Faithbook – 3 Barriers That Could Be Preventing You From Creating Your Spiritual Legacy
Barrier #1 So maybe you should think about it
Many people have good intentions to create 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. Creating a spiritual legacy is high on the “it 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 priority 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 gets 24 hours in a day. Along with that precious gift comes another: the freedom to use our gift in the way we choose.
Don’t you love to spend part of your time chatting about your grandchild and showing pictures of him/her? Most of us would do anything in the world for our grandchild. 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 grandchild? 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 keepsake for your grandchild.
There is only one way to get past 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 on 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 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 Monday through Friday for my grandson’s Spiritual Legacy.”
Barrier #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 grandchild’s spiritual life, I’ll give you three simple actions to start 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 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 keep the memory. As you review 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 you need. To further complicate matters, you may not understand the language of the trade.
So how can this barrier be fixed? When you look through your stacks and stacks of photos and realize 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 in over your head, I’ll be there with you.” PSALM 143:2 (MSG)
It is 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 of 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 have to check 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… Today if you hear the voice of God speaking to you, do not harden your hearts against him…” Heb 3:15 (TLB)
Marked Bible Quotations (NTV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, ©1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL 60189. All rights reserved.
Marked Scriptures (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) taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson, 1993, 1994, 1995. Used by permission of the NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved.
