Spiritual Transformation

Have you ever wrestled with what spiritual transformation looks like in real terms? I think we all struggle with what may for us be ideally something we would like to experience, but aren't always sure what it means in practical and measurable terms. I am not going to suggest there is a formula or a simple three or five step process. But I was provided some food for thought in a presentation by David Collins at a recent C.E.M.A. (Calgary Evangelical Ministerial Association.) David suggested that arrogance, self indulgance and indifference are some common characteristics of human beings. What David pointed out was that if we are exposed to the life of Jesus and are willing to submit to imitating the qualities that he modeled we will gradually see a shift or transformation that will see other tendencies surface that replace:

• arrogance with humility
• self indulgence with generosity and
• indifference with sensitivity

With the goal in mind to expose yourself to a process of transformation that will result in this kind of change is a daunting task. On our own it would be virtually impossible, but as believers we need to realize that God has offered a helper, His Spirit to be our companion. But he also has the intention that we will find community and relationships with like-minded people that can partner with us and our shared journey and provide us with the ongoing reminder of our goal to have the preferred qualities, humility, generosity and sensitivity become descriptors of our character. We likewise want to be an encourager of those whose life path we cross to set similar goals to become all God wants us to be - to be salt and light and to be ambassadors of our Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to experience relationship with Him.

I want to acknowledge that there are many who I am able to share the journey of life with who are real encouragers and want to be able to impact many more folks as the journey continues. May we all find ways of being transformed to replace undesirable qualities with desirable ones and may we influence for good those who we have cross our path.

Have a great weekend!

What Next!

Is this for real? Am I about to become a blogger? My wife is an avid blogger and has been for sometime, but me; who would have thought. I have contemplated this step for awhile now and after lunch with Brandi decided there was no better time than now. So a big thanks to her for setting this up!

What I hope to do over the days and weeks ahead is to share some thoughts and ideas about my journey. I am an avid reader and run across a lot of good ideas that are worth sharing and this blog concept might be the best way to exchange ideas as we are all on a journey together.

For a considerable period of time I have been aware of the constant need to keep God in the picture on a regular basis and when I get distracted or falter I really try to consciously try to make sure I am seeking God and looking for him to show up in my life and the lives of those around me. I think we all need to be paying attention and looking for God as a key part of the journey. We need to be reminded that we don't have to journey alone. He (God) promised to be with us, we have to do our part and access him. It is however easy to fall into the habit of trying to do it on our own, rely on our own abilities and not realize how much better it is when God is our partner and has the lead role if we let him.

We also have a broader family that are on the journey and we can benefit by expanding our relationships and agreeing to be part of a joint journey. I find it very encouraging when interacting with others and finding out about their journey. Our lives are all part of a grand story but the people I connect with each week have interesting stories and encouraging stories which I will share with permission as a way of encouraging all of us. I will never break a confidence or share anything that might embarrass anyone, but I think there are stories that should be shared to encourage and challenge us. Some of the journey includes challenges which can be learned from and when overcome there needs to be a celebration of large portion.

Some days I hope to just share a devotional thought and may just share thoughts from published work and simply acknowledge the source.

So join me if you like and engage in some conversation and discussion that will help each of us as we continue on the journey on life's pathway and become better friends!

Before posting my initial blog let me share with you how rich my life is with my partner and best friend my dear wife Gerri. You have made life come alive and you complete me. Watching you grow your faith has been a great blessing and you have impact on many people, you have a compassionate heart and have made our part of the journey together richer!