My Flip Flap Solar Flower.

I have a flip flap solar flower. It waves when in the sunlight. I gave my wife, Valerie, one that has a butterfly on it. There are bee ones etc. The one I have is in the window of my office. So why the flower? It has meaning. I have a friend (Church member) whose health is declining and basically is on hospice care. He and his wife are GOOD People. When I visit there, I feel better than before going. My friend and I have much in common - inspite of the age differences. (We both watch the same shows: Ice Road Truckers and Pawn Stars).

Everytime I visit my friend .... there is that flower in his window, and he waves to me as I go to walk in his home. The flower reminds me of him. He got his as a gift from a family member to cheer him up.

As I look at this flower ..it reminds me not only of my friend, but of how our God created things. That the flowers are here today, but can be gone tomorrow. So as life is short, make the most of it. All this from a less than $2 flower.

Some good advice from Hospice.

The Nines.

On Tuesday, in my office I got to listen to (while doing some work) several leaders from across the country give their views on ministry. life, and how to be a church leader. The Nines has been around for a few years. Every September a FREE online event that several leaders have about nine minutes or less to share their hearts and what God has been doing and giving advice, struggles, and what to do, not to do, in this journey we call Faith.

I listened, jotted down some notes, and was entertained at times. I didn't get to see (They have it broadcasting for over 9hrs) it all. The Nines is like going to a convention without having to leave your office. With Church funds for several leaders being tight due to the economic situation most people are in ..this is a great opportunity to learn, be encouraged, and get some ideas.


Do I agree with everyone? No. Has it been a great tool? Sure.

So next time it comes why not check TheNines out

Community Leadership Event sponsored by Chik-fil-A

Yesterday I went to a Leadership Event (FREE) sponsored by Chik-Fil-A and heard Mark Miller (@LeadersServe) speak.

Basically he gave his story and in the morning we learned on Leadership .... and in the afternoon (after the FREE Lunch) learned applying it to teams.

There were church leaders, business leaders, and people from Kaplan, Heritage Academy, First Data there and so forth ...and of course Chik-Fil-A.

Of course, at the end we had someone ask what if you have someone that has no talents, and no skills ...(Which I yelled out "Just Hire Simon Cowell to tell them "...)

So what is the Secret of Great Leaders? (Based on His and Ken Blanchard's book The Secret - having nothing to do with the DaVinci Code BTW or the Movie: National Treasure)

Here is the secret what great leaders do:

See the future
Engage and develop others.
Re-invent continuously
Value results and relationships.
Embody the values.


In other words, Great Leaders serve.

In the afternoon, Mr. Miller broke down what different models of leadership looked like and what we need to aspire to be.

All in all a good day. And got his book, The Secret, Free too!!

Here are some quotes from the day:

"Content without context is not very useful"

"If my bullet fits your gun ...shoot it."

"Over 70% of people have to have a picture of some sorts"

Peter D. "The quality of character does not make a leader; but the absence flaws the whole process."

Henry Cloud "Nothing alive will thrive without pruning."

"If there is mist in the pulpit; there will be fog in the pew"

"Good things happen when Great leaders lead."

Recommended reading:


Necessary Endings - Henry Cloud

The Great Game of Business - Jack Stack

Good to Great

Interesting Picture!!

Patience, Learning, Perseverance, and Faith are Steps ...

We can learn a lot about enduring in this life.


We have so many hurting people who just want to give in all areas of their life.

There is hope, though.

One of the most encouraging verss to me is to be able to say "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6. Can you say the same?

Recently I've been encouraged with my walk and want to share some thoughts that will encourage you to press on, keep the faith, and remember that God is faithful.


Charles Spurgeon and his wife, according to a story in Chaplain Magazine, would sell but refuse to give away the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives, were told, "You may have them if you pay for them."



As a result, some people labeled the Spurgeons as greedy and grasping.

They accepted the criticism without defending themselves, and only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed:
All the profits from the sale of the eggs went to support two elderly widows. Because the Spurgeons were unwilling to let their left hand know
what the right was doing (Matt. 6:3), they endured the attacks in silence.

We, as Christians, sometimes endure attacks in silence. Because of bad relationships, cliques, petty disagreements, majoring in minors, or gossip, we see that the church is not the way God intended it to be. We fight over issues, music, conservativism, racism etc.

What is the answer? Leave? Complain? Just sit there? No.

The answer is to endure like the Spurgeons, to try to change the church within, for surely we need to dwell in the House of the Lord forever. We can learn to endure, learn from our failures.

Learning from our failures calls for perseverance. James 1:4 says "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."




So when you are ready to give up, remember to endure.

Even Abraham Lincoln
endured.

We can learn a lot by just being patient, and learning God is faithful to us; we need to be to Him.

Keep in mind that heaven is a prepared place for prepared people. Are you pressing on to maturity in Christ? Learn from failure, persevere and endure.

(A version of this blog post originally appeared in the Sharon Herald Sept. 13, 1997)

The Joys of Ministry

The last few weeks of ministry have been a joy and yet considered hard work. I had recently done the following: 1. Funeral of a 22yr old. Celebrating her life and helping be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to a grieving family that needed to know the God of Comfort was there. 2. A Wedding of a former youth group member. Her wedding in North Carolina was an honor, blessing to do. Such a great family, and great memories to revisit and reflect upon. 3. A Baptism. As a result of ministering to the family (#1) - the mother - had decided to try to start her life anew and start by wanting to follow Jesus. How cool is that? 4. Ministering to a 93 yr old while in the hospital. Just being present - and helping a dear Saint who was coping with her health. 5. Seeing a newborn. A young couple in our church recently welcomed their second child. I had the chance of visiting them and seeing their latest little girl. Sharing the Joys of people's lives and being the hands and feet of Jesus have well been worth it. What Joys have you experienced?

My Branchout!

MY Branched out

Writing Takes Time.

Writing takes time. It takes effort to try to put some intelligent words to paper and come up with a Great idea. To be a writer one needs to be a reader and learner as well. Here are some ideas what to write about:

1. Write what you know. 2. Write simply. 3. Write to yourself first, then to others. 4. Research and document what you write about. 5. Take a break from writing now and then. 6. Know that your "works" won't always be published by a Great Publishing House. (Thinking you can make tons of $$$ by writing is setting yourself up for failure - unless your name is Rick Warren or Francis Chan ...forget about the "Being a Minor Christian celebrity") 7. Be willing to take criticism. 8.The longerthesentencesgetandrunalltogethertheharderitistoread. Keep it short, simple and to the point. 9. Have fun doing it. 10. Write what works for you. For me It is thinking through some Top 10 type list (David Letterman's Top 10 influence) and writing like that. Others it is writing a story, and others it is a one idea ... and having it flow. Do what works for you. Blogging and writing isn't easy. There are tons of blogs out there and bloggers but they either give up due to time - don't do it daily enough or do it too much and turn off readers. (I know one guy that posts like 5 or more things a day and other bloggers don't post in a month)

Getting Rid of "Second Church"

In talking with a friend .... he mentioned to me that "Hey did you know that in some areas the First Church was for Whites Only and Second for the African American community?" I did not know that nor could verify it. Though in looking online did see that the African American community and especially for the Restoration Movement - Christian Churches/ Churches of Christ could scarcely be found. This concerns me. The history of the church needs to be united in Christ not divided by colour.

So what is the answer? My radical solution would be that we bridge the gap. We stop making Sunday mornings the most segregated hour in America. We cross the racial barriers. It doesn't matter if you are red, yellow, purple or green ... what matters is people matter to God.

My other solution which would of course be met with some traditional and revolutionary revolts  ... is to change the names. Let's no longer have any churches in America be called First Christian, First Baptist, Second Christian or Second Baptist (or whatever number)First Church of  .....  instead in getting rid of the Numerical equation and classification of citizens (Whether this is intentional or not). I know some churches would take offense to this, others would claim it was never their intentions for that. Still the stigma and generalization is there. Each little town has a "First Type of Church" claiming their the first in town or classified with the former of my racial dividing issue. Perhaps, as we are in the 21st Century - it is time we rethink Why we are named as we are? Do you know why your church is named as such?

In Gordan MacDonald's book, Who Stole My Church, his fictional tale addresses some of this.

What are your thoughts? How is the congregation you attend crossing the racial tensions, and treating everyone as God would treat them. Maybe it is time we go back to the Golden rule - "Treat others as you like to be treated ..." Loving your neighbour. Wouldn't it be great that our churches be mixed with a blend of races; rather than racial divided? Afterall - Heaven is going to be that way ..."From every tribe, language, and nation ..." Rev. 5:9

This week's Sermon: Luke 6

Don't Give Up!

There are plenty of times people just want to throw in the towel .... Give up ...Quit ... move on ... resign. Feel like a failure. I've been there, done that, bought the T-shirt. Made some silly mistakes.

As I'm reading God's Word - I'm reminded again, and again ...not to give up. Quit whinning. The Christian life isn't a cake walk. If it was easy everyone would be doing it.

In my office I have a little saying not far from my desk that is entitled: Don't Quit

When things go wrong,
as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging
seems all up hill;
When the funds are low;
and the debts are high;
And you want to smile;
but you have to sigh;
When care is pressing
you down a bit,
Rest if you must,
but don't you quit.
-Anonymous.

In 1 Thess. 4:18 it says "Therefore encourage one another with these words" talking about the hope we have and the coming of the Lord. Don't give up. The journey we're on - is we're in this together. There is joy in the journey and the hope we have in Christ.

Sometimes the greatest we need to know that God isn't finished with us yet.

The 4 A's in life.

I got thinking about life and what most people want and are excited about: Especially in the Christian life and this journey we call: Faith. So here are 4 things I see that we need in life.

1. Assurance. We need to know that everything is ok. We need to know and have the confidence that what we are trying to achieve is the right thing to do. As someone once told me "If you can't do the right thing; do the next right thing."

2. Affirmation. Everyone wants to be loved, encouraged and told they are doing a good job. Affirmation goes a long way. The little notes, cards, gifts make it all worthwild. I know when "Minister Appreciation" comes in October I look forward to it ...and being told that I'm doing ok. Everyone wants that encouragement. This is one of the primary reasons we get together as a church to "Not forsake the assembly, and to encourage one another."

3. Assessment. We need to be evaluated. How are we doing? Are there any areas we can improve on? Doing this gently and in love. Sometimes the truth hurts. I don't always like to be assessed. I get evaluated all the time ... by people listening to my sermons ....Some are homeruns; others are not. But always prayer, seek God and let Him do the speaking through His Word.

4. Being Anxious. There are some days I just can't wait to start the day. Other times, where I feel like "Oh, boy is this going to be good or bad ..." And then we, like the Apostle Paul, can look forward to heaven and our Eternal Home. This world is not our home ...we're just passing through.

So What things do you think can help us keep focused and press on towards the prize?

Remember 9-11

Here is what I wrote only a few days after Sept 11 - Sept 15,2001

In a week, where healing, comforting and tragedy has overtaken us; the only words I find myself asking is "What can I do?" Than I found out I wasn't alone. Knowing God was in control; and uplifting prayers; and having prayer services; making phone calls to check on churches in DC and NY. Getting donated goods; getting people to donate blood ..but there has to be more. So without delay; last nite - a band of Christians left to deliver good to NY. A six hour drive. Left 8pm back before 3pm Saturday. In the several hours we spent dropping off goods; praying with others there; and seeing as close as we can the devastation ..I don't think I'll ever be the same.

It is worse than even what you see. In walking by Vincent Hospital ..the "lost" notices ....the New Yorkers telling their stories at 3am in the morning; and the scenes of police; workers; and heavy equipment being transported. I was wondering; and hoping; and praying. I'll never be the same. It was a memorable; sleepless; prayerful nite. One in which you sense evil; see good; and embrace and seek God.

 It took me a 10- 12 hour trip late last nite to find that my journey is different now. God is there even as the dust is settling in the midst of Manhattan. Picture, after picture ..it is not just the faces on TV; but these were real; real to me. I talked with some; prayed with some. Hoping God used me; yet questioning; not having the answers; but knowing Who does. Just thought I'd share my adventures as a band of Christians late last nite dropped off some goods for the WTC relief. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

As I reflect after 10 years, where was I? I was in a Student Ministries of Virginia meeting when the phones started going off telling us to turn on the news. What we saw was devastating. Soon, we had to leave. One youth minister's wife worked near the Pentagon. Several were from VA Beach area and had to head home because the Naval Base and their families were being put on lock-down. It was a quiet ride home listening to the radio, wondering.

 I was a solo Minister of a church of over 100 and young, naive, and yet wondering Why? I left my pregnant wife to go to NYC to help later that week. We help our chapel open and several prayer services. Praying, seeking..

Through the years I would even meet the Beamers (Parents of Todd Beamer of Flight 93 "Let's Roll"). I had the opportunity to introduce their preacher at a local convention and the Beamers. It was quite an honor helping behind the scenes with one of the final North Carolina Christian Convention that year. (2005 I believe it was) Through it all God was in control. To this day, I can never forget some of the faces, people we prayed with, seeing

Do It Again Lord - Max Lucado.

This was what I read just days after 9-11on that Sunday.

We’re still hoping we’ll wake up. We’re still hoping we’ll open a sleepy eye and think, “What a horrible dream.” But we won’t, will we, Father? What we saw was not a dream. Planes did gouge towers. Flames did consume our fortress. People did perish. It was no dream and, dear Father, we are sad

. There is a ballet dancer who will no longer dance and a doctor who will no longer heal. A church has lost her priest, a classroom is minus a teacher. Cora ran a food pantry. Paige was a counselor and Dana, dearest Father, Dana was only three years old. (Who held her in those final moments?)

We are sad, Father. For as the innocent are buried, our innocence is buried as well. We thought we were safe. Perhaps we should have known better. But we didn’t. And so we come to you. We don’t ask you for help; we beg you for it. We don’t request it; we implore it. We know what you can do.

We’ve read the accounts. We’ve pondered the stories and now we plead, “Do it again, Lord. Do it again.” Remember Joseph? You rescued him from the pit. You can do the same for us. Do it again, Lord. Remember the Hebrews in Egypt? You protected their children from the angel of death. We have children too, Lord. Do it again. And Sarah? Remember her prayers? You heard them. Joshua? Remember his fears? You inspired him. The women at the tomb? You resurrected their hope. The doubts of Thomas? You took them away. Do it again, Lord. Do it again. You changed Daniel from a captive into a king’s counselor. You took Peter the fisherman and made him Peter an apostle. Because of you, David went from leading sheep to leading armies.

 Do it again, Lord, for we need counselors today, Lord. We need apostles. We need leaders. Do it again, dear Lord. Most of all, do again what you did at Calvary. What we saw here last Tuesday, you saw there that Friday. Innocence slaughtered. Goodness murdered. Mothers weeping. Evil dancing. Just as the smoke eclipsed our morning, so the darkness fell on your Son. Just as our towers were shattered, the very Tower of Eternity was pierced. And by dusk, heaven’s sweetest song was silent, buried behind a rock. But you did not waver, O Lord. You did not waver. After three days in a dark hole, you rolled the rock and rumbled the earth and turned the darkest Friday into the brightest Sunday.

Do it again, Lord. Grant us a September Easter. We thank you, dear Father, for these hours of unity. Christians are praying with Jews. Republicans are standing with Democrats. Skin colors have been covered by the ash of burning buildings. We thank you for these hours of unity. And we thank you for these hours of prayer. The Enemy sought to bring us to our knees and succeeded. He had no idea, however, that we would kneel before you. And he has no idea what you can do.

  Let your mercy be upon our President, Vice President, and their families. Grant to those who lead us wisdom beyond their years and experience. Have mercy upon the souls who have departed and the wounded who remain. Give us grace that we might forgive and faith that we might believe. And look kindly upon your church. For two thousand years you’ve used her to heal a hurting world. Do it again, Lord. Do it again. Through Christ, Amen.

© 2001, Max Lucado. This prayer was originally spoken at America Prays, a prayer event held September 15, 2001 by InJoy. Title: "Do It Again, Lord" Author: Max Lucado Publication Date: September 18, 2001

9-11 Review

Neil Peart Drum Solo

Showed my son this video after he wanted to know "who the greatest drummer in the world was?" And now he says I want to be like that guy. (Of course between now and then he could change his mind from being a cowboy to jedi to karate master)

Star Wars Tribute - My son's fav. video

My son has only seen this video a few times and yet he can sing the melody and knows a lot of the lyrics ..Amazing.

Aaron Jeoffrey--"He Is"

HT to Shelly.

Names of God