We’ve started 2020 with the challenge to slow down and reflect. Take time to pray and plan. Don’t rush into this new year (see New Year blogs). However, failure is inevitable if all we had were good intentions and plans. There is one essential we must possess in order to be effective – it is…
Clarity for the Church in 2020
Planning and goal-setting are good things. That old saying is true – “If we aim at nothing, we’ll hit it every time.” Planning is good because God plans. The Bible says that He has plans to help you succeed and give you hope (Jeremiah 29:11). We are called to work with Him in what he…
20/20 Vision
Happy New Year! A new decade! 2020! Wow! As we begin this new year, one of the most important things we can bring to it is clarity. The fact that it is 2020 reminds us that we all need 20/20 vision. The American Optometric Association states that “having 20/20 vision does not necessarily mean you…
The Carols of Christmas
The First Noel MERRY CHRISTMAS DAY! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS! Today is the day we remember the birthday of Jesus, the first noel. Did you know that one definition of Noel is “birthday” originating from a French/Latin word? So when we sing The First Noel we are singing “The First Birthday” of Jesus. LET’S TALK This…
The Carols of Christmas
Silent Night “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht. Alles schläft einsam wacht… “ These are the first lines of the original Silent Night, written and sung in the German language. Believe it or not, I remember this carol being sung in German at my grandparent’s home church in New Sarepta, Alberta. LET’S TALK This carol was first…
The Carols of Christmas
Joy to the World One of my fondest memories of Christmas growing up is singing carols. As much as I like contemporary Christian music, I still cling to the songs of Advent. To me, they are timeless. So leading up to Christmas, I’ll be blogging about some of the backstories of these Yuletide hymns. LET’S…
Surviving the Season
Somehow the “happiest time of year” has become the most “stressful time of year.” With all the demands and expectations just mentioning the word “Christmas” can tense us up. It shouldn’t be that way! Honestly, when we attempt to redecorate the entire house, send meaningful hand-written correspondence to our full contact list, make fiddly cookies…
Give Thanks to Whom?
Our “thanks” in Thanksgiving Day was traditionally directed towards God. Its roots date back to the Pilgrims, who thanked God for His protection through a bitter winter and a bountiful harvest. Thanksgiving Day was declared as an annual holiday by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863 amid a Civil War, which I find incredible! Sadly, in…
Five Things Every Leader Should Be Saying
Words matter. What we say has more impact than we think. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” So whether it’s the words you say to leaders, your…
Overheard at Annual Conference
This week we held our Annual Conference in the Pacific Conference. It’s a time when we gather to conduct the business of the conference–approve budgets, hear reports, and ratify motions. But it’s also a time to build deeper connections with one another. After all, the conference is just another expression of the church; intentionally engaging…
Ten Things I’m Excited About!
Next Monday we have our Annual Conference (November 11-13). This is a time our local churches come together for worship, encouragement, and business. It is more than an event or a meeting, it is, literally, the church gathered! LET’S TALK… Here are ten things I’m personally excited about regarding our upcoming Annual Conference! Our focus….
Lapses in Leadership
Getting as old as I am, I get a chance to look back on my ministry and leadership. A few weeks ago, I shared about “making mistakes.” We all make them. What’s that saying, Hindsight is 20/20? It’s true! There are many times I could have done things better and, yes, even differently. LET’S TALK…
