I saw this great media clip recently via Los Whit and his Raggamuffin Soul blog
It is from 1993 and tries to predict the future of technology.
How much of it has come true for you?
Posts
My latest book
3 years ago
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Night of Honour - 13 More Days
The family and I are really looking forward to the Night of Honour that is planned for Sunday 11 October - 6pm
We are hearing whispering and muffled planning and being told "mind your own bees wax."
We are becoming more aware of the power of influence and connection and life change as we are slowly withdrawing and "transitioning."
It is healthy... but painful.
Hope you can make it if you are close.
We are hearing whispering and muffled planning and being told "mind your own bees wax."
We are becoming more aware of the power of influence and connection and life change as we are slowly withdrawing and "transitioning."
It is healthy... but painful.
Hope you can make it if you are close.
Potent Prayer - God's 26 Guards
Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and then just put it on a list and said, 'I'll pray for them later'?
Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'
Read the following story that was sent to me and may it change the way that you may think about prayer and also the way you pray.
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan .
'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa , Every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord.. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident....
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight.
We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp,wWe saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards,my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone'
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened.
The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.
Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw.
There were 26.
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.
If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it, you don't know what it can mean to that person.
Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell.
Or has anyone ever called you and said, 'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'
Read the following story that was sent to me and may it change the way that you may think about prayer and also the way you pray.
A missionary on furlough told this true story while visiting his home church in Michigan .
'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa , Every two weeks I traveled by bicycle through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies. This was a journey of two days and required camping overnight at the halfway point.
On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city where I planned to collect money from a bank, purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin my two-day journey back to the field hospital.
Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting, one of whom had been seriously injured. I treated him for his injuries and at the same time talked to him about the Lord.. I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and arrived home without incident....
Two weeks later I repeated my journey. Upon arriving in the city, I was approached by the young man I had treated. He told me that he had known I carried money and medicines. He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle, knowing you would camp overnight.
We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs. But just as we were about to move into your camp,wWe saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.. The young man pressed the point, however, and said, 'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards,my friends also saw them, and we all counted them. It was because of those guards that we were afraid and left you alone'
At this point in the sermon, one of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the exact day this happened.
The missionary told the congregation the date, and the man who interrupted told him this story: On the night of your incident in Africa, it was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf. I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you. In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong, I called men in this church to meet with me here in the sanctuary to pray for you.
Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with whom they were, he was too busy counting how many men he saw.
There were 26.
This story is an incredible example of how the Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.
If you ever feel such prodding to pray, go along with it, you don't know what it can mean to that person.
Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Eight Gifts that Don't Cost a Cent! - Phil Evans
This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships.
The Gift of Listening
But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.
The Gift of Affection
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
The Gift of Laughter
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
The Gift of Solitude
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
The Gift of a Favour
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. Good deeds are cool.
The Gift of a Written Note
It can be a simple "Thanks for your help" note, or a longer expression of your appreciation for that person being in your life. A brief handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.
The Gift of a Compliment
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.
These are eight important ways we can contribute toward whole and healthy relationships.
They cost nothing, yet they may well be the most valuable gifts we can ever offer another person.
The Gift of Listening
But you must really listen. Don't interrupt, don't daydream, don't plan your response. Just listen.
The Gift of Affection
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
The Gift of Laughter
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."
The Gift of Solitude
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
The Gift of a Favour
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind. Good deeds are cool.
The Gift of a Written Note
It can be a simple "Thanks for your help" note, or a longer expression of your appreciation for that person being in your life. A brief handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.
The Gift of a Compliment
A simple and sincere, "You look great in red," "You did a super job," or "That was a wonderful meal" can make someone's day.
The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.
These are eight important ways we can contribute toward whole and healthy relationships.
They cost nothing, yet they may well be the most valuable gifts we can ever offer another person.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Baby Dedication and Parent Commitment - "Off to a Good Start!"
Today at Westlife some people are bringing their children to be dedicated to God.
This is a great thing!
“Children are a gift from God” Psalm 127:3
Westlife Church dedicates children because we read in Luke 2:22-25 that as a baby, his parents dedicated Jesus.
In Mark 10:16 we see Jesus bestowing blessings on the children.
The Dedication ceremony is a time to publicly make that commitment to pray for the child, love the child and guide the child toward a personal relationship with Christ.
The child dedication is truly a parent commitment service.
At Westlife Church Our Goal Is To:
* Help parents recognize that children are a gift from God
* Facilitate the parent's verbal commitment to raise their child in a Christian
environment.
* Challenge parents to be examples in service and worship for their children.
* Assist parents in laying a firm foundation of learning about God and an
example of the power of salvation for their child.
Parents cannot decide their child’s salvation. Each person must make the decision to have a personal relationship with Christ.
When children are old enough to understand the concept of sin and responsibility for that sin, then they are ready to make the decision to accept Christ as their personal saviour and assure eternal salvation.
Parents must however, lay a foundation through teaching and example that will help children to make that decision at the right time. The same is true of marriage.
We cannot decide when or if our children will marry and we cannot guarantee them a happy marriage.
But through positive example, we can lay a foundation for making good decisions when the time comes.
“..., then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, ……
but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:15—NIV
This is a great thing!
“Children are a gift from God” Psalm 127:3
Westlife Church dedicates children because we read in Luke 2:22-25 that as a baby, his parents dedicated Jesus.
In Mark 10:16 we see Jesus bestowing blessings on the children.
The Dedication ceremony is a time to publicly make that commitment to pray for the child, love the child and guide the child toward a personal relationship with Christ.
The child dedication is truly a parent commitment service.
At Westlife Church Our Goal Is To:
* Help parents recognize that children are a gift from God
* Facilitate the parent's verbal commitment to raise their child in a Christian
environment.
* Challenge parents to be examples in service and worship for their children.
* Assist parents in laying a firm foundation of learning about God and an
example of the power of salvation for their child.
Parents cannot decide their child’s salvation. Each person must make the decision to have a personal relationship with Christ.
When children are old enough to understand the concept of sin and responsibility for that sin, then they are ready to make the decision to accept Christ as their personal saviour and assure eternal salvation.
Parents must however, lay a foundation through teaching and example that will help children to make that decision at the right time. The same is true of marriage.
We cannot decide when or if our children will marry and we cannot guarantee them a happy marriage.
But through positive example, we can lay a foundation for making good decisions when the time comes.
“..., then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, ……
but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."
Joshua 24:15—NIV
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Relationships are VITAL!! - part 2
We need to value relationships and focus on personal renewal.
This is the starting point.
Everything starts in the heart.
Only changed people can change the world.
The foundation for everything is getting to know and love God, and serving His 5 purposes for your life.
But you were never meant to live your life in a vacuum. In fact, you cannot fulfill your life’s purposes by yourself.
You need other people’s help, and they need yours.
We’re better together.
We also need to desire relational renewal.
You must not only learn to love God with all your heart (personal renewal) you must learn to love your neighbour as yourself (relational renewal).
With conflict, divorce, violence, prejudice, abuse, division, and polarisation around us daily, it’s obvious we all need some lessons in building healthy relationships.
We need a revival of relationships and love that would change the cultural climate of or world.
It can start with you.
LET'S FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS and make a commitment to hear Bruce Sullivan on Saturday 10 October 9am.
This is the starting point.
Everything starts in the heart.
Only changed people can change the world.
The foundation for everything is getting to know and love God, and serving His 5 purposes for your life.
But you were never meant to live your life in a vacuum. In fact, you cannot fulfill your life’s purposes by yourself.
You need other people’s help, and they need yours.
We’re better together.
We also need to desire relational renewal.
You must not only learn to love God with all your heart (personal renewal) you must learn to love your neighbour as yourself (relational renewal).
With conflict, divorce, violence, prejudice, abuse, division, and polarisation around us daily, it’s obvious we all need some lessons in building healthy relationships.
We need a revival of relationships and love that would change the cultural climate of or world.
It can start with you.
LET'S FOCUS ON RELATIONSHIPS and make a commitment to hear Bruce Sullivan on Saturday 10 October 9am.
Testimonials - Bruce Sullivan - Red Hot Relationships
Bruce, Bruce, Bruce... it's all about Bruce!
Really, it's all about quality relationships!
Here are what some people have said about Bruce after they listened to his presentation. These things are called "testimonials"........
You can check out the lists of satisfied customers over the last decade.... here goes!
http://www.brucesullivan.com.au/testimonials/testimonials2009.html
http://www.brucesullivan.com.au/testimonials/testimonials2008.html
Bruce is visiting Greater Springfield on Saturday AM 10 October for 2 sessions.
Tickets are $15 each for the 2 sessions.
Call 07 3381 9988 or email redhot@westlife.org.au.
Remember, great relationships just don't happen automatically!
You need to get intentional - so book a ticket today!
Really, it's all about quality relationships!
Here are what some people have said about Bruce after they listened to his presentation. These things are called "testimonials"........
You can check out the lists of satisfied customers over the last decade.... here goes!
http://www.brucesullivan.com.au/testimonials/testimonials2009.html
http://www.brucesullivan.com.au/testimonials/testimonials2008.html
Bruce is visiting Greater Springfield on Saturday AM 10 October for 2 sessions.
Tickets are $15 each for the 2 sessions.
Call 07 3381 9988 or email redhot@westlife.org.au.
Remember, great relationships just don't happen automatically!
You need to get intentional - so book a ticket today!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Relationships are VITAL!! - part 1
I wrote this post back in May 2009 about "The Relationship Principles of Jesus."
Here are some sections from that blog and some wise words from Rick Warren......
Here are some sections from that blog and some wise words from Rick Warren......
God tells us that our dominant life value is to love. Because God is love, and because he created you to love you, he wants you to learn to love too. Learning to love is the #1 lesson God intends for you to learn here on earth. Life is the school of love. Jesus once said that the entire Bible can be summed up in two commands: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself.
Learning to love God and others is to be our highest goal, our greatest aim, our first priority, our deepest aspiration, our strongest ambition, our constant focus, our passionate intention, and the dominant life value of our lives. The more we learn to how to love authentically, the more like Jesus we become.
Selfishness must be replaced by unselfishness. Conceit must be replaced by compassion. Ego must be replaced with altruism. The focus on “me” must give way to “we.” It’s all about loving God and others.
But how?
In our fallen world where every heart and relationship is marred, broken, and damaged by sin, how can we apply the healing power of authentic love?
Learning to love unselfishly is not an easy task. It runs counter to our self-centred nature. Only Jesus can teach us the kind of love that heal, restores, and deepens relationships. And only Jesus can give us the power to love that way.
The Many Faces of Bruce Sullivan - Red Hot Relationships
Bruce Sullivan is a great guy. I have a friend who knows him too. He says great things about Bruce.
In addition, Bruce is one of the world’s leading authorities on relationships and personal motivation.
Here are some of the many faces of Bruce Sullivan.
Bruce is visiting Greater Springfield on Saturday AM 10 October for 2 sessions.
Tickets are $15 each for the 2 sessions.
Call 07 3381 9988 or email redhot@westlife.org.au.
Remember, great relationships just don't happen automatically!
You need to get intentional - so book a ticket today!
Check out more about Bruce at his website - http://www.brucesullivan.com.au/ - you'll be impressed!
In addition, Bruce is one of the world’s leading authorities on relationships and personal motivation.
Here are some of the many faces of Bruce Sullivan.
Bruce is visiting Greater Springfield on Saturday AM 10 October for 2 sessions.Tickets are $15 each for the 2 sessions.
Call 07 3381 9988 or email redhot@westlife.org.au.
Remember, great relationships just don't happen automatically!
You need to get intentional - so book a ticket today!
Check out more about Bruce at his website - http://www.brucesullivan.com.au/ - you'll be impressed!
Friday, September 18, 2009
My Region Greater Springfield Has a Soul!
It has been an interesting few days in my community. Our local state MP made some interesting comments in state parliament about the progress of community infrastructure.
Here is a sample of what hit the media:
Satellite city in a soulless orbit: MPNatasha Bita September 18, 2009
SPRINGFIELD Lakes is an award-winning prototype for a 21st-century city -- but does it have soul?
A half-hour's drive west of Brisbane, the city-under-construction offers its 18,000 residents every convenience. The shopping centre will be the biggest in the southern hemisphere; it has a university campus, golf course and man-made lake; and bulldozers are clearing bushland to build a medical precinct to be known as Health City.
But local member Jo-Ann Miller reckons the satellite city in suburbia has "no soul". The Labor Bundamba MP's tirade on developer "greed" has triggered a debate on the future of low-density development in the 'burbs......
I knew something was "on the go" Thursday morning... an ABC twitter entry used the 2 words "Springfield" and "soulless" - and then I turned on my mobile phone and there were 3 messages - one from Ipswich City Mayor Paul Pisasale, one from Channel 7 TV reporter Neil Warren and another from ABC TV reporter, Josh Beavis.
Here are some TV media clips (below) about the story.
This one is from ABC TV - I get to appear in this one with a snappy quote about "new options" as pastor of Westlife Church.
Here is another from Channel 7
It was great to see and hear how vocal my community is about it's value - powerful stuff!
I'll write some more soon about my thoughts on community infrastructure and social capital development. All this means that my community is continuing to grow and mature.
(if you are viewing this post in my Facebook "notes" section click the link below somewhere called "view original post" - it will redirect you to my blog page with the media links)
Special thanks again to Peter Williams for his great HDD work!
Here is what was on the front page of the Queensland Times on Thursday.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Transitions - Expect the Best
I had a great chance to launch the new Transitions series on Sunday AM.
I have really enjoyed the privilige of preaching to a great group of people on a regular basis.
Sociologists say that now, there is more change today than there used to be. Not only are we in an everchanging world of situations, relationships, and identities - these situations, relationships, and identities are themselves in transition, - many of us are caught in a semi permanent condition of transition and change.
I have really enjoyed the privilige of preaching to a great group of people on a regular basis.
Here are some notes and quotes from part 1... and the podcast will be available soon.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
The gap between seasons and events is called "transition."
Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares
Proverbs 1:20 (NIV)
Wisdom and common sense and life principles to help with transitions are everywhere – if you are looking for them.
Sociologists say that now, there is more change today than there used to be. Not only are we in an everchanging world of situations, relationships, and identities - these situations, relationships, and identities are themselves in transition, - many of us are caught in a semi permanent condition of transition and change.
Throughout nature, the normal growth process involves periodic accelerations and transformations: things go slowly for a time and nothing seems to happen –until suddenly the eggshell cracks, the branch blossoms, the tadpole’s tail shrinks away, the leaf falls, the bird moults, the hibernation begins. With us it is the same. Although the signs are less clear than in the world of feather and leaf, the functions of transition times are the same. They are key times in the natural process of self-renewal.
Transition and change can be your friend – if handled wisely.
Expect the best from your transitions and changes – a transition is an opportunity to end something and also start something new.
One of the benefits of reviewing your experience of endings is to see how often they have cleared the ground for unexpected beginnings.
Transitions clear the ground for new growth. They drop the curtain so that the stage can be set for a new scene. What is it, at this point in your life, that is waiting quietly backstage? - Bridges
You will always be torn between a developmental thrust that brings about life transitions
And the impulse toward repetition that aborts the change your life needs.
And the impulse toward repetition that aborts the change your life needs.
How do I understand – and how do I expect the best?
1. Get a “God-word” for the journey - Get a fresh God word
2. Keep talking to God and drawing on His strength
3. Chart your location on the transition journey
4. Reflect on what you are learning
5. Get a moving buddy – someone to listen
6. Move with the transition rhythm
7. Seek to “get a clue” – open your eyes and expand your awareness
8. Keep on going – if you are on a train in a dark tunnel don’t get off in the dark tunnel, wait till the train stops at the next station – gut it out!
9. Determine to transition well – people remember how you finish
10. Celebrate and honour at the right time
11. Get a song for your season
Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust God to bring victory.
Proverbs 21:31 (MSG)
There are 4 common aspects of the natural ending experience – disengagement, disidentification, disenchantment, disorientation. These involve 4 important life ingredients - connection, identity, reality and direction. Jesus meets all 4 needs – He knows how all this works
Be willing to transition into your new season
Make up your mind to enter your new season
Let go of the old to embrace the new
Expect the best from your transitions!
Make up your mind to enter your new season
Let go of the old to embrace the new
Expect the best from your transitions!
Bridge from Desert Song -
All of my life, in every season
You are still God, I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
You are still God, I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
We’re like shellfish that often continue to open and close their shells on the tide-schedule of their old home waters, even when they have been transplanted to the laboratory tank or the restaurant kitchen. - Bridges
Leadership Vision Night - Something New!
Transition brings change ... and the leadership gathering format changes too.
Westlife is trying something new about the way we gather as “build-our-housers.” We have reworked the scheduled Saturday AM 26 September Build our House gathering into a new opportunity called….
Check out the date (above) and mark your diaries!
Westlife is trying something new about the way we gather as “build-our-housers.” We have reworked the scheduled Saturday AM 26 September Build our House gathering into a new opportunity called….
Check out the date (above) and mark your diaries!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Red Hot Relationships - Bruce Sullivan - Saturday AM 10 October
Good intentions are not enough!!
That's why I am really looking forward to this relationships and personal development opportunity.
Bruce is a world class speaker.
That's why I am really looking forward to this relationships and personal development opportunity.
Bruce is a world class speaker.
So Jill and I have booked our tickets and we will be there. We are getting intentional.
Because great relationships don't just happen by accident!
Here is what Bruce says....
"My goal is to provide you with a genuine understanding of how you can practically apply what I teach, quickly and easily to your own relationships.""Introducing Jesus Christ" - Steve Harvey
The challenge for this comedian was "How Would You Introduce Christ to a Room Full of People?"
Click on the media clip below to see Steve Harvey at work!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Umbilical Hernia Repair
There is a lot of change in my life in this season. "Transitions" is the key word.
I went and saw a surgeon this AM - and a recently diagnosed umbilical hernia needs to be repaired ASAP.
So tomorrow morning it is.
This verse came to me when I was praying this AM
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Psalms 51:6 (NIV)
God is interested in my inner parts.... my guts. And He desires wholeness and integrity.
So the healing process starts tomorrow under the care of a skilful surgeon.
I was "encouraged" greatly by Jill when she sent me this Youtube clip (below) of an umbilical hernia repair.
Enjoy it... if you are game!
I went and saw a surgeon this AM - and a recently diagnosed umbilical hernia needs to be repaired ASAP.
So tomorrow morning it is.
This verse came to me when I was praying this AM
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
Psalms 51:6 (NIV)
God is interested in my inner parts.... my guts. And He desires wholeness and integrity.
So the healing process starts tomorrow under the care of a skilful surgeon.
I was "encouraged" greatly by Jill when she sent me this Youtube clip (below) of an umbilical hernia repair.
Enjoy it... if you are game!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Transitions and Grief - Blockages in the Grieving Process.
I recently wrote a blog post called Good Grief.
I also came across these notes - blockages in the grieving process. These are from Malcolm too.
It is possible to have a blockage in the recovery process due to any of the following reasons:
1. Resentment and bitterness.
2. Anger against God.
3. Refusal to come to terms with the loss.
4. Refusal to hand your grief over to God.
5. A refusal to accept and readjust to new circumstances.
6. Failure to give yourself permission to grieve.
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds
(curing their pains and their sorrows)
(Psalm 147:3 Amp.)
“Surely our grief’ He Himself bore and our sorrows He carried”
(Isaiah 53:4 NASB)
I also came across these notes - blockages in the grieving process. These are from Malcolm too.
It is possible to have a blockage in the recovery process due to any of the following reasons:
1. Resentment and bitterness.
2. Anger against God.
3. Refusal to come to terms with the loss.
4. Refusal to hand your grief over to God.
5. A refusal to accept and readjust to new circumstances.
6. Failure to give yourself permission to grieve.
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds
(curing their pains and their sorrows)
(Psalm 147:3 Amp.)
“Surely our grief’ He Himself bore and our sorrows He carried”
(Isaiah 53:4 NASB)
Transitions - A Book by William Bridges
I came across this book recently by William Bridges. I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
It has been helpful as I have been preparing for the new Transitions teaching series.
Here are some bits n pieces about what Amazon says about the book.
This book deals with the transitions in an individual’s life—marriages and divorces, family births and deaths, relocations and career changes, retirement and all the other personal changes that disrupt our lives today. This book—which first identified the three-phase transition process—has now sold more than half-a-million copies. It explains how one can make transition less disruptive and how an individual can launch a new life after it is finished.
Product Description
It has been helpful as I have been preparing for the new Transitions teaching series.
Here are some bits n pieces about what Amazon says about the book.
This book deals with the transitions in an individual’s life—marriages and divorces, family births and deaths, relocations and career changes, retirement and all the other personal changes that disrupt our lives today. This book—which first identified the three-phase transition process—has now sold more than half-a-million copies. It explains how one can make transition less disruptive and how an individual can launch a new life after it is finished.
Product Description
Whether it is chosen or thrust upon you, change brings both opportunities and turmoil. Since first published 25 years ago, Transitions has helped hundreds of thousands of readers cope with these issues by providing an elegantly simple yet profoundly insightful roadmap of the transition process.
With the understanding born of both personal and professional experience, William Bridges takes readers step by step through the three stages of any transition: The Ending, The Neutral Zone, and, in time, The New Beginning.
Bridges explains how each stage can be understood and embraced, leading to meaningful and productive movement into a hopeful future. With a new introduction highlighting how the advice in the book continues to apply and is perhaps even more relevant today, and a new chapter devoted to change in the workplace, Transitions will remain the essential guide for coping with the one constant in life: change.
About the Author
Formerly a professor of English, William Bridges made a shift to the field of transitional management in the mid-1970s; out of his workshops has grown a long career of consulting, lecturing, and helping others through transitions. He lives with his wife in Mill Valley, California.
I'll start posting some great quotes from the book from time to time. So keep a look out for future posts.
Good Grief
In 2006 we did a teaching series at Westlife called Desperate Households. In that series we talked about things that families need to deal with - parenting, communication, money, family values, time management... and grief.
We had counsellor, Malcolm Lindridge come in and speak with us. He did a great job.
Here are some the points I remember him making. They are useful too for our current Transitions series.
We spend a good portion of our lives working diligently to acquire those things that make us happy and give us a meaningful purpose in life. What happens to us when we lose any of these things which are important to us? Quite naturally we grieve over the loss of anything that is important to us. Sometimes if the loss is great, it can shake the very foundations of our lives and toss us head-long into despair. Does a person’s faith have anything to do with the way they grieve over the loss? Sometimes people think that a person with a strong faith does not really need to grieve.
Remember the following three important points about grief:
1. Grief is a God-given process.
2. Grief is personal.
3. Grief and faith work together.
There is nothing heroic or noble about grief: It is a painful process. It is hard work. It is a lingering process. It has been labeled as everything from intense mental anguish, to acute sorrow, to deep remorse. There is a multitude of emotions involved in the grief process. Grief is a complex mental and emotional process.
1. Grief is not an event, it is a journey.
2. Grief is a personal journey and individually experienced.
3. Men grieve differently to women.
4. Grief has many faces: anticipatory, delayed, chronic, masked, exaggerated and
shadow grief.
5. Grief has a purpose.
6. Christian faith never denies the reality of grief.
Grief can journey down three different roads:
1. A normal grief curve: loss, shock, numbness, denial, emotional outbursts, anger, bargaining, fear, panic, guilt, depression, isolation, acceptance, new strengths, new relationships, helping others, adjustment, future hope.
2. A difficult and long-term (2-4 years) process of healing and restoration.
3. Acute emotional pain (pathological) is experienced when it is denied delayed or distorted.
“Simply put, grief is the pain of loss. It is the emotional/spiritual/physical response to the loss of a person, significant object or situation in life.”
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds
(curing their pains and their sorrows) (Psalm 147:3 Amp.)
“Surely our grief’ He Himself bore and our sorrows He carried” (Isaiah 53:4 NASB)
Great work, Malcolm!
We had counsellor, Malcolm Lindridge come in and speak with us. He did a great job.
Here are some the points I remember him making. They are useful too for our current Transitions series.
We spend a good portion of our lives working diligently to acquire those things that make us happy and give us a meaningful purpose in life. What happens to us when we lose any of these things which are important to us? Quite naturally we grieve over the loss of anything that is important to us. Sometimes if the loss is great, it can shake the very foundations of our lives and toss us head-long into despair. Does a person’s faith have anything to do with the way they grieve over the loss? Sometimes people think that a person with a strong faith does not really need to grieve.
Remember the following three important points about grief:
1. Grief is a God-given process.
2. Grief is personal.
3. Grief and faith work together.
There is nothing heroic or noble about grief: It is a painful process. It is hard work. It is a lingering process. It has been labeled as everything from intense mental anguish, to acute sorrow, to deep remorse. There is a multitude of emotions involved in the grief process. Grief is a complex mental and emotional process.
1. Grief is not an event, it is a journey.
2. Grief is a personal journey and individually experienced.
3. Men grieve differently to women.
4. Grief has many faces: anticipatory, delayed, chronic, masked, exaggerated and
shadow grief.
5. Grief has a purpose.
6. Christian faith never denies the reality of grief.
Grief can journey down three different roads:
1. A normal grief curve: loss, shock, numbness, denial, emotional outbursts, anger, bargaining, fear, panic, guilt, depression, isolation, acceptance, new strengths, new relationships, helping others, adjustment, future hope.
2. A difficult and long-term (2-4 years) process of healing and restoration.
3. Acute emotional pain (pathological) is experienced when it is denied delayed or distorted.
“Simply put, grief is the pain of loss. It is the emotional/spiritual/physical response to the loss of a person, significant object or situation in life.”
“He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds
(curing their pains and their sorrows) (Psalm 147:3 Amp.)
“Surely our grief’ He Himself bore and our sorrows He carried” (Isaiah 53:4 NASB)
Great work, Malcolm!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Transitions Sometimes Involve Grief
Transitions sometimes involve grief. Change can mean that you are "losing something."
Here is a diagram developed by Phil Kitchens called "The Valley of Grief." I have seen a similar diagram called The Grief Trough.
This can be helpful to see at what stage you are in the grief process.
I was talking to someone recently who is moving towards divorce. They are almost at the "acceptance" stage. It is still very sad... and I remember when there were back at the "emotional outburst" stage.
Watch out for another blog post I am doing soon titled, Good Grief.
PS -
Some of you found this helpful when I put in on my blog in Jan 09 when we grieved the passing of our good friend, Merv Locke.
Transitions - The Curve
Everything on earth has its own time and its own season...
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (CEV)
Tomorrow AM we start a new teaching series about understanding life's changes.
It's called Transitions.
Here is a great diagram which helps you plot where you are on the transition journey - and how you might be feeling.
Isn't it great to know that denial, anxiety and shock can at some time be hope, energy and enthusiasm.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (CEV)
Tomorrow AM we start a new teaching series about understanding life's changes.
It's called Transitions.
Here is a great diagram which helps you plot where you are on the transition journey - and how you might be feeling.
Isn't it great to know that denial, anxiety and shock can at some time be hope, energy and enthusiasm.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Night of Honour - Sunday PM - 11 October 09
We have just found out what Westlife is starting plan for our farewell.
Here are some images of the artwork below. Nice one!
Here are some images of the artwork below. Nice one!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Wingman, The Man-Crush, The Bromance and Friendship – The Power of Men Connecting in Healthy Ways
I have been really enjoying 1 and 2 Samuel reading recently. I have been invigorated by themes of people, leadership, connecting with God etc.
I have found that about once a week I get a “convergence moment” – when the daily readings sync and a powerful theme emerges – and an “ah ha moment” is enjoyed. I had one recently when I read about David and Jonathan .... and when David sang a song of lament when his good friend Jonathan died:
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.
2 Samuel 1:26 (NIV)
Here is one man saying to another man... ”Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.“ My investigations led me to this study bible note....
David is not suggesting that marital love is inferior to that of friendship, nor do his remarks have any sexual implications. He is simply calling attention to Jonathan’s nearly inexplicable self-denying commitment to David, whom he had long recognised as the Lord’s choice to succeed his father rather than himself.
A key to David’s emergence and leadership strength was that he was surrounded by dedicated, skilled and strong men. Men are made strong by other strong men. There is a power in men connecting with and supporting other men in healthy ways.
This makes me think of several words.
The first word is “wingman.” A wingman is a pilot who supports another in a potentially dangerous flying environment. The idea behind the wingman is to add the element of mutual support to aerial combat. A wingman makes the flight both offensively and defensively more capable by increasing fire power, situational awareness, attacking an enemy threatening a comrade and most importantly the ability to employ more dynamic tactics.
This thought of man-connection and support has since the 1990’s been encapsulated in new words like “bromance” and “man-crush.”
A "bromance" is a close but non-sexual relationship between two men. "Bromance" is a combination of the words "brother" and "romance".
A "man-crush" is similar – it is when a straight man has a "crush" on another man, not sexual but kind of idolizing him. Urban Dictionary describes a man-crush as follows:
- a man having extreme admiration for another man, as though he wants to be him.
- a man who has a very close platonic friendship and/or admiration for another man.
Aristole described a concept similar to the bromance as early as 300 BCE, writing, "It is those who desire the good of their friends for the friends' sake that are most truly friends, because each loves the other for what he is, and not for any incidental quality".
So I like the spirit of words like “man-crush” – “bromance” – “wingman” – and “friendship.” They start to capture the power of men in healthy, biblical relationship. And David and Jonathan help us see that power.
I like the words of Solomon.....
He who walks with wise men will be wise....
Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
Let’s get to it men!
I have found that about once a week I get a “convergence moment” – when the daily readings sync and a powerful theme emerges – and an “ah ha moment” is enjoyed. I had one recently when I read about David and Jonathan .... and when David sang a song of lament when his good friend Jonathan died:
I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.
2 Samuel 1:26 (NIV)
Here is one man saying to another man... ”Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.“ My investigations led me to this study bible note....
David is not suggesting that marital love is inferior to that of friendship, nor do his remarks have any sexual implications. He is simply calling attention to Jonathan’s nearly inexplicable self-denying commitment to David, whom he had long recognised as the Lord’s choice to succeed his father rather than himself.
A key to David’s emergence and leadership strength was that he was surrounded by dedicated, skilled and strong men. Men are made strong by other strong men. There is a power in men connecting with and supporting other men in healthy ways.
This makes me think of several words.
The first word is “wingman.” A wingman is a pilot who supports another in a potentially dangerous flying environment. The idea behind the wingman is to add the element of mutual support to aerial combat. A wingman makes the flight both offensively and defensively more capable by increasing fire power, situational awareness, attacking an enemy threatening a comrade and most importantly the ability to employ more dynamic tactics.
This thought of man-connection and support has since the 1990’s been encapsulated in new words like “bromance” and “man-crush.”
A "bromance" is a close but non-sexual relationship between two men. "Bromance" is a combination of the words "brother" and "romance".
A "man-crush" is similar – it is when a straight man has a "crush" on another man, not sexual but kind of idolizing him. Urban Dictionary describes a man-crush as follows:
- a man having extreme admiration for another man, as though he wants to be him.
- a man who has a very close platonic friendship and/or admiration for another man.
Aristole described a concept similar to the bromance as early as 300 BCE, writing, "It is those who desire the good of their friends for the friends' sake that are most truly friends, because each loves the other for what he is, and not for any incidental quality".
So I like the spirit of words like “man-crush” – “bromance” – “wingman” – and “friendship.” They start to capture the power of men in healthy, biblical relationship. And David and Jonathan help us see that power.
I like the words of Solomon.....
He who walks with wise men will be wise....
Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV)
Let’s get to it men!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
"Transitions" Teaching Series - Starts this Sunday
God never changes – but seasons do. Winter, Spring, Summer or Autumn; all of them are necessary for the earth’s ecological system. My favourite time of year is Spring. However if it were Spring all the time there would be some serious issues that would affect the planet.
Likewise, in your walk with God, you will go through various seasons and transitions as well .
"Be ready in season and out of season." 2 Tim 4:2 NKJV
We live our lives in seasons, and seasons have beginnings and endings. So, diversity is the key to longevity. If you don't understand this, you can lose your sense of purpose, because when one season is over you've nothing left to carry with you into the next.
When Paul told Timothy, "Be ready in season and out of season," he was encouraging him to broaden his spiritual horizons. In Timothy's case he needed to understand there's a time to correct people, and a time to comfort them (See 2 Tim 4:2 NKJV). Timing is so important. The Psalmist compared the blessed man to "a tree...which yields...fruit in season" (Ps 1:3 NIV). To succeed, you must recognise what season you are in!
And you must also understand that God is more concerned with the depth of your roots than the height of your branches; more interested in quality than quantity. With God 'the quality goes in before the name goes on'.
That's why He takes your struggles and uses them to cultivate the kind of soil (and soul) necessary to produce good fruit. And one more thing: from time to time He will permit storms to blow away those people and things that hinder what He's working to produce in you.
- be willing to transition into your new season...
- make up your mind to enter your new season ...
- let go of the old to embrace the new...
- expect the best from your transitions!
Likewise, in your walk with God, you will go through various seasons and transitions as well .
"Be ready in season and out of season." 2 Tim 4:2 NKJV
We live our lives in seasons, and seasons have beginnings and endings. So, diversity is the key to longevity. If you don't understand this, you can lose your sense of purpose, because when one season is over you've nothing left to carry with you into the next.
That's why successful farmers keep rotating their crops. They plant corn in one field, then when it goes out of season they plough that field and let it rest. At the same time they're busy elsewhere harvesting alfalfa to make hay, after which that field goes through the same process. In spring they change the order of things so the field where corn once grew now produces alfalfa, and so forth.
When Paul told Timothy, "Be ready in season and out of season," he was encouraging him to broaden his spiritual horizons. In Timothy's case he needed to understand there's a time to correct people, and a time to comfort them (See 2 Tim 4:2 NKJV). Timing is so important. The Psalmist compared the blessed man to "a tree...which yields...fruit in season" (Ps 1:3 NIV). To succeed, you must recognise what season you are in!
And you must also understand that God is more concerned with the depth of your roots than the height of your branches; more interested in quality than quantity. With God 'the quality goes in before the name goes on'.
That's why He takes your struggles and uses them to cultivate the kind of soil (and soul) necessary to produce good fruit. And one more thing: from time to time He will permit storms to blow away those people and things that hinder what He's working to produce in you.
- be willing to transition into your new season...
- make up your mind to enter your new season ...
- let go of the old to embrace the new...
- expect the best from your transitions!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Saturday Night LIVE - The Photos
We had a blast at Saturday Night LIVE! There were a lot of guests on the night... and a lot of laughter.
Here are some of the photos that Peta M took and put up on Facebook. Great work Peta!
Here are some of the photos that Peta M took and put up on Facebook. Great work Peta!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Praying for Your Pastor
This is going to be an interesting post.
Since we have announced our resignation there have been many responses. We will talk a little about that this Sunday morning.
One of the interesting responses has been the number of people who have apologised.... apologised for not praying for us as their pastors.
True to our empowering style here are some tips on praying for your pastor ... and great ones from Dan Reiland. He worked with John Maxwell for many years.
Here is a bit of what Dan says and suggests.
Pastors, particularly senior pastors, are often seen as an unrealistic combination of the Apostle Paul and Billy Graham or perhaps Rambo and OO7...whatever fits best! The point is, the
perception is unrealistic - and often superhuman.
The point I want to make is that while pastors love their work, they are human. And they often carry an unrealistic "job description." In a day of hyper-specialization, pastors are still expected to do a little of everything. My strong encouragement is that each church:
* Allow their pastor to play to his/her strengths
* Structure a realistic work load (which includes members getting involved)
* Pray for the pastor
The following is a well thought through, simple and practical plan from my book "Shoulder to Shoulder - Strengthening Your Church By Supporting Your Pastor" that will help you pray effectively for the pastor. This plan can be done in just a few minutes a day.
Monday: Pray for your pastor's family.
* God's peace and protection
* A growing love relationship with his/her spouse
* A commitment to quality and quantity time together
Tuesday: Pray for wisdom for your pastor.
* The mind of Christ
* Godly decision-making
* Understanding of biblical truth
Wednesday: Pray for your pastor's ministry focus.
* Clear vision
* Commitment to biblical priorities
* Remain true to his/her God-given gifts and strengths
Thursday: Pray for your pastor's health.
* Protection of his/her body and mind
* An extra portion of stamina and strength
* Commitment to stress-releasing activity
Friday: Pray for your pastor's spiritual growth.
* A heart for God and the lost
* Fresh biblical insights
* Personal devotions not related to sermon preparation
Saturday: Pray for your pastor's purity.
* Pure motives
* Pure thought-life and faithfulness to his/her spouse
* Pure commitment to complete integrity
Sunday: Pray for God's anointing on your pastor.
* Strength in leadership
* Passion in preaching
* Fruit and joy in ministry
Since we have announced our resignation there have been many responses. We will talk a little about that this Sunday morning.
One of the interesting responses has been the number of people who have apologised.... apologised for not praying for us as their pastors.
True to our empowering style here are some tips on praying for your pastor ... and great ones from Dan Reiland. He worked with John Maxwell for many years.
Here is a bit of what Dan says and suggests.
Pastors, particularly senior pastors, are often seen as an unrealistic combination of the Apostle Paul and Billy Graham or perhaps Rambo and OO7...whatever fits best! The point is, the
perception is unrealistic - and often superhuman.
The point I want to make is that while pastors love their work, they are human. And they often carry an unrealistic "job description." In a day of hyper-specialization, pastors are still expected to do a little of everything. My strong encouragement is that each church:
* Allow their pastor to play to his/her strengths
* Structure a realistic work load (which includes members getting involved)
* Pray for the pastor
The following is a well thought through, simple and practical plan from my book "Shoulder to Shoulder - Strengthening Your Church By Supporting Your Pastor" that will help you pray effectively for the pastor. This plan can be done in just a few minutes a day.
Monday: Pray for your pastor's family.
* God's peace and protection
* A growing love relationship with his/her spouse
* A commitment to quality and quantity time together
Tuesday: Pray for wisdom for your pastor.
* The mind of Christ
* Godly decision-making
* Understanding of biblical truth
Wednesday: Pray for your pastor's ministry focus.
* Clear vision
* Commitment to biblical priorities
* Remain true to his/her God-given gifts and strengths
Thursday: Pray for your pastor's health.
* Protection of his/her body and mind
* An extra portion of stamina and strength
* Commitment to stress-releasing activity
Friday: Pray for your pastor's spiritual growth.
* A heart for God and the lost
* Fresh biblical insights
* Personal devotions not related to sermon preparation
Saturday: Pray for your pastor's purity.
* Pure motives
* Pure thought-life and faithfulness to his/her spouse
* Pure commitment to complete integrity
Sunday: Pray for God's anointing on your pastor.
* Strength in leadership
* Passion in preaching
* Fruit and joy in ministry
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Afternoon @ Queen Mary Falls
circuit walk.
Father's Day Breakfast from Jethro
says the men need some fuel.
So look what he whips up for us - priceless!
Father's Day Weekend Breakfast
Father's Day Weekend! Jill made a batch of banana and ricotta
pancakes.
Delicious!
Happy Father's Day!
Sonora Dodd, of Washington, first had the idea of a "father's day." She thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.
Sonora wanted a special day to honour her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.
Happy Father's Day!
Sonora wanted a special day to honour her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.
Happy Father's Day!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Man Cold - Reshown
We interviewed a genuine Man Cold Survivor tonight at Saturday Night LIVE.
In case you missed it click the link here to see the media clip again.
Funny as!!!!
Happy Father's Day for tomorrow, men!!!
In case you missed it click the link here to see the media clip again.
Funny as!!!!
Happy Father's Day for tomorrow, men!!!
You Owe It To Tyndale - Mark Batterson
I really enjoyed this recent post from Mark Batterson.
We take the Bible for granted. We have so many Bibles and we read them so little. I hope this challenges that.
William Tyndale gave his life to translating the Bible into English. Literally. Tyndale was criticized by the religious establishment. In fact, his Bible translations were burned by the Bishop of London at St. Paul's Cathedral. His response? Greater resolve to translate the Bible into a common language for the common man.
His life mission is epitomized by this rebuke to the religious establishment: "If God spare my life, a boy that driveth the plow shall know more of Scripture than thou dost." Tyndale was charged with heresy and spent more than a year in a tiny underground prison cell. Eventually he was strangled to death while tied to a stake. Then his body was burned. His dying prayer? He cried out, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes."
That prayer was answered in the next few years when King Henry VIII ordered that a Bible be placed in every Parish Church in Britain. And it was answered again a century later when King James authorized a group of thirty-nine scholars to produce an English translation of the Bible. Tyndale paved the way with his life and death.
My point? You owe it to Tyndale to read your Bible.
And for the record, you are part of the company of translators. Your life is a unique translation of the Bible ready by everyone who knows you. They may never read the Bible, but they will read your life!
We take the Bible for granted. We have so many Bibles and we read them so little. I hope this challenges that.
William Tyndale gave his life to translating the Bible into English. Literally. Tyndale was criticized by the religious establishment. In fact, his Bible translations were burned by the Bishop of London at St. Paul's Cathedral. His response? Greater resolve to translate the Bible into a common language for the common man.
His life mission is epitomized by this rebuke to the religious establishment: "If God spare my life, a boy that driveth the plow shall know more of Scripture than thou dost." Tyndale was charged with heresy and spent more than a year in a tiny underground prison cell. Eventually he was strangled to death while tied to a stake. Then his body was burned. His dying prayer? He cried out, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes."
That prayer was answered in the next few years when King Henry VIII ordered that a Bible be placed in every Parish Church in Britain. And it was answered again a century later when King James authorized a group of thirty-nine scholars to produce an English translation of the Bible. Tyndale paved the way with his life and death.
My point? You owe it to Tyndale to read your Bible.
And for the record, you are part of the company of translators. Your life is a unique translation of the Bible ready by everyone who knows you. They may never read the Bible, but they will read your life!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Saturday Night LIVE - Only 1 More Sleep
It's only 1 more sleep.
I am very excited about the Saturday Night LIVE event that we are doing this Father's Day weekend.
I have seen the run sheet for the night... and there is The Man Gift, The Man Quiz, The Man Panel, and The Man Mentor.
I am also interviewing a Man Cold Survivor... and we have a touching section called, The Man and His Kids.
It's all about honouring men and fathers and dads and grandpas and great-grandpas......
Hope to see you there - 6.45pm - USQ main auditorium at Springfield Central.
If you come early you get to see the remote-controlled car display!
PS - we have our approvals in place for the fireworks - that was fun! They go off with a bang after 8.30pm
I am very excited about the Saturday Night LIVE event that we are doing this Father's Day weekend.
I have seen the run sheet for the night... and there is The Man Gift, The Man Quiz, The Man Panel, and The Man Mentor.
I am also interviewing a Man Cold Survivor... and we have a touching section called, The Man and His Kids.
It's all about honouring men and fathers and dads and grandpas and great-grandpas......
Hope to see you there - 6.45pm - USQ main auditorium at Springfield Central.
If you come early you get to see the remote-controlled car display!
PS - we have our approvals in place for the fireworks - that was fun! They go off with a bang after 8.30pm
Aussie Taxi Driver - Andrew Denton Interview
I found this media clip quite funny.
Click on the link below and enjoy the interview.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Subscribe to a Podcast - Westlife Church
Shane has cracked the final part of the podcast code and we are good to go with podcast subscriptions.
For example in iTunes you click the "podcast" option in the column on the LH menu.
Then go to the "advanced" tab on the top menu.
Then choose the "subscribe to a podcast" option.
And then enter this address
The link is RSS 2.0 compliant.
Once the subsciption is confirmed iTunes will automaticlaly search for new updates when you are connected to the internet.
So even when you don't get to church the message will be auto downloaded for you.
You will also be able to download previous editions of teaching and series.
Enjoy!!
Women in Leadership - Steve Penny
Here is another great post recently from Steve Penny.........
I want to confess that I have caught a fresh revelation of how awesome women are as leaders and are a huge resource for the Church.
Let me suggest some reasons:
1. Women easily catch the cause
2. Women are better team players
3. Women have less ambition than men – but not less vision.
4. Women are better with details
5. Women are more protective of their leaders
6. Women are usually more generous
7. Women have better people skills
8. Women are spiritually more discerning
9. Women are far better at multi-tasking
10. Women are better communicators and share their feelings more openly.
11. Women have more inate strength and take less time off.
12. Women lead more people to Christ
Women make up well over 50% of the church but under 20% of it’s leadership.
I personally don’t think it is either male or female when it comes to leadership – but both working together with mutual respect and honour.
Males are often great visionary leaders whereas women are often great collective and gathering leaders.
Together we make a great team.
I want to confess that I have caught a fresh revelation of how awesome women are as leaders and are a huge resource for the Church.
Let me suggest some reasons:
1. Women easily catch the cause
2. Women are better team players
3. Women have less ambition than men – but not less vision.
4. Women are better with details
5. Women are more protective of their leaders
6. Women are usually more generous
7. Women have better people skills
8. Women are spiritually more discerning
9. Women are far better at multi-tasking
10. Women are better communicators and share their feelings more openly.
11. Women have more inate strength and take less time off.
12. Women lead more people to Christ
Women make up well over 50% of the church but under 20% of it’s leadership.
I personally don’t think it is either male or female when it comes to leadership – but both working together with mutual respect and honour.
Males are often great visionary leaders whereas women are often great collective and gathering leaders.
Together we make a great team.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect - John Maxwell
I have been following John Maxwell as he starts to tease us about the new book he is writing.
The book will be called Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.
He is a bit of what he is starting to write.........
You know when you don’t have a good connection on the phone, but how about when you’re communicating with people in person?
Do you know when a connection has been made?
Can you tell when the connection is starting to go bad?
Can you identify when the “call” has been dropped?
Most people have an easy time knowing when the connection is good on the phone. But they have no idea if they’re connecting with others in other everyday situations.
How do I tell? How do I know that I’ve connected with others? I look for the signs. When I interact with people, whether one on one, in a group, or with an audience, I know I’ve connected when I sense . . .
Extra Effort – people go the extra mile
Unsolicited Appreciation – they say positive things
Unguarded Openness – they demonstrate trust
Increased Communication – they express themselves more readily
Enjoyable Experiences – they feel good about what they’re doing
Emotional Bondedness – they display a connection on an emotional level
Positive Energy – their emotional “batteries” are charged by being together
Growing Synergy – their effectiveness is greater than the sum of the contributions
Unconditional Love – they are accepting without reservation
Any time I interact with people and I see evidence of these signals, I know I’m connecting. I’ve learned what it takes to connect with others, and I’ve learned to gauge when I’m succeeding.
The book will be called Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.
He is a bit of what he is starting to write.........
You know when you don’t have a good connection on the phone, but how about when you’re communicating with people in person?
Do you know when a connection has been made?
Can you tell when the connection is starting to go bad?
Can you identify when the “call” has been dropped?
Most people have an easy time knowing when the connection is good on the phone. But they have no idea if they’re connecting with others in other everyday situations.
How do I tell? How do I know that I’ve connected with others? I look for the signs. When I interact with people, whether one on one, in a group, or with an audience, I know I’ve connected when I sense . . .
Extra Effort – people go the extra mile
Unsolicited Appreciation – they say positive things
Unguarded Openness – they demonstrate trust
Increased Communication – they express themselves more readily
Enjoyable Experiences – they feel good about what they’re doing
Emotional Bondedness – they display a connection on an emotional level
Positive Energy – their emotional “batteries” are charged by being together
Growing Synergy – their effectiveness is greater than the sum of the contributions
Unconditional Love – they are accepting without reservation
Any time I interact with people and I see evidence of these signals, I know I’m connecting. I’ve learned what it takes to connect with others, and I’ve learned to gauge when I’m succeeding.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
"Let us go over to the other side." - Transitions
I have become very aware recently that life is full of change... and transitions.
If we don't change we die, some have said.
This is what I have been collecting.........
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."
Mark 4:35 (NIV)
“Not in his goals but in his transitions is man great”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist, 1803-1882)
“Disenchantment, whether it is a minor disappointment or a major shock, is the signal that things are moving into transition in our lives.”
William Bridges
“When our first parents were driven out of Paradise, Adam is believed to have remarked to Eve: "My dear, we live in an age of transition."”
Dean Inge (Dean of St Paul's, London, 1860-1954)
Afterwards Paul felt impelled by the Holy Spirit to go ... he said, "I must go....!"
Acts 19:21 (TLB)
I am starting a new teaching series soon to talk about transitons and how we can understand them. The Bible gives us great wisdom about navigating life's changes.
Part 1 is Sunday 13 September at 10am.
If we don't change we die, some have said.
This is what I have been collecting.........
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, "Let us go over to the other side."
Mark 4:35 (NIV)
“Not in his goals but in his transitions is man great”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (American Poet, Lecturer and Essayist, 1803-1882)
“Disenchantment, whether it is a minor disappointment or a major shock, is the signal that things are moving into transition in our lives.”
William Bridges
“When our first parents were driven out of Paradise, Adam is believed to have remarked to Eve: "My dear, we live in an age of transition."”
Dean Inge (Dean of St Paul's, London, 1860-1954)
Afterwards Paul felt impelled by the Holy Spirit to go ... he said, "I must go....!"
Acts 19:21 (TLB)
I am starting a new teaching series soon to talk about transitons and how we can understand them. The Bible gives us great wisdom about navigating life's changes.
Part 1 is Sunday 13 September at 10am.
Hope is Alive - Steve Penny
Another great recent post from Steve Penny........
The late Teddy Kennedy will be remembered for his quote “Hope is Alive and the Dream Continues.”
Hope is not passive but creates three powerful waves in a person's life.
Hope firstly produces a wave of desire within a person. When hope dies all your desires die with it and then all that remains are fears and dreads. The first sign of hope is a strong desire for something.
The second wave of hope is expectation. Desire now grows to become a strong expectation. By keeping hope alive you are creating waves of inner momentum and now a strong expectation has started to grow within you.
The third wave of hope is enthusiasm. The thing you desire is now anticipated to arrive and you enthusiastically prepare for it in your life.
Hope is not passive but is the development of a strong inner environment from which an outward action of faith can be taken. You must allow hope to stay alive and grow in your inner world and as you do it will produce an environment in which your expectation will mobilise you to take action and bring about your desired results.
I am hoping for better things continually and so I continue to allow the waves of hope to surge within me until I enthusiastically express my inner hope as an outward action of faith.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for – the evidence of things not seen.
The late Teddy Kennedy will be remembered for his quote “Hope is Alive and the Dream Continues.”
Hope is not passive but creates three powerful waves in a person's life.
Hope firstly produces a wave of desire within a person. When hope dies all your desires die with it and then all that remains are fears and dreads. The first sign of hope is a strong desire for something.
The second wave of hope is expectation. Desire now grows to become a strong expectation. By keeping hope alive you are creating waves of inner momentum and now a strong expectation has started to grow within you.
The third wave of hope is enthusiasm. The thing you desire is now anticipated to arrive and you enthusiastically prepare for it in your life.
Hope is not passive but is the development of a strong inner environment from which an outward action of faith can be taken. You must allow hope to stay alive and grow in your inner world and as you do it will produce an environment in which your expectation will mobilise you to take action and bring about your desired results.
I am hoping for better things continually and so I continue to allow the waves of hope to surge within me until I enthusiastically express my inner hope as an outward action of faith.
Faith is the substance of things hoped for – the evidence of things not seen.
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