#1 - Fall Announcements coming soon…

The RS blog has been quiet, but LIfe-Trac Family Ministries and my (Adam’s) life haven’t!  We’ve been busy! (Maybe “active” is a better word…).  We still don’t have all the answers regarding the future of the RockSolid Conference/Camp, but we’re continuing to seek the Lord and take steps forward.

I’ll be announcing our Fall 09 events and engagements soon so you can know what’s up.

#2 - Adam’s “James Gang” Blog & RS Blog

Just wanted you to know that I’ve started a new blog that includes James family happenings and ministry happenings, as well as quotes, devotional stuff, recommended resources, etc… The James Gang will be a more active blog. You may want to check it out.

I will continue to update the RS Blog, but it will be limited to event/ministry updates and information.  At least for now.

Thanks everyone for your prayers!

For your progress and joy in the faith,

Adam James

Life-Trac Family Ministries

Thanks to everyone who made it to SW Hills Baptist Church in Beaverton, OR this past weekend.  And thanks to all who prayed for us!

We believe the Lord is using this 2-day conference to AWAKEN His people to the beauty and truth of God’s distinct design in manhood and womanhood…AFFIRM the institution of and honor due marriage…and issue a call to AMEND our lives accordingly on the courtship road…

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.  When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

When we were young children, it was perfectly normal and expected.  But we leave some things behind as we get older, right?

The security and comfort we once sought in blankets and thumbs (and a stuffed puppy named Jack - ie my son Benjamin) now comes through…..well…. where do we run to for security and comfort?

Good question isn’t it?

As I’ve (grown up?), I’ve replaced such “juvenile” attachments as blankets and thumbs with these:

1. Food

2. Sleep

3. Money (economy?)

4. TV/Internet

5. Approval of others

6. Clothes/Image

7. _____________ (WHAT COULD YOU ADD?)

Does Getting older = Giving up childish ways?

WARNING:  Not in terms of our spiritual growth.

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“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!  Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” - Psalm 34:8

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I could get much more specific obviously, for example… under “food” - how about being more specific and saying…”ice cream”.  As crazy as it seems, the truth is, ANYTHING can become an idol attachment we run to for security and comfort other than Christ alone…and this should not be.

May we be like David and know the goodness of God and the blessing of taking refuge in Him!

Moment of transparency…what’s your list?

This is just too good a video to pass up… I had to break my blogging silence (sorry) with this (you’re welcome).

It’s worth all the 270 seconds (4min. 30 sec.).

Thoughts?

The subject of “time management” is an important one if we are going to truly “leverage our lives for the glory of God”.

The title of this post is a little misleading…is it really “your” time?  For Christians, our lives are not our own, we’ve been bought with a price.  Our entire lives, everything we are and everything we do and everything we have is a matter of stewardship.  Management. The question is not if we manage, but how we manage.  Wisely?  Or foolishly?

How do we know if we’re managing our time effectively?  How do we know if we are wasting our time or living foolishly?  Let us be clear, Scripture is not silent on this subject.  Do we view procrastination, wasting time, laziness, foolishness in this area of our lives as a SIN issue?  An area we need to work at in order to grow in grace?  (Sounds paradoxical doesn’t it…)

I can remember right around the end of my high school days that I began realizing the need for a serious and disciplined approach to managing my time.  That’s when I began to use a planner.  Of course I managed my time before then…or I should say mismanaged my time.  I was a 4th quarter performer.  Procrastinate, crunch time, produce a ton in a flurry, get high marks (and a rush), crash…repeat.

For the record:  That’s not good.  It not only reflects immaturity, but at its core, it is sinful.

And sometimes I wonder - Have I grown up?  Have I grown in grace in this area?

I can honestly say that in ways, I believe I have…but there is much…MUCH…room for improvement.  And without a doubt there always will be.  I’m committed to learning, examining, evaluating, applying and accomplishing more in this area of my life.  And it starts with repentance and then requires effort and accountability.

As we begin to get serious about managing time well, our lives begin reflecting more wisdom.  This is why Psalm 90:12 says “So teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.”

So, I’m curious, how do you manage your time?  Do you have a “system” you use?  What do you use to keep track of appointments/schedule (iphone, blackberry, planner, sticky notes, nothing)?

Aside from sleep and work or school, what do you do with the other 1/3 of your life?  How do you decide what to do?

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.  This is a crucial area for all of us, but youth in particular.