Faithbook – 3 Barriers That Might Be Preventing You From Creating Your Spiritual Legacy
Barrier #1 So maybe you should think about it
Many people have good intentions of creating their Spiritual Legacy for their grandchild. The Bible tells us in numerous places to tell the next generations what God has done for us.
However, procrastination seeps into our lives. Building a spiritual legacy ranks high on the “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 love to spend some of your time chatting about your grandchild and showing pictures of him/her? Most of us would do anything in the world for our grandson. But would you really do anything?
Would you be willing to give up a little bit of your time (say 24 minutes a day) to invest in your grandson? That’s 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 grandchild.
There is only one way to break 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 moment and go for it!
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 (MSJ)
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 invest daily or, if not daily, on what days? Monday and Wednesday or weekends? Be specific about your anticipated schedule.
Write your goal. This is my goal: “I will invest at least 15 minutes a day from Monday to Friday for my grandson’s Spiritual Legacy.”
Barrier #2 But what steps do I need to 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 grandchild’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 of us Faithbookers, we have tons of photos, some in boxes in the closet and some digitally stored on computers and phones. But don’t be discouraged! And don’t be afraid of homework. Please do not plan to put all of your photos in your Faithbook. You will get entangled with the burden.
* Decide which of your photos you would like to use first. For you, a cup of coffee and enjoy a good personal moment to save the memory. As you examine your images, save a few special ones with the intention of placing them in your spiritual legacy book.
Barrier #3 I have NO idea what types of supplies and tools I need to get started.
When a non-artist (like me) wants to start a faith book, it can be frustrating. He may not know what tools or supplies he needs. To further complicate matters, you may not understand the language of the trade.
So how can this barrier be fixed? When you look at your stacks and stacks of photos and realize that there are so many scrapbooking supplies, you know you’re plunged into a new area, one where you need help.
Again I suggest whispering a prayer. “When you’re over your head, I’ll be right there with you.” PSALM 143:2 (MSG)
Not to worry! A little training will go a long way, I know. I took several beginner classes. With each class I learned techniques, as well as tips and more about the language.
* You can often attend classes at local scrapbooking or craft stores. 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 as well as a wonderful gallery.
* Some churches offer Faithbooking classes. With this option, you need to verify in your community. Take a few minutes to call the churches in your neighborhood to see if they have 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 hearts against him…” Heb 3:15 (TLB)
Scripture citations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, ©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.
Scriptures marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible ©1971 Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, IL 60187. All rights reserved.
Marked scripts (MSG) are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © Eugene H. Peterson, 1993, 1994, 1995. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.