Had a great day today - went to an all day pastor's prayer day. Nothing like spending the day in prayer to lift the spirits! We had 48 signed up! 38 came.
The economy has hit home. This week my eight year old lost her two favorite playmates. A family down the street is moving in April. The other playmate's father (who goes to our church) was laid off at Ford Credit today. My daughter asks me, "Daddy, who am I going to play with now?" It's a hard thing for a little girl to understand.
So far, I am disappointed in "The Associate" by John Grisham. A real yawner. I have about a third of the book to go. Hope it has a great ending. Grisham usually doesn't have an ending, much less a good one.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Lent
My wife 'lent' me an idea for Lent. Instead of abstaining from some kind of food, like I have in the past, she suggested that I abstain from negativity. Nothing negative for 40 days.
No complaining about anyone or anything. Nada. Zippo. Nothing.
I have taken the challenge. She has given me an insight that, while not flattering, is honest. Isn't that a quality we all want in our marriages? (In my friendships, too!)
So today I begin a journey on not being negative. I don't want to become 'a grumpy old man'.
I do find that being negative comes fairly easily for me. It must be my default setting. Today, we begin the process of rewiring my hard drive.
I'll keep you up do date on my progress. See, I'm being positive already!
No complaining about anyone or anything. Nada. Zippo. Nothing.
I have taken the challenge. She has given me an insight that, while not flattering, is honest. Isn't that a quality we all want in our marriages? (In my friendships, too!)
So today I begin a journey on not being negative. I don't want to become 'a grumpy old man'.
I do find that being negative comes fairly easily for me. It must be my default setting. Today, we begin the process of rewiring my hard drive.
I'll keep you up do date on my progress. See, I'm being positive already!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Lent me an idea?
Halfway through "The Associate" by John Grisham. Is it me, or is Grisham loosing his magic? Gotta find a great book to read.
Looking forward to a day off today. Hope to watch last night's "24". Get some lunch at Famous Dave's with a good friend Scott Warren. Nothing better than sharing good barbeque with a good friend. Maybe even a tall glass of sweet tea to boot!
Lent begins to tomorrow. I need to decide what to give up for 40 days. I've got lots of choices - red meat, diet coke, fried foods, fast foods, eating out, -- why are there so many things that aren't good for me that I really love? Can you lent me an idea?
Do you "do" lent? Why or why not?
Looking forward to a day off today. Hope to watch last night's "24". Get some lunch at Famous Dave's with a good friend Scott Warren. Nothing better than sharing good barbeque with a good friend. Maybe even a tall glass of sweet tea to boot!
Lent begins to tomorrow. I need to decide what to give up for 40 days. I've got lots of choices - red meat, diet coke, fried foods, fast foods, eating out, -- why are there so many things that aren't good for me that I really love? Can you lent me an idea?
Do you "do" lent? Why or why not?
Monday, February 23, 2009
One more preaching point
One more thing I do in order to balance my preaching. I keep track of several age groups within the congregation: children, teens, young adults, middle age, senior saints. I make sure that one sermon out of six is for them. I'll say this again: good preaching is hard work!
The best compliments I get are from those under 10 who say - "that was a cool sermon Mr. Randy!" I live for those moments.
A Great book that have helped my preaching: Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley. A must read for all preachers!
Do you have a book that has made a difference in your preaching? Pass it on!
The best compliments I get are from those under 10 who say - "that was a cool sermon Mr. Randy!" I live for those moments.
A Great book that have helped my preaching: Communicating for a Change by Andy Stanley. A must read for all preachers!
Do you have a book that has made a difference in your preaching? Pass it on!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Movies, Books, hamburgers
Finally, got some time today to catch up on "24" and "LOST". Both are having great seasons. "The Amazing Race" and "Survivor" are off to good starts as well.
Have no major plans for the weekend. I'm way behind in my movie watching, too.
I just began reading "The Associate" by John Grisham. Grisham usually has a great book until the ending. The man just can't write a good ending. In that respect, David Baldacci writes a much better book in my humble but correct opinon.
In and Out just announced they will open six stores in the Salt Lake City area! One will be about 200 yards from my house. Whoa, baby! They hope to open in about 4 to 6 months. Oh, I can't wait! Oh, life is so good!
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Preaching to the WHOLE congreagtion
I believe that good preaching is hard work. Good preaching is preaching that reaches the whole congregation, not just one segment of it.
Each month I try to preach in different "channels". Some people are thinkers - the analytical types. Some are feelers - they are very emotional people. See are visual -- they have to be stimulated with pictures. Some love a good story. Some are practical - tell me how to practically deepen my walk with Christ.
Each month to six weeks, I try and look back. Did I reach the thinkers? Did I have a sermon that touched us on an emotional level? Did I tell a good story? Did I present a solid, practical challenge to deepen our walk with Christ? Did we "feel" the impact of the gospel? Did we dig deep into the Word?
I have my natural channel. I have to be very intentional to change my channel every Sunday so I can reach the whole congregation in the way they learn and grow.
Gary Thomas discusses this in his book "Sacred Pathways". We each have our "path" to God.
What is your 'path"? How does your church celebrate the "different" paths to God? Or do they?
Each month I try to preach in different "channels". Some people are thinkers - the analytical types. Some are feelers - they are very emotional people. See are visual -- they have to be stimulated with pictures. Some love a good story. Some are practical - tell me how to practically deepen my walk with Christ.
Each month to six weeks, I try and look back. Did I reach the thinkers? Did I have a sermon that touched us on an emotional level? Did I tell a good story? Did I present a solid, practical challenge to deepen our walk with Christ? Did we "feel" the impact of the gospel? Did we dig deep into the Word?
I have my natural channel. I have to be very intentional to change my channel every Sunday so I can reach the whole congregation in the way they learn and grow.
Gary Thomas discusses this in his book "Sacred Pathways". We each have our "path" to God.
What is your 'path"? How does your church celebrate the "different" paths to God? Or do they?
Monday, February 16, 2009
Preaching Calendar
Using an idea from the book "24 Innovative Ideas" by Ed Young and Andy Stanley, our worship planning team is working on a preaching calendar. The idea is to look at the entire year, and to intentionally plan the preaching calander. Thought is given to balance (Old Testament, NT, etc.) and "timing" (a series on the family that you announce at Easter for example). We're starting with six months, with the next six months penciled in. I love the idea! I'll let you know how it works and the calendar we come up with.
I'm just tired of planning week to week or month to month. Another idea that we're incorporating is the "big idea" for a Sunday. You revampt the bulletin to fit that theme. You decorate the building with posters and bananers to reinforce the theme. We've done on a limited basis but we hope now to put this idea in full force.
How do you (or your church) your preaching calendar?
On Wednesday I'll discuss what I do to balance my preaching every month.
I'm just tired of planning week to week or month to month. Another idea that we're incorporating is the "big idea" for a Sunday. You revampt the bulletin to fit that theme. You decorate the building with posters and bananers to reinforce the theme. We've done on a limited basis but we hope now to put this idea in full force.
How do you (or your church) your preaching calendar?
On Wednesday I'll discuss what I do to balance my preaching every month.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Movies, Sermons & Declining Growth
I've had a lot of people to tell me to go and see "Slumdog Millionaire". The thing is, I have a rule about R rated movies. I try and not see them. Although, I did see "Passion of the Christ." (Even rented a theater!) Even a lot of "PG 13" movies would have been "R" a few years ago -- all the "rules" about movies often gets muddled (a get that).
If you have seen it please pass on your review. I also want to see "Defiance" (it's also "R"), and "Gran Torino" (rated "R") as well.
Preaching on "The Blessings of a Church That Prays." Its the second installment a four part series.
I was encouraged to see that in Utah (along with Rhode Island) the churches of Christ show at least a 5% growth. What was really discouraging was to see the churches of Christ declining in most areas of the country. What is it doing in your neck of the woods? Is your church growing? Maintianing? Declining? and why?
If you have seen it please pass on your review. I also want to see "Defiance" (it's also "R"), and "Gran Torino" (rated "R") as well.
Preaching on "The Blessings of a Church That Prays." Its the second installment a four part series.
I was encouraged to see that in Utah (along with Rhode Island) the churches of Christ show at least a 5% growth. What was really discouraging was to see the churches of Christ declining in most areas of the country. What is it doing in your neck of the woods? Is your church growing? Maintianing? Declining? and why?
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Books on heaven
I'm trying to figure out where "LOST" is going. I confess to being, uh, lost most of the time. I have given up on "Heroes". Just got too confusing. "24" is off to a great start!
I've been challenged by the thoughts Randy Alcorn expressed in his best seller "Heaven". I will now read "Surprised by Hope" by N.T. Wright. I'm teaching a class on heaven this spring at Southside. If you know of a good book concerning heaven, please pass it on. I would love to read it for preparing for this class. I've been surprised by the lack of books on this wonderful subject.
I will say this - my traditional understanding of heaven has been challenged! I've got a mouthful of wonderful thoughts to chew on.
I've been challenged by the thoughts Randy Alcorn expressed in his best seller "Heaven". I will now read "Surprised by Hope" by N.T. Wright. I'm teaching a class on heaven this spring at Southside. If you know of a good book concerning heaven, please pass it on. I would love to read it for preparing for this class. I've been surprised by the lack of books on this wonderful subject.
I will say this - my traditional understanding of heaven has been challenged! I've got a mouthful of wonderful thoughts to chew on.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
back home
I'm back home after spending nine days in Dallas with my mother. I went for her fourth chemo treatment. We went to the hospital for the treatment. She couldn't have it; her blood wasn't clotting good enough. Instead of flying home, I still spent the time with her. I figured God was giving me soon good time just to be with her. We watched a lot of Hallmark movies (she tapes all the movies on the Hallmark Channel. She is wearing her DVR out!) We shopped. We ate some great Tex-Mex, enjoyed good ole Texas BBQ, - just had a great time!
Just read in the ne Christian Chronicle that only two states report the church (of Christ) growing - Utah and Rhode Island. While that is sobering news, I am encouraged that the church in Utah is growing! And it is! (The growth indicator was an increase of at least 5%).
It's good to be home! Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.
Just read in the ne Christian Chronicle that only two states report the church (of Christ) growing - Utah and Rhode Island. While that is sobering news, I am encouraged that the church in Utah is growing! And it is! (The growth indicator was an increase of at least 5%).
It's good to be home! Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Questions!
When will we have a college football playoff? Answer: Not soon enough.
When will the Razorbacks be competitive again in basketball? Answer: Not soon enough.
When will we have true unity in the body of Christ? Not soon; oh, wait -- probably never.
When will we truly honor this thing called autonomy? I don't think we ever have.
Several churches have been removed from "The Churches Of Christ" book by Mac Lynn. The book has several categories - "non Sunday school," "one cup" "non institutional" and so on. Now, they have removed Richland Hills Church of Christ from the book because they have instrumental services - while keeping several assemblies acappella.
Why can't they simply create a new category - "those with instrumental services"?
Don't get me wrong - I think it silly that we put churches in "categories" to begin with. But, most of them aren't "salvation" issues anyway, so I understand what they are trying to do.
Christians are the only canabals that are still allowed in mainstream society.
no wonder non believers are disenchanted with the church. Many times, so am I.
When will we get better at this thing called Christianity? I hope . . . .
When will the Razorbacks be competitive again in basketball? Answer: Not soon enough.
When will we have true unity in the body of Christ? Not soon; oh, wait -- probably never.
When will we truly honor this thing called autonomy? I don't think we ever have.
Several churches have been removed from "The Churches Of Christ" book by Mac Lynn. The book has several categories - "non Sunday school," "one cup" "non institutional" and so on. Now, they have removed Richland Hills Church of Christ from the book because they have instrumental services - while keeping several assemblies acappella.
Why can't they simply create a new category - "those with instrumental services"?
Don't get me wrong - I think it silly that we put churches in "categories" to begin with. But, most of them aren't "salvation" issues anyway, so I understand what they are trying to do.
Christians are the only canabals that are still allowed in mainstream society.
no wonder non believers are disenchanted with the church. Many times, so am I.
When will we get better at this thing called Christianity? I hope . . . .
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
President Obama
Thoughts as you watched Obama being sworn in as the 44th President?
Don't know if you voted for President Obama or not, but I hope that you will keep him lifted up before the Father today (and on a regular basis).
Don't know if you voted for President Obama or not, but I hope that you will keep him lifted up before the Father today (and on a regular basis).
Friday, January 16, 2009
"heaven"
Teaching a class this spring at Southside on "heaven". I'm using several resources, including the book by Randy Alcorn, "Heaven". He gives a very untraditonal view of heaven. He does make his case with tons of Scripture to back it up. I'm still chewing on it. Should be a very thought provoking class for sure! I'm really looking forward to it.
What is your view of heaven? Will we know each other? Is it worship 24/7?
Do you think we get our view of heaven from Scriputre of from our hymns we sing? (I think it is the later, to be honest).
Looking forward to preaching Sunday. After looking at how huge God is, we'll discuss the fact that God is in the "details" of our lives. In other words, how "small" God is!
Hope you have a great weekend.
What is your view of heaven? Will we know each other? Is it worship 24/7?
Do you think we get our view of heaven from Scriputre of from our hymns we sing? (I think it is the later, to be honest).
Looking forward to preaching Sunday. After looking at how huge God is, we'll discuss the fact that God is in the "details" of our lives. In other words, how "small" God is!
Hope you have a great weekend.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Season premiers
Loved the first part of the four hour season premier of "24" on Sunday night. Have the Monday night episodes taped and ready to go. I'll wait until Thursday to see part 2; gotta make the "24" thing last!
Looking forward to season 5 of "LOST". Only one more week!
My family are big "American Idol" fans. Some enjoy the audtion part of the show; some do not. I do. Its fun to see if we can pick out the next finalists.
Looking for a good novel to read. I mean, a real page turner. Have a great book to recommend?
Looking forward to season 5 of "LOST". Only one more week!
My family are big "American Idol" fans. Some enjoy the audtion part of the show; some do not. I do. Its fun to see if we can pick out the next finalists.
Looking for a good novel to read. I mean, a real page turner. Have a great book to recommend?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Touring an LDS temple
Took a tour of the new LDS Temple in Draper, Utah on Saturday. Very interesting for sure! The whole concept of temples in contemporary Christianity seems to me to be counter intuative to what Jesus taught.
However, there is much that I appreciate about the concept of "temple". What I like is their emphasis on being quiet. In one room, no talking whatsoever is allowed. The atmosphere calls you to be still and quiet before the Lord.
I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to find a place of still and quietness.
I know that being quiet doesn't equal being reverant. I get that. I do need a place to be quiet. God has told us to be still and to know that He is God. Where do you do that? Do you have a certain room in your house? A park you go to? Where is your quiet place?
To be honest, there is a lot more that distrubs me about their temples. But the sense of quiet I really do admire.
If you ever get a chance, take a tour of an LDS temple. It will open up future converstion with an LDS (Mormon) friend or neighbor.
However, there is much that I appreciate about the concept of "temple". What I like is their emphasis on being quiet. In one room, no talking whatsoever is allowed. The atmosphere calls you to be still and quiet before the Lord.
I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to find a place of still and quietness.
I know that being quiet doesn't equal being reverant. I get that. I do need a place to be quiet. God has told us to be still and to know that He is God. Where do you do that? Do you have a certain room in your house? A park you go to? Where is your quiet place?
To be honest, there is a lot more that distrubs me about their temples. But the sense of quiet I really do admire.
If you ever get a chance, take a tour of an LDS temple. It will open up future converstion with an LDS (Mormon) friend or neighbor.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A movie, a sermon, a goodbye
Rented "Ghosttown" last night. It came highly recommended by my secretary. When I heard it was from the creators of "The Office" - I was in. It's very funny, but that's not why I liked it. It has a very good moral to the story. Do you yourself a favor and rent it.
I'm exicted about tomorrow's sermon. We're talking about the universe and how big God really is. If God really is that big, is He "big" enough to take care of you and your problems? Part 2 is how small we are - is next weeks sermon. I was inspired by some talks by Louie Giglio. Should be fun to see the children's eyes when we show some eye popping powerpoint slides on the universe.
What I'm not looking forward to is saying good-bye to my daughter who heads back for her final semester at Oklahoma Christian. A month for Christmas break just isn't long enough. We just got used to her being back - when she goes back! Saddest of all is our eight year old who just loves her oldest sister.
Did I call the championship game or what? Now, I did think it would be higher scoring than it was, but I did believe that Florida was the better team.
A four hour season premier of "24" this Sunday and Monday nights!! Can't wait!
I'm exicted about tomorrow's sermon. We're talking about the universe and how big God really is. If God really is that big, is He "big" enough to take care of you and your problems? Part 2 is how small we are - is next weeks sermon. I was inspired by some talks by Louie Giglio. Should be fun to see the children's eyes when we show some eye popping powerpoint slides on the universe.
What I'm not looking forward to is saying good-bye to my daughter who heads back for her final semester at Oklahoma Christian. A month for Christmas break just isn't long enough. We just got used to her being back - when she goes back! Saddest of all is our eight year old who just loves her oldest sister.
Did I call the championship game or what? Now, I did think it would be higher scoring than it was, but I did believe that Florida was the better team.
A four hour season premier of "24" this Sunday and Monday nights!! Can't wait!
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Gators or Sooners?
Finally, the championship game is here! I've gone back and forth on this one, but I think the Gators will take 'em. Florida's defense and special teams will be the difference.
Great to see my beloved Hogs beat the Longhorns in hoops on Tuesday night! The passion is back in Razorback basetball! They should be ranked after beating the #4 and #7 teams in a seven day period.
One of my 52 goals for the year is to loose 9-10 pounds. I must confess, I enjoyed all the goodies of the holidays!
You do you think will win the game tonight?
Great to see my beloved Hogs beat the Longhorns in hoops on Tuesday night! The passion is back in Razorback basetball! They should be ranked after beating the #4 and #7 teams in a seven day period.
One of my 52 goals for the year is to loose 9-10 pounds. I must confess, I enjoyed all the goodies of the holidays!
You do you think will win the game tonight?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Best of 2008
Here are some of my best things from 2008:
Favorite Movies:
1.) Fireproof
2.) Batman - "The Dark Night"
3.) "John Adams"
4.) Prince Caspian
5.) Iron Man
6.) Valkyrie
all in all, a weak year for movies
Least favorite: Momma Mia, but my daughter loved it, which made it worth it!
Favorite Christian Books:
1.) "It"
2.) Rubber Band Leadership
3.) "Eat This Book" (Started)
4.) "In A Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day" (Just Started)
5.) Humility
Favorite Novels:
1.) "The Shack"
2.) Divine Justice
3.) Between Sundays
4.) Grace
Favorite non-fiction book: The Devil In The White City. (I read it in 2008)
Your favorites? Anything I've left off?
Favorite Movies:
1.) Fireproof
2.) Batman - "The Dark Night"
3.) "John Adams"
4.) Prince Caspian
5.) Iron Man
6.) Valkyrie
all in all, a weak year for movies
Least favorite: Momma Mia, but my daughter loved it, which made it worth it!
Favorite Christian Books:
1.) "It"
2.) Rubber Band Leadership
3.) "Eat This Book" (Started)
4.) "In A Pit With A Lion on a Snowy Day" (Just Started)
5.) Humility
Favorite Novels:
1.) "The Shack"
2.) Divine Justice
3.) Between Sundays
4.) Grace
Favorite non-fiction book: The Devil In The White City. (I read it in 2008)
Your favorites? Anything I've left off?
Monday, January 05, 2009
52 new goals
Making my new goals for the year. I will write my 52 new goals this week - one for every year I've lived. Started this practice last year, and I love it! I didn't fulfill the whole list, but I did a lot of them!
One of them is to blog 3-5 times a week! I know, I know, I've said this before . . . but this time I'll do better at writing posts.
Do you make goals? Does it work for you? or not?
One of them is to blog 3-5 times a week! I know, I know, I've said this before . . . but this time I'll do better at writing posts.
Do you make goals? Does it work for you? or not?
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Power of Remembering
Great victory for the Utes in the Sugar Bowl against mighty Alabama! Didn't think they could pull it off. Good for them! The four million dollar coach was out coached! You gotta love that.
One thing that our associate minister began when he came to Southside was he calls a family banner. Each month we celebrate the events of the past month. We make patches of baptisms, activities, significant events, etc. Tomorrow is our final patches for 2008.
So, the theme for tomorrow's sermon is "Remembering". I think it's significant that God tells his people time and time again - remember! God told them to erect altars, monuments, observe feasts - all to remember!
For the most part, our churches don't realize the importance of remembering. We don't value physical symbols that can remind us of God's grace and goodness. The danger is in worshiping the symbols themselves, but we go overboard the other way and ignore the power of symbols.
Anyway, tomorrow promises to be a good day of worship. Looking forward to it.
One thing that our associate minister began when he came to Southside was he calls a family banner. Each month we celebrate the events of the past month. We make patches of baptisms, activities, significant events, etc. Tomorrow is our final patches for 2008.
So, the theme for tomorrow's sermon is "Remembering". I think it's significant that God tells his people time and time again - remember! God told them to erect altars, monuments, observe feasts - all to remember!
For the most part, our churches don't realize the importance of remembering. We don't value physical symbols that can remind us of God's grace and goodness. The danger is in worshiping the symbols themselves, but we go overboard the other way and ignore the power of symbols.
Anyway, tomorrow promises to be a good day of worship. Looking forward to it.
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