Chris Vonada's Blog, page 12

Time To Reconsider Our Relationship With Time?

I was reading an article recently about the value of time as it relates to stress and punctuality in our Western society. It seems the American tendency to be up tight about time is extreme in comparison to other cultures. Sometimes the day seems like people run around in what I call “ambulance mode” – tending to the urgent instead of the most important. Well, our standard is becoming a minority viewpoint when it comes to some values or traditions that we once embraced. Our nation continues to evolve into a true multicultural mix of equality and freedom for all. So maybe it’s time to reconsider our relationship with time?

“Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in.” Henry David Thoreau

Well that’s a pretty free-spirited way to think about time! To Thoreau, time is like the water in the stream, continually passing by while we sit with our bait on a hook at the end of a line tied to a rod. I think his quote shares a vision of relaxation, spending time in an activity that so many enjoy and can relate to.

Time. We tend to…

list it…

prioritize it…

implement it…

We glance at a clock and ponder over a calendar.

Obligatory vs. discretionary time? Yes, we categorize it too. That’s a loaded one. Time can get messy if we become stressed when an activity takes more time that we anticipated and then cuts into something else we had hoped or promised to do. We have to make a decision – do I cut out on what I was doing before finishing to move on to the next, or do I complete what I was doing as that would be most efficient, then pick up the pieces of what was on the calendar. Either way, it is stressful to jump from one activity to another when we haven’t completed the task at hand, while the same stressed feeling is found when we endure to completion and are then late for the next.

I can tell you one of the challenges of working in foreign lands has been how the natives there value time in comparison to US. Many people who have traveled through the Caribbean for work will tell you the same thing – it’s difficult to accomplish tasks on schedule because the people there are more relaxed about time. It seems their carefree lifestyle transcends the need to get things done in a reasonable timeframe from our point of view.

I guess my point is this: Time is like an attitude – The more you let time control you the more frustrating your world may be (Click To Tweet). There is something that we can learn about ourselves by how we perceive and “value” time. It is one of our most valuable resources, but we are in control of how we use and perceive it, in so many ways.

How do you feel about time? Do you feel like it is passing you by like water in the stream? Is that good, or bad?

The Present by Carol Peterson

Today’s post, “The Present”, is from one of my favorite blogger friends, Carol Peterson. Carol is a writer with a heart for encouragement, sharing parables of faith at her blog for kids, readers and writers as well.

 

Image from whychristmas.com

The first thing I do when I receive a gift is to hold it. I stroke the paper, twiddle with the ribbon, even adjust the card slipped under the bow, making sure it sits perfectly on the package—just to enjoy the moment, the love behind the gift and the wonderful possibilities it contains.

I slide out the envelope, noticing the writing on the front and whether the person had added a whimsical heart or flower to express their affection. Or just to make me smile.

I turn the envelope over. Is there a sticker or a smiley face on the flap? Or perhaps a lipstick mark, if it’s from Mom?

I slide my finger inside the flap and gently tug, careful not to destroy the envelope in my excitement. Out slips the card. I smile, noticing how the personality of the giver is reflected in her selection of the card; how the words evoke her feelings and relate to what she knows about me. Her personal words inside add to the delight, bringing with the printed words a part of her heart for me.

I set the card aside and tug at the ribbon. I watch the loop of the bow slither smaller, until it disappears and transforms into a single ribbon. I release the ribbon and watch as it curls into a tendril, bouncing happily up and down; up and down, as if it, too, delights in anticipation of the joy to follow.

As my hands smooth across the wrapping, I notice the colors and texture of the paper—silky or rough; cool or crinkly. My fingers find the edges where the tape—nearly invisible—has clasped them together, delicately attempting to delay my delight. I pull and the paper falls away.

The box sometimes has words on it, used for another purpose perhaps. Sometimes it is misshapen or tattered. Sometimes it is new and clean. But it is always beautiful, because it contains the gift— the precious thing my loved one has picked out and presented to me.

I lift the lid, flick away the frothy tissue and…

…oh! Thank you! It’s wonderful!

This is how I want to live my life for Jesus. This is how I want to experience every moment of every day. This is how I want to anticipate the ultimate gift Jesus has for me—the precious gift of eternity.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the greatest gift we will ever receive—spending eternity with you. Thank you for this life here on earth also. Please show us how to fully appreciate these moments in a way that reflects your love for us and our love for you. Amen.

Life In The Meadows

Estes Park, Colorado

Think about it… we start off life in the meadows. Fields of green grass that are pristine, with Bighorn Sheep grazing in the park. These “parks” in the Rockies are meadows or mountain valleys.  My image is of Estes Park, Colorado, the headquarters for the Rocky Mountain National Park. This land was once referred to as “The Circle” by the Arapaho Indians. A special place with many named trails, this land was frequented by these Indians in summertime. They always found their way back…

The seasons come and go in Estes Park. While we may define the start of each season on a certain day each year, there is some variability. This summer has been a special one for me as I’ve spent a lot of time with Julia and my family. Not perfect, but very peaceful and meaningful to me, much like the feeling of being in a meadow.

I’ve taken a huge break from writing this summer. It has left me excited about the fall and getting back into the groove with a new game plan. Stepping back from writing I’ve realized that blogging is a strange phenomena. I will at times read another person’s work and think they surely have written this directly to me. Of course, that’s silly. At other times I can say that I’ve read some posts and can only hope that they may have been inspired by something that I’ve contributed to humanity. That’s a good feeling. Here are a few other good tidbits from my field of vision for this summer:

Love it when I hear that pastors are teaching in the book of Revelation.


Love it when I hear that churches are supporting local ministries as well as sending tons of missionaries abroad.


Love to hear how 2,000 years after Jesus lived we’re still learning and growing as disciples.

It’s exciting to see churches and their learning groups looking more and more like our communities. Maybe it all started a really long time ago, like “The Circle” that the Arapaho returned to every summer. Summertime is more relaxed than the rest of the year. We need that. A good time to step back and take a look from a different perspective.

What has your summer been like? Have you enjoyed this season of “life in the meadows”?

photo courtesy of The_Real_Birdcatcher @tripadvisor.com

Lost In The Summer Of Fiction On An Island Of Leadership And Vulnerability

Lost island cartoon map by Arvid Rudling

“We’re all in this together.” – John Locke from Season 1

We’ve been watching the series Lost the past couple of months. Julia and I have really enjoyed watching it together as neither of us saw the series when it was originally broadcast. We’re currently in Season 5. There are 6 seasons.

Lost in the summer of fiction on an island. This thing about the allure of an island. Why are they so attractive?

Some for their natural beauty. I have a Pinterest board for one that I’ve never even been to, American Samoa. I guess, for me, this is sort of a get away. Remote. Tropical. Carefree. Paradise? I’ve been to that one too, Paradise Island. Quite a few times, though I prefer the more remote islands to those of popular attraction. I think our infatuation with islands has to do with the desire to leave reality behind. Sometimes we call these escapes a vacation. The same trips to beautiful destinations may also serve as an breather for many, from the day to day grind and stress. Islands are like dreams, fiction novels or fantasies in many ways… we go, live it up, and then return to our regular lifestyle. At some point in the dream or visit to an exotic island get away we have to come home. Some of the folks on Lost appear to want to stay on the island instead of going back home. I get that, having been to some places I would rather not return to. But can we ever really escape from reality? Pretty deep, right?

I was also a huge fan of the TV show Survivor. Another “island” story, of sorts, with some interesting similarities:

The inhabitants are not native to the land and have to learn to adapt to survive.


Various leaders emerge, including Jack, Mr. Eko, Locke, Ben and Sayid (on Lost).


Tribes of people encounter each other and at times have to compete. This interaction leads to victories for humanity as well as hostilities.

- Tribal loyalty fades as people with varying personalities, objectives and vulnerabilities interact and new alliances are formed.

Sounds similar to the mainland too, maybe? Lost… reality TV at its finest?

Onward… to the summer of fiction? It just so happens that I’m taking a bit of a breather from writing this summer. I’m only posting new material to my blog a couple of times a month. I’m focusing on some other endeavors, a good change for me to do so after spending 3.5 years writing nearly every day. I’ve been reading a few fiction books and toying with the idea of writing a novel. Fiction has become a sort of island for me, much like watching the series Lost and being absorbed in the rich characters and their world. In the midst of a summer that seems to be passing by in a flurry, I have also found myself mesmerized with the topics of leadership and vulnerabilities. Unrelated… I guess maybe not really since it’s all tied together in some way by God.

“Our imperfections are what connect us to each other and to our humanity. Our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and minds open to the reality that we’re all in this together.” Brene Brown

Hmmm, there it is again… “We’re all in this together” – how do you feel about that statement? It’s like this one, “everything is connected”.

It seems like at times our gut is to bury or hide our imperfections or vulnerabilities and seek refuge from realities. To me, that’s when I realize that leadership has to step up. Leadership, or just maybe obedience. Sometimes God provides no solution to our problems unless we obey Him. Ironically, our own stubbornness is the only thing holding us back from seeing His work in our lives.

The funny thing about Lost is that, as I’ve mentioned before, some of the characters on the island don’t want to return to their homes. They are happy living in this strange place. Maybe they have been running away for a long time and feel like they’ve left some of life’s troubles, their past mistakes, or even vulnerabilities behind. Some of the characters, Jack, Sun, Hurley, Sayid and Kate have made it home in Season 5, and they have eluded to a desire or need to return to the island. Pretty weird stuff? Well, maybe not. I get it, in a way, as all of the islands I’ve been to I would love to go back. Someday. Permanently? No. Love my home and would miss my sweetheart and family terribly. But just for a visit… like getting lost with a good action/adventure… just sayin’.

What adventure are you on this summer or season of life?

“Finding Peace In The Turmoil” by Joe Lalonde

Peace at times is elusive, and seems to be hiding

Normally peace is an easy thing for me to find. I’m able to walk away and put things behind me. Not so much lately.

There’s a choice I have to make and it’s driving me crazy. There’s been anger. Tears. Sadness.

The decision won’t be an easy one. Whichever way I choose to go. And this has taken away my peace.

The peace that was once so easy to find has now become elusive.

Here’s how I used to find peace:

Long runs

A relaxing walk along the beach

Taking time with my wife

Reading the Bible

With this current struggle I’m having to find new ways to find peace. The long runs and walks along the beach aren’t working. In fact, they’re actually making it worse.

So I’m struggling through this journey. Probably like you do at times. Not knowing what to do.

While the peace isn’t easy anymore, I’m able to find peace at times.

How?

I’m praying more: This is something I’m not good at. I’ll admit to that. It’s tough for me to sit down and pray to God. The distractions are easy and my mind wanders.

But I know this is a key to getting the peace that surpasses all understanding. When we talk to God, He’s able to speak back to us. He’s a comforter and friend. He knows our needs and He’s willing to meet them.

I’m talking with my wife: This current issue involves a situation that will affect both of us. And this has required more communication.

Discussing it with my wife has allowed me to see her side and get affirmation on what we need to do.

If you don’t have a wife (or husband), talk with a trusted friend. Share your struggles and grief with them. Let iron sharpen iron.

I’m crying: Yes, I said it. I’m crying more. There’s been long periods of time where my eyes never cried a tear.

Lately it seems the fountains have been opened and the water is flowing freely. While this may seem like it would add to the struggle and lack of peace, it has helped.

It’s allowed negative feelings to come out in an expressible way. Through the tears, pain is leaving and I’m learning it’s okay to let my feelings out.

Finding peace can be elusive at times. The ease of finding peace can go away. But we can still find peace.

When peace is hard to find, be willing to fight for it. Open up to others, cry out to God, and be willing to let the tears flow. Sometimes the most difficult things are the pathway to peace.

Question: How do you find peace in the turmoil? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

This is a guest post by Joseph Lalonde. He is a youth leader at Oak Crest Church of God and leadership blogger at JMLalonde.com. Joseph shares leadership tools and encourages you to become a better leader. Connect with him on Twitter or at his blog.

The God-Honoring Courage And Calling Of Nehemiah

Today I’m a guest at Carol Peterson’s blog, From Carol’s Quill.

Nehemiah was a man of action. He was outstanding at organizing others and at inspiration. He held a prominent position in the government of Persia. However, that position wasn’t his calling. This idea of “calling” is key in our society today and I believe is very important in how we will be remembered in the history of Christianity. The story of Nehemiah is as relevant today as it was at the time it was written. How do we find our calling? Calling is found through a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and it begins with self-awareness (Click To Tweet). Please follow this link over to Carol’s blog and read the story of Nehemiah and how he found his calling. Don’t want to be the leader? Lead, follow, or just step out of the way. Either way it’s time to pony up and ride. It’s all about courage, and identifying then following God’s calling.

How The Next Gen Resembles The Last Gen And Breaking The Unchurched Pattern

Today I’m a guest at Joseph Lalonde’s leadership and relationship blog, it’s one of my favorite places to follow and visit.

image courtesy of Cynthia Koch of fineartamerica.com

I’ve read many times about younger people – how they’re different from previous generations. It reminds me of my generation and what the older folks thought then. Sort of the same thing. My thought process from there drifts into our communities and how we tend to continually focus on the next generation as the one we can help shape, with the thought this will change the world and break the pattern when we see difficulties and struggles in our world today. Today I’m sharing some ideas on how we could lead with the desired impact. Please follow this link over to Joe’s place…

If I Were The Devil by Paul Harvey

I stumbled upon this video the other day and thought it was thought-provoking and worth sharing. If you don’t remember Paul Harvey he was a well-known radio broadcaster from the 1950′s through the ’90′s. One of my favorite radio segments of all time to listen to was his “The Rest Of The Story”. The YouTube footnotes suggest this was originally recorded in 1965, and last updated in 1996.

Can't see the video in your RSS reader or email? Click Here!

 

 

 

How The Next Gen Resembles The Last Gen And Breaking The Unchurched Pattern

Today I’m a guest at Joseph Lalonde’s leadership and relationship blog, it’s one of my favorite places to follow and visit.

image courtesy of Cynthia Koch of fineartamerica.com

I’ve read many times about younger people – how they’re different from previous generations. It reminds me of my generation and what the older folks thought then. Sort of the same thing. My thought process from there drifts into our communities and how we tend to continually focus on the next generation as the one we can help shape, with the thought this will change the world and break the pattern when we see difficulties and struggles in our world today. Today I’m sharing some ideas on how we could lead with the desired impact. Please follow this link over to Joe’s place…

The Bigger Picture Of Hope

A view from Royal Island to the land of hope

Today I’m excited to be a guest at Eileen Knowles’ blog, The Scenic Route.

The Bigger Picture Of Hope? Today I’m writing about two opposite perspectives on religion, happiness and hope. I also share about an inspiring work trip to Northern Eleuthera in The Bahamas. On that trip several years ago I learned a life lesson from some pretty cool people who live in third-world conditions. Their hope showed me with confidence the end of the story to the pursuit of true happiness. Please follow this link to read the whole ball of wax.

Many thanks to Eileen for her hospitality today! Eileen is “on the move” – literally and figuratively, having just relocated to North Georgia! Please visit her blog often and enjoy The Scenic Route…