Yesterday was a sad day but a great day. I got a phone call to let me know that a wonderful woman named Ellen Brooker had gone home to be with the Lord. She was way too young, only 55. I went to the hospital to be with her husband and their daughter only to find out that their small group was already there loving, supporting , praying and comforting.
I thought to myself. WOW ! There is nothing more beautiful and satisfying than when the church is functioning the way God designed and intended it to be. Carrying one another burdens.
Andy and Ashley felt the presence and power of God. All because they were in community with a group of people . They weren’t asking where is God in all of this, they knew where He was. He was right there with him in each small group member.
Jesus said it like this : For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20
Are you in community ?
October 31, 2008
October 24, 2008
Getting Spiritual
This was attributed to David Letterman which is false, though the thought is true. It’s originally from columnist Craig R. Smith
" As most of you know I am not a fan of President Bush,nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.' The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe.It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of American share unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President.
In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''
A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at anytime and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use topnotch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family,and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or a prowler intrudes, and an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks so unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorists attacks? The Commander-in-Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or on a talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behinds every day. Make no mistake about it.
The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go, then end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an "other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts.
How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells,and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murder like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way....Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country.
There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.'"With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Do you want to know what God's will is ?
"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God " I Thessalonians 5:18
Right now pause and make a list of things you are thankful for:
* Family
* work
* Church
* America
* Life
You will find it is probably the most spiritual thing you will have done in a long time.
PS. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12
" As most of you know I am not a fan of President Bush,nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark.' The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe.It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of American share unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President.
In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''
A. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at anytime and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
F. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use topnotch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family,and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or a prowler intrudes, and an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks so unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorists attacks? The Commander-in-Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or on a talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behinds every day. Make no mistake about it.
The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go, then end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an "other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts.
How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells,and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murder like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way....Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country.
There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.'"With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Do you want to know what God's will is ?
"In everything give thanks for this is the will of God " I Thessalonians 5:18
Right now pause and make a list of things you are thankful for:
* Family
* work
* Church
* America
* Life
You will find it is probably the most spiritual thing you will have done in a long time.
PS. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12
October 13, 2008
Losing Sleep ?
Clemson Head Football Coach Tommy Bowden got fired today.Here is a quote from his father who is the Head Football coach at Florida State.
He's thankful for the experience he got here at Clemson," Bobby Bowden said. "He has no hard feelings toward them. This is just the nature of the game right now. He's disappointed but he's got his priorities in order in his life so he'll move on and won't lose a minute of sleep over it. "
WOW !
What causes you to lose sleep ?
Could it be because you don't have your priorities in order ?
He's thankful for the experience he got here at Clemson," Bobby Bowden said. "He has no hard feelings toward them. This is just the nature of the game right now. He's disappointed but he's got his priorities in order in his life so he'll move on and won't lose a minute of sleep over it. "
WOW !
What causes you to lose sleep ?
Could it be because you don't have your priorities in order ?
October 8, 2008
Check List for Presidential Leadership Part II
6. Self-control
Like a city whose walls are broken doww is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28
Great leaders manage their emotions and remain calm in the midst of trouble.
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself undercontrol. Proverbs 29:11
7. A Popluar Touch
Leaders have an intutive sentiment, a sense of when to wait and when to move ahead.
8. A Moral Compass
Leaders have the courage and integrity to follow their convictions when the risk of losing popular support.
9. A Capacity to Relax
Leaders must be able to not take themselves to serious. It is important to have humor and be able to laugh at one's self.
10. A gift of Inspiring
The ability to communicate goals to people and to educate and shape public opinion.
Like a city whose walls are broken doww is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28
Great leaders manage their emotions and remain calm in the midst of trouble.
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself undercontrol. Proverbs 29:11
7. A Popluar Touch
Leaders have an intutive sentiment, a sense of when to wait and when to move ahead.
8. A Moral Compass
Leaders have the courage and integrity to follow their convictions when the risk of losing popular support.
9. A Capacity to Relax
Leaders must be able to not take themselves to serious. It is important to have humor and be able to laugh at one's self.
10. A gift of Inspiring
The ability to communicate goals to people and to educate and shape public opinion.
October 7, 2008
Check list for Presidential Leadership Part I
We are in the middle of a very important presidential election. One that will have long lasting impact on you, your family and your world, not to mention the world.
Doris Kearns Goodwin shares the secrets of America's great presidents... These not only are great qualities of presidents but of any one who is leading. Where ever you find yourself leading these are essential that they are being develop and cultivated .
1. Courage
A leader needs the ability to withstand adversity and motivate him or herself in the face of frustration.
Leadership is all about dealing with problems and challenges. It is not for the weak of heart. You will experience setbacks and even failures. That is not the question, the question is will you continue to preserve .
2. Self-confidence
Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who disagree with you with out fear of retaliation. I see to many leaders who are to insecure to have strong people who will push back and ask tough questions. They eventually suffer great lost because of it.
3. Learn from your errors
To lead successfully you must be willing to acknowledge and learn your mistakes. It is an issue of pride that keeps leaders from admitting their mistakes . We think people are looking for perfect leaders. They are not. They are looking for authentic and genuine leaders who are willing to admit quickly when they are wrong. To often as leaders we think it is a sign of weakness, but to those who are following, it is a sign of character.
4. A willingness to change
We live in a world where nothing remains the same. Leaders need to be flexible and make
adjustments along the way .
5. Emotional Intelligence
Leaders must have a strong self-awareness, where they understand themselves and are in tune with their strengths and weaknesses. But not only their, but the people they are leading as well as their fears, and needs.
Doris Kearns Goodwin shares the secrets of America's great presidents... These not only are great qualities of presidents but of any one who is leading. Where ever you find yourself leading these are essential that they are being develop and cultivated .
1. Courage
A leader needs the ability to withstand adversity and motivate him or herself in the face of frustration.
Leadership is all about dealing with problems and challenges. It is not for the weak of heart. You will experience setbacks and even failures. That is not the question, the question is will you continue to preserve .
2. Self-confidence
Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who disagree with you with out fear of retaliation. I see to many leaders who are to insecure to have strong people who will push back and ask tough questions. They eventually suffer great lost because of it.
3. Learn from your errors
To lead successfully you must be willing to acknowledge and learn your mistakes. It is an issue of pride that keeps leaders from admitting their mistakes . We think people are looking for perfect leaders. They are not. They are looking for authentic and genuine leaders who are willing to admit quickly when they are wrong. To often as leaders we think it is a sign of weakness, but to those who are following, it is a sign of character.
4. A willingness to change
We live in a world where nothing remains the same. Leaders need to be flexible and make
adjustments along the way .
5. Emotional Intelligence
Leaders must have a strong self-awareness, where they understand themselves and are in tune with their strengths and weaknesses. But not only their, but the people they are leading as well as their fears, and needs.
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