25
Dec
09
Merry Christmas!
23
Dec
09
Recovering From Mistakes
Okay, so if you are a football fan then you’ve probably noticed that there have been two really really ridiculous play calls this year by some of the leagues best coaches.
The first one was by Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots who went for it on 4th and 2 at his own 28 yd line when they were up by 6 pts over the undefeated Indianpolis Colts.
They didn’t get it.
Bad decision. Colts score. Patriots lose.
The other one was the other night. Mike Tomlin, coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, decided to go for an onside kick while they were up 30-28 over the Green Bay Packers with 3:58 left in the game.
They didn’t get it.
Bad decision. Packers score.
But the Steelers came back and scored on the last play.
Both bad decisions. Different outcomes.
Reminds me to always RECOVER from my bad decisions. It’s not over when I’m way off. I just have to figure out how to recover. How to win even when I’m not perfect.
We have to learn to say “I’m sorry.” Work on our weaknesses. Change. Be proactive and solution oriented. Learn from mistakes. Verbally admit our imperfections.
*Here are some posts I wrote on responding to failure here, here, here, & here.
#3: Be An Example
Our families don’t need us to be passive. We have to be ourselves and we have to be proactive. Especially if we desire to be a leader in the world.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:16 that “We have to let our light shine before men.”
Let your family see into the change that is happening in you.
This may mean for some of you to sit down and tell your family about Jesus. You got to do it in a way that doesn’t seem like you have arrived and now they better do what you’ve done.
But I believe the best way to let them see the change inside of you is to be an example.
You are no longer just a child underneath your family. You are an adult. And beyond that most of you have declared that Jesus is the leader of your life. So you have a responsibility and that responsibility is to be Jesus wherever you go. Including your family. Don’t hide who you are in Christ.
YOU are called/anointed/set apart to love and serve your family.
So be something that shows them what God is really like.
#2: Be A Life-Giver
Bring life to your home! Be positive and encouraging.YOU be the one to create the fun memories. Be joyful. Be a servant. Have a great attitude. We have every reason to be excited about life. Don’t wait around for someone else to get in a good mood.
REMINDER TO DADS & HUSBANDS: This should be your job! You are the leader of your home!
- If you are stuck at Aunt Becky’s and bored out of your mind then do something crazy. Get the karaoke machine out.
- If you are on a boring road trip then pop in the Bohemian Rhapsody and belt it out in the highest note you can find.
- Figure out games to play. Games that will get everyone interacting and having fun.
- Laugh at Uncle Eddie. He’ll never know.
Watch your words as well. Don’t be critical. Sure we can think of 10 things that someone else should be. But what about the other 10 things that are valuable about them.
Let’s be people that bring life to others. Not death!
A couple of weeks ago I spoke a message to our college students called “Shalom in the Home.” I coached them on how to go back home and have peace in their families. Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace. My encouragement to them was to be leaders, examples, and proactive members of their family.
So over the next few days I’m passing some ideas on to you in case you need some extra peace in your home and you tend to wait around for the magic peace fairy to wave it’s wand. 
1. Restore Any Broken Relationships
During times with family there can be a lot of hostility. There can be some weirdness. Is there any relationship in your life that is strained? Weird? Awkward? Because our lack of communication and confrontation in relationships is destroying families, marriages, and friendships.
There doesn’t have to be anything bad wrong for a relationship to be messed up.
- It could be a lack of approval from a dad.
- An unsupportive mother.
- A jealous brother.
- An old girlfriend or boyfriend with no closure.
- A member of the family could have hurt you and you are holding on to it.
Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Have the tough conversation. You’ll feel better when you do.
14
Dec
09
Really Good A Capella Group
10
Dec
09
Elevation Cheesy Sweater Party
We had our annual cheesy sweater party for our college ministry. Here are some pics:
04
Dec
09
Update
- We had a great staff retreat in Hot Springs with all of the NLC pastors. It was a great time to getaway and hang out, share vision of 2010, drink coffee, play games, bowling, and play football on concrete (don’t ask).
- I’ve been Mr. Mom this week. Ashley has a pinched nerve in her neck. She could barely move. Poor girl. She’s feeling better and hopefully will be fully recovered by the end of the weekend.
- Our last Elevation service of 2010 is this Sunday night. The semester has FLOWN by! Can’t believe it.
- Oh yea, and I’m going to this tonight:
20
Nov
09
Go Buy It!
