Strategy Archives - Laurie Hopkins

April 6 2020

Why We Need to Live With Intention Right Now

Why We Need To Live With Intention Right Now

Hello, my dear friend, I am so glad to have you back at the kitchen table for a chat. If you are new to the table, welcome, we are happy you are here as well. There is always room for our friends and our new friends at the table. Grab a mug of something warm, pull up a chair and let’s chat. Last year I released a blog entitled Why You Need to Take Courage When You Know the Shift Is Coming. In looking back at that conversation, I felt that some of it was very pertinent for today as well, so to start things off I wanted to review a few points from that blog with you. Following that, I thought that today we would talk about Why We Need to Live with Intention Right Now.

Shift - The Greater Change!

First, let’s chat about the difference between a change and a shift. When I think of change, I think of something that is happening to me, with or without my agreement and/or effort. When I think of a shift, I think of something that is going to require effort on my part and, ultimately, is going to lead to growth. A shift generally requires digging deep for and/or developing a completely new set of skills. Shifts take us out of our comfort zone. They require that we move and think differently. In addition, if we lean into the shift, we will meet the possibility of revolutionary change in our lives. We can decide if those things that are moving in our lives are changes or shifts. Will we let it happen to us or will we consider playing an active role? Change vs. Shift! Shift – the greater change!

Shifting Requires Courage

Courage, like shift, is an active word. It requires us to “venture” which means to proceed especially in the face of danger. (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venture#h1). It requires that we dig in, find our mental and moral strength, and then push ahead towards the shift, even amid the danger, uncertainty, fear or difficulty we are encountering. Courage requires that we decide to stay the course. We know the shift is coming. We know that we know that we know. Now we need to commit to staying the course.

"Final Push" Courage

There is courage and then there is “final push” courage. Courage is what allows you to stay the course through the change and through the shift. “Final push” courage is that courage that allows you to lean in, lean forward and give it your all at that point when you feel like you have nothing left to give. When you have been moving toward the shift for some time and you know you are on the cusp, but you can’t quite see it because of the weariness that clouds your vision and you can’t hear it coming through your own cries of “How long, O LORD?”. But, you know that you know that you know, without a shadow of a doubt that you have come this far and you are going to go the distance. This is “final push” courage. It is the courage that mothers have as they are about to deliver their baby. Long-distance runners and athletes dig in and find this kind of courage when the finish line is close enough to touch. In addition, we, every day, find this courage when we are weary and frustrated but know that we have come too far to give up now and miss the shift.

On The Cusp Of A Shift

These are unusual times. Many people have described them in many ways. My thought, right now, however, is that it doesn’t matter so much how we label them, as long as we recognize that we are in a time where there is a great opportunity for shifting. In this time I believe we will need to decide though, whether we will be changed (willingly or unwillingly) by the situation around us or we will lean in and shift.

There Is A Sound

On March 23rd, as I sat with the Lord I received (in part) this:

“You have the key – open your mouth and release the sound in the atmosphere. There is a lock in the atmosphere that needs to be opened – the keys have already been distributed throughout the earth. It is time to stop knocking when you have the key to open the doors in the atmosphere – open your mouth – speak it and watch the doors swing open.

There is a sound that will unlock the doors of the atmosphere.

My people have gone quiet – open your mouth and release the sound.

Your sound is unique like a unique key. Stop staying “I don’t have.” It has already been put into place – use it. Who, having a key, refuses to use it to open the door in front of them? – you will grow weary knocking. Cry out and let your sound flow – the atmosphere is waiting.

Pastor Siadra of Agape House Church Canada, on April 5th, preached about a Seismic Sound that needs to come forth from the people of God at this time. Hear that sermon by clicking here.

How Will A Sound Go Forth Without A Plan?

If we are being called, in this time to release the sound that is within us to unlock doors in the atmosphere, to lean into the shift, how will we do so without a clear plan? I would suggest that for many of us, for some time, we have been moving forward, perhaps even attempting to release a sound, but in an inconsistent, hit and miss kind of way. Let us be honest. We are busy, we are distracted and we do not always take the time to sit and make intentional plans for our times.

It Is Time For Intention

Intention requires more than a desire to move forward in a particular way (resolve). Intention requires a prioritized and well thought out plan. A plan that is flexible to take a pivot but that is concrete enough that if shared with someone else they could put it into place without too much explanation. “WOW! Really?” you are thinking. That is a concrete plan. Well, here is the thing. We have 24 hours in a day. Work, sleep and basic activities around self-care take up a large chunk of that time. What we do with the time that is remaining has great potential. What often happens, though, is that we fail to understand that what we do not prioritize most often does not get done. Time moves quickly like sand in an hourglass and if we are not intentional about what we want to do with that time, we find ourselves at the end of another day, weary and not much farther ahead. If we would just learn to be clear about where we are heading then we would find it much easier to prioritize what we will say yes and no to, in our lives. When we are clear on our yes and our no, it becomes easier to turn away from those things that will not move us forward in the direction we intend to head.

Going For The Shift - Releasing A Sound

I believe in this hour, to release the sound the Lord has placed within us, we need a two-pronged plan. We need a Vision and a Strategy. Both of these things come to us by spending time in prayer, in relationship with the Lord and with time in the Word. Now is the time to buckle down and go deeper into your relationship with the Lord. For many of us, in this season, we have been given a gift of time at home. That is going to look a bit different for each one of us. However, right off the top, it is an opportunity to make more than a change – it is an opportunity for shifting. Everything has changed, it all looks different, from your roles and responsibilities, to how you interact with others, to how you work and what your finances look like. We could allow the circumstances to change us – panic, complain or just see this as permission to “check out”, all the time acting as if it is all out of our control. Or we can choose to lean in and initiate a shift. Some things are out of our control but some things are well within our control, such as what we choose to do with our time. For some of us, we need to start with some much-needed resting time, family time, and time for reflection. For all of us, quiet time in prayer and devotions should be at the top of our priorities. But what about the rest of the time?

Vision And Strategy

It is time to sit down with the Lord, with a pen and paper, and ask for the Vision and Strategy He has for you in this season

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” How will you know where to step next if you do not know where you are going? So let’s start by asking the Lord:

1) What are You saying to me at this time?

That is your vision. That is what you will look to each day to remind yourself of where you are going. This is where you will look when you forget what the Lord has promised you and has assured you of. This will be where you will look to keep your eyes on the Lord and the things of the Lord because you are a Kingdom citizen, not a citizen of this world.

Once you have a vision you need to ask for a strategy. The question for the Lord is simple:

2) What would You have me doing in this season?

This is the beginning of your strategy. Once you know what you need to be doing you will make a concrete plan. A plan you can refer to frequently and adjust as necessary.

This Is Intention

This is intention. You have promises, reassurances and a direction. You know where you are headed. You have a plan around what steps need to happen. You have the resolve and you have a concrete plan. You are now ready to begin releasing the Sound that Lord has for you to release into the atmosphere. You will be able to make wise decisions and prioritize your time accordingly. You will not look back at this time and season in your life as a missed opportunity or a time when you were moved by forces outside your control. Rather, you will be able to look back at this time and season as one in which you choose to lean in and shift and release a necessary Sound into the atmosphere.

What I Know

These are unusual times. I believe they are also pivotal times for you and me. Change comes whether we like it or not, but shifting is a completely different cup of tea. We have to choose to shift. When we find the courage and the “final push” courage to do so, our lives will never be the same again.

Once we decide to move with the shift, we must decide to move with intention. No one ever fully shifted who did not have the resolve and vision to do so and a clear plan.

The Lord is so faithful – if you sit with Him and ask of Him, He will give you guidance and direction. I would be so happy if you would commit to starting this process with me. Carve out some time at the beginning of this week and sit with the Lord. Listen to what He has to say to you in this hour.

Until Next Time

Well, my friend, our time has come to an end. My cup is empty and it is time to move on for now. As part of leaning into my shift, I plan to develop some tools in the upcoming days to help you to move intentionally in this hour. I am planning on some material to help you set your vision and begin to plan the strategy the Lord has given you by helping you set some clear and achievable goals. These tools will be available online and free of charge. I am committed to helping you lean into your shift and to release your Sound in this hour.

If you are signed up for blog updates, watch your email for further information in the next week or so. You can also watch my Business Facebook Page for updates. If you like my page and then click follow and see first (all at the top of the page) you will get notifications when I post new information.

Click here to go to the Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GodsWritingDancer/

I will also be putting these tools on my website at https://www.lauriehopkins.ca

Your Turn To Comment

If there is anything specific you would like help with, for me to comment on or tools you would like to see me develop, please let me know. You can contact me via any of the means listed below.

As always, I love to hear from you – so be sure to be in touch!

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

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March 23 2020

Why It’s Our Time

Why It's Our Time

Hello, my dear friend, it is so good to have you at the table. There is so much going on in the world at the moment, the past few weeks have felt like a bit of a time warp. The time has passed quickly and slowly all at the same time. Have you felt that contradiction? Well, you know the process here at this table; grab your favourite mug and a hot drink and let’s take a seat and have a chat. This week I would like to talk with you about Why It’s Our Time.

A Time Of Great Noise

We are living in a time that most of us can honestly say we have not experienced before. The world is chaotic, the sense is uncertain and the messages more mixed than ever. Social Media and technology allows us to have 24-hour access to information from all over the world. We are bombarded with many voices, all telling us what to think, say and do. The voices are loud, soft, demanding, insistent, compassionate, wise, and leading us in every different direction. Our minds and spirits were not created to take in or process such clamour. The noise is great!

And Time Stood Still - Not

We would like to think that at a time like this everything would shut down, like a safety valve that shuts off when the pressure rises above a certain level. That time would stand still and we would be able to stop, process, consider and make our decisions. Unfortunately, that is not how it works. The world moves on and time does not and will not standstill. As I mentioned earlier, the days seem to be moving fast and slowly all at the same time. I seem to have all the time in the world one minute and feel like I am running out of time in the next minute. The pace is fast all around us and yet, in the day to day, many things have ground to a halt.

From Whence Commeth My Help

As a Christian, when the time refuses to stand still and the world goes on even though it appears to be spinning slightly off balance and a bit out of control, I have to remind myself “from when cometh my help” Psalm 121:1 The remainder of the Psalm holds the answer.

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. Psalm 121: 2-8 KJV

Forgive me, but sometimes things just sound better in the Old King James Version.

Direction For The Times

I find great comfort as well as strategy and direction in the Word of God. My Bible has been a faithful companion for me since I was a young child. Dog-eared and highlighted, underlined with many notes on the side, it has been a place of solace, encouragement and direction in my life. Today is no different. Different circumstances, different voices coming at me, but my anchor holds and my foundation remains firm in the Word of God.

Contradicting Voices

I have been looking through the Word for direction. It is important for me, at all times, and especially in times of crisis and chaos, that I remain a light and a witness in the world. I will never be successful at that by listening to the many and contradicting voices I am hearing all around me right now. The only way that I know to remain faithful is to go to the Word and hear what the Father has to say to me and for me in these times.

Conforming Vs. Transforming

Romans 12:2 tells us, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

We are not called to conform, we are not called to become part of the herd; we are not called to conforming behaviour. Rather, we are called to stand out and be different; transforming behaviour. Where does that transforming behaviour start? By the renewing of our minds. How do we renew our minds? The Word of God is a great place to start. Get into the presence of Jesus and allow Him to speak peace, love, mercy, grace, healing and righteousness into your mind. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

When Fear Comes

As Christians, we believe that God is ultimately in control. He has this. We believe that He will work all things together for our good. Romans 8:28 (Not that all things are good but that He will use them for good in our lives). And yet, we still will experience feelings of uncertainty and unsettledness and sometimes even fear. Let’s be honest. It is not that we should not have those feelings (feelings are not wrong or right, they just are), it is what we choose to do with those feelings.

What Does Transforming Behaviour Look Like?

So what does transforming behaviour look like? It looks calm, composed, and wise. It looks like a light amid shadows. It looks like a helping hand when other hands have shrunk back. It looks like unconditional love. It looks like a word of encouragement when there seems to be no words at all. In short, it looks different from the behaviour you see the majority engaging in.

Turning The World Upside Down

“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” Acts 17:6 In Acts, Paul and Silas were preaching in Thessalonica to a large group of Greeks who were quite taken with the Gospel message. The Jews, however, becoming jealous, stirred up the crowds and brought Jason and some of the brethren to the rulers of the city. They stated, “these who have turned the world upside down have come here too” and further accused them.

I love that they accused them of turning the world upside down. I believe that is what transforming behaviour looks like. They were preaching the Gospel, a new message, a message of hope and redemption and grace amid a society that focused on the law, rules and dependence on a never-ending sacrificial system.

We are called to “turn the world upside down”. Our behaviour should mirror that of the early Church – behaviour that lines up with the message we preach – behaviour that looks like hope and redemption and grace.

When The Church Became A Building

The early Church was scattered and spread out over the entire world. They preached in the synagogues but they also preached in homes, on the street, in the marketplace, at the city gate. They did not just speak to their own, the Jews, they shared with anyone they encountered and anyone that would listen. The Church never referred to a building. The Church was the people. The people were the Church. Today, when you say “the Church,” most people think in the context of a building. 4 walls, seats, music, liturgy, tradition, rules and regulations. We have failed to go out and share the Gospel message with those around us, those who we encounter in our day-to-day life. Instead, we invite them to come to us, to sit within our 4 walls, listen to our music and to adhere to our liturgy and traditions. We have boxed ourselves in and invited others to come and join us in our limiting box, rather than leading the way, taking the Good News to others and teaching them the truth about living abundantly, which requires living outside of the box. Why are we inviting people into a building and telling them how we believe they are to live their lives? Why are we not taking the Gospel to them, allowing them to encounter Jesus for themselves and allow Him to speak directly into their lives! An experience outdoes an argument any day!

The Real Church - The Body of Christ

Every body is made up of parts- hands, feet, arms, legs, a head, and a torso. Each part of the body has a function and a purpose. When any part of the body is not functioning, dysfunction happens in the body as a whole. The body must work together to fulfill its purpose. The church is not a 4-walled box; it is the Body of Christ. We are His hands and feet in the world. The real Church is not stationary; it walks around amidst the crowds, day in and day out. We, the individuals, are the Church.

It's Our Time

The world is in a unique situation. Each day new restrictions are being put into place with regards to the gathering of crowds. Social distancing is the word of the day. Our Church boxes are being shut down one at a time. Our small groups of likeminded people are being cancelled. As the Church, we are in the process of grieving life, as we know it. Nevertheless, let me tell you that I believe that it’s our time. All things are being shaken. We are in a refining process. The early Church suffered persecution, resulting in the scattering of the apostles. “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4 There was a shaking.

We are in a shaking now! I believe the Church as we know it is once again experiencing a scattering. What an opportunity to reset the way we see ourselves and the way the world sees the Church. We are being forced, in a sense, to figure out how to be the Church individually, in our families, in our neighbourhoods, in our marketplaces, in a time when corporate gathering is restricted. What an opportunity!

What I Know

I know for sure that this is a new season and a new time and that we, as the Church, need to step up to the plate and begin walking out the walk that we have been talking for so long. We speak of a gospel of grace, mercy, unconditional love and redemption. So, let us, as individual members of the Body of Christ, start walking in grace, mercy, unconditional love and redemption. Let us begin to share out stories of our own encounters with Jesus. It is time to talk about where we were when He found us, what He has brought us from and what He has brought us to. It is time to get honest with the people.

What if the world saw the light of Jesus in us? We need to be showing those we encounter a calm, confident, wise demeanour while acknowledging the reality of our situation. Others should be so moved by the way we are presenting that they begin to ask, “How can you walk in that way during this situation?” We need to be the most generous people out there. We need to be checking on others, offering practical assistance and encouragement. Our Social Media feed should be the most positive and realistic; providing sound, accurate, up to date information and words of comfort, encouragement, and practical every day, useful, resources and advice. Now is a perfect time to learn to use technology that encourages community. Zoom, Skype, Facebook Messenger are just some platforms that can be used to bring people together virtually.

Let’s lead the pack. Blaze the trials. Show the world how to be more than victorious, to be overcomers.

This is a world we have not yet seen. Let’s get out there and begin to mould and shape it rather than allowing it to mould and shape us. It is all about transforming behaviour rather than conforming behaviour.

It’s Our Time!