Just wanted to share the following:
ABOVE THE CLOUDS
Traveling isn't always glamorous.
I have traveled by plane. There are a lot of headaches associated with traveling this way: schedule delays, cramped seating, small bags of peanuts, and heavy luggage to name a few.
But I have also been given the gift of some of the most incredible cloud formations after rising above the clouds. In fact, it seems the most incredible clouds come from storms taking place below.
LIFE ISN'T GLAMOROUS
As you read this issue, stop for a moment.
Take a deep breath.
Take another deep breath.
Take one more.
What are you facing today? What challenges are you wrestling through? What walls are you trying to navigate around/through?
My prayer for you is for God to lift your sights above your "clouds" so you see something bigger going on than what's right in front of you. I've pray you come to realize in the midst of your storms God is doing some incredible work which you may not fully understand right now.
I pray Colossians 1.9-14 over you; that you would...
- Know God's Will
- Live a worthy, pleasing life
- Bear fruit
- Grow in Him
- Live in His strength
- Have endurance & patience
- Live in joyful gratitude
- Claim your secure inheritance
- Embrace freedom
I don't presume to have it all together nor have all the answers. Quite the contrary, I am just as messed up as you are. Consider me a "fellow beggar telling another beggar where to find food." God bless you all for helping other people in this life.
I'll "see" you right here next week.
This comes from my serving strong newsletter. seems to fit where I am today. I finished my series on families and probably will need to do a families part 2. Talked about communication, conflict and caring. I will add more tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Leading Ideas
I received this from Leading Ideas. Thought I would share it.
July 22, 2009 Printable Version
Know Your Purpose
By Margaret J. Marcuson
When Rabbi Noah, Rabbi Mordecai’s son, assumed the succession after his father’s death, his disciples noticed that there were a number of ways in which he conducted himself differently than his father, and asked him about this. “I do just as my father did,” Rabbi Noah replied. “He did not imitate, and I do not imitate.” (Kurtz and Ketcham, The Spirituality of Imperfection, Bantam, 1993) Fundamentally, leadership is having a clear sense of who we are and where we are going, and relating to our followers out of ourselves. The best leaders are themselves in their role, rather than imitating other leaders or looking to their followers for their primary cues. They know who they are and what their purpose is.
Finding your purpose in ministry is not a to-do item you can complete and check off the list, but an ongoing process of discernment. Purpose involves more than one level of our life and work. It includes big questions such as: What am I on this planet for? Who am I, and what are my best gifts? And it also involves some shorter term questions: What is my purpose in my role in this ministry? Where am I headed right now, and what do I need to do to get there?
Now, what happens when we enter the pulpit or the board meeting, or even sit down at the family dinner table? Leadership requires managing the delicate balance between individuality (knowing our own clear purpose) and togetherness (managing our relationships with those we lead). This is true for all leaders, from the family house to the White House. And as we get clear, others will respond. An old saying goes, “If it’s foggy in the pulpit, it’s damned cloudy in the pews.”
When we look to others, whether they be other leaders or our own followers, as our primary guides, we are borrowing our purpose from them, rather than looking within or to God. We borrow our purpose from others when the denomination suggests a program or goal and we sign on for it because we are a loyalist. We borrow our purpose when we say to our followers, “Where do you want to go? I’ll lead you there.” Others will always be glad to tell us what our purpose is and who we ought to be, so that our purpose becomes serving other people’s agendas.
As we determine our purpose, we need to pursue it, but that does not mean we get everything we want. We don’t take our primary cue from others, but we do have to pay attention to feedback. If people know we are open to hearing what they have to say, and that we will adapt as necessary along the way, our message will get a better reception. The Reverend J. Edwin Bacon, Jr., rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California, describes the leadership process this way: “It starts with being clear about where you end and somebody else begins. You get clear about what you believe, and express that in a differentiated and inviting way.” As important as it is to know our purpose, leadership only occurs when we actually speak about our purpose to others who can then choose to follow.
The Reverend James Lamkin, pastor of Northside Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, says that he often fools himself into thinking he has outgrown the Serenity Prayer, originally composed by Reinhold Niebuhr:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Lamkin suggests, “The serenity prayer is about willfulness. To accept the things I cannot change means I can’t change history and I can’t change other people. Then, the courage to change the things I can change means me.” One of the gifts that his congregation has given him in twelve years is the realization that he cannot will the congregation into his goals, so his most important task is to focus on himself: his clarity, his own functioning as leader of the congregation.
Articulating our purpose to our followers must always go along with letting go of the outcome, and with an ongoing effort to build relationships. Finding our voice means that we say, steadily and over time, what our most important principles are and where we are going, inviting others to come along. Make a plan for what you want to say and when and how to say it. And remember these words from Luke’s gospel: “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light” (8:16).
Here are five questions to consider in thinking about your own leadership:
What energizes me?
Where do I need to clarify my own thinking?
Where do I need to define myself more clearly?
Where have I been pushing too hard? How could I step back?
How long am I willing to work on this project (whatever it is)?
Margaret J. Marcuson is an American Baptist minister who speaks and writes on leadership and works as a consultant and coach. This material is from her book Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry (Seabury Books, 2009) and used with permission of the publisher, Church Publishing Inc., New York.
Return to Leading Ideas
Copyright © 2009 by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
Leading Ideas is a free biweekly e-newsletter offered as a service to the church.
Click here for information about sharing Leading Ideas material and Requesting Reprint Permission.
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July 22, 2009 Printable Version
Know Your Purpose
By Margaret J. Marcuson
When Rabbi Noah, Rabbi Mordecai’s son, assumed the succession after his father’s death, his disciples noticed that there were a number of ways in which he conducted himself differently than his father, and asked him about this. “I do just as my father did,” Rabbi Noah replied. “He did not imitate, and I do not imitate.” (Kurtz and Ketcham, The Spirituality of Imperfection, Bantam, 1993) Fundamentally, leadership is having a clear sense of who we are and where we are going, and relating to our followers out of ourselves. The best leaders are themselves in their role, rather than imitating other leaders or looking to their followers for their primary cues. They know who they are and what their purpose is.
Finding your purpose in ministry is not a to-do item you can complete and check off the list, but an ongoing process of discernment. Purpose involves more than one level of our life and work. It includes big questions such as: What am I on this planet for? Who am I, and what are my best gifts? And it also involves some shorter term questions: What is my purpose in my role in this ministry? Where am I headed right now, and what do I need to do to get there?
Now, what happens when we enter the pulpit or the board meeting, or even sit down at the family dinner table? Leadership requires managing the delicate balance between individuality (knowing our own clear purpose) and togetherness (managing our relationships with those we lead). This is true for all leaders, from the family house to the White House. And as we get clear, others will respond. An old saying goes, “If it’s foggy in the pulpit, it’s damned cloudy in the pews.”
When we look to others, whether they be other leaders or our own followers, as our primary guides, we are borrowing our purpose from them, rather than looking within or to God. We borrow our purpose from others when the denomination suggests a program or goal and we sign on for it because we are a loyalist. We borrow our purpose when we say to our followers, “Where do you want to go? I’ll lead you there.” Others will always be glad to tell us what our purpose is and who we ought to be, so that our purpose becomes serving other people’s agendas.
As we determine our purpose, we need to pursue it, but that does not mean we get everything we want. We don’t take our primary cue from others, but we do have to pay attention to feedback. If people know we are open to hearing what they have to say, and that we will adapt as necessary along the way, our message will get a better reception. The Reverend J. Edwin Bacon, Jr., rector of All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California, describes the leadership process this way: “It starts with being clear about where you end and somebody else begins. You get clear about what you believe, and express that in a differentiated and inviting way.” As important as it is to know our purpose, leadership only occurs when we actually speak about our purpose to others who can then choose to follow.
The Reverend James Lamkin, pastor of Northside Drive Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, says that he often fools himself into thinking he has outgrown the Serenity Prayer, originally composed by Reinhold Niebuhr:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Lamkin suggests, “The serenity prayer is about willfulness. To accept the things I cannot change means I can’t change history and I can’t change other people. Then, the courage to change the things I can change means me.” One of the gifts that his congregation has given him in twelve years is the realization that he cannot will the congregation into his goals, so his most important task is to focus on himself: his clarity, his own functioning as leader of the congregation.
Articulating our purpose to our followers must always go along with letting go of the outcome, and with an ongoing effort to build relationships. Finding our voice means that we say, steadily and over time, what our most important principles are and where we are going, inviting others to come along. Make a plan for what you want to say and when and how to say it. And remember these words from Luke’s gospel: “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light” (8:16).
Here are five questions to consider in thinking about your own leadership:
What energizes me?
Where do I need to clarify my own thinking?
Where do I need to define myself more clearly?
Where have I been pushing too hard? How could I step back?
How long am I willing to work on this project (whatever it is)?
Margaret J. Marcuson is an American Baptist minister who speaks and writes on leadership and works as a consultant and coach. This material is from her book Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry (Seabury Books, 2009) and used with permission of the publisher, Church Publishing Inc., New York.
Return to Leading Ideas
Copyright © 2009 by the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
Leading Ideas is a free biweekly e-newsletter offered as a service to the church.
Click here for information about sharing Leading Ideas material and Requesting Reprint Permission.
»Bookmark & ShareLeading IdeasXSelect from these web-based feed readers:
AOLBloglinesGoogle ReaderMy MSNNetvibesNewsGatorNewsisfreePageflakesTechnoratiYahoo
No matching services.
AIMAmazon WishlistAskBackflipBallHypeBeboBloggerBlogmarksBuzzDeliciousDiggDiigoEmailFacebookFarkFavesFavoritesFriendFeedGoogleHatenaKaboodlekIRTSYLink-a-GogoLinkedInLiveMenéameMister WongMixxMultiplymyAOLMySpaceNetvibesNetvouzNewsvineNujijPlaxoPrintPropellerRedditSegnaloSimpySlashdotSpurlStumbleUponStylehiveTechnoratiThisNextTip'dTumblrTwitterTypePadWordPressY! BookmarksYardbarker
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Family sermon series
I am amazed at how often I put off doing anything with my blog. Especially as I continue to do my series on families. I had planned to do a sermon synopsis after each sermon and then some additional insights. So I will do so today.
Two weeks ago, I had focused on the idea of a family vision statement. I used passages from Proverbs that spoke about the need to have some intentional ideas about vision and mission of one's family. For when we do not have a vision, we can lose our way. I compared that to going on a vacation. One could just jump into a car and go wherever without any planning or idea of direction. While there may be some value in doing that, it is also easy to get sidetracked and lost. A family that seems to be able to function more effectively begin with the end in mind of why they are a family. Much like when one wants to go to a particular place for vacation, one would use a map. Vision statements become our map.
Vision is based on the values and principles that we believe and want to instill in ourselves, the goals of the family and will help develop the character of the members of the family. Vision statements become a covenant with each member much like the covenant God has made with us. There are some questions that help focus a discussion not only for our families but also for our church family. What is this family about? Why would someone want to be a part of this family? What guides our decisions about family, work, money, recreation, church, etc.? One needs to take time to listen to one another. Ultimately it becomes what are we willing to be accountable to one another?
Once we have discussed the statement and arrive at something that everyone can agree on then write it down. Like any vision statement it is worthless if it is not something that everyone can remember and agree to do. Post it somewhere that everyone can see it. Our church's vision statement is posted on the wall where it can readily be seen when coming in the main doors and before one enters the sanctuary.
Last is use it. Words can be cheap unless they are put into action. It is important that one takes time to work it out and not just announce it. It is also important not to ignore it.
Last Sunday, continuing this theme we discussed priorities or putting first things first. In essence it is the process of taking the vision and values of the family and putting it into action. It is the process of recognizing that everything that we do we choose to do. It is not someone else who chooses. If we are concerned about what is happening to our children and the changes that we see in the world, we need to recognize that what is happening occurs through the choices the people make. If we are concerned about the shows on television for instance, we need to recognize that those shows only exist because we choose to watch them. If we are concerned about the lack of time we have with our family, we need to be accountable to how we use our time.
When we have a clarity about what is important for our family, are we living to those values? Too often there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do. What are our priorities? What are the principles that we can live by that are enduring? I listed some as my relationship with God and Jesus Christ, my marriage, my family, my church, my work, etc. The challenge is the willingness to make choices that match what it is that you say you believe. If one wants to simplify one's life what are you willing to do? Are you willing to set boundaries that live true to your values, even if it means making difficult and maybe even being unpopular decisions?
Family is not something that one can cram for like a test at school.
Two weeks ago, I had focused on the idea of a family vision statement. I used passages from Proverbs that spoke about the need to have some intentional ideas about vision and mission of one's family. For when we do not have a vision, we can lose our way. I compared that to going on a vacation. One could just jump into a car and go wherever without any planning or idea of direction. While there may be some value in doing that, it is also easy to get sidetracked and lost. A family that seems to be able to function more effectively begin with the end in mind of why they are a family. Much like when one wants to go to a particular place for vacation, one would use a map. Vision statements become our map.
Vision is based on the values and principles that we believe and want to instill in ourselves, the goals of the family and will help develop the character of the members of the family. Vision statements become a covenant with each member much like the covenant God has made with us. There are some questions that help focus a discussion not only for our families but also for our church family. What is this family about? Why would someone want to be a part of this family? What guides our decisions about family, work, money, recreation, church, etc.? One needs to take time to listen to one another. Ultimately it becomes what are we willing to be accountable to one another?
Once we have discussed the statement and arrive at something that everyone can agree on then write it down. Like any vision statement it is worthless if it is not something that everyone can remember and agree to do. Post it somewhere that everyone can see it. Our church's vision statement is posted on the wall where it can readily be seen when coming in the main doors and before one enters the sanctuary.
Last is use it. Words can be cheap unless they are put into action. It is important that one takes time to work it out and not just announce it. It is also important not to ignore it.
Last Sunday, continuing this theme we discussed priorities or putting first things first. In essence it is the process of taking the vision and values of the family and putting it into action. It is the process of recognizing that everything that we do we choose to do. It is not someone else who chooses. If we are concerned about what is happening to our children and the changes that we see in the world, we need to recognize that what is happening occurs through the choices the people make. If we are concerned about the shows on television for instance, we need to recognize that those shows only exist because we choose to watch them. If we are concerned about the lack of time we have with our family, we need to be accountable to how we use our time.
When we have a clarity about what is important for our family, are we living to those values? Too often there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do. What are our priorities? What are the principles that we can live by that are enduring? I listed some as my relationship with God and Jesus Christ, my marriage, my family, my church, my work, etc. The challenge is the willingness to make choices that match what it is that you say you believe. If one wants to simplify one's life what are you willing to do? Are you willing to set boundaries that live true to your values, even if it means making difficult and maybe even being unpopular decisions?
Family is not something that one can cram for like a test at school.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Monday July 13
I wanted to post some pictures from our early service. We met in our fellowship hall which was quite relaxing and informal. We had special music by Devoted Sound of which some of the members have been part of our praise group. They were fantastic. Even some of the members who prefer more traditional service enjoyed themselves. Here are some of the pictures and also the graphic that I used to illustrate my sermon on developing a family vision statement. Will write more later on that.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Who is family
Last Sunday I began to do a series of reflections on family. Yesterday was on who is family based on Matthew 12:46-50. Next week will be on overwhelmed, over committed and underfed. July 19th will be on what are your priorities. And the last Sunday will be on conflict, communication and caring for others.
The key verse from the scripture yesterday was the lasts verse when Jesus says, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." I thought that it was appropriate that i start this series both on the Fourth of July weekend and communion Sunday. I believe that when we talk about family we need to remember that all of God's creation is family. I began the message by having one remember their last family gathering. Picture those who are around the kitchen table. Most of the faces would be familiar and would be related to those present by blood relation.
I contrasted that with what families would identify with in Jesus' time. One's identity would not be based on individual or nuclear family ties but on tribal ties. This would give a sense of identity for all members of the immediate family unit and extended family unit. That is why geneology was so important that one could trace back one's relationship to Abram and even to Adam.
The other point I made was that what we say about the ideal family is often an illusion and has nothing to do with reality. There is a new book that has been published called The Marriage Go-round. The authors point out that in the U.S. more people marry than anywhere else in the world. At the same time, we have the highest divorce rate in the world. Some of this may be based on the idea that we emphasize individualism more than we ever do community. So if my needs are not being met, I will leave the marriage. Also 60-70% of children born through their 18th birthday will spend some significant time in a single-parent family. More families are homeless or one pay check away from being homeless. Another interesting concept is that the fastest growing population is those who are 75 years and older.
I believe this reality affects what we are to do as a church. I believe we need to emphasize what Jesus said about the inclusivity of family being anyone who does the will of God. The church needs to offer an alternative to the individualism that is rampant in our society and offer communion with one another and especially with the stranger. Family activities need to look at ways that we can incorporate all differing families. Jesus invited all of us to his table that he set. Who do we invite?
The key verse from the scripture yesterday was the lasts verse when Jesus says, "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother." I thought that it was appropriate that i start this series both on the Fourth of July weekend and communion Sunday. I believe that when we talk about family we need to remember that all of God's creation is family. I began the message by having one remember their last family gathering. Picture those who are around the kitchen table. Most of the faces would be familiar and would be related to those present by blood relation.
I contrasted that with what families would identify with in Jesus' time. One's identity would not be based on individual or nuclear family ties but on tribal ties. This would give a sense of identity for all members of the immediate family unit and extended family unit. That is why geneology was so important that one could trace back one's relationship to Abram and even to Adam.
The other point I made was that what we say about the ideal family is often an illusion and has nothing to do with reality. There is a new book that has been published called The Marriage Go-round. The authors point out that in the U.S. more people marry than anywhere else in the world. At the same time, we have the highest divorce rate in the world. Some of this may be based on the idea that we emphasize individualism more than we ever do community. So if my needs are not being met, I will leave the marriage. Also 60-70% of children born through their 18th birthday will spend some significant time in a single-parent family. More families are homeless or one pay check away from being homeless. Another interesting concept is that the fastest growing population is those who are 75 years and older.
I believe this reality affects what we are to do as a church. I believe we need to emphasize what Jesus said about the inclusivity of family being anyone who does the will of God. The church needs to offer an alternative to the individualism that is rampant in our society and offer communion with one another and especially with the stranger. Family activities need to look at ways that we can incorporate all differing families. Jesus invited all of us to his table that he set. Who do we invite?
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