Comments on: Lawn Mower or Porsche? http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/ Together we're finding -- or creating -- work we love Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:41:14 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: aaron http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-1641 aaron Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:13:54 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-1641 There are all kinds of passion. I sometimes think we confuse passion for "overdoingit". I know this sounds crazy, but I can sit on my John Deere riding mower ( http://www.bestratedlawnmowers.com ), put in the ears plugs, drive around and in less than an hour see a result that makes me feel good. I get that feeling of accomplishment. I'm trying to say that the little "passions" along the way can keep us fueled for the big times when big passion is needed. There are all kinds of passion. I sometimes think we confuse passion for “overdoingit”. I know this sounds crazy, but I can sit on my John Deere riding mower ( http://www.bestratedlawnmowers.com ), put in the ears plugs, drive around and in less than an hour see a result that makes me feel good. I get that feeling of accomplishment. I’m trying to say that the little “passions” along the way can keep us fueled for the big times when big passion is needed.

]]> By: Lauren Orchard http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-849 Lauren Orchard Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:07:13 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-849 Greetings Dan: Thank you for your encouragement in so many ways...particularly in motivation to work from your passion ...and your dreams. I believe you are right and I've stated many of the same ideas in the past. However... I stepped out of pastoral ministry in 2000 due to physical illness that nearly resulted in my death. I worked with the doctors for several years and have had my health restored. During that time I also completed a D. Min. in church management and leadership which I had started before I took my "sabbatical" in 2000 of which I find myself in still today...2008 and age 51. I had pastored for 20+ years, have multiple degrees, am ordained, and hungry to re-enter the pastoral ministry but... since my graduation in 2006 I've been unable to get back to pastoral ministry. The longer it goes...the more I feel the rejection and a sense of being "placed on the shelf" and not wanted...even by God. It has affected me in many different capacities and though I continue to search and believe, and try to do all the "proper" things to return to ministry...I feel discarded or abandoned. In that condition...the passion and dreams feel like fantasy...and the reality becomes numbing. How does one break out when there is no place to break back in? How does one re-encounter their dreams and passions when rejection becomes the mantra one hears repeatedly? Greetings Dan:

Thank you for your encouragement in so many ways…particularly in motivation to work from your passion …and your dreams. I believe you are right and I’ve stated many of the same ideas in the past. However…

I stepped out of pastoral ministry in 2000 due to physical illness that nearly resulted in my death. I worked with the doctors for several years and have had my health restored. During that time I also completed a D. Min. in church management and leadership which I had started before I took my “sabbatical” in 2000 of which I find myself in still today…2008 and age 51. I had pastored for 20+ years, have multiple degrees, am ordained, and hungry to re-enter the pastoral ministry but… since my graduation in 2006 I’ve been unable to get back to pastoral ministry. The longer it goes…the more I feel the rejection and a sense of being “placed on the shelf” and not wanted…even by God. It has affected me in many different capacities and though I continue to search and believe, and try to do all the “proper” things to return to ministry…I feel discarded or abandoned. In that condition…the passion and dreams feel like fantasy…and the reality becomes numbing. How does one break out when there is no place to break back in? How does one re-encounter their dreams and passions when rejection becomes the mantra one hears repeatedly?

]]> By: Rob http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-825 Rob Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:04:00 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-825 This is a spin off the article also from Jay Clever's response. I have just recently stepped away from a Hospice Chaplain position (ten years). I know through the promptings from the Lord along with my wife that I was suppose to do this. Has it been disappointing? Yes, discouraging, Yes...the list can go on & on, but it also has been rewarding in new ways for me - my perspective has changed. I now have quality time with my wife, son & daughter. I am laughing more, enjoying life (for a change) and I have never been so relaxed. I believe God was stirring me to step out of the boat and onto the water - scary, yes; but also exciting to see as Jay as stated, "He directs our steps and determines our path". I am serving in a small church that I know is not my final destination but in the meanwhile, I will serve and love the people He has giving me to care for and enjoy LIFE until my passions and work meet. Working with Hospice I have learned that we are not guaranteed a tomorrow no matter how close we walk with the Lord, so we have to make the best of today, living for Him and loving others no matter where we find ourselves. The difference between an adventure an a ordeal is our attitude. Blessings!! Rob Gal. 2:20 This is a spin off the article also from Jay Clever’s response. I have just recently stepped away from a Hospice Chaplain position (ten years). I know through the promptings from the Lord along with my wife that I was suppose to do this. Has it been disappointing? Yes, discouraging, Yes…the list can go on & on, but it also has been rewarding in new ways for me – my perspective has changed. I now have quality time with my wife, son & daughter. I am laughing more, enjoying life (for a change) and I have never been so relaxed. I believe God was stirring me to step out of the boat and onto the water – scary, yes; but also exciting to see as Jay as stated, “He directs our steps and determines our path”. I am serving in a small church that I know is not my final destination but in the meanwhile, I will serve and love the people He has giving me to care for and enjoy LIFE until my passions and work meet. Working with Hospice I have learned that we are not guaranteed a tomorrow no matter how close we walk with the Lord, so we have to make the best of today, living for Him and loving others no matter where we find ourselves. The difference between an adventure an a ordeal is our attitude. Blessings!! Rob Gal. 2:20

]]> By: Jay Clever http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-799 Jay Clever Tue, 01 Jul 2008 05:10:15 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-799 I am a 48 yr.-old career changer who has fallen flat on his face financially after leaving my first career as a CAD operator to pursue my passion of teaching Bible. I've invested too much into getting a master's degree to turn back, so I feel like vocationally I'm back at square one, just starting out. I've come to see that seeking after our "dream job" more often than not leads to disappointment and despair--especially as we age and feel we are running out of time. We should rather learn to recognize the value in what we are already doing, and find our contentment in being good at it. Remember, work is part of the curse incurred by Adam's sin--we are not promised fulfillment in it. God blesses each of us as He sees fit--some with great marriages, for instance, others with good health, and still others with rewarding careers. Though we make our plans, ultimately it is He who directs our steps and determines our path. I am a 48 yr.-old career changer who has fallen flat on his face financially after leaving my first career as a CAD operator to pursue my passion of teaching Bible. I’ve invested too much into getting a master’s degree to turn back, so I feel like vocationally I’m back at square one, just starting out. I’ve come to see that seeking after our “dream job” more often than not leads to disappointment and despair–especially as we age and feel we are running out of time. We should rather learn to recognize the value in what we are already doing, and find our contentment in being good at it. Remember, work is part of the curse incurred by Adam’s sin–we are not promised fulfillment in it. God blesses each of us as He sees fit–some with great marriages, for instance, others with good health, and still others with rewarding careers. Though we make our plans, ultimately it is He who directs our steps and determines our path.

]]> By: Kareema http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-795 Kareema Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:46:45 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-795 Dan, Dan, Dan, .... 26 years on the same job... I kept getting better at it. Left the department to pursue a dream.... after 2 years in the new department I hated it... ok why not take the layoff and work full time in ministry....I love people ... I love kids... this is going to be a blessing....well here I am ...4 years into this ... $100,000 (retirement gone)... $50,000 in debt... asking God.... Lawn Mower or Porsche.. where is my passion... ??? I know God is not through with me yet... God Bless you for listening... Dan, Dan, Dan, …. 26 years on the same job… I kept getting better at it. Left the department to pursue a dream…. after 2 years in the new department I hated it… ok why not take the layoff and work full time in ministry….I love people … I love kids… this is going to be a blessing….well here I am …4 years into this … $100,000 (retirement gone)… $50,000 in debt… asking God…. Lawn Mower or Porsche.. where is my passion… ??? I know God is not through with me yet… God Bless you for listening…

]]> By: Ang http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-793 Ang Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:20:20 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-793 I believe that looking for your "passion" and always thinking there's something more out there in life for you are two very dangerous areas to be dwelling on. Christians have gone off into false teaching and following false prophets because they were looking for "something more," or "new revelation," or were just plain dissatisfied with God's Word and their walk with Christ--which are totally sufficient and are everything we need in this life, ever! We are created to love, worship, and serve the Almighty God. Jesus Christ is to be our passion, our focus in life, and the One we do everything for, no matter how mundane in human terms and no matter what job or ministry He has given us. We are to keep our eyes focused on Him and what HE wants--on His will--NOT ours! We're to follow His example. These are God's words, not mine: "So therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every impediment, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you be weary and discouraged in your souls" (Heb. 12:1-3). That rather says it all, don't you think?! I believe that looking for your “passion” and always thinking there’s something more out there in life for you are two very dangerous areas to be dwelling on. Christians have gone off into false teaching and following false prophets because they were looking for “something more,” or “new revelation,” or were just plain dissatisfied with God’s Word and their walk with Christ–which are totally sufficient and are everything we need in this life, ever! We are created to love, worship, and serve the Almighty God. Jesus Christ is to be our passion, our focus in life, and the One we do everything for, no matter how mundane in human terms and no matter what job or ministry He has given us. We are to keep our eyes focused on Him and what HE wants–on His will–NOT ours! We’re to follow His example. These are God’s words, not mine: “So therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every impediment, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you be weary and discouraged in your souls” (Heb. 12:1-3).
That rather says it all, don’t you think?!

]]> By: Gene http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-792 Gene Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:20:53 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-792 Dan, I'm not interested in the magnet - I just want to share 'my music" and our passion. My wife and I are both semi-retired and we've found our passion in working with a peer ministry that works with couples in troubled marriages who still want to save the marriage. We've been involved in this for the past 10 years and "our music" is turned on when we work with these couples. More if you're interested. Gene Foley Pittsburgh, PA USA Dan,
I’m not interested in the magnet – I just want to share ‘my music” and our passion. My wife and I are both semi-retired and we’ve found our passion in working with a peer ministry that works with couples in troubled marriages who still want to save the marriage.
We’ve been involved in this for the past 10 years and “our music” is turned on when we work with these couples.

More if you’re interested.

Gene Foley
Pittsburgh, PA USA

]]> By: Rena http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-791 Rena Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:10:24 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-791 For Kristen-- We should never be embarrassed to say that God has gifted us in a particular way. How wonderful that God has given you the gift of evangelism. My daughter was a missionary in Honduras for 2 1/2 years and is very passionate about the role of women in ministry. If your church is not supportive, ask God to help you find a place that will support the gifts that God has given you. Maybe you can start by using your gifts to talk to your friends and those you meet about your experiences with God and how they have been a blessing to you. Sharing your own personal story is a wonderful way to evangelize. Blessings to you--be joyful in your gift. For Kristen–
We should never be embarrassed to say that God has gifted us in a particular way. How wonderful that God has given you the gift of evangelism. My daughter was a missionary in Honduras for 2 1/2 years and is very passionate about the role of women in ministry. If your church is not supportive, ask God to help you find a place that will support the gifts that God has given you. Maybe you can start by using your gifts to talk to your friends and those you meet about your experiences with God and how they have been a blessing to you. Sharing your own personal story is a wonderful way to evangelize. Blessings to you–be joyful in your gift.

]]> By: Nancy http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-790 Nancy Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:24:07 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-790 Wow-- I have just made a life change to follow my passion! What deja-vu to stumble on this blog! I was working a full-time job in order to have health insurance, while also working a 1/2 time job as a church music director, while also teaching private music students! I was allowed to take a pay cut at church so that money could be used to provide health insurance. I am now adding music students, focusing on my church job, and working on my passions - church music, teaching, and composing music! I am struggling financially but now have the energies to follow my passions. I would love to have one of your special "Is the music still in you" magnets. Wow– I have just made a life change to follow my passion! What deja-vu to stumble on this blog! I was working a full-time job in order to have health insurance, while also working a 1/2 time job as a church music director, while also teaching private music students! I was allowed to take a pay cut at church so that money could be used to provide health insurance. I am now adding music students, focusing on my church job, and working on my passions – church music, teaching, and composing music! I am struggling financially but now have the energies to follow my passions. I would love to have one of your special “Is the music still in you” magnets.

]]> By: Aaron Krott http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/2008/04/16/lawn-mower-or-porsche/#comment-788 Aaron Krott Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:56:10 +0000 http://48daysblog.wordpress.com/?p=121#comment-788 I consider my current career (although successful) a consequence of not seeking out what God would want me to do at an early age. God has given me so much to offer and I am passionate about many things, but because I chose to ignore those gifts/passions and what God wanted them for when I was choosing careers, I now find myself (12) years into a unfulfilling yet successful career where I go to work everyday and leave those gifts/passions at home! Outside of my career, I work with the youth at our church and spend as much time as I can trying to convince all of them to heavily consider what God wants them to do before heading off to college. Don't wait until you have a wife, two kids, mortgage, car payments, etc. to try to figure it out and make a change. I consider my current career (although successful) a consequence of not seeking out what God would want me to do at an early age. God has given me so much to offer and I am passionate about many things, but because I chose to ignore those gifts/passions and what God wanted them for when I was choosing careers, I now find myself (12) years into a unfulfilling yet successful career where I go to work everyday and leave those gifts/passions at home! Outside of my career, I work with the youth at our church and spend as much time as I can trying to convince all of them to heavily consider what God wants them to do before heading off to college. Don’t wait until you have a wife, two kids, mortgage, car payments, etc. to try to figure it out and make a change.

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