George Camp
Check out pictures from previous George Camps. George Camps will be hosted in Miami, FL and Fayetteville GA this year. More information coming soon! Also check out this promo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6JUQGvoTco
Vision 2 Hear Kendall Presbyterian Church
This week I’m in Miami. I was able to perform at Kendall Presbyterian Church. For years, Mike Liebler has been trying to work the schedule so that I could make it to his church for a performance and it finally worked out! Here’s a link for the song I performed in the morning service: Watch The Lamb.
After performing, I went with the children’s ministry, which is also run by a dear friend Gail Knight. During that time, I talked with the kids about sign language, mission work in Africa and how Christ is our Living Water. It was a great time of worship!
Snapchat: An App Informative
Snapchat
How harmless can a ghost be? Snapchat is a picture/video text messaging app launched in 2011 that lets the user send a picture or video of themselves and set a time limit as to how long the message will last. Hence the ‘ghost” icon. It has become known as the app made for “sexting”. Boasting 50 million “snaps”-a-day, Snapchat is something your kids have certainly heard about if they are not using.
How it works:
Snapchatters take a picture or video of themselves, called a “selfie”. They then determine how long the “chat” will last, which ranges from 2 to 10 seconds. After determining to whom they will send the message, they initiate the message and that’s it. Once the receiver gets the message, they can view it for the determined amount of time and then, “poof”, it’s gone. Unless the receiver takes a screenshot of the pic, that is. If this happens, the pic can be reposted on websites, blogs, or messaged to others via similar messaging apps or tools.
With this being the case, one can easily see why using Snapchat can be dangerous for kids and students. An unwise choice sending a pic, even as a joke can resurface in places we don’t want to think about. Why not take some time today and talk to your child or students about Snapchat?
100 Things To Watch in 2013
If you are into trends and studies, you might really want to check out this slideshow. From the jrhighuthguy, this is a well rounded resource for anyone involved in youth ministry! To see the slideshow, simply click the pic above or this link( 100 Things) and it will take you to it. Then click the right arrow to advance the show.
Upcoming Events 1/12/13
We have our summer mission interest meeting on January 26th at 5pm. Anyone who has a slight interest in attending one of our summer mission projects this summer needs to make plans to be with us at New Vision Church on the 26th.
Our annual fundraising event called Fast Forward is coming up. This year we are making our goal $4000, which will be divided between Nigeria, El Salvador, Nicaragua and a missionary to The United Arab Emirates to reach muslims. Please join our effort to make disciples of all nations by raising awareness, generating support and participating in the fast!
Our GA WAVE Teams are encouraged to attend Winterjam on February 10. The cost is only $10 at the door. Check with your local leaders for times of gathering and connecting for this awesome event!
V2H Weekly Update: 10/19/12
Hey Everyone,
I’m back in the Atlanta area for the weekend. Let me first say thanks to everyone for their prayers for me and amy family during our time of loss. We sincerely appreciate the love and support shown to us during this time!
I came back to Fayetteville, GA on Wednesday. My Aunt’s funeral was on Tuesday evening. Even though this was a sad event for our family, it certainly brought us all closer together and for that I am thankful! I was able to see another aunt and cousin that I had not seen in over 30 years!
My 2nd cousin Adam, his dad and my first cousin Paul, my mom and brother Mike and me.
While in town, I was able to spend a good amount of time catching up with Paul and his son Adam, along with my other cousins who had just lost their mom to pancreatic and liver cancer.
The time with family was good and reminded us each of how important it is to be there for each other, especially in times like this. Almost all of us spent significant time growing up together at Grandma’s house and it was good to be together even in this time of sorrow.
- The Lockhart Cousins: Adam, Mike, Becky, Uncle Joe, Me, Amanda, Kristie (Cricket), and Tommy.
Also while I was in town I spent time with the Tuckers. It was CJ’s 8th birthday. The paradox between celebrating life and mourning a death was a little strange to say the least. Nonetheless, I was reminded in both cases how precious life and sweet memories can and should be. I was thankful to be able to be part of celebrating this great day with CJ and his friends and family!
After spending a few days with family, I made my way back to Fayetteville for youth group on Wednesday night. The last couple of days have been used getting ready for our WAVE Conference that starts today and goes through Sunday night. Please be in prayer for this event as it’s a great time of worship and growth for our teams. We will learn a couple of new songs (hopefully 
) and certainly draw closer to God and each other.
Don’t forget this weekend we all get our new Not A Monster But An Alien shirts. Please bring $12 to pay for yours. We also have our final push for Change for A Change. Remember that the leader who brings in the most change from their teams will get a prize!
We will also have a dessert theater concert on Sunday night. We will use this as a fundraising concert to help generate money for the ski trip and missions next summer. It’s free. A love offering will be collected.
Finally, don’t forget that the $30 deposit for the ski trip is due on October 27! Please get that in if you plan to go!
See you guys in a few hours! It’s time to go with the FLOW!
George
V2H Weekly Update 10/14/12
The week was a very busy week. In fact, it was one of the busiest I can remember! Markie Love, Casey Palicki and I dove 11 hours to Newport, NC to hang out with my family, attend the Seafood Festival and work with the Korean Church.
This was only Markie’s and Casey’s second mission trip of any sort but they did exceptionally well! On Friday we met up with the Tuckers and went to the local Seafood Festival. There were tons of exhibitors and lots of rides. We spent the evening meandering the streets and had a good time on a few rides.
On Saturday we went to the Korean Baptist church and hosted the youth meeting. We worked on a few sign songs for the WAVE team and then had a brief Bible study with a few games.
Sunday morning we attended the church where we all performed Like A Lion, Superhero and Everything Glorious. One of the cool experiences for the girls was that they got to listen to the Korean service translated through a headset. After the service, we all enjoyed some traditional Korean cuisine. Then for a couple hours they were part of some Korean culture classes, where they learned some of the language, alphabet, and a few Korean games and cultural practices. I was very impressed with their willingness and zeal to jump right in and give it all a try. They did very well!
On Monday we went to Fort Macon State Park and did a little historical survey touring the fort and viewing restored rooms depicting the soldiers’ lives. This little bottle with a model of Jesus was in one of the showcases. Just thought it was cool to see something like this.
After a sightseeing tour of Fort Macon we went to the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. I’ve been there a few times but this time was special because we actually got to feed the big fish from the top of the tank!
It was a great trip to NC and the girls had a wonderful time of vacationing and learning about Korean culture and life in general. I am glad that they were able to come along.
We rushed back to GA to make the youth meeting at New Vision and hear my good friend Dr. Lora Darrisaw challenge our students about staying away from drug use and abuse. We talked about some of the new drugs that are on the streets and making a huge impact on our society these days. Dr. Lora also talked about several cases she has been working on recently to help drive home the fact that drugs not only harms the users but family and friends of the users as well.
Thursday morning I took Trevor Jenkins and Devin Carby with me to Port Orange, FL. Our new WAVE Team in Port Orange was helping lead worship at an FCA event at Spruce Creek High School. We got to Port Orange with a little time to spare and got things set up. The event was great with about 75 people showing up for Fields of Faith, a student-led event to share testimonies and worship Jesus. The WAVE team did exceptionally well for being only 3 weeks old! I was very proud and honored to be part of this special event and occasion.
We left the next morning to drive back GA. My aunt was near death’s door and I needed to get back to drop off Trevor and Devin. My aunt passed away about 11pm on Friday night. I left GA yesterday and headed back to NC to be with the family and attend the funeral which will be on next Tuesday.
Needless to say I have been in my car a lot over the last week! I praise God for riding with me and keeping me safe and alert on the roads. As I have a couple of days before I have to do serious driving again, I hope to get some rest. But I have plenty of non-driving work to attend to which will keep me very busy.
Next weekend we have our WAVE Conference. The event starts at 7pm on Friday night with practice. A Bible study will begin about 8:15pm and everything will end by about 9:30pm at the latest. Saturday’s activities will begin at 9am and end by 4pm. I’ll be preaching at the church service for New Vision and the groups are invited to stay to perform some songs with us for the evening on Saturday and morning service on Sunday.
We are having a concert on Sunday night at the church and would like for each team to have their members bring some desserts to be served by members of the youth group from New Vision. A love offering will be received and the proceeds will go toward helping students attend either the ski trip or mission trip.
Also at this event we will end our push for Charity Water. We have been collecting change for several months. We are asking everyone to bring in as much change as possible this weekend. Let’s see which team actually can bring the most. The team leaders whose team bring the most in on Saturday will get a special prize For more on Charity: Water Change For A Change.
One final thing is that our ski trip deposits are due by October the 27. Anyone desiring to attend needs to have their $30 deposit in by that day to reserve your spot!
Thanks for all your prayers for me and my family!
George
V2H Weekly Update 10/5/12
Today I’m writing from Newport, NC. Yesterday 3 of us drove up to North Carolina to spend some time with my family and to minister at the Korean Baptist Church. Markie Love and Casey Palicki are students from our New Vision WAVE Team who also have interest in Korean culture so it’s great to have them with me. They will be able to help me with teaching sign to the kids but in turn they will get to learn more about the Korean church, its form of worship and even learn some of the Korean language through a class on Sunday after church. we will be in NC until Wednesday morning.
Most of my week was used in preparing for church services at New Vision for our new series called HOME R-U-N? With the help of some other friends, we were able to get this set up for this weekend’s launch of the series. We basically glued baseball cards into letters and then hung them from the ceiling. We went with this motif because of baseball season and our focus on the family. This weekend our pastor will talk about the home as our base of spiritual operations. The question is R-U-N?
A deposit of $30 is due on October 28. Please make sure you get your deposit in to secure your spot.
We have launched a new service through The Youth Culture Report. Each Friday we will send out a small newsletter of news articles that you may have missed during the week. this will include the top 10 most read from the website. If you would like to be on that email list, please send me your email address and we will make sure you get subscribed.
Remember to encourage your team to get involved in the Charity: Water Change For A Change. We have a couple of weeks until wrap up this fundraising event. I want to be able to send in about $300 in change! That would be awesome!
Encourage your teams about the FLOW WAVE Conference. Remember we need your input on decorations. We have a concert scheduled for the evening of October 21 at 6pm as a fundraising event for the ski trip and mission trips. We will need people to bring deserts. The WAVE Teams will perform and love offering will go toward mission trip for next summer.
V2H Weekly Update 9/28/12
A few of the Stockbridge team traveled to Port orange last Saturday to lead worship at Christ The King Church. It was a great day of worship with our friend and pastor Scott Kirschner. We have been friends with Pastor Scott for several years and we were all part of his efforts in launching his church a couple of years ago. It has been our privilege to be part of serving with him in so many ways through the years.
Not only were we there to lead worship but to launch our newest WAVE team. Pastor Scott has been a big fan of WAVE teams and this is his second launch for us!
There were many that came out for the first practice on Monday. We went through several songs and did some “George exercises” to help them understand that being on WAVE team is no joke but hard work. With two run throughs on the Lawnmower Dance, the chorus of God is Enough a few times and an hour and half of practice, they held up well.
On Tuesday night the number that seems to be settling in for the long haul is about 12. Hey, it worked for Jesus! Congrats Port Orange and welcome to the V2H Family! You guys are doing awesome!
I’ll be going back to Port Orange on October 11 for a Fields Of Faith performance and speaking engagement. The Port Orange WAVE Team will perform with me! How exciting is that?!!
The trip to Port Orange was not just about setting up the WAVE Team. Trevor Jenkins, Matt Hooten and Lawson Malony accompanied me on the trip and I took advantage of using this time for some student discipleship. We talked about core values, leadership, and personal disciplines. It was a good time investing in the lives of these young men and seeing how God is working in their lives!
We had fun too though. With hours of playing RISK with our own superhero rules and pieces, several runs to Dollar General and Walmart, and a trip to the beach and lighthouse, our times were fun and memorable!
Don’t forget to get your $30 deposit for the ski trip in by October 28.
Remember to encourage your team to get involved in the Charity: Water Change For A Change. We have a couple of weeks until wrap up this fundraising event. I want to be able to send in about $300 in change! That would be awesome!
Encourage your teams about the FLOW WAVE Conference. It’s only a few weeks away! We would love to have as many people as possible attend. Remember we need your input on decorations. We have a concert scheduled for the evening of October 21 at 6pm as a fundraising event for the ski trip and mission trips. We will need people to bring deserts. The WAVE Teams will perform and love offering will go toward mission trip for next summer.
This is the new t-shirt we will be getting. I’m excited about the new shirts and hope you are too! Prices coming soon.
Have a great weekend!
George
V2H Weekly Update 9/21/12
I just got back off a leadership retreat with our church. It was a good time of planning and preparing for the future. God is doing a good thing and we are all excited about the direction for the church. Having been on the retreat now, I am better able to see what I need to do there and that will help me with plans for V2H also.
V2H Has a new mailing address for donations. Even though many use online giving, V2H has used a PO box for several years. To cut back on costs and help Vicki out, all mail-in contributions and correspondence can now simply go to 2046 Khyber Pass Snellville, GA 30039. If you want to make an online donation you can do so through this link: Vision 2 Hear
We launched Elevate at New Vision this past Wednesday and the kids loved it! We had several kids out skating on some of the ramps and it was a great addition for the youth gathering.
Several of us will travel to Port Orange this Saturday at 1pm to plant our latest WAVE Team at Christ The King Church. Pastor Scott Kirschner and his church will host the latest WAVE that will include some of the youth that went on the summer mission trip to Nicaragua in July. We are very excited about this expansion team and expect God to use it greatly there! Be in prayer for us traveling Saturday through Tuesday.
Ski deposit money of $30 due by October 28 to hold your spot! Total trip cost is $250 which includes meals at Teen Valley, Sugar Mountain, lift ticket and rentals. If you are interested please notify me with your intent to travel.
We set and launched a new intiative to stay better connected through a database and notification operation with Barefoot ministries. With this service we can use texting, emailing, tracking of funds and calendars very easily. To update your information along with your team, please email me so I can get it loaded in and get you all connected better. For more information check out Barefoot Ministries. They also offer devotional guides and journals if you feel like your team would benefit from that tool, we can order some. They run about $1.30 each.
Remember to encourage your team to get involved in the Charity: Water Change For A Change. We have a couple of weeks until wrap up this fundraising event. I want to be able to send in about $300 in change! That would be awesome!
Encourage your teams about the FLOW WAVE Conference. Remember we need your input on decorations. We have a concert scheduled for the evening of October 21 at 6pm as a fundraising event for the ski trip and mission trips. We will need people to bring deserts. The WAVE Teams will perform and love offering will go toward mission trip for next summer.
Thanks. Have a great weekend!
George
V2H Weekly Update
The week turned out to be fairly busy. A good friend of the ministry drove a vehicle up from Miami on Tuesday. Their family graciously donated it to a family involved with our ministry in Tennessee. I drove the vehicle to them Thursday. While I was in Tennessee, I picked up 9 of the Elevate ramps and moved them to Fayetteville. New Vision Church is now the host home church for Elevate Skate. We are very excited to be partnering with New Vision using this unique outreach tool of providing skate ramps for local kids.
On Friday several from New Vision met at Whitewater High School to be part or serving and providing a meal for the football team. I was prepared to share a small devotional but it did not seem appropriate for the time or setting. I simply led the prayer for the meal. Nonetheless it was good for us to be there and be a visible representation of Jesus for these kids.
The amount of $250 has been set for the ski trip in Feburary. The price includes meals at Teen Valley, Sugar Mountain, lift ticket and rentals. If you are interested please notify me with your intent to travel.
We set and launched a new intiative to stay better connected through a database and notification operation with Barefoot ministries. With this service we can use texting, emailing, tracking of funds and calendars very easily. To update your information along with your team, please email me so I can get it loaded in and get you all connected better. For more information check out Barefoot Ministries. They also offer devotional guides and journals if you feel like your team would benefit from that tool, we can order some. They run about $1.30 each.
Remember to encourage your team to get involved in the Charity: Water Change For A Change. We have a couple of weeks until wrap up this fundraising event. I want to be able to send in about $300 in change! That would be awesome!
Be in prayer for our newest WAVE Team launching in Port Orange next weekend. Also be in prayer for me as I travel with our leadership team from New Vision Sunday until Wednesday for a planning retreat.
Encourage your teams about the FLOW WAVE Conference. Remember we need your input on decorations. We have a concert scheduled for the evening of October 21 at 6pm as a fundraising event for the ski trip and mission trips. We will need people to bring deserts. The WAVE Teams will perform and love offering will go toward mission trip for next summer.
Thanks. Have a great weekend!
George
Speaking of Football
High school football is back on the calendar for every Friday night from now til November. Who knew that it would also be on court dockets and the place where so much controversy would take place? In recent years there has been much debate of the practice of religious prayers held at games, before games, in locker rooms or on the field. The latest firestorm surrounds a LaFayette high school football coach who reportedly ” violated the first Amendment by allowing local churches to prepare meals for team members.”
The claim against coach Mark Mariakis also stated that he had prayers with players, used motivational Bible verses and that he was heavily involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes. But the question I have is what is the difference in using Jesus as a role model as opposed to Ghandi, Martian Luther King Jr. or some star professional football player? Why is it wrong to use Bible verses to inspire but quoting Vince Lombardi is ok?
What if Jesus said:
“Football is like life – it requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority. “
The quote is actually from Vince Lombardi, legendary coach and for whom the Super Bowl Trophy is named. Why is it wrong then to take a quote from the Bible that says:
3 But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, 4 endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3-4
The verse above could have easily been said by Lombardi but because Jesus said it and it’s recorded in a sacred book it becomes wrong to quote or use to encourage and motivate?
Vince Lombardi also said: “People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.” Sadly groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation are working against many positive and transformative people within our school systems. The task that will make a difference is the very thing that has sparked this debate: prayer.
In light of it being 9-11 let me remind us all of what really is important here by using the words of Brett Farve:
“But when you lose a family member or something tragic happens, that stays with you forever. You never get over it. Knowing that you have to deal with that for the rest of your life… Football is important, but not as important as you once thought it was.”
We cannot forget the power and importance of prayer. As Christians and as Americans, we have to remember God, prayer and understand that our battle is not on a foreign field alone. It is transpiring on every campus, field and home today and everyday. Our enemy is not Islam, atheists or the FFRF. Our enemy is Satan and we cannot be unaware of his schemes!
11 I have done this so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:11
Please join me in prayer for our country, schools, and especially this latest battle that is being taken to Christians who practice their faith in all aspects of their lives. Jesus was clear that persecution would come and therefore we all need to be ready. Are you ready for some spiritual football?
Please be praying for me. I’ll be speaking to the Whitewater High School football team on Friday night before the game. Thanks!
Leadership: Leaders Are Learners
The phrase is not new with me but it is a great and true principle for anyone in leadership: leaders are learners. Leaders understand that they don’t know it all and put themselves in a position to learn from anyone at anytime. Being humble enough to seek wisdom, counsel and knowledge from others is in itself a smart thing to do. Here are a few ways I would suggest to increase your learning ability.
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10
1) Pray
In the book of James chapter 1 verse 5, the author makes it clear that we can ask for wisdom if we are lacking.The passage above indicates that praying for others spiritual enlightenment along with our own is an important thing. Paul communicates to the people at Colosse that it is God’s will for them to know God’s will and have knowledge and understanding of God’s movement around them. Leaders take time to pray for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and the mind to process information so as to lead according to God’s will.
2) Read
As I’ve heard leaders are learners I have also heard leaders are readers. In a video age where reading is becoming less and less emphasized, I have to encourage would-be leaders to be people who still read. The array of information accessible to us is untold! At our fingertips via the internet alone is literally a wealth of information, knowledge, understanding unlike any other period in history. Leaders take advantage of this information, reading through local, statewide, national and international news and events. This is something I have to work on more and more as I am personally not a fast or avid reader. But as I am getting older, I realize the importance of being keenly aware of wider variety of information. Reading is a discipline any leader must adopt.
3) Teach
As a leader look at yourself as a teacher. When we have to teach someone a task or subject it requires us to have done our own homework. Putting ourselves in positions to teach, mentor, tutor or coach is a great way to increase our own learning and knowledge.When teaching we are able to practice new study habits, develop our skills in communicating and extend our influence. Taking on the position of a teacher will most certainly remind you of how to be a good student!
Leadership: Becoming Someone Worth Following
I believe that in the heart of each person lies the desire to become someone great. This doesn’t mean that each person is some self-seeking glory hoarder but it does mean that in the deep recesses of the heart is the longing to be great and do great things. These things could range from raising healthy children and contributing to their well-being to becoming the leader of a country. One principle to be conscious of is that regardless of who or what we aspire to do with our lives we each have great influence over several people within our lifetimes. This influence is called leadership.
Leadership is a word that some fear, others fight for and some are unaware. Yet any form of influence is leadership. With this is mind I have often been enamored with the idea of leadership. Effective or poor, leadership is a role that we each have to fulfill to some degree in someone else’s life. So the question is : “How do I become someone worth following?”
In this blog, I will share insights, thoughts and principles I am working on, practicing and learning in hopes that I become someone worth following. I’ll draw from Biblical and secular ideas and concepts.I hope that through it all, it will help me (and maybe even you) in becoming all that God wants.
Sobeit!
Who do you have the privilege to influence?
Which people look to you for leadership, guidance, and advice?
Who has been a mentor or great leader in your life? Did you consider them a leader? Friend? Counselor? Mom? or Dad?
How can you better use your influence?
What will it take for you to overcome your fear of leading others?
Tech Do’s and Don’ts
There is no doubt we are in an entirely different era of life. Smartphones, iPads and iPhones are seen in almost every hand, pocket or purse. It’s nothing new to see kids texting at the table or hurrying through a meal to get back to their conversations online. But kids are not the only ones guilty of these relational faux pas. Parents are just as likely to be texting during times when connecting with their kids would be best. Whether it’s during “family time”, a sporting event or even church, adults and kids need to set some healthy boundaries for technology and relationships. May I offer a few do’s and don’ts for the school year and even life.
1) Designate a “tech free” time-out.
Technology is great for connecting with people who are distanced from us. However it can prevent us from connecting with people right in front of us! The tendency is to take the people closest to us for granted. Technology fools us into thinking that what’s happening somewhere else is more important or exciting than what’s going on right in front of us. Creating a tech free time-out for certain periods of the day can allow cultivation of personal familial relationships where each person can truly be focused. Setting aside morning times of 3o minutes for breakfast for quiet time, prayers, and connection with each other and God can be a wonderful way to start the day. Also, setting aside time at the dinner table, even if eating out, where technology is banned for the meal time can be a huge witness to others. Closing the day by requiring all phones and technology to be powered off by a certain time can also promote health within the family and allow for a good night’s sleep.
2) Designate a “tech free” zone.
These can be places like the kitchen table, church services, (I know some people have their Bibles on the technology but encourage old fashioned Bible carrying), and the car. All of these places are prime for connecting with each other in meaningful conversations. Technology can become a distraction if we are not careful and create spaces for people to cocoon and become lost for an entire journey “together”.
3) Determine to not allow technology to prevent connection.
If you are in a room with people you really want to connect with and they are using their phones of tablets, send a text from your phone and simply convey that thought. Use the direct path and communicate that you desire face to face, eye to eye connection at this time. Sometimes the best way to fight a fire is with fire. Sending a simple text, or making a phone call to the person right beside you can be the gentle reminder without condemning.
4) Be consistent with what you ask and what you practice.
If you are going to require your children to use technology in certain ways you have to do the same. You have to pay attention, connect and communicate clearly. Technology is something we as adults feel like we “deserve” or need to do business etc. However, many kids can also feel cheated of their parent’s attention due to technology. It is imperative for the adults to set the right tone and example.
5) Don’t make technology the “bad guy”.
We all know that technology allows us to do so many things we were never able to do years ago. Practicing healthy boundaries and guidelines will only benefit us all the way around. Talk with your kids about the dangers of technology and the importance of safely using their phones, tablets and computers. Construct a family tech covenant that all can sign and honor. By adopting such practices, families and individuals are able to serve God without becoming slaves to technology.
George Lockhart is a full-time missionary with Vision 2 Hear and serves as youth pastor at new Vision Church in Fayetteville, GA.
Christ Fellowship SPEW Day 5
Here is a link to Day 5′s talk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShbVE_PuonU&feature=g-u-u
Christ Fellowship SPEW
This week Trevor and I are in Palmetto Bay, FL at Christ Fellowship Church. This is my 11th year of working with Christ Fellowship and their school. It’s always a joy and exciting time to be with the students and staff at CFA. Here is a link for the fist day’s talk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Plp9w2fmGhc&feature=youtu.be
7 Life Lessons From 43 Years
Wisdom Over The Years
As my 43rd BD has now come and gone, I have given some thought to what I feel like are a couple of major lessons. I’d like to share the thoughts with you to help me remember them and apply them. Moreover, to challenge you to do the same!
1) Write more
As I have been thinking about things I would share with readers like you and kids I mentor, to people that I serve as a spiritual “father” and guide, I cannot underscore how much I wish I had done these two things more effectively over the last 43 years. I’ve long kept a journal…(since 1987). But I have not really kept organized quotes and thoughts in a manner to pass on to prosperity. This is something I will be adopting as a practice in this next year.
What I have come to realize is that I have the privilege to speak into many people’s lives and if I can keep collected thoughts, quotes, even notes of conversations then when important dates like graduations and weddings come, there is some easily accessible information and wisdom available for me to share.
2) Talk less
Listening more requires talking less. Even though I may feel like I have “answers”, that’s not the answer. Often people don’t come to me simply because they need an answer…what they want and need is someone to listen. Making notes, recording the conversation, and even simply stating and rephrasing what is being heard proves to be all some people really need.
3) Celebrate more
One thing I have come to realize is that life really is short…and time with some people that we love can even be shorter. Taking time to celebrate who they are, what they mean and the relationship that is shared has become so much more important to me over the years. Why wait for a holiday, birthday or significant occasion to say the things we need to say? Create a day even if it’s a “you’re wonderful day” and enjoy the people who mean the most.
4) Work less
This is a very hard one for me but I have had some measure of success working less over the years. So much of my time has been spent in doing things well and striving for excellence, which no one would begrudge. However, there are some things that are more important that making sure every detail of “my” plan runs smoothly, things like: people’s feelings, memories, once-in-a-lifetime events, etc. Work can easily consume most of my time, energy and resources and leave very little of “me” to offer others. Working less actually allows me to give more in work and certainly in the areas that really count!
5) Do more
Do more together with family and people you love. As I said above, work can separate us from our families and loved ones. We can all easily justify the time away. What we have to do is make every effort to do more together. Many elements of our society automatically segregate us and isolate us from contact with others and those with whom we share life. After 43 years, I can definitely see the value of scheduling time to serve together with people I love. I see the value of do life together and sharing life’s moments.
6) Be more
The older I get I have seen a few tendencies to become “ok” with some things in my life. What I have been reminding myself much lately is that Christ has not called me to an “ok” life but to one where I actually become more than ever before. A life where I sincerely become more than I ever thought I could be. This doesn’t happen apart from discipline and effort, which can seem to wane as time goes on. I have to remind myself that I can’t live for the present but must continually strive for perfection, knowing that I will fall short of God’s glory. Nonetheless living in the full-out grace afforded me in Christ and becoming a masterpiece according to all God intends.
7) Worry less
If there’s anything that I am coming to grips with it is this: worry less! So much time and mind space is used and occupied by this very thing: worrying about people and their opinions. Little by little, worry chokes out freedom, liberty and fun and life quickly becomes existence. The older I get the more I realize that some things just don’t merit the amount of attention I give them. In the scope of eternity, so many things are meaningless. I’m having to learn how to pitch them to the vast emptiness of space and embrace all that Christ has in the present moment. Living by faith doesn’t mean living stupidly or haphazardly but it does mean living with only one opinion in mind and that being Christ’s. There are far too many things that Christ has called me to and desires for me to experience than being locked in a stale old box…seems like that’s a casket. I’m 43 and not ready to die yet. In fact in many ways, I feel like I’m just now coming alive! Glory to God!
George is a missionary with Vision 2 Hear and serves as student pastor at New Vision Church in Fayetteville, GA
