- I discovered YouVersion. During the message and the online chat, it was recommended to sign up for the 21 day reading plan. The idea was there would be 21 bible verses and also some encouragement in your fast. I had heard of YouVersion, but have never used it. But it helped me tremendously, because instead of turning on the TV very EARLY in the morning I would use the mobile application and read my lesson for the day! What a great way to get up and read God's Word first!
- I struggled. I watch alot of TV, no doubt! I enjoy certain programs and watching sports. It has become my relaxation time. Those first few days were difficult. TV had become an early morning and late night habit. In fact, I moved the remote control from the side of bed to a dresser where the TV was so I could not easily grab it. I am sure some of you struggled with whatever you gave up.
- I messed up. I know, we all mess up. But I was doing really well for 14 days and then BAM it hit me. Subtle as it was, I was watching a late night TV program that someone else was watching. I didn't thinking anything about it at the time and it was only for a few minutes, but once I left the TV I realized I had done wrong and messed up. I definitely felt bad and convicted. But isn't that how we should approach those things that are wrong against God. Bad and convicted?
- I could do it! Despite the temptations and wanting to watch the last two playoff games before Superbowl, my wife and I did it! We learned that we can put God first. We learned that there are other things we can do together instead of TV (shopping or even a puzzle).
Monday, January 24, 2011
21 Day Experience
For the past 21 days (3 weeks or 504 hours or 30,240 minutes...okay...it was a loooong time), my wife and I have been fasting. We were challenged by a recent online message we saw at Life Church by Pastor Craig Groeschel. Pastor Craig spoke about fasting and provided different examples of how it could be done. So for my wife and I, it was not food that we gave up. It was something that indeed would be difficult for us (especially me). We gave up watching no TV. No sports highlights, news, weather or traffic updates. No DVD movies or online TV shows. No Netflix online or anything else. When others had the TV on, we could not watch it. So my "fasting" was different than most others and I would like to share a few things I learned from this 21 day experience.
Monday, January 3, 2011
2010 is gone and 2011 is here!
I can't believe it has been almost 2 months since I updated my blog. I would like to share what 2010 has been for me and what is waiting for me in 2011.
If I had to describe what 2010 was for me, I would say it was a "Valley"! No doubt! That is what it was!
Ministry/Church wise it was difficult year of changes. We changed 3 paid (although not that much) positions to unpaid positions and reduced the salary of another position. That was painful, but our finances could no longer support the staff. It was hard to suggest and hard to recommend and painful to recommend because this effected the livelyhood of people I have known and have relationships with.
This also meant changes to our ministries. Some people began to assist in ministry and things seemed to be progressing well. But the loss of members was devastating when Jesus took the home. I must admit, I am selfish with people. I don't want to see them go, but God had His plan for them. I truly miss Carol Olson who was always a great source of knowledge, creativity, and love. She was always willing to do whatever it takes to reach people for Jesus. Her husband, John, loved her so much that even in the last days of her life, he stood right by her bedside and looked at her with love!
We also lost our last surving charter member, Olive Dobbins. She had been in and out of our church for awhile during her last year. She struggled hearing the music or messages. But yet she would remain faithful to attending Sunday School and Worship Service. Her years of dedication and laying the foundation of what would become CornerStone Baptist Church, shows her love for Jesus.
During this past year, our attendance has shrunk tremendously. No real explanation for it other than life events in people have caused them to make changes as to where they live. I hate to see people leave the church. It is painful as a Pastor to see people leave, but God has other plans.
Lastly, in my own personal life things have been chaotic and challenging. Seasons of changes has just come and caused alot of pain and personal self-reflection. Am I doing what God wants me to do? Is it time to quite being a Pastor? Am I being a good husband, father, grandfather? Am I passionate about my own personal commitment to Jesus? Why are things happening? What am I supposed to do?
Today, I realize that 2010 is gone. That year was a "valley" year! But now 2011 is here and God gave me three things he wants me to do this year which I am sharing on January 9th. They are things that I have never attempted before and it is where God wants me to lead as a Pastor our church. So I ask for your prayer.
One final thought that I would like to share. If you are a follower of Christ, remember these two things. Love God and love people! It is as simple as that. It is the core of where we should be in our relationship with Jesus. I pray for all of you right now, that you experience Jesus' love in all areas of your life.
Happy 2011!
In His Amazing Love and Grace,
Pastor Waldo Barela
If I had to describe what 2010 was for me, I would say it was a "Valley"! No doubt! That is what it was!
Ministry/Church wise it was difficult year of changes. We changed 3 paid (although not that much) positions to unpaid positions and reduced the salary of another position. That was painful, but our finances could no longer support the staff. It was hard to suggest and hard to recommend and painful to recommend because this effected the livelyhood of people I have known and have relationships with.
This also meant changes to our ministries. Some people began to assist in ministry and things seemed to be progressing well. But the loss of members was devastating when Jesus took the home. I must admit, I am selfish with people. I don't want to see them go, but God had His plan for them. I truly miss Carol Olson who was always a great source of knowledge, creativity, and love. She was always willing to do whatever it takes to reach people for Jesus. Her husband, John, loved her so much that even in the last days of her life, he stood right by her bedside and looked at her with love!
We also lost our last surving charter member, Olive Dobbins. She had been in and out of our church for awhile during her last year. She struggled hearing the music or messages. But yet she would remain faithful to attending Sunday School and Worship Service. Her years of dedication and laying the foundation of what would become CornerStone Baptist Church, shows her love for Jesus.
During this past year, our attendance has shrunk tremendously. No real explanation for it other than life events in people have caused them to make changes as to where they live. I hate to see people leave the church. It is painful as a Pastor to see people leave, but God has other plans.
Lastly, in my own personal life things have been chaotic and challenging. Seasons of changes has just come and caused alot of pain and personal self-reflection. Am I doing what God wants me to do? Is it time to quite being a Pastor? Am I being a good husband, father, grandfather? Am I passionate about my own personal commitment to Jesus? Why are things happening? What am I supposed to do?
Today, I realize that 2010 is gone. That year was a "valley" year! But now 2011 is here and God gave me three things he wants me to do this year which I am sharing on January 9th. They are things that I have never attempted before and it is where God wants me to lead as a Pastor our church. So I ask for your prayer.
One final thought that I would like to share. If you are a follower of Christ, remember these two things. Love God and love people! It is as simple as that. It is the core of where we should be in our relationship with Jesus. I pray for all of you right now, that you experience Jesus' love in all areas of your life.
Happy 2011!
In His Amazing Love and Grace,
Pastor Waldo Barela
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