Julie and Julia

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjvJHsJD8ic]

I know.  I know.  I know.  It’s a chick flick.  A story about Julia Child and Julie Powell surely can’t be all that entertaining for a guy…can it?  Well… I loved the movie.  Leanne and I saw it in the theaters when it first came out, and we saw it at home on-demand several months ago.  Leanne loves the movie so much that I decided to pick up a copy for her for her birthday last week, so we watched it again this weekend.

The movie is truly inspiring as a blog writer, as an aspiring cook, and as a husband who is fully devoted and head over heals for his wife.  Leanne and I connected to the movie the first time because of all the french themes and scenes (we were engaged in France).  Due to our circumstances the past few months, I think we connected more this time to the overall story of Julie and Julia finding their way – figuring out how and where to leave their mark.  I think we also connected more this time to the story of devotion and partnership that was obvious in their marriages.

I want to support my wife in whatever she does.  I want her to know that I’m listening.  I want her to know that I am her biggest fan.  And I want her to know that no matter what I am so proud of her and to be called her husband.

So if you’re looking for a great date movie or if you need a little inspiration for your kitchen or your marriage, check out Julie and Julia.  I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

Supernanny Parenting Discussion Group – Week 3 (Teamwork)

Week 3 – Teamwork

Icebreaker Question: Tell the group about a time when you had to work with a team to get something accomplished (it could be on the sports field, at work, in school, etc.).

 

I’ve had the pleasure of being on many great teams.  At work, I have to work with other colleagues to get projects successfully completed.  At home, I have to work together with my wife to lead our family and to make sure our home functions effectively.  At church, I have to work together with other small group coaches to keep our small group ministry rolling in the correct direction.  When I think of my favorite team experiences, I think about a mission trip that I went on when I was in high school.  Our group of teenagers worked together to build two stone walls for a Habitat for Humanity house in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.  Everyone had to work together to accomplish this project.  Some of us dug the foundation for the walls, some of us picked stones from the quarry, some of us placed the stones into the wall, some of us carried water to the other workers, some of us backfilled dirt into the wall.  It took all of us to build these walls.

It’s an incredible experience to be part of a team that’s working together.  On the other hand, it can be pure torture to be a part of a team that doesn’t click.

teamwork – the cooperative effort of a team of people for a common end

As defined at:  http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/teamwork

The Supernanny DVD clips this week and in the previous weeks have shown good and bad teamwork.  Just like a championship sports team, teamwork is essential to a successful family.  The first step in successful parenting is getting on the same page.  Being part of a group like this is a step in the right direction.  It’s also important to remember that there is no “I” in team.  It takes everyone in the family.

Get comfortable, put on your team spirit, and get ready to team up for a great discussion.

Note to leader: Show the following clips from the Supernanny Season 1 DVD: The Gorbea Family Episode DVD Disc 2: 0:57-3:53, 7:00-8:53, 13:58-16:21, 19:24-21:10, 24:22-26:18, and 35:15-39:42.  You may choose to show all the clips at once or you may decide to stop the DVD after each clip and discuss the answer to question one or pull out key points as you go.

1.  What observations can you make from the DVD clips that relate to teamwork?

 

2.  What does teamwork look like at your house?  In your marriage?  In your family?

 

3.  What things do you do or can you do to work as a team?

4.  Read the following verses from the Bible.  What do they say about teamwork and how can we apply them in our families?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.  But how can one keep warm alone?  12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.  A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I Corinthians 12:12-26

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.  15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.  21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

5.  List one or two things that you will do differently or that you will try as a result of our discussion on respect.

 

Take Home Activity:  Activity:  Carry On

Point:  We must learn how much responsibility we can handle.

Supplies: You’ll need building blocks, a watch with second-hand, paper, and pencil.

Activity: Have your family work together to create an obstacle course in your home.  Your course might consist of crawling under a table, walking around a chair, and jumping over several toys.  Let the children determine how simple or elaborate this will be.

When the course has been completed, have each family member make a “practice run” through the course.  Time each person and record this time.  Remember to go through the course yourself as well!

Share:  In this game, we’re all going to be racing against our own time.  Don’t worry if your time is slower than another family member.  As we go through the course again, see if you can match or beat your own time.  But this time let’s make it a bit more challenging.

Age Adjustments: FOR OLDER CHILDREN, continue the discussion by having everyone list their regular responsibilities.  Family members may be surprised as they realize what others actually accomplish each day.  Take time to thank each other for the responsibilities carried each day that help others in the family.  For example, children may thank Mom for all the driving she does for them, or a parent might thank a child for the regular dish-washing he does so everyone can eat on clean plates, and so on.

Activity continued: Give each person two of the building blocks.  Explain that these must be carried while going through the course.  Have everyone go through the course again, making note of each person’s time.  Then add to the challenge by giving everyone two more blocks.  Go through the course again and again, each time adding two more blocks to each person’s load.  Don’t suggest this to children, but if they figure out creative ways to carry the blocks such as tucking them into belts or stowing them in pockets, that’s okay.

Continue with this as long as family members are having fun, or until you run out of blocks!  Then put the blocks away and gather together again for discussion.  Look over your time record and see which runs through had the best times.

Question:

–       How did carrying the blocks affect your ability to go through the obstacle course? (Usually, the more blocks, the harder to handle the course.)

–       What was the best way to get yourself and the blocks through the course? (Let all share.)

–       When did you start to feel like you couldn’t handle any more blocks?

Share:  Now let’s discuss what this game has to do with our lives.  Imagine your day as an obstacle course.  Every time you add a responsibility to your day, it’s like adding a block.

Discuss:

–       What responsibilities do you have each day? (Let family members list things like jobs, chores, studies, caring for pets, etc.)

–       How are they like blocks as you go through the day? (They can become a lot to handle.)

–       When do you feel like you’re carrying too many blocks?

–       Do you think you should be trying to carry more blocks of responsibility through each day, or less?  Explain.

–       How do we learn to be responsible? (We take on new responsibilities and explore how to handle them as we grow.)

–       How do we get someone to trust enough to show we can be responsible? (We need to prove ourselves faithful in small tasks before we can take on larger ones.)

Taken from Heritage Builders / An Introduction to Family Nights by Kurt Brunner and Jim Weidmann.  1997.  pgs. 71-72.

 

Next week’s topic:  Establishing Appropriate Boundaries

Looking Ahead:  Week 5 – Handling Sibling Differences, Week 6 – Purpose for Discipline, Week 7 – Methods of Discipline, Week 8 – Introducing Your Kids to Christ

Supernanny Parenting Discussion Guide – Week 2 (Respect)

Week 2 – Respect

Icebreaker Question: Tell the group about a person who you respect and describe why you respect that person.

 

There are many people in my life who I respect for all kinds of reasons.  I respect my parents and my wife’s parents.  I respect by boss.  I respect those in the church who are in leadership.  I respect my teachers.  I respect the political leaders throughout our country.  One person who I respect is Ray Rivera.  Ray was one of my youth leaders at the church where I grew up in New Jersey.  I looked at him as an authority figure, as a spiritual guide, and as a family friend.  Ray and his wife Joann always had time for me if I needed someone to talk with.  While I knew that he wasn’t perfect, I saw him making good decisions and leading with integrity and with a servant’s heart.

It’s wonderful that we have people in our lives like Ray Rivera – people who deserve respect not just because of their positions of authority but also because of their actions.

respect

1. admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit
2. regard for the rights of others; tolerance

to respect

1. to have respect for.
2. to have regard for the rights of others.
3. to consent to abide by an agreement.

As defined at:  http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Respect

As parents, God has put you in a position that warrants respect.  One of the Ten Commandments instructs us to give honor to our parents.  As our children continue to grow, they begin to strive for respect from their parents and from others.  One thing to remember is that respect is not given, it’s earned.  Have you led your kids in a way that deserves respect?  If not, there is hope!  It’s never too late to make a change.  Also, it’s important to understand that the positive steps you take today will have an impact for the long haul.  When you positively parent your kids, you are not just impacting them.  You are making a difference for generations to come.

This week we’ll tackle the subject of respect in our families.  The Supernanny DVD clips will give us a glimpse into a family struggling with some respect issues.  The DVD will also point to the importance of respect in our homes.  Take a seat, grab your favorite movie candy, and think about Aretha Franklin as we prepare to talk about  R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Note to leader: Show the following clips from the Supernanny Season 1 DVD: The Orm Family Episode DVD Disk 1: 1:22-5:45, 8:05-12:00, 13:15-16:26, 23:49-26:39, and 34:43-38:42.  You may choose to show all the clips at once or you may decide to stop the DVD after each clip and discuss the answer to question one or pull out key points as you go.

1.  How do the DVD clips we just viewed relate to respect?

 

2.  When it comes to parenting, what is respect?

 

3.  How do the quotes below relate to respect?

“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.”  Benjamin Franklin

“I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me… All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”  Jackie Robinson

“Men are respectable only as they respect”  Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

4.  What specific things have you done at your home to encourage a respect?

 

We want to teach our kids to be respectful and to be deserving of respect.  Our kids look to us as examples.  Here are some questions that challenge we as parents to set the right tone.

To teach your kids about respect, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I say “please,” “thank you” and excuse me” to my children?
• Do I allow my children to express their negative feelings?
• Do I compliment and praise my children?
• Do I show respect when disciplining my children?
• Do I use unnecessary or unkind remarks when speaking to my kids?
• Do I listen attentively to my children?
• Do I discipline my children in the presence of others?
• Do I apologize to my children when I fail?

Taken from:  http://www.christianitytoday.com/cpt/2000/002/3.30.html

5.  The Bible provides interesting insights into many areas of our lives.  How do the verses below relate to respect?

Exodus 20:12

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

Ephesians 6:1-4

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”     4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

 

 

6.  List one or two things that you will do differently or that you will try as a result of our discussion on respect.

 

Take Home Activity:  Part of respect is thinking of others before we think of ourselves.  Take time as a family to read the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17).  Now gather your family in a circle with a basin of soapy water, a washcloth, and a towel.  Take turns washing each other’s feet.  Start by washing the person’s feet on your left.  When you’re done, have that person wash the person’s feet on their left and so on.

After everyone is finished, go around the circle and affirm each other.  In other words, take time to tell each person in the circle what you appreciate about them.  Have each person in the family talk about every other person in the circle.

Talk about how it felt to have your feet washed and to wash someone else’s feet.  Talk about how it felt to show appreciation for others and to receive appreciation from others.  Finally, ask everyone how these actions show respect for each other.  Come to next week’s group prepared to share about your foot washing and affirmation time.

Note to leader: If time and resources permit, pick up towels or bars of soap to give out to each parent or couple to use for this activity.

 

Next week’s topic:  TEAMWORK

Looking Ahead:  Week 4 – Establishing Appropriate Boundaries, Week 5 – Handling Sibling Differences, Week 6 – Purpose for Discipline, Week 7 – Methods of Discipline, Week 8 – Introducing Your Kids to Christ

Supernanny Parenting Discussion Group – Routine (Week 1)

As I promised in my previous post, here is the discussion guide for week 1 of our Supernanny parenting discussion group.  This week we concentrate on the importance of routine.

Week 1 – Routine

Icebreaker Question: Tell the group about a time when you got in trouble as a kid and describe the consequences of your actions.

When I was a kid, I can specifically remember riding my red bike with a black banana seat way outside of the boundaries that my parents had set for me.  My bike was notorious for eating up the pant legs of my favorite Toughskins® jeans.  Needless to say, one time when I was out-of-bounds, my pant legs jammed up in my bike chain and I couldn’t get them out.  A friendly stranger took the time to cut my pant leg out of the chain, load up my bike in her car, and drive me home.  My parents were obviously disappointed and I was in big trouble.  I was grounded for a whole week.  I wasn’t permitted to play outside with my friends or to watch television for the whole week.  As a first or second grader, it felt like I had been sent to maximum security prison.

Stories like these remind us that we were not perfect children.  We didn’t always make the right choices.  It’s helpful to remember this when we think about our own children.  They will make bad choices sometimes also.  Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s move into our topic for tonight.

routine A course of action to be followed regularly; a standard procedure

As defined at:  http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/routine

Families often struggle with a chaotic existence – running from activity to activity, trying to jam down a quick bite to eat, squeezing in homework, rushing to catch the bus, wrestling with work, etc.  We live this way day after day, week after week, month after month.  In this midst of this hustle and bustle, our parenting takes on a survival mentality.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could change this?

This week we’ll tackle the subject of routine in our families.  The Supernanny DVD clips will give us a glimpse into a family without a routine.  The video will also demonstrate the importance of routine in our homes.  Grab a comfortable seat, get the popcorn, and get ready for a lively discussion on routine.

Note to leader: Show the following clips from the Supernanny Season 1 DVD: The Bullard Family Episode DVD Disk 1: 1:33-3:34, 6:21-12:51, 14:00-14:37, 17:33-18:42, and 36:30-40:10.  You may choose to show all the clips at once or you may decide to stop the DVD after each clip and discuss the answer to question one or pull out key points as you go.

1.  How do the DVD clips we just viewed relate to routine?

2.  Why is a routine important?

We send mixed messages to our kids when we aren’t consistent even in our schedules.  For example, if we aren’t consistent in putting our kids to bed at the same time each night, they will probably develop problems with going to bed.  If we aren’t consistent with meal times and snack times, our kids will develop unhealthy eating patterns.  Meal times will also tend towards chaotic instead of connecting.  Establishing a routine for your family helps kids develop healthy patterns for the future.

3.  What specific things have you done at your home to encourage a family routine?

Every family will have variations to their own routines that work for them.  Here are some helpful tips as you think about routine in your own home.

To create routines that work for you and your children, keep the following points in mind:

• Have realistic expectations. Be aware of your children’s capabilities and know when you are asking too much.
• Be consistent. Follow the same routine each day so that your kids know what is expected of them.
• Set clear limits and discuss them in advance. This allows children to understand when things will occur, and gives them time to prepare themselves for what is coming next.
• Provide cues for transition times. This can be extremely helpful, since children do not tell time.
• Be flexible. Adapt your routines as your children grow and change.

Taken from:  http://www.pbs.org/parenttales/consistency.htm

4.The Bible provides interesting insights into many areas of our lives.  How do the verses below relate to this session’s topic?

Proverbs 24:30-34 (TNIV)

30 I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins.  32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw:  33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 25:28 (TNIV) 28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

5.  List one or two things that you will do differently or that you will try as a result of our discussion on routine.

Take Home Activity:  Work together as a couple, as a family, or individually to come up with a schedule that works for you and your family.  Be as detailed as possible.  Be sure to include things like meal times, bed times, etc.  Begin to implement the schedule before next week.  Come to next week’s group prepared to share your schedule and how things are going so far.

Note to leader: If time and resources permit, pick up poster board to give out to each parent or couple.  Tell them to put there schedule on the poster board and bring it back next week.

Next week’s topic:  RESPECT

Looking Ahead:  Week 3 – Teamwork, Week 4 – Establishing Appropriate Boundaries, Week 5 – Handling Sibling Differences, Week 6 – Purpose for Discipline, Week 7 – Methods of Discipline, Week 8 – Introducing Your Kids to Christ

Supernanny – Introduction to a Dicussion Guide

A couple of year’s ago, my wife and I wrote a curriculum for a parenting discussion group based on the ABC Supernanny reality series.  The idea was to encourage parents in their challenging journey of raising a family.  Over the next week or two, I’ll try to post the discussion guides that went along with each week’s discussion.  I’d love to hear your ideas as they pertain to the topic for the week.  To get things started, I’ve attached the introduction to the curriculum, so you can get a feel for where this is headed.

Supernanny Parenting Discussion Group

A Guide for Parents Seeking to Make a Positive Difference in Their Kids

Introduction

Parenting is not easy.  And there are not any perfect parents.  Our parents were not perfect.  Their parents were not perfect.  Our kids will not be perfect parents.  And we are not perfect parents.  While it is a fact that we have all screwed up at one time or another through our past parenting, there is still hope.  We can make a change today by deciding to do parenting differently from this day forward.  This discussion guide is designed to help parents make positive changes starting today.

Concept

My wife, Leanne, and I are committed to doing our best to bring up our kids in a way the honors God and helps them to succeed in their own lives.  We came up with this idea as we realized that there are other parents out there who want to make a difference in their kids’ lives but do not know where to start.  There are also a lot of parents who feel like they are alone in this endeavor.  We as parents have plenty that we can share with each other to spur each other on.  “It takes a village” sometimes to raise our children.  The idea for community parenting is not new; however, in America, parents are reluctant to admit their need for help.

Leanne and I are also hooked on reality television.  From Survivor to Amazing Race to Extreme Makeover Home Edition to Kid Nation, we are often intrigued by the happenings on these “reality” based shows.  One of the shows that has gained a certain level of attention for parents is the ABC Supernanny series.  Each week on this show, Jo Frost, the English nanny visits the home of a family struggling to bring order to their home.  In each episode, viewers see families struggling with crazy mealtimes, sleepless bedtimes, wandering children, disrespectful outbreaks, lack of discipline, chaotic schedules, etc.  By the end of the hour, Jo has successfully brought order and discipline to these homes.

Sure this is television, but many parents in reality do not know how to deal with many of these things.  While we may not necessarily agree with the way some of the things are handled on the show, there is no doubt that Jo’s approaches can make a difference in families.  This is where the idea of a Supernanny Parenting Discussion Group comes in.  First, envision sitting around a living room or family room with other parents.  Now, imagine showing clips from the ABC show that relate to a specific parenting topic.  Next, imagine following up the video clips with a conversation about the topic.  Finally, add in some Biblical wisdom to the topic.  The results are amazing.  Each week parents walk away with a new perspective on the week’s topic along with a fun take home activity to try at home with the kids.

Topics

There are many topics that could be discussed in a parenting discussion group.  We would encourage you to consider adding a week or two to your group’s schedule to tackle more of these subjects.  This guide provides a structure for discussing the following subjects:  routine, respect, teamwork, establishing appropriate boundaries, handling sibling differences, purpose of discipline, methods for discipline, and introducing your kids to Christ.  The guide is set up to walk groups through eight weeks of conversations.

We would recommend a few things before you get started.  First, consider meeting together with your group for a get-to-know-each-other social activity before you dive into the discussion topics.  For example, plan a picnic or BBQ where families can come together and meet before they dive into the fun stuff.  This social event is a great place to discuss logistics and establish a group charter.  If you are dividing up the snack duties, this is a great time to get group members to volunteer.  Here is an example of some of the logistical things that our group considered.  You can use these or add your own.

Supernanny Sample Logistics Items/Charter

–          We will aim to start our discussions at 6:30PM.  Call us (555) 555-5555 if you’re running late or just can’t make it.

–          You’re welcome to arrive starting at 6:00PM to enjoy hanging out and to have a bite to eat.

–          We will end the discussion at 8:00PM promptly.  You’re welcome to hang around for a little while, but we’d ask that you aim to be out of here by 8:30PM, so we can put our kids to bed (and get some sleep ourselves).

–          The discussion group is for parents only.  Kids should stay with the sitters.

–          What’s said in the group stays in the group.

–          In general, we will try to stay on topic.  Having said that, we realize that sometimes the Spirit may move the conversation off topic.

–          Discussion should be appropriate.  This is not a place to bash your spouse.  This is an opportunity to begin or continue the process of working together.

–          Childcare is provided with a suggested donation of $X/family.  Please put the money in the childcare envelope on the kitchen table.

–          Parents, please run over the following ground rules/information with your kids:

o    Kids must listen to the sitters.

o    There will be some different options for the kids.  For example, outside games (while the weather permits), a VeggieTales video, ping-pong, and toys.

o    Kids are welcome to bring their own games, toys, or homework to keep them occupied during our group.

o    Lights stay on downstairs.

o    No food or drink in the basement.

o    In the basement, kids should stay out of the curtained off areas at all times.

–          If the sitters need help with your child, please find a quiet place to talk with your child so as not to disrupt the other kids or parents.

–          Please let us know if you have any ideas that will make this better for our group and for future parenting discussion groups.

–          Have fun!!!

Finally, we understand that parenting can be overwhelming at times.  We also believe that there is hope for all of us who want to honor God through our parenting.  The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 [NIV], “Train up a child in the way he [or she] should go, and when he [she] is old, he [she] will not depart from it.”  By choosing to follow God’s model for parenting, we are impacting our kids’ future.  We are also impacting generations to follow as they will pass these things along to their kids who will pass them along to theirs.

Note to Leaders/Facilitators

Each week, there will be Supernanny DVD clips to get ready for your group (you will need the first season of Supernanny on DVD).  We would recommend that you preview these clips before your next meeting, so you’re ready to go and can help in the direction of the discussion.  Each week, you will have a few questions that will help to direct your conversation.  Feel free to add, subtract, or modify these questions to meet the needs of your group.  Each week’s topic will include a take home activity.  Try to start each week’s discussion, by reviewing how each parent/family did with their take home assignment.  The discussion guide will also include a few key teaching points for each week to help you kickoff the discussion.  Finally, we would encourage you to end your weekly meeting with a word of prayer.  This is a great opportunity to tie together the week’s conversation.  Since we weren’t sure where several of our group members were from a spiritual perspective, we also put out a prayer request box and a suggestion box.  This provided a chance to pray for those in the group who might be struggling with specific concerns.

This Is How I Roll – Blessed Be Your Name

This morning on my way into the office, I heard this song by Tree63 – Blessed Be Your Name.  This is how I’m trying to roll these days – if you hear what I’m saying!  God is good through the ups and downs of life.  Great way to start the day!

Blessed be your name

In the land that is plentiful

Where the streams of abundance flow

Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name

When I’m found in the desert place

Though I walk through the wilderness

Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,

I turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in,

Lord Still I will say…

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name

When the sun’s shining down on me

When the world’s all as it should be

Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name

On the road marked with suffering

Though there’s pain in the offering

Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,

I turn back to praise

When the darkness closes in,

Lord Still I will say…

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord

Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away

You give and take away

My heart will choose to say Lord,

Blessed be your name

Purpose For Me

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands.  Psalm 138:8

Did you ever think about the fact that God has a purpose for you?  Did you ever stop to realize that God’s love for you endures forever?

Those are two pretty powerful statements.  This is what I’ll be pondering today.

Becoming An Intentional Leader

This morning, I read a great article from the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of Outreach Magazine titled Unintentional Leadership Investment by Brad Powell.

Powell provided three practical suggestions to leaders to make sure their leadership is intentional and effective.

1.  Don’t allow yourself or your leadership to exist on autopilot.

A leader needs to be alert to the mission and vision of the organization and should be constantly evaluating the effectiveness of the organization in meeting this mission.  Sometimes it can be easy to get into a coast mode – going through the motions – as one leads an organization that has a cyclical nature to it.  In my case, I have to do things repeatedly to make sure we close out our fiscal months, fiscal quarters, and fiscal years appropriately.  This is a good reminder to stay focused on the mission of the organization.

2.  Continually re-evaluate your leadership priorities.

What is consuming my time?  Is it important to achieving the mission of the organization?  Is it more or less important than other things that I could or should be doing?  A leader must constantly evaluate how their time is spent.  Am I making the most of every opportunity to be an effective leader?  For me, it has become important to make sure I’m not allowing my employees to shirk responsibility or to avoid making decisions that are appropriate to their level of responsibility.  It sometimes seems easier just to handle things myself, but I need to make sure I continue to empower my employees so that I can stay focused on some of the bigger picture things.

3.  Be willing to pull the plug on any investment you’re making that’s not advancing the organization’s mission.

This one is tough for me, because I’ve had the plug pulled on me, and it hurts – big time!  Does what we’re doing really make sense for achieving our mission?  This requires flexibility and confidence.  This also requires a clear focus on the mission of the organization (go back to step 1).  As a leader, this is an important step, but I think it’s also important to make sure that those impacted by the decision to pull the plug are effectively embraced and redirected towards things that help to advance the organization’s mission.  To pull the plug on someone and to fail to nurture and redirect someone towards the mission can be a leadership failure as well.

I know that Powell’s article was meant for church leadership, but I think it also applies to the business world and leadership of other types of organizations.  I appreciate these types of reminders and challenges.

Making Music With My Son

Last night, I decided to take out the saxophone for a little bit.  Back in junior high and high school, I used to play it quite a bit.  I loved the fact that I could make music and express myself through this instrument.  I loved playing in several jazz groups, concert bands, marching bands, pit bands, and even all-state bands.

A couple of years ago, I took lessons again to see if I could get back into playing shape.  To some degree it worked.  I relearned a few things, and I was able to get my lip back into playing shape.

Getting back to last night, my son has been working on a few pieces for us to play together.  Isaac has a real gift; his ear for music is incredible.  He enjoys playing the trumpet.  And his piano skills are really coming along.  Last night, we jammed to two songs, Going Home and Tequilla Sunrise.  It was so much fun to play with him.  We both have some work to do before we’re ready to take our show on the road, but it is so much fun to play together.

Today, I’m thanking God for this gift of music.

Psalm 150

¹ Praise the LORD.

Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
² Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
⁴ praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.

⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.

Praise the LORD.

Power Supply

Today, I had lunch with a good friend of mine who reminded me of this verse from I Corinthians 12.

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Over the past couple of months, I have realized how weak I am.  And I have realized how much I need to depend on God’s grace.  It has been such a comfort and strength to experience the sufficient power that God has supplied.