Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Ones
This past weekend, Chris and I had the privilege of speaking at Saddleback Church in Southern California. The best thing about it was the time we got to spend with our friends, Rick and Kay Warren, as well as Tom and Shaundell Holloway. Rick Warren, the Pastor of Saddleback Church, has been a real mentor to me for many years. He is an amazing guy who is so down to earth and passionate about helping people find their purpose in life. I’ll never forget going to Saddleback Church 14 years ago. All Chris and I had then was a dream to plant a church that would help people experience Christ rather than religion and be relevant to our generation. Pastor Rick and his wife, Kay, became personal mentors to us and great encouragers. It’s been an amazing ride over these14 years to see all that God has done at Fellowship of The Woodlands. People often ask us in interviews, “What’s the secret to Fellowship of The Woodlands growth?” We always tell them it’s a miracle of God. We love our church, and we love how the people at FOTW are constantly reaching out to make a difference in the world.
This weekend is our son Steven’s 13th birthday. It’s hard to believe. When we started the church, he wasn’t even born yet. It’s amazing how fast time flies. Our daughter, Megan, just turned 16 and got her driver’s license. Look out! It seems like just the other day I was buckling her into her car seat; and now she gets into the car, buckles herself in and drives off. For those of you who have preschoolers and find life really crazy right now, take my advice. Enjoy every moment because they grow up so fast.
Speaking of enjoying each moment, here’s my challenge for you today. Share with me a moment that you really took advantage of recently to experience life to the fullest. It may be just an ordinary moment, but you made it extraordinary by just appreciating it all the more.
Comments
A while back my husband and I attended my little nephew's birthday party. I was really looking forward to just spending some quality time with family that day. While at the party my younger sisters and all the kids kept asking me to do things with them that normally I wouldn't do, like letting my sisters spray paint my hair with pink and blue temporary hair color, or ride a skateboard with my little nephew, or jump in the moonwalk with all the kids or spray silly sting at each other. Well, I ended up deciding to do all of those things, and it was wonderful! My husband and I jumped in the moonwalk with all the kids, and we even ended up having a silly string fight in the back yard. The whole family watched as we had our silly string fight and they seemed to admire our fun loving attitude that we were portraying. It was a wonderful day that I will never forget! It was an ordinary birthday party but we made it extraordinary!
Posted by: Wendy | May 1, 2008 04:41 PM
Kerry and Chris,
I live in Edinburg, Texas, however,I go to Houston often to visit my children who live close to the Woodlands. We attend your services. They attend on Sundays and whenever they can. I purchased your book and I enjoyed every page. I am deeply moved and I appreciate every thought that you put into it. It has given me a better insight on how to live life for the Lord. I know he loves me and that is one thing that I would tell him if I ever saw Him. I just want to be loved by you for there is no other that has loved me or can love me like you.
Thank you both.
Natalie
Posted by: Natalie | May 1, 2008 05:28 AM
We really enjoyed having you at Saddleback Church last weekend! We're still going through the study and it's really going to make a difference in our lives.
Sometimes when I'm in the middle of some of the boring parts of my job, I remember that I'm REALLY doing it for God - the joy that follows surprises me, but then I feel so grateful. I'm being laid off in a couple months, however, in spite of this I'm feeling confident and very cared for by my Creator.
Thanks again for coming! We hope to see you again.
God bless,
Phil Rochelle
Posted by: PHIL ROCHELLE | April 28, 2008 01:53 AM
My husband and I have recently moved from The Woodlands to Magnolia. It is a longer drive home at night after LBS on Tuesdays, and small group on Fridays. I do not mind though, I use the time to pray or worship (I LOVE listening to KSBJ).
The other night when I was driving home I came around the last bend out of the trees and up the small rise just before Magnolia High school on 1488 and was totally blown away by what I saw.... the sky was FULL of stars!!
It may not seem like much, but to me it was a wonderful moment.
Posted by: Kay McWhorter | April 26, 2008 04:17 PM
We started a Community Group in our home about 3 weeks ago, using your book as the focus. To prepare for last week's session, I went to the beach to study. As I sat in my car, I noticed the little things -- the cool breeze, the birds calling to each other, the sound of children laughing, an occasional whiff of food cooking on the grills. It was so relaxing! I had a wonderful prayer time. I had been dealing with anger at a parent (I'm a 4th grade public school teacher), and was reading the chapter about forgiveness. I prayed the quick prayer you suggested in the book, and felt such a release. I can't say I stopped thinking about the situation, but each time I grew angry, I repeated that prayer, and slowly I could feel the peace return to my spirit.
Posted by: Dawn Hill | April 26, 2008 10:08 AM
I am on vacation in Beautiful Barbados, and brought your book along, and now I am totally immersed. This is such a moving experience that I cannot wait to go home and purchase a copy for each of my siblings, so we can do this together. Unknowingly, I was already doing some of your suggestions, reading this book has now reinforced my thoughts and actions. For example, last night, I went outside and just enjoyed the fresh air, and the stars, and I mean stars. I never see so many stars in Los Angeles. Today, I am listening to the birds, and even watching a few of them perch on the window sill from time to time. I felt I was living my life as full as possible, but realize that there is always work to be done. Thank you for taking the time to write this powerful book. I am forever grateful.
Sincerely,
Barbara Ramsay
Posted by: Barbara Ramsay | April 25, 2008 05:58 PM