The Process

I have been in a running conversation lately about the process that leads to spiritual maturity. I love the conversation. It is stimulating. It is challenging. It is frustrating. It becomes obvious that three simple steps do not exist in this process of transformation. But, and this is a question, are there common elements in this process? If there is a process then we ought to know what it is and be a part of it both for our own transformation and for the transformation of others.

Some believe that it just happens. I struggle with this one because nothing in all of creation just grows without the right environment or food. 

I believe we mature when we make commitments and follow through on them. I see Jesus calling the disciples to make commitments. From come and see to go and die. Each commitment with its own challenges and learning points. So what are the commitments that you have made? What are the commitments Jesus calls for?

I believe we mature when we learn who we are in Christ and then seek to live according to who God says we are. To agree with this means my understanding of who I am is wrong in certain aspects and that I need to change my understanding. Not as an act of self will. (For instance: I cannot say I am a table no matter how much I desire to be a table.) But, as a correction to wrong thinking. We need to learn what is true of us because our creator has spoken truth about who we are. When we grasp the truth that he has spoken, believe it and live it out we are transformed. It is an act of faith when we receive what God has said is true and let go of our view of who we think we are. So what has God said is true of us?  

 

 

Friends

This last week I had the chance to hang out with Tom Carpenter. Tom and I have been friends for 42 years. not bad since we are only 46 years old. I cannot remember not having Tom as my friend. The incredibly cool thing about having a friend for that long is that I know there is someone who knows me. There are others, but none quite as long as Tom. We are still learning things about each other which is cool. We still offer grace to one another because neither one of us is perfect. We both share a love for Jesus which adds to the friendship. 

Several things I value about this friendship. 1. We share what’s going on, even if it’s awkward. 2. We choose to stay connected. 3. We speak the truth to one another.    

So here’s to you Tom, my friend.  

preparing for graduation

May is graduation month in the Newton household. Our fourth child is graduating from High School in a few weeks. We are ramping up for an open house to celebrate this milestone in our son’s life. I know they told me time would fly by, but why didn’t they tell me how fast it would fly by. What a gift the last 18 years have been. Tom, we celebrate the man you have grown in to. We look forward with faith believing that you will continue to walk with Christ and serve him with your talents. We look forward to a changing relationship.We look forward to seeing how you will make a mark in your generation. We love you.  

 

what i believe #2

Ok, so I looked over my first list and decided there were additions that needed to be added…

I believe my children are a gift from God

I believe I gain when I give my life away

I believe generosity protects my heart

I believe God first, wife second, children third, community of faith/work/others next

I believe there are more mysteries now than when I first began this journey

I believe God is inviting me to believe/trust him more

I believe my United States citizenship means I have a hard time relating to much of the world

I believe 25 years of marriage is a good start

I believe my toyota pickup will make it to 300,000 miles