Laurie Hopkins

January 27 2020

The Way Of Community

The Way of Community

Hello my dear friend, welcome back to the table! It is hard to believe it has been two weeks already. How did you do with the shifting of mindsets we talked about last time? If you missed our last chat, you can click here to read it and have a chance to comment. This week at the table, I want to talk about The Way of Community. Grab your mug and a hot drink and take your seat at the table. If this is your first time with us, don’t worry, there is room for everyone here.

The Why Of Community

Why this focus on community? Why do all these blogs seem to lead back to this one concept? I believe that we have lost our way. I believe our society has become self-sufficient and self-focused. Because many of us have the means to be our own support and encouragement, our focus and our peer group have become narrowed. Self-sufficiency tells us that we do not require many people with little pieces of the puzzle, to come together and help make up the bigger picture of our lives. Instead, it tells us that not only do we get to decide on what the picture looks like ourselves, but we also are able and should build it ourselves. I’m here to come against this lie of the enemy that we have taken on as the truth in our lives and has caused us to become a group of individuals “doing our own thing” together in the world, rather than a collection of communities seeking to connect with one another. We were created for relationship – we were built for community. We were never meant for a self-sufficient and self-focused life.

The What Of Community

What is a community? It is important to note that a community is not just a group of individuals that continue living life in a self-sufficient manner, together. Nor is community connecting with others, just to further our own agenda. Rather, community involves living life together, sharing our time, resources, giftings and energy with one another for the benefit, not only of ourselves, but also of those around us. Communities can be small or large. We can be a part of a few communities or many communities. Community groups can overlap with one another.

The Who Of Community

We can live in community with a variety of people, in a variety of combinations over a varied span of time. However, community is not all about similar people with the same idea and thoughts and goals, gathering together to further their own agenda. True community may begin with similar people, with the same ideas and thoughts and goals, but must not stop there. The aim of true community is to reach out to those around us, offering up what we have, to improve the quality of life of those around us. Community flourishes when we become a group of varied people with varied idea and interests, giftings and resources to share – while working toward a similar vision.

The When Of Community

Community is an everyday event. It is not meant just for special occasions or when we need to get something done. If we could just grasp that our everyday lives are enhanced by the connections we have with others, we would be better able to understand that community is not a question of when – real community happens all the time.

The Where Of Community

Community happens wherever people are together. It can happen in your living room, your backyard, over coffee, at work, in the large community, in the church, in schools, in the grocery store, on the street or online. Community is about connection and connection can happen anywhere you have people who are open and willing to engage with those around them.

The How Of Community

Community does not just happen. The building of community is an intentional process. Especially in a society where the concept of self-sufficiency has taken such a solid hold. We have to want to be part of community. We have to reach out to those around us and encourage community. It is an active process; it does not just happen on its own. It requires some courage, moving outside of your own box and comfort zone and a large dose of authentic living.

Community Is The Answer

Community is a large part of the answer to the many questions we have today. If we are willing to be real with ourselves and real with those around us, we would be quick to admit that self-sufficiency is a lonely way to live. The willingness to live an authentic life is the first step to building community. When we begin to be real with one another and ourselves, when the masks come off and we begin to reach out our hand to those around us, for help and to assist, true community will begin to form. As it forms, we will need to become intentional about encouraging its growth. Building community requires some effort but the joy that comes from living/engaging in a true and flourishing community, far outweighs any effort we will ever put in.

What I Know

I have longed for true community for some time. Sometimes it takes time to find the community that you can truly connect with and be part of. I am happy to say that in the last month, as we have settled into our new home, we have become part of the most amazing community. We are not perfect at Agape House Canada, but we are committed to living the life we have been called to as followers of Jesus, expanding our community by reaching out to those around us, encouraging one another in the practical things of everyday life as well as our individual and group growth in our Christian walk, helping one another to recognize and develop our giftings for the cause of the Kingdom and making an impact in the world for Jesus. For the first time in a long time, I feel fully alive and fully engaged! What I know, is that I want this for each one of you as well. It is time to take a courageous step from behind the mask of self-sufficiency and to begin to reach out a hand to those around you – a hand for assistance as well as a hand to benefit. You need to find your community and you need to do it now. Time is short!

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time at the table is over for the moment. It does not have to end here though. Below you will find a number of ways to connect outside of checking in every two weeks for this blog. Directly below are a number of ways you can contribute to the conversation at this table. Below that are a number of ways you can connect directly with me. Today is the day to take the first step. It may take some time and a little bit of courage to step out and do so, but together, we can make community happen!

Your Turn To Comment

You can comment directly under the blog in the blog section. We, at the table, would love to hear from you. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1) What communities are you a part of?

2) What do you see as the benefits of community?

3) If you are hesitant to join in communities, what is holding you back?

4) What would you like to talk about in this community? At this table?

5) Just share!

New

On the website, I have posted my word for the year and my Bible Verse for the year. I am planning for some changes to the site – help me out – what would you like to see on the website? Comment in the blog section.

Be In Touch

I am at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie Hopkins

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

January 13 2020

When We Want Fairness But Really Need Grace –When Mindsets Need to Shift

Hello, my dear friend. So happy to see you back at the table for a chat. Last time I asked you to share your word for the year. We got some good words: expectancy, prayer, “make room at my table”, consistency, trust, “no more walls”. What a great start to the year! If you weren’t here last time, feel free to join us and share your word for the year in the comment section below the blog. I am excited to see what God has in store for all of us and we move in 2020. So, grab your warm cup of something and choose a chair. This week we are going to talk about When We Want Fairness But Really Need Grace: When Mindsets Need to Shift

It Is Time To Shift Our Thinking

I believe that 2020 is a year in which we need to shift our thinking. I think that we so often get caught up in our mind “habits” that we miss out on seeing things in a new and refreshing way. This week I would like for us to consider “What if there is something better?” with regards to 3 mindsets or ways of thinking, that I believe need to switch in 2020.

Matthew 20

Early last week in my devotional time, I was reading in Matthew 20. I read the story of the landowner who went out into the market at various times throughout the day and hired men to go and work in his vineyard. At the end of the day when it was time to receive their pay, we read the following:

So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ “And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. “But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius.

“And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, “saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’

“But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? ‘Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. ‘Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’

So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:8-16 (NKJV)

Fair is Fair

From an early age, we teach about fairness. We believe that fairness is the king of the playground; and if we only applied it to the world around us as we grow from children to adults, then everything will be ok. When I think of the word fair I think of the word deserve. If things are fair, I am getting what I deserve and you are getting what you deserve. Therefore, when we fight for fairness, what we are fighting for is what we deserve.

When I Get What I Deserve But Someone Else Gets More Than They Deserve

Let’s look at this more closely. When we read the Biblical account above of the workers in the vineyard, we see that the landowner was accused of not “playing fair” when paying the workers. Those who were hired early in the day complained because those that were hired later in the day received the same amount of pay. But when we look more closely we see that those who complained actually got what they deserved – they were paid according to what they were promised. Therefore, we could say their pay was fair. They were paid what they deserved. The problem comes when the workers who started later in the day got more than they deserved. So the question of fairness is no longer about me getting what I deserve, it is also about others getting what they do not deserve.

What If There Is Something Better?

What if there is something better than fairness? Sometimes we really don’t deserve anything at all? What if in those moments, we were treated with grace? Grace is defined as favour. Favour, unlike fairness, is independent of what you deserve. In the above account, those workers who got paid for the day and only worked part of the day received favour. Grace was shown to them.

What if we fought for grace rather than fairness?

What if we shifted our mindset to be content when we get what we deserved without looking at what other people are getting? That would require being able to rejoice when others prosper.

Rejoicing In The Prospering Of Others

We are often taught, subtly or not so subtly, to look out for our own interests. This mindset comes from a spirit of lack. We often operate from the belief that there is really not enough to go around. Therefore, if you have something, there will be less for me.

What If There Is Something Better?

What if there is something better than operating out of a spirit of lack? What if we understood and truly believed that our Heavenly Father owns the “cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10)? What if we could get our head around the fact that Jesus came, not just to save us, but so that we would have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10)? There is no lack in either of those statements. Yet, we often live from a place of lack. When we begin to live from a place of “there is enough to go around”, we will find that we are more able to rejoice in the prospering of others. We will know we have reached that place when we get what we deserve, or not, and the person beside us gets grace or favour and we are able to rejoice alongside them.

Excel

We are also taught in life to excel. To aim high and work hard and become all you can be. Unfortunately, over time, our concept of what it looks like to excel has changed. It is no longer work hard, use the gifts you have been given, and be the best you. Excelling has come to mean fame, fortune and notoriety. It involves rising as far to the top as you can all the while comparing yourself to those around you.

What If There Is Something Better?

At the end of the above parable, Jesus ends with the “lesson” for His disciples. “So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:16) Kingdom principles are different than the mindset of the world. In the Kingdom, the goal is not always rising to the top. We can excel in our lives by being obedient to the path the Lord has for us, living our best lives and still never achieve fame, fortune or notoriety.

What if we shifted our view of excelling? What if we choose to excel from a place of serving and obedience and allowed God to raise us up in due time. It would allow for grace instead of fairness, stop us from comparing ourselves to one another, and allow us to truly rejoice when others are prospering.

There Is Something Better

Grace is better than fairness.

Rejoicing in the prospering of others is better than looking out only for our own interests.

Excelling from a place of serving is better than seeking fame, fortune and notoriety.

What I Know

I know that mindsets can be difficult to shift. Recognizing that we need to shift is the first and most important step. Are you ready to make a shift in 2020? Let’s commit to doing this together this year. There is no need for anyone of us to float on our own. There is grace at this table. And there is freedom to be the real you, not the you that you feel you have to put out there. Peel off the mask and put it on the table. Think about which of these three mindsets you would like to work on.

Until Next Time

Well, my friends, my coffee cup is empty and the kitty cat is clamouring for some attention. Thanks so much for coming to the table. I value your presence, your commitment of time and your thoughts. This year I would love it if everyone would commit to taking a few minutes to share in the comment section of the blog after reading it. Let’s build a community that can chat, encourage and share with one another. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their word for the year.

Your Turn To Comment

There are several ways to participate in the blog this week:

1) share your word for the year if you haven’t already done so,

2) comment on some of the other words that were shared (they are in the first paragraph of this blog),

3) talk to us about today’s blog – what do you think about the 3 mindsets we talked about (fairness vs grace, looking out for oneself vs rejoicing in the prospering of others, excelling for fame, fortune or notoriety vs excelling in serving)

4) share which mindset you would like to tackle first,

5) share what you would like to chat about at this table,

6) just share!

NEW!

Be In Touch

I’m at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on:

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

January 1 2020

Why We Need To Trust The Process

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020! I thought we would start the New Year with a chat around the kitchen table! Grab your favourite cup of something warm and grab a seat – there is room for everyone. The topic for today is Why We Need to Trust the Process.

We Have Moved

So a lot has happened in our household in the last few months. Starting it all off, we made the decision to move from Nova Scotia to Moncton, New Brunswick. In the last 11 weeks we have prepared our home for sale (decluttered, cleaned, repaired), sold our home, purchased a new home in Moncton, packed, moved, put together our Ikea furniture, and celebrated Christmas and the New Year. It has been a bit of a whirlwind! At this point in time, we are about 95% unpacked and settled in. Not too bad, if you ask me. We are loving our new home.

Putting Things Together

When we moved, we needed some new furniture for our new home. Before we left Nova Scotia we made a trip (or two) to Ikea and picked out the items we needed. We left everything in their boxes for ease of moving. Once we arrived in Moncton, we began the process of assembly. On Christmas Day, we took on the challenge of assembling the new sofa. Next came the glass cabinet, and in between Christmas we tackled the new trundle bed. All in all about 9 and ½ hours of assembly.

Furniture Assembly

It is hard to visualize the final product when you are starting with a pile of wood, screws and a few Allen keys. I tend to have to really focus to think my way through spatial things on a good day. With a pile of pieces and a few pages of instructions, that need to focus intensified.

The Purpose of Instructions

The purpose of instructions is to walk you through the process, one step at a time, so you will not get confused or overwhelmed by all the bits and pieces and steps that need to be completed. If you read through all the instructions before beginning you will have a general idea of what is going to happen and what the end product should look like. But the “why” of each step doesn’t become clear until the end of the assembly.

2019

For many of us, 2019 was like a pile of wood, screws and a few Allen keys. For those of us who sought the Lord at the end of last year, we had some “instructions” to begin moving by. In reading through the “instructions” He shared with us, we were able to develop in our minds some sort of picture of what things may look like at the end of the assembly. However, in my experience, 2019 required a lot of focus to work through the step by step process, with frequent thoughts of, “why am I doing this now?”, is this the front or the back?” and “stop for a minute, this doesn’t look right.” It even required some, “oops, we did that wrong, take it out and let’s redo it” moments.

Are We Almost Done Yet?

I feel like coming into the end of 2019 we are partway through the assembly, but not yet to the stage where things make sense visually. We know that we have been working steadily through the step-by-step process, but we can’t yet see which side is up or down, front or back, and we seem to have too many or too few screws and wood pieces left in the pile.

But It is A New Year!

We are not always accurately able to determine the time that it takes to assemble a piece of furniture. Our new sofa only took 2 hours to assemble. The Trundle bed, on the other hand, which we assumed would be much easier, took almost 7 hours to piece together. 2019 may be behind us, but we are not yet finished assembling what the Lord gave to us at the end of 2018.

So How Do We Proceed?

What we need to be clear about as we enter 2020:

We need to trust the process!

It is not the time to question the assembly instructions

It is not the time to slow down, take things apart or set it aside due to weariness

It is not the time to bring out our drill and start making our own plans to speed up the process

We need to look at the instructions with new confidence in their ability to lead us to the finished assembly

We need to commit to the remaining assembly with an expectancy of the finished product that He has promised

When It Doesn't Look Like You Thought It Would

Jeremiah, the prophet, gave this Word to the Children of Israel:

This is what the LORD says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

The Lord gave them “instructions” – the end result of which was that He would bring them home again, that He had good plans for them. But I can guarantee you, that when they were halfway through the assembly of these instructions they were saying, “But Lord, this doesn’t look right!” There was a process that they would need to walk through (captivity) before the assembly of the final product would be completed.

Partway through things don’t always look like we imagined the final product to be. That is why we need to trust the process. The instructions will, in time, bring us through to that final assembled item.

What I Know

Here’s to the lessons we learned in 2019!

Here’s to 2020 – the Year of Completion

The word for 2020 is Expectancy.

It doesn’t matter how many partially finished projects we have on the go – it is time to set our foreheads like flint to the things the Lord has called us to – commit to the process and move forward confidently and with expectancy, as we trust the process to bring us to fruition.

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11).

The Word that the Lord gave to us will accomplish that which it set forth to accomplish. We just need to continue to follow the “instructions” and trust the process as we enter 2020.

Until Next Time

Well, my dear friends, it is that time again. My cup is empty which tells me our chat is over for the time being. In 2020 I would love for us to earnestly seek to have real conversations at this table. That means more than me talking! There is a comment section at the end of each blog. I would love it if you would take the time to make a comment, share your thoughts about what you are reading, ask questions, and tell me what other things you would like to chat about at this table. I do moderate what is posted on the blog, so I promise to keep it encouraging and uplifting and edifying, real but with no undue negativity at this table.

Your Turn To Comment

Let’s start today! If you have read this blog, why don’t you tell me what your word for 2020 is. It is as easy as typing it into the comment section. We can all manage one word to start the New Year!

NEW!

With the new year comes new ways of looking at and seeing things. Watch the website for some new features and a bit of a new look as the new-year progresses!

Be In Touch

I’m at the kitchen table every day; drop by anytime for a chat! You can find me on

Email laurie@lauriehopkins.ca

Professional Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.ca/LaurieHopkins10/

Comment section at the end of each blog

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Category: Uncategorized | 10 Comments