Tuesday, October 14, 2008

What would yours say?

Our church as a whole is doing a study called "Christos, God's transforming Touch". I have to be honest and say that when we first started it, I rolled my eyes at the thought of doing another church-wide study.

Because, I always feel like teaching should be prepared, but Spirit-led. Let God speak to who He wants to speak through kinda thing and didn't think that making everyone follow the same book is the right way to go about it.

Well, this Sunday we visited a class where the teacher was just awesome! He was right on the money with taking the lesson and applying it directly to our lives today. So this morning, I decided to open up this book they've given out, and I'm glad I did because it's changed the way I feel about this whole ordeal.

This week's study is about "Overcoming Temptations".

And day 1's title was "Being Obedient". I sorta laughed when I saw that word AGAIN, "obedient"! It's everywhere I turn lately!

The passage of scripture that was used was Luke chapter 4, when Jesus went into the desert and fasted for 40 days.

If you have ever fasted before, you know how hard it is to do this for ONE day, let alone 40! This was a very trying time for our Lord here on earth. And that enemy, Satan, of course, wherever their is obedience, he's right behind it! He was there too...in that desert. Jesus came on a mission, the greatest mission ever, and His obedience in everything He did was the way to model our lives after Him! But with obedience, temptations will always come.

Then there was a statement in this study for today; "If you know your life mission statement, write it here."

I have NEVER thought about my life mission statement! I know our church's mission statement is "To know Christ and to make Him known". The girls' school mission statement is: "To know Christ and make Him known through Christian Education".

Why have I never thought about this?

And then I read this, "If you have no mission, you have no direction."

Ouch.

As I began to think about what my mission statement would say, this is what I came up with.

"To joyfully dance the dance of my life while resting in the promise of being safe in His arms."

The bible study I taught, "Do You Think I'm Beautiful", really changed the way I view my life everyday. Everyday is a dance. The dance of our lives.

One of the activities I did with the pre-schooler's this last week was talking to them about the season of Fall. How the leaves begin to fall from the trees. When leaves fall it's slow and sway-like. I gave each of the children a "leaf" and talked to them about how when a leaf falls it looks like it's dancing in the wind with God.

To a precious worship song, we all "danced in the wind" with God, just as the leaves do when the fall from the trees. It was a sweet time of worship with our amazing God!

Everyday is a dance. Sometimes it's fast and rocky, sometimes it's slow and smooth. But no matter what, I always want to dance in His arms, because it's the only place that's safe all the time.

So, I want to challenge you too today. What would/does your mission statement say? Leave a comment and I can't wait to hear about it!!! Have a blessed day!

ps-Thank you ALL for your prayers, comments, e-mails and phone calls to me yesterday. It does make a difference!!! I love all of you so much!

5 comments:

The Patterson 5 said...

I know today as I see falling leaves I will think about how you said a falling leaf is dancing in the wind with God, I will be blessed! Thank you. My life's mission that is a huge question. For the most part my mission keeps changing so I guess they are mini missions in school my mission was to graduate to become a nurse to serve others. Then when I married to have a marriage where God was present. Then now that we have children to raise them to love and obey God. I think my life's mission statement will have something about service....I'm sure you just love my brainstorming on your blog! I will get back to you on this!

concerned parent said...

I am going to havae to think about this one
I guess I do not have one at the current time but I do everchange with each season.

Joyful said...

Nicki, I loved reading this. I'm a gal who's learning to dance with the King, so this spoke so much to my heart. What you did with the pre-schoolers was great! Wonderful idea!

Can't say I really have a "mission statement", but every year God draws my attention to one verse in Scripture that becomes my 'theme verse' for that year. In the past He has used, "Be still and know that I am God"; "In My presence is fulness of joy". Last year it was, "There is...a time to dance". This year He has directed me to Hebrews 11, "By faith...Joy..." as He is calling me to trust Him like I never have before.

I'll have to give the mission statement some thinking.

Glad God is answering prayer on your behalf.
Love & prayers,
Joy

Sharon Brumfield said...

When we did Purpose Driven Life we had to come up with a mission statement....and I don't remember what it was per say. But I do know that it had something to do with Him, me and the church.
I am glad to hear the lift in your "voice". It is amazing what a word from God will do for your spirit.
Keep plugged in!

Jennifer said...

Wow? great question - what is my mission statement and I guess it seems to make sense that if we don't have one, we certainly will not be striving for it! I will consider this thoughtfully for the next few days. Yours is really nice, by the way. Thanks for the post -

Jennifer