When you see geese flying along in "V" formation, you might consider what science has discovered as to why they fly that way. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird immediately following.

By flying in "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own.

Application:  People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going more quickly and easily because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go it alone — and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird in front.

Application:  If we have as much sense as a goose, we will stay in formation with those people who are headed the same way we are.

When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back in the wing and another goose flies point.
Application:  It is sensible to take turns doing demanding jobs, whether with people or with geese flying south.

Geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

Question:  What messages do we give when we honk from behind?

Finally — and this is important — when a goose gets sick or is wounded by gunshot, and falls out of formation, two other geese fall out with that goose and follow it down to lend help and protection. They stay with the fallen goose until it is able to fly or until it dies, and only then do they launch out on their own, or with another formation to catch up with their group.
Application:  If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other & help when others are down and out.

--Ecclesiastes 4:12--

Though one may be overpowered,

two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

From Disappointment to Joy!

Such a wonderful story! 
--Please share this with everyone...you never know who needs a lift today!

"180" Movie

6 Reasons Why I Blog

The Pastor & His Blog

1. …to write.

If you’re a pastor, you probably already know the value writing has for thinking. Through writing, you delve into new ideas and new insights. If you strive to write well, you will at the same time be striving to think well.

Then when you share new ideas and new insights, readers can come along with you wherever your good writing and good thinking bring you.

There is no better way to simply and quickly share your writing than by maintaining a blog. And if you’re serious about your blog, it will help you not only in your thinking, but in your discipline as well, as people begin to regularly expect quality insight from you.

2. …to teach.

A blog is an outlet for whatever he didn’t get to say on Sunday. Your blog is where you can pass on that perfect analogy you only just thought of; that hilarious yet meaningful story you couldn’t connect to your text no matter how hard you tried!

And more than just a catch-all for sermon spill-over, a blog is a perfect place for those 30-second nuggets of truth that come in your devotions or while you’re reading the newspaper. You may never write a full-fledged article about these brief insights or preach a whole sermon, but via your blog, your people can still learn from them just like you did.

3. …to recommend.

With every counseling session or after-service conversation, a pastor is recommending something. Sometimes it’s a book or a charity. Maybe it’s a bed-and-breakfast for that couple he can tell really needs to get away. And sometimes it’s simply Jesus.

With a blog, you can recommend something to hundreds of people instead of just a few. Some recommendations may be specific to certain people, but that seems like it would be rare. It’s more likely to be the case that if one man asks you whether you know of any good help for a pornography addiction, then dozens of other men out there also need to know, but aren’t asking.

People want to know that their pastor knows he is an ordinary, imperfect human being. They want to know that you’re recommending things that have helped you in your own weakness. If you say, “When I struggled with weight-loss, I did such-and-such,” it will come across very differently than if you say, “Do such-and-such if you’re over-weight…”

If you use your blog to encourage people through suggesting and commending everything from local restaurants to Jesus Christ, it will complement the biblical authority that you rightly assume when you stand behind the pulpit.

4. …to interact.

There are a lot of ways for a pastor to keep his finger on the pulse of his people. A blog is by no means necessary in this regard. However, it does add a helpful new way to stay abreast of people’s opinions and questions.
Who knows what sermon series might arise after a pastor hears some surprising feedback about one of his blog posts?

5. …to develop an eye for what is meaningful.

For good or ill, most committed bloggers live with the constant question in their mind: Is this bloggable? This could become a neurosis, but I’ll put a positive spin on it: It nurtures a habit of looking for insight and wisdom and value in every situation, no matter how mundane.
If you live life looking for what is worthwhile in every little thing, you will see more of what God has to teach you. And the more he teaches you, the more you can teach others. As you begin to be inspired and to collect ideas, you will find that the new things you’ve seen and learned enrich far more of your life than just your blog.

6. …to be known.

This is where I see the greatest advantage for blogging pastors.
Your people hear you teach a lot; it’s probably the main way that most of them know you. You preach on Sundays, teach on Wednesdays, give messages at weddings, funerals, youth events, retreats, etc.
This is good—it’s your job. But it’s not all you are. Not that you need to be told this, but you are far more than your ideas. Ideas are a crucial part of your identity, but still just a part.
You’re a husband and a father. You’re some people’s friend and other people’s enemy. Maybe you love the Nittany Lions. Maybe you hate fruity salad. Maybe you struggle to pray. Maybe listening to the kids’ choir last weekend was—to your surprise—the most moving worship experience you’ve ever had.
These are the things that make you the man that leads your church. They’re the windows into your personality that perhaps stay shuttered when you’re teaching the Bible. Sometimes your people need to look in—not all the way in, and not into every room—but your people need some access to you as a person. A blog is one way to help them.

Conclusion:

I try to maintain a blog that is both compelling and personal.

I know it is hard-work & anytime I put my thoughts out there...I risk something.

But blogging is an important small piece to a bigger part of my ministry. 

*Adapted from Desired God website

Funny Friday's: The Topic, Mishka says "Bye Bye"

Gotta love this!

-International Picture of the Year-

Here are two very touching photos honored this year.

First Place :
 
 
-Todd Heisler, The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey's body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine's casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful: 'See the people in the windows? They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines. You gotta wonder what's going through their minds, knowing that they're on the plane that brought him home,' he said. 'They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They're going to remember bringing that Marine home. And they should.'

Second Place:


-Todd Heisler, The Rocky Mountain News

The night before the burial of her husband's body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time. The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag. Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of 'Cat,' and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept. 'I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it,' she said. 'I think that's what he would have wanted'.

Please keep these going!  Share these powerful pictures with everyone...

(More) Marriage Counseling from Anthony!

treating strangers better than your spouse.

What's your Excuse?

Jacob was a cheater.

Peter had a temper.

David had an affair.

Noah got drunk.

Jonah ran from God.
Paul was a murderer.

Gideon was insecure.

Miriam was a gossiper.
Martha was a worrier.

Thomas was a doubter.

Sara was impatient.
Elijah was moody.

Moses stuttered.

Zaccheus was short.

Abraham was old.

Lazarus was dead.

--Now what’s your excuse?

-Can God use you or not ?

Business 101: Working Together as a TEAM

As anyone who’s ever worked with others can tell you, people approach their jobs in

a variety of ways. Some people think and act quickly, while others like to take more

time; some people are more friendly and sociable, while others are more reserved.

At times, these differences can create freshness, balance, interesting relationships and innovative solutions.
But all too often differences in “work style” lead to misunderstanding, mistrust and frustration – not to mention lowered productivity and poor results.  Erika Anderson, author, consultant and business guru writes about how diversity in the workplace can be a strength...if you embrace it.  Below, is a summary of the 4 social styles that you will find in the workplace.

--The four “social styles” are as follows--

Driver: These people are fast-paced and decisive, and they can be impatient with those who don’t keep up with them. Their favored approach is to act quickly, based on the information they consider relevant—and to make course corrections later if needed. They specialize in pragmatism, candidness, coolness under pressure, and completing tasks quickly. Others tend to perceive them as work-oriented, efficient and demanding.

Expressive: These people are fast moving and adventuresome. They like to come up with new ideas. Their favored approach is to create a vision of the future and then get others’ support by selling the benefits of their vision. They specialize in energy, enthusiasm, humor and risk-taking. Others tend to perceive them as persuasive, high-energy, creative and impulsive.

Amiable: These people are considerate and supportive. They like to take time to build rapport and to focus on team results. Their favored approach is to get consensus and to mediate—they believe that the best solution is one where everyone involved is “on board.” They specialize in compassion, loyalty,compromise and building trust. Others tend to perceive them as kind, good with people and somewhat self-effacing.

Analytical:  These people are cautious and thoughtful. They like to make sure that all the details are in place before moving ahead. Their favored approach is to minimize risk by looking at all the options before making a decision. They specialize in correctness, precision, prudence and objectivity. Others tend to perceive them as cool, rational and somewhat detached.

Reflect on what you’ve read.   
-How does the above relate to the people you work with every day? 
-Can your team work together better now that you understand where everyone is coming from?

Being unique is a strength, not a weakness...work together to accomplish something great today!

^{Romans 12: 3-4:}  For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,

*I highly suggest Erika Anderson's book, "Growing Great Employees."   

FREE Marriage Counseling Advice (in only 8 words!)

You can either be

Or be 

Penn Gillette, a gift of a Bible (& his response).

I find several things interesting in the video:

1.  How Penn is absolutely certain that there is no God.
2.  How the man who gave Penn the Bible impacted him in a positive way.
3.  Penn's firm stance on proselytizing. 

What stood out to you about this video?
-Feel free to add comments!

Gather ye Rosebuds While ye May: Carpe Diem!

It was like yesterday when I walked into one of my college courses that I just knew was going be a drag.  As class started, my wiry professor with his thick New York accent asked us to politely find a seat and give our attention to the video screen in the front of the classroom.  The scene you are about to watch is from the movie Dead Poets' Society - Needless to say, my view of that course was changed after watching this video as it made a lasting impression on me over 10 years ago when I first watched it.

-I think it will do the same for you-

-The scene opens with a quirky teacher entering the classroom (played by Robin Williams) and then quickly moves out into the school hallway...Enjoy!

Don't be fooled by the calendar.  There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. 
~Charles Richards

As you grow older, you'll find the only things you regret are the things you didn't do.
~Zachary Scott


And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years. ~Abraham Lincoln


We cannot waste time.  We can only waste ourselves.  ~George M. Adams

GATHER ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying:

And this same flower that smiles to-day

To-morrow will be dying.

~An Ode to America ~

We rarely get a chance to see another country's positive editorial about the USA...

Below is an article every American should read! 

~An Ode to America ~

Why are Americans so united?
They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs.

On 9/ll, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the Army, or the Secret Service that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about.


Instead the Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand.
After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing: 'God Bless America !'


I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people.

How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put into collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth unites the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace, I thought things over, I reached but only one conclusion...
Only freedom can work such miracles.

This excerpt is from a Romanian Newspaper .... The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title 'C'ntarea Americii, meaning 'Ode To America ') in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei 'The Daily Event' or 'News of the Day'.

"The Rising" - 9/11 Tribute

Ten years after 9/11,

Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising" continues to inspire our nation!

--Please Repost this song

to show your support for our troops, firefighters, police and the United States of America.

Go for the Moon

 

Go for the moon.

If you don't get it, you'll still be heading for a star.

-Willis Reed

A Leader's Moral Compass: True North

What is it that separates someone like Adolph Hitler from Mother Theresa?

 
The answer is their belief system. 
 

Like a weathervane’s pointer following the direction of the wind, so will a man’s heart point in the direction of his ethical standard. The reality is that every person adheres to an ethical standard, whether it is themselves, the society in which they find themselves living in or a transcendent being. For me, the true leader finds authority in God and His Word. For without a transcendent moral authority man will always be left up to his own devices and will therefore act as his own judge and jury.

It is as Dostoyevsky wrote in The Brothers Karamazov: “If there is no God, all things are permissible.”

-Therefore, the goal of leadership should be to transcend selfish motives and seek Kingdom principles-

A vivid example can be found in the book of Daniel chapter 4.  For the sake of space, I will summarize the events.  As King Nebuchadnezzar was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”  ³¹ Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you.”  As the years passed by, the Scriptures tell us that Nebuchadnezzar, raised his eyes toward heaven, and his sanity was restored. Then he praised the Most High; honored and glorified him who lives forever.  Here we see, in real space and time, a leader going from selfish motives to Kingdom qualities by acknowledging the Living God and getting in line with His standards.  This is what happens when your life's moral compass points True North.   

Things to ponder...

-What are you using as the Standard in your own life?

-How can following God's Word help you lead from a better perspective?

Funny Friday's, The Topic: "Bacon Boy"

This kid is unreal!
-If this made you chuckle...share bacon boy with others!!

Choice

The choice is yours...

"Life is what you make it.
Always has been, always will be. "

— Eleanor Roosevelt