AUTHOR: Robin Dugall DATE: 7:03:00 AM ----- BODY:

Jesus told me that the Kingdom is such that we are called to love our enemies. I understand that challenge. In fact, the Lord has wired me up in such a way that I find that I am pretty patient with people I don't understand. Truth is, I get uncomfortable around conflict...always have! I don't purposely try to find or cause problems with others. I pray that I can enter into some aspect of what the other person is experiencing so that I can share some of the love that Jesus has given me. My problem with "loving my enemies" is loving ME. I'm juggling too much now...and NOT loving it, me or what it is doing to me. Maybe I'm overstating the case right now...but I don't think so. I'm trying to lead the Youth Leadership Institute (www.yliapu.org) to the "goal line" of the grant period. I want to say "yeah God" with the staff of YLI, the community of students and leaders we have built as well as those who have a vested interest in what we have been able to accomplish over 5 years. We have another year and a half left...I want to finish the race well. Add that to the fact that I do some teaching...online courses that I enjoy, that challenge my thinking, that keep me in contact with what college students are thinking and how they are navigating Kingdom living in their context...in addition, I need the salary that comes via those classes. Add that to the "ball" I just picked up of a new Community that I absolutely am passionate about...I love dreaming about what God can do in authentic community...I want to lead well and be a co-creator with Holy Spirit in bringing about another "pod" of Kingdom reality into our new home in Eagle Idaho. Along with that, comes thinking about Sunday gatherings, worship music, teaching, community activities and the stuff that goes along with building and enabling something that God really wants to see in terms of depth relationships and Kingdom effectiveness. We also have taken on a project as a Community group of reaching out to our city's Junior High kids...so we are partnering with Young Life and another missional community, The Landing (www.allelon.org), in brainstorming the beginning of this work as soon as possible. Add to that the launching of new resources for a website that we are creating to respond to the cultural phenomenon of The Da Vinci Code...I'm writing the website's content. Add the "ball" of devotionals that I write for HomeWord (www.homeword.com)...Add to that the "ball" that I'm trying to juggle with finishing up my Doctor of Ministry project/dissertation. Add to that the deep desire I have to write more and create...add to that the "'ball" of speaking, teaching and leading worship for conferences and retreats (invitations that I have been turning down more these days than accepting simply because the other "balls" demand attention). Add to that the "concern" that I need to have a "salary" come the middle or end of 2007...when the grant period ends for YLI, what is God going to open then? So, as you can see, balls are being juggled. At first, it's fun to juggle. I do it pretty well..then after a while, I keep searching for someone to juggle with...or at least someone who is going to help me keep the balls in the air. My enemy? Myself. I need saving from me! As you can probably see, I love every one of the "balls" in one way or another. But you see, when you get proficient at juggling, you can always tell yourself that you can throw another ball into the mix. So, I'm going to sit back in my chair right now..look at the beautiful mountains in Idaho out my office window...listen to Rita Springer sing, "You are still holy even when circumstances don't change"...I'm going to look a bit closer at all the balls in the air. I don't know how long I can continue to juggle...mmm, I'm confused but I have to keep juggling.

-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR: Anonymous COMMENT-DATE:9:34 AM COMMENT-BODY:Wow! Dad, I thought of two things as I read this post. One: I felt inspired to see someone who truely uses the giftedness that God has given him to impact this world for Christ! Two: Oh my gosh.....something's got to give! It must be a really conflicting place to be especially in your own heart and mind. I will be praying that something miraculous will happen so that you will be able to focus your giftedness and get all the roles you are juggling under control. I will be praying for God to open doors financially so that some of that pressure will be taken away. Know that you are loved for just who you are as a leader of our family and a loving man of God. To us, having you happy and healthy in your heart, mind and spirit are the most important things! Miss you & love you! Megan -------- COMMENT-AUTHOR: Anonymous COMMENT-DATE:12:20 PM COMMENT-BODY:The harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. Only the captain of a ship knows all the knots that must be tied in order to set a ship to sea. I join you in prayer for a strength and an inner peace that passes all understanding ...and human limitations. Consider at least one of your arms as lifted. --------