Showing posts with label chris shook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chris shook. Show all posts

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Day 4: Power Surge - Connecting With The Ultimate Source



One Month To Live Transformational Journey

Life Lesson (from journal): "We have to be connected to a power source beyond ourselves--a power source that never wavers, flickers, or leaves us in the dark. We have to move from willpower to the real power that comes from a connection to our Creator."

Chris Shook opens today's lesson talking about how dependent we are on power. If there is ever a flicker of light we are looking frantically for flashlights, candles or anything to give us a source of light. She also speaks about how important it is for us to have "Power" literally to do what we do each day, especially when it comes to making changes in our lives. However, we often try to make the changes with our own willpower and not with a dependence on God's power.

My Answer: I could really relate to this on Day 4, because I am a very independent person who will work hard as nails for what I want and hope for. I sometimes lose focus on the spiritual aspect that consumes me and that's when things seems to push me back to get into a perspective of how I reached a certain point in the first place. From the journal and the scripture they recommend, I understand how important it is to trust in God for guidance and also when I am just not 100%. Sometimes I get confused, frightened, exhausted, and even frustrated, but those are the times when I need to really consult God and get his perspective.

In the journal, they give two ways one can really stay connected to God everyday. To my surprise, it really isn't overly religious or anything, but really taking the time to have constant communication and constant confession. In the journal, it instructs that this can happen anywhere at anytime to yourself, or while you're driving, or you can relate this to how often you speak to your best friend or husband, children. You care for them so you're always talking to them about what's going on with you and that's what they are referring to.

I do tend to use constant communication when I'm on my way to an audition because I really need to get myself centered and ready. I know that when I do get an audition that it is totally meant to be and I need to capitalize on these opportunities that God gives me so I prepare myself. I really feel, especially, how important it is to seek God in constant communication because some days can really be a roller coaster or battlefield. Through prayer it gives me hope that He is with me in whatever decisions I have to make today and in the days to come. Some days all I can really do is send my questions to Him for a better understanding.

With constant confession, Chris Shook says that you don't have to go to your preacher, priest, or church to confess to God. He knows our thoughts and welcomes us to open our hearts to him. I can definitely believe this one because some days, I can be a firecracker like anyone else and leaning on God is the only way for me to refocus and get back on track. When you can't tell anyone else, even your best of the best, about your issues, then He is the one to go to because he won't judge, but will listen and bring a solution to the issue. That's why I always say that everything happens for a reason because I see how things just "magically" turns around for me and gives me new insight and light on things that may have me unsettled.

Face Time
Instead of posting Today's Challenge, I thought that the Face Time exercise in the journal would be great for you on today. Complete these phrases with your own personal need or want, etc.

1. God, I need Your help to stop relying on my own power instead of Yours. Especially when it comes to_________________________________________________________________________.

2. But Your wisdom is endless. Your abilities are boundless. And You care more about me than I can ever know. So I want to live in Your power today. You know what's on my heart right now, so I'm asking for Your help with________________________________________________________________.


If you want to leave feedback or a comment, I would love to hear what you come up with.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Day 1: Living the Dash - One Month To Live Transformation



 One Month To Live Transformational Journey

Life Lesson (from journal): "You get to choose how to spend that little dash of time between the two dates of your earthly existence. What are you spending yours on? Are you living the dash, knowing fully who you are and why you're here? Or dashing to live, hurriedly spending precious time chasing things that really don't matter to you? The psalmist prayed, " Teach us to number our days and recognize how few they are; help us to spend them as we should." (Psalm 90:12, TLB)
 Early this morning I listened to the recording for Day 1 on living the dash. I didn't know at first what they were referring to about "living the dash" until Kerry Shook began talking about grave stones. He referred to our life being reduced down to a single dash between the day we were born and the day we die. Kerry Shook talks about how important the time is we use on this earth.


In my journal for today, they ask a lot of questions about how you are living today and how you can begin to kick your life into shape. This was the introduction of what was to come.

One specific question that I wrote a lot on was, "What one or two risks do you sense you need to take? More specifically, what investments of time might you need to make despite the potential  embarrassment, loss, pain, or cost?

My Answer: I am a risk taker naturally but in a healthy way. Pursuing an acting career is a risky endeavor, working a health care home business is risky and those are my low risks that I NEED to take. If I don't then I feel like my life's purpose would be lost. I know that with both of these endeavors I do need to continue to find funds to market myself and that is always something I need to continue to research even more aggresively over these next 30 days. I have things I need to learn and get done to advance both of these risky endeavors. I have seen loss, pain, cost, and embarassment, but I continue because I feel like this risk is one that will take me to my ultimate purpose. I have learned the hard way, humility and can say that I truly have humility. I have been pushed forward two steps and pulled back four. I would get frustrated by this, but realized this morning that God wants me to continue to see that He is the one who is doing all things for me and I can't leave him behind while I'm riding on my horse into the sunset with my successes. He is a jealous God. So, I really got it this morning during my meditation period.

Today's Challenge: Take a few minutes to talk with God about what this one-month commitment is likely to require from you. He sometimes uses unexpected timing and methods. Are you open to His plan?
Recommended reading: Joshua 1:1-9, the sequel to Moses' farewell sermon


My Answer: Wow, I read the recommended reading during my quiet time and it totally struck me because I know I am called to be a leader and sometimes I like to lead from the sidelines, but after reading how God gave the charge to Joshua to take the people into the Promised Land. I knew that I had to take the charges that God has given me. So, these next 30 days, I'm eager to know how my leadership is needed in this life besides the risks that I am focusing on. He told Joshua to be "strong and courageous"....he will never leave him.

P.S: Maybe God is beginning already. I had an audition today for Anna's Linens. I am planting seeds and He only knows the outcome. 



Leave your comments. I would like to know what you think and read your views on Day 1.