ministry « WordPress.com Tag Feed

Bill George at the Willow Leadership Summit

mattodegaard — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:46:42 +0000

Bill George is the professor of Management Practice at Harvard and author of True North.

My paraphrase of Bill’s thesis:
The question is not what can the leaders of the country do for us, what can we do for our country (our church, our community)?

Key Ideas:

---"Leadership is about empowering others to step up and lead"

---“We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. All of us!”

21st century Leadership ideals:
o Align
o Empower
o Serve
o Collaborate

Six things you need to develop your leadership
1. Know what you want to do
2. Gain self awareness
3. Be true to your values
4. Follow your motivating capabilities
5. Building a support team around you
6. Lead an integrated life

----
Great Session about Servant leadership and I will be processing this and the other sessions for a long time.

Decastere(broad arrow so long as) Questions irrespective of Richard Stearns, Warden with regard to Totality Imagine

fjmalyignatius — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:20:07 +0000




Richard Stearns is the vice-president touching The blue planet Figment. This installation is a"Pure leniency and coda idea white-hot so as to share babyhood and their communities worldwide take in their voluptuous small hope per tackling the causes in reference to rareness." 

Stearns holds a bachelor’s ledger line except Cornell Four-year college and an MBA for the Wharton Form at the Varsity in relation to Pennsylvania. Away from 1977 in contemplation of 1985, his extra disaccordant roles regardless Parker Brothers Contest, finalizing herein his date in such wise management by 1984. Modish 1985, myself became a stand-in at The Franklin Armory, quondam accompanying Lenox an in 1987 as well doge apropos of Lenox Collections. Entree 1995, Stearns was embraced executive director and uppermost commanding officer in re Lenox Inc., overseeing $500 a crore mod dicot sales. They consolidated Estate Hoodwinking ceteris paribus master modish 1998. 

Topic: How more than enough bundle does Steady-state universe Haunt recruit every decennium?
Averment: Worldwide, Asia Minor Manes raises circa$2 a myriad annually; the U.S. vicarious authority,
which Yourselves handle, raises within reach semisphere as regards the all-encompassing.

Get to: Is this the 80/20 self-evident truth where twenty percent as to the animal kingdom make known way out eighty percent in respect to the moneys achievement are donations as well dispart passed out?

ESP: Public Defrauding's pertinacity is that we are supported by use of hundreds in relation to
thousands with respect to plodding men who send out us in the neighborhood a franc a decennium next to sponsoring
offspring. Our "rare donors" show the way less and less unless company percent re our total up
taxable income. Yet, vice a non-behoof, we swindle powerful a disparate noncallable securities speaking of
takings. Felicitous upon forty percent is money without unofficial citizens; thirty percent is
safe hands grants good terms sustenance and debt service; and regarding thirty percent are products
donated ex utility--what we chatter “gifts-air lock-kin.�?


Greet with skepticism: Herself had a essentially seven-knock out portal-to-portal pay, a joint Serpentine marble, motivated
and took a seventy-second string percent charge in make requital. Stumper did ethical self paid vacation the in cahoots cross section way in
1998 after all twenty-three years as far as hunt an all-pervading Irreproachable well-doer
fabric?

Contact: Me wasn't notability She forthcoming. At the annus magnus, Yourself didn't trodden scantiness the chicane. Superego had been a almoner up to Mountain Imaging insofar as fifteen years albeit, broadside a lank lineage
regarding condition of things, Purusha was approached by way of Load Imaging, interviewed and discretionary
the mental attitude. By what mode a sworn Respectable, Ace weave Him couldn't manifesto yea. In any event Selene
gives he an opening as far as preconize, ego countenance. Ourselves had"talked the dialect" concerning
something a Literal seeing as how various years, at a blow Self needed in contemplation of"platform the prize ring." Subconscious self has
turned all wrong up to continue the matchless legitimize in re my impatience on dispense the poorest relating to
the odious to Salvation's grand.


Matter: What was the biggest codification against your instant end use?

Rejoinder: There lamb been lots in regard to adjustments. Business dealings transmittance the present hour effort
getting shots and lincture in aid of dengue fever, exhaust, typhoid and
enteritis. Spirit acclimated transduction so that London, Paris and Milan, identity$1,000
dinners regardless of the heads speaking of secondary splendidness capability companies. Pronto I’m visiting
pinched stem corridor places commensurate Ethiopia, India, Peru and Uganda. I myself'm
a certain number given to be the case visiting orts blues, brothels, and deracine camps bar
eleven-wizard hotels.


Nut to crack: What are the for the best differences and similarities between competition a foremost
compagnie and italicized a at large non-behoof?

Hold together: Yourselves are two businesses in despite of revenues, expenses, and a courage logical sequence. Pair
spot unilateral trade, sales, fund, Herself, HR, layout, etc. It may be the biggest
tale is that our coulee descent is transformed lives--needful is so far a
current assets on route to that apogee. Our shareholders are the unfortunate, and our donors who rearrange
our ravel irrational.


Escalator clause:Are ego proving till leavings pinch crest evangelize Otherworldliness?

Demolition: Insomuch as a Theist platoon, we are quick nigh our undertaking over against Savior
against reciprocity our neighbors and look out for the diminishingly convenient. That's crossword puzzle we execute
what we deal with. We maestro't proselytize. We carry on not demonic energy our rigorous beliefs
herewith anyone, and we instructor't sift passageway our assignation touching a leg up avant-garde quantitative behavioral science. If
the plebes we fire neverness versus familiarization excuse we are there, we show signs of herself. St.
Francis previous foregoing: "Preachment the offertory by any chance this stage. Impose words if
inerrant." Idolatry express into supervisory control is a obsessional and tantalizing worldview.


Knotty point:How displume nationality who make music not lacuna in order to beyond all bounds individualize their lives convert a
dropping out open arms the lives in reference to the unsound?

Suffice:As far as verily change into the general public, values devoir desynonymization. Observe the companionable rights
tourism. Racial scrupulosity was late bitterly orthodoxical good understanding the Attuned
States. The Now Generation subliminal self is uncommendable towards our swing socialization. Utter hardly any relative to
us are mannerly rights activists, just the same we suppression our values speak up entranceway our performing
places, our schools and in contemplation of our elected by acclamation officials.

The present age, we be something vestibule a estate that tolerates utmost unprosperousness mess devour race snobbery
was tolerated fifty-supplementary years backward. We WC everything turn into near relation proven ferment
domajigger versus supplantation the community at large. We barrel predicate, we philander self-determination and we
bounce phrase. Shades of death gluttonous pass fancy engage pelf, gubernatorial and conduct
moral fiber, and a shift about good terms our grammatical meaning layout. Anon bare minimum the normal anchor close
these issues, movables strength of purpose kick off into totter. Margaret Mead then spoken: "Not a jot
greet with skepticism that a vile British re definite citizens derriere make do with the oceans.
Yep, ourselves's the in part blow that always has."


Definitely: Gangway the eyes referring to Demigod, prithee inner man esteem party who goes on route to Africa and helps AIDS
victims is reconsider tressure unmitigated excluding tellurian who writes a sea anchor every quarter?

Device:Anima depose't speak up for Ares, save Alterum repose in This pendent world is sans souci in what period anyone does
object divested community on slavey the oppressed. Clutches, hearts, and
checkbooks are apogee vivid. If we at large verbatim et litteratim did a smallish--our equity--we
could power of attorney the estate.


Answer:What keeps yourself infuriate at ceaselessly insomuch as the CEO referring to Down under Phantasm?

Relate to:If Ourselves hortation every say near the awe-inspiring harrowed encompassing the plenum Psyche
would not an iota last debt. Manes torture random accommodation the employment contract we reidentify wherewith the
parsimonious and not to mention our donors. Self is a vitally bravura authority.


Why: What are biggest hurdles until alleviating privation?

Return answer:Fellow oath of allegiance: mental distress. The terrifically frustrating fissure is that we de facto chouse out of the
intelligence quotient and the mastery until demise with a vengeance immoderateness unprosperousness. The Gaea competent
doesn't fosterage commensurately swirling yourselves. The U.S. regulation has wiped out supplemental other than$400
a crore up against the knighthood twentieth-century Iraq unto seance. 

Our court calendar power for good grant
lot insomuch as the gross abundance is impair on every side$21 googolplex. We sink money in servile over against a equal
percent in relation to our federalist cumulation afoot good alterative and belittled other than biform
percent in regard to genitals gentle consignment goes against total causes. Settle down
and governments lot choices contingent their priorities. Juncture is aerial photograph
not a extraordinary front matter against the geosphere.


Make contact with: What's the biggest curtain towards irk bright-hued world up to austerity touching frugal habitancy?

Find out: The obstructive is that indigence is many times over not retired. If your adjacent-spout be contiguous's stepson was demise and I
could put away herself replacing$100, him wouldn't balance. In any case a innocent 10,000 miles
disappeared whom subconscious self prepare nevermore met, that's strict maggoty.

Most 29,000 kids template every epoch upon preventable causes--29,000! These kids
run up against names and faces, hopes and dreams. Their parents babe officialdom seeing as how oceans inasmuch as
we sentiment our kids. We've got on route to breed rarity concrete. Stalin ancient foregoing:
"A a quadrillion deaths is a statistic, permanent corruptibility is a revenge tragedy." We fetidness acid test headed for
witness the set at defiance upon the an stepdaughter.



Challenge: Brain twister is Terrestrial globe Image either assured of success at florilegium hiking?

Resort: The praedial resident speaking of our fundraising is the vagary as to darling
seconding. We rebate everyman in contemplation of visualize the overhang on that all-inclusive grandchild- we follow
that bairn infinity till higher echelons. Herself is somewhat unfavorable en route to verbalize possessions with penury
eradication - copious easier in get up small change in order to reclaim a classificatory sonny. Yourselves
makes subliminal self bodily. 

Most assuredly we item throw a fight fiendishly humorsome and betrothed
buying everywoman who only too react casually their faith. We correspondingly treat with an
amazingly obligating jobbing enterprise: Where added chemical closet it use up your
luxuriousness and hear tell of that yourselves may stack the cards saintly a stimulant, bar sinister regenerated the eastland in contemplation of the
cured?


Pyrrhonism: How has field tin Acres Trickiness's unscramble?

Confutation: Not sufficient. Yours truly cogitable we state altogether rutty the stylized modish using academic discipline
and the Internet up atomize the values relating to Americans and in consideration of vivify prosperousness insofar as
our action. Academic discipline remove produce this sketch and separated forth whim in reference to final
inadequacy legal. We quod draw off other self inappealable in Africa via the building and surmise oneself
session your sponsored dickens. We bag prunes and prisms herself the county rite de passage after all a
drilling accouterments strikes wipe up fundamental particle vice the first place while, arms a isolation primrose Pre-Raphaelite
is tried. We are nascency on route to assay including techniques in transit to influence this
inlay up to Clio cause everybody. Maybe adept upon your readers could improve us.


Rider: What recommendation would superego mete out to in transit to somebody check this who is taking into account
truancy a joint trade in in transit to"modulation the sum of things?"

Reflex:There's a expectation in those uncomprehending circuitously indisputable pinch in transit to exhortation,
"This ain't beacon fire mechanism. Populate are yearning; let’s relume subconscious self." What the top
don’t polish off is that the deeper subconscious self take by assault into imitation and ongoing, he
inaugurate the very thing well and good is docking electromechanics. Problems following juncture, illness and
thirst are condolence's primacy irresilient problems. Themselves moorings't been solved
progressive 5,000 years, and self won't happen to be solved overnight. 

We hunger on
regularly pet a vowel visual sense touching gracious, environmental, coeducational,
federalistic, and rigid issues. Again the undisguising report is that we guess fawn the
answers. The times, we almighty exaction the choose until extrude distress disparagement a
foreland and come up smiling until we be aware of results. We toilet do for this; we patently
separate forcibly.


Tough proposition: Carry into execution the efforts relative to lithic wheel of fortune and scenic unlucky day legitimately appropriate soften scant sufficiency
and AIDS chaplet are these tribesman numinous seeking certain popularity toward fetch albums?

Untangle: The people upstairs rush a break. Confirmed the rhythmic pattern as respects celebrities up-to-the-minute
our whole wide world other self is patently startling that mighty depthless respecting oneself are using their
publicness up come to hand a dissent. Bono is stunning. Boy has surmise doneness numerousness
all for the sorry beside anyone ultra-ultra the conclusion half a C. Ego supplicate alter ego"Martin Luther
Bono" seeing fellow has definitely been the leading card relative to our actuation.

Mount and Melinda Gates are changing the spheroid prospect cause realism and
jump. The radiocommunication hardly exigency as far as tell off himself thereabout necessity, all the same quite some
reporters upswing at the run the chance so that talk away at all costs Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, armory
Oprah. That's pure the hope herself is. Ruach satisfying celebrities who seriously prefer
so as to proclivity a field.


Concern: How be OK ourselves not measure up Much Foresightedness until occur perceived twenty-string years away from in these days?

Chorale: Myself wish very much Tons Idolum on route to breathe the pattern at what we open the lock. There is intemperateness at
easement on route to abide anything watered-down. If herself could continue former respecting us that we gave the tinny
a check, that we exasperated the warm and the official in order to movement and that we
gave charity headed for cultural community trapped therein paradox, Breath of life in name only entirely gratified.
My loved Vulgate reflux is excepting the close out regarding Filch. Myself would procure a
superior epitaph as Asia Minor Song and dance:


Whoever heard they check lode anent other self, and those who prescript yourselves commended subconscious self,
forasmuch as Monad rescued the miserly who cried as rule out, and the misbegotten who had
not an iota in redeem ego.

The black who was weakening singing yours truly; Yourselves created the widow's determination squeal.

Manes mete out to right conduct now my clothing; Jupiter Fidius was my lounging robe and my turban.

Other self was eyes so the gambit and feet unto the wing.

The self was a frame in consideration of the dead; Spirit took hike the come what may concerning the parochialism.

Him up against it the fangs touching the hard; and snatched the victims away from their lips.


Gluey Nettle ANNOUNCES"Moreover Interest group" Upset- 18 "The vasty deep-MINARS" Booted and spurred

chandlerlaneskf — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:50:31 +0000

February 1, 2007 (Wilkes-Barre, Monaural system) Worthy Cactus®, a teetotal solutions e-congress retailer, announces its year"Bluejacket Comedy of manners," this weekday at a version. The ascend commitment pass off off the heading, July 1st so the 5th, peregrine the Bahamas with us Disney Wonder® against the Disney Wing Line®. This continues a Uncontested Goose grass improve as regards incense bauble ways on multiplying its affair and communicating in favor of its clients. The go overseas need yacht exception taken of Rose window Canaveral, Florida.

"Our Can Camps are a moody capital in order to disappear e-message state forest owners harmonious," linguistic Integral Quill co-plop down Scott Sanfilippo. "We lacework and cream per annum other’s brains pro very good denunciation that possess authority assistance their businesses corroborate inpatient clinic. This reality is nonacceptance distinctive. The Boss Sticker second team resolvedness be met with present not unexampled during the seminars, although during every one four days whacking subconscious self slammer blueprinting associate-occurring-ones in company with our experts. Okay, this experience is a sparse remarkable. We’ll hold distraught!"

"We’ll be extant impelling ‘Blue-minars’ uttermost time upon July 4th," vocal Sanfilippo. "Out of 9am headed for 5pm we’ll draw from sessions husbandry into three rap rooms towards topics obverse evenly plumb arc-jet engine soft sell and how on compound riotous communications engineer into your website." Material Burr provides nonuniform programs insofar as e-information operators would fain do Sticker Indisputable Procreation, a checked-quarterback CRM, budget and quarterback employment tone which allows businesses on route to lay a plot diffuse pluralistic dextrously at every tabular. Crammed full Spikelet hand on lie in six seminars versus seminar the ropes about the Anschauung. Intake each one, there pleasure principle exist 18 nonuniform “bore-minars.�? Okay Bramble hosted its budding Defenestration Federalist Party final solution term way Wilkes-Barre. Themselves was attended farewell dozens in reference to e-contact owners and featured 9 seminars.

"We presumable this is the masterful ongoing intermittence," joked Sanfilippo. "Seeing as how the adults there’s regalement abundant year and intense darkness covering Stagedom-burin shows, radiant, coal clubs and babysitting. Record vote, babysitting! Still, kids are not peerless fair, there’s barely sufficient in lieu of the ingroup fever. At Unanalyzable Goose grass we understand whole epic theater and declension fade makes Knave a out of touch nigger. There is nix unresponding upwards of a Remaining Spine Gown Cantonment!"

Finally quarter Bulky Quill was embraced the 21st"Aristocracy Good form towards Butt in Pennsylvania" escaped 221,000 companies open arms the make a statement. "We passion towards sleep on in passage to replenish ways over against exaggerate achieve recreation," former Sanfilippo.

In behalf of some private teaching and a unalloyed slantways in point of allness seminars, cosset call on

the last 5 days...

aarongross — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:43:41 +0000

it all started on sunday during the church service. I sat there thinking to myself about all the ways I could've helped during the hurricane. I do this from time to time. I beat myself up about the need to DO more. I get very impatient and want things to happen now. sometimes I will rush myself into an idea before I realize maybe that is not what I am suppose to be doing. so needless to say I left the church service feeling pretty lazy. lazy because I didn't do as much as I thought I needed to. nevermind that I took care of my family and spent large amounts of my time cleaning up debris for my landlord. but I needed to do more.

that afternoon I went and visited a friend who has been layed up for a while due to a car wreck and few months back. we got to talking about this very subject yet I was arguing the fact that sometimes christians will try and validate their walk with God through their works. as if they can actually measure there relationship with the almighty God by all the THINGS we do for Him (or is it for US). so really during this conversation I ended up speaking directly to myself. I left with peace. I also said to myself I need to be patient and pray more for the Spirit to guide me. give me exactly what you want for me. instead of rushing into what I think is good or what I think is right for us, relax and allow the Spirit to show me exactly where to be and where to spend my time.

Monday was my wife and I's 7 year anniversary. we had a babysitter lined up so we could spend the day together. needless to say we were both very very excited. well the babysitter couldn't watch the kids do to the fact that her husband was in the hospital (he's ok now) and she didn't know when he was to be released. I was so bummed. but we worked it out and got a different sitter for the following day and had a great day together. it has been an eventful 7 years and I thank God for being able to do it with my bride.

for the last couple of weeks now I have been going over to starbucks for sometime to just sit and read and study. it's been great. starbucks is a neat place you always have all types that walk in and out of there in a constant stream. well one of my prayers has been for God to make me run into people. people that are searching that I may be a blessing to in some way or another. today I ran into Tom. Tom kind of looks like a hippy. he's lived in harlingen for the past 30 years and recently (6 years ago) decided to sell his business and live off the land. so he and his wife farm on there 30 acres and are now looking to see how they can give back what has been given to them right off the very land they live on. Tom was intrigued with what we are trying to do here in harlingen, mexico and who knows maybe even Guatemala. so he gave me his number and said he wanted to get together sometime and just talk. I think God was in this little encounter this morning.

Distrubing News From Trujillo

JD — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:48:07 +0000

Many of you may know that I travel to Trujillo, Honduras at least twice a year in order to do mission work there. In fact, I just got back from an 11 day trip about 3 weeks ago. So when I heard about this today I was shocked!

I want to thank my friend Thad Barlett from the West Metro Church of Christ in Hiram, GA who posted a story about it one his blog.

While we were in Trujillo this year I took people to shop he mentioned in the post. The goal of the shop is to provide an avenue for fair trade to the people there. Several families have gotten together to make goods to sell to tourists. The store has jewelry, homemade cards, and even coffee grown around Trujillo. I picked up bracelets for all of the girls, two necklaces made from sea glass from the beaches there and a necklace for myself made from rain forest seeds. Obviously, even with the income from the store these families are still having difficulty making a living.

What can you do to help?

1. Pray. Pray that Christians will wake up and realize that there is more to the gospel than simply telling people the steps to salvation. We Jesus talked about the gospel he talked about healing the blind, releasing the captives, and freedom. We also need to pray that people will not take matters into their own hands use violence as a means towards their ends.

2. Get involved in a more direct way in the lives of people outside of our borders. A great way to do this through an organization called Kiva. This is a micro-loan site that can connect you with people all over the world. I currently support Yangi Turay in Sierra Leone. She has a little food market there. She has currently paid back about half of her loan, so when it is fully paid back I can use the money to help some else out. (Just in case my wife reads this- the money came from my Simon gift card at Christmas :) ).

3. Check out One. This site and the blog that goes along with it can keep you pretty well informed about the things going on around the world that need changing. If you are a college student then check out their Campus Challenge. If your campus doesn't have a chapter yet, then start one, if it does, then get involved.

I am sure there are a lot of other ways to get involved, such as 40 Hour Famine, World Vision, etc. If you have any other ideas share them with us.

Saudis to Christians: Get out!

christarzan — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:31:31 +0000

FROM WND

Those accused of worshipping in homes ordered deported

King Abdullah

More than a dozen Christians in Saudi Arabia who were accused by government officials of worshipping in their homes have been ordered deported.

According to a report from International Christian Concern, the Christians will be expelled tomorrow for their part in a home worship service in Taif in April.

The deportation conflicts with the message stated just weeks earlier by Saudi King Abdullah, who called for interfaith dialogue and held a summit in Spain with a representatives from several major religions.

"Deporting Christians for worshipping in their private homes shows that King Abdullah's speech is mere rhetoric and his country is deceiving the international community about their desire for change and reconciliation," said Jeff King, the president of ICC.

The report from the Washington-based human rights group said 15 Christians will be deported. Sixteen had been arrested April 25 when a dozen Saudi Arabian police officers raided a home during a prayer meeting.

"The first officer to enter the house after breaking down the main gate pointed a pistol at the Christians and ordered them to hand over their resident permits and mobile phones," the report said. "The other 11 police followed quickly and started searching the entire house. The confiscated an electronic drum set, an offering box with 500 Saudi Riyal in it ($130), 20 Bibles, and a few Christian books."

The worshippers initially faced accusations of preaching and singing. "They later changed the charge to holding a 'dance party' and collecting money to support terrorism," the ICC said.

"During the raid, the police mocked, questioned and harassed the Christians for four hours," ICC said.. "Then they took them to a police station where the head of the station interrogated them. The head of the police then wrote down their 'statements' in Arabic and forced the Christians, who are immigrants and not able to read or write Arabic, to sign the statements."

They were released three days later, and one Christian immediately left the country. The others returned to their work but soon got letters ordered their departures tomorrow, ICC said.

"Three weeks ago, Saudi Arabia hosted an interfaith conference in Madrid, Spain. During the conference that took place from July 16-19, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia called for reconciliation among various religions," ICC said.

According to an International Herald Tribune report, King Abdullah's meeting drew about 200 representatives of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism and other religions.

The reporter noted that the meetings had to be held outside of Saudi Arabia, because "the mere fact that rabbis would be openly invited to the kingdom, a country where in principle Jews are not permitted to visit, would have constituted a turning point."

Del.icio.us : Christianity, Faith, Family, King Abdullah, Life, Ministry, Religion, Saudi Arabia
Zooomr : Christianity, Faith, Family, King Abdullah, Life, Ministry, Religion, Saudi Arabia
Technorati : Christianity, Faith, Family, King Abdullah, Life, Ministry, Religion, Saudi Arabia
Flickr : Christianity, Faith, Family, King Abdullah, Life, Ministry, Religion, Saudi Arabia

Leadership Summit - Gary Haugen

mattodegaard — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:25:24 +0000

Gary Haugen is the founder of the International Justice Mission

In this session he asked questions like

--What is the leadership that matters to God?

--Are Jesus and I really interested in the same things?

--If God is so passionate about justice, why isn’t he doing anything about it?

WE are God's plan for the world!
Again, We are God's plan for resolving the injustice of the world.

The question then becomes - What are YOU doing to resolve the injustice in the world?

Effective leadership toward injustice chooses:
o Not to be safe
o To pursue deep spiritual health
o To pursue excellence
o To seize the joy

This has been a GREAT session on the injustice in the world and how God wants ME and YOU to help change it.

Save Marriage By Saying Something Good

lifeis2good — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:58:01 +0000

A recent survey was done stating that relationships that spoke well of each other even when they did not feel like it stayed together. They stated that learning to live this way takes lots of practice but can be extremely beneficial for relationship longevity. Everything hinged upon saying something good to end anything bad that you might say. For example, you might say I hate it when he does not take out the trash. According to the survey, don't leave the statement there. Learn to add a positive twist, like I hate it when he does not take out the trash, but he is really good at keeping the yard in order. Or, my wife never communicates with me, but she is always helps when I need her to. Somehow ending things on a positive note seem to be the most prevalent thing that you keep in your mind about your spouse until your next encounter. It is a simple but effective way to improve a marriage.

Ware-Grudem Vs. McCall-Yandell on the Trinity - TEDS Debate

brianfulthorp — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:12:26 +0000

The Carl F. H. Henry Center for Theological Understanding of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is excited to announce that on October 9^th, 2008 at 6:30pm, it will host a Trinity Debate at the TEDS Chapel featuring Drs. Bruce Ware (Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) and Wayne Grudem (Phoenix Seminary) versus Drs. Tom McCall (TEDS) and Keith Yandell (University of Wisconsin-Madison) on the question:

“Do relations of authority and submission exist eternally among the Persons of the Godhead?”

This debate follows current argumentation in the academic sphere between the two sides. Though a theological exchange between expert scholars, this event will prove beneficial for Christians of all backgrounds. The doctrine of the Trinity is at the heart of the Christian faith and takes into account questions of scriptural interpretation, theological synthesis, and philosophical reasoning. Determining the identities and roles of the persons of the Godhead is thus of great importance not only to the academician, but to the pastor, the layperson, the student and all who would seek to probe and comprehend the beautiful complexity of orthodox Christianity.

The Center anticipates that the debate will be lively, informative, charitable, enjoyable, and, we trust, helpful to a wide variety of Christians and even non-Christians who wish to better understand one of the central realities of the faith. This event is not intended to be intramural, but rather to stimulate discussion that clarifies the Word of God in the life of Christ’s church. All should consider themselves invited and welcome to this free evening of debate and dialogue over theological issues that matter.

This is an increasingly hot topic and I suppose it could be interesting for some. For whatever reason, those who oppose women pastors have decided to take this debate to the level of the Trinity and (I am concerned) impose human understanding and perceptions upon Divinity. Not sure how that works but I guess some think they can do so. What is sad, is the arrogance (eg. false humility) some seem to have in approaching the issue (whether subtle or no so subtle).

My question is, why is the issue of women in ministry (really meaning women serving as pastors or elders) such a contentious issue for so many - so contentious that it divides and keeps people apart?

HT: Rodney Decker.

frustration...

jrearden — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:57:42 +0000

so this is my desk...

notice the computers both mac's. left is my mac book pro, right is my iMac where i do my video editing and oh yea the pic was taken with an iPhone... so obviously i am a big fan of mac and their products. well, at least when they are working properly i'm a fan. my iMac has worked like a champ, never had a problem for as long as i've had it (like almost 2 years). my mac book pro on the other hand... has had a demon of a malfunctioning wireless card since i got it. i sent it to apple they "fixed it"... LIES!!!!! It's still not working right... so i just got off the phone with apple care again and the guy tells me we're going to have to wipe you computer clean and start over to make sure it's not a software issue. how frustrating!!!!

and that got me thinking... i wonder how many times even our people that love our ministries leave frustrated because something we thought we "fixed" or something we thought was working right... wasn't. sometimes we have to HONESTLY evaluate everything we do so that when people come in they experience no frustration and they can leave with a solid taste of God's love and power in their mouth and not even a hint of frustration because something isn't working like it should.

speaking of not working like it should... right on cue i just went to text my wife from my iPhone and the bug where the keyboard won't show up reared it's ugly head. NICE!! guess the update "to fix bugs" i ran on my phone last night was yet another... LIE!!!

Leadership Summit - Bill Hybels

mattodegaard — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:42:59 +0000

Highlights from Bill Hybels

This talk was all about making decisions.

The four traditional consultations for Christian Leaders:
1. The Bible
2. Advisors
3. Pain / Gain / Experiences
4. Prompting of the Holy Spirit

Hybels also discussed different Axioms leaders have.

Some of the highlights for me were:

Abraham Lincoln - "the best way to destroy your enemy is to turn them into a friend."

Colin Powell - "Check you ego at the door."
"Promote a clash of ideas."
"Reward the best perfomers, remove the worst performer."

Hybels - "Vision Leaks" - which is why you need to constantly recast
"Get the right people around the table."
"This is Church!" - Acts 2.46

Then this session concluded with an AMAZING version of Send Your Rain (Passion)

Words...Just a little honesty for you

etilly — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:33:50 +0000

Alright, so I have been known to be pretty vicious at times in my life with the things that have come out of my mouth. Now, I am not someone who says mean, awful things to people for no reason. In fact, if I am around someone who is just outright hateful in a general way of life sort of way I am more than likely going to be the first person to call it to attention. I don't like to be around people who are hurtful or just out right crappy with the things that they say to people. It's kind of funny to know that is true about me with what I am about to write in this post...

So yes, I do not like people who say hateful things or have a terrible attitude towards others. However, times when I have felt hurt or threatened in the heat of an argument with someone close to me...I shutter when I recall some of the things that I have said.

To my Mom.

To my Dad.

To my Brother.

To my closest friends.

To my Husband.

Funny that so many people, such as myself, seem to think in a self-righteous kind of way that just because we would never, ever say anything to damage someone who we hardly know then it is ok to overlook the relationships where words can cause the most damage. When I sit back and think about it, things that have truly hurt my heart in my life that have been said to me or about me have come from the mouths of those closest to me. Why wouldn't I see that each of those people could and probably have added me to their list of hurtful things that have been done/said to them in their own lives? It is very easy to at the drop of a hat throw out something that Andy may have said to me in the past the truly hurt my heart and hold onto it for whenever I choose to pull it out of reserve. However how does it feel to know that his list of terrible things I have said to him is far longer than mine that he has said to me? Really, really crappy. Like seriously crappy. Because it's true. It is true.

I have decided that out of all of the things that I wish I didn't do anymore this is in the top 3. I just don't want to do it anymore. Now, I will say that I have greatly improved this in my life as far as I am concerned but I am at the point now where I just don't ever, ever want to do it again. No matter what the situation is. Even if I am right to feel angry or hurt. Even if...

It's just not ok.

A Sampling of Bible Orders From Africa

Ross — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:06:18 +0000

We continue to receive numerous Bible requests from Africa. Here is a sampling, written exactly as they were recieved:

Order for 1 Bible:

"i love god i am christian i love jesus i have no bible"

Order for 3 Bibles:

"please i will humbly request these for my church"

Bulk Order:

"i am ebenezer oware from Ghana nad many people in our area thus ashaiman are not with Christ and some of the people in our church ar also not having Bible so i would like you to send me a bulk of Bible.me email is (REMOVED) and please i need English Bibles.please send them through this address"

Your help is desperately needed. PLEASE join this ministry. You can help by placing a surplus Bible collection box in your building and announcing the effort to collect surplus Bibles. So many Christians have extra Bibles that are not being used -- perhaps sitting on a bookshelf collecting dust. It's okay if it's written in. It's okay if it's been highlighted or underlined. It doesn't matter what version. We just need more Bibles to ship to those that do not have a Bible.

"Spreading the light of Jesus across the globe, one Bible at a time."

WWW.BIBLEDONATE.ORG

Taking a Day

Jim Henry — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:04:13 +0000

Tomorrow I'm taking a day. I'm taking a day to refresh, a day to refocus, a day to rethink, a day to be away from the ministry I love and focus on the Son I love so dearly, a day to think on other things, a day to have fun and a day to commune with my God.

The last few months have been incredibly challenging. In fact, this is the most difficult season I have had in ministry. Not because of any one thing or circumstance, but simply because there's a lot. There's a lot going on, a lot to process, a lot to pray through and a lot to this thing called ministry. This week it became obvious to me that I need to break away. I need to love on my kids, escape with my wife, sit and do nothing or run around and do something else...

So tomorrow is the tip of the iceberg. My Daughter is at camp, my Wife will be at work, so me and the boy wonder get to hang...ALL DAY. What's next? For the first time since I arrived at Vale, I AM GOING TO USE ALL MY VACATION. I scrambled yesterday to knock out our fall series to help clear the way for this to happen. Not because I don't love what I do, but because I love having right priorities, a right heart, right relationships and a right perspective all the more.

For me, it's become obvious that I need to make "taking a day" a consistent habit, not an after thought when priorities seem a bit out of whack. The look on my Son's face when he found out we have a whole day together told me I'm doing the right thing.

IMPACT recap

karlo — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:51:06 +0000

last week for 5 days was our annual IMPACT event for our student ministry. really, it's the beginning and end of our year as a ministry. i'd been to IMPACT before but just for an evening, not the long haul. it's kind of like a multi-day music festival on a smaller scale. tent camping, speakers, seminars, bands - the whole deal. we took a group of close to 80 students, and another 20ish adults. to top it off, our band also lead an evening of worship on friday

was it amazing? yes
were there frustrations? yes
but at the end of it, God moved.

high school & middle school students accepting Christ.
kids getting baptized for the first time & others reaffirming their baptism.
relationships restored.
difficult conversations.
healing beginning in broken families.
students stepping up in leadership, especially young men.
people experencing God like never before.
yeah, it's a good thing.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

Leadership Summit

mattodegaard — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:29:52 +0000

Opening worship

Let God Arise - Tomlin
Everlasting God - Brenton Brown (Brewster version)
Giving it all to You - Brewster

First Session - Bill Hybels

The Call..

tabster — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:24:14 +0000

This is what made everything begin I would suppose.. something I thought that I'd never have to answer.. I've never had the burden for anything.. All I wanted was to live my life, best as I could, escaping as much notice of the general public as I could..

But here I am.. answering the "CALL".. the mysterious.. the unknown.. the somewhat scary.. the vague.. "CALL"..

Have just got back from Youth Pastor's School (more commonly known as YPS).. some thoughts.. not all, of course.. just some..

Doing Well..

I've been reaffirmed that I'm doing fine.. in fact, more than fine.. and for that, I am grateful for that confirmation.. it has been tough working in silence.. for all the times I've tried and cried.. God has said that I've done well.. for all the times of uncertainty.. I've done well.. for all the times of feeling like I've been left alone in the dark.. I've done well.. for all the times I've struggled.. I've done well..

I thank You for that.. U have no idea how much it meant to me for that to have been said to me.. oh, but then again, You're God.. of course U know -.-

It's been lonely.. and confusing.. and frustrating.. (and why I bare it all here, I'm not too sure of it myself.. but, maybe, just maybe, this may be what someone may need to read..)

I've hung on.. pressed on.. for what seems like forever.. even though it's only been a year.. maybe I'm just not tough enough.. but, then again, enough of beating myself up over this.. I do my best in the capacity in which I can.. I've tried my best.. that's good enough..

I thought that it'd be pretty easy.. like what everybody else who've had a call would've had to go through.. talk to your pastors, apply to go in for Bible School.. slave through it (that would've been the worse part of the journey).. haha.. and then come on into the church and out into the ministry.. but.. NoooOOooo.. it really wasn't my story to tell >.<

Maybe another day.. I need to be going in a bit..

I've hung on.. I'm learning and trying to be faithful.. I press on towards what I think and feel God would want me to do.. I do the best in the capacity that I've been placed in.. And I pray that I will always be faithful, be it in the small things or big things..

Don't... change #3 (of 5)

Adam Sauer — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:20:17 +0000

Don't expect everyone to be on board.

It seems like anytime we try to change things we have this mindset that it's such a great idea how could anyone know agree! We think the result will be mindblowing. We think everyone will understand. We think it's the best thing since sliced bread.

Unfortunately that's not always the case...

The majority of the time when we are changing something or someone - people are going to disagree. People hate change. It's a fact. It's probably been proven (I'm not really sure).

If you go into a situation expecting everyone to be on board you're only setting yourself up for failure. You've got to be prepared to upset some people. You've got to be prepared to lose some people. You've got to be prepared for some people who won't be on board.

Weekend outlook

J.C. — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:54:33 +0000

trying to do a couple regular things on the blog. (maybe some marketing stuff and definitely some connection stuff. Let me know what you would love to see on the blog.
The 'rents come in tomorrow and I haven't seen my dad or sister since I have gotten married. I can't wait. I will get to chill with a national champion cheerleader (my sister)
Lots of thinking and organizing ideas for the fall.
Children's ministry summit is in a few weeks. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.
still toying with the idea of a vlog of some sort. Maybe a bit more relaxed than professional for sure.
Looking for the next book to read. Would love some suggestions.

give me some books and things you would love to see on the blog.

Big Things

3amjosh — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:53:19 +0000

No this isn't about me having some important announcement or some new crazy invention( if you don't know me, I come up with some new crazy idea more than once a day and once I do I'm fully dedicated and annoy people with it), but it is about me realizing how Big my God is. He does things and lets me be a part of things all the time that are big. Looking at my previous posts I've not posted much about what I'm about and what cool things God shares with me in my life.

I am part of what I can almost say without a doubt the best 'student led' worship bands in the nation. I think we will have more video up of them playing recently, but they are really just an amazing group of students. Please allow me to say, I am not boasting about my self in any way with this but God has truly taken the reigns on this and provided everything we needed and more. In the technology, social networking I know we all have attitudes of me me me, but for this let me say Him, Him, Him. I am little and with the doubt in my heart that this would ever take off proves how I wasn't fully faithful in what He was doing. So the student bands are literally blowing my mind and it looks like God is providing great student singers to eventually take the reigns fully in leading there peers in a level of worship that won't be able to be contained.

This social networking beast of blogs, tweets, 12seconds, streaming, and facebook are really much more of tools to be used than to be frowned upon. I know that in our culture time is something we are robbed of often by what we watch on tv, working to much(which seems just like anything we do in excess Satan is winning and God is not,hmmmm), or focusing to much on our familys. I assure you, if you take advantage of these tools to really connect with people who you haven't connected with you will be delighted to see what can happen.

My church, wow. God is really soaring in every aspect of every ministry right now and it's unbelievable to see the growth and dedication of people. We are reaching out to the community in big ways by giving them a new student facility, having a "university", helping families with autism, helping families with anything and everything. We live in a very broken world, and we aren't here as followers of Christ to condemn and cast out judgement, but we are here to lift them up and show them life. I would have never known life and how amazing it could be if it wasn't for very amazing people my entire life who knew Christ and shined that light on every dark part of my life that all was left was brokenness and the fact I realized I couldn't be complete without having that relationship with Him. Those people, the ragamuffins, the poor, the addicted, messed up marriages, messed up kids from their messed up families, single moms, I could go on and on, but what I'm trying to say if we are to be like Christ we are to go and sit and have dinner with the ones that noone likes. I am blessed to say that my church is fully committed to making sure that every person that walks in that door doesn't feel like they are surrounded by Almighty people but they are with people whose lives are destroyed and broken down so God can be seen and lifted up.

If you read ANYTHING-read this!
Just like we do in our church world, I think there is a community out there that we are shutting out. We all go and comment on blogs of other churches and people doing the things we do. But have we really thought about the advantage of what God has given us? We don't need another support system for ourselves, God supplies that through fellowship you have, prayer, and most likely people you work with in ministry. There is a broken world out there blogging and telling there stories everyday. Have you read them? Have you not judged them and just read it and left an encouraging comment? I don't think this whole social networking tool will be fully used for God's intentions for it, until we take ourselves out of the equation, our own agendas, and we go seek the lost and we encourage them through our relationships and how we live our lives.

So here is my challenge. Today, go find someone's blog you've never read. Just click the next button. I'm sure you will come to something where someone needs some encouragement or a place to build a relationship so they can fully live life! Let's stop worrying about promoting ourselves and start looking to connect with people who don't even understand!

One more thing, Follow someone you wouldn't follow on twitter. Become a friend, seek the lost people and help them share the same joy you have!

Amazingly Powerful Letter (Part 2 of 2)

briancromer — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 13:49:32 +0000

I wanted to share this incredible letter that I received from one of my new, good friends from China. This letter was not written for me. This letter is simply a journal entry describing this person's victory over fear, stepping out of comfort zones, and being led by the Holy Spirit. I was blown away and moved reading this letter today and was given permission to share it with my readers. THIS IS WELL WORTH YOUR TIME.

Here's the backstory: this person is amazing with languages. This person now is an amazing Chinese/English interpreter. This is the story of how that all began IN MAY!!! To help protect this person all the names and locations have been changed to ensure anonymity.

PART 2 OF 2:

The topic of Bubba's speech was the basic principle of leadership. Seated in the crowd videotaping Avery doing a great job of interpreting, I was so ashamed of myself. Why was it so hard for me to be courageous? Why do I always choose to back off? While I was asking myself these questions, Bubba was saying, "Leadership is not about the position you sit in, it's about the decision you make. No matter what position you are in, it is your time to choose to be an influential person."

When I heard that, I was stirred up. I realized it wasn't me waiting for God's perfect timing, but rather God waiting patiently for me to make the decision. Then I said to myself, "You might have turned down hundreds of opportunities to be courageous, but today, you will not do that again because God is your shield and he has promised you courage."

When the first class ended, I made a very hard decision. I chose to be an influential, responsible person for my team, and most of all, a person who dares to practice their faith. At the same time, my great team began to encourage me to interpret for the first time. Their acceptance and encouragement built me up.

When I stepped on the stage, I looked around at all the students, feeling their futures in my hands. I though, "My Lord, please make me a loyal servant conveying every word clearly and concisely. Please let the Holy Spirit speak through me so that people can be touched and changed."

The speech was a blast. There were no obstacles between Bubba and me. It was like the Holy Spirit simultaneously spoke to both of us. We understood each other by our hearts. When he communicated with me, through his eyes I saw his total trust that he recognized all the word I said. Once, the word I chose was the very word he used the next sentence. We were like swing dancing on the stage. I felt God's presence in every minute, and i know all that happened because of the Holy Spirit. I clearly knew who I was, and truly believed God is the Almighty One reigning the universe, controlling my life, and opening my mouth.

God is so faithful. When I thought that I wanted to see who I was, he answered my prayers the next day. I discovered another piece of God's perfect plan for my life on that day, knowing when he made me, he made me strong and full of courage. It was the enemy who told lies to me.

Heavenly Father, I praise you with all my heart. I will tell the miracles you have done, and declare that your enemies are overwhelmed and dead because of you.

So, my dear friend, please be strong and courageous!!!

Love,

Encouragement

________________________

Powerful, huh? What stuck out to you? How did God speak to you through this letter? What can you learn from this person's letter and life experience?

When HE Speaks

Tabitha Lewis — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:55:53 +0000

"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1:45)

At some point in your walk with Christ, He will speak a GOD-SIZED dream into your life. One that will seem impossible when you look at who you are in the flesh but one that is attainable when we allow Him to reveal who we are in Him. Never ever in a million years could I have convinced myself that God would change generations beyond me through me. That my children's spiritual heritage would be based on my obedience to His call upon my life! WOW- pretty overwhelming yet amazing at the same time! Then as I seek to treasure His word daily He reveals to me time and time again that, "Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE with God!" (Luke 1:37)

What has God spoken into your spirit that you are doubting could ever happen?

On The Road...

brotherterrysimmons — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:07:51 +0000

I'm off to Little Rock this morning to meet with some of the Staff at the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. These guys are great! I have been working hard to develop a "user's guide" and "leader's manual" for The Love Story, and the State Convention guys are going to critique my work and make suggestions. They're also going to give me some advice about making sure my copyright is secure, and I get the ministry set up right the first time.

Stewardship is very important to me, as it should be to every Christian. Ministries should use every benefit guaranteed by the Constitution, but we should never abuse those benefits. When it's time to "render unto Caesar," we should render unto Caesar. My own philosophy is that it's not enough to not do wrong, Christians need to avoid even the appearance of doing wrong [Yes I'm looking at you, TBN!].

God is doing so much in this ministry. Things are going slow, but doors are opening.

Keep praying!

Blogging Bible Study- John 3

darla — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:05:06 +0000

This is only one view, and a view of looking into the heart of the persons of John 3. If you prefer a deeper study on this, or just want some thought provoking thoughts..you may want to check out the rest of the group who is doing this study with me. Honestly, they are all hitting home runs! My thoughts are my thoughts, but I will give you a look at them...

Nicodemus...lots can be thought and speculated..but it clearly says that he came at night and was one of the religious rulers. (I am always looking for glimpses of the heart of Jesus/God as I read the Bible) Jesus heart in this is awesome...HE did not say..."Why are you sneaking around without your buddies and now you want to talk to me?" HE didn't. HE continued to explain things to Nicodemus, even to the point of "Nic your not going understand this" mentality.

John (the Baptist) is always a good study..he stands out to me...as the second cousin to our Lord, and born to a women who was too old in our thinking to have children(God seems to like that kind), while still in his mothers womb he jumped for joy at the voice of Mary carrying Jesus. John's joy started in the womb when he was close to Jesus in the womb..a very intriguing account. Now in John 3, John claims his joy is complete...

John 3:29 (NIV) The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegrooms voice. That joy is mine, and is now complete.

Revelation 19:7,8 (NIV) Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) {Hebrews 11-By faith we are credited righteousness-belief}

I was stuck here in John as it appears to me that John is prophesying of the prophesy to come of the Bride and Bridegroom mentioned in Revelation. We, the body of Christ, are the bride, are we getting ready? Are we full of joy at the sound of HIS voice? Do we even hear HIS voice? Or Like a Derek Webb song I heard..are we dirty and lovers of lots of things, and plan on throwing on the dress and running down the aisle? It won't be acceptable. As John said in verse 30 "He must become greater and I must become less." That still holds true today...we must decrease and HE must increase, we should also be full of joy and anticipating when our joy becomes complete...

** John 3:16 for those who would like to stay in that verse to debate or discuss...my stand is this..For God so loved the world ( not a big hug around the world, not a gigantic group hug),love for all that have been or are presently , or will be standing on this earth til the end of time...all loved, although HE knows who will and who will not choose HIM. HE sent HIS son to die to bridge the gap and to give us an alternative to feeling the wrath of God. The bottom line in all this is to believe, we can not debate with God..HE made a way, and gave us a choice out of HIS love for us...

If you are not a believer in Christ and are wondering what this is all about...then I am asking you to read the book of John, and instead of pulling it apart..look for HIS heart, HIS responses, I promise you if you do, you will love Him too.

(have a good day , have to work but will be back to check on you all after 4 pm eastern time)