The Next Generation of Men

This is something I received this month from Equip about the upcoming generation:


"The Marks of Maturity"Tim Elmore / www.GrowingLeaders.com
You may have noticed a paradox that exists among students today. Although there are exceptions to the rule, this generation of kids is advanced intellectually, but behind emotionally. From an intellectual perspective, students today have been exposed to so much more than I was growing up--and far sooner, too. They've consumed information on everything from cyberspace to sexual techniques before they graduate from Middle School.
Everything is coming at them sooner. Sociology professor Tony Campolo said, "I am convinced we don't live in a generation of bad kids. We live in a generation of kids who know too much too soon." On the other hand, students have been stunted in their emotional maturity. They seem to require more time to actually "grow up" and prepare for the responsibility that comes with adulthood.
This is a result of many factors, not the least of which is well-intentioned parents who hover over their kids not allowing them to experience the pain of maturation. It's like the child who tries to help the new butterfly break out of the cocoon, and realizes later that they have done a disservice to that butterfly. The butterfly is not strong enough to fly once it is free. There is another reason, however, that teens struggle with maturation. Scientists are gaining new insights into remarkable changes in teenagers' brains that may explain why the teen years are so hard on young people and their parents.
From ages 11-14, kids lose some of the connections between cells in the part of their brain that enables them to think clearly and make good decisions. Pruning the BrainWhat happens is that the brain is pruning itself--going through changes that will allow a young person to move into adult life effectively. "Ineffective or weak brain connections are pruned in much the same way a gardener would prune a tree or bush, giving the plant a desired shape," says Alison Gopnik, Professor of Child Development at UC Berkley. Adolescents who are experiencing these brain changes can react emotionally, according to Ian Campbell, a neurologist at the U.C. Davis Sleep Research Laboratory. Mood swings, uncooperative and irresponsible attitudes can all be the result of these changes occurring. Sometimes, students can't explain why they feel the way they do. Their brain is changing from a child brain to an adult brain.
Regions that specialize in language, for example, grow rapidly until about age 13 and then stop. The frontal lobes of the brain which are responsible for high level reasoning and decision making aren't fully mature until the early 20s, according to Deborah Yurgelun-Todd, a neuroscientist at Harvard's Brain Imaging Center. There's a portion of time when the child part of the brain has been pruned, but the adult portion is not fully formed. They are "in-between."

They are informed but not prepared. The bottom line? Students today are consuming information they aren't completely ready to handle. The adult part of their brain is still forming and isn't ready to apply all that our society throws at it. Their mind takes it in and files it, but their will and emotions are not prepared to act on it in a healthy way. They can become paralyzed by all the content they consume. They want so much to be able to experience the world they've seen on websites or heard on podcasts, but don't realize they are unprepared for that experience emotionally. They are truly in between a child and an adult. (This is the genius behind movie ratings and viewer discretion advisories on TV).

I believe a healthy, mature student is one who has developed intellectually, volitionally, emotionally and spiritually. I also believe there are marks we can look for as we coach them into maturity.
Signs to Look For So what are the marks of maturity? We all love it when we see a young person who carries themselves well and shows signs of being mature. They interact with adults in an adult manner. Those kinds of students are downright refreshing. Let me give you a list of what I consider to be the marks of maturity.
At "Growing Leaders" we seek to build these marks in young people, ages 16-24, as we partner with schools. This certainly isn't an exhaustive list, but it is a list of characteristics I notice in young people who are unusually mature, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. If you are a parent--this is a good list of qualities to begin developing in your child. If you are a coach, or a teacher, or a dean--these are the signs we wish every student possessed when they graduate. For that matter, these are signs I wish every adult modeled for the generation coming behind them.
1. They are able to keep long-term commitments.One key signal of maturity is the ability to delay gratification. Part of this means a student is able to keep commitments even when they are no longer new or novel. They can commit to continue doing what is right even when they don't feel like it.
2. They are unshaken by flattery or criticism.As people mature, they sooner or later understand that nothing is as good as it seems and nothing is as bad as it seems. Mature people can receive compliments or criticism without letting it ruin them or sway them into a distorted view of themselves. They are secure in their identity.
3. They possess a spirit of humility.Humility parallels maturity. Humility isn't thinking less of yourself. It is thinking of yourself less. Mature people aren't consumed with drawing attention to themselves. They see how others have contributed to their success and can even sincerely give honor to their Creator who gave them the talent. This is the opposite of arrogance.
4. Their decisions are based on character not feelings.Mature people--students or adults--live by values. They have principles that guide their decisions. They are able to progress beyond merely reacting to life's options, and be proactive as they live their life. Their character is master over their emotions.
5. They express gratitude consistently.I have found the more I mature, the more grateful I am, for both big and little things. Immature children presume they deserve everything good that happens to them. Mature people see the big picture and realize how good they have it, compared to most of the world's population.
6. They prioritize others before themselves.A wise man once said: A mature person is one whose agenda revolves around others, not self. Certainly this can go to an extreme and be unhealthy, but I believe a pathway out of childishness is getting past your own desires and beginning to live to meet the needs of others less fortunate.
7. They seek wisdom before acting.Finally, a mature person is teachable. They don't presume they have all the answers. The wiser they get the more they realize they need more wisdom. They're not ashamed of seeking counsel from adults (teachers, parents, coaches) or from God. Only the wise seek wisdom. Based on this list, are you mature? How about your students? Tim

To learn more about "The Marks of Maturity", pick up a copy of Nurturing the Leader Within Your Child.January Discount Price: $10Click here to purchase...

Just One More Cow

Remember "Passion Bucket?" see previous post for more. Here is an update for you:

Here is Kobe using the phrase after hearing it on Dan Patrick's show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8NdWr5s4b0

Rick's comment that spurned Dan Patrick listen all the way to the end;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozJ21AbSYLE&feature=related

Well, I mentioned IMUS in the Morning had something similiar too. On the link attached you can hear CBS's Jim Nantz ask Don Imus if there is any phrase of word he would like worked into the Divisional playoff game and Don says yes...One More Cow....
Well, Nantz does it. You can listen as it unfolds. And how Nantz does it is simply wonderful......I kid you not.
If you like listening to different radio broadcasts endings listen a little after this to at the 3 minute mark as legendary sports broadcaster Warner Wolfe takes you to the Giants exciting win and the Packers sad ending. Its pretty funny different sentiments from both fans in the booths.
Just one more cow.....
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZESSJiWMPYc

Direct TV is offering their NBA games for free until the 27th and last night I actually had time.......and took in the Celtics and Timberwolves game. I thought it would be interesting since this was the team that one of the stars of the Celtics, Kevin Garnett came from and plus they are one of the worse teams in the league. But, Minnesota played hard and the Celtics played awful. It was a nail biter in a packed arena. SRO

Fletcher and I watched the end together and I was explaining to Fletcher that the color guy (Tom Heinsohn)did NBA games on CBS when I got married in the late 80's and the play by play guy (Mike Gorman)has done games since they were first televised on NESN and my BIG dish......and was free. Did I mention that -----{This was the first NBA game I have watched in about 15 years?} so it was educational and a fun game. Here are the highlights:
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/01/26/celtics_steal_a_win/

We had alot of fun this week. Fletcher and I went to see Monty Python and The Holy Grail on Tuesday night @ the Bijou with alot of Knights who say Ni!
Great sellout crowd and they say that they will continue them. We are going back in a few weeks to see The Princess Bride. One of our favs. "Have fun storming the castle boys!" You can see another post for the link to all the movies.

Tonight Fletch and I are sitting down and watching the season premiere of Doctor Who on BBC America @ 8pm. Last week with the Dialects and Cybermen was fun.
http://www.bbcamerica.com/

I saw this and just laughed. It is sooooooo sad. So predictable.
So Clintonish:
http://www.drudgereport.com/flash1.htm

Promise Keepers has announced their 2008 program. Atlanta is August 1st and 2nd.....looking forward to it.
http://christiannewswire.com/news/111665480.html

If you love March Madness you can get the games webcast for free, sign up now on this link. I have had this for three years and is great. You can thank me as you watch the games babeee.....
http://ncaasports.com/mmod?sssdmh=dm4.238902&source=mktg_mmod08_vip1_es0122&refcode=mmod08_vip1_es0122

Passion Bucket

Odd Phrases are right down my alley. They stay around like ones from Seinfield...Sweet Fancy Moses from George ex. Well, this week I just happened to be in the office working when Dan Patrick (who is back on XM 144 this week) was talking about the phrase, "passion bucket." So here is a write up of this from USA Today's Hiestand's column on Wednesday.

Spice rack: Dan Patrick, on his syndicated radio show Tuesday, berated himself for not being able to work in an odd phrase — introduced on Patrick's show by new UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel — in his appearance on CBS' Late Show with David Letterman on Monday. But, Patrick noted that Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant got the phrase on-air in a TNT postgame interview after his team's win Monday against the Denver Nuggets. The phrase is "passion bucket" — Bryant noted his team had played with "a full passion bucket" — and shouldn't be all that hard to work in to anything. Say it when you sneeze. …

Patrick had Kobe on his show Wednesday and he had heard Patrick talking about and thought he would use it. It was used by Kobe in a post game interview. It was pretty funny. Imus had Jim Nantz did the same thing last week in a playoff game.

New Man Magazine has gone totally online now. No more print here is a link so you can stay informed and fill your "passion bucket" in learning how to be a Godly man.
http://www.newmanmag.com/newmanreport/2008/01/first-issue-of-new-man-e-magazine.html

Family Watch bringing it in this blog:
http://www.familylifeculturewatch.com/2008/01/faith-and-hypoc.html


The Saint Louis Archbishop is bringing the heat to Rick Majerus for his comments at a Hillary Clinton rally about abortion. This is where you have several sports radio people covering the story that don't know anything about the bible and it is really sad. Rick says he has his opinion and he is not going to change! Rick, you don't have to worry about the Archbishop as much as you need to worry about what the word of God says......

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/sports/stories.nsf/slu/story/8A3A84A2F45BAE60862573D8005B256B?OpenDocument

Please start now planning for the National Day of Prayer in your home, neighborhood, office, city, airship, ATM location:
http://www.ndptf.org/home/index.cfm?flash=1

Sinkhole swallows man in Murray County:
http://www.northwestgeorgia.com/local/local_story_022223631.html


The Richmond Braves will be moving to Gwinnett County in 2009 and the AJC had some good Fyi info that I wanted to share:

Questions on Gwinnett Braves? We're here to help
By MICHAEL PEARSONThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 01/20/08
Build it, and they will come. That was the mantra in "Field of Dreams," the movie about a man driven to build a baseball park in his cornfield. The Braves announced last week that a minor-league baseball stadium will sprout in Gwinnett County near the Mall of Georgia, with games probably starting in spring 2009. Fans are excited, but curious. Here are answers to some of the most-asked questions.
How much will tickets cost?
Braves officials say they have not yet determined prices for Gwinnett Braves games. But the organization has already accepted $100 deposits from 750 people for season tickets, according to Derek Schiller, Braves executive vice president of sales and marketing. If Richmond Braves ticket prices are any indication, the tickets will be affordable. Richmond Braves tickets are $7 for general admission and $12 for box seats. Young children's and seniors' tickets are $5, according to the Richmond Braves Web site. For more information, go to gwinnettbraves.com.
How will traffic be affected?
It's too early to say. Sporting events will add to the number of cars on Buford Drive and nearby roads, but so will the retail village surrounding the stadium. Because Buford Drive is a state route, the Georgia Department of Transportation will have a say in the need for traffic improvements at the site.
Will public transit serve the stadium?
Gwinnett County Transit's Route 50 offers service to Mall of Georgia from the Discover Mills Park and Ride nine times a day. That route doesn't go east of I-85, where the stadium will be located, and the last pickup is at 6:23 p.m. It's unknown if the route might be changed or if the county will run shuttle buses to the stadium for games.
What jobs will be available when the stadium is built?
There will be front-office positions available as well as game-day staff positions open, Braves officials said. If interested, fans can send in their résumé through gwinnettbraves.com.
Where can I get Gwinnett Braves hats and jerseys?
Braves officials put together special hats for a recent press conference announcing the move of the team to Gwinnett, but the Braves are still working on hats and jerseys for the team and the public. The first step in the process is developing a logo, which is in the works.
Does the stadium need any zoning or other regulatory approvals before construction can begin?
That's still up in the air. County planners say they can't verify whether the land has necessary zoning because they don't have details on the exact location of the property. Developer Brand Morgan, who sold the land to the county, said it's zoned either C-1 or C-2. According to the county's zoning code, stadiums are allowed by right only in heavy industrial zoning districts. They're mentioned as allowable in light industrial districts with a special-use permit. Regardless of what happens with county zoning, the stadium will absolutely have to go through regional review under the Developments of Regional Impact program, according to Michael Wall of the Atlanta Regional Commission. That process typically takes 30 to 40 days and is required of big projects that could significantly affect traffic and the environment.
Will the public get a chance to comment on the stadium design or regulatory issues?
The public can submit written comments during the regional review process, which addresses traffic and environmental issues. If Gwinnett holds public hearings on zoning changes or related matters, residents would get to speak out then, too.
Besides Braves games, what else will happen at the stadium?
Gwinnett County officials have the right to hold up to 10 events a year at the stadium. Commissioner Bert Nasuti said he's already talked to Gwinnett County school athletics administrators about holding a high school baseball jamboree on one of those days. Braves' spokeswoman Beth Marshall says the team is likely to rent the stadium out on off days for other events, as well. Possibilities? College tournaments, concerts and similar events.
What is the International League?
It is a AAA minor-league baseball league that the Gwinnett Braves will be part of. The league has teams from all over the U.S. and one team in Canada. Triple-A baseball is the last step in the minor leagues before a player is promoted to the majors. For more information, go to web.minor
leaguebaseball.com.
Are there some local Gwinnett players in the Braves farm system that may play for the Gwinnett Braves?
Many know of local heroes Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann who now play for the Braves. Braves official say there is another local player, catcher Clint Sammons, in the Braves minor-league system. Sammons graduated from Lilburn's Parkview High School and played with the AA team last year.

"broaden the path"

When I was a young boy I loved sports, especially football. I loved football so much I’d cut pictures out of the newspaper of players getting tackled or scoring touchdowns. I’d put them up on the wall in my bedroom. My dream was to play football in high school, and hopefully in college. I was a fast little kid and seem to have some talent, so I, like most kids, thought I had a shot at making it. But then disaster hit. I developed a bone infection in my left foot and almost lost it. I was in the hospital 6 weeks, and when I got out I had to learn to walk again. I can’t tell how painful that experience was, it hurt so bad I couldn’t even lower my foot down from the bed and let the blood run back in it. I walked on crutches for a year, and the doctor told my parents that sports was out for me. My left foot was so weak and fragile if I broke it playing football it could cripple me for life. My heart was broken. My dreams were shattered.

I managed to play High School baseball four years, and one year of basketball, but my dream of football never happened. I was always in constant danger of turning my left ankle, and when I did it would be bad, I mean really bad. I’d have to walk on crutches for weeks. It was always something I knew was coming and just a matter of time, then wham I’d turn it. I was always living on the edge.

I believe life is like that, we are always on the edge. Things can change so quickly. A car wreck, disease, divorce, no job, no money, and maybe no house? Our life is so fragile that the bible says it’s like a vapor that just vanishes away. It’s obvious we all struggle, and we all know things, at times, can change rather quickly.

David in the bible was a man that struggled and lived on the edge probably more than most. But, he would always turn to God for his strength. I love what he says in Psalm 18:32-36:

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”

I love that last line, “You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.” From someone that knows all about turned ankles and the pain associated with them, this is a great promise. At times I find myself feeling the fragility of life, and the uncertainty of the day. Today was one of those days. But as I read this verse early this morning, God spoke to me yet again of His certainty and of His strength. I felt great comfort as I prayed for God to “broaden the path beneath me”.
Maybe you need that prayer today? If so, I pray that God will broaden your path and keep you from falling. - Gary

How Do You See Your Work?

Today, started this morning in scripture and study. It was a nice time, and then meeting two wonderful brothers in Christ to talk about something we all wanted to learn more about. Then home for the morning conversations.and calls to family... and basketball season for the twins started with a bang as they started Upward games.
They both had a good time and a good game. Lots of fun, we then went out to eat and celebrate and have a meal together. When I sit there and watch them play it is always double joy since the two of them usually play together. It makes my heart closer to the Lord to thank him for two wonderful daughters. Then the other one who is four is sitting snug up next to me and looking up every once and awhile telling me about the game.
My wife and son walked above us on a walking track and then a wonderful friend whom I worked with for several years visited and we caught up. It was a fun game.

It was a busy week but on Monday for some reason I caught Chip Ingram on XM 170 in the office as he was doing a series on How to Stop Wasting Your Life. It was excellent and I have attached the link for you to listen to anytime on OnePlace. I would listen to both days.

To summarize people see work several different ways:
1) Work is evil
2) Work is everything
3) Work is obligation
4) Work is strategic
5) Work is a calling

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/Living_on_the_Edge/archives.asp?bcd=1/7/2008

As a man which category are you in right now? I have been in a couple in my life. Listen to this series and give us an idea in a post idea back. I can say very clearly that I am totally in the fifth one now. But, as I said I haven't always been. Where are you at? Are you happy in your job? and why not? There can be many reasons.

Last year there was alot of banter about internet radio and I haven't heard anything concrete from legislation ( Lots of talk of regulating it) but it was good to get an e-mail this week from Tim Westergren saying that a group like Pandora was doing well. If you like certain artists and types of music this website was made for you. It is one of the neatest ones out there. You can access here:
http://www.pandora.com/
Then type in your artist or group and watch it find it and structure the playlist for you.

Crude was down to 92 on Friday but the pump prices don't reflect that do they?:
http://www.bloomberg.com/markets/commodities/energyprices.html

On the Big Screen: One of the neatest things in the summer is the fact that the Fox Theatre in Atlanta will show old movies over the summer on the big screen. Well, the Bijou in downtown Chattanooga has decided to do this on Monday and Tuesday nights starting this week. $5. 00 a ticket too. They start with Ghost Busters this week and then to Monty Python and the Holy Grail and the Knights who say Nee! They hope to do more in the future.

Here is a link with more info:
http://www.carmike.com/showtimedetails.aspx?theatrenumber=072167

"Yes & No"

The American Heritage Dictionary defines “pragmatism” as a practical, matter-of-fact way of approaching or assessing situations or of solving problems. 1+1=2
Is Christianity pragmatic, logical, and reasonable? Yes & No

Yes, there are predictable results in living according to biblical principles, but if we live by principles alone we will miss the Christian message. There are things not pragmatic about the message of Christ. He said we must, “die to live”, we must, “give to get”, and we must “serve to lead”. No pragmatism there! You can make these things pragmatic, but it would be a mistake.

1+1 does not always equal 2 in God’s equation.

The error in pragmatism, or living by certain principles for success is that it can be self centered according to how we define “success”. Jesus said He came to do the Father’s will, which was not about what He wanted, but what the Father wanted. It was not about His success, but the Father’s. Who’s success do you want?

After the resurrection, Christ appeared to the disciples and told them, “as the Father has sent Me, I also send you. And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.” In this verse we see the call of Christ for us to be like Him. There is a very important part of being like Christ we need to consider, Jesus “breathed on them the Holy Spirit”. He equipped them with the power to do His will. Trying to do the things of God without His strength is impossible. Dying to self is not a natural thing for a man or woman to do, neither is giving to get, or serving others. God helps us to do these things in His Holy Spirit.

Christians that have made a conscious decision to follow Christ, know that success is not defined by the world’s standard, but by Christ. We are not living by certain principles for our gain, but out of a heart that wants to please God.

Living by God’s principles are many times a practical way of living and God does bless our obedience (if we have the right motive), but many times there is nothing practical about it. What Jesus did on the cross was not practical. It was the greatest sacrifice known to man, and very unreasonable from man’s perspective. But it was the will of the Father, so that’s what Jesus did.

Doing the will of Christ will not always be a practical matter, and it may require great faith. God may lead us to do something that does not make sense, but we will know in our heart it’s the right thing to do.

So is pragmatism right or wrong? Yes & No

Family Meals Counter Eating Disorders

Another great day the Lord has made! Family Life has been a real good source for our family for many years of listening and learning thru WMBW in Chattanooga and now on line thru One Place in case you miss a show you want to hear- (You can access this on the left in the links)
Well, they have a blog too and you may want to keep it in your favorites. From time to time we will drop in and mention one here.
Today's story they feature is about a current study that shows that Family Meals can counter Eating Disorders with girls. Here is the link:

http://www.familylifeculturewatch.com/

So real quick into 2008, as men how is your family meal time? Don't feel bad if it hasn't been happening start to plan one then two then three times a week around the table. If you have been having family meal time, please post some ideas you have today for other men. The link in the article will give you some ideas as well...

I love to ask the kids, what was your favorite thing of today and listen, also it is always interesting to see who wants to lead the prayer at the table and exactly where their heart is when they pray and that can lead to why did you select that topic.

This week our family devotional time is also focusing on bible passages from Sunday nights's service on "Loving Our Neighbors..Outside the Family." Studying Luke 15 1-3 and 3-7 to discuss those with the kids and how they can use their spiritual gifts within the body to be light and then to reach out to those around them. I love what Spurgeon said about those passages. He said that Jesus was approachable. Wasn't he though?
Good question for men. Are we approachable? with our family? with the people with work with? at church? How do you and I get better at that?

It is now secured and Woodland Park will be having former major league pitcher Don Gordon speak on Saturday, March 30th. Details will be coming soon on the venue and event details. Don is now working with SCORE International and we are glad to have him come and share his testimony and tell us about how discipleship has changed him and several major leaguers he is discipling.

CBMC January Luncheon

What an exciting and busy day! Met with a wonderful man of God this morning that is a former major league baseball player that we are partnering with for a "Spring Training" event At Woodland Park this year. Details coming.

Received this today and wanted to share in case you work around downtown and have a friend you can bring and hear Dave Hawkin's testimony of come and meet some brothers in Christ.


CBMC CHATTANOOGA JANUARY LUNCHEON

Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Noon until 1:00 P.M.
Chattanooga Convention Center


Guest Speaker
Dave Hawkins

Dave grew up in a home where church attendance was encouraged but not modeled. His parents had difficulty keeping peace between themselves and what began as occasional disharmony eventually became full-blown adversarial relationships. His parents divorced and their family became fractured in location as well as relationship.

Dave’s career choices gave him experience in the arenas of aircraft maintenance, customer service, and management. In each of these, training and development became a central focus of his efforts.

Dave’s greatest joys in life are spending time with his own family – his wife Vickie, their three children (all grown now), two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Reservations: Please call Carol at Wingfield Scale Company – 698-3346 – before 12:00 noon, Friday, January 11th. Cost $12.00 – pay at the door.

CBMC of Chattanooga is composed of local business and professional men whose objective is to share the essentials of the Christian faith so we can apply them better to home and work. You will find the luncheon to be practical and stimulating - we invite you to join us Wednesday, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., and bring a friend

Please click on the link to the left CBMC of Chattanooga for more information.

10,000 hoped for to pray this weekend in Cincinnati:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080105/NEWS01/801050380/1056/COL02


Good post by Gary on Peace and Church. Thanks for posting Gary.
Have you got your bucket list ready? (See previous post)

"Peace"

Jesus has risen from the dead, it’s afternoon on Resurrection Sunday, and Jesus appears in the little room in Jerusalem where the disciples are hiding for fear of the Jews. Their lives were in chaos, and they don’t know what to do, “should we scatter and run, or stay?”. Then Jesus magically appears in the room and says, “Peace be with you!” This is a traditional greeting for the Jewish people, but there is nothing traditional about it.

Two things the disciples need more than anything, peace and to see Jesus alive again. He gave them both. Sometimes we forget the power of God's word. Jesus did not just greet them, He actually gave them peace. I mean literally. I mean He can actually make it happen. Jesus can still a raging sea just by saying, “be still”, and He can do the same with “peace”. Those disciples had peace at that very moment, and the bible says they rejoiced!

We all need peace, and Jesus is still in the business of giving it. If you need peace right now, just ask Him for it, and in faith believe it and it will be so.

Church

The subject of Church is a very sensitive one, so let me preface this thought by saying that I only wish to encourage, nothing more - nothing less. And I do realize as well, that many are not physically able to be a part of a local church, which includes the caregivers, who sacrifice themselves for those that are bedfast or handicapped. Also, this thought is only relevant to those that believe the Gospel. Those that oppose the Gospel oppose the Church, and will probably stop reading at this point anyway. One more thing, We all know that all churches are not created equal, so I’m speaking in generalities here.

So why are there so many people that confess to be Christian not going to church? I believe that is a fair question. We live in what is called the Bible Belt in this country, yet we pass house after house on our way to church every Sunday, and see people that don’t seem too interested in church. Why is that? And if you ask them if they are Christian, most would reply, “yes”.

I may be wrong here, but I believe many people have given up on the Church, for many reasons I can understand, but for no reason ever good enough. Many have been hurt at church (I know a lot of them), I’ve even been hurt myself. When someone says something hurtful, especially at Church, it’s a bad thing. Many give up because the life they hoped to find there just wasn’t what they actually found. On the other hand, many just don’t think it’s a necessary part of Christian life. There are more justifications for not going that seem appropriate, but consider this?

Christ died for the Church. We have been created to worship, and our hearts long to be caught up into something bigger and grander than ourselves. The Church is where we do that. The Church is where we worship God collectively as a community. It’s how community comes together. It’s a place the community can agree on one central truth, the Gospel of Christ. Following Christ has to include Church. This is a command given to us from Christ Himself. We cannot grow in our spirit and in our life and ignore that command. Yes, we do have many problems in the Church, but God uses the Church in spite of the problems. God has a way of using imperfect man and using an imperfect church to bring about His perfect will. God is a master at making bad things good, and He uses us to do it.

God calls us to serve, not be served. The Church is where we serve God, serve our community, and serve one another. If we abandon the Church it will impact more than just us, it will impact the generations that follow. We are just a generation away from becoming a pagan country. All we need do is to watch the World News on TV to see the result of becoming a Godless nation. We can’t abandon the church, if we do, we abandon our own children. We have a responsibility to our children and our grandchildren to leave the church healthy and well. Jesus wants us to have a life of meaning and purpose, and the Church is part of that purpose. God ordained it so. Below is a statement that Paul wrote to the Ephesian church almost 2000 years ago, please prayerfully consider these words…….

“His intent (speaking of Christ) was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known” Eph.3:10 (emphasis is mine). It is our responsibility to be a part of a local church that is making the “wisdom of God” known to a world that, it seems, is determined to kill itself. People need to hear the “wisdom of God”, and the church was ordained to be the center of that plea.

Lord, May we never grow so “holy,” may we never be so “mature,” that we forget how important it is to come together as believers and worship you, in Christ name we pray, amen.

Mentoring Within The Church Is Needed

This link below is a story about the graying of Southern Baptist Churches. It is something that has been talked about in the work world for about five years. ((well more)) {Impending Crisis}
For example, in manufacturing we are getting it from both directions, about 30% of our 600 mfg. workers are 50 and older where I work. We aren't seeing younger people want to come to mfg. like their parents and they have a different sense of what work ethic is.
I have served on school committees and they are so concerned about getting kids in college they are missing the kids that won't go. In fact this generation coming up will be more than likely to live longer at home, take a course in Knoxville during football season, another while working and skiing in Colorado and then take an online class. (Citing work by Lloyd Catlett)

Why should this mass of Baby Boomer retirements surprise the church? So in our work place we have a program to develop future leaders. The church needs this too. Can it happen? I don't know of many churches developing this mentoring process.........
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20080104/30739_Southern_Baptist_Leaders_Not_Getting_Any_Younger.htm

The Chattanooga Times Free Press leads with this same emphasis on aging population:
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/topstory.aspx?articleid=27913&zoneid=83

Go Titans!

Quote of the Day

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, his well-funded, methodical Iowa campaign a failure, dismissed Huckabee's victory as a phenomenon built on the support of evangelicals who make up a much smaller part of the electorate in New Hampshire. He said Huckabee ran as a Baptist minister, an option that "was not available to me."

You know he is right. It wasn't. But Ed Rollins has got to go! Peggy Noonan agrees and changes her tune a bit from the last column on Huckabee:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119947953262368379.html

Peggy we would love a stronger leader...for president, in the senate too. Where are they?

Great group last night @ Country Inn And Suites for Huckabee!
Check out Real Clear Politics to your left to see the next few state polls. After New Hampshire it is interesting...even in Michigan
Check the Georgians for Huck site for the upcoming Meet Up meetings @ Countryplace starting on Thursday nights @ 7pm


Information Overload is costing the economyhttp://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5i0WlqChviMJM-TGEWzVx8-O7y3XAD8TP8K001

Lou Dobbs takes over the world! He had been unleashed since they gave him not just business and the whole news gamut. His ego loves it, needs it. But, He lost it last night when he wasn't given more limelight to Blizter and 360 manhttp://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/cnn/dobbs_klein_blowup_during_caucus_coverage_74268.asp
Janet Wilson on the Chattanoogan website always does a year end review of restaurants and openings/closings. There are some that I didn't know had closed. Here is a link:
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_119494.asp

"some sin grows away"

Good news for the believer, some sin goes away----some sin grows away. This seems to be my experience since my conversion to Christianity some 30 years ago. Many of my friends that are mature in the Lord agree as well. I would like to encourage you with this thought today. There is hope for winning the battle over the sin that seems to entangle you again and again. Sometimes we get tired of asking God to forgive us for the same thing over and over. It becomes easier and easier to say, “I quit, I give up, I can’t do it”. You are not alone. I believe everyone that really wants to live the Christ life has the same struggle. If you don’t struggle then I would question which direction you are walking, down hill is always easier.

It’s the “grows away” I'd like to talk about. We think the battle in sin is in the stopping, but it’s in the growing. As we grow in our maturity as a Christian we grow away from our sin. We begin to create a distance between sin and where we are in Christ. The bible says we should grow in our knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we grow in that knowledge the distance from sin grows, we get further and further away from it, we “grow away”.

For us that have children we know they need to grow up. If they stay a child they'll not be able to live in a grown up world. Well the same thing is true in the spiritual world, we need to grow up. We do not need to rebuild the foundation (which is Christ), but go on to maturity. We don't need to keep on asking for forgiveness again and again as if we've never found any hope in Christ, as if we believe we've never really found new life in Him (rebuild the foundation over and over), but to move on to maturity in our knowledge of spiritual matters. We don't stop sinning, we................distance ourselves from it in our knowledge of Christ. We grow away! - Gary

Your Bucket List

Salutations to a wonderful 2008 for you and your family.

Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are starring in a new movie that debuts January 11th. (hey-this is the same day as the new Veggie Tales movie) This movie ties Nicholson who is a corporate billionaire and Freeman as a mechanic who meet in the hospital and figure out they have two things in common
1) a desire to do everything they want to do before they "kick the bucket" and 2) an unrealized need to come to terms with who they are.

So as we begin 2008 that was a good tie in for me to this year. Do you have a bucket list? I think that is something I will contemplate this week.

I was sitting here thinking about Lou Holtz and his list of 107 things I want to do before I die...well, and then that speech he taped for the Illinois players that ESPN showed about 8 gazillion times over the last two days....the speech didn't help..... but this list thing is pretty big. Check out this article from August about it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/fashion/26list.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

and the website from the article where you can make your list:
http://www.43things.com/

and since it is a new year the government has a web page to help people with common resolutions......no kidding:
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/New_Years_Resolutions.shtml

The Top 10 Christian Books right now is kinda of interesting:
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?CAT=930601&srt=S&z=y&cds2Pid=17801

And lastly, today the wife and I went to the new Publix in Chattanooga. It was not as crazy as she said it had been. In fact they have some people coming in from Atlanta to work to help cover this business.

My observations. 1) As I drove around town today there wasn't much traffic at all and alot of businesses were closed. It reminded me of how Sundays used to be growing up. It was kinda neat......
2) the people at Publix are friendly. Some of the add ons they do are already being copied by the Bi-Lo's which will create some neat competition that Albertsons didn't understand when they came in to town.
3) they understand customer service. I only hope it last. New staff, new store and a reason to impress. The test will come in about a year if they are still pushing that envelope.
4) Just the little things they do will have great impact on this city. Because other business people will come in and go....you know we need to be improving our customer service too... how do we do that? I am all about that.

Thanks to Gary for posting yesterday. Gary has a wonderful way with words and I have asked him to post as he feels things strike him. He loves the Lord and I appreciate him as a brother in Christ.