tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67624189866824790072011-12-24T08:03:59.868-05:00Clothed and in My Right MindCRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.comBlogger2991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-72578751011944716132011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-21T08:00:47.280-05:00

Ray Jones is the primary writer of a new journal - Will You Worship? Read his newest blog on leadership. I was privileged to help with the project for the past 18 months. More about Ray, the WYW vision and the journal is coming soon. To be great for God first we must be great with God. I am not the first to say that so don't quote me. The Will You Worship? worship coaching journal (offically

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-53936474843621547372011-12-21T07:42:00.000-05:002011-12-21T07:42:26.558-05:00

John Maxwell said it years ago. Leadership is influence. But since the Maxwell leadership revolution began we have fallen into the trap of making leadership we try to do. We guys are particularly guilty of wanting to be the alpha male in the room. We know what really needs to be done and we secretly view ourselves as the smartest guy in the room. The only thing missing is a group (preferably very

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-32112067136044090132011-12-15T11:20:00.001-05:002011-12-15T12:06:51.243-05:00

52 million people went to church in America last Sunday according to researcher David T. Olson. Today 106 million people will spend an average of 6 hours exposed to ESPN media. They will hear the name "Tebow" a few 100 times and I am glad. ESPN speaks the heart language of America. And it is amazing to watch two parts of culture (faith and sports) collide in Tim Tebow's story. I listened to

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-36775758588429303842011-09-02T23:39:00.000-04:002011-09-02T23:39:23.546-04:00

Face the facts Vol fans. Derek Dooley was no one's first choice for head coach including AD Mike Hamilton. Timing was everything for Dooley. Given better circumstances, Dooley would not even have made Hamilton’s short list. Dooley inherited a Volunteer football program that was decimated. Even the most zealous fan did not expect much last year. But it is football time in Tennessee and time to

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-40553832153729758642011-05-20T15:31:00.002-04:002011-05-21T00:10:08.693-04:00

If you know me, you know how freakishly hard I try not to be "that guy." That ought to tell you something -- maybe I am! Do you know what I mean by "that guy?" That guy you don't like who always shakes his finger at fun and says, "Hold on a minute, funny is not allowed, life is way too serious for that." Pastor Harold Camping has gone viral because of his prediction of Christ's return tomorrow

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-36174039734005914632011-01-04T10:15:00.000-05:002011-01-04T10:15:09.123-05:00

Thinking Out Loud: Prepare for February - Don't Start Yet

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-53162416629823706962010-04-08T10:53:00.000-04:002010-04-08T10:53:47.474-04:00

Feels funny doesn't it? To admit we enjoy it when the lives of other people, like Tiger, blow up is a needed confession. We need to be more self-aware. And notice how much more we enjoy it when people not like us are exposed. Rich people, other races and cultures, talented people . . . As we enjoy the failure of others in a strange way we feel superior. We feel superior because we need to . . .

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-65201884676213291332010-01-02T06:17:00.006-05:002010-01-02T06:55:38.028-05:00

If you think you are ready to plant, don't start yet . . . Rob Blackaby, President of the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary and church planter from Cochran said this in the U.S. a couple of years ago. The principle of preparation applies to any goal or project you are facing including church planting. Half the people who make new year resolutions do not have a plan in place to "get 'r done."So

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-59020551408756702942010-01-01T01:01:00.007-05:002010-01-01T07:45:35.401-05:00

Take the month of January to prepare. Launch your effort to reach your goal, February 1. Over half the people who set new year goals have no plan in place to help reach their goal. What if I called you on January 1, 2010 and invited you to hike the Appalachian Trail for a week? "Sounds interesting," you might say, "but my spring is pretty busy, might be summer before I can get the days off." "

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-47132084594685630042009-12-31T11:36:00.003-05:002009-12-31T11:42:44.786-05:00

I will tell you tomorrow why goals seldom work. If you have the courage, tune in! Happy New Year!Dino

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-78579990852370695942009-12-29T20:37:00.001-05:002009-12-29T22:27:42.663-05:00

I did not realize I had Tiger Woods on such a pedestal until he disappointed me. As a golfer I am quite a hacker (if you have ever spent nine with me, you know I am not overstating here). But I always admired golfers. I would drop almost anything, even a grandson, to watch Tiger play on T.V. His story was (is) so compelling. His dad, his unprecedented success, etc. He played with the greatest

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-62790415810043002002009-12-29T15:21:00.001-05:002009-12-29T15:35:23.695-05:00

I feel like I always take the side of people who fail. Not because failures need my advocacy. Neither is it because I struggle deciding between right and wrong. People who fail give us a false sense of security. We really don't need that kind of security.When other people fail it brings out the worst in us. I am talking about we religious people. We fail at a alarmingly similar rates as the

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-91748813782033320832009-12-24T22:50:00.007-05:002009-12-25T15:42:50.052-05:00

Dec. 31, 2008 was the first day of our What a Year! year. Our second grandson was born. The year is ending with new thoughts about a Savior. Brock was the sixth live birth in our family. Every single birth was an invitation to a life-changing relationship - no Christmas would ever be the same.As we prepared for Christmas 2009 my mind goes back to another live birth. Wait, hold on, not that one

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-22139155784955063222009-09-28T06:59:00.006-04:002009-09-28T07:20:48.777-04:00

A friend prompted me to search for Oregon signs. The old sign said something like, "Welcome to Oregon, unless you are from California." Since I spend a bunch of time in the church world it would be too easy for me to ask, "What does the welcome sign at your church say?" So, I am not.Our default mode is to speak harshly about big picture stuff that is out of our control and probably not our

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-59442990838907883642009-09-21T08:35:00.005-04:002009-09-21T09:23:27.131-04:00

If you have any connection with the recovery community you probably have already heard the expression, "the white-knuckled drunk." I spent almost ten years in New Orleans deeply involved in the recovery community. I learned so much -- I need to put more of it in print.I wondered, as I Twittered and Facebooked through "The Swamp" with my great friend Manley, if there was anyway I could connect

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-15239414471916612832009-08-23T06:13:00.007-04:002009-08-23T16:15:02.114-04:00

A new dog will be moving into our house soon. The sworn limit of two, four-legged pets has been lifted. The girls are happy. I am questioning my resolve. We have already met Leonardo, and as you can tell, named him, etc. Leonardo is lucky, he was born in a good home (our friends, the Cockrells) and will move to a good home. Plenty of love to go around.Reminded of the old story about an ad in the

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-61640719651381153522009-08-04T06:11:00.005-04:002009-08-04T19:30:33.032-04:00

Gary Sweeten is a friend. But even more than a friend, he is a gift to leaders in the body of Christ. He has been God's gift to me during good and bad times. I met him in Cincinnati over 10 years ago. Gary is a writer, counselor, and speaker. One of his latest articles, Crisis of Leadership, is dead on. Every leader and follower, anywhere, Christian or not needs to read this - http://

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-47561482822782712842009-06-28T22:37:00.005-04:002009-06-29T01:03:37.443-04:00

I was profoundly moved by the death of the King of Pop. Similar to Elvis only even more vivid for me, I grew up with Jackson. With the exception of a few 45's (Google that if you are under 40) I never spent much money on his music. Yet, in his prime, he was everywhere. You could not avoid his music and influence.I am not on a which hunt. I am no more offended by Michael's life choices than God is

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-29431645596744612092009-06-21T09:19:00.006-04:002009-06-22T07:52:24.213-04:00

I know the headline may put one thought in your mind about fatherhood. I borrowed the term from the 1988 movie called, The Accidental Tourist. At risk of being misunderstood, I can't help but to think of my dad, when I think of something that happened that was totally unintentional.My dad was a great dad. He could do a seminar for young fathers if he were an intentional father. He never, to my

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-59003661360183458442009-06-15T08:47:00.004-04:002009-06-15T09:25:01.060-04:00

So, enough suspense already (see Friday's cliff hanger). What kind of secret information was written on the tablets hidden within the chapel at Mepkin Abbey?First let me give you the words of monastic hall of famer, Thomas Merton. I will tell you more about him later. His words were in a guest registry at the entrance of the chapel.Let there always be quiet, dark churches in which people can take

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-84590011638615695232009-06-13T08:30:00.003-04:002009-06-13T14:37:57.238-04:00

I am a huge fan of television comedy. Since 1980, before David Letterman was cool, my sister, Debbie, and I have been Letterman groupies. I seldom watch Letterman now due to a different routine. I do keep up with an occasional Top 10 list and see him periodically. He made me laugh. Letterman, for me, was always good for a giggle while surfing.Sometimes my bar should be higher on these guys. In

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-72497474681610890872009-06-12T07:31:00.006-04:002009-06-12T10:29:14.810-04:00

I felt like I was in a movie. My monastic IQ was pretty low as I drove on the grounds at Mepkin Abbey. A few things from church history class at Milligan College came back to mind. The name St. Benedict rung a bell. So, I wanted to get the back story here. I wanted to see up under the hood of monastic life.On day 2 I hit that monastic jackpot. I was prowling, wait no, I was enjoying the chapel

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-46877909317405050532009-06-04T14:22:00.008-04:002009-06-04T14:59:17.988-04:00

I think my uncle was right. We need to be over matched to grow. Yet, people (my pastor, Bill Howard, told me this) have perfectly good reasons for doing what they do. I will never grow with the Lord if I avoid environments that make me feel awkward, silly, and inadequate. My sense of adequacy or even superiority freezes me in time. But they are so comfortable. They are so reassuring and

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-26606910546858729542009-06-01T14:03:00.009-04:002009-06-02T10:02:33.567-04:00

Mepkin Abbey turned out to be more significant than I thought. Don't get me wrong, the minute I pulled out of my driveway in West Columbia to drive that way, it was huge personal win.I left two hours later than I should have. That was normal. Check-in at MA is 1-4 in the afternoon. I left around 1:45 but had two stops due north of my destinations so . . . I did not get there until about 4:20.I

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-4080625290340354122009-05-30T09:20:00.005-04:002009-05-30T09:40:59.323-04:00

Could it really be all about me? Tune in next week and follow my mystical journey to Mepkin Abbey www.mepkinabbey.org . Most of the experience was far too personal -- or could smell a bit self-promoting to tell the world about, yet there are parts you won't want to miss.Feel no pressure of a "this is how spiritual I am" web log. In my years on the spirtual journey, this was the longest personal

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-91651156871031849512009-04-30T05:46:00.007-04:002009-04-30T06:36:34.809-04:00

10. Don't want to disappoint my 16 Followers. Sounds kind of cultic, huh? Not that there is anything wrong with that.09. Burns Calories.08. Demi and Austin Twits . . . or Tweets. Need I say more?07. Dustin Willis does not Tweet. Deep down, since 2006 I have always dreamed of being CTD (Cooler than Dustin). I am living my dreams.06. Improved thumb speed. Working toward Senior Thumb Olympics

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-64104144636708093812009-04-27T22:41:00.008-04:002009-04-28T23:21:16.211-04:00

What a great weekend in the Crescent City! Some of my dearest and closest friends -- where I spent over 16 years of my life . . .Food is a big deal in New Orleans. No overstatement here. I have lived and traveled in quite a few places. Food is high on most lists list everywhere. So, there is food in New Orleans, and then there is food every place else. If they love you, they feed you in New

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-18375254230005011332009-04-07T08:29:00.004-04:002009-04-19T18:32:49.295-04:00

Notice I resisted the temptation to say, "Chick Flick." Although never knowing anything in my adult life but Girls 'r Us in my home, I don't think that gives me permission to politically insensitive. Can we agree on girl movie? Girl movies appeal to our feminine sides if we are boys. We all have one, right?. Of course, for the girls, those movies are just another feel good, sinus draining, tear

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-70492361177821628182009-03-11T07:00:00.001-04:002009-03-11T07:02:52.025-04:00

I have been victimized by Consumer Reports Magazine. Whether the subject is washing machines, cars, or coffee, what they say goes in my book.The headline of this blog is not original with me. The line is included in a coffee marketing campaign - Eight o' Clock. Consumer Reports concluded in last month's mag that for at home coffee, Eight o' Clock coffee is the best. Not Starbucks, not Dunkin'

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-88944512727510205892009-03-09T06:52:00.001-04:002009-03-09T06:57:28.051-04:00

I work best under pressure. I have been standing on platforms and talking for God now for about 35 years. I confess I have had good days and bad days.My friend, Craig Gilliam, from Shreveport, once gave me an article that described the pressure of the contemporary preacher/communicator. The article had a phrase in it to the effect, "The Old Testament prophets of God had the luxury of speaking

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-87890756807606407762009-03-05T07:00:00.000-05:002009-03-05T07:00:17.963-05:00

I wish life always worked off the good script. Abby's orange guppy died within 14 days of purchase. We put "him" (died before we named him) in the freezer and traded him in on a new blue guppy that was actually alive. The transaction did not cost us a penny (except for travel expenses).We often live with a situation comedy mindset. All of life's problems are really shallow and trivial in a

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-19344617740475625872009-03-02T08:46:00.007-05:002009-03-02T09:18:21.588-05:00

I am not a fast distance runner. I compete with few people except me. But the Lexington Race Against Hunger Saturday was a new challenge. I wondered, as my son-in-law David and I drove through hard rain on Saturday, Do they postpone races due to rain? Do the laws of baseball take effect? Unsafe playing surface, terrible playing conditions, bad for the fans . . . yada, yada, yada.The runners ran

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-48010422542556318662009-01-20T08:47:00.006-05:002009-01-20T22:03:15.464-05:00

My friends in Wisconsin and Ohio will get a giggle out of all this. We had a blizzard in S.C. last night. Less than 1/2 inch of snow fell. But . . . Anna and Abby had as much fun in less than 1/2 inch, as your kids have in a foot. I am not suggesting all things are relative. But maybe in some things, like snow, I am suggesting just that.Heard three mission trip reports yesterday at Headquarters.

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-70784941782935622142009-01-09T06:44:00.006-05:002009-01-09T07:18:03.079-05:00

By now some of our best intentions for 2009 could be gone. A low bar for you may be a high bar for me. So, among other things, I have two issues to address in this new year.1) Stop drinking out of the milk jug. One of my dirty little secrets . . . My oldest daughter, Anna, busted me early this week for drinking out of the milk jug. I am not sure she can accept the fact that as a man, drinking out

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-49023009302630487252008-12-26T07:45:00.004-05:002008-12-26T09:53:14.602-05:00

When was the last time God spoke to you about what He wanted to do and you were scared to death by its magnitude? Henry Blackaby posed this question in his devotional thought for today (www.blackaby.org). I am not sure how warm and fuzzy the question feels. Sure fits in the Christmas story, according to the Bible.The ceiling caught my attention early this morning. I was in the middle of doing one

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-84242308692443100142008-12-19T14:06:00.005-05:002008-12-19T14:18:10.842-05:00

Think about it a minute. Review the Christmas story from the Bible. Mary was terrified when an angel appeared to her. So were the shepherds. Another Bible example: the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water in the midst of a near death experience. What was their natural response? They thought He was a ghost. Terror (more spooky than I am about to die fear) gripped them. What scared them,

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-42730032836993031052008-12-18T06:00:00.001-05:002008-12-18T06:00:01.558-05:00

Do you believe all things work out in the end? Be careful how your answer. It depends on what you mean by "all" and "things" and "work out." So many false assumptions can drive your "belief." If you are describing a higher belief, a theological statement, and your view of God as sovereign of the universe, then all things will work out according to His plan.Often I tie big ideas about God with

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-33097357054389688742008-12-17T06:34:00.006-05:002008-12-17T06:53:38.969-05:00

This past weekend I went to East Tennessee with Abby. We enjoyed (I think) a new book. I may review it later, but let me warn you. Intellectually it may be over your head.The Curse of the Campfire Weenies is kind of a Twilight Zone for kids. We did not like it at first, because we didn't get it. Now it has become a favorite. I am not sure if it comes under the category of enjoying unscripted

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-64355288489064763382008-11-28T13:09:00.005-05:002008-11-28T13:34:21.090-05:00

I don't know a lot about David Clawson. His resume is impressive. I know he seemed successful at Richmond and Fordham. I was caught up in all the hype of a hot, new West Coast offense six months ago. Evidently so was Phil. I know he would say he made a lot of mistakes as head coach at University of Tennessee. No question, David Clawson as offensive coordinator was his last.David is young, he

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-65483760879189248842008-11-27T07:52:00.005-05:002008-11-27T08:30:53.782-05:00

To me, holiday themes can be so shallow. We go 364 discontent, moaning, groaning, and ignoring the good stuff of life days. Suddenly we wake up today and flip the switch. We spend a day counting our blessings and watching the Detroit Lions play football. By midnight tonight we will likely relapse.Same thing with Christmas. We will get a tear in our eye as we sing Silent Night, Holy Night and gaze

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-9180064846873499742008-11-26T16:46:00.007-05:002008-11-26T21:34:16.889-05:00

My father-in-law, Charlie and mother-in-law, Faye are interesting people. Charlie is a retired biology professor and a farmer. Faye is a retired financial assistant. Talk about your lifelong learners, the world still seems to amaze them. They read, they travel, they socialize . . .So, when I visit there I always find reading material from places I normally do not fish for reading material. Kind

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-44026894656392537732008-11-24T06:20:00.003-05:002008-11-24T06:35:05.177-05:00

How is the prayer of a dying man different? WWJP -- What would Jesus pray? The Gospel of John, chapter 17, in the Bible -- gives a lot to consider. Also, his last hours in the garden and on the cross is place to research. In fact, under the broad heading, all the prayers of Jesus were the prayers of a dying man.Sir Isaac Newton provided a helpful hammer: I can take my telescope and look millions

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-67594772560017192312008-11-13T05:22:00.007-05:002008-11-15T19:59:01.217-05:00

Urgency -- Panic -- Desparation -- Prayer . . . I wonder why the human cycle is that way. If I were going to die in thirty days I would pray with a different soul connection to heaven.In 1987 I went to El Salvador with one of my all time favorite missionaries. Leo Humphrey, who is in heaven as we speak, was a mentor and friend. Another man on that trip, Dean, had been given the news from his

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-85568447958043376362008-11-11T06:20:00.007-05:002008-11-11T06:40:03.523-05:00

Randy Pausch, Carnegie Mellon Professor knew he was going to die when he presented his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007. Really. No special bracelet or sermon series inspired him. Doctors and medical tests had informed Randy.This Sunday at The Ridge I have been challenged to present The Last Sermon. Not exactly the same as what Randy faced, although Dr. Raham would agree that I

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-54074911054419508742008-11-07T15:34:00.009-05:002008-11-07T20:35:25.343-05:00

Feel good experiences might be on the list if we had a short time left. I seriously doubt the "feel goods" would be on the top. The most important question I posed in the series at WRC was, "If I am going to die in 30 days, where will I be on day 31?" If you believe in the Afterlife, where are you going to spend it? How do you know? Can you know? How about your friends and family?Ernest from The

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-15031044562979850182008-11-06T06:26:00.006-05:002008-11-06T15:24:56.918-05:00

I resisted one part of 30 Days to Live. I guess part of the reason is a man thang. Part if it is a desire for the deep. I have resisted the warm, squeezy, feely part.I remember seeing a wall poster in the 70's. You may have seen these if you were alive back then, or old enough to read. The poster was a part of the Love is . . . series. The poster said, Love is . . . A Green Field on a Warm Day.

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-7418893491221604582008-11-04T09:49:00.005-05:002008-11-06T06:59:15.930-05:00

We have been thinking at The Ridge . . . along with a lot of other churches right now . . . What would do if we had only 30 days to live? If you really engage the question -- three meals a day at Ryan's buffet does not make a lot of sense. I mean, is that really important to you?I am getting great feedback. I played the old, Ask the Audience card last week. Wow! I could not be more impressed with

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-47403463204819131012008-10-28T06:19:00.005-04:002008-10-28T06:53:07.996-04:00

I had good times and bad times last Saturday in the Governor's Cup. I had great advice from my lifelong friend Sid (link coming). I read books and websites.One tip that helped me was to greet people who were along the route. I particularly focused on the kids. How fun! They were surprised. More serious runners did not waste their energy treating a 13.1 mile uphill race like a political campaign.

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-7919961760234597752008-10-27T05:57:00.004-04:002008-10-27T06:12:29.982-04:00

. . . He returns shovelsful to me (Quote from Bill Bright). So it was this past weekend. I reached my three goals in the Governor's Cup Half-Marathon: 1) Don't die 2) Don't quit 3) 10 minute miles. I spent a few hours volunteering at the Passport to Italy, the first annual Italian Festival in Columbia. I was able to hang out with family. We started 30 Days To Live at Willow Ridge.The defining

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-7678287061138955912008-10-20T09:03:00.002-04:002008-10-20T09:09:24.552-04:00

Next Sunday we start a 30 Day focus at The Ridge. We are copy cats. But the One Month to Live series will help us answer the question: What is really important? Give me some of your thoughts. I may quote you in a sermon. Or . . . if it is a really great thought, I may take credit :) -- I hope you will understand.

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-8786362946609487282008-10-14T07:10:00.000-04:002008-10-14T07:13:09.518-04:00

Anthony Campolo said once that Americans have lost their passion for life. He suggested we don't even sin with great enthusiasm anymore.God leveraged the life of the great Apostle, Paul. As misplaced as his vision, passion, and view of God used to be, God leveraged it to change the world!We should have a question that defines who we are, that is answered - Not until they turn the lights out for

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-19766540493110329662008-10-13T06:53:00.003-04:002008-10-13T08:30:00.098-04:00

Not until they turn the lights out for good. I was eating my weekly Blimpee watching SportsCenter a few weeks ago. My Blimpee on Colonial Drive in Columbia believes in keeping 2 year old sports mags for their bored customers.John Daly (pro golfer who owns the above vision) is a poster child for celebrity sports underachievers. It would make perfect sense for a guy like me to act brilliant and

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-19115265611307099572008-10-07T07:00:00.000-04:002008-10-07T07:00:48.731-04:00

Abigail caught me two weeks ago, in Wal-Mart parking lot. I caught a brief reflection of myself as we walked by a parked car. I had, as they call it in the romance novels, a lingering glance at someone. A romantic glance? Did you throw up, just a little bit, in the back of your throat. She said, Daddy you are looking at yourself.A glance is a glance. A glance will never make a difference. A

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-73205788181248527402008-10-02T07:00:00.000-04:002008-10-02T07:04:38.970-04:00

Yesterday I talked about the front runners. I have noticed how safe it is to live in the past. Organizations do it, churches do it, people do it. Another safe option is to make excuses for our present. I am particularly gifted at that.What would it take for you to beat you? The vast majority of people, organizations, etc., that I come in contact with used to be/do better. The real Old Timer's

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-57982799945523418692008-10-01T08:05:00.000-04:002008-10-01T08:13:46.233-04:00

Nice run on Saturday. I am not a runner yet. I am a person who runs to try to beat the chubby monster. I have made this point before. Some of you may feel it is humanistic - get over it!No question the really fast runners (let's say the top 50) make me a little uncomfortable. The 40 year old and above guys (69 of those beat me including a 72 year old man named Henry) particularly make me wonder

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-41357679848765156272008-09-30T06:29:00.003-04:002008-09-30T06:55:16.341-04:00

I am not a poet nor an avid poetry reader, yet this one left a mark. We have talked in my circles about trying to make a living working on the wrecking crew. The deconstructionist feels and acts smart. We may even sound smart. The problem: the Kingdom is no better if we fail to build.Anybody can wreck something with a sledge hammer. Maybe it is a thought, an effort, an intent, or a strategy. No

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-9815446225906001322008-09-22T22:06:00.006-04:002008-09-29T06:52:23.411-04:00

Abby introduced me to something that may make me famous (my secret personal agenda). I was looking for Play Doh (old school). She introduced me to Moon Sand (new school).What is terrifying you today? Change the shape of it -- into a prayer. Go ahead. I tried. I liked it. Eugene Peterson's loose translation of a section of the Bible gave me the idea (Philippians 4:6-7). He introduced the concept

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-8517666607408364302008-09-17T06:08:00.002-04:002008-09-17T06:08:00.570-04:00

So, two cannibals were eating a clown. One said to the other, does this taste a little funny to you? Batta boom!Okay, one cannibal said to the other, I don't like my mother-in-law. The other replied, so, eat your vegetables. Batta boom!Jokes are a bit old school, but hey, I attend that school. I have for years. I love joke genres. But since the topic this week is fun maybe there is something

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-5443469895749154972008-09-16T06:43:00.007-04:002008-09-16T07:06:46.039-04:00

I read the following statement in Fast Company several years ago: If you are not having fun, you are probably not doing a good job.Steve Jobs created a stir recently by describing the new iPod Touch as the funnest iPod ever. Apple has sold 160 million iPods since 2001. Now that is what I call fun.Is funnest a word? Steve Jobs has made it one. According to Grammar Girl, fun can be used as an

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-87034966682562558672008-09-12T06:45:00.003-04:002008-09-12T06:56:32.327-04:00

I am not sure why something seemingly so trite and clithe' made an impression on me in 2004. No story behind the story is coming. Maybe it was because my heart was so broken at the time over certain events happening in my life.My oldest living daughter, Krista, was a student at Grace Christian School. Her principal told a couple of kids, as they left the school, Be Careful. He looked at me and

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-33217519214671885882008-09-09T06:15:00.001-04:002008-09-09T06:15:01.088-04:00

As I read my own blog (what egos we bloggers have!) and admired the content, I noticed an exception to my don't change yet approach. I stand by the principle, but the order of the action steps need alteration at times.The Bible calls the exception sin. I don't mind using Bible words, but if you are not a Bible person the words can make things foggy. Sin is hurtful actions that are anti-God and

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-37592524728784662682008-09-08T05:42:00.007-04:002008-09-08T06:15:23.429-04:00

I used several props as I attempted to communicate the message of God yesterday. Because of time (the weekly issue for me, a stageoholic) I did not put the strongest hammer down in coherent fashion. I used numerous items needed for me to complete a long outdoor run. Shoes, gel, water, flashing light, and a medical ID were just a few of them. Collecting the right items, thus, preparation for the

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-64461451854774628962008-09-03T10:39:00.000-04:002008-09-03T22:39:46.835-04:00

After the Crooked Creek Park 5K Saturday, David and I stopped at Fleet Feet, a running store. Little did I know I was about to make a shocking discovery.Okay, so I went through one of those high tech, what kind of running shoe you are supposed to wear, type experiences. The young guy knew his stuff. He was in no hurry. Video, barefoot on the treadmill, on the treadmill in shoes, measuring

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-50772396954229960442008-09-01T06:07:00.008-04:002008-09-01T11:14:41.880-04:00

When I talk in churches I struggle to keep within time boundaries. Having been on both sides (talker and listener) for the past ten years, I have learned this reality: talkers are a lot more passionate about talking, than listeners are passionate about listening and learning. So, although I don't want to finish my sermons, I know some people are cheering me on to the finish line from gun.Almost

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-68297681690062564062008-08-30T14:44:00.007-04:002008-08-31T15:20:10.197-04:00

Fast Track Review: From beginning to end you are falling out of a plane. The time flew by.Best Scene in the Movie: The First One - The School Bus Bank RobberyBest Actor - Heath Ledger (Joker) - I have a mind of my own, but everyone is right about this one. He dominated the movie from beginning to end. This is not your father's Joker.Best Line (s) - Wanta see a pencil disappear (Joker, before he

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-65609348733340174882008-08-29T06:57:00.009-04:002008-08-30T15:39:39.410-04:00

I made this one up . . . My definition of the future: The place I have yet to fail. Jesus pointed to the future when he addressed the woman in adultery. He said, go and sin no more.My counselor would say, resolve the past. My coach would say, face the future. Two sides of the same coin. Problem? Yes. We tend to tread water enjoying yesterday's failures. Yesterday's failures seem to give us

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-48885647139558599022008-08-27T06:25:00.004-04:002008-08-27T06:46:49.323-04:00

I agree with Putman, Church is a team sport. So is marriage. So is parenting. Yada. Yada. Yada.The road was long this morning. David and I planned a mid-week big run. He was on vacation and I was just feeling stupid. He did not show. I agree 4:45 a.m. is a bit early. My big run turned into 1/2 of a big run. Alone is just not the same.When David and I run, we laugh. We make up funny things. We

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-79670725638782130172008-08-26T06:41:00.007-04:002008-08-26T20:14:50.368-04:00

David (son-in-law) and I set personal distance running records Saturday morning. If you are a serious runner you would not be impressed. If you are not, you probably would be. I did learn some things beyond running.Adrenalin can get you through the race, but recovery is a big deal. We felt euphoria when we got close enough to know we would finish nine miles. Wow, we made it! Then, reality. How

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-84549458681933170012008-08-22T07:45:00.008-04:002008-08-22T08:29:00.170-04:00

One of the funnest quotes I overheard in a long time came this week came from Mark via his sister. It's not rocket surgery!I have been with movement makers for five days straight. I feel alive. I love environments where I am constantly overhearing new things that matter.I am near Newport, Tennessee. Some churches here handle snakes as part of getting to know God. I think they are guilty of

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-42847456573350313432008-08-20T09:03:00.005-04:002008-08-20T09:21:47.397-04:00

Last week was not an average week in my journey. Anytime I can connect with Leadership Network in Dallas, I come away with change in my pocket. Anytime I can hang out with Neal, Chris, Bryan, Jay, Ryan, well . . . you have those kind of people, you know what I mean.Environments. I believe leaders look for places not information. The vast majority of our learning and growth is informal. I overhear

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-6646252025563992402008-08-12T08:09:00.004-04:002008-08-12T08:19:55.670-04:00

No matter how smart we get we still thrive best in informal relationships and in groups. I know we live in the information age but the real question is, so what?I am surrounded by people in Dallas who are trying to figure something out. Sometimes I disengage and watch, simply to learn how to figure things out. I may not need to figure out the issues they do. But I am always up against some kind

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-51927362230467009212008-08-05T07:16:00.005-04:002008-08-05T07:26:38.667-04:00

We had seen the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial before. We learned more of the story this time. Described as the world's largest piece of sculpture, the details of the story and the work are amazing. The project took 55 years to finish. World War I stopped the progress for 37 years.Dreamers and get er' done types all were a part of making Stone Mountain a famous place. A different thing gets

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-25155708938321358412008-08-04T06:23:00.003-04:002008-08-04T07:23:05.287-04:00

North American Mission Board business, Stone Mountain with the girls, and preaching at Briarlake was part of the fun over the past week. All fun. More details coming.Got a close up look at the city of Atlanta. I am not an expert on the history or the state of things now, but the parts I experienced were not so good. I wondered out loud as Abby and I walked through a pretty rough section of the

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-43378726460584526402008-07-24T07:32:00.005-04:002008-07-26T14:11:36.698-04:00

I try to encourage, but maybe today, you need a reminder that will bring out the best in you.List what you think you are good at:Marriage?Parenting?Communication?Relationships?Work Ethic?Other?Pick one of those areas. If you think you are pretty good, you have probably stopped growing. In spite of all of us needing: sniff, sniff, just a little word of encouragement, often a swift kick in the butt

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-68091020805647513282008-07-18T07:09:00.009-04:002008-07-18T19:51:31.635-04:00

I live drama. One benefit of joining Sons of Italy (national organization committed to preserving Italian culture) is for me to get in touch with my roots. For an Italian everything is dramatic. I can remember back in the day, when Grandma Senesi was living, everything, I mean everything, was a big deal.Grandma would announce to the world that she was walking through the house to put her shoes

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-22776465311355737982008-07-17T07:50:00.005-04:002008-07-17T08:06:25.095-04:00

Really? A Long time ago I picked up a book called, The Search for Significance. Robert McGee was the author. If you were to ask the 5 most influential books in my life other than the Bible Search would be on that list.The premise of the book is that many of our beliefs are lies. When I confessed on Monday the most difficult person I had ever met was me, it was not a sign of concession. When I get

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-61234867950001725712008-07-14T08:02:00.005-04:002008-07-14T08:19:57.465-04:00

Well, let me stop the teasing. Don't get me wrong, I have people on the short list. The list of nominees for the most difficult person I ever met takes me on a walk down memory lane.One person is clearly the winner, however. My sixth grade teacher deserves honorable mention. My eighth grade basketball coach is up there. My college baseball coach definitely makes the list. I met some people in New

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-29618480678928230982008-07-10T11:38:00.005-04:002008-07-11T14:33:55.982-04:00

Wow, I don't know where to start brainstorming. This feels like a therapist question. Not that there is anything wrong with that, right?How about you? Who is the most difficult person you ever met? What did you do? I will tell you about the most difficult person I ever met, Monday.

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-53208047682289157092008-07-10T06:58:00.005-04:002008-07-10T07:12:24.402-04:00

Justin, an eight year old from San Diego, weighed in with his favorite elephant joke. How can you tell if an elephant has been in your refrigerator? There are footprints in the butter!We overuse the expression: there is an elephant in the room. Usually we mean there is something big and obvious being ignored.Working through issues with the help of another person is a great asset of being coaching

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-10427007672699338422008-07-08T07:05:00.004-04:002008-07-08T07:45:42.618-04:00

Back off a blog vacation, and a record month of readers in June. One thing that happened in June for me: Movies! Do I need to get a life or what? My rating system has been influenced by Logan and Ridley's (long story, sorry for an insider reference) 0-5 church planter behaviorial rating system: 5 being the best movie in history; 4 being better than 80% of the movies, 3 - 60%; 2 - 40%; 1 - 20%;

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-30885833553857993332008-07-01T07:42:00.004-04:002008-07-01T08:02:33.270-04:00

As I was ripping down wall paper Saturday I had a revelation of three painful experiences. They fit together nicely. These three experiences are not the worse things that could happen. However, they are three things that you hear people moan about.I don't remember the first time I heard someone talk about a kidney stone. I assure you I felt their pain was overstated at the time. I am that way. A

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-32807245457664451202008-06-26T08:00:00.009-04:002008-06-27T18:59:24.709-04:00

The Leadership Secrets of the Energizer Bunny could keep going . . . and going . . . and going. There are plenty more places to go and people to see. Friday is a good place to wrap up. BTW if Maxwell was right when he said, leadership is influence, then EB is the man, uh, er . . . maybe EB is the bunny! Right?I try not to assume faith in Christ on TOL. I don't want drop in readers to think they

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-64462651141347332008-06-26T06:00:00.000-04:002008-06-26T06:00:06.696-04:00

He made it to the top five! Who would have thunk it (as my dad used to say)? Was it his own brilliance? Was it his giftedness? Not at all. EB could not have listened to everybody, but he did listen intently to somebody.Could you imagine a young Energizer Bunny with a resume'? Where would he go? What was he qualified to do/be? What was he thinking? One day a pinhead from Energizer saw something in

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-71172099149126696262008-06-25T08:56:00.004-04:002008-06-26T18:13:00.906-04:00

USA Today reported this morning that Doc Rivers' (Coach of World Champion Boston Celtics) Gatorade-soaked shirt was bought by an anonymous bidder for $55,000. Just what I always wanted, a Gatorade-soaked shirt. I really don't want Doc's. I want my own. When the Energizer Bunny was just a kid, I wonder what he wanted? What was his dream? How much can a stuffed pink bunny want out of life? Again,

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-41487480907053362262008-06-24T06:38:00.004-04:002008-06-24T14:53:34.586-04:00

I can't remember who coined the term BFO or Blazing Flash of the Obvious. BFO applies here to the Energizer Bunny. He did not respond to my request for a blog interview. His agent said he was busy spinning around and banging his drum. This is a rare case of what got him to the top will likely keep him there.Here are a few of his secrets:1) Consistency - As with missionary to India, William Carey,

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-52572835492326157642008-06-23T06:30:00.001-04:002008-06-23T06:30:00.885-04:00

Leadership is a subject that gets plenty of attention. I wonder if Jesus would have gone to a leadership seminar or read a Maxwell book? We may never know. I guess I had better feed the hungry leader animal in us and go with a winning subject. Readership completes me.And now . . . the shame on you, bad dog, no, get off the couch, don't do that there, get outside, part! Who would not want to be on

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-39839404959229514722008-06-21T07:02:00.007-04:002008-06-21T09:09:12.013-04:00

I can't believe what I just saw! You are right Dustin, who cares about the monkey I just saw running through my neighborhood. Twittering is kind of about me. But it is fun. I don't fully comprehend it all (sorry for sound like an old guy, about 3 of you out there are older than me).Check out the right hand column of my blog. I can send real time updates of what I am seeing/experiencing through my

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-83503467891114121662008-06-20T22:38:00.004-04:002008-06-20T22:48:27.354-04:00

I don't dominate my blog with a lot of comments about church and church planting. I did respond to recent blogs of my friend and church planter Ray Brock from Ohio.Where should we plant ourselves - in "traditional" or "contemporary" churches?Why do planters avoid urban areas and to focus on suburbs and college campuses?Warning, my responses are long so . . . if you are motivated, knock yourself

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-78813020675006540702008-06-19T21:02:00.004-04:002008-06-20T05:40:33.943-04:00

Could it be? My evil twin leader values being followed to higher levels over helping people around him to a higher level. I understand him, oh how I understand him, you know . . . the big ugly, my evil twin leader.When I am followed somewhere I get all the Gatorade. Me. My favorite subject. When I lift others higher they get all the Gatorade. Shoot, I like Gatorade. All over my head and on my

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-11862075189359314032008-06-17T07:12:00.005-04:002008-06-17T21:01:41.251-04:00

How strange would it be? Tiger Woods pulls Rocco Mediate aside and says, dude, let me help you. We may face a playoff in a major again. I know that is what you want. I want to teach you how to beat me.I am not talking about concession here. I am talking about teaching others to be better than you at something. Sounds strange?I am reading a new book on coaching. Coaching for Performance by John

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-84551243782886891802008-06-16T06:58:00.005-04:002008-06-16T21:29:53.786-04:00

Indy Wrap Up - Slowly, the climate is changing in the SBC. I spent an evening at the convention shadowing Ed Stetzer (getting him soft drinks, carrying his brief case, etc. you know what I mean). The love he is getting from the SBC mainstream is amazing. That says more about the state of things than anything else. The platform is changing, too. Less bashing of the new, more, where do we go from

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-23749483147385107582008-06-10T19:27:00.004-04:002008-06-10T19:44:51.904-04:00

Most of you are not Southern Baptist. Some of you who are could care less. Here is an overview:1. Johnny Hunt (Woodstock, GA) was elected president on the first ballot. Six men were nominated so a first ballot win was a bit of a surprise. Johnny, like Frank Page, is the real deal. No pretending -- BTW, FBC Woodstock has planted 78 churches under Johnny's leadership. Considering 5 percent of our

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-49458362273635306442008-06-10T08:15:00.004-04:002008-06-10T08:31:01.607-04:00

Chris Beard, pastor of First Christian Assembly in Cincinnati, told me something I will never forget about friendship. He said in effect, real friendships are like reading a great book, you can put it down, but when you pick it back up, you can start back right where you left off.People you will never know are on the list of good books I am picking back up this week in Indy. Will Langford, Bill

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-46181159530219987792008-06-09T10:36:00.007-04:002008-06-17T07:11:42.253-04:00

In a fit of desperation, after living in Columbia for three months, I conferred with http://www.findyourspot.com/ on the advice of a friend. The site is down right now so don't bother. I am not sure what they were selling. I answered twenty questions or so to see if God would tell me where I was really supposed to be living.I know prayer is the right answer here, not findyourspot.com but prayer

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-35376668791956869772008-06-06T09:22:00.006-04:002008-06-06T09:47:10.736-04:00

When you search the Bible on the subject of marriage you make several startling discoveries. The discoveries were wildly counter-cultural in their original historical setting. Same could be said about applying the Bible to today's culture.Metaphorically, a healthy relational environment between husband and wife is illustrated through the relationship of Jesus Christ and His church. Jesus loved

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-40044481023176916052008-06-05T10:26:00.004-04:002008-06-05T10:48:19.429-04:00

Discomfort might sound less abusive than kid pain. Again, this may be so basic for some of you. It was not for me (or is not). All of us, I think, have certain blind spots. Remember, weaknesses are easily identifiable. You can't see blind spots, thus, the term, "blind" spots.I was determined early in my children's lives that they would live in a pain-free environment. Several things helped me

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-65419452260425521582008-06-03T06:42:00.004-04:002008-06-03T07:07:16.711-04:00

Last time I spoke at Willow, I talked about home and family in the Deeper Water series. I ran out of time before I got to the confessional section of the sermon (think that was on purpose?). I listed several dad regrets.I have three daughters ages 21, 12, and 9. I have a wonderful wife (age unavailable at the time of this post). Most of you do better than me at my first regret. In fact, some of

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-90970463746854439432008-05-30T14:45:00.004-04:002008-05-30T14:52:08.745-04:00

BTW, I was going to show a tasteful picture of boxer briefs for this morning's blog, but my Internet filter caught all the potential pictures. Thank John Sharp http://www.hedge.org/www.northpointonline.org

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-67515604487768342512008-05-30T05:54:00.006-04:002008-05-30T14:58:28.228-04:00

I mentioned advice last week. If we watch and listen there are all kinds of tips on how to have a better life. I heard Chris Ruppe www.chrisruppe.com rant one day about boxer briefs. I had never heard of them at the time. He told me how they would change my life. Without getting personal (they did not change my life), I am enjoying a pair as we speak. Great advice.Neal is a Thank You Points

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6762418986682479007.post-49937543626709295302008-05-26T07:22:00.007-04:002008-05-26T15:12:10.641-04:00

I am not trying to protect anybodies non-profit status today. My discomfort with discussing war and peace lies in the politics of it all. For the record, I consider myself Republican. I am bothered that the term Republican is more ambiguous than ever. Nevertheless, I will vote for John McCain in November, bottom line. End of discussion for me.Iraq, yes or no? Afghanistan, yes or no? I am just not

CRJ/DJShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15947980868829990409noreply@blogger.com4