LDP

So we have started a year long Leadership Development Program. The first vide0 conference hasn't even started, and I am flattened by the pre-course work. We are reading a book called Victorious Mindsets by Steve Backlund, and I want to buy a copy for everyone I know.  Each page is a truth that God says about us. Chapter titles include "I Love Life," "I Don't Have to be Perfect," "I Have a Great Work to Do,"  "My Past Does Not Determine My Future," and "I Welcome Resistance," things like that.

And there are sixty of them.

He talks about doing small things in a great way, that we are on God's training ground for greater things, right now. "The things we are doing now may seem small compared to the promises we've been given and are believing for, but our willingness to do them 'in a great way' is the key to opening the door to these promises." (10)

He talks about knowing we are strong, even when we don't feel strong. "Victorious Christians have learned that they continually have an anointing- a divine influence on others- that is ready to be released. They function from faith rather than from emotion. Leaders are thermostats, not thermometers."  (12)

He says that "the enemy of our souls hopes we will limit our ministry to times when we feel anointed." But we have an anointing that "abides."

He tells me that I am part of the solution. He has called us to focus on contributing instead of trying to get our life from people and situations around us. (13)

He reminds me to be thankful for everything He has already done, and focus on what He is doing, rather than get caught up in my "needs list." (14)

He tells me that, like David, who "aggressively confronted the obstacle in his way," (Goliath) he "ran at his problem, not away from it." Procrastination drains power from life.

All the reminders we need, every day, in one book. LOVE.

And I think of one of our young men, Alex. This boy is taking the bull by the horns- he is aggressively declaring God's truth over his life, every day. I have seen his demeanor change, from someone who was sort of quiet and always hanging back, to someone who has confidence and clarity in where he is going. His whole manner has changed.

We feel like we are on a "re-boot"  in so many ways. Physically, emotionally, spiritually,  Every good thing comes from God, He is our source for everything. And I determine my future with my words. Dang. All of that together: look out.

So excited for what is to come!

A Great Reminder

I had this on my facebook, and then it migrated to our fridge, and now it's being printed to hand out at our small groups tonight. It's such a great reminder! I hope it ends up on your fridge!

We don't really appreciate the fact that the woman is the "successful" one and the man is the "unsuccessful" - but if you can ignore that, enjoy!

Love, Us Thoofts

2013!

Hi Family- Happy New Year!

The relief around here is tangible. We are done with our house. Who knew, seriously, that it would be a four year journey? We've assessed and re-financed and all is well.

So what now? Campus! Phil and I are excited to be back at BSU several days a week. We did as much as we could do before, with all the finance and house stuff hanging over our heads, but now we are free of that.

First off, our yearly SALT conference is coming up- Jan 18-21. We have a handful of students going with us, and we're teaching a Restoration Prayer session again, and I am doing worship for the "worship cafe" which is kind of a pre-service prayer. We are so looking forward to it all!

Second, Phil and I are looking forward to campus opening up again (they return for classes on the 14th) so we can prayer walk. We are re-booting Chi Alpha on campus, and we don't know what that looks like. We figure God does, and He will show us as we walk the campus and ask Him what he's up to. Pray for divine connections and meetings!

Third, Friday Night Worship is still going strong. We are meeting at First Assembly for awhile currently. We continue to soak our campus and city with worship and intercession.

Phil's men's group, "Fight Club" is going amazingly well. There are even unbelievers that come- how cool is that? He is building young men  to fight for their relationships and marriages. Guys are getting real about what's going on inside of them, and learning to manage themselves well and lean on God instead of addictions. Bottom-line transformation for you. We love it.

Michelle's women's group, "Real Life" is going well also. We are studying much the same stuff as the men's group- how to get healthy, in every way. Friendships are deepening and women are getting freer than they ever have been before.

We just really feel like we finally have the tools to help people get free of debilitating stuff- emotional, spiritual, physical. It comes from a lot of sources, but most of what we've been blessed with comes from Danny Silk. You can get his stuff for yourself on Amazon, or at www.ibethel.org in their book store. His DVD series "Defining the Relationship,"  "Honor Among Us," and "People Helping People" are the foundations for what we are living, experiencing, and teaching in our lives. Not to mention the Sozo ministry, which is going strong here. People helping People. So good.

Our kids are doing great- Ian is getting married this summer (! in Dallas!), Grace is looking to move into a house with a bunch of friends this spring, Ilsa graduates in June, Maddie is working hard as a 10th grader and loving all things Student Council, and Eli is rocking the third grade at Lincoln Elementary. Keeping up with them is fun. They are such a part of everything we do.

We had a wonderful Christmas. I didn't sell toys, and we rested and enjoyed the season. I am working on the rewrite of The Gift of Sam. Phil is joining us this summer for the triathlon, so we are all gearing up for "training season."  Sean Smith is coming to Duluth at the end of January and we hope to take a crew to learn from him.

And whatever else comes, I'll keep you posted! We love you family!