Thursday, January 19, 2012

Lessons from being a Dad - Discipleship 160

We have a weekly tradition in our home...it's called Daddy date night. Most Thursdays my wife (who is a stay at home mom) is set free for an entire evening while Daddy and the kids run rough-shod over, in and through the house.

Most weeks are uneventful; some weeks are deeply insightful for me as a dad. Tonight was one of the deeper nights. Yes, chaos was the flavour of the evening, but prior to bed time, my daughter blessed me with the gift of an insight into the inner workings of her heart...and to be honest, mine as well.

My son Cannon had just finished responding obediently to a task I had asked of him, so I paused to thank him and tell him how proud I was of him. All of a sudden, Saydie burst into tears uncontrollably...I had no idea what I had said or done. When I was able to decipher her broken speech in the midst of sobs, she in no subtle way shared with me that she was crying because I didn't say I was proud of her too.

I was a little shocked...how does my four year old possess the courage to share a deep longing with me and her big strong dad have difficulty to share this same craving with others? What spoke to me tonight was not only Saydie's willingness to share with me, but also the truth to which this question resonated in my own heart.

As human beings each of us is longing to be loved; to have someone share that they are proud of us. And what's super cool about this all is Jesus had this same desire. The Bible records the story of Jesus' baptism. Just after Jesus was being lifted out of the water, the very voice of God...His Father...spoke from the heavens and said "this is my son, in whom I am well pleased" (different wording in some translations). We want someone to believe in us...to notice us...to take the time to encourage us.

I'm convinced that if there is any gift we can freely offer to others en mass its the way we choose to utilize our ability to speak. Are we known as encouragers or discouragers? Of course, our words become empty if they do not line up with our actions...but there are times when we need to speak into the deep longings that others have. So...if you haven't done so yet and you are reading this rant...share with others through the gift of language in some form of what they mean to you. Who knows, maybe you will discover that this is what they needed in that moment. Speak the truth in love, and ensure that your actions speak of the same love that your words do.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Struggle, Determination & Hope...Discipleship 159

Time and time again I'm inspired by the younger emerging generation in our society. I'm awestruck by the incredible hunger for change, significance and hope I see emanating from these individuals lives. I believe God has hard-wired this generation of young people to revive the global church and change the world.

The determination, passion and desire of our youth is challenging us to perceive, embrace and join with them in the calling of restoration. My hope and prayer is that passionate followers of Jesus would rise up to walk alongside this gifted generation to support, encourage and mentor these world-changers because they aren't the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today!!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

I saw God working...Discipleship 158

Well, it's a new year, and this is my first post of 2012.

I'm not really into the whole new year's resolution thing, but I do strive to incorporate and build upon strategic growth elements in my life. My hope this year is that I am able to use my blog to share stories of what is inspiring me, causing me to grow and causing me to pray more fervently.

So, I will begin with a subject matter that captivates me more each day...my kids.

The bedtime routine in the Frizzell house includes brushing our teeth, using the potty, reading a story, praying together and sharing moments of our day with one another. As my two oldest children (the only 2 at this point that can speak using decipherable language) and I were in the bathroom brushing our teeth together when I asked a simple question: Where did you see God working today?

My son Cannon, our soon to be 3 year old piped up and said he saw God working in fireworks. I probed this idea a bit further and in his own simple language, my boy was able to share with me the wonder and amazement he had in the creative experience of fireworks. He was referring to a memory of the summer time when we watch fireworks from our bedroom window, and he marvelled at the creativity that God has given to humanity through the use of this form of entertainment we call an explosive.

Saydie was next to speak. She told me she saw God working in her heart. When I asked her about this further she told me that God was working in her heart to treat people with kindness, love and respect.

The bible records a story of Jesus and little children. Being a father of 3 young ones, it is a story that often captures my imagination. Jesus was in the middle of doing busy adult stuff when some kids came running up to Him. His disciples (followers) got frustrated with the kids (and perhaps their parents) and were telling them to go away and leave Jesus alone. Jesus stopped this confrontation right away and told his followers to let these kids come to Him. He then uttered something that rings in my ears every time I hear it: "Let the children come to me, do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14).

There is something magnificent about the innocence of children. They have the ability to possess complete hope, complete trust and complete honesty. These are just three of the many lessons my kids teach me every day. I see God working in the lives of my children, and I am completely captivated by it!

It's 2012, my hope is to create a habit of seeking out evidence of God at work in the lives of others more frequently. What about you, do you see God working? Perhaps viewing life through the eyes of a child will open your own to a world filled with wonder, possibility, hope, innocence and a much needed fresh perspective.

A Little Something from Psalm 8

 Had a lot of fun with this one.