upward & inward

Funny, yet informative, video!

Monday, I received the resignation of Brenda Moffitt from the KIDS Ministry at Central Community Church. She feels that God is calling her out of ministry and into her first love – teaching. I have known Brenda a relatively short time, but have grown to deeply appreciate her servant’s heart and passion for the Lord and His KIDS. Working closely with her, I have seen her come to the conclusion again and again that the administrative aspects of her role get in the way of what she really loves doing – teaching kids what they need to know to be all that they’re called to be by the One who carefully crafted each of them. God has used her mightily at Central Community. Her smile, laughter (abundant and unique), and love for the kids have deeply impacted their lives and ours, too. Her leadership of Women’s Ministry, VBS, Junior Camp, Pumpkin Bash, the new Trunk-or-Treat, and KIDS ministry itself has been a blessing to us and will be missed. She assures us that she’s not going anywhere and, af

Check this posting out. If I could figure out how to bring the video onto my blogsite, I would...

Tomorrow is the day. My son Cameron turns 16 years old and we're going to Lost Valley for my annual trek of re-creation. This will be my 11th time there, where at the first visit, 10 years ago, my life was changed. I was challenged, chafed, and humbled. Each year has improved over the last and I am SO looking forward to the experience. This men's retreat often collides with Cameron's birthday. But, this year, he's going with me. We'll have plenty of windshield time followed by impactful seminars, great food, unbelievable views of God's creation, and warm conversations. Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate. - Psalm 127:3-5 I am SO blessed.

In the decades since we first met Time and love we've spent Love from flame and ember coal yet tender Time spent seeking What we should know but long to uncover with thrill of newness often spent. If I knew it then, I know more now Your beauty, shimmer Deeper still, still deeper All from the One who dwells within All so that you love, love deeply since He loved deepest before you were. In the decades to come may we uncover with delight all that we discover through Him who loving us deeply gave us one to the other, my bride, my love, vision and fragrance, joy and grace.

In this blog , Michael McKinney reminds us that even the greatest leaders endure unjust criticisms. Some of the anonymous comments I've received are interesting illustrations of this. In the recent study of One Month To Live, Here are the questions over which I ponder: Does fear of comments, opinions, and criticisms from those we lead hold us back as leaders from doing what we know to be right? I'm so thankful that Lincoln didn't give up because of all the criticism and negativity that swirled around him. He knew himself, his motives, and the weight of duty he alone bore for the country - and wasn't going to let anything or anyone stand in his way of doing what needed to be done. So, if we do fear the opinion and potential criticism of those we lead, then why? Margaret Mitchell wrote: Until you've lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was. The losing, in the sense that I take it, is decreasing the value we place upon it with regard to others. W

You're so important to me Yet I spend so little time Yearning to be with you Yearning instead for what I think is mine. - M.R. Koenigsmann In the movie, The Bucket List , two characters (played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson) create a list of actions they want to take before they "kick the bucket." Some of those adventures include sky diving, traveling the world, racing muscle cars, and getting a tattoo. However, the most poignant of list items revolve around the relationships with those most important to the keeper of that list. Relationships are a mystery to those who struggle with the messiness that comes along with them. However, if we truly had a short time to live, the items on our bucket list would likely be prioritized by those which bring us closer to those we love. We listen more closely, look more intently, hug more tightly, and speak more lovingly. Some things I want to place upon my bucket list: Ask more questions , Speak less and listen more Write and/