You are going to die. I don't mean to get you down, but its true. Sometimes I think we don't think about that. Or worse, we all assume that we are going to complete every task, impart every piece of wisdom to our children and grandchildren, pay off every debt, do just enough "good" and gently fall asleep in our mid-to-late eighties and wake up on a puffy-white porch on a cloud with a white-bearded God who will smile and say "welcome...we've been waiting". It doesn't always work like that. So once you have realized that you are going to die (a known fact), then ponder this question- have you already reached your halfway point of life? (an unknown fact). Have you lived more days on this earth than you have left to live?
The point is, none of us know our lifetime halfway point. But if we want to finish strong, we should always assume that we have passed it. The alternative is to continue living like we have decades left to accomplish everything. The latter usually ends up with mountains of procrastination and unfinished projects and deeds.
I'm halfway through Water for Water 2013. I know I can make it to the end, but do I want to just "make it" or do I want to finish strong? In every long run, the halfway point is a significant step for me. I mentally grasp the fact that I have less to run than I have already run. Knowing that, I speed up. Almost all of my races/runs of over 10 miles result in a slightly faster second half than first. It is because I know the end is nearer with every step. See where I'm going with this?
Take the story of Terah, Abraham's father. We only hear a few verses about him in Genesis 11. What we learn is that he uprooted his family from Ur and set out towards Canaan. But he never made it. He reached approximately the halfway point (Haran) and he "settled there". I wonder how many blessings of life Terah missed out on by stopping halfway instead of finishing his journey in the promised land? We all know the historical pillar his son went on to be, but how much greater could Terah(and possibly Abraham?)'s life have been if he had continued to completion that which he was being led by God to do? What blessings did he miss out on?
Finish strong. Live life like you are past the halfway point because everyday is a gift and you never know when your days on earth will end. Run strong towards the finish line, experiencing the intended blessings for you along the way and when you reach the finish line, it won't be a puffy cloud porch you'll be resting on, but rather in the fold of Christ the King in perfectly restored community. Forever. The first six months of this year have been some of the greatest days of my life. Now I'm going to start speeding up and finish 2013 as one of the best years of my life. Won't you run with me?
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Special Update: Breaking News
Amazing news. Our church has been investing in the community of Dubancho, Ethiopia for a few years now. I have been explaining this work to Living Water over the last month and we just found out this week that they are going to do a test drill right in Dubancho to evaluate the possibility of a well or other water assistance system! We don't know the feasibility yet, but every penny raised in the Water for Water 2013 campaign will go to fund this project. If the well in Dubancho is not feasible, then the money will still go to the people of Ethiopia generally. It has been amazing to see God work through so many different people to make this a possibility. And all the money previously given to the Give Well pages will be credited toward the project!
I am blown away by this development. As of today's date, the campaign has raised $8,003.10 in pledges in donations. We will know after the test drill exactly how much it will cost for a new well, if one is possible, but we are more likely than not well over half way to the total needed. Updates to come!
Vist the most recent Give Well page at:
http://www.water.cc/robwonnellmailcom/give-well-1
Thank you for your generosity!!
I am blown away by this development. As of today's date, the campaign has raised $8,003.10 in pledges in donations. We will know after the test drill exactly how much it will cost for a new well, if one is possible, but we are more likely than not well over half way to the total needed. Updates to come!
Vist the most recent Give Well page at:
http://www.water.cc/robwonnellmailcom/give-well-1
Thank you for your generosity!!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Month 5: Ebb
I think it is interesting to research the origin of various sayings. Especially ones that if you knew the meaning of you would probably stop saying (i.e. "rule of thumb"). There is a saying that I have been thinking of a lot this month-ebb and flow. It describes water movement, usually from the sea, that characterizes the rushing in of the tides towards the shore (flow) and the reflux action that takes the water away (ebb).
I told everyone in Facebook land that there wasn't any reason that 2013 couldn't be the best year of their life and I also applied that challenge to myself. 2013 started off with an amazing "flow" for me. The donations and pledges were flowing in and the total raised for Water for Water for the year was growing so fast. I was in the Word every day. I prayed for so many people so often. God was working through me as a husband, father and employee. However, May felt like the low point of the ebb, or decline, of excitement and energy in so many areas of my life. But I was never discouraged...
Instead, I realized that now is when I continue preparations to finish strong. We all want to finish strong, but we have to prepare for it. When I was training for my first marathon back in 2004, I would tell myself on my long training runs "today is the day I finish the New York Marathon". The rationale was that engaging in the long training runs, and they were hard, prepared me to finish the race when the day came. And I did.
Frankly, if I allowed this current lull to continue, then in November or December, if I were to catch up on my "Bible in a Year" plan, pray an hour more everyday, and receive $20,000 in donations, well, I think I would be selling the experience short and not be experiencing the height of God's blessing. Now is the time I prepare to finish strong. It's not the sprint at the end, but the perseverance in the hard times that makes finishing strong even possible and allows us to experience the full blessing of the race.
I don't think I have ever quoted The Voice (the Bible translation, not the TV show) in any sermon, lesson or blog, but I think the phrases it uses are applicable to this point, when we look at how it recounts Romans chapter 5:3-5:
We also celebrate in seasons of suffering because we know that when we suffer we develop endurance,which shapes our characters. When our characters are refined, we learn what it means to hope and anticipate God’s goodness. And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love.
Giving up all drinks but water for a year is hardly suffering, but the words ring true in my heart right now. If you are having a hard time, if you are experiencing suffering or difficult uncertainty, I pray that you are encouraged by the certainty of the future experience of God's goodness. God is going to give clean water to those in need. And that is good. God is going to restore this earth through His Son. And that is good. And when that perfect day comes, we will forever experience a flood of love that has no ebb.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Month 4: Team
I was sitting around this weekend thinking about some really great ideas for the May installation of Water for Water 2013, when I realized I was a little late in getting the April one out. Ooops. I guess belated is better than benever.
I was enamored in April with the concept of a team. As I researched the subject, I learned that a group of people may not necessarily be a team. The difference is that a team requires the individual members to have a common purpose. I watched my oldest son participate in his first organized sport in April, soccer. He played defender a lot and it was amazing to see him and his co-defender and the goalie raise their hands and jump when the team scored a goal. He didn't care that he didn't score it. He wasn't looking off at the trees wondering what was for lunch. He was zoned in on what the other portion of the team was doing- and the celebration was communal.
As I thought about the concept of a team, I saw examples popping up all around me. I saw a church community to come together to pray and celebrate the life of a beautiful baby girl when the first week of her life was filled with unknowns about her future. I saw a group of people praying and preparing to embark on a mission trip to Ethiopia. I met a team of citizens that organizes an annual small race to help raise money to fight cancer in a growing midwestern town. Every example I witnessed was the very definition of a group of people with a common purpose.
If you want a handbook for how a team can be successful, look no further than the second chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Philipi. He writes:
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
That verse can make any team successful, whether it is a sports team, a community team, a family, and even a marriage. I've told you how I had reflected on the concept of a team in May, but I haven't told you why. Water for Water 2013 has now raised $6,526.30 year to date. Our goal is to reach enough to build a well. But even if we don't, I am truly humbled by this team. Family members, people from church, co-workers, anonymous people from the internet who I have never met, clients, even a coffee shop (think about the irony of that...) have all partnered and given their support of this cause-to give clean water to those who don't have it. Not just financial support, but prayer, encouraging words, even reading this blog-it is all part of the campaign. Everyone, at least in this limited context, having the same mind, same love and thinking of the interests of others above their own. I am proud, humbled, excited, grateful and enamored to be a part of this team with all of you. It is beautiful. I hope you will all raise your hands with me when we score the goal...
I was enamored in April with the concept of a team. As I researched the subject, I learned that a group of people may not necessarily be a team. The difference is that a team requires the individual members to have a common purpose. I watched my oldest son participate in his first organized sport in April, soccer. He played defender a lot and it was amazing to see him and his co-defender and the goalie raise their hands and jump when the team scored a goal. He didn't care that he didn't score it. He wasn't looking off at the trees wondering what was for lunch. He was zoned in on what the other portion of the team was doing- and the celebration was communal.
As I thought about the concept of a team, I saw examples popping up all around me. I saw a church community to come together to pray and celebrate the life of a beautiful baby girl when the first week of her life was filled with unknowns about her future. I saw a group of people praying and preparing to embark on a mission trip to Ethiopia. I met a team of citizens that organizes an annual small race to help raise money to fight cancer in a growing midwestern town. Every example I witnessed was the very definition of a group of people with a common purpose.
If you want a handbook for how a team can be successful, look no further than the second chapter of Paul's letter to the church in Philipi. He writes:
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
That verse can make any team successful, whether it is a sports team, a community team, a family, and even a marriage. I've told you how I had reflected on the concept of a team in May, but I haven't told you why. Water for Water 2013 has now raised $6,526.30 year to date. Our goal is to reach enough to build a well. But even if we don't, I am truly humbled by this team. Family members, people from church, co-workers, anonymous people from the internet who I have never met, clients, even a coffee shop (think about the irony of that...) have all partnered and given their support of this cause-to give clean water to those who don't have it. Not just financial support, but prayer, encouraging words, even reading this blog-it is all part of the campaign. Everyone, at least in this limited context, having the same mind, same love and thinking of the interests of others above their own. I am proud, humbled, excited, grateful and enamored to be a part of this team with all of you. It is beautiful. I hope you will all raise your hands with me when we score the goal...
Friday, March 29, 2013
Month 3: Purity
pu·ri·ty
[pyoo
r-i-tee] Show IPA
noun
1.
the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc.: the purity of drinking water.
I don't want to get accused of plagiarism, so I'll tell you that was cut and pasted exactly from www.dictionary.com. "The purity of drinking water". Ironic for this blog given the content for 2013. It's the word that has been on my heart this month. Most people hear the word "purity" and they immediately relate it to sexual purity. While that is true, it applies to so much more. So much more...
So I have noticed a lot of beverages this month. I know it sounds weird. Sitting across the table from someone with a soda. Watching a girl walking around with her 1/3 decaf caramel macchiato long pour extra hot with 2 shots of hazelnut. Watching my kids gulp down buckets of milk. I have continually thought, you know its just not water. It is water+. Water is its base but so much has been added to it. I realized that water has moved from a leftover drink ("well, if you don't have anything else, I guess water is ok") to my only choice.
What if my whole life, more than just what I drink, had a condition or quality of being pure and was free from anything that would debase contaminate or pollute it? What if Christ moved from a leftover part of my life to my only choice, my only selection?
He who loves purity of heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king as his friend.
-Proverbs 22:11
Not just "a" king. Not just "any" king. "The" king. When we love purity (and by loving purity I mean pursuing it, desiring it and accepting nothing but it) we end up keeping pretty good company. When we remove all pollutants from our heart, body and mind (yes all three) our faith is sincere. That is where my mind has lingered this month. The beauty and the simplicity of water. It's all I have but its all I need. It's the same with Christ. If He is all you have, you have everything you need.
Total raised to date - $6,221.30.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Month 2: Sacrifice
Total to date - $5,667.30 and growing. You guys rock.
Ok. In humility, I admit this is hard. Not hard like experiencing deep emotional pain. Not hard like working an 80 hour week. Not hard like solving a Rubik's cube. But hard. Harder than I thought it was going to be. I also thought it would get easier, but frankly it is getting harder. I would really love a cup of coffee right about now.
There different levels of sacrifice. On the grand scheme of things, giving up all non-water drinks for a year is pretty small. As I walk down the paths of comparative sacrifice, from the greatest sacrifice of all (Luke 23:44-46) to amazing feats of human forgiveness (Connie ten Boom, concentration camp survivor describing an encounter with a former Ravensbruck guard seeking her forgiveness with the following words - "For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then") to barely noticeable ones (letting everyone else get in front of you at the potluck line), there is a common thread. All of these acts, regardless of where they fall in the greatness spectrum, seek to offer something reflecting God's love that results in a holy fragrance laid at the foot of the throne.
Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Heb. 13:15-16.
That is what I long for. That despite my desire for a cup of coffee in the morning, this continued sacrifice would raise money to provide water for those that have none. That this continued sacrifice would demonstrate to everyone I come into contact with a reflection of Christ's love for the world. That this continued sacrifice would transform who I am as person. That this continued sacrifice would be one small part of a life that does not neglect to do good, that shares what it has and that is a sacrifice of praise that is pleasing to God.
Thanks for partnering with me on this journey.
Ok. In humility, I admit this is hard. Not hard like experiencing deep emotional pain. Not hard like working an 80 hour week. Not hard like solving a Rubik's cube. But hard. Harder than I thought it was going to be. I also thought it would get easier, but frankly it is getting harder. I would really love a cup of coffee right about now.
There different levels of sacrifice. On the grand scheme of things, giving up all non-water drinks for a year is pretty small. As I walk down the paths of comparative sacrifice, from the greatest sacrifice of all (Luke 23:44-46) to amazing feats of human forgiveness (Connie ten Boom, concentration camp survivor describing an encounter with a former Ravensbruck guard seeking her forgiveness with the following words - "For a long moment we grasped each other's hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then") to barely noticeable ones (letting everyone else get in front of you at the potluck line), there is a common thread. All of these acts, regardless of where they fall in the greatness spectrum, seek to offer something reflecting God's love that results in a holy fragrance laid at the foot of the throne.
Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Heb. 13:15-16.
That is what I long for. That despite my desire for a cup of coffee in the morning, this continued sacrifice would raise money to provide water for those that have none. That this continued sacrifice would demonstrate to everyone I come into contact with a reflection of Christ's love for the world. That this continued sacrifice would transform who I am as person. That this continued sacrifice would be one small part of a life that does not neglect to do good, that shares what it has and that is a sacrifice of praise that is pleasing to God.
Thanks for partnering with me on this journey.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Month 1: Detox
One month down and eleven to go. I have no idea what the next 11 months will be like, but if they are even close to Month 1 then this is going to be an amazing journey. We are up to $4,780.30 in donations/pledges, Living Water did an article on their website, and the firm I work at is doing a dress down day to raise money to support Water 4 Water 2013. Those are just some of the events over the last month that have caused me to sit back and marvel at the work of Christ.
Not only am I drinking more water than I ever have, but I am thirsty for it. Maybe, and sadly, for the first time in my life. In the past I have probably consumed, on average, about the same quantity of liquid everyday. Mostly coffee, tea, soda and a very small portion of that consumption has been water, historically. I still need that same quantity of liquid but have only been able to fill that need with water. And my thirst is being quenched. This transition for me has given life to Peter's encouraging request found in 1 Peter 2:1-2 (paraphrased)-Once you have experienced God, put off all the bad stuff and long to be nourished even more.
You see where I am going here, and I admit, it isn't a perfect analogy, but I would be lying if I tried to describe my first month in any other way. I have removed all drink substitutes from my life and I am filling that void with the purest of all drinks, water. And I am truly thirsty. That was the first step that I referenced when I started in the discussion on John 7. Once I realized I was thirsty, I began to truly come to the source to drink.
Because of that thirst, because of that repeated journey to the source over the last month, I am experiencing John 7 living waters flowing from me. My time in the Word, my time in prayer, the clarity of my sin, the brokeness of my heart, the perspective on what breaks the heart of God has all become abundant in my life in the last month. My liquid detox has paralleled my spiritual detox. I have started to push all of the "God substitutes" out of my life and instead focused on the one true God of the universe.
And probably the most exciting thing of the past month has been the realization that this is only the beginning...
You can still partner with me with a pledge due at the end of the year (just email me at w4w2013@gmail.com or donate on my Give Well Page. It takes about $10,000.00 to build a well so we are almost halfway. Your support doesn't have to be financial, any comments or prayers or questions are greatly appreciated as well.
Not only am I drinking more water than I ever have, but I am thirsty for it. Maybe, and sadly, for the first time in my life. In the past I have probably consumed, on average, about the same quantity of liquid everyday. Mostly coffee, tea, soda and a very small portion of that consumption has been water, historically. I still need that same quantity of liquid but have only been able to fill that need with water. And my thirst is being quenched. This transition for me has given life to Peter's encouraging request found in 1 Peter 2:1-2 (paraphrased)-Once you have experienced God, put off all the bad stuff and long to be nourished even more.
You see where I am going here, and I admit, it isn't a perfect analogy, but I would be lying if I tried to describe my first month in any other way. I have removed all drink substitutes from my life and I am filling that void with the purest of all drinks, water. And I am truly thirsty. That was the first step that I referenced when I started in the discussion on John 7. Once I realized I was thirsty, I began to truly come to the source to drink.
Because of that thirst, because of that repeated journey to the source over the last month, I am experiencing John 7 living waters flowing from me. My time in the Word, my time in prayer, the clarity of my sin, the brokeness of my heart, the perspective on what breaks the heart of God has all become abundant in my life in the last month. My liquid detox has paralleled my spiritual detox. I have started to push all of the "God substitutes" out of my life and instead focused on the one true God of the universe.
And probably the most exciting thing of the past month has been the realization that this is only the beginning...
You can still partner with me with a pledge due at the end of the year (just email me at w4w2013@gmail.com or donate on my Give Well Page. It takes about $10,000.00 to build a well so we are almost halfway. Your support doesn't have to be financial, any comments or prayers or questions are greatly appreciated as well.
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