From the teaching series, Unexpected (a look at the Book of Ruth):
If you lead, lead well- Ruth 2:1; 4
When a man (or person) of standing loves the Lord and lives to represent Him well, they will lead well.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
More Parkerisms and Turnerisms (Thanksgiving Edition)
Having two sons, 10 and 7, means we have lots of fun conversations in our home. Here are some more:
As we began to eat our Thanksgiving dinner-
Turner: This turkey sure is good.
Me: Yes, it is.
Nana: Nice job, Tonya.
Tonya: Thank you.
Turner: Hey, who killed the turkey?
While eating dinner-
Parker: I like the slick meat.
Me: What?
Granna: He means the dark meat.
Parker: Yeah. I like it better than the rough meat.
Me: The white meat?
Parker: Yeah.
During dinner, the topic of hunting came up (again)-
Parker: Do you hunt, Uncle Mike?
Mike: No. Have you ever been hunting Parker?
Parker: No. I step on the occasional bug. But, no I have never been hunting.
As we began to eat our Thanksgiving dinner-
Turner: This turkey sure is good.
Me: Yes, it is.
Nana: Nice job, Tonya.
Tonya: Thank you.
Turner: Hey, who killed the turkey?
While eating dinner-
Parker: I like the slick meat.
Me: What?
Granna: He means the dark meat.
Parker: Yeah. I like it better than the rough meat.
Me: The white meat?
Parker: Yeah.
During dinner, the topic of hunting came up (again)-
Parker: Do you hunt, Uncle Mike?
Mike: No. Have you ever been hunting Parker?
Parker: No. I step on the occasional bug. But, no I have never been hunting.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Great Quote Thursday
Organizations that can bring humanity and flexibility to their interactions with other human beings will thrive- Seth Godin (Linchpin, page 61).
Point for the Day- Unexpected (#5)
From the teaching series, Unexpected (a look at the Book of Ruth):
You can always go home (and when you do, life is better)- Ruth 1:22
Sometimes home is a physical location. Like coming back to Knoxville for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Sometimes home is family. Wherever your spouse and children are or where your parents are, even if it's not where you grew up, that's home.
Sometimes home is going back to where God wants you to be. Jesus shared a beautiful story about returning home in Luke 15:11-32.
And in your relationship with God, you can always go home.
You can always go home (and when you do, life is better)- Ruth 1:22
Sometimes home is a physical location. Like coming back to Knoxville for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Sometimes home is family. Wherever your spouse and children are or where your parents are, even if it's not where you grew up, that's home.
Sometimes home is going back to where God wants you to be. Jesus shared a beautiful story about returning home in Luke 15:11-32.
And in your relationship with God, you can always go home.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Point for the Day- Unexpected (#4)
From the teaching series, Unexpected (a look at the Book of Ruth):
Prepare for the unexpected; for the future- Ruth 1:3-5
Unexpected things happen in life. When the family left Bethlehem, they never anticipated that Naomi would mourn the loss of her husband and two sons in Moab. But you can always expect the unexpected.
While you can't control the future, you can do your best to prepare for it. Life insurance, accessible savings and keeping debt to a minimum are all steps to help prepare for the unexpected.
Prepare for the unexpected; for the future- Ruth 1:3-5
Unexpected things happen in life. When the family left Bethlehem, they never anticipated that Naomi would mourn the loss of her husband and two sons in Moab. But you can always expect the unexpected.
While you can't control the future, you can do your best to prepare for it. Life insurance, accessible savings and keeping debt to a minimum are all steps to help prepare for the unexpected.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Point for the Day- Unexpected (#3)
From the teaching series, Unexpected (a look at the Book of Ruth):
It's never best to live with the enemy- Ruth 1:2
Elimelech took his family to Moab, enemy territory, to avoid a famine. He probably never planned to stay. But he did. He settled there.
Many times, we find ourselves in places we thought we'd never be. We head down a path and realize it's no place to stay. But we settle. In the land of the enemy.
In the moment, Moab may seem appealing. But it's never best to live with the enemy.
It's never best to live with the enemy- Ruth 1:2
Elimelech took his family to Moab, enemy territory, to avoid a famine. He probably never planned to stay. But he did. He settled there.
Many times, we find ourselves in places we thought we'd never be. We head down a path and realize it's no place to stay. But we settle. In the land of the enemy.
In the moment, Moab may seem appealing. But it's never best to live with the enemy.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Point for the Day- Unexpected (#2)
From the teaching series, Unexpected (a look at the Book of Ruth):
Husbands, be careful where you lead your family (Ruth 1:1).
Moab was an enemy of the Hebrew nation. But because of a famine in Judah, it seemed like a better option to Elimelech. Away from God and His people is no place to take your family.
Husbands, be careful where you lead your family (Ruth 1:1).
Moab was an enemy of the Hebrew nation. But because of a famine in Judah, it seemed like a better option to Elimelech. Away from God and His people is no place to take your family.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Point for the Day- Unexpected
From the teaching series, Unexpected (a look at the Book of Ruth)
Leadership matters (Judges 21:25).
In every context, be it home, work or government, in the absence of leadership, chaos will ensue. Because we all look to leadership for direction. However, seeing none, we'll make our own way. And due to our sinful, selfish nature, doing "what is right" in our own eyes will often lead us away from God.
Who you follow matters. Leadership matters.
Leadership matters (Judges 21:25).
In every context, be it home, work or government, in the absence of leadership, chaos will ensue. Because we all look to leadership for direction. However, seeing none, we'll make our own way. And due to our sinful, selfish nature, doing "what is right" in our own eyes will often lead us away from God.
Who you follow matters. Leadership matters.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Point for the Day- Seasons of Marriage (Winter #5)
How long a couple has been married does not necessarily determine the season their marriage is in. Some couples have been married less than a year but are already headed toward Winter. By contrast, other couples have been married for decades and are still enjoying Summer.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple must know there's a point of no return- Genesis 3:22-24
At some point, with no repentance, it can never be like it was.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple must know there's a point of no return- Genesis 3:22-24
At some point, with no repentance, it can never be like it was.
More Parkerisms and Turnerisms
Having two sons, 10 and 7, means we have lots of fun conversations in our home. Here are some more:
Turner: Daddy, did you enjoy working on the computer when you were in elementary school?
Me: We didn't have computers in my elementary school.
Turner: Did you have iPads?
Me: No. We didn't have those either.
Turner: Did you have pencils?
Me: Um...yes.
Me: Parker, where did you get that mud that's all over your knee?
Parker: Outside.
Me: Right
While trying to get the hiccups to stop:
Turner: I keep hiccing up.
Turner: Daddy, did you enjoy working on the computer when you were in elementary school?
Me: We didn't have computers in my elementary school.
Turner: Did you have iPads?
Me: No. We didn't have those either.
Turner: Did you have pencils?
Me: Um...yes.
Me: Parker, where did you get that mud that's all over your knee?
Parker: Outside.
Me: Right
While trying to get the hiccups to stop:
Turner: I keep hiccing up.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Point for the Day- Seasons of Marriage (Winter #4)
How long a couple has been married does not necessarily determine the season their marriage is in. Some couples have been married less than a year but are already headed toward Winter. By contrast, other couples have been married for decades and are still enjoying Summer.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple should remember God's love- v. 21
God making coverings for Adam and Eve is the first reference to salvation in Scripture.
Even when we sin, even when we disappoint Him, God still loves us.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple should remember God's love- v. 21
God making coverings for Adam and Eve is the first reference to salvation in Scripture.
Even when we sin, even when we disappoint Him, God still loves us.
Great Quote Thursday
Forgiveness isn't an event. Forgiveness is a process you have to work at every day- Don Wilson
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Point for the Day- Seasons of Marriage (Winter #3)
How long a couple has been married does not necessarily determine the season their marriage is in. Some couples have been married less than a year but are already headed toward Winter, By contrast, other couples have been married for decades and are still enjoying Summer.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple can expect God to address their sin- Genesis 3:14-19
Sin brings consequences. As a result of the first sin, Satan's demise was declared; Eve would suffer in bearing children; and Adam would be required to work.
God won't let sin go unpunished. His perfect and holy nature cannot allow it. And that is why Jesus came, lived, was crucified, buried and rose again. And take the punishment for our sin.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple can expect God to address their sin- Genesis 3:14-19
Sin brings consequences. As a result of the first sin, Satan's demise was declared; Eve would suffer in bearing children; and Adam would be required to work.
God won't let sin go unpunished. His perfect and holy nature cannot allow it. And that is why Jesus came, lived, was crucified, buried and rose again. And take the punishment for our sin.
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Point for the Day- Seasons of Marriage (Winter #2)
How long a couple has been married does not necessarily determine the season their marriage is in. Some couples have been married less than a year but are already headed toward Winter. By contrast, other couples have been married for decades and are still enjoying Summer.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple begins the blame game- Genesis 3:12,13
Taking responsibility for your own actions is crucial in a healthy relationship. Blaming others never leads to conflict resolution.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple begins the blame game- Genesis 3:12,13
Taking responsibility for your own actions is crucial in a healthy relationship. Blaming others never leads to conflict resolution.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Point for the Day- Seasons of Marriage (Winter)
How long a couple has been married does not necessarily determine the season their marriage is in. Some couples have been married less than a year but are already headed toward Winter. By contrast, other couples have been married for decades and are still enjoying Summer.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple runs from God- Genesis 3:9-11
Adam attempted to hide from God, the same God with whom he'd had a great relationship prior to his sin. Adam knew he'd caused a fracture in his relationship with God and God sought him out.
When a husband or wife (or couple) hides from accountability and shows a lack of willingness to deal with the issues at hand, there's a coldness in their heart.
When Winter is on its way...or already here:
The couple runs from God- Genesis 3:9-11
Adam attempted to hide from God, the same God with whom he'd had a great relationship prior to his sin. Adam knew he'd caused a fracture in his relationship with God and God sought him out.
When a husband or wife (or couple) hides from accountability and shows a lack of willingness to deal with the issues at hand, there's a coldness in their heart.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Point for the Day
Even at our lowest point, God loves us (Judges 16:22).
When Samson was bald (from being shaven), blind (his eyes gouged out by the Philistines) and bound (forced to grind grain like an ox), God allowed his hair to begin to grow back.
God still loved Samson.
When Samson was bald (from being shaven), blind (his eyes gouged out by the Philistines) and bound (forced to grind grain like an ox), God allowed his hair to begin to grow back.
God still loved Samson.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Great Quote Thursday
Read. The expenditure of words without the income of ideas will lead to conceptual bankruptcy. You have to keep having ideas coming in- Ravi Zacharias
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Point for the Day
This post marks the 175th blog post of 2014. Not a big deal really to anyone but me. But this post, #175, marks the most I've ever posted in a given year since beginning this blog in January 2009.
Two things about this post that make me glad:
1. I'm glad I've had the diligence to record my ideas, thoughts and notes here (if only for mostly myself).
2. I'm glad my wife Tonya encouraged me to begin this process in this first place. Thank you Tonya.
Which is a great reminder (Here's The Point) that diligence combined with encouragement makes for a productive combination.
Two things about this post that make me glad:
1. I'm glad I've had the diligence to record my ideas, thoughts and notes here (if only for mostly myself).
2. I'm glad my wife Tonya encouraged me to begin this process in this first place. Thank you Tonya.
Which is a great reminder (Here's The Point) that diligence combined with encouragement makes for a productive combination.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Point for the Day
Three mistakes Samson made in Judges 16:
He trusted the wrong person- v. 4
He toyed with sin- v. 7-14
He took God's blessing for granted- v. 20
He trusted the wrong person- v. 4
He toyed with sin- v. 7-14
He took God's blessing for granted- v. 20
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Point for the Day
It's possible to look like you honor God and not live like you honor God (Judges 16:17).
Monday, November 3, 2014
Point for the Day
Lessons on Leadership from Judges 15
A Leader should:
1. Have integrity- v. 1
2. Take responsibility for his/her actions- v. 3
3. Positively impact others- v. 6
4. Receive wise counsel- v. 11
5. Honor God...at all times- v. 18
A Leader should:
1. Have integrity- v. 1
2. Take responsibility for his/her actions- v. 3
3. Positively impact others- v. 6
4. Receive wise counsel- v. 11
5. Honor God...at all times- v. 18
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Making Music
Our younger son, Turner, who is 7, began taking piano lessons about 3 months ago. Neither my wife Tonya nor I play any musical instrument so we are excited about this opportunity for him.
Last Sunday, Turner participated in his first-ever piano recital. He did well and was pleased with his performance (though watching him bow to the audience before and following the playing of his piece of music made us all smile- 7 year old boys in East Tennessee don't bow a lot).
As you would expect, the first-year students like Turner played basic pieces such as the piece he played, Bamboo Leaves. But as the recital went along, the level of skill increased dramatically as those with several years of experience played intricate pieces from memory. I sat watching and thinking that the ability to play piano was as unknown to me as molecular biology or quantum physics. Just way beyond my understanding. And also that some 4 year-olds were better musicians than me.
But one thing I picked up on quickly, some people were playing notes while others were making music.
Here's The Point:
For the students who had put in the time to practice and memorize the notes, the playing of those individual notes had become melodic. It had become to them a piece of music and not notes on a page.
Much like life. Our individual daily experiences may not seem all that impressive as singular events but the collection of our daily moments, over time, becomes our life.
And just like at the recital when effort and care are invested, individual moments over time become a performance...of a lifetime.
Last Sunday, Turner participated in his first-ever piano recital. He did well and was pleased with his performance (though watching him bow to the audience before and following the playing of his piece of music made us all smile- 7 year old boys in East Tennessee don't bow a lot).
As you would expect, the first-year students like Turner played basic pieces such as the piece he played, Bamboo Leaves. But as the recital went along, the level of skill increased dramatically as those with several years of experience played intricate pieces from memory. I sat watching and thinking that the ability to play piano was as unknown to me as molecular biology or quantum physics. Just way beyond my understanding. And also that some 4 year-olds were better musicians than me.
But one thing I picked up on quickly, some people were playing notes while others were making music.
Here's The Point:
For the students who had put in the time to practice and memorize the notes, the playing of those individual notes had become melodic. It had become to them a piece of music and not notes on a page.
Much like life. Our individual daily experiences may not seem all that impressive as singular events but the collection of our daily moments, over time, becomes our life.
And just like at the recital when effort and care are invested, individual moments over time become a performance...of a lifetime.
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