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Lessons from an 11 year old

9/23/2015

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I spent the weekend at Drift Creek Camp at my church's annual retreat. I was blessed to be able to take along 3 of my grandchildren, aged 12, 11 and 9.  We had a good drive out Saturday morning and a fun relaxed afternoon. 

In the evening we celebrated the 18th birthday of one of the young men in attendance. Part of the celebration was carrying him out into the darkness and throwing him into the creek. I encouraged my grandchildren to join in and they gladly ran with the group. 

Not long after returning the 9 year old came over and asked if we could go home. 

I went into selfish overdrive - absolutely not! We drove 2 hours to get here and I am not driving home in the dark! Why oh why didn't my Spiritual Director kick in instead? 

The 11 year old came over in the middle of my rant and asked his brother "Why do you want to go home?" 

I was stunned. My years of training and practice of listening and I hadn't asked the simple question which would have helped me understand what was going on inside my precious grandson. 

He was afraid because while on the trip to the creek some of the young adults had made scary noises in the dark. So we talked about his fear and I had one of the young men come over and apologize and say that they would not scare him further. He calmed down and eventually went back to his friends to play. 

Thank you 11 year old for reminding me that I am broken and that when I jump into selfish overdrive I need to stop and ask the simple questions.  
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10 Bible Verses which empower me

9/10/2015

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A few years ago I was invited to make a list of the Bible verses which meant something to me, which inspired and motivated me. Below is the list I created. It is a good exercise  in defining yourself and your goals. 


If you are not a Christian you can use another sacred book, or quotes which have meaning for you. There is no magic in the number 10, do what feels right to you. I would love to read your list if you are willing to share. 

Genesis 1:27-28a
So God created humankind in God’s image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them.
I am created in God’s image. I am blessed by God.

Psalm 139: 14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. God knows me.

Deuteronomy 6: 4-5  
Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
The Jewish “Shema”—call to love the One True God.

Micah 6:8
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
My commission from God.

Matthew 22: 37-39
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Jesus reiterates the call to love God and expands it to include loving self & neighbor.

1 Corinthians 13: 13
And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
Paul defines love.

Matthew 5: 44-45
But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven;
Jesus calls us to forgiveness and peacemaking. Calls for a new world order.

Matthew 7:7-8
‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches, finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.
God will provide all my needs.

Acts 2: 17
“In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Ministry is not limited to men. God pours out the Spirit on me!

Hebrews 4: 15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus understands! He is therefore approachable and forgiving.




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    Juel Russell
    Spiritual Director

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