Monday, October 31, 2011

Tantrums, Tests, Truth: The Domino Effect (Part 2)

Recap of 10/24/2011:
We watched a video of the "Domino Effect" and discussed a variety of observations (domino color, planning, set-up, etc.).  Following that, we covered how a base of thinking can influence our continued thinking.  That base of thinking can establish or reinforce boundaries (both good and bad), it can enhance or cloud our understanding of consequences, it can even override our sense of security.  So, the base of thinking from which we begin has a profound impact upon how we navigate and where we go.  As we continued our discussion, one person offered the thought that Jesus came from a place of "no sin" whereas we come from a place of "sin".  Therein lies our challenge: to understand AND embrace that Jesus, though he came from a place of "no sin", lived by the power of the Holy Spirit - the same Holy Spirit that indwells the believer (you and me).  Even though we originate from a place of "sin", we are no longer a slave to it because of what Jesus did on the Cross (see Romans 6:6, 6:17-18).


For 10/31/2011:
Prepare To Share:
In light of the "domino effect", consider a recent event how your base of thinking caused you to end up at a result - either good or bad.  Can you see how the base affected the navigation and outcome?  How might you approach that differently?

Brief: We will continue our discussion of the "Domino Effect" and its impact upon our thinking. As Proverbs 4:23 (NCV) states "Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.", it's important to understand the interaction between how we perceive, think, and analyze our environment and our reaction to it will result in our responding in either a tantrum or not.


"I call it like the domino theory of reality. If you can go one step at a time and it seems to make sense, you can then take your audience into an area that is relatively outlandish."
-- Ivan Reitman --

Monday, October 24, 2011

Tantrums, Tests, Truth: The Domino Effect (Part 1)

Recap of 10/17/2011:
Our discussion revolved around the aspect of tantrums and how they impact our lives.  Even King David experienced that his "tantrum" had profound results.  In 2 Samuel 12:15-25, he attempted to change the outcome of his tantrum, but it didn't work.  Job, likewise, was impacted by his "tantrum" of fearing what could happen.  When he feared and operated out of a base of fearful thinking, he acted and reacted differently than he would if operating out of a mindset of believing what God says is true.


For 10/24/2011:
Brief: We will break some new ground in covering the topic of the "Domino Effect" and how our thinking is impacted by where our base beliefs reside.  Even as we approach a test, our interpretation of how we see the events unfolding (based on our thinking pattern) will influence how we react.


"That's one of the great advantages of age. You can say, I don't want to, I don't care, you can throw temper tantrums, and nobody minds."
-- James Lee Burke --

Monday, October 17, 2011

Tantrums, Tests, Truth: Unpacking Tantrums

Recap of 10/10/2011:
We started unpacking the definition and examples of "tantrum" by starting with a video of "Lily's Disneyland Surprise".  I requested that we consider loosening the traditional definition that we think we know (as well as any 'official' definition) in order obtain the broadest exposure to what a tantrum might be.  By what we think and what our experiences have been, impediments effect the necessary vision or sight to do something critically important.  We introduced the 'tantrum spectrum' and briefly touched upon some biblical examples of people who have evidenced tantrums.


For 10/17/2011:
Prepare To Share:
Consider your own life experience and where you've demonstrated a fit or outburst (aka tantrum) and what the process and outcome was.

Brief: We’ll be talking about the hinderances of tantrums and dig deeper in a few biblical examples.  Again, I ask that you be willing to expand your definition of 'tantrum'.  Remember, the scripture we've covered before about the power of thoughts.  The mind, as the very core of our person, influences our words and actions. When the Bible talks about “heart” we need to consider if the reference is really the “mind”. For example, Proverbs 23:7 (AMP) says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” ... it's our mind in which the tantrum begins.


"We used to say that he who threw the biggest tantrum won the day."
-- Neil Finn --

Monday, October 10, 2011

Tantrums, Tests, Truth: Introduction

Once again, I am humbled and thrilled at what and how God includes me in!  He chooses to reveal little bits of His purpose to me and that is thrilling.  He chooses to show me how to do something and that is empowering.  He chooses to call me His son and I am humbled.

This season, Bible: Out Of The Box will be covering elements of the topic "Tantrums, Tests, Truth".  This is an exploration of what happens when God calls us to move in areas in which we have little experience or which goes against our current comfort state.

We will be exploring what might be considered a "tantrum" as we approach, navigate, and conclude a "test" which ultimately leads us to His "truth".  I ask that you join us in the exploration not only of His word, but of ourselves in response to His word.  Blessings!!


"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."
-- Professor Dumbledor (Harry Potter - Goblet of Fire) --