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Showing posts from March, 2011

Can the Vancouver Canucks Make History?

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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.

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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

Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry Be Happy

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Hello, My Name is Joe

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Fried Ham

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

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

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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 "Justic

Bobblehead Jesus, SongFail and other amusing sites.

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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.

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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 fi

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

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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.

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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 j

Ignoring the "Please Use Revolving Door"

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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 j

march 20 2011

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I Hate Doug Fields: Revisited.

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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 thin

Lessons from Bob Pierce

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""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. Re

My Search for the Black Rock Hotel.

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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 a

Complaint Department

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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.

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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'

Daylight Savings Time

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Often "Out of Context" Verses. And Misused!

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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 fr

Applying the Sermon: Book Review

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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

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My Interview with Guy Kawasaki.

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

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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

What is Worship?

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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 o

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?

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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.

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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 .... "

Website Recommendations for Ministry.

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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 -------------------------------- Make smaller urls: tinyurl.com Email lists: mailchimp.com feedblitz.com ---------------------------------------------- TXTsignal.com - texting plans ----------------------------------------------- Also for adding other social media outlets to your website try: Addthis.com Other suggestions: Dropbox.com

Believing in the Word of God

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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 wel