Ministry is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging pursuits in life. Here are some reasons why I disengage periodically from the all-consuming life in ministry.
1. Recharge my soul. In a nutshell, ministry is giving your life away. You invest your time, energy, emotions in an an effort to help others heal from their hurts and accomplish their God-given potential in life. That process is exhausting. Preparing sermons, counseling those in crisis, raising the necessary finances and leading staff and volunteers will suck the life right out of you. The bottom line is that I have to take a break from my schedule because it will eventually break me. I need to get alone with Jesus and let him speak to my heart and energize me with his Holy Spirit.
2. Rekindle my marriage. The sad truth is that many ministers focus so much on building a strong ministry that they end up losing their spouse and loved ones in the process. I made a commitment early on to not sacrifice my marriage on the altar of ministry. I need to take a daily time with Bekah to talk about our day, a weekly 24 hour period to just hang out and spend time together, and an annual getaway (without the kids) to invest in our relationship. My marriage and family is my number one ministry.
3. Refresh my vision. When I get away it helps me relax. When you relax and loosen up in life, it generates Theda waves in your brain which are responsible for creative thoughts and ideas. That's why when you are taking a shower or sitting on your lawn mower and just relaxing while you mow your lawn that you will often times have the most creative ideas. Creativity refreshes your heart and soul.
Are you do for a break?
Friday, June 01, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Why I Give
Here are some reasons why I practice Biblical tithing.
1. It makes me more like God. The Bible says that God was a giver ... "For God so loved that He gave." Every time I give it makes me a little bit more like my Heavenly Father.
2. It reminds me that everything I have comes from God. God doesn't need my money, time or talent. He asks me to regularly give them to Him so that I will never forget the source of everything I have in the first place - God.
3. It breaks the grip of greed in my life. It's hard to be a stingy, miser while you spend your life by giving your stuff away.
4. Giving helps me trust God for everything. When I give out of obedience to God's Word it forces me to trust God in every area of my life.
5. I don't want to rob God. When I don't give, the Bible says that I am robbing God. A good friend of mine just told me that he isn't going to rob God just because gas prices went up. That's good advice!
6. When I give, I make an eternal investment. God uses my financial gifts to help reach people. At the end of the day, the only thing you can take to heaven is people. Everything else, including my 401K and retirement nest egg will eventually rust and decay. But what is a human soul worth?
7. I give to get only to give again. The Bible says that a man reaps what he sows. I believe in that process. If I so seeds of faith and blessing, than I will reap those same resources. However, it never ends with me. I give so that I can be blessed and I desire God's blessing so that I can in return be a blessing to others.
How's your giving?
1. It makes me more like God. The Bible says that God was a giver ... "For God so loved that He gave." Every time I give it makes me a little bit more like my Heavenly Father.
2. It reminds me that everything I have comes from God. God doesn't need my money, time or talent. He asks me to regularly give them to Him so that I will never forget the source of everything I have in the first place - God.
3. It breaks the grip of greed in my life. It's hard to be a stingy, miser while you spend your life by giving your stuff away.
4. Giving helps me trust God for everything. When I give out of obedience to God's Word it forces me to trust God in every area of my life.
5. I don't want to rob God. When I don't give, the Bible says that I am robbing God. A good friend of mine just told me that he isn't going to rob God just because gas prices went up. That's good advice!
6. When I give, I make an eternal investment. God uses my financial gifts to help reach people. At the end of the day, the only thing you can take to heaven is people. Everything else, including my 401K and retirement nest egg will eventually rust and decay. But what is a human soul worth?
7. I give to get only to give again. The Bible says that a man reaps what he sows. I believe in that process. If I so seeds of faith and blessing, than I will reap those same resources. However, it never ends with me. I give so that I can be blessed and I desire God's blessing so that I can in return be a blessing to others.
How's your giving?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Why I Study
As you may know, I recently graduated from seminary with a doctoral degree in leadership. Please don't misunderstand my telling you this as a prideful, self-promoting statement. My intention in sharing that with you is only to inform you of my deep commitment to personal growth.
So, here's why I spent the last 10 years of my life in higher education along with tens of thousands of dollars on education bills.
1. Leaders are life-long learners. The moment I stop learning as a leader is the moment I stop growing as a leader. I read over 100 books a year, attend conferences, listen to tons of leadership tapes and constantly hang around people that are much smart than me and ask them lots of questions. Learning is a lifetime sport.
2. Learning is fun. I enjoy studying, reading, researching and writing down my thoughts and ideas. Learning is a creative journey that captivates my heart and imagination.
3. Our church needs me to grow. A leaders organization will never grow beyond the leader.
4. It's a spiritual responsibility. The Bible speaks about the need for followers of Christ to show themselves approved and to be ready to give a response for why they believe what they believe. I have an obligation to give my best to understanding faith and Scripture.
5. Learning teaches me perseverence. If you are like me and not naturally gifted with a great intellecutal skills, studying can be present a difficult challenge. However, I have discovered that learning is more a matter of an iron will than a sharp mind. It teaches you that with a dogged determination, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
So, what are you studying today?
So, here's why I spent the last 10 years of my life in higher education along with tens of thousands of dollars on education bills.
1. Leaders are life-long learners. The moment I stop learning as a leader is the moment I stop growing as a leader. I read over 100 books a year, attend conferences, listen to tons of leadership tapes and constantly hang around people that are much smart than me and ask them lots of questions. Learning is a lifetime sport.
2. Learning is fun. I enjoy studying, reading, researching and writing down my thoughts and ideas. Learning is a creative journey that captivates my heart and imagination.
3. Our church needs me to grow. A leaders organization will never grow beyond the leader.
4. It's a spiritual responsibility. The Bible speaks about the need for followers of Christ to show themselves approved and to be ready to give a response for why they believe what they believe. I have an obligation to give my best to understanding faith and Scripture.
5. Learning teaches me perseverence. If you are like me and not naturally gifted with a great intellecutal skills, studying can be present a difficult challenge. However, I have discovered that learning is more a matter of an iron will than a sharp mind. It teaches you that with a dogged determination, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
So, what are you studying today?
Questions - Why I Pray
Asking the right questions is one of keys to exponential growth. This week I want answer some BIG questions that will hopefully help you in your journey towards spiritual maturity.
People pray for a number of different reasons. Here are some of mine.
1. It connects me to God. My relationship with God is just like any other in that it's built on trust. Communication is the foundation upon which trust it built. Prayer helps me connect and communicate with my Heavenly Father, thus building lasting trust.
2. It makes me more like Jesus. Jesus spent a great deal of time praying to his Father. I can't be like Jesus if I don't pray.
3. It's a matter of obedience. The Bible doesn't suggest that we pray, it commands the beleiver to pray. Prayer is not optional for the follower of Jesus.
4. It keeps me humble. Prayer flies in the face of self-sufficiency. The very act of prayer is humbling. By it's very nature it is admitting that I can't do it on my own and that I need God's help.
5. It's how I get things from God. The Bible says "you have not because you ask not." Prayer is the primary Biblical means by which God provides our every need.
6. It relieves stress. There's a very practical side to prayer. For me, prayer is like a huge decompression chamber. I can go and "tell Jesus all about it" and it's like taking a huge weight off my shoulders.
7. It builds my faith. When I pray, especially in the Holy Spirit, it strengths my faith. It's hard to describe, but it's as if God comes near and gives me the power and courage I need to do what He has called me to do.
Hope to see you at prayer meeting tonight @ 7pm!
People pray for a number of different reasons. Here are some of mine.
1. It connects me to God. My relationship with God is just like any other in that it's built on trust. Communication is the foundation upon which trust it built. Prayer helps me connect and communicate with my Heavenly Father, thus building lasting trust.
2. It makes me more like Jesus. Jesus spent a great deal of time praying to his Father. I can't be like Jesus if I don't pray.
3. It's a matter of obedience. The Bible doesn't suggest that we pray, it commands the beleiver to pray. Prayer is not optional for the follower of Jesus.
4. It keeps me humble. Prayer flies in the face of self-sufficiency. The very act of prayer is humbling. By it's very nature it is admitting that I can't do it on my own and that I need God's help.
5. It's how I get things from God. The Bible says "you have not because you ask not." Prayer is the primary Biblical means by which God provides our every need.
6. It relieves stress. There's a very practical side to prayer. For me, prayer is like a huge decompression chamber. I can go and "tell Jesus all about it" and it's like taking a huge weight off my shoulders.
7. It builds my faith. When I pray, especially in the Holy Spirit, it strengths my faith. It's hard to describe, but it's as if God comes near and gives me the power and courage I need to do what He has called me to do.
Hope to see you at prayer meeting tonight @ 7pm!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Memorial Day Weekend
This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. I'm sure you've got plans to enjoy the outdoors, go camping, have a BBQ, or just celebrate your day off on Monday with friends and family.
While we spend time with those that we love, let's take time to remember those brave men and women who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Of course, that's what Memorial Day is all about. You would do well to take a few extra moments and pray for our soldiers in harms way today and to also thank those in your family or friends that have someone serving in the Armed Forces. Write them a card or email and encourage them this weekend.
Speaking of the weekend, we are wrapping up our series, "Unlikely Heroes." In similar fashion to our military heores that we pay homage to this weekend, these great heroes of the faith paved the way for the spiritual freedom we enjoy today that is found in Christ.
You don't want to miss this weekend as we look at the last hero, Paul in a message I've titled, "The Unashamed Hero." We're going to have a great service with a special surprise for all that attend.
Hope to see you all there. Thanks again to all you blog readers out there and your words of encouragement. Talk to you tomorrow.
While we spend time with those that we love, let's take time to remember those brave men and women who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Of course, that's what Memorial Day is all about. You would do well to take a few extra moments and pray for our soldiers in harms way today and to also thank those in your family or friends that have someone serving in the Armed Forces. Write them a card or email and encourage them this weekend.
Speaking of the weekend, we are wrapping up our series, "Unlikely Heroes." In similar fashion to our military heores that we pay homage to this weekend, these great heroes of the faith paved the way for the spiritual freedom we enjoy today that is found in Christ.
You don't want to miss this weekend as we look at the last hero, Paul in a message I've titled, "The Unashamed Hero." We're going to have a great service with a special surprise for all that attend.
Hope to see you all there. Thanks again to all you blog readers out there and your words of encouragement. Talk to you tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
What's Up With Your Blog, Dave?
As you can see, I haven't blogged since Easter. Honestly, I just thought that it wasn't making much a difference. I guess I hadn't seen any feedback and thought that no one was really reading it. The pragmatist in me surmised that I'm not going to give time to something that isn't making an impact on someone's life.
That all changed last week when I read an email from a teenager in our church and asked me, "What's up with your blog, Dave?" He went on to tell me that he had been reading my blog daily and that it was really something he enjoyed and was helping him grow spiritually. Needless to say, I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit and decided to get back into the blogosphere.
This whole deal kind of makes me think a lot about ministry in general. You know, we serve God and one another and give of ourselves in the name of Jesus and sometimes we think that it's not making a difference. Often times when we think no one is looking, listening or reading or even appreciating what we are doing - there is someone there checking our every move from afar.
So, thanks to Ernest, I'm back in the game.
That all changed last week when I read an email from a teenager in our church and asked me, "What's up with your blog, Dave?" He went on to tell me that he had been reading my blog daily and that it was really something he enjoyed and was helping him grow spiritually. Needless to say, I felt the conviction of the Holy Spirit and decided to get back into the blogosphere.
This whole deal kind of makes me think a lot about ministry in general. You know, we serve God and one another and give of ourselves in the name of Jesus and sometimes we think that it's not making a difference. Often times when we think no one is looking, listening or reading or even appreciating what we are doing - there is someone there checking our every move from afar.
So, thanks to Ernest, I'm back in the game.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Easter Weekend Update
There is only one word to describe the 2007 Easter weekend at Pocono Community Church - AWESOME.
Here's a recap of what God did through PCC:
1. Good Friday Egg Stuffing Party - Over 125 volunteered their time to stuff over 50,000 Easter Eggs with candy and prizes. Small groups and entire families came together at the Pocono Summit Fire Hall to tackle this enormous task. Thank you so much for giving of your time and energy to make the Eggstravaganza such a great success.
2. 2007 Eggstravaganza - Even 20 degree weather in the Pocono's couldn't keep the approximately 4000 people away from the 2007 Easter Eggstravaganza. What an awesome turn out on such a cold day. The petting zoo, huge inflatables, Pocono 500 race car, and lots of games were enjoyed by all the kids and families. What a sight to see the Easter Bunny arrive on the fire truck. Buddy the clown entertained everyone while also sharing the Gospel and the true meaning of Easter. Again, thanks to all the volunteers that came out and braved the weather and made a huge impact for the Kingdom.
3. Easter Sunday Services - This Easter PCC broke it's all-time holiday attendance with about 1400 people in its two services. What's even more exiting is the 60 people who gave their heart to Christ. The music and children's programs were terrific enjoyed by the 200 first-time guests.
I'm so excited about what God is doing at PCC! I look forward to leveraging this great momentum we are experiencing this spring for God's glory.
Here's a recap of what God did through PCC:
1. Good Friday Egg Stuffing Party - Over 125 volunteered their time to stuff over 50,000 Easter Eggs with candy and prizes. Small groups and entire families came together at the Pocono Summit Fire Hall to tackle this enormous task. Thank you so much for giving of your time and energy to make the Eggstravaganza such a great success.
2. 2007 Eggstravaganza - Even 20 degree weather in the Pocono's couldn't keep the approximately 4000 people away from the 2007 Easter Eggstravaganza. What an awesome turn out on such a cold day. The petting zoo, huge inflatables, Pocono 500 race car, and lots of games were enjoyed by all the kids and families. What a sight to see the Easter Bunny arrive on the fire truck. Buddy the clown entertained everyone while also sharing the Gospel and the true meaning of Easter. Again, thanks to all the volunteers that came out and braved the weather and made a huge impact for the Kingdom.
3. Easter Sunday Services - This Easter PCC broke it's all-time holiday attendance with about 1400 people in its two services. What's even more exiting is the 60 people who gave their heart to Christ. The music and children's programs were terrific enjoyed by the 200 first-time guests.
I'm so excited about what God is doing at PCC! I look forward to leveraging this great momentum we are experiencing this spring for God's glory.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Getting Ready For Easter
Today I'm putting the final touches on my Easter message. I'm really excited about this new series we are kicking off this weekend called, "Unlikely Heroes." We're going to unpack the entire story of the Bible through the eyes of men and women that God used to reconcile us back to Himself. What we are going to find is that God often times uses the most unlikely, uneducated, and unusual heroes to accomplish his purpose.
Please remember to pray and fast for me and the staff for this weekend. I know many of you are inviting your frieneds and we are working very hard to share Jesus with them this weekend in a way that they will understand how much He loves them and wants to be in relationship with him.
Also, we would love to spend some time with you tomorrow, Good Friday, as we stuff the 50,000 Easter Eggs in preparation for Eggstravaganza on Saturday. We are moving full steam ahead and we won't let a little snow get in our way!
Please remember to pray and fast for me and the staff for this weekend. I know many of you are inviting your frieneds and we are working very hard to share Jesus with them this weekend in a way that they will understand how much He loves them and wants to be in relationship with him.
Also, we would love to spend some time with you tomorrow, Good Friday, as we stuff the 50,000 Easter Eggs in preparation for Eggstravaganza on Saturday. We are moving full steam ahead and we won't let a little snow get in our way!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Communion Celebration
During staff meeting this morning I shared from Colossians 1:21-22 that says, "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation."
Tonight we will be celebrating Communion together as a church family at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Mt. Pocono. I want to encourage everyone to come and give thanks to God for the cross. What a special opportunity to realign our hearts, minds and lives with God through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
In light of what Christ did for us, says Paul, we should strive to live holy lives. No more playing games with God or each other. Time to take off the old self and to put on Christ. Time to build an entirely new wardrobe that is characterized by peace, love, compassion and kindness. Time to change.
Tonight we will be celebrating Communion together as a church family at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Mt. Pocono. I want to encourage everyone to come and give thanks to God for the cross. What a special opportunity to realign our hearts, minds and lives with God through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.
In light of what Christ did for us, says Paul, we should strive to live holy lives. No more playing games with God or each other. Time to take off the old self and to put on Christ. Time to build an entirely new wardrobe that is characterized by peace, love, compassion and kindness. Time to change.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Change 2
Apparently, it's time to change computers. Again, I apologize for the lack of consistency with my blog postings. Hopefully, the new computer ordered will provide more stability for this tech-savvy enthusiast.
Until then...
Until then...
Monday, March 26, 2007
Change - Part 1
Last week I witnessed an inspiring event. I was getting out of my car and looked up into the blue sky and saw a huge flock of geese flying north. I know Pennsylvania is famous for our weather forecasting ground hog, Punxsutawney phil. But there is no greater indicator of the end of winter than a flock of geese flying overhead due north. What a sign of change.
If you think about it, everything changes in life. Seasons change. Communities change. Culture and technology is constantly morphing and changing. Feelings change. Our bodies change.
There are two great truths in life:
1) Change is inevitable;
2) Most people resist change.
Easter is all about change too. Death to life. Hopelessness to hope. Old to new. This week I want to share some thoughts about change and perhaps inspire you to take a proactive approach to change and give you some practical insight on how you can best deal with the changes in life.
If you think about it, everything changes in life. Seasons change. Communities change. Culture and technology is constantly morphing and changing. Feelings change. Our bodies change.
There are two great truths in life:
1) Change is inevitable;
2) Most people resist change.
Easter is all about change too. Death to life. Hopelessness to hope. Old to new. This week I want to share some thoughts about change and perhaps inspire you to take a proactive approach to change and give you some practical insight on how you can best deal with the changes in life.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Day Off
Today I'm taking the day off. We have to drive to Harrisburg to return the flags we borrowed from another church for our Missions Convention. Since my family lives in Harrisburg it will be a nice opportunity to be with them for the afternoon.
Last night the prayer meeting was off the charts. We especially had a powerful time of corporate prayer for our children's pastors, Josh and Becky John. They have a lot on their ministry plate right now with the Family Theatre this weekend and Eggstravaganza right around the corner. It's so important for us to lift up one another in prayer. The Bible says, "They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength." Prayer also unites the church family together and cultivates harmony among the church body.
If you missed last nights prayer meeting, I encourage you to be with us next week.
Last night the prayer meeting was off the charts. We especially had a powerful time of corporate prayer for our children's pastors, Josh and Becky John. They have a lot on their ministry plate right now with the Family Theatre this weekend and Eggstravaganza right around the corner. It's so important for us to lift up one another in prayer. The Bible says, "They that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength." Prayer also unites the church family together and cultivates harmony among the church body.
If you missed last nights prayer meeting, I encourage you to be with us next week.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Weekend Update
Wow! What an awesome, action-packed weekend at PCC! Even 20 inches of snow couldn't stop PCC from celebrating what God is doing all around the world.
Our 4th Annual Missions Convention was incredible. The Saturday night "Taste The Nations" banquet was fantastic. And the Parade of Nations on Sunday morning was inspiring. Our guest speaker, Jack Strom, challenged us to live out John 3:16. Thanks so much for everyone getting involved making it such a huge success.
Also, today we made the front page of the paper with a story on the Extreme Home Makeover. Check out the story by clicking on the link below. Perhpas you could leave a comment, as well.
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070319/NEWS/703190327
Our creative, video guy at PCC, Matt Kennedy, did a great job with the Extreme Home Makeover video. Check it out below.
Thanks again, PCC! You rock! I'm so proud of you all and incredibly honored to be your friend and pastor.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Let It Snow
Just two days ago we were enjoying 60 degree temperatures and dusting off our barbecues for spring. And today we are getting hit with a noreaster snow storm that could dump up to 20 inches on the Pocono Mountains. Don't get me wrong - I love the snow and the changing seasons. But to be honest, I'm ready for spring.
It was so disappointing to have to cancel our community groups tonight hosting missionaries from 5 different countries. However, we felt it best to err on the safe side.
The snow will taper off tonight and we will have the green light for our Taste The Nations Missions Banquet tomorrow night at the West High School cafeteria. The banquet starts at 7pm. We're going to have a great time together celebrating what God is doing all around the world. Hope to see you there.
It was so disappointing to have to cancel our community groups tonight hosting missionaries from 5 different countries. However, we felt it best to err on the safe side.
The snow will taper off tonight and we will have the green light for our Taste The Nations Missions Banquet tomorrow night at the West High School cafeteria. The banquet starts at 7pm. We're going to have a great time together celebrating what God is doing all around the world. Hope to see you there.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Life in the fast lane
Hey Everybody ~ I apologize for my inconsistent postings lately. My Internet is out at home and my computer is on the fritz. I actually got the blue screen of death yesterday. I've been delaying a computer upgrade for months, but I think the time is now upon me.
Anyway, it's been such an awesome season of ministry the past few weeks at PCC. I sense a great wave of momentum beginning to build here at PCC. Between the Extreme Home makeover and the upcoming Missions Convention and Easter Outreaches, we are all firing on all cylinders around here.
In fact, Tuesday night I was coming back from some meetings and was a tad late for our weekly prayer meeting. I got to the church parking lot and found it was full. I was like, "This is so AWESOME that I can't find a parking spot at our prayer meeting." God is really moving in our church as we pray and seek his strength and guidance.
Let's keep our knees close to the ground and our eyes upon the Lord has we live what we believe.
Anyway, it's been such an awesome season of ministry the past few weeks at PCC. I sense a great wave of momentum beginning to build here at PCC. Between the Extreme Home makeover and the upcoming Missions Convention and Easter Outreaches, we are all firing on all cylinders around here.
In fact, Tuesday night I was coming back from some meetings and was a tad late for our weekly prayer meeting. I got to the church parking lot and found it was full. I was like, "This is so AWESOME that I can't find a parking spot at our prayer meeting." God is really moving in our church as we pray and seek his strength and guidance.
Let's keep our knees close to the ground and our eyes upon the Lord has we live what we believe.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Weekend Update
Well, I'm recovering from an exhausting four days of ministry. Our Extreme Home Makeover was a huge success, but a lot of work, too. I spent something like 35 hours in 3 days working along side almost 100 volunteers. We scrubbed walls, painted, laid 1500 square feet of new carpet, installed new Pergo floors in the dining room, laid new linoleum in both bathrooms and kitchen, built an additional bedroom wall, and lots of cleaning.
I am so proud of our church family and how we all came together to make this happen. I have to admit, I had a few doubts along the way but God helped us and we were able to bless this deserving family. What an awesome reward to see them come through the doors of their new home for the first time. Their tears of joy was reward enough for me.
I am so proud of our church family and how we all came together to make this happen. I have to admit, I had a few doubts along the way but God helped us and we were able to bless this deserving family. What an awesome reward to see them come through the doors of their new home for the first time. Their tears of joy was reward enough for me.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Time Saving Tips - Part 3
#3 - Good enough is good enough
While working on a many handymen projects with my grandfather (Pop) in his basement as a child, I can often remember him saying as we neared the completion of the job, "Well, it's good enough for the girl I go with." Of course, he meant that grandma would be happy to have the project completed even if it wasn't perfect. Now, Pop was no shoddy worker, but he understood the principle of "Good Enough" - that things don't have to be perfect in order to be useful or effective.
I've heard many leaders in the church world say, "It doesn't have to be perfect in order for God to bless it." Often times, we waste so much energy, effort and precious time in the vain attempt to make things perfect. According to the law of diminishing returns, this endless pursuit of perfectionism actually works against us. Sure, you can put in an extra 20% of effort on a project that is already a "A-" but that extra 20% will not yield a significant return on the investment. Give up your perfectionist ways and you will get more done and ultimately be more effective.
While working on a many handymen projects with my grandfather (Pop) in his basement as a child, I can often remember him saying as we neared the completion of the job, "Well, it's good enough for the girl I go with." Of course, he meant that grandma would be happy to have the project completed even if it wasn't perfect. Now, Pop was no shoddy worker, but he understood the principle of "Good Enough" - that things don't have to be perfect in order to be useful or effective.
I've heard many leaders in the church world say, "It doesn't have to be perfect in order for God to bless it." Often times, we waste so much energy, effort and precious time in the vain attempt to make things perfect. According to the law of diminishing returns, this endless pursuit of perfectionism actually works against us. Sure, you can put in an extra 20% of effort on a project that is already a "A-" but that extra 20% will not yield a significant return on the investment. Give up your perfectionist ways and you will get more done and ultimately be more effective.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Time Saving Tips - Part 2
#2 - Do less and get more done.
It's a hard fact of life that no one is good at everything, yet everyone is great one thing. Once you accept that fact, you can begin to prioritize your life around the things that you are passionate about and are naturally gifted to do.
It's true that at least 25% of our daily routines or employment responsibilities are going to be grunt work that we all have to do. However, the other 75% of our time must be focused on that which will bring us the most significant results.
Remember, time is a non-renewable commodity. You only have so much of it and once its gone its gone. The value of time is measured by how we spend it. So, when it comes to prioritizing your time, simply play to your strengths. Do what you do best with the lion share of your time. You will find that you get more done while you are doing less.
It's a hard fact of life that no one is good at everything, yet everyone is great one thing. Once you accept that fact, you can begin to prioritize your life around the things that you are passionate about and are naturally gifted to do.
It's true that at least 25% of our daily routines or employment responsibilities are going to be grunt work that we all have to do. However, the other 75% of our time must be focused on that which will bring us the most significant results.
Remember, time is a non-renewable commodity. You only have so much of it and once its gone its gone. The value of time is measured by how we spend it. So, when it comes to prioritizing your time, simply play to your strengths. Do what you do best with the lion share of your time. You will find that you get more done while you are doing less.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Time Saving Tips - Part 1
This week I want to give you some tips on saving time. If your life is anything like mine, you never have enough hours in the day to get everything done. You wish you could slow down time while simultaneously speed up productivity. Whether you are a swamped salesperson, homemaker or entrepreneur, these proven time-mangement strategies will help you manage your life and get more done in less time. So, let's get started. Now is the time.
Tip #1 - Rethink Time Management
I've often thought that I could get more done if I simply became a better time manager. Although this is a great idea, it doesn't work in the real world. You cannot manage something that remains in perpetual motion. In his book, Time Traps, Todd Duncan argues that time management is impossible. He says, "you can't manage time or control time any more than you can lasso the wind and tie it to a fence post."
Quit waisting time trying to manage your time. You can only manage what you do with your time. Time is the most precious commodity available to us. You can always make more money, but you can't make more time. Take a few minutes today and evaluate what you are doing with your time. Remember, you might not be able to manage the clock, but you can control what you do with every tick.
And that's the truth on time.
Tip #1 - Rethink Time Management
I've often thought that I could get more done if I simply became a better time manager. Although this is a great idea, it doesn't work in the real world. You cannot manage something that remains in perpetual motion. In his book, Time Traps, Todd Duncan argues that time management is impossible. He says, "you can't manage time or control time any more than you can lasso the wind and tie it to a fence post."
Quit waisting time trying to manage your time. You can only manage what you do with your time. Time is the most precious commodity available to us. You can always make more money, but you can't make more time. Take a few minutes today and evaluate what you are doing with your time. Remember, you might not be able to manage the clock, but you can control what you do with every tick.
And that's the truth on time.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Happy Birthday Dad!
Today is my Dad's birthday. We went down to Harrisburg yesterday on our day off to celebreate with my Dad and the rest of the family. Of course, we had lots of good food (Dad's favorite is chicken) and fun around the table.
As I have been preparing this series of messages on parenthood, I've been reminded of how fortunate I am to have such a great family, especially a God-honoring father. Studies show that father's have the most significant spiritual influence on their children, for good or bad. I am so blessed to have a father that has taught me what it means to be a real man, one that follows after Christ's example. Thanks Dad and Happy Birthday.
As I have been preparing this series of messages on parenthood, I've been reminded of how fortunate I am to have such a great family, especially a God-honoring father. Studies show that father's have the most significant spiritual influence on their children, for good or bad. I am so blessed to have a father that has taught me what it means to be a real man, one that follows after Christ's example. Thanks Dad and Happy Birthday.
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