A Place Where You See God

September 22, 2013 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

If you stop and think about it, where is that place in your life? Is it a physical location or something different? Is it in an act of kindness you have experienced or seen happening to another person or in a story you have heard about other people?

Sometimes it can be hard to find him…when I think about it and realize I haven’t seen him or been aware of him…I have learned not to ask God to show himself in some way but rather give me eyes and ears to see your work in the world. For me, the key is where are we focusing our attention…if we are self-focused we will miss just about every opportunity to see God’s work in the world. As we learn to focus on a relationship with God and others first we begin to acquire a new perspective. This type of change in focus requires a commitment to change your routines and habits in life. If we just try to work it all in to our current schedule and life we will fail…I speak from experience.

For many years I was consumed with my work and the company I worked for and my “position” in the social stratosphere. I would work in “my time” with God on the weekend before getting down to business. This life created several false idols for me, because deep in my heart I had not surrendered and committed myself to Jesus. When I finally stopped pursuing my plans, my ideas for how things should be and truly dedicated daily time in devotion and worship…I finally started to see opportunities to connect with the world through God. Some would argue that I have given up on living my life…my response is…you are correct in that I have given up trying to live my life my way and instead I am trying to live my life the way God has intended for me. Of course, I am human and still make plenty of mistakes and have trouble with temptations but my life has never had more joy, more peace and contentment.

So where is it? Where is the one place in your life right now that you see God? Where is it that God has cracked a door or a window in your life and you just need to open it and step through trusting that no matter what happens God will be at your side and if you commit to meeting with him daily you will begin to experience life in a whole new way?

May God’s peace be with you

A Hymn and a Prayer

September 15, 2013 / mcalcagno / 4 Comments

When I awoke this morning a hymn and a prayer began playing in my mind. This is not the first time this has happened. It comes from my childhood and is another clear indicator to me that even when I was not paying attention to God he was working on and paying attention to me. What an awesome God! I share this particular hymn and prayer with you today:

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness, ever joy.

Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

Amen

When You Don’t Know What To Do…

September 8, 2013 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Pray. When things aren’t going your way…Pray. When you are feeling great and everything seems to be falling into place…Pray. When you are exhausted and worn out…Pray. When you are energized and you feel like you can take on anything…Pray.

I have learned over time that prayer can be so much more than a list of thanks for this or that and please bless him and her…this is not to say that these types of prayers are not important, they are. However, they should not be the only prayers we say. One of the greatest joys of being a believer is the relationship you can develop with God. Like any relationship in life it takes time and effort on our part. Think about your best relationships in life…typically those relationships are with people you see often or people you speak with daily. The same can be true with God. If you make it a priority to spend some amount of time reading the bible and speaking with God every day I promise you will begin to feel a difference in every aspect of your life and when you are unsure about something or someone…talk to God about it he will help you see your way through. As one of my favorite bible verses states…

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-7

So when life has you questioning “What do I do now?”…Pray

Peace.

A Message from a Parent…

September 4, 2013 / mcalcagno / Leave a comment

Children are a gift from God. They come in several different sizes and styles. They come from a genetic make-up, but that does not determine everything about their lives. Having been a child ourselves does not give us everything we need to become a dependable mother or father. We don’t have all the answers…our own experiences can help in many situations but not all the time. As I continue to strive to live a balanced, Christ centered life here are some of things I have learned that may be helpful to other parents or at least good reminders…

Actions are more important than words

Listen as much or more than you speak

Work less sometimes to be with them

Attention should be equally distributed to all

You can be a friend, a guide, a coach or a counselor at times

Show them God working in the world and in their lives

This is by no means an all-encompassing list, however, it does cover many years of their lives. You may have noticed the first letter of each statement when put together spell…ALWAYS.

ALWAYS pray for them

ALWAYS love them

ALWAYS forgive them

ALWAYS be there for them

ALWAYS trust in God for their well being

Lastly, be open to try new things and to have new experiences…often times that is the only way you both can see God.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

Peace to you and yours.