Laurie Hopkins

February 24 2020

When Too Many Voices Cause You To Miss The One That Matters

It is a lovely sunny day here as I write –cold but sunny. There is something about the sun shining in the window that makes everything a little bit better, don’t you think? Well, it is that time again, there is a seat at the table waiting just for you. Grab your hot ________(fill in the blank), in your favourite mug and let’s have a chat about “When Too Many Voices Cause You To Miss The One That Matters.”

Let's Linger on Love

Before we get going on a new topic, I’m interested to know how everyone did with the last blog on love? February is the “season of love” and although the commercials are all nice and lovely, the reality of the “season of love” can look very different for all of us, depending on where we are in our lives. The truth about the love of Jesus, however, is that it is available to each one of us. Not only that, once we accept it, it can flow in and through us and overflow onto those around us (all of those around us) if we are willing vessels. February is almost over but the love does not have to stop – let’s linger on love this year!

Can You Have Too Many Voices?

We live in a world of many voices. More than ever before, people around us have the ability to speak into our lives. Technology, social media, our ability to travel easily from place to place, and our quick and easy access to information all contribute to this phenomenon. What happens when too many voices are speaking at once? Have you ever sat in a room full of people, everyone talking in small groups, all having different conversations? If you are in the right spot in the room you may be privy to one or more conversations at a time. The problem is when there is too much talking, not only your ability to focus is negatively impacted but also your ability to participate. How then do we know what voices to attend to?

What You Need To Know About The Loudest Voice

It is important to understand that not all voices are created equal. Sometimes it can be difficult to know when to listen and when to turn away. But it is important to understand that just because a voice is more persistent or speaks more loudly into your life, doesn’t mean it is the most accurate voice. The whole concept of marketing is about finding out what voices are going to best get your attention, in order to draw you into whatever that voice is selling, whether it is a product, a concept, or a mindset. So just because a voice seems on target, doesn’t mean it is speaking truth, it just means you were studied.

In A Multitude of Counsellors

Proverb 11:14 does say, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” So, I’m not saying that we are not to listen to any of the voices we find speaking into and over our lives. But I am saying that wisdom dictates that we need to understand when to listen and heed and when to turn away. You can ask 5 people for an opinion or advice on something today and you will likely get 3-5 varying responses. How will you deal with that? Even more importantly, wisdom dictates which voices we need to control from speaking in the first place. There are voices we allow to speak into our life even though we know beyond a doubt that it will lead to confusion.

Does Every Voice That Speaks Have A Right To Speak?

We must remember, that just because people have the ability to speak into our lives,

does not mean they have the right to speak into our lives. How does that work? Voices speak. That is what they do. And because we live in a day and age when there is such free access to one another, the ability to speak is much easier. But at the end of the day, we must be clear, just because a voice speaks doesn’t mean we have to receive it. There are two main situations we find ourselves in with regards to the voices that speak into our lives: 1) the voices we have control over but don’t exercise control over, 2) voices that speak but are not in line with what we know to be truth.

When We Choose Not To Take Control

So, let’s talk about those voices we have control over but are not controlling. Why are we reading through online sales for things we know we don’t need and can’t afford. That voice has studied us inside out and knows how to speak persistently and loudly over us, why then are we opening up that door and allowing that voice to even speak? Why do we go back to the same people over and over again when we know that they only speak negativity into our lives. Why are we allowing negative, violent and ungodly messages into our hearts and our minds through the books we read, shows we watch and music we listen to? These are all situations in which we can control the voices that are speaking. Why are we choosing not to take control? It is time to cut those voices off!

When You Know The Truth And That Isn't It!

What about those voices that don’t line up with what we know to be truth? Step one is that we need to know what the truth is. How do we find that out? We need to be in the Word of God and we need to be in a relationship with Jesus, listening to His Voice. Step 2, then, is taking the time to take what we are hearing and compare it to the Word of God and what the Lord has already spoken to us. If it doesn’t line up, it isn’t truth. If it isn’t truth, why are we accepting it and going back for more? Why do we continue to listen to and seek out prophetic words that are telling us what we want to hear but that we know are not lining up with the Word or what God has already shared with us. Why do we accept words that are spoken over us and into us that we know go against the very thing the Lord has already spoken. It is time to step back and take back our right to receive or not receive what these, often random, voices are speaking over us.

Who Can Speak Into Our Lives?

Who, then, can speak into our lives? The short answer is, God. If we are in the Word and in relationship with the Father, then He will speak into our lives regularly. In John 10:27 Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. Now, having said that, God does speak to us through others in our lives. And that is ok. Again, wisdom must come into play. Does it line up with the Word and what I know God is doing in my life? Is it coming from someone you are in relationship with? Someone you trust? Someone who consistently speaks accurately into your life? Or is it coming from some random person we have never met before or who speaks often but inaccurately? When I take it to God, does He provide confirmation for me?

Too Much Noise Can Cause You To Miss The Truth And The Truth Giver

At the end of the day, too many voices can cause confusion. Confusion can lead you down rabbit trails you weren’t meant to be on, can cause a distraction and can even cause you to miss the truth altogether. But even more dangerous, is the fact that too many voices can cause you to miss the voice of the Truth Giver. Often times the many voices we hear around us will overpower the voice of truth, because they speak what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear. They are often that very persistent and loud voice. The thing about the truth is that it speaks, no matter what. The thing about the Truth Giver is that He loves us enough to speak no matter what – the difficult and challenging truth as well as the pleasant truth. In a world of many voices, don’t miss the One Voice that cares enough to speak truth into and over your life. Not only does He speak, He wants to be in a relationship with you. He is not speaking to sell you a product, a concept or a mindset. He is speaking to bring you into a relationship with Him and into eternal life. Are you ready to listen to Him today?

What I Know

Voice comes and voices go but the True Voice lasts forever. Jesus wants to speak into your life. He is waiting for a surrendered heart and a listening ear? Do you have both today? Then today is the day to cut out those other voices and began to focus on the voice of the Shepherd.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, it is that time again. I don’t know about you but I find that our time together goes by so quickly, but nevertheless, I’m glad we had this time together. Stay well until we chat again. Sit in the sun for a bit and soak up some life!

Your Turn To Comment

There are several ways to participate in the blog this week:

1) share your word for the year if you haven’t already done so,

2) talk to us about the last blog on love –how loving are you – what areas of loving others do you need to work on?

3) chat with us about the voices that are speaking in society today

4) what voices do you need to cut off?

5) share what you would like to chat about at this table,

6) just share!

NEW!

On the website, I have posted my word for the year and my Bible Verse for the year. I am planning for some changes to the site – help me out – what would you like to see on the website? Comment in the blog section.

Also, my new Lent Devotion has just released on Amazon. It is called A Walk Through Luke for Lent. It is a daily devotional for the Lent season. You can click here to get your Paperback or Kindle version.

If you are enjoying our time together – share the blog – there are options next to the comment section for sharing on Pinterest and Facebook and through email.

Remember that you can sign up to receive these blogs directly into your email. Click here to go to the website and then on the right-hand side of the screen, partway down, click on the subscribe link and follow the instructions. Invite your friends to do so as well!

Be In Touch

I’m at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT

February 10 2020

How Do I Love Thee – When We Realize Our Definition Of Love Is Not Enough

Hello my dear friend, welcome back to the table! It is hard to believe it has been two weeks already. What did you think about the Way of Community that we talked about last time? If you missed our last chat, you can click here to read it and have a chance to comment. This week at the table, I want to talk about love. Specifically, How Do I Love Thee – When We Realize Our Definition Of Love Is Not Enough. Grab your favourite mug and something to drink and grab a place at the table! There is room for everyone!

How Do I Love Thee?

I believe that if you asked most individuals, they would indicate that they consider themselves loving people. My question today is how does our love measure up? What does loving others look like to us? If we are really honest with ourselves, how are we doing with loving all those around us?

How We Have Romanticized Love

Our society has done us a great disservice in how it portrays love. First off, society has demonstrated an unbalanced focus on “romantic” love while ignoring the love we are called to for all those around us. Secondly, the focus that society does put on “romantic love “has become completely commercialized. The more money we spend on fancy dinners, flowers and expensive jewelry, and the more you look longingly into another’s eyes 24 hours a day, the more in love you would appear to be. Society has sold us a concept of love that is unrealistic on two fronts and most of us have bought it, hook, line and sinker.

So Where Is The Love Now?

Although there is a time and place for flowers, nice dinners and gifts, when we buy into this overly commercialized and romanticized concept of love, it can have a negative impact on our ability to love both others and ourselves. What if you are not getting flowers and fancy dinners and expensive gifts – does that mean you are not loveable? When was the last time you gazed longingly into the eyes of your spouse all day? Not so realistic, right? Society tends to amp up the social expectations of love and then when we do not meet those expectations we can begin to doubt that we are loveable or that we are able to love others to the degree that they need to be loved. Unmet expectations, no matter how unreasonable they are, can cause discontent and unhappiness in relationships. So where is the love now?

We are called to love each other, not just our spouse. When we get 100% caught up in loving one person, our focus becomes narrow and we tend to lose sight of the fact that there are people all around us that we are called to love as well. So where is the love now?

Where Do We Get Our Direction?

If we don’t look to society to tell us about love, where do we get our direction? We look to the Word. As Christians, we are called to love as God loves.

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34

When we think about what loving others and even ourselves, looks like, we need to be measuring our love against that of God, not against societal expectations.

How Does God Love?

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God sent His only begotten Son into the world for us and He did so while we were still sinners, still estranged from Him. He did not wait until we “straightened up”. He saw us just as we were and where we were. He met us there and loved us enough, even then, to make a way of restoration for us. He has compassion and that stirred up mercy and grace towards us.

The Example of Jesus

How did Jesus love?

Love

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35

Serve

You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. John 13: 13-15

Seek the Will of the Father

“I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. John 5:30

Keep Commandments

If you love Me, keep My commandments. John14:15

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. I John 5:3

Love Without Expectation

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. Luke 23:34

He loved with no expectation of love in return. Even on the cross, He prayed for those that crucified Him.

Who Did Jesus Love?

Who Did Jesus love? He loved the sinners, the tax collectors, the prostitutes-those that the religious elite of the day had no time for. Repeatedly, in the gospels, it indicates that He has compassion on the people. All the people, not just the people He liked, who were like Him, or who were in the Church of the day – He loved all the people.

What Does Love Really Look Like?

Compassion
Stick with it through thick and thin – love is not a throw-away thing, it is a work-on-it activity
Consideration in the little, everyday things
Think of others before ourselves
Love with no expectation in return
Love the unlovable (everyone is loveable because of their inherent worth as created beings)
Allow compassion to be stirred up within
Hold a hand, give a hug, reach out to others
No offence

What Does Love Sound Like?

Have you eaten?
Call when you get there
Here, let me help you with that
What do you need?
I love you
You are special and important
You can do this, I can help

Are We Ready To Love As God Loves?

So, if we ask the question again, what does loving others look like to you, how would we answer now? Is it time to rethink who we love and how to love, and begin to love in a way that is enough! The first step to real change is to acknowledge where we are today. We need to start by being honest about how loving we really are. How loving are we really?

Where Do We Start?

We need to start where we find ourselves today. True love is a process – it requires conscious thought and intentional action. It does not “just” happen. Pray and ask the Lord to stir up compassion within you and allow that compassion to arise. Now be intentional about practically loving those around you. Love, Serve, Seek the Will of God, Keep the Lord’s Commandments, Love without Expectation, Love those who are unlovable, Love those who may or may not love you in return.

What I Know

I do not know everything but one thing I do know is that the world needs a lot more love; not romantic, commercialized love, but real, down to earth, honest, practical, intentional, everyday love. I also know that if you ask and allow Him to work in you, the Lord will stir up a compassion in you for those around you that cannot be quenched!

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time is up for today. It was lovely to visit together and chat. I would love to hear from you – comment in the comment section below or contact me via the contact information below. Community is a two-way conversation 🙂

Your Turn To Comment

There are several ways to participate in the blog this week:

1) share your word for the year if you haven’t already done so,

2) talk to us about the last 2 blogs – what do you think about the 3 mindsets we talked about (fairness vs grace, looking out for oneself vs rejoicing in the prospering of others, excelling for fame, fortune or notoriety vs excelling in serving) – or comment on The Way of Community

3) how do you love others?

4) what areas of loving others do you need to work on?

5) share what you would like to chat about at this table,

6) just share!

NEW!

If you are enjoying our time together – share the blog – there are options next to the comment section for sharing on Pinterest and Facebook and through email.

Be In Touch

I’m at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | LEAVE A COMMENT

January 27 2020

The Way Of Community

The Way of Community

Hello my dear friend, welcome back to the table! It is hard to believe it has been two weeks already. How did you do with the shifting of mindsets we talked about last time? If you missed our last chat, you can click here to read it and have a chance to comment. This week at the table, I want to talk about The Way of Community. Grab your mug and a hot drink and take your seat at the table. If this is your first time with us, don’t worry, there is room for everyone here.

The Why Of Community

Why this focus on community? Why do all these blogs seem to lead back to this one concept? I believe that we have lost our way. I believe our society has become self-sufficient and self-focused. Because many of us have the means to be our own support and encouragement, our focus and our peer group have become narrowed. Self-sufficiency tells us that we do not require many people with little pieces of the puzzle, to come together and help make up the bigger picture of our lives. Instead, it tells us that not only do we get to decide on what the picture looks like ourselves, but we also are able and should build it ourselves. I’m here to come against this lie of the enemy that we have taken on as the truth in our lives and has caused us to become a group of individuals “doing our own thing” together in the world, rather than a collection of communities seeking to connect with one another. We were created for relationship – we were built for community. We were never meant for a self-sufficient and self-focused life.

The What Of Community

What is a community? It is important to note that a community is not just a group of individuals that continue living life in a self-sufficient manner, together. Nor is community connecting with others, just to further our own agenda. Rather, community involves living life together, sharing our time, resources, giftings and energy with one another for the benefit, not only of ourselves, but also of those around us. Communities can be small or large. We can be a part of a few communities or many communities. Community groups can overlap with one another.

The Who Of Community

We can live in community with a variety of people, in a variety of combinations over a varied span of time. However, community is not all about similar people with the same idea and thoughts and goals, gathering together to further their own agenda. True community may begin with similar people, with the same ideas and thoughts and goals, but must not stop there. The aim of true community is to reach out to those around us, offering up what we have, to improve the quality of life of those around us. Community flourishes when we become a group of varied people with varied idea and interests, giftings and resources to share – while working toward a similar vision.

The When Of Community

Community is an everyday event. It is not meant just for special occasions or when we need to get something done. If we could just grasp that our everyday lives are enhanced by the connections we have with others, we would be better able to understand that community is not a question of when – real community happens all the time.

The Where Of Community

Community happens wherever people are together. It can happen in your living room, your backyard, over coffee, at work, in the large community, in the church, in schools, in the grocery store, on the street or online. Community is about connection and connection can happen anywhere you have people who are open and willing to engage with those around them.

The How Of Community

Community does not just happen. The building of community is an intentional process. Especially in a society where the concept of self-sufficiency has taken such a solid hold. We have to want to be part of community. We have to reach out to those around us and encourage community. It is an active process; it does not just happen on its own. It requires some courage, moving outside of your own box and comfort zone and a large dose of authentic living.

Community Is The Answer

Community is a large part of the answer to the many questions we have today. If we are willing to be real with ourselves and real with those around us, we would be quick to admit that self-sufficiency is a lonely way to live. The willingness to live an authentic life is the first step to building community. When we begin to be real with one another and ourselves, when the masks come off and we begin to reach out our hand to those around us, for help and to assist, true community will begin to form. As it forms, we will need to become intentional about encouraging its growth. Building community requires some effort but the joy that comes from living/engaging in a true and flourishing community, far outweighs any effort we will ever put in.

What I Know

I have longed for true community for some time. Sometimes it takes time to find the community that you can truly connect with and be part of. I am happy to say that in the last month, as we have settled into our new home, we have become part of the most amazing community. We are not perfect at Agape House Canada, but we are committed to living the life we have been called to as followers of Jesus, expanding our community by reaching out to those around us, encouraging one another in the practical things of everyday life as well as our individual and group growth in our Christian walk, helping one another to recognize and develop our giftings for the cause of the Kingdom and making an impact in the world for Jesus. For the first time in a long time, I feel fully alive and fully engaged! What I know, is that I want this for each one of you as well. It is time to take a courageous step from behind the mask of self-sufficiency and to begin to reach out a hand to those around you – a hand for assistance as well as a hand to benefit. You need to find your community and you need to do it now. Time is short!

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time at the table is over for the moment. It does not have to end here though. Below you will find a number of ways to connect outside of checking in every two weeks for this blog. Directly below are a number of ways you can contribute to the conversation at this table. Below that are a number of ways you can connect directly with me. Today is the day to take the first step. It may take some time and a little bit of courage to step out and do so, but together, we can make community happen!

Your Turn To Comment

You can comment directly under the blog in the blog section. We, at the table, would love to hear from you. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1) What communities are you a part of?

2) What do you see as the benefits of community?

3) If you are hesitant to join in communities, what is holding you back?

4) What would you like to talk about in this community? At this table?

5) Just share!

New

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie Hopkins

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments