Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, just turned 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind have led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are some more:

Turner: "Daddy, I wish I could stand on a ball and juggle and not get hurt".

Me: "I love you big guy".
Turner: "How am I growing up so big"?

Before a recent nap:
Turner: "I will always love you Daddy. I will never stop loving you".
Me: "I'll always love you big guy. I'll never stop loving you either. Where did you hear that"?
Turner: "I made it up myself".

Great Quote Thursday

Trust is earned or lost in simple ways that we communicate - Michael Maslansky (The Language of Trust, p. 69).

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 8:13-18

When Ezra the scribe reads the words of the Law to the people, they realize they have overlooked the festival of booths that their forefathers had previously observed. In observing this practice, originating during the time of the exodus from Egypt, the Israelites would gather branches and limbs of trees and construct temporary coverings or tents ("booths") in the wilderness to show their absolute reliance upon God. By the time of Nehemiah, the practice was no longer being observed as it once was.

Under conviction based on Ezra's reading of the Law, the people of Israel begin to observe the festival of booths once again. Considering that Jerusalem had just been restored, and individual homes had been built throughout the city, moving into a booth, even on a temporary basis proved their appreciation and obedience toward God.

Here's The Point: Just as the children of Israel had chosen to ignore the practice of observing the festival of booths, oftentimes we grow to overlook disciplines that were once crucial to our own spiritual growth. Consider these examples:

1. Years ago when you barely made any money, you tithed. But now, you make ?0,000 a year and to tithe on that amount would be costly.
2. There was a time when you read the Bible daily but now your world has gotten so busy and you simply can't find the time anymore. Because you have more important things to do.
3. You used to journal your thoughts, chronicle what God was teaching you, showing you, on a daily basis. Journaling used to mean so much to you. But now, there's just not time.

Maybe, just like the Israelites in Nehemiah's day, we need to assess what is important.

Book Review- The Language of Trust

A book I happened upon in a clearance bin at a local discount store, I was pleasantly surprised with The Language of Trust- Selling Ideas in a World of Skeptics by Michael Maslansky with Scott West, Gary DeMoss and David Saylor. Written as a book for business, The Language of Trust addresses the importance and proper use of language in what the authors call the "post-trust era" or PTE.

Previously, experts used to be sought out for their expertise. But now, with information so readily available through multiple sources (websites, blogs, social media, etc.), the need for "official" information is left to the determination of the seeker. In a society in which people are more skeptical than ever before, the way in which an idea is presented carries great weight. Connecting with an audience requires attention to the wording used, the context, as well as the medium being utilized.

Here are some great concepts detailed in the book:
Four Principles of Credible Communication-
Be Personal- The Personal Principle: It's not about you, it's about them
Be Plainspoken- The Plainspoken Principle: If they can't understand you, it's your fault
Be Positive- The Positive Principle: Negativity breeds Contempt
Be Plausible- The Plausibility Principle: Life isn't perfect; neither is what you are selling

The book is filled with great quotations, statistical information to support the positions taken, and practical advice for improving the quality of an individual's or organization's communication.

Great Quote Thursday

One measure of leadership is the caliber of people who choose to follow you- Dennis A. Peer

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 9

When the people heard the Book of the Law of the Lord read to them (v. 1-5), they were convicted to confess their sins before God. Not simply there own sins, but the sins of the Israelites from ages past. From verses 5-38, the people retrace their history from the book of Genesis through the books of the Kings. There were many high points (God choosing Abram- v. 7; the rescue at the Red Sea- v. 9-11; God speaking from Mt. Sinai- v. 13; many more).

But there was also a pattern of disobedience toward God (v. 16; 19; 26; 28; 30; and more). Reading the Israelites' history as it's recounted here is very much like a roller coaster- lots of ups and downs.

But through it all God was faithful: "But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love"- v. 17b.

Here's The Point: When was the last time you took time to look back at your history to see how truly gracious God has been to you? Your life probably has some roller coaster effect to it as did the Israelites.

In class on Sunday, each of us wrote out at least 5 ways that God had been "gracious and compassionate" and "abounding in love" toward us. It was a great time of reflection that I'd encourage you to do.

Great Quote Thursday

The Bible was written for us to apply- Tim Miller

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 8:4

Here are some of my teaching notes from our Me? series last Sunday. The text is Nehemiah 8:4:

After the wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt, the people gathered to hear Ezra the scribe read from the Book of the Law of Moses. In verse 4, the Bible says Ezra stood on a wooden platform that was "built for the occasion".

That means Nehemiah and the Jews knew the reading of the Law in a public arena was important; they planned in advance to do it.

Here's The Point: Attention should be given to matters of importance. Like the reading of Scripture. Is it important to you and me?

Thoughts About Baseball at the All-Star Break

Winning your division in baseball is significant, but doesn't guarantee post-season success. With the Atlanta Braves just a handful of games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and currently in solid control of the wild card spot in the National League, getting into the playoffs is the main goal.

The Pittsburgh Pirates having a winning record at the break and within striking distance of the lead in the National League Central division is a great thing for baseball. I hope their solid play continues and this is not simply a first-half "feel good" story.

The Tampa Rays, Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles annually deal with the largest competitive discrepancy in all of professional sports. They simply can't keep up with the big-market New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox for the long run. Sometimes David does defeat Goliath. It can happen, but more often than not, paying big money for the best players means more wins.

If Major League Baseball goes forward with realignment as is being discussed, I hope it adjusts the divisions (East, Central, West) to each include 5 teams. The current division structure in both the American and National leagues with 6 teams in the Central division and 4 teams in the West division is something that should be fixed.

Thank You for Reading The Point

This blog post is intended for the sole purpose of saying thank you.

Sometime earlier today the view counter for this blog crossed over 5000 views. In the vastness of the blogosphere, that's a very minor number. But considering that I was hesitant to ever start blogging, and only did so after significant encouragement from my wife (thank you Tonya), I continue to be amazed that people take the time to read the thoughts I post.

So, if you are one of the people who checks this blog from time to time, THANK YOU. That you take your time to read these posts is much appreciated.

Big Guy Weekend 3

Last Friday and Saturday, in what has become an annual tradition, I took Parker on a fun-filled trip we call Big Guy Weekend. This summer we went to Atlanta for a tour of Turner Field and a Braves game against the Baltimore Orioles.

These weekends are a great opportunity for father-son time. We get to spend time talking about things we both enjoy and I get to hear Parker's heart, the things that are important to him. Next year, Turner will begin to have his own Big Guy Weekend as well.

I would suggest every Dad of a son have a Big Guy Weekend. A friend of mine has what he calls Dude Days with his son. If you have a daughter, maybe you have a Princess Weekend. Whatever you call it, spending quality time with your child is time well spent.

Fun on Friday- More Turnerisms

My youngest son, Turner, just turned 4 years old. The combination of a developing sense of his world, an expanding vocabulary and a creative young mind has led to what we affectionately refer to as Turnerisms. Here are some more:

Turner: "I need a drank" (with an a).
Me: "Say drink" (with an i).
Turner: "I can say toilet. That's an easy word."

After building an impressive Thomas the Tank Engine train track with the help of his 7 year old brother Parker: "This is huge-mongous!!"

I recently was reading Turner a Thomas the Tank Engine book and read a line that stated, "Thomas' wheels sputtered at an oily spot on the track".
This is the conversation that followed:
Turner: "Daddy, don't say oily".
Me: "Okay. What should I say then"?
Turner: "Say I like your windmill".
The sentence then read "Thomas' wheels sputtered at an I like your windmill spot on the track"....... and Turner was good with that.

To a new Dad with a 2-month old son: "Your baby is not a toy".

Great Quote Thursday

Are you listening or are you just waiting for your turn to talk?- Robert Montgomery

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 7:1-3

Here are some of my teaching notes from our Me? series last Sunday. The text is Nehemiah 7:1-3:

v. 1- Details Are Important
Not only was the wall rebuilt but the detail work (doors, gatekeepers, singers, priests) had to be in place.

In a marriage, details matter. Ask any wife. Her husband may be a great husband 90% of the time but the other 10% (the things, or the details, he overlooks) is what often stands out and gets remembered.

In the workplace, details matter. If your supervisor gives you a solid review but points out a couple of areas needing improvement (areas where you need to pay attention to detail), all you remember is the areas(s) needing attention.

v. 2- Follow Godly Leadership
Nehemiah chose Hanani to be a leader in Jerusalem because he found him to be "a man of integrity" and a man who "feared God more than most men do". That type of individual is one to be followed, not simply someone who is popular or someone who is leading the current movement or fad.

v. 3- Take Nothing For Granted
The city gates were not to be opened until "the sun is hot", meaning that the gates were safely kept closed until the citizens were awake and prepared. Too often we make a move or decision without thinking through all the consequences of our actions. Think. Prepare. Be ready.

Me? Series Notes- Nehemiah 5:14-19

Here are some teaching notes from our Me? series. The text is Nehemiah 5:14-19:

v. 14, 15- Lead By Example
Nehemiah knew that the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was difficult for the people and he did not want to increase the burden.

v. 16, 17- Lead Through a Life of Service, Not Opportunism
While focusing on the work at hand, Nehemiah expressed his leadership by giving to others.

v. 18,19- Just Because You Have an Advantage, Don't Take Advantage
Being governor brought privileges. Nehemiah refused the extra benefits and, as a result, it strengthened his leadership among the people.