Book #3 -- Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell

This is another of the books that spent way too much time on my reading list/ pile. I started it quite some time ago and put it down, picked it upa nd put it down. This past week I committed myself to finishing the last half of the book.

I did not find anything "profound" as I went through the book. It is John Maxwell at his best but if you have read his material nothing will surprise you. That does not mean that the time was less than worthwhile or that one should not endeavor this book. I found myself reminded of things that frakly I should be doing in my life as second nature. The book is full of practical steps, lists, and a few quizzes/ inventories to help the reader get on the right track. Whether a leader of many or of a few, this book would be a handy read and reference.

I have a few other Maxwell books that I have neer read, this one has encouraged me to get those into the upcoming reads pile.

Weather in Northern Indiana...

It is true. If you do not like the weather here, just wait 15 minutes and you'll get something new.

At 6 PM Tuesday evening it was 50 degrees with a light breeze. Great weather for January. As of 5 AM Wednesday morning the temperature is ZERO with a -25 wind chill. Yep thats a 50 degree change in 11 hours, YIKES.

Blizzard of '78 -- 30 years later

It was hard for me to imagine that it had actually been 30 years when I heard it yesterday. In January and February 1978, a series of three storms hit the United States Midwest or the Northeast. These storms were some of the most severe winter events to occur in recent history, and collectively are known as the Blizzard of 1978.

I live in Indiana but I found this report from Ohio that sheds further light if you are interested. It is another or those things that I will always remember where I was when it happened or I heard about it (that will make a great post in the near future!). I remember that we had to shovel our way to the garage so we could got to the freezer. This left mountainous drifts that I could jump off of the roof of the house and the TV tower into. I remember that people who had snowmobiles were heroes. They went door to door to check on people and then made lists and got necessities from the stores. They did not ask for and usually would not even take money. They felt that it was what being a part of the neighborhood and community included. Where has that gone? Anyway,here are a few photos I found on the web that kind of show what happened...

Yes, those are State Highways and Interstates

Your car is ready sir...

I'm pretty sure most families have a few photos around like these as well.

Book #2 -- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

The first time I encountered Robert Kiyosaki was on a PBS special. I recall watching most of the program and thinking "that;s was interesting". When I saw it again I thought that it would be a good thing to check one of his books. That was some time ago. I am a big believer that things often come to us right on time. This book was that.
While I do not agree with the principles of purchasing via debt I found what he has to say at the very least thought provoking and often inspiring. His persona; story is proof that the American Dream is still out there to be had.
There are many topics and points of emphasis in this book but I found two themes that returned to me as I read the text:

1. Your education (whether it be in finances, management, skill development, or whatever) should never end. Continuing to add knowledge and skill as tools adds to your value.
2. The goal is to stop just looking for ways to make money and to in turn look for ways to make the money you make work for you.

As I said, there are other themes but just carrying these away will give me much to ponder and work on. Another favorite author in the area of finance pointed out that people have a slaves mentality. There is no hope of ever having it different. Developing and putting to use knowledge and tools such as these can help me lead my family away from the slavery of living only paycheck to paycheck. This is one of those books that I think you have to be ready to read before it has value. When you think you may be, you should check it out.

Link Dump - Watch the Super Bowl for the game or commercials? Edition

Who are these people? - a reminder to recognize your audience
Making Sense Of The Millenial Views
Stimulus Package - What Does It Mean For You?
“The Race for the American Mind”
Build a Home Theater PC for Less than $200 [DIY]
DIY Roll-Up Keyboard [DIY]
Build Your Own CD Stack Lamp [DIY]
At Which of These Levels Are You an Evangelist?
Twenty Myths That Keep Christians From Discussing Abortion
Grilling Wings for the Super Bowl -- mmmmmmmmmmmmm wings
Arizona State Wrestler Anthony Robles Pins Opponents on One Leg
Original American Gladiator Lace Busted for Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia
21 Potential Ministry Partners for Your Church
Cheetah cubs who developed a soft spot for their supper
Three Little Pigs banned for offending Muslims and builders -- you can't make this stuff up

3 Weeks and counting...

I am a sports fan in general. I enjoy participating and observing the competition in almost all sports. I would have to say that when it comes down to it, baseball is the game that I love the most. I approx. 3 weeks the pitchers and catchers will be reporting to their respective training camps in either Arizona or Florida. Thus signaling the beginning of the season.

In a sort of celebration of anticipation over the next couple of weeks I will be doing a series of posts on how baseball is like life and what we can learn from it. I look forward to sharing these things and hope that there are a good number of you out there who anticipate the new season as well.

The Dana Jacobson thing... my rant

As I have sat and watched the "church" respond to the comments that were supposedly spoken by a TV reporter who by all accounts had been drinking and then stepped in front of the microphone. I have read and watched many in the body of Christ have grabbed the torches and pitchforks and are calling for all to follow in a storming of the castle. Were the words used offensive? YES, but when did it become my job to mount an offensive? Maybe I missed it but I have not seen any public concern or compassion for the fact that this woman and countless others around the world are obviously far from a relationship with the Father who loves them so much. I think I could go on for some time but I think it would be best if I just throw out some questions that need to be addressed in light of this...

• Why do we insist on demanding that those who are not Christ followers be held to the standards that we hold?
• When did it become my job to fight for Jesus? He told us that these things would happen and not to worry about it because it was all about Him.
• Do I personally care that there are people that I pass every day that are heading to a literal hell unless they respond to Christ's call?
• It's time to realize that when we act this way it only confirms the suspicions and stereotypes that most people have about Christians and the church. Look at the comments and responses to the blogs and new stories and you should get the drift.
• Would these situations be better opportunities for the Kingdom if we spent the time and energy we place on boycotts and pickets on prayer and personal discipleship?

A couple Scriptures I was reminded of:

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. -- John 7:7

Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin. 23He who hates me hates my Father as well. 24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason -- John 15:20-25

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -- John 16:33

Something to think on...

“i wanted a bike, and asked god to give me one. but then i realized god doesn’t work that way.so i decided to steal a bike and ask god for forgiveness. it worked.”

-- Emo Phillips

Thanks to YSmarko for originally posting it.

Game of the Week- Flight of the Hamsters

This week's game was found originally through Corey Mann's blog.

It is FLIGHT OF THE HAMSTERS.

Give it a try and expect to waste a little time in the process.

If any of you need wisdom... (Bible Journey)

I am coming to realize just how much wisdom and discernment I need to successfully live EVERY day. That is one of the reasons I am so excited about the next series we are endeavoring in my Sunday School class. We will be going through the book of James. This is one of the most practical books of the Bible for day to day life application. I am pumped about diving into how to apply these directives and even more about what our church/ community/ world would be like if we then apply them in daily living.
As part of my preparation I have been reading the entire book (all 5 chapters) every day; each day in a different translation. I will be challenging the members of the class to do the same next week as well as weekly reading "assignments". My hope is that by instilling a higher level of commitment it will lead to better discussion and interaction, which will then lead us to more complete application. I'll try to update on how that works out.
These are the translations that I have read or will be reading in the next few days.

• New King James
• NIV
• CEV
• NASB
• the Message

Any other good translations I shouldn't miss?