As we begin the new year, it is a good thing to "number our days" (Psalm 90:12) - to reflect on and give consideration to our life. Life is short and wise people live from God's perspective, understanding that what we do in time echoes into eternity. Students of human development would be aware of … Continue reading Stages of Life (Childhood)
New Habits for a New Year
As we prepare to finish another year and start a new one, it’s always good to pause and reflect. There are so many things to think about – our relationship with God, our relationship with people, our sense of contribution and life purpose, as well the seasons and stages of our life. In many ways, … Continue reading New Habits for a New Year
If Life were a 24-hour Clock, what Time is it for You?
As we come near the end of another year, it is a good thing to pause and reflect on our life, as well as our relationship with God. Here is the prayer of Moses, a man who spoke to God face to face. Psalm 90:12. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain … Continue reading If Life were a 24-hour Clock, what Time is it for You?
Some Helpful Productivity Tools
Life is busy (or 'full', as I prefer to say nowadays). There are lots of people to see, places to go, and things to do - more than we seem to have time for. In many ways, there is enough to do to fill multiple life times. But we only have one ... so we … Continue reading Some Helpful Productivity Tools
Halftime Experience
During my sabbatical, I had the privilege of taking a two-day Halftime Experience with Bob Buford, the founder of Halftime, Leadership Network and The Drucker Institute. Bob is a kind, gracious and intelligent man. At 72 years of age, he comes across a little slow and deliberate, yet he has a listening ear and a very … Continue reading Halftime Experience
Top 5 Regrets of the Dying
A nurse has recorded the most common regrets of the dying, and among the top ones is 'I wish I hadn't worked so hard'. What would your biggest regret be if this was your last day of life? There was no mention of more sex or bungee jumps. A palliative nurse who has counselled the … Continue reading Top 5 Regrets of the Dying
How to Get Super Focused (by Michael Hyatt)
[Michael Hyatt has one of the most popular BLOGS out there. Below is a recent post written by him that you might find helpful] "Every now and then, I have a need to get super-focused. It’s usually when I have an important task to accomplish like preparing a speech, writing a blog post, or solving … Continue reading How to Get Super Focused (by Michael Hyatt)
Don’t Give Me the Facts; What’s Your Story?
True Story: Jake worked for a large technology company but was passionate about starting his own business some time in the near future. Through a mutual acquaintance, Jake met Alan, a wealthy investor. They talked over breakfast and by the time they were finished, Jake was convinced that he had found his financing. Alan promised … Continue reading Don’t Give Me the Facts; What’s Your Story?
Developing Yourself
I am passionate about personal development. God's gift to us is our potential. Our gift back to him is what we do with it. Cemeteries are filled with undeveloped potential and dreams that never grew legs. Don't add to those statistics. Grab a hold of why you are here on the planet - your calling … Continue reading Developing Yourself
The Joy of Laughter
They say that laughter is good medicine. I believe that is true. Life can be stressful and draining at times. However, we know that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Joy is different than happiness in that it does not depend on what is happening to us. It comes from our relationship with … Continue reading The Joy of Laughter
My Upcoming Sabbatical
This year is my 28th year on staff at CityLife Church and my 18th as Senior Minister. It's been quite a journey and I am thankful for all that God has done during this time and for the support of our congregation and leadership team. In discussion with the Elders and our senior staff, there … Continue reading My Upcoming Sabbatical
Ministerial Sabbaticals (Pt.2)
In the foreword to Clergy Renewal, Roy M. Oswald lists the following six reasons for a church to encourage a pastor to take regular sabbaticals. 1. The very nature of being a pastor involves continual spiritual growth. Spiritual depth does not happen by accident; it takes hard, intentional work. Basically, it is a lifelong process … Continue reading Ministerial Sabbaticals (Pt.2)
Ministerial Sabbaticals (Pt.1)
Church work is not necessarily more difficult than other work, but it is hard. Staying fresh, alive and creative week after week, year after year, in the midst of the stress, emotion, study, as well as the people and leadership tasks that are required, can be quite a challenge. As a result, a minister's levels … Continue reading Ministerial Sabbaticals (Pt.1)
When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Workload
Michael Hyatt has an excellent BLOG packed full of practical advice. Here is part of his recent post on what to do when you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, which I'm sure we all experience from time totime. MICHAEL: Here are six things you can do to cope. Trust me, I am preaching to myself! … Continue reading When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed by Your Workload
The Upside of Discomfort?
Long distance runner, Dean Karnezes, recently said, "Western culture has things a little backwards right now. We think that if we had every comfort available to us, we’d be happy. We equate comfort with happiness. And now we’re so comfortable we’re miserable. There’s no struggle in our lives. No sense of adventure. We get in … Continue reading The Upside of Discomfort?