need "in the moment". Sure...I can plan a mission trip or take a meal to someone who has had a death in the family but I'm talking about the split second, no time to think, act or the moment is lost forever, type of moving. Tomorrow....count how many times your "conscience" "tugs at your heart strings" and attempts to inspire you to move. Think about what your reasons are in those moments for NOT moving. We can't act on all of them......or can we? Until next time. But for now I have to go watch Avery jump rope.

In His Grace

OK......so.....it's a Blog.

I've never really understood blogging. I mean....it's always seems a little egotistical to think that I could write down what I was feeling, thinking, observing, or dreaming on a particular day and that someone...anyone...would really care to read it. As I write this I'm thinking "I have a blog with no followers at this point so why am I writing something that no one may ever see?".  I didn't say that out loud so I'm not sure the quotes were appropriate. Regarding that notion here are a few ground rules. First of all, I love to write but I am terrible at spelling and most other things "grammar". There I go with the quotes again. You get the point. B.) I will be all over the place with what I write about but you can bet it will hover around my girls, my faith, and Auburn football....in no particular order. (side note: I like doing the "....." becasue I feel it more vividly conveys a pause in speaking. part 2 of this note is that as you can see in part one I cannot type the word "because" without transposing the letters "s" and "u". Don't ask me why but unless I spell check you will see it misspelled a thousand times on this blog.) 3.) I will offend some or most of you at some point in time but I do love conversation and debate and certainly welcome comments that stimulate our brains. I'm not even sure you can comment on blogs. Guess we'll find out. IV.) If you are unfortunate enough to get sucked into this vortex of ramblings, stories, and probably very polarizing opinion you are most likely someone I know well and therefore someone I probably love in some form or another. There will probably be a few of you who decide to follow this blog that I don't care for but if that's the case the feeling is probably mutual. Off the top of my head I can't think of anyone that I don't care for that actually likes me. That's probably the way it should be. I still love you though. And 5.) I have never journaled even though it is something that I have always wanted to do. I have 2 or 3 really nice, completely empty journals that I have never been able to bring myself to use. How this is any different I'm not sure other than there will be no deep dark secrets revealed here. That being said, I will struggle with writing in a way that is enjoyable to read and total stream of conscience babbling. Again, I've never been sure why people write blogs so I will wrestle constantly with "why am I writing this and who cares?". I'm kind of enjoying this already so beware....it might catch on. How long is a blog suppose to be anyway? I'll end here....just becasue. :)