| Four Types of Sheep. |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Friday, July 20, 2012 @ 11:13 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
In a recent conversation I had with a fellow church leader in our area ... he mentioned to me that there are 4 types of sheep.
I. Sheep that are leaders. They know the Master. They are ready to follow Him and lead others and other sheep to Him.
II. Flock. Those sheep that just go with the flow. Never really do anything but go any direction.
III. Renegade Sheep. This sheep is the one that sometimes needs to be broken to be mended to follow the Shepherd's voice ... It tends to go its own way and let pride get in the way ...rebeling against everything and everyone and tries to thwart any change, leadership, and leading.
IV. Loner sheep. Not really a follower nor rebel but stand offish .... tends to get lost easy and the parable of the lost sheep applies here.
So question is which sheep are you? Leader? Rebel? just in the crowd or the loner?http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Blog Silence |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Friday, July 20, 2012 @ 11:07 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
You may of noticed my blog silence over the last few weeks.
It has been kind of hectic.
I. Been in a season of ministry from VBS to a few funerals, baptisms, and ministry opportunities.
II. My children have been in camp: Church camp, scouts, and day camp.
III. I've moved from one part of town to a bigger home ... so the moving has taken a toll.
IV. I've moved others - my favourite mother-in-law to my favourite American Sister-in-law's home.
V. I needed the break to concentrate more and pray more. Being online alot takes time and I don't need to be.
VI. won't you take time to continue to pray for me?
Thanks.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Upcoming Sermon Series End of Summer/ Fall 2012 |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Friday, July 20, 2012 @ 11:03 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Top Ten Reasons Why Ministry? |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 @ 8:10 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Top Ten Reasons Why Ministry?
People seem to have looked at ministry as sometimes depressing.. When people ask "Why ministry?" I answer "Why not?" Here is a top ten reasons to consider supporting the preaching ministry within your church.
I. It helps to train, equip, rebuke, in righteousness in helping them know God's Word. To preach the Word.
2 Timothy 3:16,17.
II. It helps people to "Go ...." People
more than ever are willing to be stretched, used and be out of their comfort zones than ever before. Thus the Mission Trips and Service Projects are very important.
"Go ye into all the world ..." Matt. 28:19,20.
III. It helps ministry be professional more so than ever before. Ministry is now seen as a must need within the church. It helps people lead balanced lives in their mental, social, physical and spiritual aspects. It clarifies the expectations.
IV. It makes disciples. Matt. 28:19,20. The old stats of 80% of Christians do so by the age of 18. With such influences as conventions, camps, retreats.
V. It Teaches. Matt. 28:19, 20 " ...teaching them to obey all things ..." Education in our Bible Schools, our Bible Colleges, and our campus ministries.
VI. It helps simplify the Gospel. Where else can you teach the basics of the faith and leave a heritage? Acts 4:12; Hebrews 11.
VII. It teaches Unity. John 17. Ministry must and does functions with the rest of the body of Christ. It works with parents, relatives and the family of God.
VIII. It builds community. Where else can you love God and Love kids? Be silly; know that God is there. I know this is the one of the basics Jesus spent a lot of time with his disciples. Mark 12:28-34.
IX. It is relational. I know a young lady that has been teaching Bible School for 67years. Why? Her educational style has changed but her relationships with those she teaches has not. She loves her Lord, and loves the youth she teaches.
X. It is Life Changing. The impact. The purpose, philosophy, support of families, crossing the generations makes it all worth it.
So Now we Know Why Ministry, Now What?
One has to envision what their ministry is going to look like.
The premise or the purpose behind the reasons for their ministry to which direction they will go.
Here are some practical suggestions to start with.
I. Ask yourself the tough questions. What are we doing right now? What can we change? How do we do it? What is the purpose? What is our vision, philosophy or mission statement for the ministry here?
II. Set some goals. Recruit. Have job descriptions. Screen your workers, train, have a budget etc
III. Have ways to achieve the objectives. Do we have the staff?
Volunteers? Be flexible and balanced.
IV. Follow through on your objectives. Start small and build from there. (Rome wasn't built in one day either).
V. Don't be Discouraged. Ministry is not easy, nor is it meant to be.What you win them to is what you have to keep them with. If all fun and games, Guess what you got to continue to do? If Big events and so on and so forth. Make the ministry your church's, have them own it. Again
Flexibility and balance come into play.
VI. Actually this should of been number 1. Get the support of the people
VII. Have some accountability. Set boundaries, rules etc. Recommend the book Better Safe Than Sued
and Brotherhood Insurance's Reducing the Risk.
VIII. Get the Leadership behind you. Nothing makes or breaks a ministry more than if the leaders are behind it or not.
IX. Communicate. Overcommunicate. Nothing does better than to have lots of PR .... Plus it gets your light too out to the community.
X. Get some resources that can be adopted, adapted to met your people's own faith journey needs.
So we discussed the Why, What, The Who and Where are easy. Who? as in Who can be involved in ministry? Anyone that loves God and loves people.
We do this through our own objectives of the 4Cs in which we have people Come, Connect, Committ and be Commissioned. Currently we havepeople at various stages of this. As to resources and sites.
An unknown author once wrote "To touch the past, touch a rock. To touch the present, touch a rose. To touch the future, touch a child" We that are involved in ministry are doing just that. Touching people's lives with the Love of God. May we continue to press on being the hospital for sinners, and not letting our Church be some museum or clique for saints.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Summer/ Fall Sermon Series 2012 |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 @ 7:12 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Lindros for the Hockey Hall of Fame. #88 |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Thursday, June 28, 2012 @ 11:00 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Eric Lindros deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He got snubbed in the Class of 2012 ... (though the 4 were most deserving to be there) I want to make my case why Eric Lindros deserves and eventually will be in the Hall.
Career achievements
4th fastest player in NHL history to score 300 points (210 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (159), Mario Lemieux (186) & Peter Stastny (186)
4th fastest player in NHL history to score 400 points (277 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (197), Mario Lemieux (240) & Peter Stastny (247)
5th fastest player in NHL history to score 500 points (352 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (234), Mario Lemieux (287) & Peter Stastny (322) & Mike Bossy (349)
6th fastest player in NHL history to score 600 points (429 GP) behind Wayne Gretzky (273), Mario Lemieux (323) & Peter Stastny (394), Mike Bossy (400) & Jari Kurri (419)
In international play, Lindros represented Canada at the World Junior Championships three times (1990, 1991, and 1992), winning gold medals in 1990 and 1991. Eric Lindros is Canada's all time points leader at the WJC with 31 points, 6 points ahead of Jordan Eberle and Ryan Ellis. He has also represented Canada at the World Hockey Championships, leading the team in scoring at the 1993 tournament. In Olympic play, Lindros represented Canada three times (1992, 1998, and 2002), winning a silver medal in 1992 and a gold medal in 2002.
Also with Lindros' 1991 NHL Entry Draft and trade to the Flyers set up history to the new AVS team ....
One of Lindros' contributing factors still lingers on for the NHL today that of concussions, dealing with post-concussion symptoms (Think Sydney Crosby) and how if that issue dealt back in the 90s wouldn't be one today (But at last hindsight is 20-20) Lindros contributed to the fierce toughness of the NHL - made way to today's faster paced game ... and that of being the "NEXT ONE" and Big E ... and how we are in each draft looking for that next "Great one" or OVie/Crosby of the franchise.
So in this Canadian's opinion: Eric Lindros deserves to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. It isn't so much if, as to when he will get in.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Health Care Reform. |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Thursday, June 28, 2012 @ 10:42 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Let me just say the system is broken. We all need health care reform. Just not the way politicians on both sides are pitching it.
We need to get rid of the hidden costs, fees, red tape, and the way the system operates. Let insurance do what insurance is suppose to do ... pay for the care received .... not all the buildings, insurance co-writers, lawyers etc.
Let there be support for preventative care. I shouldn't have to pony up a lot of dough because enrolling my kids in schools in MD ...They only take MD physician records. My out of state records didn't do; and the insurance company had a 6 mth waiting period ... (I didn't see that in the fine print and guess who forked out the dough? - hence I changed insurance companies)
Also let the rates be reasonable and cost effective. There is no reason for a healthy family to have rates go from a certain dollar amount to over $200 more a month the next year? That is highway robbery. Let some of the small businesses and especially non-profits get the same rates as big corporations?? Let even health care insurance policies cross and not be defined within state borders ...
In some ways our insurance companies need to operate like they are managing our money for health reasons .... like a health savings account. And when we stay healthy - add interest to our account.
We need to stop comparing Canada's Health care to Obama's. It is apples and oranges ... like comparing NYC to the rest of the US .... shouldn't happen.
I agree there needs to be Health Care Reform. It is broken. Unfortunately there is so much politics involved right now, and even with Today's Supreme Court decision ... I don't see it being fixed anytime soon. Perhaps I am wrong. But the fact is few have read (Even those that support Obama's healthcare) the bill.
Is what either Candidate touting an answer? I'm very skeptically. I think what we all can agree on is our healthcare system cannot continue to operate the way it does. What is the answer? Honestly I don't know. I really don't think the politicians know either.
Here are some suggestions I have for Health Reform (Similar to my immigration Reform)
I. Keep it simple. Easy to understand.
II. Keep it Affordable. (So if everyone wants health insurance they can have it)
III. Get rid of the overhead and costs (Amazing to me to see some of the waste and red tape in the healthcare field)
IV. Have those that need preventative and pre-existing conditions - covered (someone discovers they have cancer - and health insurance drops them .... very SAD - sometimes it isn't always about $$$)
V. Add some spiritual care influence - afterall - mind, body, soul - seem to help heal. I've seen the good work Hospital chaplains do ... they need to be supported as well
VI. Have a plan for those in palliative care. End of life issues should not always be discussed in emergency situations when end of life is happening. I've seen too many families struggle when they find out their loved one's health is gone - and they had no will, no funeral plans, no insurance etc. Funeral homes and health care facilities can so much educate in this field.
VII. Other ideas? What are your thoughts?
http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Immigration Reform. |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Thursday, June 28, 2012 @ 10:16 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Let me say this I'm all for Immigration Reform. I think both political parties can legally say that. But how does one go about it?
I. One needs to patrol and close the borders. You don't put a bandage where there is a severed wound.
II. Deal with the laws of immigration and simplify them. (Confusion over the laws and State Rights and Federal Territory haven't been verified - thus lead to the ruling earlier this week and last week's President Obama's "Nice policy")In alot of ways those that have come legally are being downplayed to those that are here undocumented and illegally.
III. With simplification - have each state have their own ICE office and paperwork. No more complex forms, laws, out of state offices, changes of INS to ICE, and the rules, or no word from the agency. There maybe laws but ultimately the federal government has made this a complex and complicated issue where there is none. Make the process simple and easy. You would think with our computer technology, being able to put men on the moon etc ... this would be one issue to solve ....
IV. Let people tell their stories. I came here legally. I got a visa, I changed my status and currently have to go through the process again after consulting a immigration lawyer ... and yet (I won't say how many times I've dealt with INS/ICE and many politicial paperwork .... it can be frustrating)
V. Immigration Reform can be done with some Common Sense. It is not a FREE for all, nor for racial profiling. Unfortunately it has become such a Hot Button and political topic ... it has hurt some of us who have/ or are in the process of obeying the laws.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| The NHL Awards and Draft |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 @ 9:07 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
The NHL Awards are on this week.
Basically it is to celebrate the season's achievements ...
I hope Lidstrom wins .... It will be a good way on his retirement.
And then from Vegas to Pittsburgh on Friday will be the draft (I was at the one where Ovie and Malkin were drafted in Carolina)
This year's Draft should prove interesting. The Order of it ... and the Prospects I wonder what the Leafs will do with their pick (5th) should prove interesting.
After the Draft on Fridat .... just over a week later comes Free Agency and the Rick Nash sweepstakes ...hmm ...who says the NHL slows down in the summer?http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| We're Moving .... |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Thursday, June 14, 2012 @ 9:19 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
With our Family growing up and needing "personal" space ... we decided to go from a little starter rancher to an older home in Keedysville closer to Valerie's work and about the same commute for me ... yet closer to a lot of our church people and where they live.
The History of Keedysville is great and turns out our home dates back to 1872 and was where Charles Taylor resided. A lot of possibilities. Looks like mid-July we will be moving. If you can help out let us know ...http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Eagle Scout Project at Church. |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 12:15 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
This past weekend, one of our scouts was working on his Eagle Scout project -a new fire ring for the church. So thanks to his planning, the scouts, their families, friends and supporters of Troop 252 ...the project is complete. A fire ring, 6 benches, and a nice view .... That's me and Peter (Future Eagle Scout) after all the hard work. Thanks to everyone who helped do the hard work, support and give funds and supplies.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| My new Fav. Restaurant |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 @ 12:03 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Supreme Buffet Grand Opening, Tuesday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. from City of Hagerstown, MD on Vimeo.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Rose .... An Example. |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Thursday, June 7, 2012 @ 1:46 PM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Here is one of the memories I have of Rose ... a 90 something lady who encouraged another who was battling cancer and death ..... She went from the front of our auditorium to the back to hold hands and encourage a young lady named Evelyn. Both have since gone on to be with the Lord in eternity.
I told this story on Sunday at Rose's memorial. This photo spoke volumes for us. (Of course with tears in my eyes)http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Joe Castillo on America's Got Talent. |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 @ 8:47 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
I've met Joe in Pittsburgh, PA. I had a chance to chat with him for a bit ... good guy. Hope he does well in AGT.http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
| Selling the Church, literally. |
From Deep Thoughts by Gman on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 @ 8:44 AM PST
in the "Blog" Category.
Was mailed this AD this week. This is the 2nd time in a couple years I've seen a church selling their property. Could be for a few reasons - either they expanded and are going elsewhere or they have died. Hope it is because of growth and not because of dying.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/ZioO |
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