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 released in mid-January) begins at the place where God influences us most - alone with Him.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

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 large) of willing followers who recognize our greatness.

If leadership is something you do than you may spend your life waiting to be noticed. You may dream about being elevated to the right platform. But if leadership is who you are - then your job starts today on the real platform. God has moved you into a neighborhood and that includes where you live, work, and play. That neighborhood is the greatest platform to influence in the history of the world.

The real question might not be, What would Jesus do? but Who would Jesus be? Jesus influenced by being Jesus not doing Jesus: The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish (John 1:14 MSG). How about that for leadership?

Tebow is Changing the Conversation - Listen!

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 Colin Cowherd's podcast from yesterday and was impressed as he discussed his theology of miracles. He has swallowed the Tebow Kool-Aid (me too), not so much as a NFL quarterback, but as a person of faith. In the long haul that is where I want the discussion to go. How about you? Truth is I don't like sticking my neck out for another person's faith any more than I like doing it for their throwing motion. This conversation, however, must continue.

Here is why what is happening is great. The discussion of faith, miracles and yes, Christianity has left our comfortable home court of the local church and landed at ESPN (and many other media outlets). ESPN is where people go in mass on a daily basis. The conversation might feel more awkward at times - but isn't that where it has the most potential?

The overall attendance numbers in our churches are in a state of decline. We love the safety and security of home court advantage but the crowds are smaller than ever. We preach with little opposition because our fan base makes up the majority of the crowd. Results? Well, that is up to God. Right? At best we may decide to preach louder or tougher in order to win those to Jesus who aren't listening anyway.

All of us need to shut-up for a season. Then we need to listen, ask great questions and learn how other people think. We have an unusual opportunity to learn and apply relevant principles of influence for Christ that are as old as the Bible. Let’s seize the day and continue the conversations. What do you think?

Five Reasons Vol Fans will Know More about Derek Dooley Soon

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 turn the page. If Tennessee is going to be an SEC football power this decade then the stage is set for a next step in 2011. If Dooley is a keeper we will see improvement. No fearless predictions except . . . we will know more soon. Here are 5 reasons why:

1. A Favorable 2011 Schedule – Eight home games including Montana ,Buffalo,  and Middle Tennessee feels nice (we hope). With any level of talent you have 6 wins - so the challenge is to overcome a typical SEC gauntlet. However, Georgia, LSU, and South Carolina are in Knoxville.

2. A Solid Recruiting Class - Under the circumstances, a Rival's recruiting class ranked 13th is acceptable. DeAnthony Arnett (WR - Michigan) and Marlin Love (RB - Florida) leads a group of 12 - 4 star recruits that proves the Vols have national recruiting potential.

3. A Young Starting QB with Experience - True freshman Tyler Bray was impressive in 2010 (18 TD's - 10 INT’s). If he continues the natural maturing process and proves to be the real deal, Derek Dooley might look like the real deal soon thereafter.

4. Another Year in Dooley’s System – Besides the departure of defensive line coach Chuck Smith and strength coach, Benny Wylie everything stays the same on the Vol football staff. That means a lot to a program that saw three head coaches and wholesale chaos the previous three years. Three recruiting classes and two spring practices should give fans a read on the relevance of Derek Dooley football in the SEC.

5. No Pressure – An energized Vol fan base will enter 2011 with realistic expectations after the Fulmer and Kiffin train wrecks. No visions of SEC Championship games or BCS invites should be dancing in fans’ heads yet. Eight wins, one against Florida, LSU, or Alabama, and a bowl one step up from the Music City Bowl should cause the Gatorade to flow in Knoxville. What's your Vol win total prediction in 2011?

Why I am Not Laughing about May 21st

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 at 6 p.m. The words of Jesus imply that an accurate prediction about when He will return is impossible. But there is no reason to go there for now.

All the jokes that even Christians are making about this prediction may reveal more about us than we think. Predictions about "doomsday" go as far back as AD 70. Because it has yet to happen each prediction serves as a reminder to how ridiculous the whole Christian thing is.  Wild doomsday claims, heaven, hell, and people raising from the dead is so unbelievable people are become increasing comfortable with their unbelief.

So, as you chuckle your way through the weekend, keep a few things in mind:

1. Leno and Letterman are not laughing with us they are laughing at us. I am not mad about this - trust me. But jokes about the prediction of the Christ's return is a symptom of our culture, not the problem. Christianity is not taken seriously. Okay, some of that is our fault, but I'm just sayin' . . .

2. You will have opportunities to have spiritual conversations with people about a relationship with Jesus. Don't act angry, be kind, and do all you can to continue the conversation. Tell your faith story. Be prepared and expectant. I think Harold Camping has done us a favor, whether we like it or not. He is forcing us out of the closet!

3. Live as if the prediction is accurate. Not just tomorrow but, how about every day for the rest of your life? For the sake of the argument, if Camping has negated the possibility that tomorrow is the day (I am not sure he has that power) what if were midnight tomorrow night. Oh, wait, now it can't be that because I just predicted it could happen then. So, what if it were Monday? Opps! Never mind. With 7 billion people on the planet few days pass without someone predicting it is the last - so don't let it cause you to ignore the possibility! Expect Him!

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

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

Enjoying the Failure of Others - Tiger Woods

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 . . . that is the bottom line. We have to get self-worth from somewhere, right? We have to get some reassurance that in spite of our hollowness there is something right about us. Please, dear God, there is something right about us . . . right, please?

People do crazy things. I am not talking about skydiving here either. People make stupid choices. If you really tried to find out what they (we) were thinking you would discover the problem. They probably were not thinking. Tiger lived a double life for who knows how many years. There are a lot of people hoping he fails this weekend in Augusta. Others hope he fails at life. I don't.

Is Tiger on the road to recovery? Who knows? Am I? That is the most responsible question that I can consider today. Maybe you too. Go Tiger.

Prepare for February - Don't Start Yet

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 below is a check list of steps to prepare. Feel free to add some of your own. The best idea will probably be yours . . .

1. Invest - Our goals are often doomed before we start. We hope to get great results from minimal effort or investment. On a scale of 1-10, How committed are you at reaching your goal?If you are less than a "5" maybe you picked the wrong goal. If your commitment is exercise related you may need to buy comfortable walking or running shoes. If it is personal organization you may need a new filing cabinet. If it is to organize your garage you may need to rent a truck and so on . . .

2. Focus - If you are serious about change, focus on one thing only. My pastor and one of my best coaches, Bill Howard, fought me four years ago to focus on one big goal. I reluctantly followed his advice. The difference was profound. If you have more than one resolution, part of your preparation process is to decide where to start. Place all your energy there. How do you decide? Pray and talk to people who love you. Here is another radical idea . . . if you decide all of them are important start with the easiest one first. Momentum is great in football and in life.

3. Support - Find someone who has succeeded at a similar goal. That may take some work, but remember, you are serious enough about this goal to invest and prepare. Don't look for a someone as skinny as a bean pole to help you with weight loss, unless they were not always skinny. Find an organized person to help you with organization. Find a praying person to help you with prayer.

4. Audit - We have created ways of doing things over the years. The way we do things is commonly known as "systems." Systems are powerful. Look closely at the way you do things. What obstacles are created by your systems for your new goal? For example, you may have spent years going to bed late and operating on minimal sleep. If your new goal requires a commitment in the morning then address it. The first step is not a morning commitment. The first step is an evening commitment to get in bed earlier. This may include sleep research. This may also include a trip to your doctor or the local mattress store.

If you want to experience a different 2010 don't start yet. Prepare to start. I will have more preparation tips Monday. Happy New Year!

Prepare in January - Launch in February

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." "No, I am going tomorrow," I reply. You think I am nuts. Preparation to research, buy, or borrow the right equipment is needed. People closest to you need to know your plans. You have work and other responsibilities that will be affected. This is not to mention some physical conditioning that might help you enjoy yourself more. An invitation to a journey of that magnitude could only be successful if you take time to prepare.

A serious goal is like a long journey. Think about some ways you can prepare for the long journey of a significant goal.Tomorrow I will give some steps to help you prepare.

How About A Goal Free January 2010?

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

Dino

Tiger is a Hacker

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 golfers in the world for years. No one has come close to matching his overall performance.

I don't know the history of the term hacker. I think it came from the sound effects of my golf game. If you play with real golfers or notice golf on T.V. you know it sounds different when they play. A sweet, whistling movement of wind, followed by a solid click happened when Tiger swung. When I swing it sounds and looks like I am clearing brush from a vacant lot with an axe.

The term hacker has never been used to describe Tiger. Yet today when it comes to playing life he is hacking his way down the fairway. Yep, Tiger is a hacker. But Tiger is not alone. The Bible is filled with stories of hackers. King David was a hacker. Wise King Solomon was a hacker. The woman at the well was a hacker. Wow, Tiger fits right in -- In fact if you find a church today that is really alive you will find a bunch of hackers who discovered Jesus Christ in the middle of their back swings.

Every time I read another confession from a woman in Tiger's past I feel ashamed and sad for him. I am sure they represent many more. The late Wilt Chamberlin, an NBA legend, claimed to have slept with 20,000 women. Probably a bit overstated by Wilt. He did seem more proud than ashamed.

I wonder how Tiger feels right now? I am sure he feels stupid for getting caught. There is a place of love and forgiveness for him (you too) if he wants it. I don't think the place is with Elin or most golfers on the PGA (except John Daily). The media has too much fun with this one to let it go. Tiger has no place to run to but a cross. A place for hackers.

What Scares Us About Tiger?

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 irreligious or other religious. I am embarrassed. We don't have a flawed Gospel, or a erroneous Savior - but we are flawed and erroneous people. For every Tiger -- there is a Ted Haggard (metaphorically speaking). Why do we insist on using every moral debacle as an opportunity to validate we are right about something? Are we afraid deep down inside that we are not right? Does some Michael Jackson, Tiger Woods, Barney Madoff story give us a sense of relief about our own doubts and short comings?

The Pharisees from Bible days provide perspective beyond a huff, blow, and head shake. They were underrated you know. They lived a standard of righteousness beyond what we could do. Funny that we spend a lot of time feeling superior to them. Jesus accused the Pharisees of being empty. They felt superior to people like Tiger Woods. If they were living so well why did they feel the need to feel so superior? Jesus said it . . . because they were right on the outside but wrong on the inside.

Do you think Tiger wasted a lot of energy laughing a bad golfers? I doubt it. If Tiger needed affirmation he could look at his trophy case or most recent scorecard. He did not have to be entertained by me hacking my way down the 18th fairway at Oak Hills Golf Club in Columbia. Neither should I be entertained by him hacking at life. I should look at my own scorecard. That is where the analogy breaks down. I would rather look at his.

Our faith in Christ should make us moral people. Other people's failures, however, should never make us feel good about ourselves. Grace should make us patient and slow to enjoy the failures of others. Dave Crowder described it this way:

And we are His portion and He is our prize,

Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,

If His grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.

If I am drowning in grace then I don't have time to enjoy those who are not. Tiger is one step away from drowning in grace himself. Yes, the step is long, but with his credentials (as with all of us), he is out of options.

What a Year! Wrap Your Arms Around That!

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 yet. A mere 50 years ago my parents had a new baby boy to add to the Christmas celebration. Six weeks old at the time, I was more than a baby. I was a new relationship for the next 50 years of their journey. A day would not go by that I would not at least cross their minds. The first 25 years there were plenty of long conversations. The last 25 not as many but always a thought.

Much has been said about the Savior, Christ the Lord. Although absolute truth slept in a manger when the Way, Truth, and Life came to earth, the ramifications move beyond. The Word became flesh also offered a new relationship. Jesus is Savior, but Jesus is also a new relationship. He is a God so big I can't wrap my brain around Him, yet He became so small that I could wrap my arms around Him. A God and a relationship in one. Awesome! Merry Christmas 2009 from the Senesi family.

Welcome?

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 responsibility. Maybe it would be like throwing a grenade at a safe distance. For example, I can get a chuckle out of a state border sign that according to Google Maps is 2,651 miles away from my front door. Yet when you read the story behind the sign there are perfectly good reasons people in Oregon might feel that way.

So, here is the bottom line. In my life today there is a great big welcome sign. Unfortunately there is a great big exception, or two, or three. The scary part? Most of the exceptions in my life I am totally blind to -- my nature is tribal. We all are that way I think, or most of us are. We love people who are just like us. We either pity (we confuse this with caring) or make fun of all the rest. So the challenge today is not to the state of Oregon. The challenge is to me first. Then I will toss a grenade your way. Don't worry if you don't need this. I did. Maybe you can toss it another direction if you didn't . . . 2,651 miles in another direction if you want . . .

White Knuckle Drunk - Observations from "The Swamp"

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 sports with life. I understand that most of you don't quite have the "football love" that some of my friends and I do. BTW, for you, "The Swamp" is the home field of the Florida Gators. Florida's football success over the past four years may place them as the greatest college football team in history, or at least in the top five.

I went for friendship and the experience -- my team, the Tennessee Vols, were expected to be slaughtered by the powerful Gators. Long story short -- it did not happen as the whole world, including me, expected. The Gators won, but not by so much. But, unlike most Vol fans, I was not as inspired by the heart, courage, and resilience of my team. Don't get me wrong, those traits were all there and deserve a smattering of applause. I was proud.

The bottom line is to win. As optimistic fans we can always talk about being "on the verge," effort, and moral victories. I was there, I sat closer to the action than any other live college, pro, or high school game in my life. The Vols were much closer to being embarrassed like everyone predicted than winning. One more "no fumble" yard by Tim Tebow and the route would have been on. My team was battling way too hard not to come closer to win. The Vols will lose again this season. At least 5 more times -- probably more. Way too many white knuckles on the Big Orange sidelines. Way too many white knuckles on the field.

Now, the bridge -- My concern in The Swamp about my team, is my concern about me at times, and you. My team was working way too hard not to get better results. If there is not more than your best effort pushing you forward, although you may be coming close, you will collapse before you will ever win.

Hopefully, some personal application is coming to view for you here -- I want to think about it more before I try to be profound. I walked away more bothered than encouraged Saturday. But, the greater point -- I may be wrong about Vol football (I hope so) but I don't think I am wrong about life. My best effort alone at being smarter, better at relationships, more moral, more loving, less dysfunctional -- will only leave me with white knuckles and an eventual collapse. I need outside help. Let's talk more about that this week.

Leonardo da Vinci Senesi

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 newspaper: Lost dog, walks with a limp, has the mange, one eye, answers to the name of Lucky. "Lucky" as the story goes, really was named correctly. Lucky was lucky because someone cared enough to look for him.

Michael Vick's dogs were not very lucky. As the story continues to be written, the gruesome nature of his crimes have come to light. Michael Vick was wrong and deserved punishment. Yet (thinking out loud) I feel so conflicted. I watch our confused culture continue punish a person for something he has already been punished for. If his mistakes were drugs, adultery, abortion, etc. he would have been forgiven years ago (if those would have been considered offensive in the first place) by the NFL and others. I am a Steve McNair fan, as a football player. But the sordid and tragic details of his lifestyle seemed to be only a small part of the story of this football hero.

Second chances are all relative, right? You deserve a second chance in direct proportion to how much I am repulsed (offended) by what you did the first time. I will think of dogs every time I see Michael Vick this season. I can't help it. I may hide Leonardo's eyes when he comes on the screen. Stitch does not watch T.V. (our other dog), he lives outdoors, so no protection needed there. But I will be reminded of second, third, and fourth chances I have received from God, my wife, my children, and my friends. I will remember (in spite of some cracker jack sermons) my tendency to be offended by the sins in others I have never committed, and not offended by the sins I have committed (and still do commit).

Will Michael Vick sin again? Yep, I'll bet he has. Will he abuse dogs again? Maybe. Our tendency to relapse is great. Will I be sorry I wrote this if he does? Nope, not at all. We have no hope but grace. Thank you Lord. I need some now.

Watch Me

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://sweetenlifesystems.com/page1135033.aspx

Take 10 minutes, read it slowly, don't skim it. Share the link with your friends.

How important is it? I have been thinking a lot about how Satan opposes Gospel influence by opposing leaders of the movement. You know someone who has been influenced. Bad choices, stupid choices -- we have all been there on some level and done that. It seems we are going through another bad stretch. Take your potential to ruin your life, family, and church, seriously today.

I am not a Christian t-shirt, bumper sticker guy - not that there is anything wrong with that. But I wear a Christian t-shirt every day, like it or not. There is a sticker on my car. My house has a sign in the front yard. My checks and return address have a fish. All of them say, This is How a Christian Lives, Watch Me.

I have tried to remove all those things, but it is too late. They all come back one way or the other. This how a Christian spends his money, treats his children and grandchildren, surfs the Internet, deals with other leaders, makes decisions, loves his wife, loves his neighbors, says hello, spends his free time, responds to disappointment . . . and on and on -

Weekend Blogitoral: Michael Jackson is in a Better Place

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 offended by mine. What struck me unexpectedly through a radio interview last Thursday was a commentary from a friend of Jackson's. I do not know for sure who was being interviewed. Repeatedly in the interview, calmly and confidently, the person kept saying, Michael is in a better place.

In some ways this is a tough blog to write. I am thinking out loud here. I am not sure what I really want to say, and by no means do I want to come across as that guy. You know, the guy who has an agenda -- A vulture who jumps on the things people far from God say in order that I can look smarter than them. The arrogant and unChristian, I am right and everybody else is wrong, that keeps people far from God, far from God --

Yet, the confidence and calmness of the Michael is in a better place comment made me feel awkward inside. Did this friend know something about Michael that was not obvious through casual examination of the evidence? Maybe or maybe not.

Pop culture has a theology. In fact, everybody has a theology and a belief system. Everybody, however, really can't be right. I mean, will we say at Charles Manson's funeral, Charles is finally at peace? I don't think so. Did we say something similar about Mother Theresa? Probably. So, where does Michael Jackson fit on the scale? How about Elvis? Princess Di?

Ultimately only God knows if Michael is in a better place. But if he is, it is not by chance, it is by choice. At some point in Jackson's journey he would have responded to the invitation of Jesus, before his death.

However, why not begin with what we know. How about you? When you die, where will you go? What will others left behind say about your whereabouts? How can you find out more about life after death? No matter your belief system, most of humanity (not all) believe death is irreversible. Wherever Michael is, that is where he will be. His music will live here as long as there is a planet, but he is gone. Sad day.

Weekend Blogitorial: Accidental Father

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 knowledge, read a book, watched an instructional video, nor went to better father support groups. Don't invite him to teach your young fathers. I am not sure it will be all that compelling.

Some of us live our lives looking for seminar material. My dad lived his life doing what he was supposed to do. When it came to being a father, he was just good at it.

Of the things I admire most about my dad, the fact that he was just plain good at stuff without trying, was the most. He was the best man in my wedding. That was not accidental either. I wrote in his 2009 Father's Day card: To The Best Man I Ever Met.

Dino Sr. turned 77, Friday. My sister and I had breakfast with him at IHOP. I had coffee with him at 7:00 a.m. this morning before heading off to Louisville. Time with him now is like gold. Time with him is now intentional.

I have met many people over the years that grew up without good fathers, or without fathers at all. When my dad was 5 years old, his dad died (In Italy - Coal Miner's Asthma). Certain things in life are beyond my comprehension. I guess what I am saying is, Why Me? Why was I born the son of Dino Senesi, Sr.? Why did I have coffee with my dad this morning?

Maybe it would be better to say, I was the Accidental Son. Not because there was no human planning involved, there was. Only because I was so blessed and had nothing to do with it. I did not plan or deserve to be born to either of my parents. It just happened.

I think this is the time I am supposed to thank God for His amazing grace!

Monastic Retreats for Dummies IV - Like Water to Fish

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 refuge . . . Houses of God, filled with His silent presence. There, even when they don't know how to pray at least they can be still and breath easily.

The subject of silence seems to twist and turn. What spiritual neurosis in me caused me to avoid the silence? What about the Bible? Real Christianity has lost a bit of its appeal in recent days. God tells us clearly through the Apostle Paul, "Be anxious for nothing," (Phil. 4.6). I end too many days with red hands from the consistent wringing and fretting.

Here is one quote on the easel, then I will begin to list the series of bullet points that I understood the most. You make application. I am in process.

Silence for a monk is like water to a fish.

Here are more random thoughts from the secret monastic locker room wall on the benefits of silence:

1. Sanctuary to receive God's word

2. Strengthen us in weakness

3. Openness to God

4. Settles me down

5. Leads to serenity

6. Gives reality and depth of God

7. Intimacy with Christ

8. Receive what God is offering in the moment

9. Fosters continual prayer

10. Keeps me aware of the needs of others.

More coming this week. This is not all that was on the sacred tablet at Mepkin Abbey. Let me know which one of these connect with you.