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Ready or not, here it comes, and it has been coming for some time.  Simple church, organic church, or whatever you choose to call it is a evolving phenomena worldwide.  I personally have been making the transition from a “regular” church pastor to whatever I am now – whatever that is.

All I know is that I love the Lord and continue to have a strong desire to help people come to know Him in reality and truth.  I am still an elder and leader in the body of Christ but this is more of a function rather than a title.  To most I am just Jim, Dr Jim, hey you or just buddy.  Very seldom am I called reverend or anything close to it – not these days.

I remember when I worked as a mental health professional and longed for the days that I could be in full-time ministry.  I spent my working hours helping people who were in emotional and mental distress but I longed to be in full-time ministry.

Frequently my job required me to work with the local compassion ministry after hours that provided food, clothing and shelter, but I longed to be in full-time ministry.

One day, I was talking with a long time friend and when I shared my dilemma he said, “you’re already in full-time ministry brother”.  It was like scales fell off my eyes and I could see the truth.

Unfortunately, I fell into the mold of the full-time pastor – starting a church congregation, attending pastor’s meetings, a lot of preaching and teaching etc.  I must tell you, my life was much more exciting and fulfilling before I took on this role.  Now it seems God is bringing me full circle, after about 15 years.

Maybe you are longing for full-time ministry?  You need to get free from that erroneous idea.  God does not want us living our lives in these self created Christian ghettos.  Look at the life of Jesus – where did he spend most of his time?  In temples and synagogues ? – I don’t think so.

What do you believe is your purpose?  Why are you here on planet earth?  What need has God created you to fulfill?  Do you know, or do you struggle with this whole idea of living life on purpose?

One day I sat down prayerfully before God and I could see that my vocation, my purpose, is to be a people helper.  Whether I am in front of a crowd giving a speech, or sitting in a small group of people, I flow in my purpose, and I do not have to try that hard to do it either.  This is me, this is who I am.

I would like to see more and more people delivered from religious nonsense.  Let’s get rid of the idea of full-time ministry.  The great success is when what you do most of the time is what you feel you are called to do.  This is why I love the concept of Simple Church – it facilitates a simple life – one in which you are free to be who you are.

Do you love kids?  Do you spend most of your time around them – whether through a job or some volunteer activity? Maybe you are mom or grand mom to the neighborhood.  Just be free to flow in your purpose.  You do not need to be in children’s ministry in a formal church, although that is ok if that is what you feel you need to do.  Just get free of all the religious nonsense.

What you and I do does not define us.  God defines us in the purpose he calls us to, and we are free to enjoy His desire for our lives.  This is how we are designed to flow in life.

You might be reading this post and thinking, “Oh here we go again, and it’s another one of those Christian sites.  If this is what you’re thinking you may be right.  I am a follower of Jesus so in this sense I am Christian.  If you think I am one of those mean people who has a problem with everybody else then you are wrong.

Jesus came to save sinners and like Paul the apostle, I am chief or one of the main ones.  Let him who is without sin cast the first stone – Jesus said this once.  I have my own issues and I do not have time or the desire to judge you for yours.

I think I have rambled enough for now.  I am waiting for my granddaughter to have her first child.  Yes, I am getting ready to be a great grand pop but don’t let your imagination run away with you, I am not that old – she is just young.

I use to love to hear an old song called, “If I can help somebody” ,when I was growing up.  If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain.  Think about it, helping somebody – anybody.  What an idea!  Till next time.

Your opening bid should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood you are considering. This is where an agent comes in handy – make them earn their money by doing the research and giving you the figures.

Let me warn you about the process of buying a home. A motivated buyer will usually find a home within two weeks. Intentionally slow down the process. Buying a home is one of the most complicated financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime. But the benefits of buying a home far out way the challenges.

Getting pre-approved will take a lot of the stress out of the process and it will let you know how much home you can afford. It will also let realtors and sellers know that your offers are serious. A few months before you start house hunting, get copies of your credit report and take care of any possible problems.

Here are some good questions to consider up front. What’s the difference in asking price versus selling price in recent sales? How long are the houses in the neighborhood typically on the market?. How long has the house you’re considering been on the market?

Be prepared to go back and forth during the negotiation process until a final number is agreed upon. Remember that generally verbal offers concerning real estate are not binding, so make sure that all changes to your offer to purchase get made in writing and are initialed by all parties.

I have a lot more I could say but let me leave you with a few resources. Here is a good article for first time buyers by Wachovia: Click here.

Here is a calculator to help: Click here

Do not forget that there are always people who try to capitalize by taking advantage of others. Here is a recent article about mortgage fraud I just read today: Article link

Until next time, Jim

“Religion seems more important here in the U.S. than anywhere,” Adamson says. “As I’m promoting it here, everyone is asking me about the religious aspect. When I promoted it in France, everyone was asking why Americans are so obsessed with the religious aspect.”

Indeed, Adamson’s first “Narnia” came on the heels of 2004′s “The Passion of the Christ,” which grossed $370 million domestically and tipped studios to a potentially untapped audience of faithful moviegoers…

http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN1636164320080516?pageNumber=3&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true

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The bottom line in Hollywood and in business in general is money.  Good movies can be made for a lot less money than what is being spent.  I like the blockbuster movies with lots of special effects but I also enjoy a thinking movie like “Amazing Grace”.

Take the time to read the entire article.  With all the talk of recession maybe movies have gone the way of a nice mocha at Starbucks and that new pair of shoes.  Just something to think about.

Till next time,  Jim