Ready for a little Chick Chat?
A ladies Bible Study
Begining Monday January 15th meet at the Sempre Cafe in downtown Romeo on Main Street (on the west side of the road)@ 7PM - 9PM
Every little girl has dreams of being rescued by the hero, of being swept away into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Sadly, when women grow up, they are taught to be tough, efficient, and independent. Many Christian women are tired, struggling under the weight of the pressure to be a "good servant," a nurturing caregiver, passionate lover, or capable home manager.
What the Wild at Heart Field Manual did for men, the Captivating: A Guided Journal can do for women. By revealing the three distinctly female desires every woman shares, John and Stasi Eldredge invite participants to recover their feminine hearts, which may have suffered many wounds but were originally defined in the image of a passionate God.
Pick up your copy at the Christian book store or on line at Big Buck "Tom" Balabuch's on line bookstore http://bigbuckbalabuch.spreadtheword.com/
Call Joelle for more details.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
He who is the BRIGHTNESS of the Fathers' Glory came so that we could walk in the Beauty of his glorious LIGHT. He who is the express IMAGE of the Fathers' person came so that we could be the reflection of His wondrous LOVE. He who upholds all things by the word of His POWER came so that we could walk in the strenght of His marvelous GRACE.
Praying your home is wrapped in the Savior's love.... blessed with His peace and warmed by His abiding presence all through the year.
We hope you had a Wonderful Christmas !
You are loved..... The Mabeys, Matt, Joelle, Zach, Aaron , Noah and Micah
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Christmas Eve at Kensington
We knew Christmas was going to be a little different this year.
The Bridge is doing great but we are not ready for a full blown
Christmas Eve Candle light service.
After a few days of hemming and hawing about what we were
going to do for Christmas Eve we decided to do Christmas at
Kensington.
After a shaky start, not knowing exactly were to turn on
Rochester rd ;to getting there only 10 minutes before the
start of the service, therefore not
being able to have the choice seats in the house,(there are 6 of us)
it is often times hard to find 6 seats together even at a church
the size of Kensington.
Finally after settling into the last row
on the ground level we enjoyed the service.
It was a good service filled with music, lights, video, dancing
and a message by the senior pastor.
Enjoy the photos of the boys experience, usually we do not all
get to sit together and have dad be the dad, e is usually tied up being
the pastor. Although this year gives us a little reprieve we are sure
by this time next year The Bridge will have a Christmas Eve Service.
See you at the Bridge!
Christmas at New Haven Pines
Jason and Becky Garvin are the owners of
New Haven Pines an adult foster care home.
This is the home for the garvins as well as
6 women in need of full time care. It is an
alternative to a nursing home. and Jason and Becky
do a fabulous job. On this night we visited the ladies,
sang Christmas Carols, had communion with them and
shared in fellowship as well as a bit of punch and cookies. We enjoyed ourselves and
tried to be a blessing to the others. Remember see a need.......fill a need!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
"See a Need..."
Not long ago I shared with those who attend The Bridge an illustration that comes from the familiar children’s movie, “Robots”. In the movie, a inventor/tycoon has not only a successful company, but a tv show that reaches into the hearts of many, convincing them that “you can shine no matter what your made of.” There is another line that he utters throughout the movie that has stuck with me as we have started this ministry, The Bridge. The line is simple, yet profound: “See a need, fill a need.” These words point to another, an inventor/creator that saw a need, and filled the need in a most extraordinary way. This “way” is called the incarnation.
The incarnation literally means “in the flesh” and is the word we use to describe the Son of God coming as the Christ-child. Why did He come? So we could put a tree inside the house in December? So we could join the shopping craze from the day after Thanksgiving to the 24th of this month? So we can string lights, kiss under the mistletoe, drink egg nog?
Christ came for only one reason; He saw a need, and He filled that need. While the need is a universal dilemma that started from a point very soon after creation in what we call The Fall, it is more so a personal dilemma buried deep in the heart of mankind; the dilemma of sin. Focal points of the season point to peace, goodwill, and tidings of comfort and joy, but the genesis of the season came not from goodness and graces, but from hurt, hate, and hell. A baby was born who would first suckle on his mother’s breast, but ultimately would swallow whole every heart of wickedness.
In accepting a gift that fills a need in our lives, it is good to be thankful, but even better to be mindful of how we might be able to meet a need ourselves. The incarnation should surface in our lives in a spirit of need-meeting. As we come into the presence of the great Need-Meeter in our lives in the Christ-child through worship and wonderment, it should send us out into our communities as those whose hearts are open to discover needs in others’ lives, and reach to meet those needs in any way we can. If we are not need-meeters, then the incarnation is not real in our hearts. How can we have the Christ-child shine upon us, and not reflect His glory? How can we be filled, and not flow out? How can we drink from living water, and not offer others refreshment as well?
Unless you are a monk or a hermit, you will be presented with many needs over the next 24 hours as you come into contact with those around you. The question for these hours is certainly not: Are there any needs? The question of the incarnation is: Have you been changed enough to meet them? Just thinking........
matt
The incarnation literally means “in the flesh” and is the word we use to describe the Son of God coming as the Christ-child. Why did He come? So we could put a tree inside the house in December? So we could join the shopping craze from the day after Thanksgiving to the 24th of this month? So we can string lights, kiss under the mistletoe, drink egg nog?
Christ came for only one reason; He saw a need, and He filled that need. While the need is a universal dilemma that started from a point very soon after creation in what we call The Fall, it is more so a personal dilemma buried deep in the heart of mankind; the dilemma of sin. Focal points of the season point to peace, goodwill, and tidings of comfort and joy, but the genesis of the season came not from goodness and graces, but from hurt, hate, and hell. A baby was born who would first suckle on his mother’s breast, but ultimately would swallow whole every heart of wickedness.
In accepting a gift that fills a need in our lives, it is good to be thankful, but even better to be mindful of how we might be able to meet a need ourselves. The incarnation should surface in our lives in a spirit of need-meeting. As we come into the presence of the great Need-Meeter in our lives in the Christ-child through worship and wonderment, it should send us out into our communities as those whose hearts are open to discover needs in others’ lives, and reach to meet those needs in any way we can. If we are not need-meeters, then the incarnation is not real in our hearts. How can we have the Christ-child shine upon us, and not reflect His glory? How can we be filled, and not flow out? How can we drink from living water, and not offer others refreshment as well?
Unless you are a monk or a hermit, you will be presented with many needs over the next 24 hours as you come into contact with those around you. The question for these hours is certainly not: Are there any needs? The question of the incarnation is: Have you been changed enough to meet them? Just thinking........
matt
Baking with Cassie and Laurel
I needed to make some baked goodies for the Christmas party with
the Bridge, so Cassie and Laurel came to lend their expertise!
What fun we had.....zucchini bread and ufins, choclate chex party mix and oyster crackers w/ ranch dressing, thanks girls.
Remember next time, cooking for a month. Laurel you are in charge.
Christmas party with the Bridge
It is going to require another post to fit all the pictures but here is a start.
.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
You want to make God laugh?
We must never forget that it's an amazingly terrifying thing
to be in the hands of God.
And what we sign up for is a scary thing, too, to say
"Whatever you want, Lord."
If you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans.
to be in the hands of God.
And what we sign up for is a scary thing, too, to say
"Whatever you want, Lord."
If you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Seven Reasons Why Jesus Could Not Have Been A Pastor In Many Churches
#1 - He Obviously Cared About Numbers!
In reading the Gospels it does not take a rocket scientist to discover that “great crowds” were always gathering around Him…there are even instances where the crowds nearly crushed Him…and not once did He ever get mad about it & tell those people to go to hell so that He could “go deep” with those closest to Him.
At the end of every Gospel He tells His apostles to go and tell people about Him (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:48, John 20:21)…and upon a casual reading of the book of Acts one can discover that this happened…and God was involved. (Acts 2:42 - Acts 4:4) By the way…God never seems to be truly involved in churches that don’t reach people…because people are too involved!
Yep–Jesus cared too much about people…and that just would not fly in some places.
#2 - He Was Not An Expository Preacher!
Jesus simply did not preach line by line, verse by verse, through the Old Testament. There are SOME instances where He uses Scripture; however, the overwhelming majority of the time He tells stories…in other words–He was a creative communicator!!! (I am so sure the bloggers of that time period probably accused Him of watering down God’s word!)
#3 - He Offended Religious People!
Yep–the personal committee would have dismissed Jesus quickly–and probably without any severance. You see–He kept asking them insulting questions like, “Haven’t you read…”, which REALLY insulted their intelligence because He was referring to the Torah…which most of them had memorized.
There are instances where He calls religious people sons of their father the devil…and even calls them things like snakes, vipers and white washed tombs. Obviously Jesus didn’t give a rip about what people thought about Him…and most pastors know that if you are going to be “successful” in ministry you HAVE to keep the influencers and big givers happy & try hard not to offend them.
#4 - He Was Not Issue Oriented!
Not once did Jesus ever organize a group to protest the illegal occupation by the Romans. Nor did He became an advocate for private school, gun control, or animal rights! AND…He also refused to be interviewed by Fox News or endorse Al Frankin!
AND…He never seemingly would take a stand on predestination or free will - the rapture - speaking in tongues - or can women wear make-up, you know–things that REALLY matter to people who are lost.
No–He had this passion about one thing–the Kingdom of God…and He was dedicated to it in a relentless way. I know of too many pastors that are focused on many issues…but “the issue” that NEEDS to be focused on is JESUS CHRIST...making HIM famous…and NOT a particular political party or a particular brand of theology.
#5 - He Liked To Have Fun!
Where was His first miracle performed? Answer…A PARTY!!! I know, I know–technically it was a wedding…but a casual study of that culture in that particular time period will show that weddings were a HUGE deal…many times lasting for three days.
And get this–Jesus made the list!!! Someone evidently thought Jesus was cool enough to invite to the wedding. (And they were so glad they did when they ran out of wine.) Folks–it is in the Bible–John 2, read it for yourself!!!
And in Matthew 14 where the Bible talks about Jesus walking on the water…and the disciples cried out in fear. Now guys…stop and think for a second…don’t you think He had a HUGE smile on His face when He did this?
#6 - He Hung Out With The Wrong Types Of People!
Jesus never seemed to be caught up in hanging out with people who seemed to think just like Him…you see, that would have been way too safe. Nope–He was always hanging around prostitutes, tax collectors and “sinners.” And He hung out with them so much that He was even accused of being a drunkard and a glutton!!! The thing is–He just didn’t seem to let that bother Him.
You see, in order to be “successful” as a pastor today you MUST hang out with people who talk, think, and act JUST LIKE YOU! For God’s sake don’t get near someone who might believe differently than you…OR have a different skin color than you…that might CHANGE the way you think…and that just wouldn’t be good in someone’s goal to please people.
#7 - He Was A Prophet…And Not A Prostitute.
A prostitute is for sale…they get paid for a service in order to make someone feel better about themselves. Many pastors today are simply prostitutes–for sale–and threatened and intimated by the loudest and most controlling person in their church.
BUT…a prophet speaks the truth…and does so not caring what might happen to Him. This was Jesus…if He desired to play it safe He could have probably avoided the whole crucifixion thing. BUT He was WAY more concerned with offending His Father than He was offending people…and that just would not fly in the modern day church.
I have heard pastors who say they like to “tell it like it is.” I agree…but telling it like it is does not mean that we yell at people who are far from God that they are “going to go to hell and fry like bacon.” Nor does it mean that we spend the majority of our time trying to tell the already convinced how good they are and that their poop doesn’t stink!
Nope–it is up to us to tell those who are far from God that they need to come near to Him through Jesus…and it is also up to us to tell those who are “in Christ” to live like it…and that means calling those IN the kingdom to repentance from time to time…both on a corporate and a private level.
Nope–Jesus simply could not have served as a pastor in many churches…but He did what He was called and instructed to do…which should be the goal of EVERY pastor and church leader all around the world. If we would all focus on pleasing Jesus and advancing His kingdom rather than pleasing people and catering to the need of immature Christians then our churches would be a lot better off!
Thank you Jesus for setting an awesome example!!!
#1 - He Obviously Cared About Numbers!
In reading the Gospels it does not take a rocket scientist to discover that “great crowds” were always gathering around Him…there are even instances where the crowds nearly crushed Him…and not once did He ever get mad about it & tell those people to go to hell so that He could “go deep” with those closest to Him.
At the end of every Gospel He tells His apostles to go and tell people about Him (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:48, John 20:21)…and upon a casual reading of the book of Acts one can discover that this happened…and God was involved. (Acts 2:42 - Acts 4:4) By the way…God never seems to be truly involved in churches that don’t reach people…because people are too involved!
Yep–Jesus cared too much about people…and that just would not fly in some places.
#2 - He Was Not An Expository Preacher!
Jesus simply did not preach line by line, verse by verse, through the Old Testament. There are SOME instances where He uses Scripture; however, the overwhelming majority of the time He tells stories…in other words–He was a creative communicator!!! (I am so sure the bloggers of that time period probably accused Him of watering down God’s word!)
#3 - He Offended Religious People!
Yep–the personal committee would have dismissed Jesus quickly–and probably without any severance. You see–He kept asking them insulting questions like, “Haven’t you read…”, which REALLY insulted their intelligence because He was referring to the Torah…which most of them had memorized.
There are instances where He calls religious people sons of their father the devil…and even calls them things like snakes, vipers and white washed tombs. Obviously Jesus didn’t give a rip about what people thought about Him…and most pastors know that if you are going to be “successful” in ministry you HAVE to keep the influencers and big givers happy & try hard not to offend them.
#4 - He Was Not Issue Oriented!
Not once did Jesus ever organize a group to protest the illegal occupation by the Romans. Nor did He became an advocate for private school, gun control, or animal rights! AND…He also refused to be interviewed by Fox News or endorse Al Frankin!
AND…He never seemingly would take a stand on predestination or free will - the rapture - speaking in tongues - or can women wear make-up, you know–things that REALLY matter to people who are lost.
No–He had this passion about one thing–the Kingdom of God…and He was dedicated to it in a relentless way. I know of too many pastors that are focused on many issues…but “the issue” that NEEDS to be focused on is JESUS CHRIST...making HIM famous…and NOT a particular political party or a particular brand of theology.
#5 - He Liked To Have Fun!
Where was His first miracle performed? Answer…A PARTY!!! I know, I know–technically it was a wedding…but a casual study of that culture in that particular time period will show that weddings were a HUGE deal…many times lasting for three days.
And get this–Jesus made the list!!! Someone evidently thought Jesus was cool enough to invite to the wedding. (And they were so glad they did when they ran out of wine.) Folks–it is in the Bible–John 2, read it for yourself!!!
And in Matthew 14 where the Bible talks about Jesus walking on the water…and the disciples cried out in fear. Now guys…stop and think for a second…don’t you think He had a HUGE smile on His face when He did this?
#6 - He Hung Out With The Wrong Types Of People!
Jesus never seemed to be caught up in hanging out with people who seemed to think just like Him…you see, that would have been way too safe. Nope–He was always hanging around prostitutes, tax collectors and “sinners.” And He hung out with them so much that He was even accused of being a drunkard and a glutton!!! The thing is–He just didn’t seem to let that bother Him.
You see, in order to be “successful” as a pastor today you MUST hang out with people who talk, think, and act JUST LIKE YOU! For God’s sake don’t get near someone who might believe differently than you…OR have a different skin color than you…that might CHANGE the way you think…and that just wouldn’t be good in someone’s goal to please people.
#7 - He Was A Prophet…And Not A Prostitute.
A prostitute is for sale…they get paid for a service in order to make someone feel better about themselves. Many pastors today are simply prostitutes–for sale–and threatened and intimated by the loudest and most controlling person in their church.
BUT…a prophet speaks the truth…and does so not caring what might happen to Him. This was Jesus…if He desired to play it safe He could have probably avoided the whole crucifixion thing. BUT He was WAY more concerned with offending His Father than He was offending people…and that just would not fly in the modern day church.
I have heard pastors who say they like to “tell it like it is.” I agree…but telling it like it is does not mean that we yell at people who are far from God that they are “going to go to hell and fry like bacon.” Nor does it mean that we spend the majority of our time trying to tell the already convinced how good they are and that their poop doesn’t stink!
Nope–it is up to us to tell those who are far from God that they need to come near to Him through Jesus…and it is also up to us to tell those who are “in Christ” to live like it…and that means calling those IN the kingdom to repentance from time to time…both on a corporate and a private level.
Nope–Jesus simply could not have served as a pastor in many churches…but He did what He was called and instructed to do…which should be the goal of EVERY pastor and church leader all around the world. If we would all focus on pleasing Jesus and advancing His kingdom rather than pleasing people and catering to the need of immature Christians then our churches would be a lot better off!
Thank you Jesus for setting an awesome example!!!
Brabb House
The first Christmas tea of "The Bridge" was
successful.... it was held at the Brabb House
in down town Romeo. A beautiful venue for
such an event. The hostesses did a fabulous
job setting and decorating their tables, there
was a speaker and special musice and of course
candlelight. 48 ladies were in attendance, a far
cry from the 25 I projected ealy on would be
successful. "God is Good"! I expect this will be
an annual event.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Basketball Season has begun!
First scrimmage of the season was held at
Shelby Jr. High last night.
Romeo Middle school has a ton of talent
on the court.....
first game will be Dec 4. We will keep you
pasted:)
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Tree Hunting
Even though dad could not go with us we had
a great time, the weather was perfect, the setting
was just the right spot for a Kodak moment,
the laughs were plentiful, ask Zach about the
family that cut the tree for us??????
Then ask Aaron about cutting a tree for $5.00....
Micah thought he was being funny:)
you know this one would never do.
We did however find the perfect
Christmas tree farm just right down
the road on 36 mile.
"Santas Pride" I beleive it is called.
Never knew it was there. It had the
perfect combination of pre-cut and u-cut.
With daddy having a bum knee it
fell to the rest of the Mabey men
to find the perfect Christmas Tree.
Unfortunatly mom did not do a
great job having the camera ready
a few photos the battery died.....
cameras can't live with 'em, can't
live with out 'em. I guess you will have
to wait for another post to see the finished
product.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Need Washing?
A little girl had been shopping with her Mom in Target. She must have been 6 years old, this beautiful red haired, freckle faced image of innocence.
It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of raingutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down thespout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of theTarget. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up theirhurried day.
I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound andsight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memoriesof running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were allcaught in "Mom let's run through the rain," she said."What?" Mom asked."Lets run through the rain!" She repeated."No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's runthrough the rain,""We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said."No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything butthe rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next fewminutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what wassaid. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith."Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran.
We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followedby a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday.
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
Keep in touch with your friends and your family, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain!
thanks for passing this one on Jude.......
It was pouring outside. The kind of rain that gushes over the top of raingutters, so much in a hurry to hit the earth it has no time to flow down thespout. We all stood there under the awning and just inside the door of theTarget. We waited, some patiently, others irritated because nature messed up theirhurried day.
I am always mesmerized by rainfall. I got lost in the sound andsight of the heavens washing away the dirt and dust of the world. Memoriesof running, splashing so carefree as a child came pouring in as a welcome reprieve from the worries of my day.
The little voice was so sweet as it broke the hypnotic trance we were allcaught in "Mom let's run through the rain," she said."What?" Mom asked."Lets run through the rain!" She repeated."No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit," Mom replied.This young child waited about another minute and repeated: "Mom, let's runthrough the rain,""We'll get soaked if we do," Mom said."No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm.This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet?"Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!"
The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything butthe rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next fewminutes. Mom paused and thought for a moment about what she would say. Now some would laugh it off and scold her for being silly. Some might even ignore what wassaid. But this was a moment of affirmation in a young child's life. A time when innocent trust can be nurtured so that it will bloom into faith."Honey, you are absolutely right. Let's run through the rain. If GOD let's us get wet, well maybe we just needed washing," Mom said. Then off they ran.
We all stood watching, smiling and laughing as they darted past the cars and yes, through the puddles. They held their shopping bags over their heads just in case. They got soaked. But they were followedby a few who screamed and laughed like children all the way to their cars. And yes, I did. I ran. I got wet. I needed washing.
Circumstances or people can take away your material possessions, they can take away your money, and they can take away your health. But no one can ever take away your precious memories...So, don't forget to make time and take the opportunities to make memories everyday.
To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven.I HOPE YOU STILL TAKE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH THE RAIN.
Keep in touch with your friends and your family, you never know when you'll need each other -- and don't forget to run in the rain!
thanks for passing this one on Jude.......
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
I am thankful for my immediate family,Matt,
my wonderful AND crazy kids Zach, Aaron,
Noah and Micah, my extended family,good books,
my church,http://lifeoverthebridge.com,
sunshine,a warm fire, cafe Du Monde Coffee,
my friends..............
and the artistic God who has created all that I love.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
*what it means to prepare a generation to follow Christ:
*Before the printing press, churches were built in the shape of liturgy (i.e. crosses) and iconic because people who couldn't read needed to understand the truth. One church went as far to make itself into the shape of the cross while making towers that resembled the castle nearby. In a sense we said, "We're like the kingdom of God... and we're like you, too."
*During the Enlightenment Era, we began to present the kingdom of God as truth to be understood and agreed with. The sermons became longer as we wrestled over ideas and concepts just like the culture was. In a sense we said, "We're like the kingdom of God... and we're like you, too."
*During the Industrial Revolution, the average lifespan of a man decreased as they left their homes and started building cars. Motivational gurus came in to businesses and tried to compare hanging a bumper on a machine to being a part of a team or family. Within the church we began to tell people that we wanted to help them become "profitable for the kingdom." God became a boss, the pastor became a CEO, and sermons became self-help talks to teach us how to become more efficient at living. In a sense we said, "We're like the kingdom of God... and we're like you, too."
*We used to meet in a cross, then a classroom, then a hall, then a conference center, and now in nightclubs. This is not progress.
*The breakdown of the family didn't come about because of hip-hop music and the choices of some Supreme Court Justices. It broke down because we broke our connection with God.
Why did we start to present Jesus as a product who could fix our lives and fill a hole in our heart that nothing else could fill? Christians still have bad days, and so it would seem the "product" doesn't work as intended or we don't understand it.
*"Authority" and "love" will not always going to give me what I want. At times God will allow me to be in pain in order to grow me toward maturity. Meanwhile, Satan comes along and says, "God doesn't work. What you need to do is try harder. Start doing this list of three things..."
*We need to raise a generation of prophets who define life as more than what commercials (inside and outside the church) tell them.
Acts 17 : Paul starts at their meeting place... he went to them. Then he begins with a compliment while we tend to take a Darwinian approach to try and starve out the "sin" and the "sinners."
*Evangelism is easy because no one is doing it. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few... because they are waiting in their farmhouses for the wheat to come to them.
We have a million programs to strengthen marriage but not any to minister to 40,000 boys without a dad.
*One of the most important aspects of the Gospel is listening.
I don't like saying that Jesus is exclusive, but it's interesting how the more intimate a relationship is the more exclusive it becomes. We understand Christianity from a propositional grid where our conclusions are right and others are wrong.
*The Bible presents relational Christianity - the nature of which is an intimate relationship.
to read more........
http://dontcallmeveronica.blogspot.com/
*Before the printing press, churches were built in the shape of liturgy (i.e. crosses) and iconic because people who couldn't read needed to understand the truth. One church went as far to make itself into the shape of the cross while making towers that resembled the castle nearby. In a sense we said, "We're like the kingdom of God... and we're like you, too."
*During the Enlightenment Era, we began to present the kingdom of God as truth to be understood and agreed with. The sermons became longer as we wrestled over ideas and concepts just like the culture was. In a sense we said, "We're like the kingdom of God... and we're like you, too."
*During the Industrial Revolution, the average lifespan of a man decreased as they left their homes and started building cars. Motivational gurus came in to businesses and tried to compare hanging a bumper on a machine to being a part of a team or family. Within the church we began to tell people that we wanted to help them become "profitable for the kingdom." God became a boss, the pastor became a CEO, and sermons became self-help talks to teach us how to become more efficient at living. In a sense we said, "We're like the kingdom of God... and we're like you, too."
*We used to meet in a cross, then a classroom, then a hall, then a conference center, and now in nightclubs. This is not progress.
*The breakdown of the family didn't come about because of hip-hop music and the choices of some Supreme Court Justices. It broke down because we broke our connection with God.
Why did we start to present Jesus as a product who could fix our lives and fill a hole in our heart that nothing else could fill? Christians still have bad days, and so it would seem the "product" doesn't work as intended or we don't understand it.
*"Authority" and "love" will not always going to give me what I want. At times God will allow me to be in pain in order to grow me toward maturity. Meanwhile, Satan comes along and says, "God doesn't work. What you need to do is try harder. Start doing this list of three things..."
*We need to raise a generation of prophets who define life as more than what commercials (inside and outside the church) tell them.
Acts 17 : Paul starts at their meeting place... he went to them. Then he begins with a compliment while we tend to take a Darwinian approach to try and starve out the "sin" and the "sinners."
*Evangelism is easy because no one is doing it. The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few... because they are waiting in their farmhouses for the wheat to come to them.
We have a million programs to strengthen marriage but not any to minister to 40,000 boys without a dad.
*One of the most important aspects of the Gospel is listening.
I don't like saying that Jesus is exclusive, but it's interesting how the more intimate a relationship is the more exclusive it becomes. We understand Christianity from a propositional grid where our conclusions are right and others are wrong.
*The Bible presents relational Christianity - the nature of which is an intimate relationship.
to read more........
http://dontcallmeveronica.blogspot.com/
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Great Leaders Have Good Timing
On February 25, nearly 22 months since assuming his post, 69-year-old Donald P. Hodel, president and CEO of Focus on the Family, announced his retirement. His decision was effective immediately.
By 5 p.m. that very day, his successor, Jim Daly, was moving personal belongings into place and by the opening of business Monday morning, the orderly transition was complete.
With Don's initial goals and objectives met, the former Secretary of Energy and Interior noted that "some leaders enjoy their job so much that they end up staying longer than they should." Wary of falling prey to this common temptation, Hodel wisely did what so many never do. Upon arrival, he defined his mission and upon its completion, he knew it was time to bid farewell.
Unfortunately, history suggests this tactic is more unique than it is common. Consider the world of sports. Professional athletes know a thing or two about good timing, but all too often, the lure of past glory and a desire for affirmation and adulation seems to cloud otherwise good judgment about when to leave.
The Great Bambino, Babe Ruth, batted an embarrassing .181 in his final abbreviated season with the Boston Braves. Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton didn't know when to quit either, but it took him two full seasons and an atrocious record of 15 wins and 28 losses on five separate teams to finally decide it was time to pull the plug. The greatest fighter who ever lived, Muhammad Ali, was beaten by "a bum" at 37 years of age. Following NFL legend Jim Thorpe's final game, a newspaper reporter opined that the man who was voted the greatest athlete of the 20th century was "a mere shadow of his former self."
If bad timing is considered a pitfall in the sporting world, it can be an absolute disaster in our capitalistic society. A study conducted by a Boston financial research firm discovered that the average investor didn't realize the full benefits of the last bull market because of one main miscalculation: bad timing!
Which brings to mind a question once asked of Yogi Berra at an airport. "What time is it?" asked the traveler. With a straight face, the former catcher replied, "You mean now?"
For Hodel, there was no such confusion. That's because effective leaders begin preparing for their time of departure soon after they first arrive on scene, often by grooming their successor. In Daly, Hodel saw the seeds of the future and deliberately nurtured and developed the talent present within the organization. When he accepted the role of president and CEO in May of 2003, he didn't know for how long he would be needed - but he knew he wouldn't be needed as soon as the tasks were complete and a replacement was poised to take his place. There was no ego, but simply a burning desire to get the job done.
There is another critical component to finding and maintaining a sense of good timing. As Christians, we should believe and recognize that God ordains and orchestrates even the seemingly insignificant details of our lives. If we're deliberate about attempting to sync our watch with the Lord's, we're more likely to be prepared and available to step into His plan and follow His perfect will.
Prior to Hodel's arrival, Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family's founder and chairman, heard God asking him to not move on - but instead, to move over and relinquish the presidency and day to day operations of the ministry. In doing so, he began to model how other people in positions of authority might consider how to let go of what they once held so tightly. As a result of this action, Dobson was freed up to do what the burdens of administrative responsibility prevented him from doing previously - tirelessly championing pro-family candidates and issues on the campaign trail. Even to the most skeptical observer, the results of his contribution were significant.
Indeed, often a leader must say "no" to holding on to power in order to say "yes" to the supreme and sovereign plans of God. It is the wise leader who begins to see the end in the beginning and continuously listens for direction from the Lord for when to move on.
Paul Batura
By 5 p.m. that very day, his successor, Jim Daly, was moving personal belongings into place and by the opening of business Monday morning, the orderly transition was complete.
With Don's initial goals and objectives met, the former Secretary of Energy and Interior noted that "some leaders enjoy their job so much that they end up staying longer than they should." Wary of falling prey to this common temptation, Hodel wisely did what so many never do. Upon arrival, he defined his mission and upon its completion, he knew it was time to bid farewell.
Unfortunately, history suggests this tactic is more unique than it is common. Consider the world of sports. Professional athletes know a thing or two about good timing, but all too often, the lure of past glory and a desire for affirmation and adulation seems to cloud otherwise good judgment about when to leave.
The Great Bambino, Babe Ruth, batted an embarrassing .181 in his final abbreviated season with the Boston Braves. Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton didn't know when to quit either, but it took him two full seasons and an atrocious record of 15 wins and 28 losses on five separate teams to finally decide it was time to pull the plug. The greatest fighter who ever lived, Muhammad Ali, was beaten by "a bum" at 37 years of age. Following NFL legend Jim Thorpe's final game, a newspaper reporter opined that the man who was voted the greatest athlete of the 20th century was "a mere shadow of his former self."
If bad timing is considered a pitfall in the sporting world, it can be an absolute disaster in our capitalistic society. A study conducted by a Boston financial research firm discovered that the average investor didn't realize the full benefits of the last bull market because of one main miscalculation: bad timing!
Which brings to mind a question once asked of Yogi Berra at an airport. "What time is it?" asked the traveler. With a straight face, the former catcher replied, "You mean now?"
For Hodel, there was no such confusion. That's because effective leaders begin preparing for their time of departure soon after they first arrive on scene, often by grooming their successor. In Daly, Hodel saw the seeds of the future and deliberately nurtured and developed the talent present within the organization. When he accepted the role of president and CEO in May of 2003, he didn't know for how long he would be needed - but he knew he wouldn't be needed as soon as the tasks were complete and a replacement was poised to take his place. There was no ego, but simply a burning desire to get the job done.
There is another critical component to finding and maintaining a sense of good timing. As Christians, we should believe and recognize that God ordains and orchestrates even the seemingly insignificant details of our lives. If we're deliberate about attempting to sync our watch with the Lord's, we're more likely to be prepared and available to step into His plan and follow His perfect will.
Prior to Hodel's arrival, Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family's founder and chairman, heard God asking him to not move on - but instead, to move over and relinquish the presidency and day to day operations of the ministry. In doing so, he began to model how other people in positions of authority might consider how to let go of what they once held so tightly. As a result of this action, Dobson was freed up to do what the burdens of administrative responsibility prevented him from doing previously - tirelessly championing pro-family candidates and issues on the campaign trail. Even to the most skeptical observer, the results of his contribution were significant.
Indeed, often a leader must say "no" to holding on to power in order to say "yes" to the supreme and sovereign plans of God. It is the wise leader who begins to see the end in the beginning and continuously listens for direction from the Lord for when to move on.
Paul Batura
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Twister
Right hand yellow,left foot blue!
It is a game that provides hours of entertainment,
especially for three rambunctious boys. Cory,
Noah's best friend spent the night AND what a night it was.
We are so proud of Cory too! He rarely likes to spend
the night anywhere including grandmas but is getting
more and more comfortable.
I hope they continue to be good friends,
next year they boys will even be in the middle school together,
that should be fun!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Knee
Okay, so I know it is hard to look at but after one day this is what we've got. Surgery went well, the anesthesia was another story. He did not like it to much. Plus he is a lot more used to being on the other side of the bed visiting than in the bed being the patient. Something about a rain forest in Puerto Rico????? I am not sure you will have to ask him:)
The pain is not so bad today and he is trying to move around. It is proving to be a bit difficult due to the fact he can not put any weight on the knee for a week.
After the doctors actually go in to the knee there were lots of things to fix, ligaments on both the inside of the knee and the outside plus the meniscus and then broken cartilidge. It was a mess. It should be a good 9 months till he has full range of motion again. He has finally given up on the dream of being in the NBA :) unfortunately it comes at the time when Zach and Aaron are old enough and big enough to finally beat him on the court. Aaron made the 7th grade basketball team at RMS and Zach has tryouts for the high school team this week. There have been two days of cuts and so far so good...... Anyway thought I should update you about the knee......
Monday, November 13, 2006
Raking Leaves
After a pretty lousy fall as far as the weather goes
we happened to have a beautiful day last Sunday.
(okay so this post is a little late.....but after a few blogs
about Zach and Aaron I thoughtI better get something
up here about my younger two children.)
The weather was proabably close to 70 this day,
so it was the perfect day for cleaning up the yard
and getting ready for Mr. Winter. While mom was
busy taking in patio furniture and dad organizing the
garage, Noah and Micah took to trying to rake the leaves.
Now mind you we only have two very young trees in
the yard and they certainly do not produce many leaves,
the boys were intent on this job so they could then jump
in the pile. The above photos are the result of their endeavor.
It was fun while it lasted.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
CWO
