Semper Fi - X

Small group mojo ( with a feminine twist)!

I attended a Small Group Committee meeting held at our church last night.

Of the Small group leaders there ...I was the only male that was leading a small group in attendance...the rest were all ladies. That speaks volumes on its own.

We went around the room to discuss events that were occurring in our small groups to share with the others in attendance and I have to tell you I was impressed with the leadership skills of the women in our church.

A couple of comments made by three ladies in particular stood out:

A) Benevolent Dictator - this strong leader of a large Sunday School class of young married couples said that while you need to listen to your groups wants and needs...you are in charge! She said it is like being a benevolent dictator to get things done! I loved her comments...it rings so true in effective leadership and is evident by the size and success of her class.

B) Step up to the plate - this lady said that her class is starting to diminish a little and she is revitalizing her group by asking her small group members to step up to the plate and do their fair share so they will feel more ownership of the class and more committed to its success. So far it is working!

C) This is the most important thing I do in my life! While a comment like this may be considered by some to be a little extreme it demonstrates the passion, energy and enthusiasm that she holds for her role as a small group leader. Even if she fails...she fails swinging for the fences! You have to love and appreciate a person that gives their life to a cause. Jesus said no greater love has a person then to give up their life for their fellow man!

If they weren't ladies I would ask them to serve in leadership positions in Men's Ministry! If only more of our men in church would do more taking charge, running with the ball, giving their all and stepping up to the plate...more men would be reached, discipled, saved for eternity and our families and church would be stronger for it! We could use these ladies as role models for the men!

When creation speaks...listen!

God speaks to us in many ways. I hear His voice in prayer, in sermons, in my circumstances and in advice from Spiritually mature Christians. We can also hear His advice from creation.

The following pieces of advice come from a catalog I recently browsed through. Some are funny...others right on!

Advice from a bear: Live large, eat well, live with the seasons, take a good long nap, look after your honey!

Advice from a bass: know when to keep your mouth shut, don't take the bait, don't give up without a fight, be a good catch!

Advice from a wolf: trust your instincts, be at home with nature, stay on track, howl with your friends, be a leader!

Advice from an eagle: Let your spirit soar, see the big picture, fly high, bald is beautiful!

Advice from a whale: move with grace and beauty, explore the depths of your true nature, think big, remember to come up for air, no blubbering!

Advice from a shark: take a bite out of life, stay active, keep moving forward, live fiercely, stay sharp!

Advice from a butterfly: let your true colors show, get out of your cocoon, take yourself lightly, take time to smell the flowers!

Advice from a tree: Stand tall and proud, sink your roots deep, go out on a limb, drink plenty of water, enjoy the view!

Advice from a mountain: Rise above it all, patience! Reach for new heights, enjoy the view!

Advice from a canyon: Carve out a place for yourself, stand the test of time, listen to the voice of the wind, reach deep!

Advice from a bat: trust in your senses, hang out with friends, don't be afraid of the dark, guano happens!

Advice from a dog: be loyal, delight in the simple joy of a long walk, make new friends, learn new tricks no matter your age, when loved ones come home...run to greet them!

Be Strong!

We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of effort is the same. —Carlos Castaneda (1925-1998), author, philosopher

Whoever you are, whatever your dream, you have to be strong in your head and strong in your heart. Be strong. There is no quitting for the person who wants it bad enough. —Carly Patterson (b. 1988) gold medal gymnast in 2004 Olympics

Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others. —Plato (427BC-347BC), Classical Greek philosopher

Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength. —Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622), author, Bishop of Geneva, Switzerland, Catholic Saint

The real man smiles at trouble, gathers strength from distress and grows brave by reflection. —Thomas Paine (1737-1809), author, revolutionary, pamphleteer

Mount Everest

   

Mount Everest!

Only 2,436 people have climbed to the top of the tallest mountain in the world at 29,028 feet above sea level.

When asked, many people will tell you that the goal of climbing Mount Everest is to get to the top. But in doing a little research on the matter, my observation is that the goal is to get back down the other side. You see ...210 people ( almost one in ten climbers ) have died on the mountain, having never made it back down. Most of those that have died are still on the mountain, frozen for all time!

Likewise...many people will tell you that the goal of being a Christian is to get to Heaven...to climb to the top...to have that mountaintop experience. But I don't think so! I think the goal of being a Christian is to get to the top and then back down the other side...where a saved and converted Christian serves and loves others in the name of Christ as only a transformed, reborn Christian can do. To be the Hands and Feet of Christ. To see Christ not only as our Savior but also our Lord.

We forget the big picture when we focus on our wants and needs ( obtaining eternal life and Heaven )...and when we do that...many times we too get frozen on top of the mountain and don't do anybody any good.