Post by MJ Ferruzza on Jan 16, 2008 22:18:45 GMT -5
From Cam Baxter
Auditions — Week 2
By Margaret Lackey, Ordained Minister, Christian Comedian, Charlotte, NC
(Margaret also serves as the executive assistant to the administrative bishop in the Western North Carolina Church of God State Office.)
Revelation 3:8a: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word…” (NIV).
After the ball is over, after the crowd has gone.… Once everything has been put away, I settle back and realize I’m tired. Adrenalin that kept me going has worn down. It’s time to rest.
The theatre is closed, the crowd is gone, strike is done.… The lights of Christmas are packed away. The house is quiet. Cold, gray January is here. It’s not my favorite month; gray is not my favorite color. I’ve been accused—and found guilty—of spending so much time looking forward to something, I’ve missed many joys of the moment. January is a new year, a new beginning, opportunities for new auditions. I have determined to make it a favorite time for me, a month to dream and plan and look forward to things to come.
With the posting of a new play comes an announcement that it’s open for auditions. Anyone who is interested has the opportunity to read for a part. Once all the readers are done, a director and his/her assistants review their notes and select a cast. Waiting for the call to hear if you “made it” is a suspenseful, often tense time. For those with experience, there are even times when a director will call to invite you to participate in a play and offer you a role.…
In 2005 God dealt with Ron and me about going back into evangelistic ministry. We traveled in a family ministry for eight years before pastoring and enjoyed it so much. The decision to do that again required a step of faith.
Ron and I often approach a pastor and say, “If you can use us to fill in, do a banquet or special service, we’d be honored to come.” We’ll hand him a card, “Pray about it and if God directs, give us a call.” However, we are not likely to approach someone with a calendar in hand, suggest that he book us for a specific time and stand by waiting for a response. Like auditions, going into evangelism is a venture of faith for us. We’ve ask God to open doors.
One gray Monday in early January, I flipped through our calendar and said, “God, You directed us to do this. Twelve months lie ahead and we have three appointments. I’m not sure what’s going on and need You to help me completely trust You.”
That week in staff devotions, Teresa, a co-worker, spoke to my heart as she shared, “Behold I have set before you an open door.” That day in prayer, again I committed my life, our ministry, our calendar, our future to Him. Before the week was over, three ministers called with invitations.
God can turn January into opportunities that extend into March, August and December. On a cold, gray day in January, He reminded me of His faithfulness. January is an excellent time to rest from the hectic pace of life and watch God open new doors, present new opportunities. It’s not always easy, but you really can trust Him!
Recently, I shared some thoughts with our son Reed. I told him I had determined to make every day a day worth remembering. “Carpe Diem” is one of my favorite phrases so I have decided to “seize the day” and make it a good one.
With the wisdom of a 27-year-old beyond his years, Reed said, “I like your concept, Mom, but what if you rephrased it a bit? Instead of attempting to make every day worth remembering, realize that every day is a good one, a day that God has given you.”
January’s quiet can be as exciting as auditions and preparations for opening night, planning for opportunities ahead. It’s a time not only to reflect on past experiences, but to thank God that your life is in His hands, knowing that whatever comes, He’ll be there.
Watch and wait patiently as He writes the script for your life. January may be a dull scene, but don’t lose interest, the play gets better.…
Auditions — Week 2
By Margaret Lackey, Ordained Minister, Christian Comedian, Charlotte, NC
(Margaret also serves as the executive assistant to the administrative bishop in the Western North Carolina Church of God State Office.)
Revelation 3:8a: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word…” (NIV).
After the ball is over, after the crowd has gone.… Once everything has been put away, I settle back and realize I’m tired. Adrenalin that kept me going has worn down. It’s time to rest.
The theatre is closed, the crowd is gone, strike is done.… The lights of Christmas are packed away. The house is quiet. Cold, gray January is here. It’s not my favorite month; gray is not my favorite color. I’ve been accused—and found guilty—of spending so much time looking forward to something, I’ve missed many joys of the moment. January is a new year, a new beginning, opportunities for new auditions. I have determined to make it a favorite time for me, a month to dream and plan and look forward to things to come.
With the posting of a new play comes an announcement that it’s open for auditions. Anyone who is interested has the opportunity to read for a part. Once all the readers are done, a director and his/her assistants review their notes and select a cast. Waiting for the call to hear if you “made it” is a suspenseful, often tense time. For those with experience, there are even times when a director will call to invite you to participate in a play and offer you a role.…
In 2005 God dealt with Ron and me about going back into evangelistic ministry. We traveled in a family ministry for eight years before pastoring and enjoyed it so much. The decision to do that again required a step of faith.
Ron and I often approach a pastor and say, “If you can use us to fill in, do a banquet or special service, we’d be honored to come.” We’ll hand him a card, “Pray about it and if God directs, give us a call.” However, we are not likely to approach someone with a calendar in hand, suggest that he book us for a specific time and stand by waiting for a response. Like auditions, going into evangelism is a venture of faith for us. We’ve ask God to open doors.
One gray Monday in early January, I flipped through our calendar and said, “God, You directed us to do this. Twelve months lie ahead and we have three appointments. I’m not sure what’s going on and need You to help me completely trust You.”
That week in staff devotions, Teresa, a co-worker, spoke to my heart as she shared, “Behold I have set before you an open door.” That day in prayer, again I committed my life, our ministry, our calendar, our future to Him. Before the week was over, three ministers called with invitations.
God can turn January into opportunities that extend into March, August and December. On a cold, gray day in January, He reminded me of His faithfulness. January is an excellent time to rest from the hectic pace of life and watch God open new doors, present new opportunities. It’s not always easy, but you really can trust Him!
Recently, I shared some thoughts with our son Reed. I told him I had determined to make every day a day worth remembering. “Carpe Diem” is one of my favorite phrases so I have decided to “seize the day” and make it a good one.
With the wisdom of a 27-year-old beyond his years, Reed said, “I like your concept, Mom, but what if you rephrased it a bit? Instead of attempting to make every day worth remembering, realize that every day is a good one, a day that God has given you.”
January’s quiet can be as exciting as auditions and preparations for opening night, planning for opportunities ahead. It’s a time not only to reflect on past experiences, but to thank God that your life is in His hands, knowing that whatever comes, He’ll be there.
Watch and wait patiently as He writes the script for your life. January may be a dull scene, but don’t lose interest, the play gets better.…