Taking correction is not easy to do. None of us like to hear about where we need to improve. However it is an important thing to listen to the wisdom of others.
"Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies one made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith".
1 Timothy 1:18-19
Any thoughts on how to be heard when you see a shipwreck happening?
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Make someone's day.
I recently went to Wal-Mart bought a huge cart load of stuff. I got in line behind a acquitance of mine who also had a huge load of stuff. We chatted while we unloaded our carts... it was a lenghtly process. After I had unloaded my stuff I then realized that the poor guy behind me had less than ten items in his cart and a very patient 2 year-old in the cart. I quickly apologized. He patiently answered that it was OK and so on. When I finished my order I took (with his permission) his milk and put it on my bill. He thanked me and I thanked him for his patience. As I pushed my cart away I over heard him and the clerk saying" I've never seen that happen before". I smiled... it made my day.
I cannot take credit for this random act of kindess. I actually learned this from a youth minister, Pastor Mike. Pastor Mike was known and loved for his great road trips. When Pastor Mike unloaded about a million teenagers at McDonalds he often bought the people who rolled in behind our group their meal. I always admired his consideration. To me that is what being a Christian is about. Others before self. Thanks Pastor Mike for teaching me!
Please share random acts of kindness here:
I cannot take credit for this random act of kindess. I actually learned this from a youth minister, Pastor Mike. Pastor Mike was known and loved for his great road trips. When Pastor Mike unloaded about a million teenagers at McDonalds he often bought the people who rolled in behind our group their meal. I always admired his consideration. To me that is what being a Christian is about. Others before self. Thanks Pastor Mike for teaching me!
Please share random acts of kindness here:
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Relationships
Relationships have to be nurtured.
Relationships take...
Time
Grace (none of us are prefect)
Patience
Effort
Talk
Money
Kindness
When we don't nuture relationships ... well-- they just die.
How do you stay in touch?
Relationships take...
Time
Grace (none of us are prefect)
Patience
Effort
Talk
Money
Kindness
When we don't nuture relationships ... well-- they just die.
How do you stay in touch?
"Fear of the Lord"
When reading my Bible I have always found the phase "fear of the Lord" rather confusing. This phase is found frequently in scripture. We as Christians are admonished to "fear the Lord". Is this the same kind of fear that we feel when we are running from danger? We are also taught that God cares about us as a loving Father. I could never quite resolve these two ideas in my mind.
Now I think I understand. Let me explain. "Fear of the Lord" is submitting to God's sovernity over our lives. It is realizing that God runs the show and we must be respectful of that fact. EVERYTHING we have and achieve is because God's grace has allowed it to happen.
Example 1: A person achieves a Olympic gold metal in a race. That person achieved that goal by the grace of God. God provided the air the person breathes, their large lung capacity, their long legs, and a strong heart. The person can set the goal, work hard, have a great coach and the mental outlook to withstand the pressure but the goal cannot be achieved without the gifts God provides to accomplish that goal.
Example 2: We all live by God's provision. Everything we have and need is dug out of the ground (mining), in the air, or grown. The chair you are sitting on is made of metal (mined), wood (grown) and plastic (soybean product). The food we eat, the energy that is produced, the tools we use, and the products we make are all from the hand of God.
Example 3: God has set the world up to support mankind's endeavors. The water cycle, decomposition ( the world would be a mess without rot), growing seasons, the perfection of the placement of the sun (not too close-we would fry; not to far-we would freeze). It's easy to think that we are so wise, talented and hard working that we achieved so much when really we are just working with the big plan that God put into place.
When this basic respect for God's authority and sovernity is lost- disrespect for all authority is gone and society suffers the consquences.
Parents should submit to God. Parental leadership in this area is vital to the future of our society.
Children should submit to their parents guidance.
Students should obey their teachers and the school rules.
Submission to authority is a choice. People cannot be forced to "fear the Lord".
Teachers deal with this everyday in the classroom. Students have no "fear" of any consquences if they do not follow school rules because their parent will go and defend the child's bad behavior and "get them off the hook".
The authority of police and all leaders is called into question. Judges fear for their lives, policemen are frequently shot in the line of duty.
"Fear of the Lord" is fundmental for an orderly society.
What are your ideas for restoring a culture of respect to our society?
Now I think I understand. Let me explain. "Fear of the Lord" is submitting to God's sovernity over our lives. It is realizing that God runs the show and we must be respectful of that fact. EVERYTHING we have and achieve is because God's grace has allowed it to happen.
Example 1: A person achieves a Olympic gold metal in a race. That person achieved that goal by the grace of God. God provided the air the person breathes, their large lung capacity, their long legs, and a strong heart. The person can set the goal, work hard, have a great coach and the mental outlook to withstand the pressure but the goal cannot be achieved without the gifts God provides to accomplish that goal.
Example 2: We all live by God's provision. Everything we have and need is dug out of the ground (mining), in the air, or grown. The chair you are sitting on is made of metal (mined), wood (grown) and plastic (soybean product). The food we eat, the energy that is produced, the tools we use, and the products we make are all from the hand of God.
Example 3: God has set the world up to support mankind's endeavors. The water cycle, decomposition ( the world would be a mess without rot), growing seasons, the perfection of the placement of the sun (not too close-we would fry; not to far-we would freeze). It's easy to think that we are so wise, talented and hard working that we achieved so much when really we are just working with the big plan that God put into place.
When this basic respect for God's authority and sovernity is lost- disrespect for all authority is gone and society suffers the consquences.
Parents should submit to God. Parental leadership in this area is vital to the future of our society.
Children should submit to their parents guidance.
Students should obey their teachers and the school rules.
Submission to authority is a choice. People cannot be forced to "fear the Lord".
Teachers deal with this everyday in the classroom. Students have no "fear" of any consquences if they do not follow school rules because their parent will go and defend the child's bad behavior and "get them off the hook".
The authority of police and all leaders is called into question. Judges fear for their lives, policemen are frequently shot in the line of duty.
"Fear of the Lord" is fundmental for an orderly society.
What are your ideas for restoring a culture of respect to our society?
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Good thought...
"Influence is a local phenomenon"
Josh's graduation speaker... May 12, 2012 Northwestern University, Orange City, IA
How do you rock your world for the "common good"?
Josh's graduation speaker... May 12, 2012 Northwestern University, Orange City, IA
How do you rock your world for the "common good"?
Definition of Spoiled...
"She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy."
Ezekiel 16:49
Ezekiel 16:49
Control vs. Leadership
Trying to "control" people is a bad thing. First of all it doesn't work. Second you are signing up for everyone to hate you... passionately. Those who rule with an iron hand, order others around, and demand things are difficult people. Controllers do not listen to or seek input from their subordinates. The order is issued without any thought or consideration as to what the subordinates viewpoint on the project might be. Controllers either find themselves embroiled in conflict or simply feared. If you are a controlling person... 1.) admit it and 2.) fix it.
Leadership is a very different style. A leader sets things up for success and then steps back and lets things happen. People have the freedom to participate or not. By giving people the option of participation it allows people to take ownership of the project. It also allows for input which may result in an improved project.
Here are some examples:
Family control: Mom (or Dad) set up a family gathering and demand that everyone will be there at the time and place they have chosen. There are no excused absences. People are made to feel guilty if they do not participate. No one really wants to come and ultimately the family withdraws from each other.
Family Leadership: Mom (or Dad) float an idea for a gathering to all. Input as to times, dates, and activities are taken note of. After considering every one's thoughts. Mom and Dad set a time and date and invite all who can make it. It is optional and their are no emotional penalties to not attending. Plans are made to ensure that a "good time can be had by all". Things are planned so that there are various options (food and activities) so people do not find themselves forced into food and activities that they hate. Leaders also set boundaries for family members if needed. A wise leader will choose these battles carefully. Family members find themselves wanting to gather because it was so much fun.
Controlling boss: The boss orders his employees to do things his way. Employees have no input as to how to approach the project and are severely criticized if they do not produce the desired results. The boss micromanages and interferes with the employees work thus slowing things down.
Leadership boss: The boss outlines the project that needs to be done and the timeline for completion. The boss takes volunteers for each piece of the task. If their are no volunteers the boss is then in the position to assign tasks. Input is taken, materials are made available, and employees are asked to accomplish the task. The boss is there to supervise, problem solve, and help as needed. If employees refuse to work (their option) then the boss (his option) may fire the employee. Employees take pride and ownership of the project and great things happen.
What are your thoughts on leadership?
Leadership is a very different style. A leader sets things up for success and then steps back and lets things happen. People have the freedom to participate or not. By giving people the option of participation it allows people to take ownership of the project. It also allows for input which may result in an improved project.
Here are some examples:
Family control: Mom (or Dad) set up a family gathering and demand that everyone will be there at the time and place they have chosen. There are no excused absences. People are made to feel guilty if they do not participate. No one really wants to come and ultimately the family withdraws from each other.
Family Leadership: Mom (or Dad) float an idea for a gathering to all. Input as to times, dates, and activities are taken note of. After considering every one's thoughts. Mom and Dad set a time and date and invite all who can make it. It is optional and their are no emotional penalties to not attending. Plans are made to ensure that a "good time can be had by all". Things are planned so that there are various options (food and activities) so people do not find themselves forced into food and activities that they hate. Leaders also set boundaries for family members if needed. A wise leader will choose these battles carefully. Family members find themselves wanting to gather because it was so much fun.
Controlling boss: The boss orders his employees to do things his way. Employees have no input as to how to approach the project and are severely criticized if they do not produce the desired results. The boss micromanages and interferes with the employees work thus slowing things down.
Leadership boss: The boss outlines the project that needs to be done and the timeline for completion. The boss takes volunteers for each piece of the task. If their are no volunteers the boss is then in the position to assign tasks. Input is taken, materials are made available, and employees are asked to accomplish the task. The boss is there to supervise, problem solve, and help as needed. If employees refuse to work (their option) then the boss (his option) may fire the employee. Employees take pride and ownership of the project and great things happen.
What are your thoughts on leadership?
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