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Auckland
Logan and Faye Keating
(09) 483 5616
logan.k@clear.net.nz
Christchurch
Lynton and
Philippa Brocklehurst
(03) 351 9160
lyntonb@xtra.co.nz
Palmerston North
Simon and Juliet Cayzer
(06) 354 0113
s.cayzer@clear.net.nz
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"Three
years ago, I wrote a three-word
mission statement: "Stay, Sharpen, Serve." I wrote it because I
wanted to stay
in a close relationship with the Lord throughout each day
and keep myself sharp physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and
spiritually so that I am fit to serve in the purposes God has for me.
These three words remind me of who I am and why I am here on earth. I have
the statement framed on my kitchen wall and I think of it when I take my
staysharp kitchen knife out of its sheath. If the knife stays in the case
until it is needed it will not be lost or damaged or damage people. When
friction is applied to the blade it becomes sharp and effective in its
function.
"I
find I can stay closer to God when I deal with my anxieties according to
Philippians 4:6-7. Rather than talking to God 
about how anxious I'm
feeling, I need to let him know what specific help is required. His
challenge to me is to shape that anxiety into a prayer request and then
make it known to him. It's like he is saying, "Yes I know you are
anxious; you have been telling me that all day, but tell me what you
specifically want me to do about it?"
"To
shape it into a prayer, I take my pen and paper and as much time as it
takes me to exhaust the subject. I
write about all the aspects I can think of point-by-point and specifically
what I need God to do. That alone can be freeing, but the last step needs
to happen. These A.S.A.P. (Anxiety Shaped Prayers or As Soon As Possible
Prayers) must then be presented to him.
"When
considering how to keep myself sharp in all areas of importance I had to
develop a realistic plan that I could still maintain when life was
difficult. In a magazine article I read that a city bus driver, at the end
of his route, converted a plot of wasteland into a little park simply by
using his 10 minutes waiting time each day. I use a four-day-a-week
fitness plan using that 10 minute principle.
"The
story of the good Samaritan has been instrumental in developing my
understanding of what service means for me. I am challenged by the way
that the Samaritan stopped and stooped to observe so he could serve. He
then used what was on his donkey to help the man in need. The challenge
has been to take an inventory of what is "on my donkey" in terms
of talents, resources, time, money, training and experience, and offer
them to God to use.
"A
simple childhood decision on vocation and subsequent training is never
wasted in a life given to God's service. In fact, everything in our lives
can be used for specific work that God has for us to do."
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