101 Things in 1001 Days

I grew up in a Methodist church. I don't know if they do these congregation wide, but I know in the South the "children's sermon" is a big part of the service. I can't remember where my car keys are, but I can remember several of these children's sermons from my childhood. In one of them, our pastor was turning 35. Since the life expectancy of men is around 70, he said, 35 was kind of the halfway point.

Well, I hope to live longer than 70, but who knows? As I approach my own 35th birthday, I've done a lot of reflecting on where I've been and where I'm going. And it's amazing how your motives change as you go through different seasons of life. My 20's seemed to be all about me and my plans. Now in my 30's with kids, it's all about serving. I really want to use whatever time I have left using whatever talents God's given me in service of others.

OK, OK. Children's sermon is over. The point of this post is to show you a cool idea called 101 Things in 1001 Days. The concept is pretty simple and pretty sound: most people set lofty New Years' Resolutions, and many aren't kept simply because people try to cram too much in a year. By spreading it out over (almost) three years, more breadth and depth can be accomplished.

So yes, I'm compiling a list. I'll probably share most of it with you - I'm not sure in what capacity. If you're into goals, like I am, and ESPECIALLY if you're into getting some cool things done, this might be worth a try...

Comments

[Kelly (Speedy Gomer)]

I came across that site the other day and I love that idea! I gotta start my list! I look forward to seeing yours if you decide to post it :)

As for the children's sermons, I agree! I work at a faith-based afterschool program and we have praise and worship time every day. I don't remember what I wore the day before, but I remember all those sermons! I also grew up in a Lutheran church and they did the children's sermon as part of the service. Very cool!

[Joan Young/Godgrl Gomer]

Yeah we have the Children's sermon. We have all the kids come sit down front and afterwards the church prays for them all.
Literally 1/3 of our congregation are kids with the majority being 7 years old and under. We had a baby boom in 2001 where 7 children were born. We had a congregation of 63 then. Now we have over 250!

[Wendy]

I have my list...it's on my blog...yeah I still haven't finished my list...maybe "not be a slacker" should be one of my goals.

Looking forward to seeing your list.

[Janelle]

It's not just the South :) The church we go to up here in NY also does a Children's Sermon, and that's followed directly by Children's Church where the little ones go off to do sort of a Sunday School type thing geared for their age, while we get the "adult" sermon in the sanctuary.

As to the 101 Things in 1001 Days...right now I'm doing good to get 1 thing done in 10, do you think I have a chance ;o)

[BJ]

Made me think waaaay back to my twenties... thirties... forties... now into my 53rd year. Sometimes I can remember with better clarity the earlier decades than what even happened last week. Point is, more memories are being accumulated all the time and God is deciding what is truly important apparently... because as I think back, what comes to mind are those that have helped me grow by serving Him and others. I'm a slow learner, and as I crawl to the foot of the cross each year, each day, each hour... the journey is still ongoing. I thank the Lord for His abundant mercy and grace and as I rise each morning and, once again a new day's journey awaits, I'm reminded of Proverbs 16:9 "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." I've changed my course so many times over the years, been lost so often, and yet the Lord is always there guiding me to the right path, giving me a much BETTER course than I would have ever thought to choose!
Peace and blessings to you, fellow time traveler!