Tag: Challenge

Elephant Eating

Quilter2 Comments

Today I have tackled eating an elephant. Figuratively speaking. How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time.

My ‘elephant’ is in the sewing room with a dreaded project hanging over my head. Let it be said here that knowing how to run a sewing machine does not equate to being a skilled seamstress. Or in this case, a tailor. The zipper on my windbreaker jacket broke and needed replacement.

Some time back I ordered a white separating zipper online for a bathrobe. The package was delivered in a timely manner with one little problem—the zipper was black. Realization comes to me slowly at times. The windbreaker is black.

In my thinking spot I realized this was to my benefit. Take out the broken and replace with the already paid for mistake. Easy to say, a challenge to do. What I did not realize is how well made the windbreaker is. Really well made. To ensure that all the pieces of jacket remained in place I basted before I started ripping out. Unfortunately, the zipper also wanted to remain in place. I suspect fabric glue was part of the construction.

As I basted away I came across a surprise. Inside the jacket is a hidden pocket! I love inner pockets and thrilled at what I have hidden in plain sight. Visions of sugar plums dance in my head as to what I can now carry sheltered from wind or rain.

Well—sometime anyway. My days are full and this project will not be accomplished anytime soon. Completion may not come until the dead of winter when it will be too cold to wear a jacket. Baby steps. One bite at a time. This was a dreaded project because seldom can I make a repair on a ready-made garment and have it looking as good as a factory finish. My skills do not match my intentioned goals. But it will work, even though it may look as though I tampered with it.

Look closely at what you may have hidden in plain sight. Whether it be a pocket, an opportunity or something packed away. You know what I’m talking about—that thing you could not bear to part with because someday it could be useful. Today may be your day.

Life is like that. So is Jesus. Do you have circumstances that you dread—fearing it is going to be a big deal? Something you would rather not deal with? I get it.

As far as this zipper project goes, I have decided to ask Jesus to give me the wisdom and skill to get it done. If you like, you can try Jesus with your thing too. I have every confidence he will come through—for both of us.

PS The bathrobe is patiently waiting.

Connecting With Jesus

Quilter2 Comments
© jb katke

The challenge—should I choose to accept it, was noting the way I connect with Jesus. Then writing about one that I do not connect with.

This came via my writing coach, having read Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas.  According to Thomas, there are eight ways people can connect with Jesus:

  • Naturalist-loving Jesus outdoors
  • Sensate-loving Jesus through the senses
  • Traditionalist-loving Jesus through ritual and symbol
  • Ascetics-loving Jesus in solitude and simplicity
  • Activist-loving Jesus through confrontation
  • Enthusiasts-loving Jesus with mystery and celebration
  • Contemplatives-loving Jesus through adoration
  • Intellectuals-loving Jesus with the mind

First off, I wish to say none of these ways are wrong. Nor is one way superior to another. Mankind is a vast people group of individuals. How we relate varies among us all—even among our circle of family and friends. Not to confuse the issue with a split-personality, we just learn how to adapt our communication with how individuals relate to our words.

I chose Naturalist, mostly because I am not an outdoors girl. Some would point me out as being a hot-house plant. I am okay with that, because there is too much sunshine, heat or cold and bugs for my liking.

The very reasons I dislike outdoors is no doubt why others love it. Fresh air, well all right, I enjoy a good breeze. But there is more, plants, trees, and just nature itself to be appreciated. And I do, mostly as I look out my window.

What I find interesting, living in this day and age—are those who are entirely wrapped up in climate change. My goal is not to get political. But those who are actively endorsing ways we can save the earth are frustrated that others do  not join their cause. Unfortunately, I have a feeling that other nations are not their teammates.

Jesus created nature, not only for our well-being, but for its beauty. However, that is not all that he created:

Jesus gave mankind senses to take in the sights and sounds of pleasure. How unfortunate, understandably for safety sake, we can no longer smell burning autumn leaves.

He instilled in mankind a need for organization—a practice or an object that brings Jesus to our mind.

Have you noticed some folks just need a down time? A mind without distractions is an excellent time to think on Jesus.

There are those who feel the absolute need to voice their love of Jesus to everyone and anyone who will listen. They have a point that needs to be heard.

Many who love Jesus love to dwell on how he accomplished his mission. It can boggle the mind as we celebrate his birth each December and beyond.

Often just thinking about Jesus, his mission—how he loved on others and drew such crowds brings such thoughts of gratitude.

The mind is a wonderful creation of his—that we can be fascinated by an ordinary man that was anything but ordinary.

Any one of these connections can be dangerous if taken to the excess. While mankind has breath, it is imperative that each connection has its own time of reflection on our soul.

“In all your ways, acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Proverbs 3:6 (ESV)

I would enjoy hearing how you best relate to Jesus!

Heart Medicine

Quilter2 Comments

Stack of Bibles
© jb katke

It doesn’t have to be done this way. But if you do, the treasures you will find!

I’m talking about meeting the challenge I was presented with. From the Good Book, in Romans, pick out one verse and jot down thirty things you learned.

Sometimes an assignment can feel more like a challenge. My heart wanted to select from Esther, but that was not an option.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.  (Roman 8:28 NIV)

The following is what came to my attention:

  • Know/head knowledge
  • All things/everything
  • God caused/allowed/made so
  • Work/effort
  • Love God/heart knowledge/in tune to his desires
  • Good/what is best/beneficial
  • Them/those of God
  • Called/made contact/responsive
  • According/relating to/pertaining to
  • Together/bound/united/joined/drawn/pulled
  • His purpose/Gods’ plan/assignment/use

 

Wow! Who knew so much could be pulled from one verse? Granted, I used more than one Good Book. It isn’t necessary, but if you do, so much more comes to the surface. It’s all good stuff.

Did you know you were created for a special purpose? That it pertains to a divine plan? The things that nag at you could be our Creator tapping you on the shoulder urging you to do the Nike thing, Just Do It?

Here is the clincher. That your life events had a purpose and were preparing for some great work. Allow me to elaborate on great. I’m not talking making the national news. By great, I mean something that you would never imagine yourself doing. But with God’s help, oh my, he makes all the difference in the world!

This is where the rubber meets the road. Maybe some life events have happened that were bad. And God let it happen. That is hard to swallow. Understood.

I know a lady that had a terrible childhood and in her adult years had a destructive marriage. That is behind her today because she turned her life around. It can be done. I witnessed it.

But why did she have to experience so much heartache?

I don’t have all the answers, but I know who does. Jesus has the definitive answer. What I saw was him strengthening her to make some needed changes.

I almost forgot! There was more to my assignment. I was instructed to rephrase that one verse into my own words.  They are:

Because of the love I have for God, I am assured that the events in my life were custom designed to benefit me and can be pulled together in such a way to be of use to God’s unique plan for my life.

That takes a mouthful of faith to live out. Note one of the above words I got was ‘work.’ Faith is a muscle that must be exercised to become strong. Anything worthwhile requires work. Are ya up to the challenge?

 

Seriously?

Quilter2 Comments

Churchill HS marching band

My anger was over the top. It seems I’m not over the confrontation yet.

To give you a little background, a lifetime ago I was a marching band mom. My son, Jamie, played the trumpet though high school and beyond. He enjoyed it and so did his father and I.

Let me hasten to add, it was hard work. Every week of the football season meant a few new songs to learn and new formations to perform at the games. This, on top of all the demands from other classes.

Life has a way of changing everything. By the time our youngest, Naomi, hit high school, we had a job transfer and new schools to acclimate to. Naomi opted to become a member of the flag girls that performed routines alongside the band.

Each week the band played the same song. I couldn’t understand why. If you watched one performance, you’ve seen them all.

In asking the band teacher about this he explained, “The students couldn’t possibly be able to learn a new song in every week.”

This is when I became livid with anger. Standing before me was a picture of what separates good teachers from bad.

“Yes they can! These kids aren’t learning anything doing the same routine week after week. They need the challenge and the opportunity to expand their repertoire. Playing the same musical number repeatedly is a recipe for boredom. Not to mention zero desire to discover if they have a music preference.”

Fortunately the flag girls did their own music numbers offering various costumes with different flag formations. At least they weren’t bored to tears!

Olathe South HS flag corp

My take away was this: The mindset of the band teacher revealed was he was tired of teaching and was merely putting in his time until retirement. Mentally done, he no longer cared to instill a love for music to his pupils.

Everyone has something to offer, instilling what we love into others should never grow old.

Sometimes Jesus gives me opportunities to grow that I may not like. But it’s something he knows I can master with his help, and usually holds a future benefit. He never tires, becomes stagnant, or limited in love. It never ends.