Poem

Oh what joy!
Jumping, Leaping
To fill that hole in someone's life.
To solidly anchor down that stone.

Leadership-Phil Vischer

Phil Vischer was the co-creator of a very well known and successful children's video brand - Veggietales. When he and his partner began they didn't necessarily have all their ducks in a row. They just knew had some fun, crazy ideas about creating computer animated vegetables that taught children biblical values. As they took each step forward God provided the exactly what they needed, even if they didn't know they needed it. They didn't really do any market testing or research (which isn't necessarily the best approach) but went with their idea anyways. It was bold and risky but it paid off! Veggietales became a huge success - at one point being #1 in video sales for all videos (not just christian). Along the way Phil got distracted by things that were not his gifting - managing a large company, payroll, etc. He made some bad management hiring choices which ultimately drove the company into bankruptcy. Fortunately the company was bought an outside investor who would run the company and hire Phil and his partner on to be in charge of the writing and creative aspects for future videos. This allowed Phil to once again focus on what his giftings were which he realized is where he'd find God's grace to accomplish what he was called to do. I can relate to him not only because of the mistakes he's made trying to be good at everything and learning how to live by grace but I can relate to having silly, crazy ideas and not knowing what God could possibly use them for. I love Phil's story because he was bold enough to run with his ideas whether other people believed in them or not.

Karie's expectation confession

God is my source and I receive His grace to be who I’ve been called to be. I humble myself and He will promote me in His timing. He opens doors for me that no man can open. I know His voice and I immediately obey Him. My value comes from God and people feel valued by me. I am overflowing with enthusiasm and love. Blessings and grace are chasing me down.

I courageously step out in faith to take the creative risks God leads me to knowing He is the one who brings the harvest. He chose me long ago and I receive his special favor and mercy. I speak hope into people’s dreams and help them cultivate their creativity. The gift of God in me is being stirred up and I don’t allow fear to lock it inside my heart.

Those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs. Jonah 2:8 NIV

Karie's Short Story

The little Deerguin was a curious sight. She was quite rare and hard to find but she had one gift that made her worth the hunt. Common things that never would relate in the minds of most became a thing of inspiration and beauty after Deerguin was done with it. It seemed so obvious to her and yet when asked how she does it she says "I was born this way." She doesn’t like to bring too much attention to herself for her joy is in the creations that are birthed. Each one is completely unique – sometimes it’s a new relationship between people who didn’t understand each other or a new design that unleashes an undiscovered fountain of personality. Her methods are peculiar for she is a quiet and easily distracted artisan. A woosh of her antlers whittles something in the ice. “Interesting,” she says. Then she’s off to go watch her friend Otter (whom she likes to call a water squirrel) play in the water. After some coaxing she joins her friend in a game for she knows that play is the spring from which her creations flow. Finally she sits down to continue her work and in a momentary burst of smartness stumbles upon the solution. She presents the finished work to her client and they gasp, “why it’s so simple yet obvious.” With that she slides away and determines to teach people how to tap into their own springs of originality for she believes everyone has been born with this power. Her students are always amazed at the simplicity of the methods. “Is it really that simple,” they exclaim. “Pretty much,” proclaims Deerguin, “pretty much.” Then she slides away on her warm little belly, aglow from the joy of helping someone discover their own creativity, to go find a new game to play. Eventually her creations allow her to flee the annoying polar bears of Alaska to snowboard all day in the swiss alps where she'll be found by a creative, cute deerguin boy to play with. THE END

Leader

Warren Buffett is an American investor, businessman and philanthropist. He is one of the world's most successful investors, and the largest shareholder and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
Buffett is noted for his adherence to the value investing philosophy and for his personal frugality despite his immense wealth. He lives in the same house in the central Dundee neighborhood of Omaha that he bought in 1958 for $31,500, today valued at around $700,000.
Buffett is also a notable philanthropist. In 2006, he announced a plan to give away his fortune to charity, with 83% of it going to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Burning Bush

I am not quite sure whether God has spoken directly to me with a vision or idea like he did with Moses and the burning bush, but I do know that many visions and ideas come across my mind. I struggle with them as some of these visions/ideas I believe are my own wishful thinking and personal desires. If an idea comes across my head and the magnitude to accomplish it seems too large then I quickly put it away in the back of my head. If it is something doable, I do it with constant worriness and stress. Call it my lack of faith, fear of failure or inability to use my talents, but I find myself confused at times with what I think God wants me to do versus my personal desires.

Pastor Wendell once said in a sermon that if we desire what God desires then all things will come to pass. I guess the trick of figuring out what God desires for me and understanding how to differentiate the visions/ideas he sends to me from the rest of the stuff in my head is a skill I have not yet mastered and would like to work on. I struggle with understanding the things we are supposed to do (having a good job, being successful, etc.) and doing God’s will. I know there is something larger and more rewarding out there, and that we are made to do greater things. I believe there is a higher purpose for my life other than just going to work, making money and doing my best to live morally and as a good faithful Christian.

My hope is that in this eight weeks Bible group, I will find my calling and to be inspired and have the courage to do what God wants me to do. Sometimes it takes a leap of faith and creativity to be inspired to do God’s will. In the meantime I will start with my personal character. My vision is to be a better person and have a more meaningful faithful relationship with God. Some of these things are:

Be more loving to all people and slow to anger / speak.
Have an open mind, be open to ideas and listen
Have confidence, have courage, don’t be afraid, trust in God, and enlarge my faith.
Expect things to come and believe in it. Pray and listen to God’s calling.
Be positive, speak positively, be optimist with life.
Allow the Lord to lead me.

Scriptures:
Prov 16:9 – In his heart a man plans his house, but the Lord determines his steps.
Prov 20:24 – A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?

Expectations

Short Term:

I see myself spending more time walking with God, including more time in prayers, more time in worship and more time reading the Bible.

I see myself spending more quality time with Thuy and appreciating her more. This includes not working too much at home, putting my blackberry away, and talking to her more about her wants and needs. We will also pray more together.

I see myself having less stress at work, and not be to worry about things that I cannot control.

Make time to exercise daily 3-4 times a week.

Intermediate Term:

Isee myself being able to run and walk without any problems.

I expect to run in the next Seattle half marathon.

Thuy and I to buy a new house.

Pay Increase at work.
To be more sensitive to the Holy Spirit allowing the Spirit to guide me with my decision making. This includes our investments and our jobs.

I see myself being more open to people needs and having the time/finances to help them out.

Long Term:

Thuy and I to have many kids 2-5, but we will be happy with one child next year.

I see our marriage with a stronger Christian foundation and that each day we grow to love each other more.

I see myself being able to communicate better with Thuy and understanding her more.

I see our marriage as a model to all of our non-Christian friends. As most have marital issues, we would like to be a model and to give them God lovely support.