Wednesday, December 29, 2010

whats going on

Well, here is what is really going on with me. I have a problem at home. With a child. It is eating our lunch. I am finding it impossible to write this blog. I am carrying a cloud with me every where that I go. We will get to the other side of this eventually, but right now it is occupying my thoughts almost constantly.

Consequently, I do not feel that I have much to say in this blog. I wake in the morning and I have only one thing on my mind. It is just a dark night of the soul right now. I have thought about dropping the blog, but I don't really want to. So, let me ask you.... please help me take my mind off of this stuff. Give me some topics that you want me to write about, and I will.

Just post a comment here and give me some topics to write about, and I will have some material for the next few weeks. I really appreciate your help.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

First of all, know that there are many prayers lifted everyday for you and your family!!!! God's plan will prevail!

About blogs - temptation might be a good topic. Most of us make New Year's resolutions to improve ourselves, but we are soon tempted to go back to old ways. We will need some serious and light hearted help to stay on track.

Sharon said...

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
--I Peter 5:7

That being said...a topic I'd like to hear about is one that has been bothering me for a couple of weeks now. In a Sunday school class, it was said that Jesus was almost 2 years old when the wisemen arrived and saw Him for the first time. I wasn't the only one that was a bit shocked at hearing this, so I don't feel too bad. Here's my question: Should I remove the wisemen from my Nativity scene or try to find a toddler size Jesus? What are your thoughts on this?

Okay, I'm kidding about the Nativity, but what about the age of Jesus?

Anonymous said...

I appreciate you sharing this. Trials are tough, and sometimes it's hard to find words that help. But rest assured you are not alone in this - you are lifted up in our prayers.

Topic suggestion: Full Armor of God.

Anonymous said...

Jeff, those of us who so much look forward to reading your blog each day, hope you will not give it up. You have such an uncommon gift of writing from your heart.

However, there is nothing (not one thing) on this earth that cannot take a break sometimes, and have time to realize that even when we sleep, God's grace sustains us.

If you just post "It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good" for a week or a month, everyone would understand your pain. And God can use that statement alone to teach us to see the beauty, when life seems dark.

So give yourself the freedom (God has) to take a break, but please don't let your blog go away.

From those who care so much.

Anonymous said...

One of the things I have learned at Woods Chapel is the value of showing up.People show up through their pain, through cancer, through financial upsets, etc.They show up for themselves, they show up for others. Showing up says that we honor God even in difficult times. Showing up says there is a glimmer of hope in seeking God's plan. Thank you for continuing to show up during this painful, difficult time.Our arms are around you always, just as your arms are around us!

Doug Franklin said...

Lets do lunch sometime the first week of the year. Send me an email and tell me what day works for you and we will do lunch. I would like to do that. You family is in my prayers.
Love you,
Doug
pastordougf@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Loved your post today. Primarily because its 'real'. No facade, faking it, or hiding your struggles. You said what was on your heart. What you may not realize is, by being vulnerable & open with your friends & blog followers, and sharing from your heart, your struggles, it makes me, and I'm sure others feel you are truly authentic and the same as the rest of us. Most preachers wouldn't dare be vulnerable and show hurt or weakness publicly. You do. You are cool.

Regarding the blog, here's an idea - the first week of every month, or every friday, have staff submit or members. most of us don't know the secretarial, janitorial, administrative personal. Everybody has something cool to say. What ever you do, take a break.

Or, like someone else said, simply state your closing sentence, that would be good enough for me.

Will say a prayer for you today friend.

Anonymous said...

I agree that if you need a break, take it. If you need diversion from the cloud, focus on suggestions. Know that you and yours are in our prayers.

My topic: setting boundaries with those who are toxic with negativity without giving up on an opportunity to help them see good. (Especially when they seem to relish the drama)

Blessings, friend.

Anonymous said...

The two of us were a little surprised by that statement, too, that Jesus was around 2 years old when the wisemen came. However, they came from very long distances. News must have traveled slowly just as their travel over land was slow. Good topic. I'll be interested in what you say.

Anonymous said...

Your sermon this past Sunday - abundant joy in Christ - was wonderful. I would love to hear more.

Anonymous said...

Well said from Anonymous at 9:02 a.m.

You are a gift writer . . . motivational, educational, inspirational, and entertaining.

We all love you and support you and pray for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

We all need a break every now and then. You have very capable staff to lighten the load- Lion's Den Man and Young Shepherd have done a great job filling in. Let them take the burden for a few weeks. We love your blog and hope you don't give it up all together. Topics- Dreams for WCC, Best Christmas Movies, New Year's Resolutions. And know that we are all praying for you and the fam.

Anonymous said...

Jeff, I don't know what I would do without your blog. I find it uplifting when times are rough. May I suggest that you only update it once a week instead of daily.

Unknown said...

Oh man, I so feel your pain. Most of us don't share it though. We just walk around smiling and saying that we are fine. Don't have any words of wisdom because we are still going through stuff even at our kids ages (they are adults with kids of their own)I just know that I don't know what I would do if I did not have the Lord walking with me.

Anonymous said...

Well I know that reading your blog lifts my day. Knowing that not only I struggle with the day-to-day rush, but so do others, even those that I feel are more spiritually connected. I recently started coming to this church by me praying to go to the "church for me." I have been searching for a long time and finally gave up. Then I met this 17 year old boy who had this enthusiasm for his church and God. Thanks to Alex Dodd who encouraged me to come to give it another try. Prayers come in all shapes, sizes, colors, ages and so on. I feel so blessed to be somewhere I belong now. -Nicole

Anonymous said...

My friend Jeremiah 29:11.... thats all.

Anonymous said...

You wrote something in the Beacon a few years ago about DREAMS. Go outside of your reality and dream. Maybe they will happen, maybe they can just be dreams. Fun topic.
Travel. You love to travel. People watching.
Laundry. That could be a fun topic.
Your thoughts on evolution topic. Or reincarnation. These are a few topics that I would love to hear your point of view on.
Patience. I know you have much of this, even when you don't want to. Give it time. Don't leave the blog. Have a GREAT week!