Friday, October 25, 2013

Dish Time

How do chores work in your house?  Does everyone have their daily/weekly responsibilities?  When I was younger, my brothers and I knew that we were doing the dishes...especially after church on Sunday.  We always had a delicious meal and since our parents did the cooking, we had to do the cleaning.  We even had responsibilities within the responsibility of doing dishes.  My brother washed, I dried, and my younger brother Tim put the dishes away.

I wish that I could say that dish time was a special bonding time that we cherish to this day.  But it wasn't.  Our purpose was to get the job done as quickly as possible even if that meant one brother telling another brother how to get the job done faster thus resulting in a massive argument.  Maybe if we had just relaxed a little more and done this, it would have helped.


Thursday, October 17, 2013

That's Impossible!

That's impossible!  Most of us have heard that before.  Maybe from a parent, a friend, a co-worker, a boss, etc.   That challenges some of us to work harder to make it happen, but others simply give up.  Before we get too crazy, we should point out that we can't do everything.   If you are small, you probably won't be an offensive lineman for a professional football team.   You might be on the team, but in another position.  So let's be realistic.  Sometimes we want to do something, but it doesn't necessarily fit our abilities or skill set.

However, you will likely have many people say, you can't, throughout your life.  Be careful to not let their words beat you down and discourage you.  But, also be listening to those with wisdom.  Those who can help us develop those abilities and skills we have been given.    Who can help?

First, start with the book of Proverbs.  Leadership expert John Maxwell challenges leaders to read one chapter of Proverbs each day for a month.  He says it will change your life.   That is what I have been doing for the past few days.  It is amazing what you can learn again for the first time when you read the Bible with a new perspective.

Oh, and since I am a hockey fan...and an Edmonton Oilers fan...here is a goal that helps us realize that it is never too late, even when it seems impossible.




Friday, October 11, 2013

How Thankful Are We?

We are all set to head into another Thanksgiving Weekend.  .

The definition of thankful is, "Expressing gratitude and relief, a thankful prayer."   A couple of synonyms would be grateful and appreciate.

When you think of Thanksgiving, what comes to mind?  Ok, I'll go first (turkey, long weekend, time with family, travelling, etc).  I'm kind of embarrassed to say that being thankful did not make my initial list.  

My point is not to discourage, but to remind you, and me, to take time to be thankful and give God praise for all he has provided and done for us.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

You Never Know

So I have something to confess.  My wife and I are singing reality show junkies.  Over the years we have watched, The Sing Off (acapella), American Idol, X-Factor, and the Voice.   Part of the fun is seeing where singers come from followed by their huge opportunity on the big stage.

But more than once, we see a familiar face or are reminded of a story.  That happened earlier this week on The Voice.  Preston Pohl got up to sing.  He talked about touring and recording with a Christian band.  Hmmm...my curiosity had peaked.  I Googled his name and this is what I found.  Remember this band?  Look at the guitar player.


Ok...now listen to him on this week's edition of The Voice



I might be the only one who is not surprised when I see yet another Christian artist performing well.  Many of them have likely been singing and playing in church for a long time.  It is fun to see them on a big stage showcasing their talent.  It sounds like the past couple of years have been tough on Preston and the guys in Story Side B.  One of their members passed away and Preston even gave up music for a year to try and deal with his friend's loss.

This is a big change for him.  Pray that God would continue to lead and guide his life.