The Principle of Storytelling

Recently been reviewing storytelling principles.  
That sent me to the greatest story teller of all.
 The teller of truth in story form.- Jesus.

 Matthew 13: 10-13.- NIV

¹⁰ The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”
¹¹ He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. ¹² Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.¹³ This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;
    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In previous verses Jesus talks about having hearts and  minds prepared- "ready" to hear the Word of God. Without this preparation, the stories are meaningless.

Jesus used parables to reveal spritual truths in such a way that those who wanted to respond would understand and receive more.

But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity disappears.

That is why Jesus tells stories:

to create readiness, to nudge people toward receptive insight.

How might the Holy Spirit use the stories you tell about His faithfulness to prepare the ground for spiritual readiness in the lives of people in your life?

Cheryl Durheim- Central Region

I was asked several times throughout my school years to predict what I would be doing when I grew up.  I loved that question because I had the answer!  I was going to be an elementary school teacher.  Throughout my elementary and high school years the only variable that changed in that plan was instead of being a public school teacher I was going to be a Lutheran School Teacher; and I did just that.  I finished college and my first call was to a small Lutheran School in St. Francis, MN where I taught grades 1-4.  College did not prepare me for four grades in one classroom, but I managed and I loved it!  That lasted two years and from that point on “my plan” went haywire.

My husband took a job in Chicago, which meant we had to move.  Thankfully, we were moving into a “very Lutheran” area where finding a teaching position should be easy.  Well…easy – Yes – finding a position within my plan – No.  I took a call teaching middle school.  I was absolutely petrified the kids would eat me alive; yet, I swallowed my fear and took the plunge.  What I discovered was teaching middle school was awesome and the thought of going back to the early elementary years was not for me!  I never thought my career would include teaching middle school.

Then my husband was transferred to Washington D.C. and into an area that was not at all Lutheran.  Lutheran Schools were not an option for us and I was not thrilled about teaching in a public school.  I tried to get a job but nothing came about so I decided to get my Masters in education, which would make me more marketable.  However, as I finished my degree God had other plans for me.  I was asked to consider being the Director of Family Life Ministry for our church.  I said “Absolutely Not!”  I had just finished my Masters and I didn’t want to go back to school for yet another Masters AND that was not in my plan.  I was a teacher!  Well, the long story short – I was called to be the Director of Family Life Ministry and I went to school again.  This was WAY beyond my plans.  Director of Family Life Ministry was not a teaching job.  Yes, part of my job was teaching but not in a traditional classroom setting and it was for ages above middle school.  Once again, this was not in my plan but I absolutely loved how God was using me in a different type of ministry.  I was able to reach people of all ages; teach people of all ages; and show people how important a church family is.  

This, too, came to an end and not in a way that I ever imagined.  I was sad because I truly felt called to do ministry; yet, it didn’t appear I was going to be able to serve anymore.  Yes, I wasn’t going to be serving in the capacity of Director of Family Life Ministry but I was still going to be serving; it would just look different once again.  I now serve Him through teaching online classes for Concordia University, Nebraska and by conducting online Bible studies.  As I reflect upon “my plan”, I can see how “my plan” was so miniscule to the grand plan that God has for me.  Even though I am no longer serving a specific congregation, I still have the opportunity to reach others and help them reflect upon God’s word within their home.  God has opened the door in a very untraditional way to reach families that are living very full lives.    

Reflecting upon the path God has led me on and looking at where He is leading me leaves me awestruck.  He has equipped me with the skills needed each time to be able to reach out and share His word.  Back when I began this journey if someone told me that I would be writing, teaching adults, and creating and leading retreats I would have laughed at them.  Never underestimate what God will equip you to do!  Take time to reflect upon your journey.  As you reflect, God’s presence in your life will be evident and how he has equipped you to do His work will shine through.    

Serving an AMAZING God in ways I never imagined!

          If you are interested in Online Bible Reflections – email Cheryl at cheryldurheim@yahoo.com.  There is only a small commitment on your part.  Supply an email address, receive a reflection, and reflect upon God’s word for the week.  

You can also find her on the blog she writes at - passingonthefaith.blogspot.com.
We give thanks for the way Cheryl is leading in the world of social media, faith formation and ministry opportunities.

          

Karen Hunter- Central Region

What is a current JOY in my life these days?  Being settled.  This last year has been one of changes for our family. Last fall included a painful and emotional changing of churches and then a new church family to get to know.  Then, in another roller coaster of emotion, over the spring and summer we sold our home of 11 years
(in 3 days!) and had to quickly find a new home, which we eventually did.  The rest of the summer was spent unpacking, working on our new house, getting to know the neighborhood, and settling in to our new surroundings.  

Finally, we are feeling settled.  Finally, we can take a deep breath and see that, yes, despite the crazy big life changes and challenges of the past year, God’s presence never changed.  He’s been with us all along.  Some days it was harder to see than others, but that was, I readily admit, more me than Him.  I lost sight of Him. I got sidetracked and caught up in the emotion of everything, rather than focusing my eyes on Him, His steadiness, His presence, His care, His good plans for me and my family.

Now, I feel like I can begin looking ahead again.  I’ve reaffirmed God’s promises to me in Jeremiah 29:11 – He’s got good plans for me!  God’s gifted me with a creativity and a passion to share it with others.  One of the best features of our new home is the dining room which we have converted into my craft room.  I feel so blessed to have this dedicated crafting space. 

In the past, God has led me to use my creativity in many kingdom-building ways.  I’ve been able to partner with other creative women and provide creative elements for church events and women’s retreats.  I’ve led FaithKeeping crafting events at my previous church and feel God’s leading to continue the program at my new church.  He led me to an online community where I’ve been able to teach crafting courses, including faith-based classes like “Scrapbooking Your Faith” and “Faith Inspired Projects.”  I’ve taught other classes there, too, but my faith-based ones have been the most popular.  That’s a huge blessing and I feel so humbled that I’ve been able to share the love of Christ through this creative outlet! 

Feeling settled is good.  Knowing that I am being led by a God who is changeless – even when life is marked by unsettling change – is even better.  I’m looking forward with hope, anticipation, and joy to see what God reveals as the next step for this creative girl’s life!

Find me online –

Visit my blog: www.karenscraps.blogspot.com
Like my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/karenhunterkarenscraps
Take a class with me: http://www.mycreativeclassroom.com/course/search.php?search=Karen+Hunter

Karen is a member of Living Hope Lutheran Church in Stafford, Virginia and can be reached at 
kahdah95@comcast.net.  Want to know about starting a ministry that helps people to tell the story of God's faithfulness in their lives? Karen is able to point to some possible starting places for 
Keep the Faith activities. Karen is also on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/karenhunter/.

Tiffany Sears- Central Region

   

Who are you? When I thought about this question for this blog post, it was honestly like my brain did not comprehend the question. Had I been asked that before? The only thing that would come to mind at that moment was the song I used to hear when I was younger by
The Who, or the caterpillar ramblings in Alice in Wonderland. Then I prayed about that question. I have to say, even now in my forties, I am still getting to know who I am. I enjoy getting to know others much more than getting to know myself. The one absolute fact about me that I DO know is that I am a child of God! That should not be stated lightly! 

SO I SHOUT, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!!

My journey of faith has proven that this is the most important piece people should know about me. I am a tiny puzzle piece in the biggest story ever. When God finishes putting it all together, it will be the most beautiful thing eyes could ever behold. 
It will be perfect! I am looking forward to that! 

I have had an interesting faith journey, but one with many ups and downs.  When I look back, I see the loving eyes and guiding hands of Jesus.  When I look forward, I see Him standing with open arms ready to welcome me home.

The Joy of the Lord is my strength!  I find so much joy in worshiping and marveling at my God! The blessings that God has chosen to send my way are good beyond my imagination!

 I have two beautiful daughters and a peaceful home. I work with a wonderful group of Christians and I get to learn so much from each one, those present and past. Laughter is one of my greatest joys because when life gets tough, I feel so much release of tension with a straight from the gut laugh!

Speaking of laughter, one of the best things in this world is to listen to this song
 ‘Build Your Kingdom Here’ by Rend Collective Experiment -  
(find it here- Build Your Kingdom Here)  As I am running and spinning with my 9 year old daughter’s laughter blending in….it's a little taste of what’s to come I think!  Children are such a large part of what joy is all about- they interpret JOY. I am learning about Jesus with a group of four year olds in my Sunday School class. 

What's up in my Spirit Life?
I love the Holy Spirit. He is the air I breathe. He is so mysterious and I think that is awesome! I love to envision Him translating my prayers and what He might look like as He forms what comes from my spirit to the language He understands best. He is doing a work in me right now by showing me how to trust in Him. I find that Ecclesiastes 3 pretty much wraps up what is happening in my life right now.

Right now-

1. My grandparents who have cared for me since I was young are in their nineties.
2. My oldest daughter is getting ready to graduate with a paramedic degree and possibilities of a fiancé are in the mix.
3. My congregation is going to be seeking out a new senior pastor.
4. There have been staff changes at our church and that is always unsettling.
5. War seems to always be a possibility.
6.  I just had all the plumbing replaced in my condo due to faulty pipes.
7.  I feel sad, happy, numb, and excited.
8.  In all of this, the Holy Spirit teaches me to enjoy and grow in this life with Jesus.
9. With a heart of trust, I continue the steps in the journey of faith that God designed just for ME.  

Tiffany is the Receptionist and Secretary at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
 in Springfield, Va.

She blesses many with her smile and her wonderful laugh as she serves in the Kingdom with a heart of Joy. She can be reached at Tiffany Sears@poplc.org.