Comments on: Signs of Immaturity 3 (of 4) http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/ a leadership, technology, and innovation blog for pastors and church leaders Sun, 21 Mar 2010 04:15:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Doug Cowburn http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109426 Doug Cowburn Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:20:37 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109426 Lately, I have been reading Ron Martiia's "Velocity Culture" blog. In it he has been talking about patterns for healthy spirituality. I would have to say the one that had the biggest impact on me had to do with carving out time for "quiet". He says, "In an external world of increasing noise creating an internal world of increasing quiet may be one of the premium patterns we need to learn." I have been challanged to find ways to develop that pattern in my life. Lately, I have been reading Ron Martiia’s “Velocity Culture” blog. In it he has been talking about patterns for healthy spirituality. I would have to say the one that had the biggest impact on me had to do with carving out time for “quiet”.

He says, “In an external world of increasing noise creating an internal world of increasing quiet may be one of the premium patterns we need to learn.”

I have been challanged to find ways to develop that pattern in my life.

]]> By: Jeff http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109315 Jeff Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:05:50 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109315 I work hard (no pun) to take a true rest day. I date my wife. I have relationships that aren't ministry related, where I don't need to be the "god guy". I pray and do my best to meet with God daily. I exercise. I do not work more than 45-50 hours a week and if I do I comp the time over that from the next month. I work hard (no pun) to take a true rest day.

I date my wife.

I have relationships that aren’t ministry related, where I don’t need to be the “god guy”.

I pray and do my best to meet with God daily.

I exercise.

I do not work more than 45-50 hours a week and if I do I comp the time over that from the next month.

]]> By: Mike http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109294 Mike Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:17:59 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109294 I hear you Anna. I'm the same way. I tell myself I'm gonna leave..then 6 hours later I'm falling asleep at my keyboard. It doesn't help that I live where I work. I walk outside then in to the other building in less than 3 minutes. I find it really hard to disconnect sometimes. I hear you Anna. I’m the same way. I tell myself I’m gonna leave..then 6 hours later I’m falling asleep at my keyboard. It doesn’t help that I live where I work. I walk outside then in to the other building in less than 3 minutes. I find it really hard to disconnect sometimes.

]]> By: Anna http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109186 Anna Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:51:22 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109186 I believe the lie that because I'm single and live alone I can stay at work all night... but this is not healthy! Nor is it a smart habit to make... I need to be better at leaving when it's time to go home! I believe the lie that because I’m single and live alone I can stay at work all night… but this is not healthy! Nor is it a smart habit to make… I need to be better at leaving when it’s time to go home!

]]> By: Larry http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109177 Larry Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:27:09 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109177 Great suggestions from everyone! I am working on "being all there" in my morning devotions and with my family. For me it means turning off my computer and cell phone so that I can focus. Not easy to do on some days, but I'm improving! :) Great suggestions from everyone! I am working on “being all there” in my morning devotions and with my family. For me it means turning off my computer and cell phone so that I can focus. Not easy to do on some days, but I’m improving! :)

]]> By: Terry Foester http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109175 Terry Foester Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:22:34 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109175 Irving Bible Church has a great resource if you're celebrating Lent. ibclent.com For awhile I was getting up at 5 AM to pray. I need to start that again... Irving Bible Church has a great resource if you’re celebrating Lent. ibclent.com

For awhile I was getting up at 5 AM to pray. I need to start that again…

]]> By: Sunny http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109124 Sunny Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:43:41 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109124 I've committed to the following...reading the Bible and praying everyday, exercising 6 days a week, sleeping at least 7 hours a night, having a Sabbath day once a week, and watching a movie or playing a board game with the kids every Friday. I used to spend one day a month in solitude with God. I haven't done that lately, but I'm looking forward to starting that up again. I’ve committed to the following…reading the Bible and praying everyday, exercising 6 days a week, sleeping at least 7 hours a night, having a Sabbath day once a week, and watching a movie or playing a board game with the kids every Friday.

I used to spend one day a month in solitude with God. I haven’t done that lately, but I’m looking forward to starting that up again.

]]> By: Nathan Gagne http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109122 Nathan Gagne Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:40:35 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109122 If I'm going to stay late at church, I come in late. If I have a big event I'm getting ready for and I'm working 60-80 hours that week, the next week, I'm in the office for 10-15 hours. I'm lucky to have a pastor that lets me do this. If I’m going to stay late at church, I come in late. If I have a big event I’m getting ready for and I’m working 60-80 hours that week, the next week, I’m in the office for 10-15 hours.
I’m lucky to have a pastor that lets me do this.

]]> By: Adam http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109121 Adam Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:40:15 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109121 - a date with my wife regularly - dinner with the whole family at the same table each evening - put my iphone away when I come home - a date with my wife regularly
- dinner with the whole family at the same table each evening
- put my iphone away when I come home

]]> By: Troy Maxwell http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109117 Troy Maxwell Wed, 06 Feb 2008 18:38:04 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109117 I take frequent trips and time off. I take every monday off. No phone, no computer...and just my golf clubs. Every year I take a surf-sabatical. I go away for a week or so and just surf. It is very refreshing. I always come back charged. I take frequent trips and time off. I take every monday off. No phone, no computer…and just my golf clubs. Every year I take a surf-sabatical. I go away for a week or so and just surf. It is very refreshing. I always come back charged.

]]> By: Kevin Bussey http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109096 Kevin Bussey Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:55:56 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109096 Bible Study, journaling prayers, reading, working out in weight room, and hanging out with my family. Bible Study, journaling prayers, reading, working out in weight room, and hanging out with my family.

]]> By: Jeremy Davidson http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109092 Jeremy Davidson Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:52:35 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109092 I have really been dealing with this issue. I recently moved churches and they are putting a lot of pressure on several projects I walked into. Two weeks ago a line in an Arcade Fire song hit me like a ton of bricks, "Working for the church while your family dies." I felt so convicted of my schedule. My wife and I discussed it and started to look at my schedule. I have started discussing future scheduling with my wife, excercising with some people in my small group, and setting aside an hour a day for my devotions. It is hard to keep the schedule, but saying no is allowing me to have margin in my life to spend quality time with family and friends. I have really been dealing with this issue. I recently moved churches and they are putting a lot of pressure on several projects I walked into. Two weeks ago a line in an Arcade Fire song hit me like a ton of bricks, “Working for the church while your family dies.” I felt so convicted of my schedule. My wife and I discussed it and started to look at my schedule.

I have started discussing future scheduling with my wife, excercising with some people in my small group, and setting aside an hour a day for my devotions. It is hard to keep the schedule, but saying no is allowing me to have margin in my life to spend quality time with family and friends.

]]> By: Scott Rodgers http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109086 Scott Rodgers Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:35:39 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109086 Feeling invincible? Guilty as charged. I've come to a place of burnout a number of times. It was mostly because of pride. I wanted to prove I was capable and also believed I could do it better than someone else. OUCH. Talk about a leadership lid. Now I try to give away ministry. I have regular times of solitude. I read my bible and pray for my own well being. I workout four times a week. My family expects me home almost every night of the week (with seasons of exceptions). I still eat too much Mexican food...with cheese and salsa...and chips...I'm hungry :). Feeling invincible? Guilty as charged. I’ve come to a place of burnout a number of times. It was mostly because of pride. I wanted to prove I was capable and also believed I could do it better than someone else. OUCH. Talk about a leadership lid. Now I try to give away ministry. I have regular times of solitude. I read my bible and pray for my own well being. I workout four times a week. My family expects me home almost every night of the week (with seasons of exceptions). I still eat too much Mexican food…with cheese and salsa…and chips…I’m hungry :).

]]> By: Chilly... http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109083 Chilly... Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:26:39 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109083 I get weary anytime I'm away from God's Word for very long... I know it's weird, to some, but getting up very early in the morning and spending time with the Lord has profound benefits to my entire day. When I miss this time, and try to play 'catch-up' later, I find myself sluggish, irritable & kind of lethargic. Face it, we're busy & in demand, and the person who runs from God in the morning rarely finds Him during the day. So, I attempt to live by a simple thought: "Make prayer your life, and the ministry will take care of itself." I get weary anytime I’m away from God’s Word for very long… I know it’s weird, to some, but getting up very early in the morning and spending time with the Lord has profound benefits to my entire day. When I miss this time, and try to play ‘catch-up’ later, I find myself sluggish, irritable & kind of lethargic. Face it, we’re busy & in demand, and the person who runs from God in the morning rarely finds Him during the day.

So, I attempt to live by a simple thought: “Make prayer your life, and the ministry will take care of itself.”

]]> By: Avery http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109078 Avery Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:13:45 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109078 This is something I have struggled with <b>a lot!</b> I am by nature "willful"... I use to think I could get the "advantage" while everyone else was resting... but I have learned that God can do more with less!!!! Now I have intentionally made time for rest: #1 a family night, every Friday, we get junk food and watch movies...(we have four kids) #2 Saturdays are family day, and Saturday night is just myself and the wife... no exceptions We do date night at least twice a month, and try to get together with friend once every couple of months. In the past I would neglect "rest", and play with my family... and it fell apart, but God has been gracious and taught me that rest is necessary... This means saying no to good things sometimes as well, for what is the best thing! From time to time I still struggle, but we are taking a hard stand on this, and intentionally "playing"...( boy that sounds funny...) This is something I have struggled with a lot!

I am by nature “willful”…

I use to think I could get the “advantage” while everyone else was resting… but I have learned that God can do more with less!!!!

Now I have intentionally made time for rest:

#1 a family night, every Friday, we get junk food and watch movies…(we have four kids)

#2 Saturdays are family day, and Saturday night is just myself and the wife… no exceptions

We do date night at least twice a month, and try to get together with friend once every couple of months.

In the past I would neglect “rest”, and play with my family… and it fell apart, but God has been gracious and taught me that rest is necessary…

This means saying no to good things sometimes as well, for what is the best thing!

From time to time I still struggle, but we are taking a hard stand on this, and intentionally “playing”…( boy that sounds funny…)

]]> By: Craig Groeschel http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109068 Craig Groeschel Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:06:24 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109068 Anne, I guess last night wasn't an unplugged night since you were emailing me! :) Libby, Great goals! Scott, Good stuff! Way to go! Brad, You're welcome. I'd love to hear more about your monthly spiritual retreats! Anne, I guess last night wasn’t an unplugged night since you were emailing me! :)
Libby, Great goals!

Scott, Good stuff! Way to go!

Brad, You’re welcome. I’d love to hear more about your monthly spiritual retreats!

]]> By: Brad Martin http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109065 Brad Martin Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:58:09 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109065 Daily Time Reading God's Word, Praying & Listening to God Weekly day off Monthly Spiritual Retreats Trying to exercise :) Last night I took off early from the church office & my kids and I made dinner for MOMMY! It was a blast! Thanks for these posts! Brad Martin Daily Time Reading God’s Word, Praying & Listening to God
Weekly day off
Monthly Spiritual Retreats
Trying to exercise :) Last night I took off early from the church office & my kids and I made dinner for MOMMY! It was a blast!
Thanks for these posts!
Brad Martin

]]> By: Scott Williams http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109064 Scott Williams Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:56:59 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109064 *I am up early reading the 3B's: Books, Bible, and Blogs. *I write to get all of the thoughts out of my head. *I go to the Gym 3 times a week. I need to do better with taking intentional time-off and totally checking-out and disconnecting. I am not invincible! *I am up early reading the 3B’s: Books, Bible, and Blogs.
*I write to get all of the thoughts out of my head.
*I go to the Gym 3 times a week.

I need to do better with taking intentional time-off and totally checking-out and disconnecting.

I am not invincible!

]]> By: Libby http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109061 Libby Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:50:26 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109061 Being healthier is my goal for 2008 - Spiritually - time in the Word and prayer (vital) Physically - exercise and eating well (stress relief & prevention) Emotionally - strengthening relationships and being mentally challenged (keeping my heart and mind on target) It's amazing how keeping myself healthy allows me to serve Him much better!! Being healthier is my goal for 2008 -
Spiritually - time in the Word and prayer (vital)
Physically - exercise and eating well (stress relief & prevention)
Emotionally - strengthening relationships and being mentally challenged (keeping my heart and mind on target)
It’s amazing how keeping myself healthy allows me to serve Him much better!!

]]> By: anne jackson http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/comment-page-1/#comment-109055 anne jackson Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:41:29 +0000 http://swerve.lifechurch.tv/2008/02/06/signs-of-immaturity-3-of-4/#comment-109055 Time is my best friend and worst enemy...so...I try and disconnect 100% at least two nights a week to completely focus on refreshing and relaxing...Disconnecting two nights a week doesn’t mean that I am plugged in the remaining five nights. It means that I’m flexible on those other nights should anything urgent appear. By adapting this rule, it means I have the freedom to go about my evenings with the intent of being unplugged, but I also have the flexibility to minister or serve if and when the situation calls for it. Time is my best friend and worst enemy…so…I try and disconnect 100% at least two nights a week to completely focus on refreshing and relaxing…Disconnecting two nights a week doesn’t mean that I am plugged in the remaining five nights. It means that I’m flexible on those other nights should anything urgent appear. By adapting this rule, it means I have the freedom to go about my evenings with the intent of being unplugged, but I also have the flexibility to minister or serve if and when the situation calls for it.

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