Rick Warren says that “you can structure for growth or control, but not both.” I’ve heard him say that many times in the context of church and leadership and my wife and I are feeling it like never before.
Our girls are going 1000 miles an hour. Our church is growing and with the addition of a couple team members we’re pushing hard on a few projects to launch this Fall. On top of that God is stretching my faith and asking us to prepare to execute on some audacious dreams in the coming couple years.
There’s one thing that I find myself coming back to in order to cope with this out of control feeling. I’ve been getting up way earlier than I normally do. I’ve always loved to rise before the rest of the family but usually it’s a drudgery. Lately it’s been my lifeline.
I’ve done this before with specific goals like reading the bible, journaling, etc. but lately it’s been no rules. Inevitably I end up talking to Jesus, checking my calendar, email, Twitter, FB but no big pressure.
I don’t think “devotions” or our “quiet time” was intended to be something we “get done” but Someone we connect with. He’s still got the whole world in His hands while ours seems to spin out of control.
I’m on day 2 of my vacation and already feeling like I’m starting to relax. Just wanted to let you know that my blog will be a little quiet for the next couple weeks unless something amazing happens like someone donates an all expense paid trip to Hawaii.
There is a huge cry for creativity in the church. Not to just to be hip or trendy but because we were created to create. It’s who we are. The message of Christ deserves it.
For example: Rather than “Wear your seat belt!” This “says” it much more powerfully…
People love a great story. Movies, books, campfires… you name it. We love to live em, we love to tell em!
The latest Nike Ad Campaign, Write the Future is brilliant. Not only does it tell a story, but it captures the power of a moment in athletics that we all end up reliving over and over and over.
But what stands out in this ad is what’s not there.
There’s no “The End.” We get to imagine it. And therein lies the power.
Having traveled to 6 other countries (and no I didn’t count Canada) I can say with just a little experience, I’m proud to be an American. I’m thankful for the men and women who have fought in wars and paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend my right to be free. And I count myself as someone that believes with privilege comes responsibility. I’m proud of a country that “crosses the street” to free a hostage being held up by bad, bad men!
For those of you that are enlisted at home or abroad, thank you. And let us remember those that have given their life so the rest of us can enjoy our friends and families on this extended weekend.
