Fun with Chunn

deep thought

2008-09-10T18:41:00.002-05:00

My wife made an interesting observation the other day.
Why do we compare our kids to the worst kids we know and compare our house to the best house we know?

What are you reading?

2008-09-09T08:39:00.003-05:00

Brandon picked it up for me the other day while at Lifechurch.tv, thanks bro.

Going without TV

2008-08-27T13:14:00.003-05:00

For the summer and now into the fall the family is going without cable. Has not been that difficult but tonight may prove different. I don't know if we will be able to handle going without...

ABC - Wife Swap
CBS - Greatest American Dog
NBC - America's Got Talent

Really?

First day of school

2008-08-25T08:50:00.003-05:00

Today is the first day of school for everyone in my family. Elizabeth starts high school this year, Ethan is in all honors at BMS, and Melissa has a 3rd grade classroom with windows. So, I'm going to lunch at Piranha with R.Wood.
If you were going with us what would you order?

2008-08-18T16:03:00.002-05:00

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

Home

2008-08-12T12:19:00.003-05:00

I am home now after arriving back in Dakar airport at 11:00pm for my flight that left at 2:20 am then landing in New York at 8:30 am and connecting with my flight to DFW which landed at noon. Melissa and the kids loved it when I walked into baggage claim in full African dress. Ethan saw me, turned, and started walking the other way.

Continue to pray for the people of West Africa and the work that is being done there specifically:
Coming to "Discover" the Sereer-Sine

“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!’” (Romans 10:13-15, NAS). Currently there is one IMB couple serving among the Sereer-Sine people--a monumental task, considering that the people group numbers more than 1 million. During the month of August, two pastors will be coming on a discovery trip to Sereer-Sine country: one from a church in Illinois, and one from Texas. Please pray that the Lord will open the eyes of these pastors to the lostness of the people and will give them a vision for how they can partner with the couple serving among them. Pray also for their home churches after these pastors return, asking that they will “catch the vision” and love for the people and will join in bringing the Good News to the Sereer-Sine.

Sereer Sine of Senegal

Last post before heading home

2008-08-08T18:10:00.004-05:00

This will be my last post until I arrive back in the states. Not sure how to write this but I think it needs to be posted. Ok, a small portion of the money I received in order to make the trip was budgeted for lodging. Upon my arrival Travis and Kim had arranged that I stay with them in their home. So with the money they went and purchased two foam mats that most Senegalise use for their beds. In order for me to sleep on and get the full African experience. This afternoon we took one of the mats back out to the village for Mari Jo and her family. The excitment of the kids can not be expressed through pictures or words, sorry you were not there but maybe next time.

My bed for the week

Their bed for the next few years

Everybody wants to see!!!

Remember the words of our Lord "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Book your flight now!

2008-08-08T03:44:00.002-05:00

House hunting
The people here seem really excited about the prospect of someone from America living with them.

2008-08-08T03:30:00.002-05:00

This is my new friend Mr. Lo, who is the English teacher at the high school in Fatick. He is a very intelligent man as are most of the folks around here. Most everyone can speak two or three different languages unlike most Americans. He is very well known and popular anywhere you travel in Fatick. Yesterday he helped us search for housing for a couple of new missionaries coming to Africa next year. He would communicate in Wolof and then translate in French for Travis and English for the dummy.

This morning

2008-08-07T15:26:00.002-05:00

Waiting to see the white man

Seeing the white man

Lunch

Good Morning

2008-08-06T16:56:00.004-05:00

Okay this is Marie Jo and we are inside her hut where she sleeps with her six kids. Also in the picture are Travis (who does not like to have his picture taken for fear that he may be in the spotlight), Kim, and their son Ethan.

This is pic of Kim (who is a language phenom) talking with Marie Jo. Notice in the background the beds the kids have been using to sleep on until becoming unusable. Her children now sleep on mats on the dirt floor.

This is her youngest being held by a relative. Notice the smile on Marie Jo's face.

In Nahar with friends

2008-08-06T04:12:00.000-05:00

on the way to the village

2008-08-05T17:10:00.003-05:00

Wait till you see our next post!

Having tea with friends

2008-08-05T12:37:00.002-05:00

To Market

2008-08-05T03:51:00.004-05:00

Kim at the butcher

Buying potatoes for dinner

my host home in Fatick

2008-08-05T03:40:00.002-05:00

The home of Kim and Travis Forsythe and their beautiful kids Gloria,Nathanael, Melody, and Ethan. This is where i will be staying for the remainder of my time in Senegal.

My wonderful Host

2008-08-05T03:28:00.002-05:00

This is Dave and Kathy Lanham my host in Dakar and basically the coolest people ever. Career missionaries with over twenty years on the field and most of that in the bush. These people are the real deal and knowing them is an honor. Maybe one day you will be able to meet these remarkable people.

Thanks Dave and Kathy for your hospitality and generosity.

Church on Sunday

2008-08-05T03:20:00.000-05:00

on the beach in Dakar

2008-08-05T03:11:00.000-05:00

Today in Fatick

2008-08-04T15:07:00.002-05:00

Today I went to market on oxcart to buy vegtables and fish for today's lunch. Had authentic Senegaliles ceeb bu jen a rice and fish dish for lunch. Tea with friends, a high honor. And visited a remote farm village outside Fatick. Where there is no running water, no electricity, nothing but mud huts and a very warm reception from the families. And that's a Monday.

Dakar

2008-08-02T16:14:00.002-05:00

Well, thanks to all the folks who generously gave I am in Africa!!! I am going on about two hours of sleep. Staying with Dave and Kathy Lanham who are with a ministry called New Tribes(look it up). Great story. Today was beach day with about 6 other missionary families who came to Senegal from all over the globe. All the guys from Intensity would have loved to see a beach crowded with hundreds of Senegalese and there in the middle was Randy Chunn. I'll post pics later.
Thanks again to Intensity 08 camp, Solid Rock, and lovely individuals who made this possible.

2008-07-31T11:24:00.001-05:00

I thought these pics were pretty cool?

2008-07-30T17:58:00.002-05:00

Ok what we have here is the Capitol

A picture of the painting of the signing of the Decleration of Independence

The very center of Washington DC!

2008-07-29T11:13:00.003-05:00

Sorry i haven't posted in a few days. We've been at camp for two weeks. It deserves a posting of it's own. What I'd like to do is finish up our Washington and NYC trip and get ready for posting about Africa.

WW II Memorial, Washington Monument, The White House - Ethan took all of these pics!!!

Jefferson and FDR

2008-07-19T10:32:00.004-05:00

The cool thing about the Jefferson Memorial was that morning no one was there and we had the whole place to ourselves. The FDR memorial is one of the coolest (literally) lots of water and shade.

2008-07-14T09:57:00.001-05:00

Is there such a thing as a favorite tree? If so, this is Melissa's. What about you?

It's Offical

2008-07-02T10:37:00.002-05:00

I have been asked by my two blog readers to update them as to what is happening in my life at this moment. On Father's Day I ended my tenure as Lead Pastor of Solid Rock by reading my resignation. After more than ten years of serving in some capacity at the Rock, the wife and I felt God's prompting us to move. Not really knowing where He is leading but trusting that we are in His will, we begin another adventure.

Melissa is going to continue to teach school in the WSISD and my summer calendar is filled.

Please be in prayer for me as I get to live out a lifelong dream when I travel to Senegal, Africa in August. More details later.

2008-06-30T10:30:00.002-05:00

This was still the first day!!! Robert E. Lee's house is located in Arlington National, as well as JFK and Jackie O's grave. We then traveled to the Iwo Jima Memorial which was huge!!!

2008-06-27T11:37:00.002-05:00

Pentagon City Mall

Eternal Flame at the Holocaust Memorial

Tomb of Unknown Solider

These guys don't play!

2008-06-25T00:27:00.002-05:00

On our way!!!

out of town

2008-06-18T08:28:00.002-05:00

I've been out of town for a week and a half now. It all started last Monday when the kids and i loaded up at 5:00 am to head to Washington DC. I believe that everyone should see the nations capital at least once in their lifetime. This would be the kids first time and my second, Melissa has yet to make it. We landed in Baltimore and ate at the food court in the Pentagon City Mall. Most of these trip reports will consist of what and where we ate during the day. After a quick lunch, we traveled to Arlington National Cemetary. To be honest I was thinking this might not be highlight of the trip. But after the tour, i have concluded it was one of the coolest experiences on the whole trip. Taps at sunset at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider overlooking DC. Amazing!!!

More later....

My new Fav

2008-06-05T11:17:00.001-05:00

June 2nd, 2008

2008-06-02T14:15:00.001-05:00

Today is June the 2nd, 2008. That's it! I just can't beleive it's June. My wirlwind summer is about to begin. Get ready for some exciting post.

God Grew Tired of Us

2008-05-27T13:59:00.002-05:00

Have you seen this film?

Accountability

2008-04-28T07:59:00.002-05:00

...is to be regularly answerable for each of the key areas of our lives to qualified people.

Questions?
What went right this week?
What went wrong this week?

How is your relationship with Christ changing?
How have you been tempted this week? How did you respond?
Do you have any unconfessed sin in your life?
Have you read God's Word daily?

How is life with the wife?
Are you spending both quantity and quality time with the kids?
Do you children feel that they are valued?
How are things financially?

How's life in the office?
Are you working too much?

Have you experienced community this week?
Do you feel confident that you are in God's will?
Is your moral behavior what it should be?

Is who you are in public consistent with who you are when no ones looking?

special thanks to Patrick Morley and the Man in the Mirror

B. Heine

2008-04-17T12:41:00.002-05:00

Things Brandon tells me every day:

You're a jerk!
Really?
Are you kidding me?
Seriously?
I despise you!
Katy is awesome!
Tink!Tink!Tink!
Is the Office going to be new this week?
Is there something at your house to eat?
Have you heard this song?

2008-04-07T16:22:00.000-05:00

Yes, a response from the message yesterday!!!

While my married life is different, I wanted to share a couple of thoughts that came to me during the service.
First, Randy, it was very insightful to ask Melissa to confirm/or deny a women's perspective.
The little things you do or say to us allows me to always know the Holy Sprit is guiding your sermons. Thank-You!
Looking back at the last couple of years, the number one thing that was most dear to me and causes my sadness is not having security. I'm not talking about financial.
It is the idea that Melissa expressed.
The unfailing knowledge that your partner is there for you to depend upon, in times of need - whether serious or simple. (I don't even want to think about the serious things now….)
For me it is the little things like hanging pictures on the wall, having to look for purchases that you don't have to put together, getting lost and not having him to call …in cold-rainy weather, he showed his love by always making sure I had a full tank of gas….
I depend upon myself for those things now, I must always think ahead because I don't have him to depend upon…
(Of course, I know God watches over me and He places saints in my path to support me.)
Oh how my hope for engaged couples, the newly married, couples that are growing apart or the confirmation to the couples that have it together, the knowledge of what love is - daily - the little insignificant things, the things that we each take for granted - don't do it! God's desire for unity between a man and women is so perfect, life is hard and to share life with a partner is a true gift from our Creator.

1st Wednesday

2008-04-03T10:35:00.002-05:00

What a great night!!! Brandon and the band really pulled out all the stops to lead us to the throne. We almost ran out of cups during communion. John's story was real and authentic. A true testament to life change. People gave generously. Baptizing Preston and Grayson -- what an honor to be a part. Overall it was a good day!!!

I Love it!!!

2008-03-29T14:39:00.000-05:00

Hope to see ya Easter Sunday

2008-03-21T12:19:00.000-05:00

Tim Sanders

2008-03-12T17:42:00.000-05:00

Crazy Week

2008-03-07T09:37:00.003-06:00

This has been a wild week for me. Mainly because of this crazy idea!

The cutest kid in the galaxy

2008-02-28T10:37:00.002-06:00

Another post about Lost

2008-02-26T15:55:00.002-06:00

Something caught my eye on a blog I read alot and thought I would share it with you. The guy I got it from copied it from a blog he reads alot. Which makes me think that these two guys must be pretty cool because they both agree with me that LOST very well may be the best show on TV. Here's why Tim Stevens and Scott McClellan think so...
The story is key—Although the show has occasionally involved explosions, car chases, gunplay, and fist fights, those things are not what Lost is about. Instead, viewers are watching a huge narrative play itself out. The episodes and seasons are mini-narratives that comprise the overarching story of the island and its inhabitants. And that overarching story, so far, has been unlike anything we’ve ever seen on TV.
Nobody’s perfect—As the Losties’ backstories have been revealed, and as we’ve watched them interact on the island for 90 days, one thing is clear: there are no perfect people in the Lost universe. Isn’t that refreshing? In most episodic television, the characters are too good and things work out too well. Any character flaws are only skin deep, which allows them to patched up in a 30-minute episode. Real life just isn’t that way, which is part of why Lost resonates with its viewers.
Anything is possible—Redemption for sinners, polar bears in the jungle, and cancer in remission are just a few of the unlikely realities on Lost island. It’s really cool to watch a show that takes place in a world where conventional wisdom doesn’t always apply. In fact, rational science can’t explain everything that takes place on the show, which leads us into …
The supernatural—A lot of shows on TV dismiss the supernatural entirely (especially those courtroom dramas we love so much). Some other shows embrace the supernatural, but in a laughable way (think Touched By an Angel, Joan of Arcadia, The Ghost Whisperer, etc.). Lost’s acknowledgment of supernatural phenomena is creepy, suspenseful, and brilliant. Plus, it reminds us that for all its boasting, Big Science isn’t an omniscient monopoly.
Layers—Sure, Lost is pretty wide (it has characters and storylines out the wazzoo), but it’s also deep. Every character and event has multiple layers to it. That makes for pretty engaging entertainment, but it also might help us to stop reducing everything and everyone to a soundbyte. As it turns out, soundbytes rarely tell the whole story.
Mystery—When did the human race become so obsessed with overturning every rock and solving every mystery? Sure, it’s good to discover cures for diseases and new species of wildlife, but we need to learn to live with and appreciate the mysteries of life. Why do things happen the way the do? How do things happen the way they do? We don’t know, and nowhere is that more evident than Lost message boards.
Everything and everyone is connected—We tend to believe that people float in and out of our lives without consequence, but in reality, we’re all connected. Did you know that millionaire Hurley owned the box factory Locke worked in? Did you know Locke did some work (I think it was a home inspection) for Sayid’s long-lost love, Nadia? Lost often reminds us that we are all connected, and that the people around us are important in our personal stories and the bigger story we all find ourselves in.
So, what do you think? Am I overrating this silly little program? Did I leave out an important part of Lost’s greatness? Chime in.

I forgot

2008-02-20T10:02:00.002-06:00

Every Tuesday at 4:00 I meet with two other guys to read and study the Scripture. We've been meeting for quite some time now and have slowly made our way through the pastoral letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. We are now trudging through the account of the early church in the book of Acts. As we read through chapter 8, I was reminded of something that I forgot to bring out in my message this past week.

Some of you may recall the encouragement that was given to be cautious of FAKE healers. For those readers not able to be here in attendance, allow me to recap.

1. Be cautious of those who are constantly casting out demons of ashma, blindness, cnacer, diabetes, and post nasal drip.
2. Be cautious of those who promise healing for every disease.
3. Be cautious of those who make miracles the main ministry.
4. Be cautious of those who use healing as a money maker.
5. Be cautious of those who make light of medical treatment.

It's the fourth caution that I was reminded of during my small group study. Check this!

9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

That's serious business!!! I love that part that when Peter suggest that perhaps Simon should pray and perhaps the Lord will forgive you.

Any comments welcomed

2008-02-15T10:37:00.001-06:00

Union Dearest Union

2008-02-06T12:33:00.000-06:00

Please pray for the college students and faculty who are devasted by this terrible storm. This is where Melissa and I both attended and recieved our degrees. This place has such a special places in our hearts. For those few who knew Union as your home, you understand.

Union University

2008-01-31T16:28:00.000-06:00

#1 To see if they really do get rescued?
#2 To see if Sun will have her baby?
#3 Two words - John Locke
#4 To find out if Juliet is really evil?
#5 To get some freakin answers!!!

#? Cause I don't think the office is back on yet.

Tigers on the Prowl - Babies on the half-tip

2008-01-23T09:59:00.000-06:00

I love college hoops. And this year is going to be madness!!! Please post your favorite teams.

5 for 50

2008-01-18T10:34:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday I wrapped up the message with a challenge. For those who desire more information I would suggest purchasing a copy of Tom Davis' book The Red Letters. Then prayfully consider adjusting your life around these 5 statements of purpose.
Give 5 minutes a day to pray for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Give 5 hours a week to fast for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
Give 5 dollars a month to the Five for 50 Fund and support worthy causes.
Give 5 days a year to travel overseas and help alleviate poverty and suffering.
Give 5 people an opportunity to join you on your journey.

I have also provided serveral links below for futher investigation.
www.5for50.com
Tom Davis' Blog
Clean Water
Compassion International
One

Who likes Derek Webb?

2008-01-10T12:17:00.000-06:00

i repent, i repent of my pursuit of america's dream
i repent, i repent of living like i deserve anything
of my house, my fence, my kids, my wife
in our suburb where we're safe and white
i am wrong and of these things i repent

i repent, i repent of parading my liberty
i repent. i repent of paying for what i get for free
and for the way i believe that i am living right
by trading sins for others that are easier to hide
i am wrong and of these things i repent

i repent judging by a law that even i can't keep
of wearing righteousness like a disguise
to see through the planks in my own eyes

i repent, i repent of trading truth for false unity
i repent, i repent of confusing peace and idolatry
by caring more of what they think than what i know of what we need
by domesticating you until you look just like me
i am wrong and of these things i repent

Derek Webb I Repent Lyrics

mac disciple

2007-12-19T11:56:00.000-06:00

If you are going to make a computer purchase this Christmas, I pose this question. Why would you buy a PC? The cute apple commericals are spot on. If you don't believe Justin Long then listen to this guy.

It feels great to finally make a competent financial decision on a quailty product. That's twice in two years.

Stats

2007-12-17T08:31:00.000-06:00

Wes Roberts quotes in his book “Support Your Local Pastor” from a survey taken at the CareGivers Forum at Fuller Seminary
90% work more than forty six hours per week, and often more than sixty.
80% believe that pastoral ministry is affecting their family negatively.
33% say that “Being in ministry is clearly a hazard to my family.”
75% have reported a significant crisis due to stress at least once every five years in their ministry.
50% feel unable to meet the needs of the job.
90% feel they were not adequately trained to cope with ministry demands placed upon them.
40% report having a serious conflict with a parishioner at least once a month.
37% have been involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with someone in the church.
70% have a lower self-image after they’ve pastured than when they started.

Switchers

2007-12-03T08:23:00.000-06:00

We own an iMac now!!! Our PC that Justin and Heather gave us a few years back finally crashed last week. So Melissa and I headed over to North Park Center to the Apple store. Not realizing that the Southlake store is much closer, we fought the Ugh boot wearing crowds in one classy mall. As soon as we walked into the Apple store we knew it was going to be an iChristmas this year. Wall to wall people picking up iphones, and ipods, and anything else i they could get there hands on. All the guys in the store were really helpful and knowledgeable, in spite of everything being so crazy and crowded. After a few demonstrations of what you can do on the new Leopard OS our decision was final. My brother -in-law John and my other brother -in-law Mike are huge Mac disciples, and were overjoyed to hear of our purchase.

Out of Town

2007-11-14T15:46:00.000-06:00

Sorry to all my faithful blog readers. I have been out of the country and unable to blog for a few weeks. Where was I? On a boat in the middle of the Caribbean! Absolute paradise!

Hey GrandPa, What's for supper?

2007-10-16T16:07:00.000-05:00

Friday night menu
Whole Fried Catfish
greens
jalepeno hushpuppies
mac and cheese
white beans
pickled green tomatoes

Saturday night supper
Fried eggplant (picked out of Pop's garden)
Blackeyed peas
cream corn
cornbread
pickled okra

Monday lunch
Chicken and dressing with giblet gravy
cabbage
buttered squash
cornbread
bannanut bread with cream cheese

Tuesday lunch
Pulled pork BBQ sandwich
cole slaw
baked beans

and yes sweet tea with every meal!!!

Out of the Office

2007-10-11T15:17:00.000-05:00

I spent most of the day on the road yesterday driving from Fort Worth to Memphis. Staying with the folks for a few days. I love to come up and help them out. I can do a little bit of work and it's greatly appreciated, which is in direct contrast to my regular working enviroment. It seems that I can spend days and hours and months working with little or no appreciation in my current postion, right now. I sound like a little whiny baby!
Today got up early and had a little breakfast. A couple of eggs and the little hammy things that Mom knows I like. Then off to the small engine repair shop to purchase a new belt for the lawn mower and a chainsaw. Yep, life will be good for the next couple of days. Then spent most of the morning cutting down low hanging branches and hauling limbs. At noon we stopped for a ham sandwich and a pickle, ah the simple life. No sushi today. But tommorrow evening we are supposed to meet Bear and Bootsie (life long friends of the family) for all you can eat catfish. I love being home!

Gotta go, I'm about to miss Jeopardy!

The Kingdom

2007-10-04T11:35:00.000-05:00

Two movie reviews in two days, yeah I only work one day a week. Loved it!!!

3:10

2007-10-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Went last night to see 3:10 to Yuma with Brandon. Everything I heard, and everything I read, compared this remake to the new classic Unforgiven, which is one of my favorite westerns of all time-- Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Gene Hackman-- come on people! Others include Open Range, Tombstone, Pale Rider, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Young Guns, and True Grit.

This film really does live up to the hype; it featured outstanding performances by Crowe and Bale. Russell Crowe delivers as the likeable but vicious killer Ben Wade and Christian Bale plays Dan Evans, the man we all wish we could be. I really like Ben Foster in this, too; he plays the sadistic outlaw Charlie Price in 3:10 and was in Alpha Dog, Hostage and the season premier of My Name is Earl. He is an up and coming young actor who I think you'll hear more and more about in the next few years.

Two thumbs up for Yuma!!! Let me know what you think.

A Case of the Mondays

2007-10-01T18:24:00.000-05:00

Does anyone else spend most of their Monday writing out a resignation letter?

4 and 0 Baby!!!

2007-09-30T18:47:00.000-05:00

What a great day, watching the Cowboys win again! Even though I was unable to be in the Stadium today, like other more fortunate people. I was able to enjoy the victory with a small group of friends after scoring a touchdown with today's message. Am I right, ladies?

Thanks Clay, for working out the song to kick off the series. I thought it went over well.

Everyone, let me know what you think about the boys and "Take it to the Limit"!

Troy Gramling @ Innovate 07

2007-09-29T11:21:00.000-05:00

Troy Gramling, Pastor of Flamingo Roadhttp://www.flamingoroad.org in Fort Lauderdale, spoke this weekend at Innovate 07 a church leadership conference sponsored by Ganger Community Church. I was not able to attend the conference in person, but I was able to catch several sessions due to My Naked Pastor.com. That's right, I said it! My Naked Pastor.com is the brainchild of Troy and his creative team that takes you into the fishbowl 24/7. Full access to Troy's life as a pastor is available for the world to see. This is beyond authenticity. Check it out @ http://www.mynakedpastor.com .

Troy spoke about Innovated Transformation on Friday as the camera that follows his every move was placed on stage for one of the best seats in the house. Oh yeah, he provided his notes for us on his blog http://www.troygramling.com . They went something like this....

Innovation can sometimes feel like being naked in a public place.

-INNOVATION TRANSFORMATION-

EARS –
Traditional Ears listen to everyone.
Innovative Ears LIMIT who they listen to.

People have equal value but NOT equal priority.

If you listen to everyone you won’t hear anyone.

How do I determine who I listen to…

Do they BELIEVE in me?
Do they LOVE me?
Do they have MORE WISDOM than me?

EYES –
Traditional Eyes broaden my focus and narrow my influence
Innovative Eyes narrow my focus while broadening my influence

Protecting the Vision
Producing the Product
Pushing Out the Values

HANDS –
Traditional hands work on today’s task
Innovative hands are executing for tomorrow

Today’s success or failure is the result of yesterday’s execution

FEET –

Traditional Feet make the next step a big step to prove you love God.
Innovative Feet make the next step small because the goal is to love God.
Always thinking: What is the NEXT step?

BRAIN (OR THINKING) –

Traditional thinking – God blesses a method.
Innovative thinking – God blesses a person.

Do you know who YOU are?

No they went something just like that. Great job, Troy! Encouraging, Vulnerable, and Honest. You brought it home with your closing story about Adrian.

After a long hiatus

2007-09-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

After a long hiatus, I've been inspired to pick back up with my blogging. Lots going on and not sure where to start. For the past couple of days my staff has been in Chicago attending Willow's small group conference. So there's lots of solitude around the office. I'll be glad when they get back refuled and recharged and ready for action.
Starting a new series this Sunday. We'll be looking at why our lives are so stressed and that we have no time to truly enjoy life. So if you have any suggestions, comments, or helps please leave a comment.

Horatio Gates Spafford, thanks

2006-11-28T14:44:00.000-06:00

I just purchased a new CD from the artist Chris Rice entitled Peace like a River. It is a collection of some of his favorite hymns and spirituals. One of my favorite songs on the album is his rendition of “It is Well with My Soul”. This song, birthed out of extreme loss, written in 1873 contains lyrics that still have tremendous impact today.

I think the intent of Rice’s album is to underscore the vocalist and musical composition altogether and concentrate upon the lyrics of the songs. Bringing to the forefront what is actually being communicated within these rich and timeless tunes. Although I do not mean this article to be a review, the CD is a refreshing surprise and well worth picking up.

Within the title track “Peace like a River”, the third verse of the song really grabs my attention. The author begins to write out the lyrics to this stanza and we start to see and hear and experience his thought process in the moment he puts pen to paper. He writes “My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin …” For years singing this hymn in the church pew, I missed it. I missed it due either to my immaturity or apathy or perhaps my ADD kicking in. Is it just me or have others missed it as well? If not, then how come no one explained it to me before? Maybe because they missed it too. Missed what? This.

He writes “My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought, my sin …”

Do you see what happens here? He begins the line that reads “My sin not in part but the whole…” And before he has completed the thought on paper he is so caught up in the absolute rapture of what’s being said and what has been done that he’s overwhelmed with joy. He is taken back by the fact of what he is about to write that he cannot finish the thought with out responding. Responding to the notion of what Jesus Christ has done that he stops what he is writing and places that personal worship thought right into the song itself.

“My sin, Oh the bliss of this glorious thought!” What thought? What glorious thought?

“My sin not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.”

The glorious thought is that Jesus has taken on the punishment rightly due for my rebellion and paid in full the price for my freedom. That is why I can sing it is well with my soul.

2006-11-14T15:12:00.000-06:00

5 pathetic reason to read anything I write

2006-11-09T09:45:00.000-06:00

1. To gain deep intellectual and spiritual insight.
2. To keep abreast of current culture.
3. High dollar cash giveaways.
4. The appreciation of sarcastic wit.
5. It's a great way to waste time at work while giving the appearance that you're actually engaged in something productive.