During the season of Lent this year, our church is studying the book "Following at a Distance" by Kay Dunham. What this means is that the pastors are basing their series of sermons on the chapters of the book and many of the adult Sunday School classes such as ours, are studying the book as well.
This week's chapter was titled, "Faith vs. Fear." As we were discussing this yesterday, there was something that really struck me. The author discussed having a "faith vision." To be honest, I can't really remember what the author said, but our class' discussion brought up the the book "Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things, " which is about 25 people who made a difference in this world because they had a vision. This struck a chord with me because I have had visions. But unfortunately, they are cloudy, as though God wants me to know something is out there for our family, but we are not yet ready for Him to reveal it due to my own immaturity in my faith.
I do know within my being that He has plans for this family. Thee is some sort of family ministry that He has planned for us. I believe our property/locations plays a role in this because He brought us here for a reason and that our family's passions and giftings play a role in it, as well. Barry has leadership and professionality as well as a love for photography, technology, audio and video. I have a passion for digital art (that was unleased through my digital scrapbooking hobby) and as Barry puts it, I AM a computer geek. Elizabeth at the age of 11 now, has been determined for several years that she wants to be a professional photographer. Lately, she has shared what type (freelance, landscape). She also has a passion for art and would like to be more of a computer geek (if only her mom would share the computer more!). Anna, now age 7, has told me for at least 3 to 4 years that she wants to grow up to be an artist. She, too, has a passion for art and has a definite gift. I am going to bet that both Patrick an Abi will have giftings that that will work well with the rest of the family's.
So now, I need to pray for God to reveal His plan for us. I believe that we are on the right path. We are in a season of preparation and training. I just want to make sure that I am helping the children to be prepared through their education.
The other thing that we discussed in our Sunday School class that I felt was really important for me to remember and put into practice was Pike's Place Fish Market. This is a fish market in Seatle that decided they were going to be different and really relate to each other and customers in a positive way. They will not affirm any negative thinking and choose to think the best of people and therefore this perception has become a reality. I was suddenly hit with the fact that I am SO negative with my children. I think negatively of them and therefore have low expectations and therefore that is what I get from them. I need to have a positive vision of who they are and what they are becoming. As our book discussed, most things we do are accomplished 90% ecause of our mental attitude and only 10% because of our physical actions.
I am still digesting this and praying that God teaches me through this.
