..Tam.Odom..

Perseverance
by Dr. John C. Maxwell
Perseverance is not an issue of talent. It is not an issue of time. It is about finishing. Talent provides hope for accomplishment, but perseverance guarantees it.

Romans 5:3-5 – “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

What an awesome way to think about the characteristic that Paul calls us to do. We are to push through, press on, carry to completion. Now, we are promised that what the Lord has began in us, He will bring it to completion. (Phil 1:6)

I think about things like when I am in the heat of an event and I begin to doubt or feel incompetant to complete the task, but something deep down tells you to just keep going, finish strong! What inside of you causes you to think in such a way?

1. The closer you walk with the Lord the stronger the presence of the Holy Spirit which brings insight, wisdom and even some times conviction.

2. Like Romans said in times of trials we find perseverance and then that builds character that brings forth hope!

According to Payscale.com, someone with a BS in Business on the median scale is making around $58,000 a year. I’m definitely WELL below the median, but supposedly the MBA that I shall receive in my hand tomorrow morning will bring me the opportunity to increase my pay by $20,000. Are you serious?! That’s like doubling my income now!

Some pry and ask why stay, because the money isn’t flowing…others ask why leave, because the impact you’re making is valued well above the typical measurement scale! Which is right? Well, I believe the Lord has a purpose for me and even a purpose for me being AT CSU, but to gain the joy of serving, brings the pain of serious sacrifice.

The road that I am on right now, which I choose to label as Alumni Drive, brings me to a time of self evaluation in comparison to the institution I am currently employed. Why evaluate myself…? Well, I believe the road has a pit stops a long the way and this is one in which I must consider my surroundings. I want to be like Paul and Silas in the jail…when they sang PRAISES to Jesus through their circumstances. For some the circumstance for me would be the lack of pay…I consider it pure joy to serve.

Why write this? (I know – I’m suppose to be working on the obstacles posts…and I will…but I felt no better time than now!) I believe I am called to serve but in a capacity that those whom I serve are well above me in the sight of the LORD! I have been running from a calling for a very long time and once I embraced it — the pathway of the road I was on suddenly became a little bit clearer.

Challenge: What is it that the Lord has for you? Are you paying attention to the road or are you just there? ENGAGE! Count the sacrifice of COST/PAY to be a privilege! Find good in all of your circumstances and BE GLAD!

Over the past 8 months I have been thinking about the things that cause me to stumble in my thoughts and my ways. As a Christian with a goal of maturing and enhancing the Kingdom, it seems that people face obstacles and become easily discouraged within a nano second. The one word that tends to be intimidating during times of discouragement is the word obstacle that cause the delay, discouragement or poor decision-making. In the next couple of posts I am going to talk about some of the obstacles that I have faced during these 8 months, the cause-and-effect, and the on-going process.

Webster defines the word:

ob⋅sta⋅cle

–(noun) something that obstructs or hinders progress.

I believe that the Lord allows each one of us to face obstacles in our lives because its a testing of our faith, but it also builds character. I like Dr. Elmore’s take on the Iceberg Principle (E. Hemingway) about the tip above water and the mass below the water line. As he explains, the 10% shown above the water represents the skills, attitudes and behaviors that are seen on a daily basis. The other 90% is below the water line and represents the character, the things that define who we are but can’t be seen on the outside. When I think about the obstacles I have been facing and the things I’ve thought, felt and actually did, I become disappointed in myself. But then I look back at the true lesson during that process to find that the outcome was building character! As we know in the book of James, Paul talks about this same thing…

James 1:2-6 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”

Do you ever feel like the test is never over? Have you ever been in a position that you had two obvious choices that faced you and you chose the wrong one? Do you know why the Lord puts us through the fiery furnace?

Here are some of the obstacles that I have been facing:

1. Fear/Insecurity

2. Emotions

3. Relationships

4. Pride

In the next couple of posts I will go more in-depth about specific ways these have been stumbling blocks in my life. I know the answer right now for more of those things..locate the lie, remove the lie, and replace it with truth. Again, as mentioned before, this is all about the character that we will develop during our trials like the apostle Paul said about his JOURNEY!

Other blogs to check out about obstacles in your life…Brick Walls and Overcoming Obstacles

So – I am getting stoked because about a month from now we’ll be welcoming Shane & Shane to CSU! It should be a good time. Below you will find a poster with concert information. Pass along!

On Saturday, I got the privilege to shoot engagement photos for my friend Manda and her fiancee, Brad. What a cute couple they are…and funny to be with too! They will be tying the knot on April 25th in the Upstate of South Carolina! Enjoy!

So – I am huge fan of Christmas time. I love the trees with lights, the Advent wreath, shopping for my favorites, and, of course, the Christmas music! As you grow up some things will always ring tradition to your heart, but I am learning that some times you must begin new ones… One of the “sad moments” that comes to mind during this season is that the students (“my friends!”) go on a month long break from CSU. I understand that this is a necessary and very beneficial break for their minds to be renewed and their bodies to be physically renewed too. Instead of sulking over this time of separation, we celebrate such times! How would one happen to find ways to celebrate you might ask? Well, among those of us who are highly sophisticated…we chose to go to the Christmas Lights at the James Island County Park. (see pics below) And…. for those us a little more absent minded currently…we chose to celebrate over some hot cocoa and cookies at Club 535! (as before, see pics below!)

Merry Christmas my feathered friends!