Baby Likes Cake!

My year of practice

This weeks teaching at VLI was about practicing the disciplines of faith. There are many versions of what those disciplines are and the teacher discussed in great length what each meant and how they effect our lives. Different theologians and writers and teachers have compiled different list. They are generally private disciplines that you do on your own like prayer and fasting and then there are public disciplines that you do as a body or group like worship and fellowship. All of the disciplines are important and worth practicing, but the main thing I am learning is the art of practice itself.



This year as a home group we have been talking about the disciplines as described by Richard Foster in his book Celebration of Discipline. Each month we talk about one and then we practice it. Each month trying to practice the discipline is challenging. I guess that is why they call it a discipline. But Richard did put the word Celebrate in the title. I know that eventually after a lot of practice some of the disciplines become natural and are more of a celebration, just like anything you practice for a long time. I am learning the spiritual disciplines are a lot like physical excercise and sports, music, relationships: all the things that take practice in life. Some people are natural at things and others are not but either way to be great you have to practice. If you are learning how to play the oboe for example (I chose the oboe because it is fun to say) you wouldn't expect to be great at it in one month even if you have played another wind instrument, but especially if you have never played any instrument. But for some reason I think that since I read how to be submissive or simplify my life and I know the benefits I should be great at it right away. No, it's not like that. It takes practice and failing and trying angain and getting a little better and trying again and getting a little better. It's good for me to keep the perspective that it takes practice to be disciplined and it's worth learning how to perserve and keep working on them and knowing that the practice part is just as valuable at the performing well part.

Ready, Set, Go

Sunday was like running a marathon, although I have never ran in a marathon so I am not really sure it was like running in a marathon, but it took a lot of endurance and is what I would imagine running in a marathon might be like. I started the morning walking 5k in the AIDS WALK DETROIT which isn't far, but for me it's a workout. Then my church hosted a BBQ which I organized so I was trying to help everyone there and clean up. After the BBQ I started my first day of class at VLI. It was just orientation, so I don't have much profound to say about it yet. After class I went home made dinner and watched the Emmys. Yes I watched all of it. I am a sucker. It was a long day.

I spent a lot of time organzing a team and a BBQ for the AIDS WALK. I was expecting a lot and was let down. I shouldn't of been, because a lot of great things happened. People walked for a great cause and 9 great people from my church joined the walk. We had a great BBQ and some people from the walk came and we got to talk to them and share a chili dog. I am realizing I have great expectations for the church. Not just my church, but the church in general. I want them to care about the same things I care about, I want them to be passionate about the same things I am passionate about and when that doesn't happen, I get really bumbed and start thinking critically. I want the church to do great things, I want us to step up to the plate and create community in places that aren't so pretty or maybe are uncomfortable. I want these things and I know I need to start with me. I know that I need to start with my heart and well there is a lot of room for growth. I want to be courageous and generous at the same time. I am praying for that.

That is week one, and I know it has nothing to do with class or anything that I read but it is what I am processing now.

Commitment

So along with school I have committed to blogging once a week about what I am learning, what God is working on in me, and how the lack of sleep is effecting my life. I am sure I will slack from this during mid-term and finals but I hope to keep it up in general. I am hoping to spark up thought provoking conversation, so please feel free to respond truthfully to any of my post. I know you don't have to go to Bible school to come up with thought proving conversation, well that is unless you are me. No, I just think this will be a good creative way for me to process what I am learning and maybe give some insight or food for thought or learn something new from others. Sunday is my first day of school, so expect something next week.

My so called Life

So I start school in two weeks. Didn't know I was going back? Yeah I am. "What for" you say. Well I am doing a Bible program vineyard leadership institute through my church for two years and then I will enter a program at Sinai Grace for 6 months to become a chaplain. No not like Charlie Chaplain, but a chaplain in a hospital. I am excited about this. I know this is God's plan for me.
Right now I have been working on organizing my team at church for the AIDS Walk Detroit - Home. If you would like to sponsor me that would be fabulous. If you are walking in the walk come to First Baptis Royal Oak after for a kickin BBQ that we are also sponsoring.
I am going to be an Aunt again. I am super excited about that. I love being an Aunt. I love my Maya. She is the cute baby to the right.
So I apologize for not being better at this blogging stuff. I am twitting though. So you can alway check that out at Twitter.