Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump

Had a fun time at church today! Next week will be a little bittersweet for us no doubt. We really do enjoy 242 and what God is doing there is awesome! Not sure right now where the future leads. God could lead us to stay at the church we'll be helping out at, or to some other church, or he could very well bring us right back to 242 after a few months of helping out and getting the new church back on track. Well this is a mind dump, so let's dump:
  • Played tennis way to aggressively yesterday and threw out my back. To say my back is stiff right now would be an understatement....
  • Loving watch Craig grow into the pastor I know he can be. So cool to see God using him at 242. We have some big things in store for the church I can promise you that!
  • I love my Taylor guitar. Just saying I love it....
  • Still trying to work out the sound at the Lighthouse...we found they have a back speaker cable and that is causing the sound to go in and out.
  • Superbowl parties next weekend...If you need someplace to go let me know and I'll get you the address of 242's!
  • Went to see Aprils uncle after church today. He's down to just a few days left in this life. Hard to see that happen, but we rest knowing God loves us more than we could ever know even when we don't understand things.
I think it's time for a nap!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Leaders Vs Posers

Just sitting home this morning prepping chili for the cook off and thinking about some leadership lessons I have learned over the years. Just my observations, feel free to take them or leave them :)

1. Leaders: Run to the problem, the look at all the sides of an issue and then come up with a way to fix the problem. Posers: Ignore the problem hoping it will go away, out of sight, out of mind.

2. Leaders: Are not afraid to ask for help: Leaders want to learn more, if there is something they don't understand they look for people who can help and learn from them. Posers: Think they have all the answers.

3. Leaders: Seek out coaching help from people who have been there before. Posers: Are lone rangers afraid to expose themselves to other leaders, often they are afraid their weaknesses will show and make them look bad (see #2.)

4. Leaders: Understand they have weaknesses and bring in people who have complimentary talents and gifts. Posers: Bring in yes men (or women) who's purpose is to prop them up.

5. Leaders: Are teachers. They equip people and then turn them loose to do what they do best. Posers: Lord over their people afraid to empower them to make decisions.

Over the years, like many others I've been both a leader and a poser. The older I get the more I realize it's not about me and my talents its about bringing out the best in others. The best leaders are coaches who teach their team well then turn them loose. I want to be the best coach I can be.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump

It's Sunday and that can only mean one thing...It's time for another mind dump!

So let's get going with that:
  • Things are going great at 242. Craig is doing ton's of things and connecting behind the scenes and that is going to pay big dividends in the near future.
  • Some technical issues this morning we are going to have to work through. Just bought a new video switch to help with one of them.
  • Loved reworking the Song "Fairest Lord Jesus." the way it came out was a little dark and I just loved it.
  • Made the announcement today that April and I are going to be stepping away from 242 after Feb 6th so that we can help another church without a pastor out for a few months. We'll be at Central Park Congregational in Sylvania after that date. We're not sure it's the right thing for us permanently but feel like we need to go and help them get moving in the right direction.
  • I am writing a once a month devotional for a new Christian newspaper. Check out www.pathwaycn.com if you'd like to read the paper and or my articles in it.
  • April got admitted to Law School this week. Hurray for her! It's going to mean some major sacrifices for us for a few years but it's something that's been a long time coming for her. She's excited and a little scared about it too!
  • Enjoying some football today so I am going to get off this Crazy computer and watch it!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump

What a great day at 242 church! The calling of a new pastor, the passing of the baton, a new day has indeed begun. Yet, I am sure for some it's a bittersweet day. People loved Scott and loosing him so young, so sudden is still a fresh wound. It was and is an honor to have been able to step in for him over the last few months.

So let's dump:
  • Talked about the differences between a slave and a son today. I am glad I am one and not the other that's for sure.
  • Not our best day musically, yet God was praised and the kingdom moved forward.
  • Looking forward to having time to work on some other church related things.
  • Enjoying the playoffs...too bad none of my teams are in them this year.
  • Great food today at the pot luck. If there is one thing April loves....It's a church pot luck.
  • Hoping to get a snow day sometime...
  • I am out of here...I need to get some dinner!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump

The time is getting short at 242. Craig and Melissa Rogghe will be with us next week and we'll be anointing them as the pastors of the church next week! That's a big thing for us and them. Looking forward to the new perspectives, energy, and connections Craig will bring to the church.

So let's dump:
  • Great day of worship today. It's amazing what difference a week makes.
  • Felt much more at home speaking today than last week. Some messages are harder than others and today's was an easy one.
  • Great seeing all the new faces at church. How fun!
  • April is all excited about the Chili and Soup Cook-Off coming up in a few weeks. I have to say, for a skinny woman....she sure loves her food!
  • Great seeing so many new people step up and help out a church. It's getting to where I don't have to do much of anything in the set up process anymore....Thanks to all who help with that!
  • Something about the song "And That My Soul Knows Very Well" that just resonates with me. It was the perfect ending for our worship experience today too.
  • Bree is doing a killer job playing the Cajon. Next week, we'll get to see Tyler give it a shot. What a big day for him!
  • My bass amp is on the fritz...ugh....now I have to find someone to fix that :(
  • Enjoying playoff football....so many surprises this year.
  • Classes start again tomorrow. Not sure what that will bring me, but I can say I am getting closer to being done with the program.
  • I am outta here.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Sunday Mind Dump

Well, it's the end of yet another Christmas break season. It seems like we've been busier than ever and like every break, I end it feeling like I need a few more days off. The problem for me is that if I had a few more days off I'd still want a few more days off so alas, it's back to the grind tomorrow.

So let's dump:
  • We talked about addictions and getting free from them today. It's a passion of mine, yet I never felt like I hit my stride teaching today. You have days like that and you just have to leave it up to God trusting you did your part.
  • Talking about losing some emotional luggage next week. I am pumped about that.
  • Spent a lot of time over the holiday's with friends and family. Loved that. Great fun!
  • Started a let's get Jeff to loose 50 lbs plan last week. I am down 7lbs so far. Course, the first 10 are always the easiest.
  • Only 1 more weekend until Craig comes on staff at church. Looking forward to that.
    In many ways I've tried to avoid leading the church and have been more trying to just keep the church from moving backward. That's tough for me, but it was the right thing to do and I am looking forward to being able to gain some ground again.
  • Music was just OK today. Not much energy in the place or from us. We'll have to work on that!
  • I am going to start writing a monthly devotional for a local Christian newspaper. You can find the paper at this address: www.pathwaycn.com.blog if you want to check it out.
  • Enjoying football this afternoon. Think I'll go enjoy more of it :)