Being Refined

The other day, I read an interview with Doug Franklin. He is a man that I had the fortunate opportunity to work for a few years ago. If you are interested in leadership development, particularly with teens, then you should read it.

I worked for Doug while I was LeaderTreks (He founded LeaderTreks). And, while there I found a new appreciation for evaluation. Not just comfortable, "you're doing a good job", give me a "pat on the back" to make me feel better without challenging me evaluation. I fell in love with evaluation that is honest, open, and challenges you to strive to be better. This type of evaluation is not comfortable. In fact, it pushes us out of our comfort in order to achieve excellence. Simply, it refines us.  

I will?

Right now, I am being refined. This is a good thing.

Radical Love

Jesus is serious about love.

Not just any type love either. He is serious about life changing, grace filled, your heart to his heart love. Do you remember that love that changed your life, which broke into your heart and consumed every part of you; even the parts you were ashamed of and thought could never be redeemed?  Do you remember how Jesus’ radical, no stings attached love changed all of that for you? His love is like nothing else we have ever experienced and He is passionate about showing us this love; over and over and over again. He cries out to us:

“ Come to me all you who are weary and burdened I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

-Matt. 11:28-30

Jesus’ love is radical. It powerfully changes our lives, our hearts, and where we could not find acceptance we are not only accepted but also cherished, and when we were consumed by worries, we find soul satisfying rest. As the ones changed by his radical love we should also be giving this same love out. Love is not love when it has strings attached.

Jesus is a radical lover.

Beauty is in the....

Beauty seems to be a fairly subjective thing. What one person finds beautiful another may find less than attractive or down right repulsive. We have all taken some type of art class, whether that be an art appreciation class in college or a general art class in high school and we have learned what is beautiful or what beauty is.

But beauty is something more than just the objective analysis of an object, image, or medium. Beauty by it's nature evokes emotion in us and it must be felt or experienced. Simply, beauty moves us. And there is no objective formula, equation, or analysis that can determine something that is so personal. However, we all know and understand what beauty is to us, personally. We all know what moves us.

These are some of the things I consider beautiful:

Ministry: At Home or Abroad

Diversity and sharing cultures.

Nature

Relationships

Bicycles and...

...riding a bicycle.

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

The Art of Andy Goldsworthy: "Alderny Stones"

The Photography of Gnat.

Sport: Particularly Cycling

Impressionism: Claude Monet "Soleil Levant"

My wife, my life, my friends and family.

These are some of the things I find beautiful, you may not have found any beautiful, and that's okay. Simply, all of these things move me.While beauty is subjective in nature, there is one thing that is or should be beautiful to all people. That is Christ. We were created to be in love with Him and to find His love and care for us beautiful and moving. There is nothing in this life like experiencing His love, redemption, and salvation. Beauty must move us; and there is simply nothing more beautiful or moving than Christ.

The most beautiful thing ever: Jesus Christ