May 16, 2013

Are You Living a Cruise Ship Lifestyle?

5-15-13 cruise shipInterestingly, Isaiah actually describes a cruise ship lifestyle pretty succinctly.

“Woe to those who rise early in the morning that they may pursue strong drink, who stay up late in the evening that wine may inflame them! Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; But they do not pay attention to the deeds of the Lord, nor do they consider the work of His hands.” (5:11-12)

The pursuit of strong drink? Check. Staying up late? Check. Lots of food and music? Yep, those too. Neglect of God? Unfortunately, most likely. Isaiah’s words here seem to be describing what a cruise vacation looks like for most people.

But how does this look off a cruise ship and as more of a lifestyle? Since it would be different for every person, let me describe what it might look like in my own life.

“Distress and affliction to she who gets up in the morning to pursue strong coffee because she stayed up too late the night before watching television. Her eating habits consist of potato chips and ice cream, and she does nothing but sit around and read all day long. She fails to pay attention to what the Holy Spirit wants her to do, and she completely ignores what He directs to her mind on a regular basis. No exercise. No writing. No housework.”

Once I got rolling on how this lifestyle might look for me, I had to force myself to stop. And it was actually an eye-opening exercise in what could so easily happen in my life should I fail to constantly renew my mind in a way that allows me to live counter-culturally and according to God’s Word.

While going on a cruise does not cause a permanent downward spiral away from a productive life, doing nothing to avoid this type of lifestyle will eventually lead one.

Preventing an Unproductive Life

Vacation Brain discussed the remedy to the symptoms as being a renewing of the mind, and Understanding the Symptoms of Vacation Brain helped create awareness of the power of these symptoms to disrupt life. And while renewing the mind certainly needs to be a refocusing tool, another approach involves preventing the symptoms in the first place.

Together, refocusing and preventing can help one live a productive life on a consistent, long-term basis.

Prior to going on our cruise, my husband and I set several goals that, if achieved, would equal a successful vacation in our minds. Having goals helps prevent the cruise ship lifestyle from impacting us negatively. At the same time, working consistently toward goals help us get the most out of every aspect of our lives.

Setting goals and constantly creating an awareness of where I want to be in a certain period of time helps maintain focus. Goals provide a status check that helps prevent being sucked into our culture and away from God, something that happens by simply doing nothing to stop it from happening.

Cruises Are Not Evil

Before ending this series, I feel the need to emphasize that I do not consider cruises to be evil. I have been on two of them and thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. We’ll likely go again in the future, perhaps taking our boys next time.

In fact, I believe cruises are a great way to shut off life for a while and to completely relax with hardly a care in the world, something everyone needs to do upon occasion. They also allow for a much-needed disconnection from the fast-pace of life.

What I am saying is that existing in an atmosphere where the desires of the flesh are catered to can be a dangerous place. I am also saying that this lifestyle can be so appealing that adapting at least parts of it into real life becomes increasingly easy the more one refuses to resist culture.

Finally, I am also saying that one can adapt a cruise ship lifestyle without ever stepping foot on a boat. Our culture, on land or at sea, caters to the desires of the flesh. And if we do nothing to prevent it, those desires will become our focus and will end up seriously derailing us spiritually, mentally and physically.

DISCUSSION: What additional thoughts do you have on preventing and remedying the impact of culture?

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May 14, 2013

Understanding the Symptoms of Vacation Brain

5-14-13 Vacation brain

Vacation Brain discussed the mindset that happens when one fails to live life deliberately in a way that leads to balance physically, mentally and spiritually. Within that, the symptoms of Vacation Brain identified included increased comparisons, God neglect and flesh focus.

Let’s address each of these symptoms in detail.

Increased Comparisons

On sea days, cruisers spend a lot of time lounging around and being entertained. The entertainment staff provides an almost constant schedule of entertainment opportunities. However, my husband and I found people watching to be more intriguing than most of what they offered.

While some things people did on these days amazed me, what stuck with me the most is how easily I could find someone “better” than me and “worse” than me. For example, there were a lot of people less in shape than myself as well as some more in shape.

What this realization brought out most for me is the danger of living in a constant state of comparison that could actually freeze my progress. I mean, I could easily feel good about myself or berate myself depending on my focus.

This idea of how constant comparisons can negatively impact our lives gets more attention in the series Battling Boredom: My Struggle with a Flat Faith.

God Neglect

As already mentioned, a cruise offers activities for virtually every interest. Comedy acts, dance shows, trivia contests, video games, casino gambling and club dancing are some examples. At some point I realized that there wasn’t a chapel on the ship, and certainly no Bible studies on the itinerary.  In other words, any focus on God was not a cruising priority.

Let me be clear that I am not suggesting that everyone on a cruise ship totally neglects God. With over 3,000 people on the ship, I am certain some people spend time with Him. In fact, one couple at our dinner table prayed together each night, and we had some faith-related conversations with them.

I am suggesting that the cruise ship atmosphere does nothing to promote one’s faith. Routines are broken, and everyone seems to be living the good life. Unless an individual deliberately chooses to incorporate God, most of what is offered on a cruise ship does more to promote desires of the flesh than anything else.

While I believe that a God focus remains the responsibility of the individual, I also understand how the pull of our culture, especially in such an amplified way, can significantly impact an individual’s choices.

Flesh Focus

The draw of abundance is as clear as the surrounding ocean on a cruise ship. Opportunity for gluttony, drunkenness, laziness and poor stewardship abound. To make the ease even easier, cruisers receive a “sail and sign” card that allows them to “pay” for everything. In other words, no actually money exchanges hand when buying drinks, gambling or purchasing any “extras.”

So, focusing on the flesh really requires little effort on a cruise, and to some extent that is why cruises are so immensely relaxing. When this focus becomes a habit, though, an unhealthy life becomes a trap. Our fast-food, immediate gratification society cultivates this focus on the flesh, which then grows naturally if we do nothing to resist.

Thursday’s post, “Are You Living a Cruise Ship Lifestyle,” looks at how these symptoms undermine a productive and fruitful life.

DISCUSSION: As with any illness, symptoms can manifest themselves differently from one person to the next. Can you name additional symptoms of vacation brain?

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May 9, 2013

Vacation Brain

vacation brain

Last week I shared some Thoughts About Balance, which I wrote prior to leaving for a cruise vacation. As I write this post three days after returning from vacation, the topic of balance still draws my thoughts but in a slightly different way.

Literally, I still feel like I am on the cruise ship at times with its constant swaying. I even wake up in the middle of the night from what I can only describe as my brain trying to connect with my now shipless reality.

Having this swaying sensation in the absence of being on a boat led me to realize that sometimes our minds can get stuck cruising while the rest of our bodies struggle to go through the motions of life. This creates and out-of-balance state that I call “vacation brain.”

Defining Vacation Brain

The Urban Dictionary offers two definitions for “vacation brain.” First, “vacation brain” is “the 1-2 days before vacation when you can’t get much work done because your brain is already on vacation.” Second, “when you feel like you’re on vacation but you actually aren’t.”

Those definitions make sense, and I’ve experienced both, but allow me to offer a third definition. “Vacation brain” is “failure to live your life in a deliberate way that leads toward balance physically, mentally and spiritually.”

Let’s face it, if we live our daily lives the same way we live when we are on vacation, we’d all be in serious trouble. Oh wait… that’s how many people ARE living their lives. I wish I could say I have never lived that way but am happy to say that is not my current reality.

The Symptoms of Vacation Brain

The symptoms of “vacation brain” exist within what I call a “cruise ship lifestyle.” Here are the ones that stand out most to me.

  1. Increased comparisons
  2. God neglect
  3. Flesh focus

The posts, Understanding the Symptoms of Vacation Brain and “Are You Living a Cruise Ship Lifestyle?” will delve deeper into how this topic relates to the influence of culture and will also discuss the application to our everyday lives. For this post, let’s discuss some ideas to remedy this unhealthy state of existence.

The Remedy for Vacation Brain

The best remedy that I know of for “vacation brain” comes from Romans 12:2.

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

When I came home from my cruise vacation and started feeling the shipless swaying sensations (they lasted a week after my last cruise), I knew that concentration and focus would be a struggle for me until the sensations went away. (On a side note, Mal de Debarquement Syndrome does not go away for some people.) Even when they do go away, I am keenly aware that “vacation brain” can easily become a part of my everyday lifestyle if I don’t deliberately choose to not let that happen.

To help keep “vacation brain” from becoming a permanent lifestyle, I focused in on the following:

  1. Renewing my routine. Vacations break routines, and returning to them quickly can help get thinking back on track.
  2. Reading a lot. I needed to get as much positive input as possible, so I read God-focused blogs in addition to my Bible. Reading is one of the best ways to reprogram your thinking.
  3. Reconnecting. While my husband and I connected a great deal on our cruise, I missed my friends and the rest of my family. Reconnecting can help refocus.
  4. Reviewing my pre-vacation status. I took a look at my writing notes prior to vacation remind myself of my various projects. I also reviewed my calendar a couple of months out as a reminder of what’s coming. Doing an inventory like helps direct focus and concentration.
  5. Refusing to be the same. Vacation was tremendously relaxing. I also came back with new perspectives and refuse to let the benefits of vacation be erased.

Almost immediately upon our return from vacation, we had to deal with some significant life issues that today remain unsolved. As I write this, I find myself wondering if the relaxation of vacation will quickly dissipate as a result. Then I realized that vacations don’t necessarily create a state of peace that will live on indefinitely; instead, they hit a reset button that helps us better deal with life’s coming challenges.

Over the life of this blog, the topic of vacations has come up several times, and I think that’s because they hold tremendous value for helping us to hit the reset button in our lives in so many ways. At least, that’s why I value them so much.

DISCUSSION: What other suggestions do you have for remedying vacation brain? Why do you think vacations are so important, maybe even crucially essential, for our lives?

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May 7, 2013

Are You Willing to Not Fit In?

When I was in grade school, I never felt like I fit in. That feeling followed me into my teen and adult years. I’d love to say this problem no longer exists now that I’ve hit mid-life, that I am now secure enough in who Christ made me to be that the desire to fit in no longer plagues me. That would be a lie.

Certainly, I am more confident, but the desire to fit in still lingers and often rears its ugly head in social situations.

Over the years, I did adapt to not fitting in. At some point, I even began to seek out ways to emphasize that aspect that seemed to define me. If others are doing something, I look for ways to avoid doing exactly the same thing. From clothing and accessories to exercise and eating to social interaction, something inside me now purposes to go against the flow, even if only slightly, of what the majority does.

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Both Right and Wrong

In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul says that “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” In other words, he tried to find common ground with people in order to bring them to Christ. Of course, this does not mean sinning, but it does mean getting involved in people’s lives and being authentic with them.

So, in the sense that my going against the flow sometimes causes disconnection with people I could influence, I am wrong in my approach. In fact, doing so has led to missing out on some significant witnessing opportunities. For that, I truly am sorry.

On the other hand, John 15:18-27 clearly indicates that to a great extent, Christ followers won’t fit in with the culture surrounding them. In other words, we must be in the world but not of the world (Romans 12:2). Jesus certainly set the example for us in this area by spending time with and ministering to those who needed Him most and who were often social outcasts, but He did not let them change Him.

When my intentions fall into the realm of wanting to remain separate from the material and fleshly focuses of the world, my approach to not conform and follow the crowd then seems wise.

Resist the Call of the World

5-7-13 be transformed 2

Perhaps both of these approaches need to exist. Maybe both looking for commonalities and connections need to exist alongside being an outsider. In my quest to find that balance, I realize that the outsider status must still dominate; otherwise, my impact as I connect and care becomes less effective.

Let’s look deeper at John 15:18-27 to hopefully understand the importance of an outsider status.

Being an outsider, feeling like you don’t fit in with the crowd (culture), can indicate progress towards becoming more Christ-like (v 18). Realizing that Christ chose you to be an outsider can keep feelings of rejection and aloofness from affecting your walk with Him (v 19).

What’s more, knowing that people aren’t really rejecting you but are actually reacting to their fear of the unknown creates a motivational steadfastness to perhaps amplify your outsider status (vv 20-21). You see, knowing Jesus creates a responsibility that so many people want to avoid because it means increasingly living as an outsider.

Knowing Jesus can mean breaking the death grip that the need to belong and be accepted by the world has. But a dying to self must happen, and this scares people. So, many instead choose to succumb to the call of the world and seek to eliminate any feeling of an outsider status (v 22).

Even with evidence of a better way, hate of Christ’s ways exists without any real cause except a desire to avoid the truth of Christ (vv 23-25).

Outsider Victory

God’s Holy Spirit reveals truth that reveals Jesus (v 26). As His Spirit dwells within us, our outsider status feels more and more like home, like a place of safety, peace and joy. And in that, we discover the courage to bravely tell others about the Jesus who welcomes outsiders. In other words, we become better able to care and connect in an authentic way.

DISCUSSION: What else does scripture say about how Christ followers must interact and exist in the world?

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May 2, 2013

Thoughts About Balance

4-18-13 balance

Lack of muscle balance can lead to injury.

Lack of balanced vitamins and minerals in the body, whether through inability to absorb or poor diet, can lead to a host of health struggles mentally and physically.

Your body’s ability to balance hormones and blood sugar relates to a balanced, healthy diet.

A balanced, healthy diet leads to a balanced, healthy mind & body.

We need balance between rest and labor.

Balance is relative.

We get into trouble when we compare the balance we need to that of others.

Age plays a factor in ability to balance.

4-18-13 law vs grace

Age also changes what we need and don’t need for balance.

Sometimes, like in sickness and stressful situations, we must operate in an out-of-balance state.

Law must be balanced with grace.

Balance does not mean equal.

The scales must be accurate in order for balance to happen.

Lack of balance can cause anxiety.

Anxiety can cause an unbalanced perspective.

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:25-34)

4-18-13 wisdom

Anxiety is an out-of-balance state.

To be anxious means to be “full of mental distress or uneasiness because of fear of danger or misfortune.” It also means to be “greatly worried.”

Perhaps a balanced view of balance means getting and applying wisdom to our lives.

Balance comes through seeking His kingdom and righteousness above all else.

DICUSSION: What are your thoughts about balance? 

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April 30, 2013

A Reading Challenge

4-30-13 books 2

Do you have a large “pile” of books to read, yet you keep buying more? Do you still really want to read ALL of those books? Were some more of impulse buys, and you’re not attached to them?

Maybe your “pile” isn’t all actual books but consists of electronic books too. If you’re like me, your e-books are spread across more than one device. Personally, I struggle with remembering all the books I have bought or downloaded. I forget I have them, and I don’t like forgetting about them. Feels irresponsible somehow.

Take a few minutes to count all of your books. Just count the ones you still truly “intend” to read though. I don’t mean “want” to read either. Maybe you’re like me in another way, and there are a lot of books you “want” to read but won’t ever actually read. I mean, I “want” to read War and Peace and Atlas Shrugged, but I probably won’t ever read them.

Funny thing is, I actually buy a lot of books that I “intend” to read while I am at a used book store or a rummage sale. But, they usually end up back at a used book store or in a rummage sale within a couple of years. Time for me to admit that I won’t read them. Yes, time for me to get more deliberate about my stewardship of time and money in this area.

So, just count the books you truly intend to read. Just a quick count. Don’t need to spend a lot of time on this. Go ahead. I’ll wait.

The number of books I intend to read comes to about 45, and that’s a mix of actual books, e-books and PDFs. What’s your number?  

Here’s the challenge: Pick a number of those books to commit to reading before buying or downloading another book. (For me, this means even downloading free books.)

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Personally, I would be content if I read half of those 45 books. While I would love to say that reading all of them is my goal before getting a new book, I know myself well enough to know that I don’t think I can stand waiting that long to buy another book.

You see, part of the joy I get from books is buying them. I love the feel of being at the bookstore or standing next to a pile of books at a rummage sale. I love looking through them and deciding what fits me at that point in time. Then, I love paying the money for them. I love holding the book and connecting with the idea that I just bought another world or a new perspective or some motivating, life changing information.

I love the feel of the somewhat unknown. And truly, it’s important that I get so much out of anticipation. I am going to give my valuable time to this book, and anticipating adds to that value.

So, there’s the challenge. Who is on board with me? Commit in the comment section! Oh yeah, consider setting a time frame for the goal too if you want. For me, I just am saying I will read 23 of my 45 books before I buy another new book or even download a free book. No specific date.

Amplify: I’m perfectly okay with you modifying the goal to suit your needs. This is honestly a way for me to accomplish a goal, to amplify how I use my resources. I would love to have someone along for the ride but will do it either way. Either way, you have my permission to keep me accountable.

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April 25, 2013

Flat Spots Here and There – Part 2

This is part 2 of a 2-part series by Kathy Howard, author of “Fed Up with Flat Faith.” Kathy’s book inspired the series “Battling Boredom: My Struggle with a Flat Faith.”

4-23-13 Kathy Howard

Kathy helps women live an unshakeable faith for life by encouraging them to stand firm on our rock-solid God no matter the circumstances of life. The author of five books, Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and a certificate in women’s ministry. She has been teaching the Bible for over 25 years and speaks regularly at women’s retreats and events.

Kathy and her husband live in the Houston area and have three children, a son-in-law, and one precious grandbaby. When the family gets together there are also four dogs in the mix.  Find out about her books and speaking ministry and get discipleship tools and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org.

Flat Spots Here and There – Part 2

In my last guest post, I shared one of my temporary falls into flat faith and how God brought me out. Today I want to tell you about another that occurred about 10 years ago.

Life was good. My marriage was solid. Our kids were healthy and happy. Our bills were paid. We had lots of sweet friends and a church we loved. Other than that five pounds I wanted to lose, I couldn’t think of any real problems in my life.

In contrast, several of my girlfriends were dealing with serious issues like life-threatening illnesses, job loss, and rebellious teenagers. As I walked with them through these troubles I noticed something. They were growing spiritually, but I was not.

4-11-13 Flat Faith

My lack of problems seemed to be my problem. My spiritual growth had stagnated because things were just too easy. My friends were learning to trust and depend on God through their difficulties, but I could simply depend on myself.

God answered. Within just a few months our family faced numerous painful situations that forced us to lean on God. For instance, our house flooded. My mother-in-law was killed in a car accident. My husband’s job moved us from Alberta to Texas.My desire to grow more Christ-like moved me to do something risky. I began to pray that God would refine me. Even when He reminded me in His Word that He refines His children through the fire of trials, I continued to pray for spiritual refinement.

Please hear me on this. I am not saying God caused these things. But I do know God used these things for His purposes and my good. I began to learn to trust Him. To depend on Him to strengthen and provide. And I saw His loving hand in every circumstance.

When I was willing to surrender my “easy” life to God’s purposes, He could work in the coming trials to refine my character and grow my faith. My experience with Him through these trials once again revitalized my relationship with Christ.

Most Christians will experience temporary periods of “flat faith.”  If you’ve been struggling spiritually or your faith feels dry, maybe you’re dealing with a bout yourself. Take a moment to check out this post. It defines “flat faith” and lists 10 possible indicators. God wants you to experience vibrant, exciting, pumped up faith, so don’t be content with where you are.

DISCUSSION: What steps do you need to take to experience a pumped-up faith? What steps have you taken in the past that have resulted in a pumped-up faith?

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April 23, 2013

Flat Spots Here and There – Part 1

This is part 1 of a 2-part series by Kathy Howard, author of “Fed Up with Flat Faith.” Kathy’s book inspired the series “Battling Boredom: My Struggle with a Flat Faith.”

4-23-13 Kathy Howard

Kathy helps women live an unshakable faith for life by encouraging them to stand firm on our rock-solid God no matter the circumstances of life. The author of five books, Kathy has a Masters in Christian Education and a certificate in women’s ministry. She has been teaching the Bible for over 25 years and speaks regularly at women’s retreats and events.

Kathy and her husband live in the Houston area and have three children, a son-in-law, and one precious grandbaby. When the family gets together there are also four dogs in the mix.  Find out about her books and speaking ministry and get discipleship tools and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org.

Flat Spots Here and There – Part 1

I had several “fears” surrounding the release of my new book “Fed Up with Flat Faith.” The first was that no one would buy it. The second was that people would buy it and not like it. Of course, then the Holy Spirit reminded me that my purpose in writing is to obey and please God. The results are up to Him; God can do whatever He wants with it.

But I have another concern I think is legitimate and I want to talk with you about it over the two guest posts Kari has so graciously given me. I don’t want anyone to think my faith is 100% pumped, 100% of the time. That would certainly be discouraging for those who experience the normal ups and downs of the Christian life.

I have to constantly check my attitudes and discipline my behavior to stay in the middle of God’s exciting activity. And even then I occasionally hit lows. The difference between my “now” and my “before” is that now, “flat” is the exception. Before, “flat” was the norm. It was all I had even known.  (Read the first chapter of “Fed Up with Flat Faith” to hear more of my story.)

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One temporary period of flat faith hit me about fifteen years ago. It began when a friend received a cancer diagnosis. My initial reaction was natural and normal. Sadness for her and fear for what might lie ahead. Then came the anger – anger at God because He allowed this trial in her life.

Then I just simply started to shut God out. I spent less and less time fostering my relationship with Him. Soon, I got to a point where I didn’t pray or read my Bible at all.

It lasted six months. I woke up one morning with the Holy Spirit pressing in hard. I missed God. He was waiting. I got on my knees in repentance and turned back to the Savior.

In retrospect, I have a clearer picture of what went wrong. When I got the bad news I should have taken my hurt, questions, and anger to God. Instead, I shut Him out. My view of Him was too small. I didn’t trust Him to handle things. I had a limited, earthly perspective instead of an eternal one.

This period of flat faith was truly of my own making. I lost sight of God’s sovereignty and grace. I traded my eternal perspective for an earthly one. But God faithfully refreshed my memory and called me back to Himself.

DISCUSSION: What about you? Has there been a time where an earthly perspective threw you off track?

Be sure to check out the second half of this guest post in Flat Spots Here and There – Part II!

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April 18, 2013

Battling Boredom: My Struggle with Flat Faith – Series Summary

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Thank you for taking this journey through my battle with boredom and struggle with flat faith. The list below provides a home base for the series, and this page can serve as a reference for passing this information along to others who might benefit from reading it.

Part I – Discovering the Role of Boredom
Part II – Understanding the Role of Connection
Part III – Understanding the Impact of Comparisons
Part IV – Diving Deeper into the Role of Boredom
Part V – My Battling Boredom Game Plan

Want to delve more into this topic of flat faith? Check out the guest posts Flat Spots Here and There – Part I and Flat Spots Here and There – Part II  by Kathy Howard, the author of Fed Up With Flat Faith.

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April 16, 2013

Battling Boredom: My Struggle with a Flat Faith – Part V

Now that I am more aware of the role boredom plays in my faith (Part I & Part IV) as well as alerted to the pinholes of lack of connection (Part II) and a focus on comparisons (Part III) that have led to a flat faith, I can get back on track to living and experiencing a vibrant and alive faith.

My Boredom Battle Plan

God has promised to continue the good work He has started in me until the day when Christ Jesus returns (Philippians 1:6). Trusting on that promise, I move forward in the battle plan the Holy Spirit has laid out as the path for that good work.

  1. 4-16-13 wavesFind variety in sameness. The wind and the waves appear to exist in monotony, yet they are not boring. Instead, they are obediently beautiful (Matthew 8:27). While my life’s routine needs to exist for a reason, I must realize that there is usually more than one way to accomplish a task.
  2. Connect more. The two greatest commandments are to love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Connecting allows me increased opportunity to live love and to practice that which the Holy Spirit teaches me in times of solitude.
  3. Find ways to just be. Constantly occupying my mind distracts me from hearing the still small voice of God. In Fed Up with Flat Faith, Kathy Howard writes that “only the Holy Spirit can transform our faith, but we can obediently position ourselves to be in the center of His activity.” When I find ways to just be, I find that often places me where He is active.
  4. Regularly evaluate my habits. In Fed Up with Flat Faith, Kathy also talks about Eli the priest and how “his habit of faith got in the way.” This is contrasted with Samuel who grew “in stature and favor with God and man” (1 Samuel 2:26) and who “enjoyed a full, dynamic relationship with God.” As I am still before God, He will transform me by correcting bad habits, establishing new ones, and confirming what to continue.
  5. Gather tinder. Do you regularly remember your past experiences with God along with times you witnessed His glory?  Kathy calls doing so “gathering tinder” to fuel the fire of our faith. Kathy reminds us that if we are children of God, “His presence is not based on our feelings, but on His promises.” So, no matter how I feel, even when boredom becomes intense, I can know that He promises to always be with me (Matthew 28:20). As I deliberately review God’s presence in my life, I can dwell in the memories of His ever-abiding presence.

4-16-13 Flat FaithAn Eternal Perspective

As I went through my battle with boredom and my struggle with flat faith, another unexpected change took place within me. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, my perspective began to change. What once was more of focus on the here and now has turned toward more of an eternal focus.

Kathy also talks about how “living with an eternal perspective can generate an excitement and passion your faith has been missing.” As we remember who gave us our resources and as we use periodic self-evaluation to foster an eternal perspective, we can discover a “consistent eternal perspective” that leads us to “fulfillment and excitement in the things that last beyond the physical.”

A key element to maintaining and increasing an eternal perspective lies with obedience. Kathy notes that “obedience keeps the lines of communication open and fosters our dependence on God. Disobedience builds walls and cultivates stubborn independence from God.”

As I learn obedience and as the Holy Spirit fosters an eternal perspective in me, my faith will grow to be healthy and vibrant. This journey has developed a desire in me to leave, as Kathy puts it so well, my “safe faith” my “flat and dry” faith behind and to have it replaced with a “risky faith – a faith that yields all to God,” a faith that is “ready to burn.”

Thank you for taking this journey with me through my battle with boredom and struggle with flat faith. The Holy Spirit has certainly led me through the exact journey I needed to take. I pray the same happened for you!

DISCUSSION: How is the Holy Spirit working in your life to create “a faith that yields all to God”?

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, quotes are taken from Fed Up with Flat Faith by Kathy Howard. Also, be sure to heck out Kathy’s guest posts Flat Spots Here and There – Part I and Flat Spots Here and There – Part II.

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