623: Random Reflections

I was reflecting on a lot of things this week. I was warned this would happen as I got older and now both the older and the reflection are on me. Here are some thoughts:

1. My purpose is to create order out of chaos; if I had a byline, it would be: a transformed life that in turn transforms others for good. 
2. I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. In other words, if I don't change my thinking, I don't change - period. I can't rely on the Spirit to do what I am supposed to do (with His help).
3. I am a power pig. I want as much personal power as possible through knowledge, experience and insight.
4. I in turn want to give my power away. I cannot empower others if I don't have the power to impart in the first place so they have personal power.
5. This power is for personal transformation - my own and others - not for authority or wealth.
6. Authority and wealth are byproducts of empowerment, for you and others - I think.
7. Fear is always present. Don't be surprised or deny that it's there, just go looking for it in your life.
8. Fear takes on the form of rational thought and explanations, so it is often not recognized.  Fear is smart. You have to be smarter to find it.
9. I give myself permission to be me. I give you permission to be you.
10. I am having fun doing more than I thought I could. It's become a game and with God's help, I am winning.
11. One day, my strength will fail and I will lose that game. At that time, I trust the Lord to help me make the adjustment and transition.
12. I am excited about my next project, the purpose Bible commentary. I figure I can finish it in 10 years.
13. If all goes well, I will publish five books this year, mostly in ebook format.
14. I am more and more intrigued with the concept of what I call Garden Work. Jesus came to restore the conditions found in the Garden before the fall and part of that was purposeful work. The cross is not just for the forgiveness of sins, but also for redemption from meaningless work.
15. I love Africa! I love Africans! I love African Americans! I just had to share that.

Well, maybe I will write about some of these things in the coming weeks, or maybe not. Anyway, I feel better now that I have gotten those things off my mind, out of my journal and into your world. Have a blessed week!

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KENYA: I have a new update from Pastor Peter on my blog. As you may know, I am going over to Kenya on October 7, and I need your help to take money over for our computer center, for food and other essentials.  The computer center will be our money-making project for the library. Please read the post and then give generously before I go on my website or by sending a tax-deductible check to PurposeQuest, PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA 15221-0882.  Thank you for your help.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING: I begin to teach classes this January (local only) at CUBM that lead to an associate degree in leadership. Who wants to join me?  Write and let me know.

I AM ON THE RADIO: I have two online radio shows now, one for my church and one for the masters of organizational leader program in which I teach. You can access the archives and listen to any and all of my past shows. I also have my Saturday morning show on my website, but I need to update the show's archives.