Legal Law

Faithbook: 3 Barriers That Could Prevent You From Creating Your Spiritual Legacy

Barrier n. 1 So maybe you should think about it

Many people have good intentions about creating their spiritual legacy for their grandson. The Bible tells us in numerous places to tell future generations what God has done for us.

However, procrastination seeps into our lives. Creating a spiritual legacy ranks high on the “we can wait until later” list. In full disclosure, I will admit that I am a member of the “Procrastination Club” in many cases.

Faithbooking just doesn’t rank high in many people’s daily lives, at least not like cooking, laundry, and doctor’s appointments.

Every day God gives us a special gift. That gift is “time.” Each of us receives 24 hours in a day. Along with that precious gift comes another: the freedom to use our gift in any way we choose.

Don’t you just love spending some of your time chatting about your grandchild and showing pictures of him / her? Most of us would do almost anything in the world for our grandson. But would you really do something?

Would you be willing to give up a little bit of your time (say 24 minutes a day) to invest in your grandchild? That is less than 2% of your day. In less time than it takes to watch an episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” you can start a spiritual memory for your grandson.

There is only one way to get through the procrastination barrier and it is simple. The only way to stop procrastinating is to start. The best way to start is to pick a time and get started!

Do you think God is moving in your heart about leaving your spiritual legacy for your grandson? “Teach what you have seen and heard to your children and grandchildren.” Deut. 4: 9 (MSG)

When do you think is the best time to start? How much time do you think you can invest in your grandson’s spiritual life each day? 15 minutes? 24 minutes? 45 minutes?

Write down the amount of time you will spend each day or, if not daily, on what days? Monday and Wednesday or weekends? Be specific about your planned schedule.

Write your goal. Here’s my goal: “I will invest at least 15 minutes a day Monday through Friday in my grandson’s spiritual legacy.”

Barrier n. 2, but what steps should I take and when?

Do not despair! Faithbooking is something that is best taken in small steps.

So if you’re ready to start investing a few minutes in your grandson’s spiritual life, I’ll give you three simple actions to get started right now.

* Pray and ask God what He wants you to do. “… if you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him and he will gladly tell you …” James 1: 5 (NLT)

* Start browsing your photos. If you’re like most Faithbookers, we have tons of photos, some in closet boxes and some digitally kept on computers and phones. But don’t be discouraged! And don’t be afraid of homework. Please don’t plan on putting all of your photos on your Faithbook. You will get tangled up in overwhelming.

* Decide which of your photos you would like to use first. Help yourself to a cup of coffee and enjoy a good time savoring your personal memories. As you peruse your images, save some special ones with the intention of placing them in your spiritual legacy book.

Barrier n. 3 I have NO idea what kinds of supplies and tools I need to get started.

When a non-artistic person (like me) wants to start a Faithbook, it can be frustrating. You may not know what tools or supplies you need. To complicate matters further, you may not understand the language of the trade.

So how can you fix this barrier? When you look at your piles and piles of photos and realize that there are so many scrapbook supplies out there, you know that you are immersed in a new area, one where you need help.

Again I suggest whispering a prayer. “When you go crazy, I’ll be with you.” PS 143: 2 (MSG)

Not to worry! A little training will go a long way, I know. I took several classes for beginners. With each class I learned techniques as well as tips and more about the language.

* You can often attend classes at local craft stores or scrapbooks. Call to find out what may be available.

* Sometimes you can find classes online. You can learn a lot about the tools and techniques. An excellent place for this is http://www.Scrapbook.com. You will find classes and a wonderful gallery.

* Some churches offer Faithbooking classes. With this option, you need to check in your community. Take a few minutes to call the neighborhood churches to see if they hold classes. Also, ask your friends about their churches.

“But now is the time … If today you hear the voice of God speaking to you, do not harden your heart against him …” Heb 3:15 (TLB)

Biblical Marked Quotations (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, © 1996. Used with permission from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.

Marked Scriptures (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible © 1971 Used with permission from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, IL 60187. All rights reserved.

Marked Scriptures (MSG) are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © Eugene H. Peterson, 1993, 1994, 1995. Used with permission from NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

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