tough choices

Some decisions are fairly easy.
Some are not.
Today I had the chance to watch several people face several decisions.
Some were easy. And they made them and moved on.
Some are more challenging and still hang in front of us.
What are you facing?
How will you decide?

I hope you will pray. And I hope that you will consider the instructions of God as you do.

the joy of discipline

So God talks about discipline a few times.

Duet 8:5, Heb 12:6, 8 & 10; Rev 3:19, Job 5:17, Prov 1:2-3; 3:11-12; 5:23; 6:23; 19:18, Psalm 94:12

Ok. More than a few times

And in 2 Timothy 1:7, the Scriptures tell us that 'self-discipline' is a GIFT to us from God.

When I am disciplined, I really enjoy life more fully.

Those who are close to me know it is a life-long struggle (and there's hopefully plenty of life left!) But seriously it is a joy to me to see that 'stuff happens' when I DO the 'stuff' I'm supposed to be on track to DO!
Wow.
Magical.
But not really. When I accept God's discipline (when I'm wrong) and exercise 'self-discipline' (when I've been lazy), it just means that maturity and growth and accomplishment and character are produced and pile up high enough to be noticed and to stand on to stretch and reach even FURTHER in life! (and not only is this true for me/myself, BUT when I'm disciplined, my capacity to help others is greater and more focused as well!!!)

So. Hooray for discipline.

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

The Wood Badge Blogs: observations of one Scouter as he attends Wood Badge Training

You want me to get a badge of wood?
The Council sent me an email about a training called ‘Wood Badge.’ I thought, “What’s that about? And why is the badge made of wood?”
Tonight after our Troop meeting, I asked our Scoutmaster, “What’s Wood Badge?” His response was excited and encouraging. “Whenever you can make it, you should absolutely plan to participate.” He explained that Wood Badge is a leadership development training for all adult Scouters, whether they work with Cubs, Boy Scouts, Varsity, or Venturing. He promised the experience would be educational and full of memories and highlights.
Really? Pretty strong promises. I’m going to check my calendar. We’ll see.
Registered, ready, checking in…
Well, I did it. I registered for ‘Wood Badge.’ I’m still not completely sure what I’m getting into really. But now here I am for our first weekend of training.
There’s a full crew of people, that’s for sure from all Scouting programs. The singing and laughter and learning all swirl together in great combinations throughout our first day. Yes, it’s training. But we are learning more than principles, we’re DOING Scouting as we train! We are learning how to function with the ‘patrol method’ just like Baden Powell instituted so long ago.
I think this may have been worth it. Still not sure about the set of promises the Scoutmaster made, but the energy of the day is pretty contagious.
Remembering the Joy
Yeah. I was IN Scouts as a kid. And now with my son I’m volunteering as a leader in our Troop. While this training is intensely purposeful, it has reminded me of the pure JOY of Scouting. Using simple humor and music and active learning and recognition and outdoor experiences, it’s just FUN!
Doing the Job and Taking Assignments
Working together to accomplish our goals is fantastic and we have enjoyed playing both lead and support roles in our patrol. It’s a great reminder of how important it is to help our Scouts learn to take on assignments they can accomplish and then cheer them on as they grow in skills and accomplishments.
Done with Day 3
Well, as I drive home from the end of the first ‘half’ of ‘Wood Badge,’ I’m thrilled. The time I’ve spent has been entirely worth it. The training has been solid. The fun we’ve had you just can’t buy! And the esprit de corps was incredible and I can’t wait to share my experiences with my son and the others in our Troop at home!
Our next experiences and training will happen while camping together! I can hardly wait. We know there will still be training to do but we’ll have a chance to just enjoy being Scouts in the outdoors!
Back Together!!!
Driving to our camping experience I was so excited to spend more time with my patrol and enjoy Wood Badge again! The energy we left off with the first weekend was exactly where we picked up this time around! Teamwork abounds as patrols set up camp and get oriented to our Troop Learning Center, campsites, and schedule.
End of Day 4
Our day was great! With training, singing, cheers, applause, cooking together as a patrol, and much more. And my highlight was definitely our campfire together. Everyone contributed in really cool ways with skits, jokes, songs, and good, old-fashioned fun!
We only have a day left and I’m totally on board now – Wood Badge is worth the time any Scouter would give to it.
Final Day – Lasting Impact
I don’t want this to be over. Our patrol had memorable conversations around the campfire last night. We shared dreams and creative ideas and encouraging words with each other that have fueled my passion to take this experience back home for the sake of the Scouts we lead!
Images of flag ceremonies, patrol s cheering together, flames of the campfire, silly costumes, laughing faces, and efficient campsites will remain with me as I drive home.
We are all leaving with good memories. We are all leaving with solid training. We are all leaving with both ability and motivation to continue the legacy of Scouting in our home towns and the lives of ‘our’ Scouts.
Our Scoutmaster was right. And now he has another ally in passing the word that, “Whenever you can make it, you should absolutely plan to participate.”
Submitted by Rev. Phillip McClure
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 380, Fort Smith, AR
If you are interested in ‘Wood Badge,’ contact your local District or Council.

Plugging In

So I worked in Audio/Visual Service in college.
Lots of different things to do - set up projectors for classes, record lectures and concerts, repair equipment, train younger students, etc.

In that work, we often would set up a film to be played in a classroom or lecture hall and leave it set to be run by the professor when they arrived. Sometimes things went wrong.
More than once, this was the conversation.
Prof: "My projector won't go."
Me: "Really. Okay. We leave directions. Did you find and follow them?"
Prof: "Yes. But it won't do anything at all."
Me: "Sir/Ma'am, can you please check to verify it's still plugged in to the wall."
(pause)
Prof: "Got it. Thanks."

In the church, to have the healthiest relationship with Christ involves Bible reading/study, prayer AND being 'plugged in.' Each person needs to have their 'place' to serve. God gifted all of us with time and talents and abilities. They are MEANT to be plugged in. So when 'it' isn't working for you, check to be sure you're plugged in and not just setting in the lecture hall.

Get real

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent." Rev 3:19

Not some of the most 'fun' or 'encouraging' words to read in the Bible and yet critical to having a fully authentic relationship with Christ.

In studying this morning, read these words and realized my 'passion' for Christ is so very 'spotty.' Not down or upset as much as 'awake' to the reality that I am naturally so self-oriented and NEED Him to 'rebuke' and 'discipline' me.
AND...
Awake to the need to live by the discipline He's gifted to ALL of US in the Word. So many passages like this that reminds us to LIVE by the commitments we've made rather than a whim or preference.
Back at it now. (that's a statement and an invitation, btw)