People learn what they want to learn not what they need to know.

A few things I have learned while trying to select study material for people in order to grow their faith. After sizing up spiritual weaknesses, I can come up with a good study list. Stuff people need to know. For instance a broke man might need to learn about managing money. What about a husband who needs to communicate more often with his wife. But what does the poor man choose the beatitudes or the book of James. The inattentive husband picks a business or leadership study.

We give groups options as to what they are going to study. Our group attendance has never been higher, people are more optimistic. This looks great. I just wonder if focusing on the growth opportunity areas is the wrong way to go. Is the notion of a spiritual Renaissance man foolish.

An even better question to me is, where in my life do I need to learn a lesson of two. Where am I choosing to spend my learning time. What study should I be looking at?

Are you listening?

Many times in a meeting, suggestions are offered as to how to fix a problem. You know how it goes " hey you should fix your marriage." Or " You should provide more depth for church people." Some times the person receiving input gets this glossed over face. You know full well their ain't now way they are going to actually do what you are telling them. For me it's when some one tells me about a book I ought to read. Like I got time to read a book about your interest. I usually say read it into a tape recorder for me and I'll listen. When do you decide who is worth listening to and who needs to be blown off? Really. People with answers to our problems are out there. We keep listening to the wrong answers.

How do we find these answer people? Find someone who has been there and done that. COPY THEM FIRST. Then tweak the idea. Get some momentum built by winning small battles. Don't eat the entire elephant in one sitting. Get your mind straight. Get your plan together. Begin.

Comfortably Wrong

My local grocery store has this nifty machine that filters water seven different ways. Weekly, I fill twenty gallons of water for my salt water aquarium. My fish need untainted water for survival.


I thought wouldn't this machine be great in countries without wells or any clean water. Just plop it down in the desert, and line the village up. My friend Stephanie told me about the process for educating villagers on healthy sanitation and well drilling. The process is overwhelming to say the least.




Am I to comfortable to do anything about fresh water in developing countries? Is my time and money more valuable to me than people I will never meet? Are my efforts better spent in areas where I have greater influence?



Here is the funny part. Lots of people take up a cause, rattle cages, and look down on everyone else for not holding their same view. This kind of arrogance follows a segment of people from every cause, (Especially home owners associations). All to often I find some people have a hard time talking as they walk. Me included.


The better question might be will I stay comfortably wrong in my every day life? Will I talk to my parents more often? Will I come home earlier and play with my boys rather than sit on the couch? Will I offer the back rub or expect the usually? Usually the usual is pretty nice.


In the words of Eddy Murphy, "What have you done for me lately?" At least acknowledge when your comfortably wrong. Maybe one day some-one will become uncomfortably right.

Left a message.. is not getting er done.

Many times a project is at hand, and the question is asked where are we on that? The reply, "WELLL I left a message". "I am waiting for an e-mail back from them." My favorite: "Its on cruise control." The emergencies/priorities in our lives are not on the priority stack of other people. Sure, one day we will get a call back. Sure, one day we will get the final report. Answers after the fact or not provided in enough time cripples deals, production, ministry, momentum, and wastes money. Time is too short to wait for a message to be returned. Go knock on the door. Call the number until it's picked up. Send flowers. Pay a neighbor to deliver your message. Force the clutter off their desk. Pleasantly demand their attention.

The world is given to those make things happen not to those who leave balls floating in the air.


My life insurance man keeps calling and leaving messages about additional coverage I requested. I dodge the calls because in those moments I can't talk about my future death and how much it's worth. He has called 3 times a week and left messages 2 times a week; for 6 weeks now. He paged me once, and finally e-mailed me. Then I returned the call. You never know what trigger will get the response. PULL ALL THE TRIGGERS.

Funny things people say?

Recently a small group met to discuss the future of "Hope" in a Postmodern world. One thing leads to another and the following illustration was offered. The illustration paints a picture of how heaven is our "hope". A hope of being fully connected to God and fellow believers.
The kingdom of God is like sex. It is the closest two people can become. In that sexual moment total connection is attained. Being connected with God is much the same. Through our worship and service we create moments of connections while in this Earthly dwelling. However, the final connection with God and other believers is to come. Heaven has no barriers, no stylish jeans, no eye liner, no pride or bravado. We will all be in that "moment of connection together".

Every one is thinking it some one had to say it. ....Orgy?

God love those who are on the journey.

Welcome to the Jungle

Many mistake my misplaced jokes and overall disregard for common social since as a short coming. I see it as a way to level the playing field. Keeping the bar of expectation low works great. This blog will offer meaningful thoughts from my head; even if few and far between. By the way spell check and grammar rules don't apply here, in the ADD zone. Strap in for the ride.