Can the Vancouver Canucks Make History?

Currently at 111 pts and 5 games to go to the end of the season. Will they become the second Non-Original Six team to reach over 120 pts?

1970-71 Bruins, 121

1972-73 Canadiens, 120
1975-76 Canadiens, 127
1976-77 Canadiens, 132
1977-78 Canadiens, 129
1995-96 Red Wings, 131
2005-06 Red Wings, 124
2009-10 Washington Capitals 121 points


- If they get 55 or more wins, it would be the most in the NHL since the Red Wings recorded 58 in 2005-2006.
 
They would need to win 4 of the next 5 games to do so.
 

Needless to say - the Canucks run this season is impressive. Though Caution too though. Having like the Capitals exited early though from the playoff scene in the last couple of years. I'd like to see them make it the  Cup. A Canucks-Caps final would be a dream match.

Lead, Inspire, Encourage or Get out of the Way.

One of the hardest lessons I've ever learned is that I am a leader; whether I want to be or not. My friend, Devin Bennett reminded me of this. I still remember her words to me: "Speak Up." My reply, "I'm not a leader ...." (And which began this whole journey of whether I was a leader, what I was doing, and questioning what God was doing).

There are some days I don't feel like a leader. I know I am, but tend to question, ask what I am doing; and a LOT of dependence on God.

A leader has to be a learner.

A leader needs to be not just a leader, but also willing to serve as well. Set the example.

Inspire those around you. Let them take chances. Learn from their own mistakes, pick up the pieces and move on. There are times when people need to Smarten Up!! Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Encourage ... this is not just to inspire people to do greatness, but encourage how they can do great things for God.  Sometimes it is getting out of your comfort zone. Encouraging by words, deeds, and loving people. Tell stories of people that encourage you. Celebrate the good times; cry with those who cry.

And finally there ae times when people need to get out of the way. So much we hold onto. It almost holds us back to do great things for God. We have to balance reality with stepping out in faith. Don't let just the mundane things hold you back ...or we've always done it that way. Things are temporary; God is eternal.

So what are you doing to lead, inspire, encourage others? Perhaps it is just getting out of the way and letting God take control.

Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy

Hello, My Name is Joe

Fried Ham

FULL VERSION: McDonald's Commercial with LeBron James and Dwight Howard

Against all Odds: My Story - Chuck Norris - A Review.

I admit I like Chuck Norris. I'm a fan. I grew up watching Bruce Lee movies (My brother, Mike, was a Bruce Lee fan and I by default). One of the first movies I saw (On beta) was Lone Wolf McQuade

Chuck Norris seems to be one who everyone knows about or at least in the theme song, Cheers, everyone knows your name.

Chuck Norris Facts is amusing.

Google doesn't search for Chuck Norris

I'm glad I was officially welcomed at his Website

Against all odds is truly Chuck's story. From the ashes of a broken home to that of starting in the military to taking martial arts to the challenges of family, life, career. Chuck Norris lays it on the line. He talks about his own championships, his broken marriage, being a TV star, and the challenges of where God has placed him then and now. I can't believe that at 71, Chuck Norris seem to inspire of what would seem like impossible tasks ahead.  

The only drawback from the book would I won't of included the "Justice Riders" introduction at the end. I would of stopped at the end of his story. The Justice Riders seems too dry and boring to read.  If you're a fan of Chuck Norris - this book is for you.

Bobblehead Jesus, SongFail and other amusing sites.

So I write over at Deep thoughts from Bobblehead Jesus as an amusing site. And some friends of mine write and post over at:

Song Fail Just check out the Christian category.

The Christian yodeling is just too funny.

Reminds me of  Carmen (I admit I liked Carmen and went to one of his concerts)

NHL Expansion,Relocation and other NHL Issues.

So, financial problems. Jim Balsillie has tried and tried and tried again to buy an NHL team. Not going to happen. As much as I'm a fan. From the Pittsburgh, to Nashville to Phoenix.

Here are my current picks for teams struggling that might relocate (And it isn't so much a "southern issue" or standings but more based on financial struggles, ownership etc.

Let's take care of the teams not relocating (Despite rumours etc)


1. St. Louis Blues - why attendance been strong. Some financial struggles, and ownership but Attendance and finances seem there for the team.

2. The Blue Jackets. They have remained consistent and are in a drought somewhat but continue to be supported in Ohio in the midst of a tough College Market of Ohio State.

3. Florida Panthers. I almost wrote this team as relocating but looking at how well attendance is, and the potential - don't see them as relocating anytime soon.

Here are the three teams I do see as Relocating if their financial situation isn't dealt with soon:

1. Phoenix Coyotes

2. Atlanta Thrashers

3. New York Islanders


Here are the places that would be possible for either a new or relocated team in Order:

1. Winnipeg Though doubts arise with it being the Coyotes. Why Winnipeg?
 Fan base, support, history, rink etc.


2. Kansas City Though rumours suggect otherwise

Why Kansas City? Brand new arena fan base, new TV market etc.  So much to like.

3. Hamilton, Ontario

Why Hamilton? with possibilities of 2 teams supported in Toronto and other owners and that .... seems a good fit with all the fan base and size of the fans in Southern Ontario and growing. Problem: Sleeping giant in the Leafs and their territory (Number one Revenue earner for the NHL) and that of the Sabres.

4. Las Vegas.

5. Quebec City and the Nordiques. Plans for new arena possible?">new arena and despite planning and if they build - they would come idea ..(Look at Kansas city's arena that is empty ... I think the Quebec might be the last city to get a team.

Here in a perfect world (Which knowing Buttman I mean Bettman, as the commish, it isn't going to happen)

Is what I think will happen.

1. Phoenix won't relocate.

2. Atlanta might relocate to Kansas City.

3. Islanders will get their new arena.

Winnpeg and Quebec get some exhibition games. While waiting until after the new CBA is signed ... and talk about expansion to 2 more teams which will be more like the NFL. Relocation will include: Winnipeg and Las Vegas. (Or Oklahoma City)

No more teams in Canada though talk will include: Blues, Panthers (as as always people will mention Nashville, Columbus and Carolina - unfortunately).

Of Course, Jim buying the Leafs would be funny, but in reality out of possibility. I think he burnt too many bridges or rather the bridges (NHL burnt him as a potential owner).

As much as I would like Make it Seven to be successful and be in Hamilton first ... with our current commissioner .... I don't foresee that happening.

With all the talk of relocation, finances etc. One of the things I think needs to be addressed  for the future of the NHL:

I. Stable ownership for each team.

II. Answer bluntly questions about relocation and expansion plans ... if any.

III. Have a plan for future marketing etc. (The "History will be made" motto is so 2008) Make the Winter Classic known sooner rather than later. 6 months ahead isn't real planning.

IV. Get a plan for discipline - a real plan. Send a message loud and clear about Head shoots. (Heck, Lindros' career could of been saved if some of this addressed then, the whole Moore incident, McSorley etc could have saved face .... Chara? It is getting to a point where bad PR isn't good PR for the NHL don't be like the NFL and think negative PR helps promote your product ...it doesn't.)

V. Deal with the concussions. Don't wait until hyprocrisy yells at you like Mario did .... (as much as I like Mario he was wrong to call out the officials meanwhile his own player, Cooke was one of the instigators)

VI. Showcase the Franchise  players. Have some. The All-star game this year was a great start by having the players drafted. Maybe doing that ... plus during draft day have the 30 teams have their picks (Top picks) play an exhibition game with east vs. west ...(Just thinking outloud) with the Stanley Cup teams' coaches coaching each team ...


5 things I'd do to change the NHL

Solving the Contract Crisis of the NHL

What would you do?

Thoughts about the above?  Am I off my rocker?

Urgent! Igniting Your Passion a Passion for Christ: A Review.

Just got a copy of Joe Donahoe's latest book. In reading Joe's story and background ...there were times I was like Why? Why does this have to happen. Joe's story really reminded me of how God uses the messy, brokeness of this world to point people to well, Jesus.

Joe's own background, brokeness, one of abuse, hurt, and asking "Why?" helped heal wounds ... and continues to help point others to Jesus.

As I read the author's book, I'm reminded that God is in control. Words like forgivemess, redemption, grace, and a Holy God come to mind.

If you get a chance - get a copy of Joe's book. I'm glad he sent me this copy to review. Joe's story being a part of what God is doing in his life and serving Him.

Taking issue with the Red Cross.

Here are some issues I have with the Red Cross.

1.Mismanagement of funds

2.Disorganization and not using the resources for what they were intended

3 No accountability

4.Earning interest on donated money

5.Straying from their mission
are they disaster relief or recovery? And what is the plan other than saying recovery for .... (see #2)

6.Failed Plan(See #5)

7. Holding back relief (I understand about volunteers in the way, and that but still see people wanting to give and do something ....

The American Red Cross

And the International Red Cross provide a lot of relief in times of disaster.

My suggestion: support your local chapter. Don't give $$$ unless the 7 items get addressed. I'd rather give my support to Christian organizations that are doing some disaster relief and have accountability.


I know I'll take some heat for this blog post, but REALLY - with all the links and many more for research ... why isn't the Red Cross doing a better job? Am I the only one who sees this as an issue?

Interesting to me is that during when both Katrina and Haiti happened ... the best reports and people doing the most good ...were people that were already there trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Ignoring the "Please Use Revolving Door"

Our local hospital just opened and has a revolving door. I refuse to use it. They have two glass side doors we can use too. Though posted on those is "Please use Revolving door" (then why have the two other doors on each side then? And then a security guard chews me out for not using the revolving door. Really? There are bigger things in life to fight over than if I use a revolving door or not.

Funny thing is the Revolving door has been out of order 2 times this week. Here is why I refuse to use the revolving door.

1. Another local hospital asks people to use the side doors other than the revolving door.

2. I've seen people caught in them and hurt.

3. It moves too slow.

4. One time my wife and I had to call Code Blue ... for a elderly lady that collapsed and got caught in a revolving door, and nearly died. (Fortunately we got help and medical staff were nearby). See #2.

In the scope of eternity, does it really matter if I use a revolving door or not? Nope. I just personally choose not to use one. why is it people make a fuss over something so silly.

march 20 2011

I Hate Doug Fields: Revisited.

I wrote this post a few years ago and along with recent posts from:

Walt Mueller
and Doug Fields
himself ...I think it might be time to be revisited. I also did I Hate David Crowder Things I like about Doug

I hate Myself
and even clarified Should we hate?
This article originally was posted in 2003, revised and posted in 2009 on this blog and is for your enjoyment. I wish people would quit trying to be the next Famous Christian whoever ...and just be Who God called them to be.




I hate Doug Fields. Okay, maybe hate is such a strong word, maybe it's

dislike. I have nothing against Doug Fields himself; just that so many in
youth ministry want to attempt to be well like Doug Fields or the next
Doug Fields of youth ministry. Don't be like Doug. (Or even like Mike for
that matter). What God has done at Saddleback is great. But be who you
are, and God created you to be.

Imitiate Jesus, not Doug. I think that's the way Doug would of liked it.
Pointing all things to God's Glory that we may Love God and love our
students. We don't need more Doug Fields in Youth Ministry. We need more
youth workers who have a passion and desire to be who God wants them to
be in youth ministry. I've stopped trying to be Like Doug, Mike
Yaconelli, Duffy Robbins (And whoever else is Big in your Denomination)
and let God work on me. God has blessed people like Doug, and He can me.

I wonder why we look to people like Doug Fields, instead of the Rulemaker
That Doug Loves. Maybe that's the point. Don't let your life be modeled
after Doug Fields, model your life after the God who Doug loves. I really
don't dislike Doug Fields; I've just fallen more in love with the God he
serves.

What about you? Caught in the game of trying to imitiate a mega church;
instead of just learning and applying some principles from them. How can
you fall back in love with God? Maybe it isn't looking at what others
have; but thanking God that their part in the Body is doing well ..and God Can use you too.


What do you think? Hate Doug? or Love the God He Serves?

Lessons from Bob Pierce

""Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."


— Bob Pierce

A generation ago this is what Bob Pierce wrote in the margin of his Bible. That directive ordered his life.


Here are some things I found from

Lookout Magazine August 14,2005 editon

"For 20 years, he traveled to Korea, Africa, China, India, and Europe saving
souls, housing orphans, and building hospitals. Through his documentary
films, radio broadcasts, and personal appearances, he awakened the social
consciousness of an entire generation of American Christians. In the process he
formed a worldwide relief organization, World Vision, which continues to be an
effective Christian relief agency.The man’s name was Bob Pierce.

But while Bob Pierce was reaching the world, he was losing his family. He had
accepted the believable lie, “If I take care of God’s business, God will take care
of my family.” His all-consuming work kept him away from home for months
at a time. Relational distance increased as time with his family decreased.
Eventually he became frustrated, even hostile, toward his family and in time was legally separated from his wife. One child committed suicide; another married prematurely and was shortly divorced. Soon even his closest associates found it impossible to work with him.


Consequently, they removed him from
the organization he had created. Bob
Pierce became a bitter and reclusive man,
suffering severe bouts of depression. On his deathbed he experienced one evening of reconciliation with his alienated wife and family. He died at peace, but his family life, in many ways, was still in pieces."

Some lessons from Bob Pierce:

1. Be careful what you pray for.

2. Priorities.  - God, family, then ministry (I have to continually remind myself of this and balance)

3. You only have one life .... live it wisely -

4. Be compassionate.

5. Be serving. Be willing to be Jesus' hands and feet to a lost world.

My Search for the Black Rock Hotel.

I'm fascinated by History. From my office I am at the foothills of South Mountain and can view Black Rock. (I want to take a picture the opposite way from there to my office - how cool would that be?) In talking to some church members, they gave me some history. One is a man whose father, built a log cabin from the lumber of South Mountain. He generously gave me these two pictures to scan. (I haven't found any others online and just some scarce history about the ole Black Rock Hotel)

"Black Rock is located just over the crest of the Mountain, over looking Washington County and Hagerstown to the west. About 20 years after Reason’s return visit to Wolfsville the Black Rock Road was built across the mountain toward Hagerstown, passing to the northside of
Black Rock. This was in 1876 while Wolfsville’sDaniel Biser was a County Commissioner.About four years later Jacob Drill Wolfe built a
hotel at Black Rock Spring. Both this hotel andthe second “Black Rock House” built about1906 on the same site fell victims to mountain fires."

Source

Black Rock, MD
By the time Jack D Wolf, whose family gave its name to nearby Wolfsville, had opened the Black Rock Hotel here in the mid 19th century, the name Black Rock was already in currency. The hotel prospered until it burnt in 1880. Shortly afterwards, Wolf's wife and daughter died. Despondent, Wolf moved to NY, where he grew wealthy marketing a formula for tapeworm medicine. In 1907, he returned to Wolfsville and rebuilt the hotel. It was considered fine accomodations, but was too remote to prosper once again. It fell into disrepair, then was destroyed by arson in the 1920s. Source: Appalachian Trial Names by David Edwin Lillard


My goal is this Spring to hike the A.T. (Lord, willing)and find the remains of where the hotel was near Black Rock. Anyone want to join me?   HT to the Huntsberrys for these photos.

Complaint Department

Saw this earlier today and in response to helping ways to improve. We like to have constructive criticism .... not destructive complaints.

There is a difference. Is this a legit criticism, that you're willing to help with or a complaint?

Leaders aren't meant to be pleasers. Leaders - lead. Jesus lead. If Jesus was a pleaser - he wouldn't of went to the Cross. He went to the Cross because It had to be done ...for Us. I'm still amazed by His GRACE.

A Nail is in our Tire.

There is a nail in our tires. What is the natural thing to do? Repair or replace? Most would patch because tires are expensive but than wear and tear on the old tire takes it toll ... and eventually the tire wears out.

The same thing can be said of the Church. There is just something about the cycle movement of the church. You have your UPs and DOWNs ... but no matter how hard you try - sometimes you feel like you're not accomplishing much - no matter how you or others try.

You try to put your finger on it. Is it apathy? Is it that people don't care? Is it because we're burning out volunteers? Is it hiring more staff to fix the problem in which you just throw money at it? How do we get the leak to stop and start being an effective church body?

Do we patch our programs right now? Add more, replace? what?

The more I've been thinking about this, the more I see what is happening in our little own context called the church.

1. Let's find the Nail. 
2. Let's get the nail out.
3. Let's patch the hole for now.
4. Let's start looking for new tires.

For our church it might look like the following:

1. Survey the Church. Honest feedback.

What do they like about our Church? (We recently did a three word series to describe the church Good/ Bad and gave some insight)
What do they see as areas that need to improve?
What would they like to see?
In answer to the above, are you willing to help achieve that?

-------------------------------------------------------------

Here is one area that a lot of churches are in. 85% of church are 150 or less in America. We look to the other 15% as successful. We think adding staff is a good thing. We're in the Catch 22 stage - too big to be small; too small to be big. We're looking to possibly hire our next staff position. Thinking youth minister. Problem is - we're not ready. (Though same is said about marriage, and kids - if you're ever get ready - you won't have kids or get married etc).

The bigger issue is we don't want to hire a staff person to do it all.

Here are some things that I think we need to do:

1. Look at our infrastructure.  Defining what makes up our congregation. I believe we've been doing this with our flowchart.

2. Get feedback from survey, and volunteers.

3. Meet with leaders, listen to their stories.

4. Meet with parents. Ask for feedback (one of our areas of weaknesses and strengthens happens to be our passion for caring for children but wanting it to be better - might help if all on same page). Someone suggested to have a vote or raise of hands if want a youth minister. (all noble - but if you want a youth/ children/ music/ etc. You have to get the people directly impacted and volunteers first)

5. Define perimeters. When you open up a dialogue - caution must be exercised ... people might think "The Sky is falling ..." (When in reality it is not). One of the things I appreciate about criticism is its viewed as a way to improve ... (Isn't that what the Church is suppose to be about? Improving to be like Jesus?) not as a destructive mechanism to please people's personal agendas.

6. Celebrate Victories. Big time.

Is there anything else you would do? How would you survey your congregation? Do you have a leak? Always see ways to improve?

What questions would you ask?

What things do you celebrate?  (I'm still thrilled over new people coming to Jesus, joining our congregation, being Jesus to the community, starting to get jobs, and just putting their hands to the plow ...)

Be praying.

Daylight Savings Time

Often "Out of Context" Verses. And Misused!

We know the verses:

Judge not lest ye be judged from Matthew

or

All things work out to good ... in Romans 8:28

or

Behold I Stand at the Door and Knock  in Revelation 3:20.

What does these verses have in common? They are the most often abused, out of context, misused verses in the Bible.

Matthew 7: 1 is often used for people trying to justify their own sinfulness ... and says don't judge me.

Romans 8 is often used when tragedy happens and people saying "its all good."

And Revelation 3:20 is used as part of the Sinners' prayer (which isn't found in the Bible)


So let's look at each of these verses and break the stereotypes with each one.

I. Matthew 7:1 "Judge not lest ye be judged .." Who is speaking? Jesus. To who? The Religious leaders of the day. And why? Because they were being hypocritical  in their judgments.


More on context found here 


The Bible talks about us judging. It talks in James 5:19 about leading others from being astray. Pastors are suppose to pastor the flock. Spiritual discipline is required. Tough love. There is a difference between that of "Judging" (Being self-righteous and ungodly) and that of loving and caring. Romans 12: 16 - 21 talks about this. Matthew 18: 15-17 talks more about this.


  ¹⁵ “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ¹⁶ But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ ¹⁷ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.




In 1 Corinthians 5 it talks about the wickedness in the church - and we're to judge those within it? vs. 12


Often when Matthew is quoted is people trying to get the attention off themselves. They don't want to be judged. Why? Because usually they know what they are doing is wrong and need to repent.


Notice when Jesus was with the adulterous woman in John 8 (He that is without sin - cast the first stone ...)  Notice Jesus didn't ignore the woman's sin, but pointed out "Did no one condemn you?" Neither do I. (Jesus could of left it there and it would not of been complete with his message of repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand ...instead he says afterwards   ...) vs. 11 "Go. From now on sin no more."




II. Romans 8:28 "All things work together for good." Usually when tragedy happens people cite this to claim it was God's will. 9-11, terrorists, earthquakes: Haiti, Japan. We'd like to make sense of the divine - even though we are not.


Actually Romans 8:28 says "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose." seems in context the Apostle Paul writing the Roman Christians in the midst here tells us about life in the Spirit and qualifies how God works. not that all things are for good. But all things for those that love ... and he talks (Apostle Paul) later about our position because of Christ.




III. Revelation 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock ..." Actually it reads "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me." Who is Jesus talking to? the Church at Laodicea. (who were known for being lukewarm Christians). so this isn't a letter to unbelievers but believers to not be lukewarm - nothing dealing with the "sinners' prayer."


What scripture verses have you seen taken out of context and abused?

Applying the Sermon: Book Review

Just finished reading Daniel Overdorf's book. I've had this on my "To Read" list for some time. I must say I was mildly surprised on how good this book is. I liked Robinson's Biblical Preaching ... This book is almost a companion to that text. Applying the sermon is how not only to balance the Word and how it applies today, but what preachers struggle with week after week in studying a text and its context and making it relevant for today.

Daniel Overdorf gives some great insight into Sermon writing and how one needs to get people from hearers of the Word to Doers.

One of the things I appreciate about this work, is the insight not just from Overdorf himself but also from other scholars, and people who are known to apply the sermon ... from Haddon Robinson to Will Willimon to Bob Russell. Great insights on all levels.

This book is one who is starting out in preaching; or has been preaching for years and needs a refresher.

March 13, 2011 Announcements cchmd

My Interview with Guy Kawasaki.

I had the chance to ask Guy Kawasaki
a few questions with his upcoming book, Enchantment, being released today.

I've been a fan of Guy's for years. I enjoy All-top, appreciate his writings, and think we have a lot in common. OK, we just might like different hockey teams but where else can you find a leader, evangelist, and author who likes hockey? Very rare find.

So here are the questions I got to ask Guy:

I. Why Enchantment?

Are you asking in the sense of why I am using the word "enchantment"? It's because I want to own a word that way Tom Peters owned "excellence" and Malcolm Gladwell owns "tipping."

If you're asking why the concept, it's because people can go a level beyond influence and persuasion. HP influences and persuades. Apple enchants.

II. What does Enchantment say to those in the context of working within the Church and Christian community? (in other words how can Church Leaders use this resource? or read it?)
Enchantment, the book, provides tactical advice on how to develop deeper, longer-lasting, and mutually beneficial relationships with the community. The three pillars of enchantment are likability, trustworthiness, and a great cause. This should be a slam dunk for churches!

III. Who do you think will make it to the Stanley Cup Finals?

Sharks and Capitals!




Resources for his new book:


Photo contest: http://apps.facebook.com/enchantmentcontest/entries

Speech video: http://www.guykawasaki.com/enchantment/video/
Web quiz: http://great.guykawasaki.com/
Facebook quiz: http://great.guykawasaki.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/enchantment?v=app_6009294086
Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/enchantment#!/enchantment?sk=app_4949752878
Bio and background: http://www.guykawasaki.com/enchantment/background/
Pictures: http://www.guykawasaki.com/enchantment/pictures/
Badges: http://www.guykawasaki.com/enchantment/badges/
Infographic: http://www.guykawasaki.com/enchantment/infographic/
Wallpaper: http://www.guykawasaki.com/enchantment/wallpaper/

Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, minds and Actions: A Review.

Guy Kawasaki's latest book is one for every leader. I've read two of his others - the Macintosh Way, and Reality Check.

There is just so much that is applicable from Guy's latest book to the context of the church. From Why Enchantment? To building Trustworthiness to making enchantment work in a variety of contexts of employees, volunteers, and the use of technology.

The personal stories at the end of each chapter - read as if Sermon illustrations. You see real people telling real stories on how change is possible. In the Church, we need to have people telling their stories of how God's Story (that of Jesus) impacts them.

I just finished reading this book and still have to let it sink it. I think it should be discussed among fellow church leader groups on how a Church (with the most important message in the World) can impact and be enchanting to a World that so desperately needs Jesus.

Church leaders make decisions all the time. The checklist at the end of Guy's book is a good guideline on to choose your battles wisely. "If I waited a year would I make this same decision?" Seems some battles we have in church politics become more styles rather than on biblical foundations.

Enchantment is released everywhere tomorrow. I had to chance to get a free preview copy.  Consider picking up your copy today.

What is Worship?

What worship is to others, is it is an ongoing process in our faith

journeys. It isn't something we arrive at. It is a reflection of who we

are. To worship is to love and adore something through all our actions and

everything. So if we are worshipping God, it should be seen outside the

four walls we meet in on Sunday AM. AGREED....



I like the following illustration from the Unquenchable Worshipper by Matt

Redman. pg. 74



"The year is 1744. Hymn writer Charles Wesley is in Leeds, England, holding

a prayer meeting in an upstairs room. Suddenly there is a creak in the

floorboards, followed by a massive crack, and the whole floor collapses.

All 100 people crashed right through the ceiling into the room below. The

place is in chaos - some are screaming, some are crying, some just sit in

shock. But as the dust settles, Wesley, wounded and lying in a heap, cries

out, "Fear not! The Lord is with us, our lives are all safe." And then he

breaks out into the doxology: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." -

perhaps a bizarre choice of a song, considering what just happened!"



Here's the point, I would love to be like that worshipper in the midst of

crisis to respond with unstoppable praise, I just know many of those

moments I fail our Lord.

Marko Quote

"Contrary to much of our current thinking about the importance of powerful youth ministries to the lifelong spiritual development of future adults, research proves otherwise: a teenager who attends a church's worship service on a regular basis and does not attend youth group is more likely to continue attend church worship services as an adult than a teen who is active in youth group but doesn't attend worship services with other age groups." - Mark Oestreicher

pg. 33 The Emerging Church.

What does this tell us about the importance of Youth Ministry?

What are your Rules?

Sometimes the dreaded "Discipline" word comes up. So I have 4 basic rules.



1. Respect God

2. Respect Each Other.

3. Respect the Property

4. No Dying.



Sums up the greatest commandment. Issues of abuse, alcohol, drugs, and of course engaging in activity that could get someone seriously hurt.



What rules do you have?

What's your Story?

So what is your story? Ever been hurt? I been thinking of this lately. With the whole Sin, grace, Manipulation and the whole reality of  ministry. The reality is that there are horror stories out there. You will be wounded. Don't give up. I'm not perfect. I'm messy. I've messed up, in fact, as a result of alot of my failures and shortcomingings; it helped mold and make me into a better minister.

So what is your story? . Mine: A messy Canadian who ended from interesting life to Bible College to a few short ministries, to some good ones, and continues along the journey. Husband. Father. Role model. And still amazed by God's Grace. What about you?

Things I've learned from past Ministries.

I've had a few ministries and they have been a great opportunity and learning experience for me.

Here are some lessons I've learned along the way.


I. My Ministry in Ohio - Experimenting. The church leadership allowed me to experiment in building relationships, help bridge the "Generation" gap ... and just love people. Some godly leaders there and I really needed to learn to listen.

II. My Ministry and time in Seminary in Indiana. Evaluation. Self-evaluation and learning experience.

III. My Ministry in Virginia. Encouragement. From the local ministers to the Christian school, to knowing that even with a small group of  people - great things can and were being done for the Kingdom.

IV. My ministry in North Carolina. Excellence. To be the leader God wants me to be. Too often I was playing shy or downplaying the "staff" role I had. It was overwhelming at times. By the end, my heart wasn't in it. I remember one staff person saying to me .... "Speak up ... you're a leader too ..." A lot of godly youth, families, parents, and leaders there. I think this ministry prepared me for where I am now.

V. Current Ministry: Edification. I seem to be edifying and equipping our people to do great things...which we have done and continue to do for the God's Kingdom. Never would I have pictured being a preacher in a church ... but God had other things in mind.

Post-Secondary Education Ministry opportunities:

Preparation.

My Home Church:  A Supporting Foundation. I usually send a greeting or report yearly of how doing .... in the early years of my ministry I had several elders check on me continually. (Even some visit the places I've been ministering to) Lately not so much - but with Social media - there is still the Church Leaders keeping tabs on what is God doing with me lately.

What have you learned from past ministies, anything??

Website Recommendations for Ministry.

Thanks to studentministry.org here are some I've come across:

Ministryquestions.com - online community of youthworkers who invest in each other by asking questions and getting answers.

iStockPhoto.com for images etc for your ministry.

Covenanteyes.com - for accountability

wiffiti.com - virtual whiteboard .....

Youtube downloaders:

vixy.net

mediaconverter.org

viddownloader.com

kickyoutube.com

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Make smaller urls:

tinyurl.com

Email lists:

mailchimp.com
feedblitz.com
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TXTsignal.com - texting plans

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Also for adding other social media outlets to your website try:

Addthis.com

Other suggestions:

Dropbox.com

Believing in the Word of God

I've adopted the following statement regarding the Bible:


"We believe in the Bible. We're awed by it, inspired by it, and believe it is Truth. We're also terrified of it. We don't understand all of it, but we believe it. All of it. That's the important part, because if you only believe some of it, if you try to edit out the parts you don't like, then you don't believe it. Of course, believing it all doesn't mean we perfectly live it all. It doesn't even mean we have it all figured out. Mostly we're scared of it, scared in a good way, because whenever we read it and try to live by it, God shows up and that's pretty terrifying … and also pretty amazing, and pretty …uh … assuring."



The one thing that concerns me about Bible literacy is that we'll give Pat Answers

Have it all figured out. I don't want students to be Bible literate. I want them to be Jesus literate. You see, there is a difference. The Bible points to well ...Jesus. And we're to worship Jesus, not the Bible. The one thing that concerns me is we get so focused on learning rather than doing. Bible literacy isn't about facts, figures, and teaching stories. It's about God's story being a part of our story. Having students making their faith journey - well Their's.


Sometimes that means that not teaching Jesus but BEING Jesus. You see some of the greatest moments in our ministries are when well JESUS shows up. We find people being Jesus' hands and feet and our students catching that. What I find is its not the parts of the Bible that I don't understand that scares me, but that ones I do that scare me. Like "Love one another, bear one another's burdens etc"

Sometimes I think we take the mystery, awe, fear of God, and try to put it all into some logical answers and have all the Bible and it figured out. As for me I'm teaching my students the journey along with their families. What I'd like to see more is more Jesus teaching along with the Bible in the homes rather than just a "Church" program. But that's another rant.