College Bible Study Options from LifeWay – My Interview with TxCollegeChurch.org

Collegiate’s Summer 2013 issue

When it comes to Bible study options for college students, LifeWay offers multiple options that cater to various learning styles, group settings, and ministry budgets. For example, group leaders can now decide their group’s preferred starting point (Short-term Topic, Life, Text, Theology, or Custom Topic) before selecting a curriculum. Once the starting point has been declared, it makes choosing the actual curriculum much easier.

(Click the link below for the full interview.)

College Bible Study Options from LifeWay – My Interview with TxCollegeChurch.org

Making Par vs. Raising the Bar

When I was a kid, I practically grew up on a golf course. My dad loved the game and played often. I always wanted to tag along with my dad for the hopes that I could pull along my kid-sized bag of clubs and pretend that I could hit the ball as far as he did. (And getting to illegally drive the golf cart was an extra perk.)

MAKING PAR

As I grew into my teen years, I remember wanting to get more serious about the game. I started paying attention to the rules and objectives of play. That’s when I learned about making par. For you non-golfers, par (which stands for “Professional Average Result”) is the number of strokes it should take a skilled golfer to complete each hole. Essentially, the lower your par, the better your score.

When it comes to our work and relationships, many people seem to be living just to “make par.” We know the “professional average results” required of us to make it from paycheck to paycheck. We know what’s required of us to keep others satisfied daily in relationships. In other words, we’ve mastered the skill of making par.

But what if we lived in such a way that just making par wasn’t the standard?

What if our objective was less about making par and more about “hole in one”?

RAISING THE BAR

We live in a culture that says average is enough. And we’ve embraced the idea that if we just make par–each day, each week, each year–we’ll find contentment. Essentially, the concept of “raising the bar” is a lost art. Going above and beyond has become a hassle.

I’m thankful to be surrounded by a handful of friends and coworkers who live with a “raising the bar” mentality. For them (and for me), average isn’t enough. There’s a genuine sense of accomplishment and joy that comes with a “raising the bar” mentality in life. You begin to see transformational results in your work. You see beauty and depth in your relationships. And ultimately, you find purpose in who God created you to be. When you raise the bar, you raise your self-esteem and your character. Bonus: You raise up those around you.

When you think about raising the bar, what imagery comes to mind?

How can you raise the bar in your own life right now?

So here’s my challenge: Whatever your area of responsibility may be (leadership, service, family, etc.), find ways to raise the bar–and don’t delay. Not only will you see transformation in your own life, but you’ll be inspiration to someone else who’s striving just to make par each day.

Choose to be great.

“Greatness is a matter of conscious choice and discipline.” – Jim Collins

Change–Face It and Embrace It

A lot can happen in a year.

For me, 2012 was a year that brought a lot of change–change I wasn’t quite prepared for. But in the midst of the many unexpected changes along the way, I’ve experienced some of my life’s greatest blessings. And God has made me better–for Him and others.

Facing Change
I’ve always been the type of person who thrives on change. I like trying new things, new ways, at new times, and at new places. New experiences always make me appreciate old ones. New environments always give birth to a fresh creative spirit. New relationships always prove to better define past ones.

But as good as change can be, it’s never comfortable. Change requires surrender, and surrender demands a shift in pride. All in all, these are small sacrifices when it comes to the fruits of change.

My 2012 was uncomfortable. I surrendered several comforts along the way. My pride was then shifted. And now in 2013, I’m able to look back and see the fruits.

Embracing Change
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from facing change, it’s that you must also embrace it. It’s in the moments when you open your heart and mind to the changes that lie ahead that you begin to see God do a work inside you that’s beyond your realm of understanding. And the rewards are plentiful.

In 2012, I decided to embrace the changes before me. I surrendered my small realm of thinking and allowed God to do what only He can–make me better. I decided to trust His plan instead of the ones I had crafted on my own. And I discovered a life so much more abundant than I’ve ever known.

I survived several changes within my job and work structure. The fruit was found in embracing a new position in which I truly love and am able to creatively and passionately use my skills and talents for His glory. I allowed myself to invest in the pursuit of new relationships. The fruit was revealed when God opened my eyes to the most beautiful relationship in my life for the past twelve years–and in less than three months, I’m marrying my best friend. God has the most unique and beautiful way of orchestrating His plans. Let’s not hold Him back!

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we learn that “for everything, there’s a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (ESV). So often, we coast through seasons of life without acknowledging God’s perfect plans. We attempt to craft our own plans–and we fail. So we try again. And again. And eventually, we finally open our eyes to God’s perfect plan and begin to experience the abundance of His love. Don’t postpone joy.

In work, relationships, or life experiences, how do you deal with change?

Are there situations of change that God may be asking you to face…and embrace?

No matter the change that lies ahead, remember to look for God in the midst of it. Allow Him to change your heart and transform your life. And then–a year later–bask in the fruits of His plan and provision. A change can do you good.

Xmas, Happy Holidays, Season’s Greetings, Santa Claus: Misunderstood?

Christmastime is here. It’s one of my most favorite times of year. I love the music, the festive decor, the sweet treats, and the spirit of love in giving gifts and spending time with others. But you know what I love more? I love that Jesus is the true reason for the season.

Everything we do at Christmastime should be rooted in Christ Himself. But when I look around, I often wonder how we’ve become a culture so obsessed with being “non-offensive” that we’d surrender the true meaning of a holiday (aka “holy day”) to something that it’s really not.

And, interestingly, the things we’ve surrendered to culture actually have roots in what the Christmas holiday is all about. Let’s take a deeper look.

XMAS

I always chuckle to myself when people (especially Christ-followers) get themselves all in a tizzy when anyone says “Xmas” instead of Christmas, as if it’s taking “Christ” out of Christmas. I chuckle even more when a non-Christ-follower uses the word “Xmas,” purposely intending to remove “Christ” from Christmas. But…did you know…the letter “X” is a symbol for Christ, from the Greek letter “chi”? It’s true. The origin of saying “Xmas” has even been traced back to the 1500s.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & SEASON’S GREETINGS

Yes, I prefer saying “Merry Christmas” during the month of December. But let’s not discount “Happy Holidays” and “Season’s Greetings” as generic or non-offensive phrases  to take emphasis away from Christ. The use of “Happy Holidays” dates back to the 1800s. Its purpose was (and should still be) for people to encourage one another to enjoy the season of celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year (with Christmas at the influential center). Similarly, the phrase “Season’s Greetings” has been attributed back to the early 19th century. It was a popular Victorian Christmas card phrase that’s still used today to encourage people to enjoy the season of Christmas.

SANTA CLAUS

The Santa Claus our culture so loves today (wait for it…) actually has some roots in Christianity. Saint Nicholas was a 4th century Greek Christian bishop from the region now known as Turkey. He was well-known for his generous gifts to the poor. He devoted his life to Christianity and was mostly depicted as having a beard and ornate canonical robes. Santa Claus is believed to have origin back to Saint Nicholas, however, many other pagan religions and cultures of the world have influenced other versions of the well-loved character.

As believers in Christ, let’s of course celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with Christ as the focus and centerpiece. But let’s not get involved in silly battles with retail chains and marketers who “think” they’re being non-offensive to those who don’t believe in Christ. Instead, let’s help educate one another on why these lovely traditions came to be. And…just worship Jesus. Celebrate His birth…and His whole life, for that matter.

O come, let us adore Him!

T.M.I.? : Why Less Is More in Social Media

Sharing is good. Or at least that’s what we were taught growing up, right? As kids, we were encouraged to share our toys, our time on the swing, and our Goldfish snacks. (If you have siblings, you can definitely affirm the value of sharing.)

But sharing takes on a whole new meaning when it comes to the wide world of social media. It’s fascinating that, as children, we grasped so tightly to what we considered valuable. We wanted to share only when and with whom it was comfortable. But now, as technology-driven individuals, it seems there’s an unhealthy comfort in sharing the most intimate details of our lives with the world.

Sure, there will be many thoughts, feelings, and moments in life worth of sharing. But before you open the feeling floodgates online, consider a little user discretion. Here are a few important factors to help you set some solid boundaries in the world of technology.

ANGER MANAGEMENT

We all love the opportunity to vent. And venting can be a healthy thing. However, social media is not the best venue for releasing steam. Always consider whose eyes are watching your feed. Without even thinking, you could scar or damage relationships. You can even lose your job because of this. When someone makes you angry, the best plan of action is to pray for the person. And trust me, you’ll be humbled in the process.

HOW TO LOSE A GUY (OR GIRL) IN 10 DAYS

We can all admit to having butterflies in the stomach for that special crush. But do yourself a favor and don’t make it any more awkward for them by posting your feelings for all to see. If you can’t hold back the giddiness, I suggest sending a direct message.

ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING

For the girls especially, babysitting can be a great way to make some extra cash as a student. But always throw caution to the wind when posting photos, videos, or comments about your babysitting adventures. Families tend to check up on potential sitters by watching their posts. And nothing could be more humiliating than losing a job (of any kind) because of a Facebook post or tweet.

CRAZY, STUPID LOVE

Relationships. Oh, how we love to be in the know about who’s dating who, who broke up, and who’s in a “complicated” situation. But this subject is one that could use a lot of discretion. Before you boldly announce your relationship status to the world, make sure you’re ready (and that you’re not gonna break up next week).

 MIRROR, MIRROR

Pictures are fun to look at on social media sites, but there’s nothing more stereotypical to poke fun at than self-photography via bathroom mirror. (Guys, this one seems to be the hardest one for you to grasp.) When it comes to posting photos of yourself, user discretion is definitely advised.

THE NOTEBOOK

Remember when Facebook statuses were short and (sometimes) sweet? Somewhere along the way, we’ve turned the simple 140-character-or-less tweet-style status update into incredibly long journal entries that often expose way too much information to the average reader. Not only should you be careful about journaling too much personal information to the masses, but also consider starting a blog for those long-winded status updates.

 EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

This one is for those guilty of posting controversial messages. Before you get overly bold with your political opinions, spiritual convictions, or feelings about sensitive topics, pause and think about who might be easily hurt or offended in your audience. Typically, no one will be converted to your way of thinking via public rant. Once again, consider using a blog or having real-life conversations about these topics. Your stance will often be best received that way.

MEAN GIRLS (OR GUYS)

Let’s be honest: No one is a fan of catty, mean-spirited attitudes–especially online. When you get those urges to publicly poke fun at someone on the Web, remember the Golden Rule.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA

Late night Web chats are common. But just like in the movies, creepy behavior can emerge in the darkness. Be very cautious in the conversations you engage in, especially with someone you don’t know well. If a chat conversation makes you uncomfortable, make a quick exit.

Whatever you do via social media, never throw caution to the wind. Use discretion, be wise, and make every opportunity to encourage others with your words and speech (Colossians 4:6).

Text Me, Maybe?

The text message. 

It’s hard to believe we’ve been communicating this way for close to ten years now. For myself, it’s difficult to remember what communication was like before having this luxury. Text messaging has crept into the lives of almost every generation. We even have the option of voice text messaging (which seems to combine the best of texting and a phone call into one).

But sometimes I wonder if text messaging hasn’t created a monster in me. I often cringe when I’m getting a phone call. Why? I can’t fully explain it. It’s not because I don’t like talking to people (because anyone who knows me well knows how much I love to talk). And it’s not because I don’t like hearing someone’s voice. Here are three reasons I’ve preferred texting over talking.

1. Multi-tasking. When I communicate via text, I can work or finish whatever task or project is before me. Phone conversations pull me away from the task, directing my attention toward listening and responding to the other person.
2. Emotional barriers. It’s easier to hide my emotions via text message. Whether angry, depressed, anxious, or frustrated, I can mask my emotions through a text message when I don’t want others to hear what I might really be thinking or feeling.
3. Relational boundaries. Via text message, I can only invite someone so far into my reality. It’s easier to cut off a text message (or just not respond) than a real-life conversation.

So you may now be thinking But are these good reasons? Though there are positive parts of all three, these reasons can also be harmful. Here are three counter thoughts to consider.

1. We need real-life human interaction and communication. People need us to listen. And we need people to listen to us. Sometimes a good, old-fashioned phone call is where it’s at. Even better – real-life, quality time together.
2. There are times when others need to hear or see our emotions. When we mask our emotions, we allow feelings to fester, which can cause more harm along the way. It’s healthy to be real and honest with others.
3. Everyone deserves honesty (and a response within reasonable amount of time). If we don’t want certain people to be a part of our real lives, then we shouldn’t tease or entertain them as such via text messaging.

As I wrestle through this myself, I challenge us all to be intentional with communication. Make healthy choices about what is “text appropriate” and what is “phone call worthy.” Ultimately, choose to communicate well – it will take you far.