Don't Freak Out

For those in ministry who are already in the throws of Christmas planning madness, I offer this quote. I've lost the author's name, but I find it comforting on those days when I'm ready to get off the rollercoaster ride and just sit on the bench. It reminds me that God has called me to this work and life and that I am called to be different.

"Accept that your life is abnormal. Nothing about life as a ministry leader--from it's emotional toll to relational demands and constant interruptions--is normal. Accepting that you are freak with a freakish life will help you not to freak out."

Have a freaky great Thanksgiving break!

Live the Mission Here

From a great article in this month's Relevant Magazine titled "Fake Plastic World" comes this quote from a group of people who spent 3 months in communist China. They were challenged not only in their misconception of China, but also their thoughts about "mission work" in general:

"Some redefined thought patterns have been the incarnational realization that love without mission is fake; mission without love is injustice; and if we are not reaching out right now wherever we are with love, mission and excellence of work, why would we sincerely do that in another country?"