Jan. 31 Sermon "The Rule: Learning to Count"

Crafting Your Rule of Life
In our current sermon series called
"The Rule", Pastor Rob is inviting us
to craft a "Rule of Life".
This ancient Christian practice can be life giving to your daily following of Jesus.
This last Sunday, Pastor Rob gave us the following homework:

Start with five blank pages in your journal or on a legal pad.
Atop each page write "Roles", "Gifts", "Desires", "Values", "Purpose".
The definitions for each of these headings is given below.

After quiet time and prayer, begin brainstorming in each of these areas of your life. Come back to these five pages and the brainstorming exercise several times throughout the week. Bring this homework to this Sunday's sermon for our next steps in "Crafting Your Rule of Life".

Roles: On this page brainstorm all the different roles you have in your life. For me…I’m a son; brother, I’m a father; I’m a husband; I’m a pastor; I’m a friend; … write any role down you can think of.

Gifts: On this page, write your God given gifts. Think broadly and ask good friends to give their feedback on what they see in you as gifts.

Desires: These are your longings, your deep desires, the things "that make your heart sing"; things that bring you joy. Some may be obvious…others less so.

Vision/Values: The values you hold most dear. The things I want people to say about you at your funeral. Author David Brooks calls these "Eulogy Virtues". For example: Faithful, encourager, team player...

Mission/Purpose: Count all the things you want to do in your life in terms of calling and purpose…all of them. Again, think small and think big! For example: Plant a garden, write a book, or serve the homeless.