Lots of discussion today on talk radio about Rick Warren of Saddleback Church betraying the Pro Life cause by accepting the invitation to deliver the invocation at Barack Obama’s inauguration.
How do you see this?
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Leaders Read
In the ‘Leadership Wired’ newsletter of 11/24/08, Justin Pinkerman addresses the topic of reading and the influence it has on leaders.
The title of the piece is: Ideas - Vehicles from Present to Future
“Precious few leaders invest time to read books and extract ideas from them - to the detriment of the organizations they lead. Authors spend countless days fine-tuning their ideas into paragraphs and chapters before publishing them as a book. Yet, in a matter of a few hours, a leader can access and absorb those ideas. In turn, leaders can apply new found ideas in their strategy, systems, and organizational dynamics to positively alter the course of their business.
If you doubt the power of a written idea, consider this intellectual progression: Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophical writings on self-reliance informed and inspired a young man named Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau's application of self-reliance to social injustice prompted him to pen an essay entitled "Resistance to Civil Government". Halfway around the world, Ghandi read Thoreau's essay, and it motivated him to organize India's peaceful protest of Britain's imperial rule. Decades later, Martin Luther King, Jr. would draw encouragement and strength from the writings of Ghandi as he coordinated non-violent resistance to the oppressive systems of racism in America.”
I have found that reading provides insight into living and leading. Your knowledge base expands as well as your ability to relate with and converse with many types of people. Do yourself a favor and read, or read more, and you will become a better leader.
The title of the piece is: Ideas - Vehicles from Present to Future
“Precious few leaders invest time to read books and extract ideas from them - to the detriment of the organizations they lead. Authors spend countless days fine-tuning their ideas into paragraphs and chapters before publishing them as a book. Yet, in a matter of a few hours, a leader can access and absorb those ideas. In turn, leaders can apply new found ideas in their strategy, systems, and organizational dynamics to positively alter the course of their business.
If you doubt the power of a written idea, consider this intellectual progression: Ralph Waldo Emerson's philosophical writings on self-reliance informed and inspired a young man named Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau's application of self-reliance to social injustice prompted him to pen an essay entitled "Resistance to Civil Government". Halfway around the world, Ghandi read Thoreau's essay, and it motivated him to organize India's peaceful protest of Britain's imperial rule. Decades later, Martin Luther King, Jr. would draw encouragement and strength from the writings of Ghandi as he coordinated non-violent resistance to the oppressive systems of racism in America.”
I have found that reading provides insight into living and leading. Your knowledge base expands as well as your ability to relate with and converse with many types of people. Do yourself a favor and read, or read more, and you will become a better leader.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Be Interested
Jim Collins, the author of ‘Good to Great’, was a speaker at this year’s Catalyst Conference.
One of Jim’s mentors gave him what he said was good advice.
“It’s better to be interested than interesting.”
Ask yourself, why would someone be interested in you if you don’t take the time to be interested in them?
How do they know that you aren’t interested in them, you ask? They notice that you don’t stop talking about yourself and what interests you.
It’s never too late to change. Your whole life can change if you start to get interested in others. You will have more friends and followers than you ever could have imagined. Your marriage and your relationship with your kids can improve.
If you are or want to be a leader, you can’t afford not to be interested in the people on your team.
One of Jim’s mentors gave him what he said was good advice.
“It’s better to be interested than interesting.”
Ask yourself, why would someone be interested in you if you don’t take the time to be interested in them?
How do they know that you aren’t interested in them, you ask? They notice that you don’t stop talking about yourself and what interests you.
It’s never too late to change. Your whole life can change if you start to get interested in others. You will have more friends and followers than you ever could have imagined. Your marriage and your relationship with your kids can improve.
If you are or want to be a leader, you can’t afford not to be interested in the people on your team.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Do you trust facts or hopes?
Michael Crichton, who died this week, addressed the issue of consensus and science in an address at the California Institute of Technology in 2003. Crichton attended Harvard and Harvard Medical School and was a successful writer and director (ER and Jurassic Park).
Crichton raises some interesting questions and challenges us to trust science based on analytical methods and not on opinions or hopes.
“I want to pause here and talk about this notion of consensus, and the rise of what has been called consensus science. I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you're being had.
Let's be clear: The work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics. Science, on the contrary, requires only one investigator who happens to be right, which means that he or she has results that are verifiable by reference to the real world. In science consensus is irrelevant. What is relevant is reproducible results. The greatest scientists in history are great precisely because they broke with the consensus.
There is no such thing as consensus science. If it's consensus, it isn't science. If it's science, it isn't consensus. Period. . . .
I would remind you to notice where the claim of consensus is invoked. Consensus is invoked only in situations where the science is not solid enough. Nobody says the consensus of scientists agrees that E=mc2. Nobody says the consensus is that the sun is 93 million miles away. It would never occur to anyone to speak that way. . . .
To an outsider, the most significant innovation in the global warming controversy is the overt reliance that is being placed on models. Back in the days of nuclear winter, computer models were invoked to add weight to a conclusion: "These results are derived with the help of a computer model." But now large-scale computer models are seen as generating data in themselves. No longer are models judged by how well they reproduce data from the real world -- increasingly, models provide the data. As if they were themselves a reality. And indeed they are, when we are projecting forward. There can be no observational data about the year 2100. There are only model runs.
This fascination with computer models is something I understand very well. Richard Feynman called it a disease. I fear he is right. Because only if you spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen can you arrive at the complex point where the global warming debate now stands.
Nobody believes a weather prediction twelve hours ahead. Now we're asked to believe a prediction that goes out 100 years into the future? And make financial investments based on that prediction? Has everybody lost their minds?”
See the piece at the following link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122603134258207975.ht
Crichton raises some interesting questions and challenges us to trust science based on analytical methods and not on opinions or hopes.
“I want to pause here and talk about this notion of consensus, and the rise of what has been called consensus science. I regard consensus science as an extremely pernicious development that ought to be stopped cold in its tracks. Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because you're being had.
Let's be clear: The work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics. Science, on the contrary, requires only one investigator who happens to be right, which means that he or she has results that are verifiable by reference to the real world. In science consensus is irrelevant. What is relevant is reproducible results. The greatest scientists in history are great precisely because they broke with the consensus.
There is no such thing as consensus science. If it's consensus, it isn't science. If it's science, it isn't consensus. Period. . . .
I would remind you to notice where the claim of consensus is invoked. Consensus is invoked only in situations where the science is not solid enough. Nobody says the consensus of scientists agrees that E=mc2. Nobody says the consensus is that the sun is 93 million miles away. It would never occur to anyone to speak that way. . . .
To an outsider, the most significant innovation in the global warming controversy is the overt reliance that is being placed on models. Back in the days of nuclear winter, computer models were invoked to add weight to a conclusion: "These results are derived with the help of a computer model." But now large-scale computer models are seen as generating data in themselves. No longer are models judged by how well they reproduce data from the real world -- increasingly, models provide the data. As if they were themselves a reality. And indeed they are, when we are projecting forward. There can be no observational data about the year 2100. There are only model runs.
This fascination with computer models is something I understand very well. Richard Feynman called it a disease. I fear he is right. Because only if you spend a lot of time looking at a computer screen can you arrive at the complex point where the global warming debate now stands.
Nobody believes a weather prediction twelve hours ahead. Now we're asked to believe a prediction that goes out 100 years into the future? And make financial investments based on that prediction? Has everybody lost their minds?”
See the piece at the following link: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122603134258207975.ht
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Say Thanks
Have you ever thought about what makes people unhappy. There are probably a lot of things we could look at and discuss.
But I think a big part of unhappiness is not being thankful.
If you can get to the point where you can thank God every day for everything in your life, especially Him, your life will be different. You will realize that God is the source of everything.
Living for God helps us realize that all of life's circumstances are temporary and we will eventually be with Him in a place we cannot imagine.
Read what Paul said in Philippians 1:20-22
But I think a big part of unhappiness is not being thankful.
If you can get to the point where you can thank God every day for everything in your life, especially Him, your life will be different. You will realize that God is the source of everything.
Living for God helps us realize that all of life's circumstances are temporary and we will eventually be with Him in a place we cannot imagine.
Read what Paul said in Philippians 1:20-22
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Whose story is it?
I received a call today from someone who was asked to participate in a ministry area that would involve teaching and leading. At the same time he was interested in being part of another ministry area doing something he really enjoyed. He pursued the latter situation but it didn’t work out for numerous reasons.
He explained to me that leading and teaching are two of his gifts and this is something he wants to do. He was reminded by his family that he has done this previously and has done it well. Because of these circumstances he recognizes God at work in his life.
Interestingly those of us who lead like to take credit for all kinds of stuff that may not be totally the result of our efforts. I am not referring to the person who called me but to many people who pray for God to work in their ministry area and then seem to forget when God delivers.
How many times have we taken the time to pray and ask God to bless us and guide us in our efforts but when the result we desire occurs we want to take the credit? It’s kinda like we want God to do the heavy lifting and make everything work out so we can take the credit.
I think God is just using us to achieve His ends and because we are human we use our human senses to try to understand Godly things and automatically take the credit. We need to continuously ask God to help us see things as He does so we can better understand how He is working and not look for the credit ourselves.
Let’s continue to talk with God but let’s acknowledge God working.
He explained to me that leading and teaching are two of his gifts and this is something he wants to do. He was reminded by his family that he has done this previously and has done it well. Because of these circumstances he recognizes God at work in his life.
Interestingly those of us who lead like to take credit for all kinds of stuff that may not be totally the result of our efforts. I am not referring to the person who called me but to many people who pray for God to work in their ministry area and then seem to forget when God delivers.
How many times have we taken the time to pray and ask God to bless us and guide us in our efforts but when the result we desire occurs we want to take the credit? It’s kinda like we want God to do the heavy lifting and make everything work out so we can take the credit.
I think God is just using us to achieve His ends and because we are human we use our human senses to try to understand Godly things and automatically take the credit. We need to continuously ask God to help us see things as He does so we can better understand how He is working and not look for the credit ourselves.
Let’s continue to talk with God but let’s acknowledge God working.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Independent Choices
I came across an interesting article in today’s Wall Street Journal on Independent voters. It got me to thinking about my post of a few days ago titled ‘Message to Independents’.
John Avlon, who is the author of ‘Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics,’ wrote a piece titled ‘What Independent Voters Want.’ See the link below.
Avlon states, ‘For Americans who’ve grown accustomed to hundreds of cable channels and unlimited choices on the Internet, politics is the last place people are expected to be satisfied with a choice between Brand A and Brand B’.
I wonder if the Independents can make the distinction between the candidates. One will encourage choices through the market system. The other wants more government spending and control and that usually results in less choices.
It should be interesting to see the outcome.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122445963016248615.html
John Avlon, who is the author of ‘Independent Nation: How Centrists Can Change American Politics,’ wrote a piece titled ‘What Independent Voters Want.’ See the link below.
Avlon states, ‘For Americans who’ve grown accustomed to hundreds of cable channels and unlimited choices on the Internet, politics is the last place people are expected to be satisfied with a choice between Brand A and Brand B’.
I wonder if the Independents can make the distinction between the candidates. One will encourage choices through the market system. The other wants more government spending and control and that usually results in less choices.
It should be interesting to see the outcome.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122445963016248615.html
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Are you confused?
Yesterday one of the VP candidates made this statement.
‘It’s one three letter word – JOBS!’
Although this is funny, depending on your party affiliation, it helps to point out something we overlook. It seems so many people pay more attention to the words people use rather than the actions they manifest.
Politicians are great at using words to explain away things so they appear to be innocent or in fact on the other side of an issue than they have previously stated.
‘Before I voted against it I voted for it.’
If we only base our decisions on what people say rather than on what people do, we will make a lot of mistakes. A word that describes the harmony between what someone says and does is congruence.
People get credibility and have influence as a leader by doing what they say they will do. Andy Stanley, in the book Visioneering, calls this Moral Authority. If there is a difference between your actions and your words people may vote for you but you will have difficulty getting them to trust you and follow you if you are their leader.
But I think the reason politicians continue this type of behavior is because they think they can continually talk themselves out of any situation, especially the situations that will cost them power and or money. And if others go along with the charade it makes it appear all right.
I think we get the politicians we deserve because we don’t demand more from them, not in government giveaways but in their behaviors. Could it be because we don’t demand enough of ourselves?
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time trusting politicians who say something different than what they do. I am always questioning why they can’t do what the say or why they don’t say what they do.
This has been a problem throughout history.
‘It’s one three letter word – JOBS!’
Although this is funny, depending on your party affiliation, it helps to point out something we overlook. It seems so many people pay more attention to the words people use rather than the actions they manifest.
Politicians are great at using words to explain away things so they appear to be innocent or in fact on the other side of an issue than they have previously stated.
‘Before I voted against it I voted for it.’
If we only base our decisions on what people say rather than on what people do, we will make a lot of mistakes. A word that describes the harmony between what someone says and does is congruence.
People get credibility and have influence as a leader by doing what they say they will do. Andy Stanley, in the book Visioneering, calls this Moral Authority. If there is a difference between your actions and your words people may vote for you but you will have difficulty getting them to trust you and follow you if you are their leader.
But I think the reason politicians continue this type of behavior is because they think they can continually talk themselves out of any situation, especially the situations that will cost them power and or money. And if others go along with the charade it makes it appear all right.
I think we get the politicians we deserve because we don’t demand more from them, not in government giveaways but in their behaviors. Could it be because we don’t demand enough of ourselves?
I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time trusting politicians who say something different than what they do. I am always questioning why they can’t do what the say or why they don’t say what they do.
This has been a problem throughout history.
Tampa Bay's Joe Maddon
I have developed an interest in the Tampa Bay Rays for a number of reasons. They have not been winners in the past, their Manager, Joe Maddon, is from my home town and he has a somewhat unconventional approach to the game.
Following are some excerpts from a USA Today piece on 9/23/2008:
‘Joe Maddon might intentionally walk your best hitter with the bases loaded. He might use five outfielders against you. He most certainly won't shy away from breaking with tradition if he thinks it will help his Tampa Bay Rays win.
The manager of baseball's surprise team is an out-of-the-box thinker who insists he doesn't make those decisions by the seat of his pants. The seat of a bicycle is another story.
An avid rider, Maddon often cruises around major league cities trying to conjure ways for the Rays to win. This season it has worked, as he has managed Tampa Bay to its first winning season and playoff berth in its 11 seasons.
"It's therapeutic," Maddon says. "Managing definitely is a passion. But bike riding (is), too, if that makes any sense."
Maddon, who turned 54 the day before the Rays clinched their playoff spot Saturday, has been waiting for this moment longer than the fans — 31 years in the Angels organization before he became Tampa Bay manager in 2006; since he was a 6-year-old in blue-collar Hazleton, Pa., where his fiercely proud 75-year-old mom still works at the Third Base Luncheonette.
He's a wine connoisseur and a voracious reader; a student and tinkerer of everything from baseball to the human psyche. And that combination, unusual as it might seem in a locker room, all comes together during his rides.
"When I'm able to ride, I feel a lot freer in my thinking," Maddon says.
"Free thinker" is how Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia describes his former bench coach of six years, with whom he won a World Series in 2002. "If Joe wasn't in baseball, he would have been an incredible engineer," Scioscia says. "He's always looking at things from the perspective of, 'Let me break it down and see if there's a better way to do it.' "
That could mean positioning five players in the outfield against the Red Sox's David Ortiz or intentionally walking the Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton with the bases loaded. It could mean daring Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir to try to hang a slider. It could mean trying to persuade players and coaches to read Malcolm Gladwell's Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking.
"I thought I was doing stuff by the seat of my pants," Maddon says of how Blink changed him. "All that stuff I thought about on bike rides gets all stirred up in a vat. That's what instinct is."
Perhaps Maddon's greatest skill is his ability to feed players the heavy stuff and not lose them.
"He's a genius and a good guy," designated hitter Cliff Floyd says.’
Link to the USA Today article:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/rays/2008-09-22-rays-maddon_N.htm
Following are some excerpts from a USA Today piece on 9/23/2008:
‘Joe Maddon might intentionally walk your best hitter with the bases loaded. He might use five outfielders against you. He most certainly won't shy away from breaking with tradition if he thinks it will help his Tampa Bay Rays win.
The manager of baseball's surprise team is an out-of-the-box thinker who insists he doesn't make those decisions by the seat of his pants. The seat of a bicycle is another story.
An avid rider, Maddon often cruises around major league cities trying to conjure ways for the Rays to win. This season it has worked, as he has managed Tampa Bay to its first winning season and playoff berth in its 11 seasons.
"It's therapeutic," Maddon says. "Managing definitely is a passion. But bike riding (is), too, if that makes any sense."
Maddon, who turned 54 the day before the Rays clinched their playoff spot Saturday, has been waiting for this moment longer than the fans — 31 years in the Angels organization before he became Tampa Bay manager in 2006; since he was a 6-year-old in blue-collar Hazleton, Pa., where his fiercely proud 75-year-old mom still works at the Third Base Luncheonette.
He's a wine connoisseur and a voracious reader; a student and tinkerer of everything from baseball to the human psyche. And that combination, unusual as it might seem in a locker room, all comes together during his rides.
"When I'm able to ride, I feel a lot freer in my thinking," Maddon says.
"Free thinker" is how Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia describes his former bench coach of six years, with whom he won a World Series in 2002. "If Joe wasn't in baseball, he would have been an incredible engineer," Scioscia says. "He's always looking at things from the perspective of, 'Let me break it down and see if there's a better way to do it.' "
That could mean positioning five players in the outfield against the Red Sox's David Ortiz or intentionally walking the Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton with the bases loaded. It could mean daring Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir to try to hang a slider. It could mean trying to persuade players and coaches to read Malcolm Gladwell's Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking.
"I thought I was doing stuff by the seat of my pants," Maddon says of how Blink changed him. "All that stuff I thought about on bike rides gets all stirred up in a vat. That's what instinct is."
Perhaps Maddon's greatest skill is his ability to feed players the heavy stuff and not lose them.
"He's a genius and a good guy," designated hitter Cliff Floyd says.’
Link to the USA Today article:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/al/rays/2008-09-22-rays-maddon_N.htm
Monday, October 13, 2008
Advice for Parents
What do young people want from us as an older generation?
This is a question posed in an article written by Billy Graham titled ‘From One Generation to the Next’ which appeared in the July / August 2008 issue of the magazine titled ‘decision’.
He then went on to list eight points.
They want, first of all, to be loved
Youth want to be recognized as persons
Young people want to be trusted
Young people want to be accepted
Young people want to be listened to
Young people want their parents to forgive them
Young people also want authority
They want a faith they can believe
Billy also intersperses some advice for parents in the article.
Nothing is more provoking to a child than parents who don’t trust him.
When parents have confidence in a child, the child in turn will have confidence in the parents
Parents are great on giving advice without hearing the problem. Listen to your teenager.
Never hold a grudge. Parents, forgive your young people; young people, forgive your parents.
Parents, don’t ever give up praying for your children.
Young people need the security of authority. They need discipline and sometimes chastening.
Young people want a challenge. They want a flag to follow. Christ can provide it all.
This is a question posed in an article written by Billy Graham titled ‘From One Generation to the Next’ which appeared in the July / August 2008 issue of the magazine titled ‘decision’.
He then went on to list eight points.
They want, first of all, to be loved
Youth want to be recognized as persons
Young people want to be trusted
Young people want to be accepted
Young people want to be listened to
Young people want their parents to forgive them
Young people also want authority
They want a faith they can believe
Billy also intersperses some advice for parents in the article.
Nothing is more provoking to a child than parents who don’t trust him.
When parents have confidence in a child, the child in turn will have confidence in the parents
Parents are great on giving advice without hearing the problem. Listen to your teenager.
Never hold a grudge. Parents, forgive your young people; young people, forgive your parents.
Parents, don’t ever give up praying for your children.
Young people need the security of authority. They need discipline and sometimes chastening.
Young people want a challenge. They want a flag to follow. Christ can provide it all.
Promises
God made a promise to Steve Fertick at age 16 that he would pastor a church.
Steve went on to college and asked to live in the football dorm. Steve was a Christian but not a football player and he wanted to bring the football players to know Christ
He tried to meet the guys on his floor but wasn’t making any progress on building relationships with the football players.
He and his roommate decided to start buying food every week and give it free to the football players. The football players gradually started showing up at his room late at night to eat the free food.
Steve thought that the first batch of food he bought would last for a week but it only lasted a few days. Even though he didn't have much money he spent every spare dollar on buying food but still there were no converts.
He started to become discouraged and then one night one of the football players stopped by to talk. He told Steve that everyone always wanted something from the football players but Steve was the first to not ask them for anything but to give them something.
This guy came to know Jesus. He then began to bring other players to talk to Steve and they also came to know Jesus.
One night he brought a player by to meet Steve and as he headed to the refrigerator he said, “Hey Steve, tell Anton he’s gonna go to hell!” There was some laughter because of the way he told the story but we could recognize the truth as the football players were now beginning to trust Steve and they knew what he was about.
After college, Steve approached some people about starting a church. Eight families agreed. They didn’t know where they would locate but knew it would be somewhere in the Southeastern US. They continually prayed and asked God. Eventually they located in Charlotte, NC, and called the church Elevation Church.
The message that Steve, who is under 30, consistently reinforced was don’t give up on what God promises you.
Steve went on to college and asked to live in the football dorm. Steve was a Christian but not a football player and he wanted to bring the football players to know Christ
He tried to meet the guys on his floor but wasn’t making any progress on building relationships with the football players.
He and his roommate decided to start buying food every week and give it free to the football players. The football players gradually started showing up at his room late at night to eat the free food.
Steve thought that the first batch of food he bought would last for a week but it only lasted a few days. Even though he didn't have much money he spent every spare dollar on buying food but still there were no converts.
He started to become discouraged and then one night one of the football players stopped by to talk. He told Steve that everyone always wanted something from the football players but Steve was the first to not ask them for anything but to give them something.
This guy came to know Jesus. He then began to bring other players to talk to Steve and they also came to know Jesus.
One night he brought a player by to meet Steve and as he headed to the refrigerator he said, “Hey Steve, tell Anton he’s gonna go to hell!” There was some laughter because of the way he told the story but we could recognize the truth as the football players were now beginning to trust Steve and they knew what he was about.
After college, Steve approached some people about starting a church. Eight families agreed. They didn’t know where they would locate but knew it would be somewhere in the Southeastern US. They continually prayed and asked God. Eventually they located in Charlotte, NC, and called the church Elevation Church.
The message that Steve, who is under 30, consistently reinforced was don’t give up on what God promises you.
Message to Independents.
Here is a slogan I heard many years ago. I’m not sure where it came from or who originated it.
If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything
I know that when I am in that nether land of uncertainty, lots of ideas look good but decision brings clarity and the ability to move forward.
Constantly filling your mind with additional information because you want to make the best decision isn’t always possible or beneficial.
Many times you have to make a decision based on the information that is available at the time.
If you don’t see a difference between the Presidential candidates by now it could be because you just can’t make decisions, or you don’t want others to know your position or you haven’t done your homework on the major issues or you are afraid to decide.
There are ways to overcome indecision. Begin by deciding to decide.
If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything
I know that when I am in that nether land of uncertainty, lots of ideas look good but decision brings clarity and the ability to move forward.
Constantly filling your mind with additional information because you want to make the best decision isn’t always possible or beneficial.
Many times you have to make a decision based on the information that is available at the time.
If you don’t see a difference between the Presidential candidates by now it could be because you just can’t make decisions, or you don’t want others to know your position or you haven’t done your homework on the major issues or you are afraid to decide.
There are ways to overcome indecision. Begin by deciding to decide.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Simple but Effective
One of the most amazing stories at Catalyst was told by Franklin Graham. Franklin, who is the son of Billy Graham, started Samaritan’s Purse a number of years ago and is having a great impact on the world (don’t miss that).
If you know the story, Franklin was a bit of a rebel as a kid and didn’t want to get into Ministry or be a Christian. He reached a point where his Dad, Billy, told him that he was concerned about where he was headed if he continued on his current path. This got his attention.
Franklin got into Ministry unintentionally as two doctors wanted him to start a Ministry to provide medical care to people in parts of the world where it wasn’t available. He did this and after 6 months he went into full time Ministry.
Billy then asked him to take over his Ministry. Franklin found there was a significant amount of money available and asked his Dad what to do with it. Billy told Franklin to use it for what he thought needed to be done.
Franklin decided to put Billy Graham on TV all over the world. He changed the way of doing things and rather than having the big stadium meetings that Billy had he used the television to reach people in their homes. At Billy Graham Crusades they trained counselors to meet with people who came forward in the stadium to accept the invitation to know Christ.
One of the events Franklin had was in India where he trained 800,000 counselors in 18 major cities who would each invite ten people to their home for dinner and to watch Billy. If you are counting that is exposure to 8 Million people in one night. Can you say Amen?
At Catalyst Franklin stated that he wouldn’t tell us how many people accepted Christ but it was significant. Previously we had been wowed by pastors who grew their churches from a few people to 5 or 10,000 in a few years.
The story that Franklin told is not very glamorous and is very simple. He and Billy Graham by using the Gospel message of salvation may have reached 8Million or more people in one night. They didn’t use Power Point, secular music, smoke machines or any of the other stuff that culturally relevant Christians do.
We are definitely thinking too small because we are only thinking about what we can do and because we are finite beings we have limitations. God tells us and shows us in the Bible what He can do. We need to keep ourselves right with God, trust God completely, step out on faith and do everything for His honor and glory.
I encourage you to pray for God to use you in a mighty way. Then be willing to accept whatever He sends your way.
If you know the story, Franklin was a bit of a rebel as a kid and didn’t want to get into Ministry or be a Christian. He reached a point where his Dad, Billy, told him that he was concerned about where he was headed if he continued on his current path. This got his attention.
Franklin got into Ministry unintentionally as two doctors wanted him to start a Ministry to provide medical care to people in parts of the world where it wasn’t available. He did this and after 6 months he went into full time Ministry.
Billy then asked him to take over his Ministry. Franklin found there was a significant amount of money available and asked his Dad what to do with it. Billy told Franklin to use it for what he thought needed to be done.
Franklin decided to put Billy Graham on TV all over the world. He changed the way of doing things and rather than having the big stadium meetings that Billy had he used the television to reach people in their homes. At Billy Graham Crusades they trained counselors to meet with people who came forward in the stadium to accept the invitation to know Christ.
One of the events Franklin had was in India where he trained 800,000 counselors in 18 major cities who would each invite ten people to their home for dinner and to watch Billy. If you are counting that is exposure to 8 Million people in one night. Can you say Amen?
At Catalyst Franklin stated that he wouldn’t tell us how many people accepted Christ but it was significant. Previously we had been wowed by pastors who grew their churches from a few people to 5 or 10,000 in a few years.
The story that Franklin told is not very glamorous and is very simple. He and Billy Graham by using the Gospel message of salvation may have reached 8Million or more people in one night. They didn’t use Power Point, secular music, smoke machines or any of the other stuff that culturally relevant Christians do.
We are definitely thinking too small because we are only thinking about what we can do and because we are finite beings we have limitations. God tells us and shows us in the Bible what He can do. We need to keep ourselves right with God, trust God completely, step out on faith and do everything for His honor and glory.
I encourage you to pray for God to use you in a mighty way. Then be willing to accept whatever He sends your way.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
It
A guy who spoke last year at Catalyst and stirred everyone up by asking them to pray for God to disturb them spoke at this year’s Catalyst Conference. That guy is Craig Groeschel.
Craig continued this year by exhorting us to pray for God to stretch us and to crush us by breaking our hearts.
Craig’s talk was about ‘it’. Many in ministry have it and many don’t. He raised these questions for us to consider:
Do you have it?
Did you have it and you have lost it?
Do you want to know how to get it?
The most important thing is that you have it. For your church or ministry to have it you have to have it.
He defined ‘it’ as your heart breaking for the things that break God’s heart. Get ‘it’ back by praying for God to stretch you, obeying God’s voice and doing what God prompts you to do.
Craig continued this year by exhorting us to pray for God to stretch us and to crush us by breaking our hearts.
Craig’s talk was about ‘it’. Many in ministry have it and many don’t. He raised these questions for us to consider:
Do you have it?
Did you have it and you have lost it?
Do you want to know how to get it?
The most important thing is that you have it. For your church or ministry to have it you have to have it.
He defined ‘it’ as your heart breaking for the things that break God’s heart. Get ‘it’ back by praying for God to stretch you, obeying God’s voice and doing what God prompts you to do.
What do you focus on?
Matt Chandler of the Village Church in Dallas spoke twice at the Catalyst Conference - once in the labs, these are breakout sessions, and once in the main session.
Matt was my favorite speaker as he addressed topics that are in line with my thinking.
Matt was an itinerant pastor before he went to the Village Church. Since he has been there the church has grown from 160 people to over 5,000 in five years. He raised the point that if his church had gone from 160 to 40 in that time period he would not have been asked to speak.
He then went on to tell the story of Jeremiah who did great things for God but was beaten many times and ended up in a ditch and Moses who was shown the Promised Land but not allowed to enter.
His point was that we all think that God wants us to be successful and give us great numbers. God calls us to be faithful to Him and someone who is leading a church of 40 or 50 and is faithful to those people and God year in and year out will be honored in heaven
We can make numbers an idol.
Matt was my favorite speaker as he addressed topics that are in line with my thinking.
Matt was an itinerant pastor before he went to the Village Church. Since he has been there the church has grown from 160 people to over 5,000 in five years. He raised the point that if his church had gone from 160 to 40 in that time period he would not have been asked to speak.
He then went on to tell the story of Jeremiah who did great things for God but was beaten many times and ended up in a ditch and Moses who was shown the Promised Land but not allowed to enter.
His point was that we all think that God wants us to be successful and give us great numbers. God calls us to be faithful to Him and someone who is leading a church of 40 or 50 and is faithful to those people and God year in and year out will be honored in heaven
We can make numbers an idol.
Why Not You?
At Catalyst Tim Sanders author of ‘The Tipping Point’ and ‘Blink’ asked two questions:
If not you, then who?
If not now, then when?
I think the questions need to be rephrased and you should ask yourself:
Why not me?
Why not now?
What is God calling you to do? Maybe this is your answer.
If not you, then who?
If not now, then when?
I think the questions need to be rephrased and you should ask yourself:
Why not me?
Why not now?
What is God calling you to do? Maybe this is your answer.
Together
Another Catalyst Conference is in the books. A crowd of 12,400 church leaders (staff and volunteer) attended the ‘Catalyst Together’ session.
The focus was on building God’s Kingdom and leadership.
The speakers included authors, church planters, pastors, researchers, entertainers and leadership experts all extolling the virtues of working together even though we have differences due to denominations, age, skin color, political affiliation, etc.
One of the principles I remember from studying history was that of ‘divide and conquer’. If an organization can be divided it becomes weaker and it can be conquered because either it is fighting itself or can not maintain communication between the parts and is ineffective.
The Bible states: ‘Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken’. Ecclesiastes 4:12
As with most things in life, we have a choice. Let’s choose to be united with God and each other.
The focus was on building God’s Kingdom and leadership.
The speakers included authors, church planters, pastors, researchers, entertainers and leadership experts all extolling the virtues of working together even though we have differences due to denominations, age, skin color, political affiliation, etc.
One of the principles I remember from studying history was that of ‘divide and conquer’. If an organization can be divided it becomes weaker and it can be conquered because either it is fighting itself or can not maintain communication between the parts and is ineffective.
The Bible states: ‘Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken’. Ecclesiastes 4:12
As with most things in life, we have a choice. Let’s choose to be united with God and each other.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
We're Here to Help
‘We’re from the government and we’re here to help’.
You may have heard this statement before. Depending on how you interpret this statement is most likely an indication of how you vote.
It’s a lot like a picture I have seen that at first look appears to be a picture of an older woman. After staring at the picture for a while you begin to see a younger woman.
What changed when looking at the picture? Maybe it was how you viewed and interpreted the details.
You may have heard this statement before. Depending on how you interpret this statement is most likely an indication of how you vote.
It’s a lot like a picture I have seen that at first look appears to be a picture of an older woman. After staring at the picture for a while you begin to see a younger woman.
What changed when looking at the picture? Maybe it was how you viewed and interpreted the details.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Empty Seats
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NL East title this past Saturday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. There was a sellout crowd at CB Park in excess of 45,000 but there were at least two empty seats.
You are probably wondering who wouldn’t go to that game. What could be so important to keep someone away?
We had tickets to the game that we had purchased earlier in the year in anticipation of a pennant run by the Phillies similar to that which occurred last year. It happened again this year.
We had a great plan but when it came time to go to the game we changed our minds and didn’t go. There was a time when I was crazy about most sports, both watching and playing. But I have come to the place where, even though, this was a Championship game I realize it was just another game.
For me there are other things that give me more satisfaction and enjoyment. Sports are interesting and entertaining but not always my first choice for something to do – well especially baseball.
If I had had tickets to the Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs college football game, I would have gone.
You are probably wondering who wouldn’t go to that game. What could be so important to keep someone away?
We had tickets to the game that we had purchased earlier in the year in anticipation of a pennant run by the Phillies similar to that which occurred last year. It happened again this year.
We had a great plan but when it came time to go to the game we changed our minds and didn’t go. There was a time when I was crazy about most sports, both watching and playing. But I have come to the place where, even though, this was a Championship game I realize it was just another game.
For me there are other things that give me more satisfaction and enjoyment. Sports are interesting and entertaining but not always my first choice for something to do – well especially baseball.
If I had had tickets to the Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs college football game, I would have gone.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Personal Growth
For a discussion at the 9/27/08 CCV Men - Breakfast meeting a condensation of the Chapter titled ‘Today’s Growth gives me Potential’ in the book ‘Today Matters’ by John Maxwell.
·Introduction
You will never change you life, until you change something you do daily.
Success or failure doesn’t occur naturally. Each is a process.
‘Hell begins on that day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts we wasted, of all that we might have done that we did not do’. - Gian Carlo Menotti
Other Chapters in the book deal with attitude, health, thinking, finances, faith, values and growth.
·Misconceptions About Growth
What is growth? A quote from Robert Louis Stevenson identifies it: ‘To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life’.
One reason people don’t become all they are capable of becoming is their misunderstanding of growth:
They think growth is automatic. We think our bodies and our minds will take care of themselves. The truth is if we don’t take responsibility for our growth it won’t happen. When it comes to potential, you must tap into it to make it growth.
They think growth comes from information. The greatest obstacle to growth is not ignorance. It’s the illusion of knowledge. Life change is the proper measure of whether information makes a difference.
They think growth comes with experience. ‘To improve your aim improve yourself’ (Gilbert Arland). Experience is good only if it’s reflected on and one learns from both his mistakes and successes.
· Why Growth Matters Today
No one wants to look back at life and see time and opportunities wasted.
Four specific reasons why growth matters today:
·Gifting without growth leads to ineffectiveness.
If you draw on your talent but never add to it or sharpen it, you’re headed for trouble, because nobody is that talented. But when you place a premium on growth, you take whatever talent you have and you increase it. That not only raises your effectiveness today, but it makes your talent greater so that you can be effective tomorrow.
·Growth prevents personal and professional stagnation
Have you ever felt that you were just stuck in some aspect of your life – your career, your relationships? Or you hit a plateau in your health? What a lot of people do is to make external changes – different job, leave their spouse, give up exercising. External change relieves symptoms.
The better solution is to pursue internal changes. Make personal growth your goal, then your focus is on changes you make on the inside…you become better equipped…you discover new ways…you find ways to improve…you gain potential.
·Your personal growth impacts your organization’s growth.
What is limiting your organization’s potential. Your greatest challenge is you. Many leaders are looking for a quick fix. If you want to grow the organization you must grow the leader. ‘In order to do more, I’ve got to be more’ (Jim Rohn). If you aren’t growing you will be a lid on your organization’s growth.
·Only through continuous improvement can you reach your potential.
The Tartar tribes of central Asia speak a curse against their enemies. ‘May you stay in one place forever’. If you don’t try to improve yourself every day, that could be your fate.
·Make the Decision to Seek and Experience Growth Daily
Decide to do something intentional or strategic to make yourself better. Read books, articles etc. Go to seminars. Listen to CD’s and watch DVD’s. Grow together with your spouse.
·Answer the question: What is my Potential?
The greatest handicap a person has is not realizing his / her potential. The gap between your vision and your present reality can only be filled through a commitment to maximize your potential.
·Make a Commitment to Change
‘To make something out of yourself, you need to be willing to change, for without change, there can be no growth’ (William Feather) If you truly want to grow, then commit yourself to not only accepting change, but seeking it.
·Set Growth Goals
Focus on growing in your areas of your greatest strength, not your weaknesses, And grow in the areas that will add value to you personally and professionally.
·Learn to Enjoy the Journey
Reexamine your priorities if the destination appeals to you but you don’t enjoy the journey.
·Put Yourself in a Growth Environment
Put yourself / someone in a place that encourages growth and you / they will expand to reach their potential.
·Managing the Discipline of Growth
Practice this discipline of growth: Every day I will grow on purpose with my plan. Grow with your spouse. Tailor your growth plan to your individual strengths and needs. One of the results of learning is that you realize how far you still need to go, and the more you learn, the hungrier you become.
·Embrace the Disciplines of Growth
·Make it Your Goal to Grow in Some Way Every Day
If we desire to improve a little every day and plan it that way, then we can make great progress over the long haul. Inch by inch everything is a cinch.
·Have a Time and Plan to Grow
‘If a person will spend one hour a day on the same subject for five years, that person will be an expert on that subject’ (Earl Nighingale). To make your growth intentional, strategic and effective, you need to think it through and plan it well.
Part of John Maxwell’s Plan for Growth
Listen to Audio lessons every week
Read Two Books Every Month
Meet with someone who can help you grow every month
·File what you learn.
..it will keep you more highly focused, force you to evaluate what you are reading and help you to bypass the junk and go for the good stuff that will stimulate you and help you grow.
·Apply What You Learn
Often the most difficult part of the upward climb of growth is putting into practice what you learn. The final test of any learning is always application.
·To Do (My Thoughts)
Read the Book
Develop a Plan
Be Intentional
Read and Study
Remember it’s quality not quantity
Start Meeting with an Accountability Partner
·Introduction
You will never change you life, until you change something you do daily.
Success or failure doesn’t occur naturally. Each is a process.
‘Hell begins on that day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts we wasted, of all that we might have done that we did not do’. - Gian Carlo Menotti
Other Chapters in the book deal with attitude, health, thinking, finances, faith, values and growth.
·Misconceptions About Growth
What is growth? A quote from Robert Louis Stevenson identifies it: ‘To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life’.
One reason people don’t become all they are capable of becoming is their misunderstanding of growth:
They think growth is automatic. We think our bodies and our minds will take care of themselves. The truth is if we don’t take responsibility for our growth it won’t happen. When it comes to potential, you must tap into it to make it growth.
They think growth comes from information. The greatest obstacle to growth is not ignorance. It’s the illusion of knowledge. Life change is the proper measure of whether information makes a difference.
They think growth comes with experience. ‘To improve your aim improve yourself’ (Gilbert Arland). Experience is good only if it’s reflected on and one learns from both his mistakes and successes.
· Why Growth Matters Today
No one wants to look back at life and see time and opportunities wasted.
Four specific reasons why growth matters today:
·Gifting without growth leads to ineffectiveness.
If you draw on your talent but never add to it or sharpen it, you’re headed for trouble, because nobody is that talented. But when you place a premium on growth, you take whatever talent you have and you increase it. That not only raises your effectiveness today, but it makes your talent greater so that you can be effective tomorrow.
·Growth prevents personal and professional stagnation
Have you ever felt that you were just stuck in some aspect of your life – your career, your relationships? Or you hit a plateau in your health? What a lot of people do is to make external changes – different job, leave their spouse, give up exercising. External change relieves symptoms.
The better solution is to pursue internal changes. Make personal growth your goal, then your focus is on changes you make on the inside…you become better equipped…you discover new ways…you find ways to improve…you gain potential.
·Your personal growth impacts your organization’s growth.
What is limiting your organization’s potential. Your greatest challenge is you. Many leaders are looking for a quick fix. If you want to grow the organization you must grow the leader. ‘In order to do more, I’ve got to be more’ (Jim Rohn). If you aren’t growing you will be a lid on your organization’s growth.
·Only through continuous improvement can you reach your potential.
The Tartar tribes of central Asia speak a curse against their enemies. ‘May you stay in one place forever’. If you don’t try to improve yourself every day, that could be your fate.
·Make the Decision to Seek and Experience Growth Daily
Decide to do something intentional or strategic to make yourself better. Read books, articles etc. Go to seminars. Listen to CD’s and watch DVD’s. Grow together with your spouse.
·Answer the question: What is my Potential?
The greatest handicap a person has is not realizing his / her potential. The gap between your vision and your present reality can only be filled through a commitment to maximize your potential.
·Make a Commitment to Change
‘To make something out of yourself, you need to be willing to change, for without change, there can be no growth’ (William Feather) If you truly want to grow, then commit yourself to not only accepting change, but seeking it.
·Set Growth Goals
Focus on growing in your areas of your greatest strength, not your weaknesses, And grow in the areas that will add value to you personally and professionally.
·Learn to Enjoy the Journey
Reexamine your priorities if the destination appeals to you but you don’t enjoy the journey.
·Put Yourself in a Growth Environment
Put yourself / someone in a place that encourages growth and you / they will expand to reach their potential.
·Managing the Discipline of Growth
Practice this discipline of growth: Every day I will grow on purpose with my plan. Grow with your spouse. Tailor your growth plan to your individual strengths and needs. One of the results of learning is that you realize how far you still need to go, and the more you learn, the hungrier you become.
·Embrace the Disciplines of Growth
·Make it Your Goal to Grow in Some Way Every Day
If we desire to improve a little every day and plan it that way, then we can make great progress over the long haul. Inch by inch everything is a cinch.
·Have a Time and Plan to Grow
‘If a person will spend one hour a day on the same subject for five years, that person will be an expert on that subject’ (Earl Nighingale). To make your growth intentional, strategic and effective, you need to think it through and plan it well.
Part of John Maxwell’s Plan for Growth
Listen to Audio lessons every week
Read Two Books Every Month
Meet with someone who can help you grow every month
·File what you learn.
..it will keep you more highly focused, force you to evaluate what you are reading and help you to bypass the junk and go for the good stuff that will stimulate you and help you grow.
·Apply What You Learn
Often the most difficult part of the upward climb of growth is putting into practice what you learn. The final test of any learning is always application.
·To Do (My Thoughts)
Read the Book
Develop a Plan
Be Intentional
Read and Study
Remember it’s quality not quantity
Start Meeting with an Accountability Partner
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Hardest Person to Lead
An Excerpt from Nancy Ortberg's new book 'Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands' that is included in the most recent Catalyst Newsletter.
It doesn't take long to realize that leadership is hard. You should be able to conjure up the names of at least five people who make that a true statement. All kinds of things make leadership difficult, but certain people are one of those things.
As the picture of those certain people comes to mind, take a minute to let that picture fade. Because of all the difficult people you will lead, the hardest person to lead will be yourself. Call it whatever you want-the discipline of a leader, self-leadership, managing yourself-you've got your work cut out for you.
The journey of leadership is as much inward as it is outward. Leadership, done well, will continually be a force that drives you back into the center of yourself to find out what you are really made of. Great leadership occurs when you understand your own motives, your ‘dark side,' what you want to misrepresent in order to look better than you really are.
One of the things I believe deeply is this: Leaders ought to be the most self-aware people in the room. Sure, who doesn't agree with that? Especially if I clarify that I am not talking about a narcissistic self-awareness. You know the kind: The people who know only two pronouns: I and me - no, not that kind of self-awareness.
I'm talking about the kind of self-awareness that makes you comfortable in your own skin. You know who you are and who you aren't. You lean into and lead out of your strengths. You have words for your brokenness, and while you may wish you had none, you know that you do, and you know what they are. And you know that other people know. You wouldn't have it any other way.
It doesn't take long to realize that leadership is hard. You should be able to conjure up the names of at least five people who make that a true statement. All kinds of things make leadership difficult, but certain people are one of those things.
As the picture of those certain people comes to mind, take a minute to let that picture fade. Because of all the difficult people you will lead, the hardest person to lead will be yourself. Call it whatever you want-the discipline of a leader, self-leadership, managing yourself-you've got your work cut out for you.
The journey of leadership is as much inward as it is outward. Leadership, done well, will continually be a force that drives you back into the center of yourself to find out what you are really made of. Great leadership occurs when you understand your own motives, your ‘dark side,' what you want to misrepresent in order to look better than you really are.
One of the things I believe deeply is this: Leaders ought to be the most self-aware people in the room. Sure, who doesn't agree with that? Especially if I clarify that I am not talking about a narcissistic self-awareness. You know the kind: The people who know only two pronouns: I and me - no, not that kind of self-awareness.
I'm talking about the kind of self-awareness that makes you comfortable in your own skin. You know who you are and who you aren't. You lean into and lead out of your strengths. You have words for your brokenness, and while you may wish you had none, you know that you do, and you know what they are. And you know that other people know. You wouldn't have it any other way.
Mentoring Thoughts
My response to a request for thoughts on an article on Mentoring:
I think mentoring can be beneficial to many people in either a formal and / or informal way. Leaders can grow and change, learn to deal with life issues and become better leaders (as noted in the Activate book) through a mentoring relationship.
The process should occur with Coaches and Home Team leaders as we get to know the leaders and develop relationships with them. The interesting thing is that coaches and leaders from different quadrants can also build mentoring relationships and I think that is ok and is healthy.
In many cases one mentor may not be adequate. Different mentors can provide assistance in different areas as some mentors will be knowledgeable or experienced in areas that the mentee wants to know or needs to learn.
I think we should encourage people to get into mentoring relationships
I think mentoring can be beneficial to many people in either a formal and / or informal way. Leaders can grow and change, learn to deal with life issues and become better leaders (as noted in the Activate book) through a mentoring relationship.
The process should occur with Coaches and Home Team leaders as we get to know the leaders and develop relationships with them. The interesting thing is that coaches and leaders from different quadrants can also build mentoring relationships and I think that is ok and is healthy.
In many cases one mentor may not be adequate. Different mentors can provide assistance in different areas as some mentors will be knowledgeable or experienced in areas that the mentee wants to know or needs to learn.
I think we should encourage people to get into mentoring relationships
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Good Politicians
I watched a broadcast on C-SPAN on Sunday afternoon which was a tribute to Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship.
Several notable people spoke and paid tribute to Colson for what he has done through PF. Colson felt that God called him to start PF after he was imprisoned for his role in the Watergate break-in during the Nixon Administration.
One of the things Colson talked about was how we determine who to vote for. There were two criteria he identified. First, choose the capable or competent candidate and then secondly, choose the Godly or trustworthy candidate.
Among many of the interesting things he said I found the following, which I have paraphrased, very interesting:
Politics is an expression of the culture. If we have good culture then we have good politicians.
Does this statement identify the reason so many people complain about the choices we have for elected office, such as President?
If you are not familiar with Prison Fellowship take some time to learn more about their work and the reduction in the recidivism rate they have achieved.
Several notable people spoke and paid tribute to Colson for what he has done through PF. Colson felt that God called him to start PF after he was imprisoned for his role in the Watergate break-in during the Nixon Administration.
One of the things Colson talked about was how we determine who to vote for. There were two criteria he identified. First, choose the capable or competent candidate and then secondly, choose the Godly or trustworthy candidate.
Among many of the interesting things he said I found the following, which I have paraphrased, very interesting:
Politics is an expression of the culture. If we have good culture then we have good politicians.
Does this statement identify the reason so many people complain about the choices we have for elected office, such as President?
If you are not familiar with Prison Fellowship take some time to learn more about their work and the reduction in the recidivism rate they have achieved.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Bein’ on the Big Screen
At dinner tonight my wife and I got talking about some older relatives who are nearing the end of their lives. We came to the conclusion that there is some bitterness and regret in their lives and we discussed what may have caused this?
My thoughts are that there are a lot of things that these relatives wanted to do but never attempted. In my own life I have come to a realization that as you age and gain knowledge, experience and wisdom and as you look back on some things in your life that you didn’t do or try, because of doubts or fears or the advice of others, you realize that you could have done some of those things.
That can be frustrating especially if you are only living for yourself because you feel that you have cheated yourself or maybe that life cheated you.
Think for a moment about being at a Best Buy store where they have all the flat screen TV’s turned on to the same game. Awesome isn’t it? Everything is clear and vivid. The sound is all around you. It’s like you’re right on the 50 yard line.
What if when you meet God it will be in that type of environment? But it’s just you and God in front of a big screen and you are both watching the scenes of your life flash by. Are there things you did not do that you are regretting? Or are there things that you did do that you regret doing?
Probably most, if not all of us, will experience both types of regrets at some time in our lives. If we only live for ourselves I think life can become very disappointing and boring.
It’s your call. God gave you the gifts and talents to lead the most exciting and fulfilling life possible. You just have to find out how he wants you to do it and he explains it all in his book.
Can it or will it be difficult? Sure! But anything worth having requires effort.
You will probably leave this life with regrets but not knowing God personally will be the biggest regret you ever have to deal with.
My thoughts are that there are a lot of things that these relatives wanted to do but never attempted. In my own life I have come to a realization that as you age and gain knowledge, experience and wisdom and as you look back on some things in your life that you didn’t do or try, because of doubts or fears or the advice of others, you realize that you could have done some of those things.
That can be frustrating especially if you are only living for yourself because you feel that you have cheated yourself or maybe that life cheated you.
Think for a moment about being at a Best Buy store where they have all the flat screen TV’s turned on to the same game. Awesome isn’t it? Everything is clear and vivid. The sound is all around you. It’s like you’re right on the 50 yard line.
What if when you meet God it will be in that type of environment? But it’s just you and God in front of a big screen and you are both watching the scenes of your life flash by. Are there things you did not do that you are regretting? Or are there things that you did do that you regret doing?
Probably most, if not all of us, will experience both types of regrets at some time in our lives. If we only live for ourselves I think life can become very disappointing and boring.
It’s your call. God gave you the gifts and talents to lead the most exciting and fulfilling life possible. You just have to find out how he wants you to do it and he explains it all in his book.
Can it or will it be difficult? Sure! But anything worth having requires effort.
You will probably leave this life with regrets but not knowing God personally will be the biggest regret you ever have to deal with.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Words aren’t adequate to describe a good example
When I was young my brother and I went to church with my Mom because she insisted we go. In order to become members of that church, somewhere around age 10, our denomination required that I attend two years of weekly religious training, called catechism classes.
The culmination of this training was that our class would have to stand up at a Sunday morning service and repeat the Apostle’s Creed and individually each of us would have to answer several questions that we were advised of in advance with the answers. As long as we memorized the answers and could repeat them we passed.
Our class was then confirmed and we became members of the church. I learned some stuff I’m sure but I can’t pinpoint what that was.
I drifted away from the church as my Mom didn’t continue to encourage me to attend and it seemed as though being confirmed was what mattered most.
I never really went back to church until after getting married and my wife developed cancer a short time after our wedding. I knew there was a God but I didn’t know how to get in touch with Him. One day I saw a sign for a church close to our apartment in Kingston, PA., and decided to go in one Sunday.
My wife came through the ordeal successfully because of the medical treatment she received and because of the prayers for God’s intercession.
Throughout the ensuing years we visited many churches of various denominations for varying periods of time. We joined many churches and volunteered at many.
Of all the people we met at all the churches we attended there were only a few men who made a significant impact on me. Each of these men made an effort to get to know me. They knew I was not always an excited or committed Christian and they knew I was sinning and struggling with my faith.
These men were respected by the other men of their churches. They were humble, they were servants, they were leaders, they worked with the men of the church, they struggled with life issues but they were examples that we all learned from and could follow. One of those men was a truck driver and two of them were pastors.
Unfortunately for me, I have lost touch with all three. My recollection is that when the truck driver died there were hundreds of people that came to his viewing. And many of those people weren’t Christians.
I have learned more from the examples of other men than from whatever words they spoke to me. I can only hope and pray that God helps me be an example that can positively influence men for Him.
The culmination of this training was that our class would have to stand up at a Sunday morning service and repeat the Apostle’s Creed and individually each of us would have to answer several questions that we were advised of in advance with the answers. As long as we memorized the answers and could repeat them we passed.
Our class was then confirmed and we became members of the church. I learned some stuff I’m sure but I can’t pinpoint what that was.
I drifted away from the church as my Mom didn’t continue to encourage me to attend and it seemed as though being confirmed was what mattered most.
I never really went back to church until after getting married and my wife developed cancer a short time after our wedding. I knew there was a God but I didn’t know how to get in touch with Him. One day I saw a sign for a church close to our apartment in Kingston, PA., and decided to go in one Sunday.
My wife came through the ordeal successfully because of the medical treatment she received and because of the prayers for God’s intercession.
Throughout the ensuing years we visited many churches of various denominations for varying periods of time. We joined many churches and volunteered at many.
Of all the people we met at all the churches we attended there were only a few men who made a significant impact on me. Each of these men made an effort to get to know me. They knew I was not always an excited or committed Christian and they knew I was sinning and struggling with my faith.
These men were respected by the other men of their churches. They were humble, they were servants, they were leaders, they worked with the men of the church, they struggled with life issues but they were examples that we all learned from and could follow. One of those men was a truck driver and two of them were pastors.
Unfortunately for me, I have lost touch with all three. My recollection is that when the truck driver died there were hundreds of people that came to his viewing. And many of those people weren’t Christians.
I have learned more from the examples of other men than from whatever words they spoke to me. I can only hope and pray that God helps me be an example that can positively influence men for Him.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Size Matters?
I saw this report from Yahoo News on the Drudge Report Today
Developer: Dubai Tower at 'new record height'
The developer of a Dubai skyscraper set to become the world's tallest building says the rising tower now stands at a "new record height" of 2,257 feet.
Emaar Properties says the skyscraper — known as Burj Dubai — now has "more than 160 stories." Its exterior is almost done and work has started on the interior.
The company's Monday statement gave no other details. The silvery steel-and-glass building's final height is a secret.
Last summer, the developer announced the building surpassed Taiwan's Taipei 101 which has dominated the global skyline at 1,667 feet since 2004.
In the four years of construction, Emaar twice postponed the skyscraper's finish, now slated for September 2009.
Some thoughts crossed my mind when I read this:
I am impressed that a building this tall can be built but I doubt I will ever go to the top of it. I don't like heights.
A lot of US dollars that were paid for oil may provide part or all of the financing for this project.
There is a drive to succeed that motivates the people who put this project together.
This building impress many of the the people of the world but I don't believe it impresses God.
Could all or some of the money used on this building have been used for more humanitarian purposes?
Developer: Dubai Tower at 'new record height'
The developer of a Dubai skyscraper set to become the world's tallest building says the rising tower now stands at a "new record height" of 2,257 feet.
Emaar Properties says the skyscraper — known as Burj Dubai — now has "more than 160 stories." Its exterior is almost done and work has started on the interior.
The company's Monday statement gave no other details. The silvery steel-and-glass building's final height is a secret.
Last summer, the developer announced the building surpassed Taiwan's Taipei 101 which has dominated the global skyline at 1,667 feet since 2004.
In the four years of construction, Emaar twice postponed the skyscraper's finish, now slated for September 2009.
Some thoughts crossed my mind when I read this:
I am impressed that a building this tall can be built but I doubt I will ever go to the top of it. I don't like heights.
A lot of US dollars that were paid for oil may provide part or all of the financing for this project.
There is a drive to succeed that motivates the people who put this project together.
This building impress many of the the people of the world but I don't believe it impresses God.
Could all or some of the money used on this building have been used for more humanitarian purposes?
Thursday, August 28, 2008
The Real Man
Here's a great quote by Thomas Paine that I found at Phil Gerbyshak's blog that is titled, 'Make it Great! with Phil Gerbyshak'.
“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress and grows brave by reflection.” - Thomas Paine
How do you measure up?
“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress and grows brave by reflection.” - Thomas Paine
How do you measure up?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Finding Volunteers
How do you find volunteers?
Some people will see a need for volunteers before you do and come to you with recommendations on how to meet or solve a situation.
Some will volunteer because they are so passionate about the cause or the purpose you want to address.
Some will volunteer when you make known a need because they have time available and they think they can help in resolving the issue although they are not passionate about it.
Some people won’t volunteer until you ask them to. Either they need prompting or need their ego stroked.
The people above are the easy ones to find.
The difficult ones are the ones you have to try to identify by constantly meeting with and getting to know them and their skills, gifts and abilities. By identifying their strengths you try to match them up with the volunteer needs you have.
It may take many meetings and many invitations to get these people to take the step of volunteering.
Why wouldn’t they readily volunteer?
They may not be confident in themselves or they may not have previously volunteered in this type of situation or organization.
But more importantly they may not be sure about you, your organization or the cause you are recruiting for no matter how noble you think it is. Don’t assume they see things the way you do. You could be so excited about the cause you are involved in that you don’t see any faults with it or yourself or your team, but they do.
By building a trusting relationship with a potential volunteer you may be able to convince them to join you in the journey. They will need to see your commitment to the cause and to other volunteers by your words and actions over a period of time.
Any variance or deviation between your words and your actions will drive or keep people away.
As in all leadership positions you have to look at and examine yourself first. It’s all about your character.
John Maxwell in the book ‘The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader’ discusses Character in Chapter One.
‘What must every person know about character?’
- Character is more than talk
- Talent is a gift, but character is a choice
- Character brings lasting success with people
- Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character
Some people will see a need for volunteers before you do and come to you with recommendations on how to meet or solve a situation.
Some will volunteer because they are so passionate about the cause or the purpose you want to address.
Some will volunteer when you make known a need because they have time available and they think they can help in resolving the issue although they are not passionate about it.
Some people won’t volunteer until you ask them to. Either they need prompting or need their ego stroked.
The people above are the easy ones to find.
The difficult ones are the ones you have to try to identify by constantly meeting with and getting to know them and their skills, gifts and abilities. By identifying their strengths you try to match them up with the volunteer needs you have.
It may take many meetings and many invitations to get these people to take the step of volunteering.
Why wouldn’t they readily volunteer?
They may not be confident in themselves or they may not have previously volunteered in this type of situation or organization.
But more importantly they may not be sure about you, your organization or the cause you are recruiting for no matter how noble you think it is. Don’t assume they see things the way you do. You could be so excited about the cause you are involved in that you don’t see any faults with it or yourself or your team, but they do.
By building a trusting relationship with a potential volunteer you may be able to convince them to join you in the journey. They will need to see your commitment to the cause and to other volunteers by your words and actions over a period of time.
Any variance or deviation between your words and your actions will drive or keep people away.
As in all leadership positions you have to look at and examine yourself first. It’s all about your character.
John Maxwell in the book ‘The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader’ discusses Character in Chapter One.
‘What must every person know about character?’
- Character is more than talk
- Talent is a gift, but character is a choice
- Character brings lasting success with people
- Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character
Friday, August 22, 2008
Spirit Led or Model Driven
Through the past year I have referred to Craig Greoschel, founder of LifeChurch.tv, many times. I heard him speak at Catalyst and I like what he said.
On his blog, titled 'Swerve', a recent post titled 'Sprit Led instead of Model Driven' suggests letting the Spirit of God direct your Ministry based on the values, gifts and people God gives you.
- What are YOU passionate about?
- What has God put in YOU?
- What needs can God use YOU to meet?
- What breaks YOUR heart?
- What are YOU uniquely equipped and called to do?
It's about recognizing that God is in control and we are here to do what He wants.
On his blog, titled 'Swerve', a recent post titled 'Sprit Led instead of Model Driven' suggests letting the Spirit of God direct your Ministry based on the values, gifts and people God gives you.
- What are YOU passionate about?
- What has God put in YOU?
- What needs can God use YOU to meet?
- What breaks YOUR heart?
- What are YOU uniquely equipped and called to do?
It's about recognizing that God is in control and we are here to do what He wants.
Yogiisms
Yogi Bera was a catcher for the New York Yankees and a three time American League MVP. Although a good baseball player and also a good manager he is remembered by many for his malapropisms (humorous misuse of a word) that have been attributed to him.
Here are some that may interest or amuse you:
'It ain't over til it's over."
I didn't really say everything I said."
This is like deja vu all over again."
Baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical."
If you come to a fork in the road, take it."
It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much."
I made a wrong mistake
It ain't the heat; it's the humility."
You can read more and learn more about Yogi at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogi_Berra
http://www.rinkworks.com/said/yogiberra.shtml
Here are some that may interest or amuse you:
'It ain't over til it's over."
I didn't really say everything I said."
This is like deja vu all over again."
Baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical."
If you come to a fork in the road, take it."
It was impossible to get a conversation going; everybody was talking too much."
I made a wrong mistake
It ain't the heat; it's the humility."
You can read more and learn more about Yogi at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yogi_Berra
http://www.rinkworks.com/said/yogiberra.shtml
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Resistance is futile
I heard a great quote today on the Bill Bennett Morning in America Radio Show. It was a recording of Bishop Fulton J Sheen quoting Oscar Wilde.
‘I can resist anything but temptation.’
That narrows it down.
‘I can resist anything but temptation.’
That narrows it down.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Is goal setting the answer?
Many of you who are ambitious goal setters may have some difficulty with this piece.
A piece written by Brett Clemmer, of Man in the Mirror, appeared in ‘Equipping the Man in the Mirror’ and was titled ‘How do you set goals?’ Clemmer relates a story where a young man asked him how he set goals.
Following are Clemmer’s comments:
‘I was surprised at my own response: “I don’t really set goals any more” I said.’
For me, goals have been a double-edged sword. It’s not that I can’t achieve them; it’s just that they can become the singular driving force in my life. I have lost sight of the present because I was so focused on what I could accomplish over the next year.
This can be hard on the people around you. With my temperament, people can become tools to help me achieve my goals. And in case you haven’t noticed, people don’t like being treated like tools.
Even that’s not the worst part. When I get too focused on goals, it pushes God aside. For me, goals too easily become idols.
Recently, I realized that goals are not “first things.” Goals are “second things.” My conversation with K. helped me realize that I now try to live my life according to my values first. I’ve decided I will make sure that I am who I want to be before I worry about what I want to do.
This is especially cool for a Christian, because we don’t have to go on some quest to determine who we want to be. We have a model – Jesus – and a guidebook – the Bible to help us.
With a commitment to my values, I’m ready for whatever God puts in front of me. When I stopped worrying about accomplishing things and started being faithful to who and what God wants me to be, I became, well, happier. Content.”
Are you being who and what God wants you to be? I don’t think you get there by just doing what you are gifted to do. In other words, if you are only doing what God gave you the abilty to do then you aren't trusting Him. And if you aren't trusting God how can you teach others how to trust Him?
In the Bible, God used the most unlikely people many times to do things. The way they were able to do what God wanted was realizing they were not equipped to do it and by asking and trusting God to lead them. There is an old phrase I have heard that says let go and let God. It's all about becoming what God wants us to be.
A piece written by Brett Clemmer, of Man in the Mirror, appeared in ‘Equipping the Man in the Mirror’ and was titled ‘How do you set goals?’ Clemmer relates a story where a young man asked him how he set goals.
Following are Clemmer’s comments:
‘I was surprised at my own response: “I don’t really set goals any more” I said.’
For me, goals have been a double-edged sword. It’s not that I can’t achieve them; it’s just that they can become the singular driving force in my life. I have lost sight of the present because I was so focused on what I could accomplish over the next year.
This can be hard on the people around you. With my temperament, people can become tools to help me achieve my goals. And in case you haven’t noticed, people don’t like being treated like tools.
Even that’s not the worst part. When I get too focused on goals, it pushes God aside. For me, goals too easily become idols.
Recently, I realized that goals are not “first things.” Goals are “second things.” My conversation with K. helped me realize that I now try to live my life according to my values first. I’ve decided I will make sure that I am who I want to be before I worry about what I want to do.
This is especially cool for a Christian, because we don’t have to go on some quest to determine who we want to be. We have a model – Jesus – and a guidebook – the Bible to help us.
With a commitment to my values, I’m ready for whatever God puts in front of me. When I stopped worrying about accomplishing things and started being faithful to who and what God wants me to be, I became, well, happier. Content.”
Are you being who and what God wants you to be? I don’t think you get there by just doing what you are gifted to do. In other words, if you are only doing what God gave you the abilty to do then you aren't trusting Him. And if you aren't trusting God how can you teach others how to trust Him?
In the Bible, God used the most unlikely people many times to do things. The way they were able to do what God wanted was realizing they were not equipped to do it and by asking and trusting God to lead them. There is an old phrase I have heard that says let go and let God. It's all about becoming what God wants us to be.
Friday, August 8, 2008
It's not Willow (Encore)
At breakfast last week, I was talking with a friend about the Catalyst conference this October in Atlanta and told him I would send him the blog post I entered last October after returning from the conference.
I have been sitting here tonight creating some new blog posts and watching / listening to some of the worship music from last October's conference.
The music has been getting me excited and I decided to read that post again. Needless to say I am looking forward to Catalyst.
The Catalyst Conference for the next generation of leaders is just two months away. If you haven't been to Catalyst you should go. Try it once to see what it's like.
If you don't know what I'm talking about go to: http://www.catalystconference.com/
For me Catalyst is challenging and inspiring and helps me recharge.
Hope to see you there!
**************************************************
It’s Not Willow. Posted 10/8/07
Several times I have made the comment that if you want to be a church like Willow Creek then you go to Willow Creek events, training, seminars, etc.
For the sake of full disclosure I have never been to Willow for any reason. I will probably get there at some time but I am not in a hurry.
You should also know that I am a contrarian by design and by DNA. Some people who know me might just say that I am a pain in the butt. That would be my wife too.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with Willow or what they do. I’m not interested in going because that’s where it seems everyone goes. I do that straight line conclusion thing and assume we will all become Willow types.
I think we are called to be different. Cutting Edge as many say.
Cutting edge requires change. Another word is transformation. Then if that is the case we need to go where the transformational leaders hang out.
That’s Catalyst. The speakers, the messages, the music, the atmosphere are all designed to transform people.
Jesus and the disciples were about change. That’s what we have to do. At a Catalyst Lab Brad Powell from Michigan stated that the answer to all the questions he was asking, save one, was change.
That other question, who makes up the church, had the answer of people. So in order to change the church the people have to change.
Leaders themselves need to be willing to change and make that transformation and then we can help others who make the decision to change. We can’t change them, only encourage and lead them.
I was most impacted at Catalyst by:
Francis Chan – Francis left the Ministry for a while and he reminded us God chose us and to not doubt our calling. In Jeremiah God basically said suck it up and move on. I believe God spoke to me through this message because prior to going to Catalyst I told my wife I didn’t know why I was going and that I thought that I should stop doing all the church stuff.
Craig Groeschel – Craig admitted that his public life was different from his personal life. That he was going through the motions. He had prayed for God to disturb him (from a poem by Sir Francis Drake) and he then prayed for God to disturb us. We had a lively discussion at lunch and it was evident that God had disturbed us in some areas that we struggle with. Craig also encouraged us to pray for God to disturb us.
Rick Warren – said we need to get out and do things by engaging the culture not just be comfortable sitting in the church. He prayed for God to ‘use us’ and not in an easy or simple way. He encouraged us to pray for God to use us.
The reason I related with these speakers is because they have lived through what they talked about. That’s spiritual authenticity.
I can follow a leader who gets bloody and dirty, lives for a purpose and follows God. Can you say JESUS?
Jesus, disturb me, use me and help me to be more like you. Amen.
I have been sitting here tonight creating some new blog posts and watching / listening to some of the worship music from last October's conference.
The music has been getting me excited and I decided to read that post again. Needless to say I am looking forward to Catalyst.
The Catalyst Conference for the next generation of leaders is just two months away. If you haven't been to Catalyst you should go. Try it once to see what it's like.
If you don't know what I'm talking about go to: http://www.catalystconference.com/
For me Catalyst is challenging and inspiring and helps me recharge.
Hope to see you there!
**************************************************
It’s Not Willow. Posted 10/8/07
Several times I have made the comment that if you want to be a church like Willow Creek then you go to Willow Creek events, training, seminars, etc.
For the sake of full disclosure I have never been to Willow for any reason. I will probably get there at some time but I am not in a hurry.
You should also know that I am a contrarian by design and by DNA. Some people who know me might just say that I am a pain in the butt. That would be my wife too.
I don’t think there is anything wrong with Willow or what they do. I’m not interested in going because that’s where it seems everyone goes. I do that straight line conclusion thing and assume we will all become Willow types.
I think we are called to be different. Cutting Edge as many say.
Cutting edge requires change. Another word is transformation. Then if that is the case we need to go where the transformational leaders hang out.
That’s Catalyst. The speakers, the messages, the music, the atmosphere are all designed to transform people.
Jesus and the disciples were about change. That’s what we have to do. At a Catalyst Lab Brad Powell from Michigan stated that the answer to all the questions he was asking, save one, was change.
That other question, who makes up the church, had the answer of people. So in order to change the church the people have to change.
Leaders themselves need to be willing to change and make that transformation and then we can help others who make the decision to change. We can’t change them, only encourage and lead them.
I was most impacted at Catalyst by:
Francis Chan – Francis left the Ministry for a while and he reminded us God chose us and to not doubt our calling. In Jeremiah God basically said suck it up and move on. I believe God spoke to me through this message because prior to going to Catalyst I told my wife I didn’t know why I was going and that I thought that I should stop doing all the church stuff.
Craig Groeschel – Craig admitted that his public life was different from his personal life. That he was going through the motions. He had prayed for God to disturb him (from a poem by Sir Francis Drake) and he then prayed for God to disturb us. We had a lively discussion at lunch and it was evident that God had disturbed us in some areas that we struggle with. Craig also encouraged us to pray for God to disturb us.
Rick Warren – said we need to get out and do things by engaging the culture not just be comfortable sitting in the church. He prayed for God to ‘use us’ and not in an easy or simple way. He encouraged us to pray for God to use us.
The reason I related with these speakers is because they have lived through what they talked about. That’s spiritual authenticity.
I can follow a leader who gets bloody and dirty, lives for a purpose and follows God. Can you say JESUS?
Jesus, disturb me, use me and help me to be more like you. Amen.
You can’t win if you quit
Winston Churchill is recognized as a great statesman and the leader of Britain during World War II. Churchill absolutely refused to give in to Germany even when it looked like Germany would defeat Britain.
What is it that made Churchill such a great leader? Say the quotes out loud slowly and listen to the conviction and commitment in his words in the face of a great threat, a great challenge. He was willing to stand up for what he believed in.
"Never Give In"
"This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
—HarrowSchool, 29 October 1941. It is commonly believed that Churchill stood up, gave the three-word speech, "Never give in!" and sat down. This is incorrect, as is the suggestion, variously reported, that the speech occurred at Oxford or Cambridge. It was on his first visit to his old school, Harrow, where he would continue to return for the annual "Songs," making his last appearance in 1961.
"Never Surrender"
"We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!"
—House of Commons, 4 June 1940, following the evacuation of British and French armies from Dunkirk as the German tide swept through France
What is it that made Churchill such a great leader? Say the quotes out loud slowly and listen to the conviction and commitment in his words in the face of a great threat, a great challenge. He was willing to stand up for what he believed in.
"Never Give In"
"This is the lesson: never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy."
—HarrowSchool, 29 October 1941. It is commonly believed that Churchill stood up, gave the three-word speech, "Never give in!" and sat down. This is incorrect, as is the suggestion, variously reported, that the speech occurred at Oxford or Cambridge. It was on his first visit to his old school, Harrow, where he would continue to return for the annual "Songs," making his last appearance in 1961.
"Never Surrender"
"We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing-grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills. We shall never surrender!"
—House of Commons, 4 June 1940, following the evacuation of British and French armies from Dunkirk as the German tide swept through France
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Basics
“The stuff on the football field will take care of itself. It's everything else that leads up to that. Accountability. Discipline. Unselfish attitude, guys looking out for each other, the team first. That wasn't here (last year).”
Bo Pelini, University of Nebraska, Head Football Coach, quoted in August 5, 2008, USA Today.
This sounds like a good formula for all of us to apply to our lives. I’ve heard coaches say if you take care of the little things then the big things will take care of themselves.
Vince Lombardi, who coached the Green Bay Packers, was reported to have walked into the Packer’s Locker Room early in his tenure and held up a football. He said to the team, ‘Gentleman, this is a football’.
The message was we are starting with the basics and we are going to do them well, in fact better than anyone else. Lombardi’s teams won six divisional and 5 NFL Championships and two Super Bowls.
Both Pelini and Lombardi emphasize the basics. By concentrating on the basics we can become better Christians.
If you don't have the discipline or you have trouble doing the basics an accountability partner can help you.
Bo Pelini, University of Nebraska, Head Football Coach, quoted in August 5, 2008, USA Today.
This sounds like a good formula for all of us to apply to our lives. I’ve heard coaches say if you take care of the little things then the big things will take care of themselves.
Vince Lombardi, who coached the Green Bay Packers, was reported to have walked into the Packer’s Locker Room early in his tenure and held up a football. He said to the team, ‘Gentleman, this is a football’.
The message was we are starting with the basics and we are going to do them well, in fact better than anyone else. Lombardi’s teams won six divisional and 5 NFL Championships and two Super Bowls.
Both Pelini and Lombardi emphasize the basics. By concentrating on the basics we can become better Christians.
If you don't have the discipline or you have trouble doing the basics an accountability partner can help you.
Hearing the Answers
Today’s message from ‘My Utmost for His Highest’ provides some interesting thoughts on prayer which I have culled from the message.
I think there are several key points about prayer to understand. I think your acceptance of each or all the points depends on the maturity of your relationship with God:
- We pray selfishly much of the time
- God doesn’t always give us the answer to prayer that we want
- Our response to God’s answer is an indicator of our spiritual maturity
- Our real purpose in being on earth is to show God’s grace to others
- Don’t fall into Satan’s trap
- Let God use you. He is molding you for His purposes
*******************************
‘If we pray only because we want answers, we will become irritated and angry with God. We receive an answer every time we pray, but it does not always come in the way we expect, and our spiritual irritation shows our refusal to identify ourselves truly with our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove that God answers prayer, but to be living trophies of God’s grace.
When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to place the blame on someone else. That is always a trap of Satan. When you seem to have no answer, there is always a reason— God uses these times to give you deep personal instruction, and it is not for anyone else but you.’
‘My Utmost for His Highest’ has been a great devotional for me. See the whole message for August 6 at:
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
Monday, July 28, 2008
A Replacement for Blogs
For all you bloggers and blog readers out there here is an opinion about blogs that appeared today on The Big Idea at Fast Company.com.
"Twitter will replace blogs as the Web's best social tool."
- Inspired by Robert Scoble's tweetstream
Do you agree or disagree?
"Twitter will replace blogs as the Web's best social tool."
- Inspired by Robert Scoble's tweetstream
Do you agree or disagree?
Friday, July 25, 2008
Walk the Walk
From John Maxwell’s Maximum Impact CD / Newsletter:
Writer Mark Twain quipped, “To do what is right is wonderful. To teach what is right is even more wonderful – and much easier”.
Isn’t that the truth? It’s always easier to teach what’s right than it is to do it. That’s one of the reasons why many parents (and bosses) say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
Author Norman Vincent Peale stated, “Nothing is more confusing than people who give good advice but set a bad example.” I would say a related thought is also true: “Nothing is more convincing than people who give good advice and set a good example.”
John Wooden used to say to his players, “Show me what you can do; don’t tell me what you can do.”
Writer Mark Twain quipped, “To do what is right is wonderful. To teach what is right is even more wonderful – and much easier”.
Isn’t that the truth? It’s always easier to teach what’s right than it is to do it. That’s one of the reasons why many parents (and bosses) say, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
Author Norman Vincent Peale stated, “Nothing is more confusing than people who give good advice but set a bad example.” I would say a related thought is also true: “Nothing is more convincing than people who give good advice and set a good example.”
John Wooden used to say to his players, “Show me what you can do; don’t tell me what you can do.”
Thursday, July 24, 2008
A Quote
An interesting quote I saw at a training session today.
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.
Leonardo DaVinci
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.
Leonardo DaVinci
Monday, July 21, 2008
More About Being an Example
I saw an interesting article about the Boy Scouts in the 7/21/08 USA Today. In an interview, Robert Mazzucca, Chief Scout Executive responded to a question by the reporter.
Q: Sam Walton, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Marriott, Ross Perot, and other CEOs were Eagle Scouts. Coincidence?
A: Hardly. Scouting builds people who are equipped to make ethical and good choices. It’s not unusual to see the leaders of communities come out of scouting. Our goal is not to teach someone to rub two sticks together and make a fire. But when you rub two sticks together and make a fire side by side with an adult of good character, you’re going to learn about who you are and go on to lead men.
When I was younger I remember hearing stories that some butchers would occasionally hold down the scale while measuring out a portion of meat. In effect, they raised the cost per pound and their total revenue by applying a small amount of pressure to the bed of the scale in a way that was not visible to the customer.
This may seem like a minor thing but over time and multiplied by thousands of butchers it amounts to a lot of money.
The Bible addresses this behavior in Proverbs.
Prov 11:1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
Prov 16:11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Prov 20:23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
It is not only about overcharging someone, it is about honesty, integrity, pride, desire to get over on others, trust, ego, using any means to achieve the end you want and more. It is a character issue. It is about living our lives for us and us only.
Our example can have a positive or negative impact in the lives of others. What choice will you make?
Q: Sam Walton, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Marriott, Ross Perot, and other CEOs were Eagle Scouts. Coincidence?
A: Hardly. Scouting builds people who are equipped to make ethical and good choices. It’s not unusual to see the leaders of communities come out of scouting. Our goal is not to teach someone to rub two sticks together and make a fire. But when you rub two sticks together and make a fire side by side with an adult of good character, you’re going to learn about who you are and go on to lead men.
When I was younger I remember hearing stories that some butchers would occasionally hold down the scale while measuring out a portion of meat. In effect, they raised the cost per pound and their total revenue by applying a small amount of pressure to the bed of the scale in a way that was not visible to the customer.
This may seem like a minor thing but over time and multiplied by thousands of butchers it amounts to a lot of money.
The Bible addresses this behavior in Proverbs.
Prov 11:1 The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.
Prov 16:11Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making.
Prov 20:23 The LORD detests differing weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
It is not only about overcharging someone, it is about honesty, integrity, pride, desire to get over on others, trust, ego, using any means to achieve the end you want and more. It is a character issue. It is about living our lives for us and us only.
Our example can have a positive or negative impact in the lives of others. What choice will you make?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A great example
There was a time when I used to resent King David. Yea, that David. He was a shepherd, slayer of Goliath, King of Israel and ancestor of Jesus.
A number of years ago I was in a men’s Bible Study where a few of the guys really liked David and talked all the time about how great he was. I didn’t get it. I just thought Davis was arrogant because it seemed like he did whatever he wanted and he abused his powers as King.
As my life progressed and I read the Bible more I started to gain a greater understanding of and more respect for David. What really struck me was the heart that David had for God and how he repented when he did something wrong. David truly loved God. Psalm 51 is a good example.
I found myself wanting to be more like David. Not in all areas. I don’t expect I’ll be a King or slay a giant but I hope I can have the love and respect for God that David did and the willingness to repent when I do something wrong in God’s eyes.
As much as I try, I continue to make mistakes. And as a result I continue to ask forgiveness and realize how imperfect I am. If only I could learn to not repeat the same mistakes.
A number of years ago I was in a men’s Bible Study where a few of the guys really liked David and talked all the time about how great he was. I didn’t get it. I just thought Davis was arrogant because it seemed like he did whatever he wanted and he abused his powers as King.
As my life progressed and I read the Bible more I started to gain a greater understanding of and more respect for David. What really struck me was the heart that David had for God and how he repented when he did something wrong. David truly loved God. Psalm 51 is a good example.
I found myself wanting to be more like David. Not in all areas. I don’t expect I’ll be a King or slay a giant but I hope I can have the love and respect for God that David did and the willingness to repent when I do something wrong in God’s eyes.
As much as I try, I continue to make mistakes. And as a result I continue to ask forgiveness and realize how imperfect I am. If only I could learn to not repeat the same mistakes.
I thank God constantly for Jesus and God’s grace. David is a reminder to me of God’s grace.
********************************************************
In my Bible there is a profile of David which I have printed below.
‘When we think of David, we think: shepherd. poet, giant killer, king, ancestor of Jesus – in short, one of the greatest men in the Old Testament. But alongside that list stands another: betrayer, liar, adulterer, murderer. The first list gives qualities we all might like to have; the second, qualities that might be true of anyone of us. The Bible makes no effort to hide David’s failures. Yet he is remembered and respected for his heart for God. Knowing how much more we share in David’s failures than in his greatness, we should be curious to find out what made God refer to David as “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22).
‘David more than anything else, had an unchangeable belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of God. He was a man who lived with great zest. He sinned many times but he was quick to confess his sins. His confessions were from the heart, and his repentance was genuine. David never took God’s forgiveness lightly or his blessings for granted. In return God never held back from David either his forgiveness or the consequences of his actions. David experienced the joy of forgiveness even when he had to suffer the consequences of his sins.’
‘We tend to get these two reversed. Too often we would rather avoid the consequences than experience forgiveness. Another big difference between us and David is that while he sinned greatly, he did not sin repeatedly. He learned from his mistakes because he accepted the suffering they brought. Often we don’t seem to learn from our mistakes or the consequences that result from those mistakes. What changes would it take for God to find this kind of obedience in you?’
********************************************************
In my Bible there is a profile of David which I have printed below.
‘When we think of David, we think: shepherd. poet, giant killer, king, ancestor of Jesus – in short, one of the greatest men in the Old Testament. But alongside that list stands another: betrayer, liar, adulterer, murderer. The first list gives qualities we all might like to have; the second, qualities that might be true of anyone of us. The Bible makes no effort to hide David’s failures. Yet he is remembered and respected for his heart for God. Knowing how much more we share in David’s failures than in his greatness, we should be curious to find out what made God refer to David as “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22).
‘David more than anything else, had an unchangeable belief in the faithful and forgiving nature of God. He was a man who lived with great zest. He sinned many times but he was quick to confess his sins. His confessions were from the heart, and his repentance was genuine. David never took God’s forgiveness lightly or his blessings for granted. In return God never held back from David either his forgiveness or the consequences of his actions. David experienced the joy of forgiveness even when he had to suffer the consequences of his sins.’
‘We tend to get these two reversed. Too often we would rather avoid the consequences than experience forgiveness. Another big difference between us and David is that while he sinned greatly, he did not sin repeatedly. He learned from his mistakes because he accepted the suffering they brought. Often we don’t seem to learn from our mistakes or the consequences that result from those mistakes. What changes would it take for God to find this kind of obedience in you?’
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Three...Two...One...
One of the great competitive events of our time occurred on July 4th.
Joey Chestnut defeated Takeru ‘Tsunami’ Kobayashi (is he related to the main character in ‘The Usual Suspects?) in an exciting, spirited, down to the wire contest. The lead wavered back and forth. The fans were on the edge of their seats. The contest had international television coverage and was featured on ESPN’s Sports Center (see below).
It was so disappointing to realize that one of the combatants had to lose after all the training, dedication and sacrifice.
You could say they left it all on the field. Well at least it appeared that one of them did.
During regulation Joey and Kobayashi each ate 59 hot dogs. It came down to a 5 hot dog eat off where Joey prevailed as he used the chipmunking technique. If my math is correct that’s over 12 pounds of hot dogs and rolls.
I heard Joey interviewed on the radio and he said his stomach wasn’t cooperating. Was that a surprise to him? If it was me, my stomach would have entered into the final stages of a launch sequence and been dangerously close to lift off.
Relive it again at ESPN.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3473708
Following is just a snippet of Joey’s Wikipedia entry. At that site you can also read about his eating history, training and world records (eighteen that I counted).
Joseph Christian "Jaws" Chestnut (born November 25, 1983) is an American competitive eater currently ranked first in the world by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. On July 4, 2007, he won the 92nd Annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, beating six-time defending champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi by consuming 66 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes, which set a new world record. On July 4, 2008, he successfully defended his title after winning a 5 hot dog eat-off after tying Kobayashi in consuming 59 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
Joey Chestnut defeated Takeru ‘Tsunami’ Kobayashi (is he related to the main character in ‘The Usual Suspects?) in an exciting, spirited, down to the wire contest. The lead wavered back and forth. The fans were on the edge of their seats. The contest had international television coverage and was featured on ESPN’s Sports Center (see below).
It was so disappointing to realize that one of the combatants had to lose after all the training, dedication and sacrifice.
You could say they left it all on the field. Well at least it appeared that one of them did.
During regulation Joey and Kobayashi each ate 59 hot dogs. It came down to a 5 hot dog eat off where Joey prevailed as he used the chipmunking technique. If my math is correct that’s over 12 pounds of hot dogs and rolls.
I heard Joey interviewed on the radio and he said his stomach wasn’t cooperating. Was that a surprise to him? If it was me, my stomach would have entered into the final stages of a launch sequence and been dangerously close to lift off.
Relive it again at ESPN.com.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=3473708
Following is just a snippet of Joey’s Wikipedia entry. At that site you can also read about his eating history, training and world records (eighteen that I counted).
Joseph Christian "Jaws" Chestnut (born November 25, 1983) is an American competitive eater currently ranked first in the world by the International Federation of Competitive Eating. On July 4, 2007, he won the 92nd Annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest, beating six-time defending champion Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi by consuming 66 hot dogs and buns in 12 minutes, which set a new world record. On July 4, 2008, he successfully defended his title after winning a 5 hot dog eat-off after tying Kobayashi in consuming 59 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Coffee Stirrer
Over the past few weeks I have noticed a different coffee stirrer lying on the office kitchen floor on two different days.
You probably know what I mean when I say a coffee stirrer. It is smaller than a straw in length and in width but made of the same plastic type material. Most of the stirrers I see are brown in color and they are used to mix creamer and sugar in either coffee or tea.
Each time I saw a stirrer I wondered why it was there and why no one picked it up. Was it too insignificant to pick up? Didn’t someone have the time to pick it up? Didn’t anyone know how to pick it up? Did people figure that the maintenance people would pick it up when they came in during the evening?
I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about this but it did occur to me that we may treat people the same way. I know I certainly have.
How do you react when you see someone in need that isn’t like you but something about them causes you to feel uncomfortable? It could be their appearance (race, clothing, cleanliness, health, body odor, etc), behavior, vehicle, items they are carrying or any number of things.
Are they too insignificant for you to get involved with?
Are you too busy to help or find out anything about them?
Do you feel unprepared to deal with their issues?
You don’t think you know what to do?
Do you think that someone else more able would probably come along and help them?
Is the answer to ignore the person? I don’t think so. I think we need to do what we can and that could be calling someone or some organization to help them or giving them a ride somewhere or seeing what they need and trying to help solve the problem.
It may require a change in our attitude and behavior but it’s what we are called to do. We don’t have to relegate helping people to specific times, locations or organizations.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Find the knowledge of God
We are in the middle of a series that deals with Proverbs. The basic scripture that is referenced is Proverbs 1:7 which follows:
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
The fear of the LORD is defined as revering and respecting God.
While reading Proverbs 2 today this portion of scripture (Proverbs 2:1-5) had an impact on me
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Look at the verbs which tell us what to do to understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
What are you doing and what aren’t you doing?
Man, you gotta do the work! It just doesn’t happen.
Keep reading Proverbs there's a lot more to it.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
The fear of the LORD is defined as revering and respecting God.
While reading Proverbs 2 today this portion of scripture (Proverbs 2:1-5) had an impact on me
My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
Look at the verbs which tell us what to do to understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
What are you doing and what aren’t you doing?
Man, you gotta do the work! It just doesn’t happen.
Keep reading Proverbs there's a lot more to it.
Act Like Men
Francis Chan, Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California, offered some direction to men at the 2007 Catalyst Conference. We viewed that message on a DVD at the July 2008 CCV Men - Breakfast.
He referenced 1 Corinthians 16:13 which follows where Paul was offering direction to the Corinthians:
Be on your guard
Stand firm in the faith
Be men of courage
Be strong
Francis boiled it down to 'Act like Men' and suck it up. Don't whine or complain. Jesus gave his life for us and He didn't whine.
I believe we need to heed, apply and remind others of this message.
He referenced 1 Corinthians 16:13 which follows where Paul was offering direction to the Corinthians:
Be on your guard
Stand firm in the faith
Be men of courage
Be strong
Francis boiled it down to 'Act like Men' and suck it up. Don't whine or complain. Jesus gave his life for us and He didn't whine.
I believe we need to heed, apply and remind others of this message.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Taming a Lion
If you were in a cage with a lion what would you do?
In the book ‘The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader’ John Maxwell talks about taming a lion in the chapter on Focus.
‘Experienced animal tamers take a stool with them when they step into a cage with a lion. Why a stool? It tames a lion better than anything – except maybe a tranquilizer gun. When the trainer holds the stool with the legs extended toward the lion’s face, the animal tries to focus on all four legs at once. And that paralyzes him. Divided focus always works against you.’
Are you focusing on too many things at once?
In the book ‘The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader’ John Maxwell talks about taming a lion in the chapter on Focus.
‘Experienced animal tamers take a stool with them when they step into a cage with a lion. Why a stool? It tames a lion better than anything – except maybe a tranquilizer gun. When the trainer holds the stool with the legs extended toward the lion’s face, the animal tries to focus on all four legs at once. And that paralyzes him. Divided focus always works against you.’
Are you focusing on too many things at once?
Do you believe your eyes?
Gregg Easterbrook, of the Brookings Institution, in a recent article in the Wall Street Journal compares the media perception of America with the perception of individual Americans. His article is titled, ‘Life is good, so why do we feel so bad?’
‘The relentlessly negative impressions of American life presented by the media, including the entertainment media, explain something otherwise puzzling that shows up in psychological data. When asked about the country’s economy, schools, health care or community spirit, American’s tell pollsters the situation is dreadful. But when asked about their own jobs, schools, doctors, and communities, people tell pollsters the situation is good. Our impressions of ourselves, and our neighbors come from personal experience. Our impressions of the nation as a whole come from the media and from political blather, which both exaggerate the negative.’
‘The latter has never been thicker. Democrats insist Republicans are ruining domestic policy. Republicans insist Democrats are ruining foreign policy. Neither claim is true, but both reflect what we’ve been conditioned to believe: that America is in much worse circumstances than it actually is.’
Being able to extrapolate the truth by obtaining information from multiple trustworthy sources is important. It takes time to identify and develop those sources.
Although freedom of the press is guaranteed there is no requirement for fairness, accuracy or objectivity.
‘The relentlessly negative impressions of American life presented by the media, including the entertainment media, explain something otherwise puzzling that shows up in psychological data. When asked about the country’s economy, schools, health care or community spirit, American’s tell pollsters the situation is dreadful. But when asked about their own jobs, schools, doctors, and communities, people tell pollsters the situation is good. Our impressions of ourselves, and our neighbors come from personal experience. Our impressions of the nation as a whole come from the media and from political blather, which both exaggerate the negative.’
‘The latter has never been thicker. Democrats insist Republicans are ruining domestic policy. Republicans insist Democrats are ruining foreign policy. Neither claim is true, but both reflect what we’ve been conditioned to believe: that America is in much worse circumstances than it actually is.’
Being able to extrapolate the truth by obtaining information from multiple trustworthy sources is important. It takes time to identify and develop those sources.
Although freedom of the press is guaranteed there is no requirement for fairness, accuracy or objectivity.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
One View of Success
In an address at Regent University titled ‘How to be a Real Success’ John Maxwell, author and leadership expert, offered his insights on success. Following is an outline of what he discussed.
Success is:
1 – Knowing your purpose in life
To discover your purpose
Discover your passion
Find your strength
2 – Growing to your maximum potential
3 – Seeking to benefit others (add value)
Four things successful people do:
1 – Get along with people
2 – They equip (train and develop) people
3 - They have an attitude that is different from other people
4 – They have learned how to influence people
Notice there is no mention of money or material goods to determine success. It revolves around using your talents and abilities, improving yourself and being a positive influence in the lives of others. Is there something here you can learn benefit from?
I think these principles apply in life, business, church, family or any other area you may be involved in.
To get a better understanding of Maxwell’s thoughts see the whole article at: http://www.regent.edu/publications/keynote/pdf/vol3_no1-2008.pdf
Just do it
How many times have you thought about doing something and then didn't do it because you didn't think your efforts would make much of a difference?
I want you to watch the following video and then take some action on something you have been putting off. It is easy to doubt or question. It takes a little more courage to stand up and do something.
Following is the intro I received for this video by e-mail.
I want you to watch the following video and then take some action on something you have been putting off. It is easy to doubt or question. It takes a little more courage to stand up and do something.
Following is the intro I received for this video by e-mail.
******************************************************
Please watch the following video clip -- it is a story of Johnny, the grocery store bagger. It is very short, but it will remind you of why and how we make an impact in what we do. You may even want to share it with others, and I hope you will. It's amazing how one young Down's Syndrome bagger made such a wonderful impact on those customers lucky enough to have Johnny bag their groceries!
http://www.stservicemovie.com/
http://www.stservicemovie.com/
Sunday, June 1, 2008
What I saw
The mother of the woman we built a house for in Juarez, Mexico, came over for the dedication of that house on a Wednesday evening. She lived next door and her grandson, Jonathan, who would be living in the new house with his mother, had helped us in building his mother’s house.
His grandmother was short, about four feet tall. Her skin was tanned, wrinkled and appeared leathery. She wore a scarf over her head and wore a long dress and she carried her Bible.
She smiled during the dedication service and read some scripture in Spanish when given the opportunity. At the end of the simple proceedings there were many hugs but more tears as the house was presented to the new owner.
I didn’t think much more about the grandmother as we went to the dedication of the second house just a few hundred yards up a dirt road where we encountered another family that was truly thankful. Again many hugs and more tears.
Thirty four of us had traveled from the Philadelphia area to El Paso, Texas, where we boarded four vans. In El Paso we had stayed in a church on Sunday, Thursday and Friday nights where we slept on the floor, on pews or on chairs.
On Monday morning we went to the offices of Casas por Cristo to meet up with our project managers, Scott and Jason. After we got some tools and made plans we added two pickup trucks to the caravan and headed to Juarez, Mexico. Juarez has had a lot of crime recently and the US State Department had issued a warning to Americans traveling there.
Casas has a fairly new community center they had built in the area where we would be working. We would be sleeping on the concrete floor of this center and making and cooking our food here from Monday to Thursday.
This area of Juarez is on top of an old dump with dirt roads, run down shacks, lots of stray dogs, empty plastic bags and plastic bottles everywhere and lots of dust. There were dust storms and hot sun every afternoon.
Interestingly there were used tires everywhere and many appeared on roofs apparently holding roof coverings secure.
Casas has been a presence in this area of one million plus people since 1993, I believe. They have had such a positive influence that whenever people, whether adults or children, saw our caravan they waved and smiled.
As we loaded into the four vans on Wednesday evening to leave the second dedication we drove down the road toward the first house we had built. Up to this time I had not been moved emotionally by this experience. I was glad that I came and glad that we could do a little to help these people in such difficult circumstances.
As we passed the first house we had built, I noticed the grandmother stepping into the doorway of her house next door. I watched her as she looked at our van and clapped her hands for us – she was applauding us. She then raised her right hand high over her head and gave us a thumbs up sign.
The only thing that came to my mind was ‘what you do for the least of these you do for me’. I know it isn’t the exact scripture but I think it captures the meaning. You can check it at Matthew 25:40.
For me that was the reason we had come.
His grandmother was short, about four feet tall. Her skin was tanned, wrinkled and appeared leathery. She wore a scarf over her head and wore a long dress and she carried her Bible.
She smiled during the dedication service and read some scripture in Spanish when given the opportunity. At the end of the simple proceedings there were many hugs but more tears as the house was presented to the new owner.
I didn’t think much more about the grandmother as we went to the dedication of the second house just a few hundred yards up a dirt road where we encountered another family that was truly thankful. Again many hugs and more tears.
Thirty four of us had traveled from the Philadelphia area to El Paso, Texas, where we boarded four vans. In El Paso we had stayed in a church on Sunday, Thursday and Friday nights where we slept on the floor, on pews or on chairs.
On Monday morning we went to the offices of Casas por Cristo to meet up with our project managers, Scott and Jason. After we got some tools and made plans we added two pickup trucks to the caravan and headed to Juarez, Mexico. Juarez has had a lot of crime recently and the US State Department had issued a warning to Americans traveling there.
Casas has a fairly new community center they had built in the area where we would be working. We would be sleeping on the concrete floor of this center and making and cooking our food here from Monday to Thursday.
This area of Juarez is on top of an old dump with dirt roads, run down shacks, lots of stray dogs, empty plastic bags and plastic bottles everywhere and lots of dust. There were dust storms and hot sun every afternoon.
Interestingly there were used tires everywhere and many appeared on roofs apparently holding roof coverings secure.
Casas has been a presence in this area of one million plus people since 1993, I believe. They have had such a positive influence that whenever people, whether adults or children, saw our caravan they waved and smiled.
As we loaded into the four vans on Wednesday evening to leave the second dedication we drove down the road toward the first house we had built. Up to this time I had not been moved emotionally by this experience. I was glad that I came and glad that we could do a little to help these people in such difficult circumstances.
As we passed the first house we had built, I noticed the grandmother stepping into the doorway of her house next door. I watched her as she looked at our van and clapped her hands for us – she was applauding us. She then raised her right hand high over her head and gave us a thumbs up sign.
The only thing that came to my mind was ‘what you do for the least of these you do for me’. I know it isn’t the exact scripture but I think it captures the meaning. You can check it at Matthew 25:40.
For me that was the reason we had come.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Helping us see
Martin Luther King in his ‘I have a Dream Speech’ said: ‘I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character’.
How difficult is that for many of us to accept, or more so, for us to live that way?
Every month for the CCV Men - Breakfast Meeting I try to remember to ask God to bring the men that He wants to attend and I also ask Him to bring the words that He wants spoken.
I also try to remember to ask Him on the way to church on Sunday morning to bring the men to me or lead me to the men he wants me to talk with.
There was a time when I was younger that I would be concerned about talking with people due to their age, background, color, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual preference or any other distinction that wasn’t in agreement with my beliefs. And because of this I would avoid talking with or being seen with any of these people.
Today I did remember to ask God about the men He wanted me to talk with at Church. I was a little more relaxed after church and tried to be more accessible by standing in an area for a little longer than I normally would. My normal habit is to walk around and to search out some of the man I know.
Near the coffee cart, I saw a man I had not seen in awhile and he passed on greetings to me from a man who had attended our church but had moved out of the area some time ago. We talked about cars, gas prices, holiday activities and some other things.
After talking with him for awhile and trying to get to know him better he and his friend left and another man came up to me. This man, who was at the last Breakfast meeting, and I have talked on occasion for several years but I don’t think we developed any closeness.
After talking with the second man he told me things were ok but he missed his family who lived out of state and I sensed there were some other things going on in his life. He reached to hug me as we were saying our goodbyes and I hugged him in return. I then felt a prompting to say to him that he seemed somewhat stressed and I asked if there was anything I could pray for.
He then shared some struggles he was going through. When we completed our discussion he again reached to hug me and we did and this time he told me he loved me.
I was very appreciative that he was comfortable enough to share his struggles and his emotions with me as well as his love. This was the love of Christ.
God has brought me a long way and has helped me to be able to get beyond many things that were formerly roadblocks and prejudices. I have asked God to show me what He wants me to see and I believe He is doing that.
These two men belong to a different race than I do and they felt comfortable talking with me. One felt comfortable enough to hug me. I am thankful to God for this and I hope that I am becoming more of the person that God wants me to be.
By this occurrence and others I think that God wants me to see the hearts of people and not the things that make us different.
How difficult is that for many of us to accept, or more so, for us to live that way?
Every month for the CCV Men - Breakfast Meeting I try to remember to ask God to bring the men that He wants to attend and I also ask Him to bring the words that He wants spoken.
I also try to remember to ask Him on the way to church on Sunday morning to bring the men to me or lead me to the men he wants me to talk with.
There was a time when I was younger that I would be concerned about talking with people due to their age, background, color, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sexual preference or any other distinction that wasn’t in agreement with my beliefs. And because of this I would avoid talking with or being seen with any of these people.
Today I did remember to ask God about the men He wanted me to talk with at Church. I was a little more relaxed after church and tried to be more accessible by standing in an area for a little longer than I normally would. My normal habit is to walk around and to search out some of the man I know.
Near the coffee cart, I saw a man I had not seen in awhile and he passed on greetings to me from a man who had attended our church but had moved out of the area some time ago. We talked about cars, gas prices, holiday activities and some other things.
After talking with him for awhile and trying to get to know him better he and his friend left and another man came up to me. This man, who was at the last Breakfast meeting, and I have talked on occasion for several years but I don’t think we developed any closeness.
After talking with the second man he told me things were ok but he missed his family who lived out of state and I sensed there were some other things going on in his life. He reached to hug me as we were saying our goodbyes and I hugged him in return. I then felt a prompting to say to him that he seemed somewhat stressed and I asked if there was anything I could pray for.
He then shared some struggles he was going through. When we completed our discussion he again reached to hug me and we did and this time he told me he loved me.
I was very appreciative that he was comfortable enough to share his struggles and his emotions with me as well as his love. This was the love of Christ.
God has brought me a long way and has helped me to be able to get beyond many things that were formerly roadblocks and prejudices. I have asked God to show me what He wants me to see and I believe He is doing that.
These two men belong to a different race than I do and they felt comfortable talking with me. One felt comfortable enough to hug me. I am thankful to God for this and I hope that I am becoming more of the person that God wants me to be.
By this occurrence and others I think that God wants me to see the hearts of people and not the things that make us different.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Don’t Judge the Cover
There were 32 of us who were on the trip to Juarez, Mexico, to build two houses. It was an interesting mix of people. There were old and young, married and single, male and female and white collar and blue collar. There were high school and college students, new parents and old parents, brothers, married couples, sisters, and several parent and child relationships.
I thought one of the things that would be good for me would be to meet some people I didn’t already know. I did know some people better than others but didn’t plan to spend too much time with them.
One of things that became apparent rather quickly was that I wasn’t going to meet people very easily. And that is unusual because I normally can connect easily with most people as I am deliberate in getting to know others.
There was a lot of excitement that developed between the people on the trip as many seemed to be drawn to others like themselves. I seemed to have a hard time getting into the flow of things.
After we finished the first day of work and showered and changed I spent some time reading the Bible and another book I had with me. I was always taking some time to watch people interacting and occasionally I would overhear parts of their conversations.
I began to ask God to help me to see or hear or understand what He wanted me to. I believe God helped me to realize that I was there to serve all the people involved on this project. But I still wasn’t getting to know anyone new.
That changed on Tuesday night. We had a great day and made a lot of progress on the houses. The team leaders decided that we would go out for ice cream. That was cool.
What I didn’t count on was that God was doing something I didn’t expect. I got into the last seat on one of the vans and no one sat next to me. It looked like everyone on the team was settled into one of the four vans and I was thinking I would be sitting by myself. That was ok.
Then I noticed a guy on the team coming toward our van and the only seats left were by me. I wasn’t too eager to talk with him because I had some preconceived ideas about him.
I decided to pray and said God bring whoever you want to sit in this seat. He got in and sat by me. We began talking and had a great discussion and I learned a lot about him and I gained a great deal of appreciation for him.
The lesson which I had to relearn is that when I do things for me I don’t usually have the right motives but when I can ask God for guidance then things turn out in a way that is much more honoring to Him.
I thought one of the things that would be good for me would be to meet some people I didn’t already know. I did know some people better than others but didn’t plan to spend too much time with them.
One of things that became apparent rather quickly was that I wasn’t going to meet people very easily. And that is unusual because I normally can connect easily with most people as I am deliberate in getting to know others.
There was a lot of excitement that developed between the people on the trip as many seemed to be drawn to others like themselves. I seemed to have a hard time getting into the flow of things.
After we finished the first day of work and showered and changed I spent some time reading the Bible and another book I had with me. I was always taking some time to watch people interacting and occasionally I would overhear parts of their conversations.
I began to ask God to help me to see or hear or understand what He wanted me to. I believe God helped me to realize that I was there to serve all the people involved on this project. But I still wasn’t getting to know anyone new.
That changed on Tuesday night. We had a great day and made a lot of progress on the houses. The team leaders decided that we would go out for ice cream. That was cool.
What I didn’t count on was that God was doing something I didn’t expect. I got into the last seat on one of the vans and no one sat next to me. It looked like everyone on the team was settled into one of the four vans and I was thinking I would be sitting by myself. That was ok.
Then I noticed a guy on the team coming toward our van and the only seats left were by me. I wasn’t too eager to talk with him because I had some preconceived ideas about him.
I decided to pray and said God bring whoever you want to sit in this seat. He got in and sat by me. We began talking and had a great discussion and I learned a lot about him and I gained a great deal of appreciation for him.
The lesson which I had to relearn is that when I do things for me I don’t usually have the right motives but when I can ask God for guidance then things turn out in a way that is much more honoring to Him.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Picking the Team
There are lots of ways to pick teams.
When we were kids we usually played team sports like baseball, basketball and football. But before we could play we had to choose teams.
We used a number of methods to determine who picked first. That was critical because with the first pick you were assured of getting the best player and some pretty good players with subsequent picks. The objective being to pick the best team so you would win.
We usually used a method we called ‘choosing sides’ where the captains would face each other and call either odds or evens. Each would throw out their hand and display a number of fingers. It was similar to rock, paper, scissors. If you called even and the total of the fingers shown by both was even then you won and got the first pick.
It’s possible you may need a more sophisticated method to pick your team.
The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania has a one week class titled ‘Creating and Leading High Performance Teams’. Some of the session topics are:
Forming and sustaining successful teams
Aligning Individuals around group goals
Team dynamics
Leading from the front, middle and behind
Experiential learning
The odds are pretty good that you will learn how to pick team members to help achieve the goals you have in mind. Did I mention this session costs $7,850 for the week?
I just think it is interesting that God didn’t use this sophisticated and proven method to pick the CCV team to go to Mexico to build a couple of houses. In fact it seems that all He did was urge us and maybe push some of us a little harder. It was kind of like a heart thing.
If you check out the Bible that is how God worked with most people. He didn’t always recruit the smartest, biggest, strongest or fastest people. He picked the people who would be obedient and do what He wanted.
I believe God picked the team that He wanted to go to Mexico. The team that would build the houses, develop bonds with each other and show His love to the people in Juarez.
Unhappy at Work
Business Week
Harvard Business Online May 15, 2008, 5:50PM EST text size: TT
Ten Reasons Gen Xers Are Unhappy at Work
Corporations really need folks in their 30s to early 40s, but there is a tentative relationship at best between that cohort and Corporate America
by Tammy Erickson
Posted on Across the Ages: May 10, 2008 9:46 AM
I'm worried about Generation X and corporations. As far as I can tell, these two have a tentative relationship at best—and are likely headed for some rocky times ahead.
Corporations really need Gen X—folks in their 30's to early 40's, who should begin to serve as our primary corporate leaders over the next couple years. But I fear many current corporate executives are taking this small and therefore precious group for granted.
Many of you X'ers are not thrilled with corporate life. You tend not to trust institutions in general and deeply resent the Boomers' confident assumptions that you will be motivated by the same things that Boomers have long cared about. Many of you have told me that you are planning to leave corporate life "soon"—to start entrepreneurial ventures or work for smaller companies—options you feel will suite you better than the corporate roles looming ahead.
Why are many X'ers uncomfortable in corporate life?
1. X'ers' corporate careers got off to a slow start and many are still feeling the pain. You graduated when the economy was slow and the huge bulge of Boomers had already grabbed most of the key jobs. As an article in the May, 1985 issue of Fortune said: "[T]hese pioneers of the baby-bust generation are finding life on the career frontier harsher than ever…they're snarled in a demographic traffic jam…stuck behind all those surplus graduates of the past decade."
2. When you were teens, X'ers witnessed adults in your lives being laid off from large corporations, as re-engineering swept through the business lexicon. This engendered in most X'ers a lack of trust in large institutions and a strong desire for a life filled with back-up plans, just in case. Many of the adults you saw laid off and then struggling to reintegrate were in their 40's—about the age X'ers are reaching today.
3. Most corporate career paths "narrow" at the top —the perceived range of options diminishes as individuals become increasingly specialized in specific functions or roles. X'ers crave options, which assuage your concerns about being backed into a corner, laid off from one path. The sense of narrowing career paths and increased vulnerability is often most palpable at the transition from middle to upper management—just where many of you are today. This step also often brings demands for relocation and separation from established social networks—an additional assault on your sense of self-reliance.
4. Just your luck—the economy was slow when you entered the workforce and now its slowing once again—just as you are standing at the threshold of senior management. Stepping into leadership roles right now looks more difficult and the roles themselves, more vulnerable than they have at any point in the past decade.
5. And then there are those pesky Gen Y's. Many X'ers are charged with "managing" Y's which—let's face it—is an impossible task, at least if you define "manage" as controlling their channels of communication. While vying for promotions and trying to look good, many of you feel that Y's are doing an end run around.
6. X'ers are, in fact, surrounded by a love fest—and not feeling the love. As I wrote in last week's post, Boomers and Y's are learning from each other—and enjoying their interactions. It's easy to feel left out.
7. X'ers are the most conservative cohort in today's workforce—and you're surrounded by "shake ‘em up" types on both sides. In your personal lives, X'ers are not particularly keen on rules, but you had to follow them in the workplace—and you resent it when others now don't. It seems unfair to be rewriting corporate etiquette when you've had to toe the line for so long.
8. Many X'ers' are guarding a closely held secret: you're not all as comfortable with the technology that is changing the way things are done as everyone seems to think you are. While it's perfectly acceptable for Boomers to feign ignorance and ask for help, it's embarrassing for X'ers to do so.
9. And if Boomer colleagues are annoying, the Boomer parents of your Y reports are down-right over-the-top. X'ers can't believe the frequency of Y-parent interactions and are deeply turned off by parents who make their presence felt in the workplace.
10. Finally, your own parenting pressures are at a peak. You're deeply committed to spending more time with your kids than your parents did or were able to spend with you, but juggling is getting more and more difficult.
Is it time to jump off the corporate train?
I hope not—at least not for most of you. Corporations really need your leadership. But I understand that we need to create corporate environments that are more conducive to your needs and preferences.
I'm in the middle of my latest writing project—a book on career options and strategies for Gen X'ers. I'd love to hear from you about your experiences, frustrations, and success. What works? What doesn't? What do you worry about? What would you most like to know?
Tammy Erickson blogs at Across the Ages.
Harvard Business Online May 15, 2008, 5:50PM EST text size: TT
Ten Reasons Gen Xers Are Unhappy at Work
Corporations really need folks in their 30s to early 40s, but there is a tentative relationship at best between that cohort and Corporate America
by Tammy Erickson
Posted on Across the Ages: May 10, 2008 9:46 AM
I'm worried about Generation X and corporations. As far as I can tell, these two have a tentative relationship at best—and are likely headed for some rocky times ahead.
Corporations really need Gen X—folks in their 30's to early 40's, who should begin to serve as our primary corporate leaders over the next couple years. But I fear many current corporate executives are taking this small and therefore precious group for granted.
Many of you X'ers are not thrilled with corporate life. You tend not to trust institutions in general and deeply resent the Boomers' confident assumptions that you will be motivated by the same things that Boomers have long cared about. Many of you have told me that you are planning to leave corporate life "soon"—to start entrepreneurial ventures or work for smaller companies—options you feel will suite you better than the corporate roles looming ahead.
Why are many X'ers uncomfortable in corporate life?
1. X'ers' corporate careers got off to a slow start and many are still feeling the pain. You graduated when the economy was slow and the huge bulge of Boomers had already grabbed most of the key jobs. As an article in the May, 1985 issue of Fortune said: "[T]hese pioneers of the baby-bust generation are finding life on the career frontier harsher than ever…they're snarled in a demographic traffic jam…stuck behind all those surplus graduates of the past decade."
2. When you were teens, X'ers witnessed adults in your lives being laid off from large corporations, as re-engineering swept through the business lexicon. This engendered in most X'ers a lack of trust in large institutions and a strong desire for a life filled with back-up plans, just in case. Many of the adults you saw laid off and then struggling to reintegrate were in their 40's—about the age X'ers are reaching today.
3. Most corporate career paths "narrow" at the top —the perceived range of options diminishes as individuals become increasingly specialized in specific functions or roles. X'ers crave options, which assuage your concerns about being backed into a corner, laid off from one path. The sense of narrowing career paths and increased vulnerability is often most palpable at the transition from middle to upper management—just where many of you are today. This step also often brings demands for relocation and separation from established social networks—an additional assault on your sense of self-reliance.
4. Just your luck—the economy was slow when you entered the workforce and now its slowing once again—just as you are standing at the threshold of senior management. Stepping into leadership roles right now looks more difficult and the roles themselves, more vulnerable than they have at any point in the past decade.
5. And then there are those pesky Gen Y's. Many X'ers are charged with "managing" Y's which—let's face it—is an impossible task, at least if you define "manage" as controlling their channels of communication. While vying for promotions and trying to look good, many of you feel that Y's are doing an end run around.
6. X'ers are, in fact, surrounded by a love fest—and not feeling the love. As I wrote in last week's post, Boomers and Y's are learning from each other—and enjoying their interactions. It's easy to feel left out.
7. X'ers are the most conservative cohort in today's workforce—and you're surrounded by "shake ‘em up" types on both sides. In your personal lives, X'ers are not particularly keen on rules, but you had to follow them in the workplace—and you resent it when others now don't. It seems unfair to be rewriting corporate etiquette when you've had to toe the line for so long.
8. Many X'ers' are guarding a closely held secret: you're not all as comfortable with the technology that is changing the way things are done as everyone seems to think you are. While it's perfectly acceptable for Boomers to feign ignorance and ask for help, it's embarrassing for X'ers to do so.
9. And if Boomer colleagues are annoying, the Boomer parents of your Y reports are down-right over-the-top. X'ers can't believe the frequency of Y-parent interactions and are deeply turned off by parents who make their presence felt in the workplace.
10. Finally, your own parenting pressures are at a peak. You're deeply committed to spending more time with your kids than your parents did or were able to spend with you, but juggling is getting more and more difficult.
Is it time to jump off the corporate train?
I hope not—at least not for most of you. Corporations really need your leadership. But I understand that we need to create corporate environments that are more conducive to your needs and preferences.
I'm in the middle of my latest writing project—a book on career options and strategies for Gen X'ers. I'd love to hear from you about your experiences, frustrations, and success. What works? What doesn't? What do you worry about? What would you most like to know?
Tammy Erickson blogs at Across the Ages.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Attitude
On a recent Trip to Juarez, Mexico to build houses for families in need, I was less than excited to go, as I am not handy with tools. I am a good go fer. Go fer this, go fer that and I am OK with that as my intent was to go to serve the people from CCV (our church) that were going as well as the people from Casas por Cristo (organization that has the Mission calling in this area) and the families receiving the houses.
Normally I can get on the right track by continuing to ask God for His direction and focusing on Him through prayer and Bible reading. But for this trip I let myself get consumed with the problems or difficulties of the trip.
I read somewhere that when we do things ourselves we see the problems or difficulties but when we trust God we see the possibilities. And if we truly have faith and belief in God we will take on challenges that we can’t do. Challenges that only God can do.
God was certainly involved in this trip as he worked in everyone’s life and helped us all to accomplish what He wanted us to do. It will be interesting to see what He does going forward in our lives. The key is to stay in touch with Him and not think that it is all about us or what we want.
Normally I can get on the right track by continuing to ask God for His direction and focusing on Him through prayer and Bible reading. But for this trip I let myself get consumed with the problems or difficulties of the trip.
I read somewhere that when we do things ourselves we see the problems or difficulties but when we trust God we see the possibilities. And if we truly have faith and belief in God we will take on challenges that we can’t do. Challenges that only God can do.
God was certainly involved in this trip as he worked in everyone’s life and helped us all to accomplish what He wanted us to do. It will be interesting to see what He does going forward in our lives. The key is to stay in touch with Him and not think that it is all about us or what we want.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Last Week
During the past week I was in Juarez, Mexico with 31 other people from our church where we built two houses for needy families.
We worked with a group from El Paso called Casas por Cristo and it was a very rewarding experience and one which meant a lot to all of us.
I am going to try to get together some blog posts around the following topics in the next week or so. Some will be on a specific topic and some will incorporate a number of these topics.
Everyone waves
Attitude
Avoiding the Truth
Judgment and Misjudgment
Change Happens
Thumbs Up
Seeing Jesus
Young People
Hardened Heart
Being Happy
Natural Wonders
Patience
Check out the Casas site and watch the video if you haven’t done so already to get an idea what it is like.
http://www.casasporcristo.org/
We worked with a group from El Paso called Casas por Cristo and it was a very rewarding experience and one which meant a lot to all of us.
I am going to try to get together some blog posts around the following topics in the next week or so. Some will be on a specific topic and some will incorporate a number of these topics.
Everyone waves
Attitude
Avoiding the Truth
Judgment and Misjudgment
Change Happens
Thumbs Up
Seeing Jesus
Young People
Hardened Heart
Being Happy
Natural Wonders
Patience
Check out the Casas site and watch the video if you haven’t done so already to get an idea what it is like.
http://www.casasporcristo.org/
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
More Catalyst
In five months we will be in Atlanta at the Catalyst Conference. Some of you may know about Catalyst and some may not. The dates are October 8 – 10, 2008. I suggest you learn more about it.
The Catalyst conference is described in the brochure as – ‘a movement, a convergence, an experience where you find yourself fully immersed in learning, worship and creativity’.
‘…Catalyst is a desperately needed space for leaders to learn to innovate and create as they lead their small groups, teams and churches. It is a pure leadership experience complete with learning, worship and out-of-the-box creativity. We like to consider it as a much anticipated family reunion.’
You might be wondering, why I would want to encourage you to go to another conference. You have probably been to other conferences. You may think you have heard it all. You may be overworked. Or things may going really well. Maybe you can’t afford it.
Leadership requires stretching yourself, getting out of your comfort zone, learning from more experienced leaders and being an example for your team or organization. Leadership requires stepping out on faith.
I want you to go because you want to go, not because you have to go. I want you to want to be the best leader you can possibly be. I want you to realize you have to put yourself in a position to learn from the best leaders you can.
I hope you’re hungry for more. I believe you’ll find it at Catalyst.
http://www.catalystconference.com/
The Catalyst conference is described in the brochure as – ‘a movement, a convergence, an experience where you find yourself fully immersed in learning, worship and creativity’.
‘…Catalyst is a desperately needed space for leaders to learn to innovate and create as they lead their small groups, teams and churches. It is a pure leadership experience complete with learning, worship and out-of-the-box creativity. We like to consider it as a much anticipated family reunion.’
You might be wondering, why I would want to encourage you to go to another conference. You have probably been to other conferences. You may think you have heard it all. You may be overworked. Or things may going really well. Maybe you can’t afford it.
Leadership requires stretching yourself, getting out of your comfort zone, learning from more experienced leaders and being an example for your team or organization. Leadership requires stepping out on faith.
I want you to go because you want to go, not because you have to go. I want you to want to be the best leader you can possibly be. I want you to realize you have to put yourself in a position to learn from the best leaders you can.
I hope you’re hungry for more. I believe you’ll find it at Catalyst.
http://www.catalystconference.com/
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