We All Speak

Watch A Good Movie Tonight

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 01:38:00 +0000

Untitled

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:23:00 +0000

I love the son's reaction. All sons should so look forward to seeing their dads.

4 Monday Morning Questions for every Pastor

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:57:00 +0000

4 Monday Morning Questions for Every Pastor
Written by Ken Gosnell
www.lifeway.com

In ministry, Monday mornings are often the most difficult part of the week and of the job. Exhausted from preaching and teaching the weekend before and facing the monumental task of preparing new sermons and lessons for the coming week often lead the preacher feeling overwhelmed and under-appreciated. I have found the following questions help me to get through my Monday mornings and focus on the meat of ministry.

1. Am I fulfilling my call?

Every minister got into ministry because they felt called by God to preach the Gospel, build a church, or help people. Each week it is important to come back to that original calling and remind ourselves that the work that we do is important and essential.

2. Who in my church needs encouragement?

Interacting with people on Sunday allows us to hear the stories of what happened during the previous week. Pausing on Monday morning allows me to spend a few minutes thinking about who in my church needs encouragement and support. Then I can figure out how during the week I will reach out to encourage them. Encouragement might come from a letter I write, a phone call, or even a visit.

3. Who in my church needs to be challenged?

Part of the role of a minister is to bring out the best in the people of the church. Sometimes we do that through encouragement, and sometimes through challenge. Like a coach we need to see what people are capable of doing and ask them to step into new roles and responsibilities. If I don’t pause to think about how people might be challenged it is easy to not focus on how people can improve and develop.

4. How can I model for my church God’s love?

Jesus told us that the greatest commandment was to love God and the second was to love our neighbors. I believe that if he was speaking to preachers he would say love God and then love our members. On Monday I have to ask myself how I can show my members the love of God. This alone often changes my attitude and helps me to think about ways that I can serve my members rather than focus on how they didn’t serve me.

Having a preacher’s journal where I record my thoughts on Monday has been helpful and insightful throughout the years. I believe wholeheartedly that a few minutes of reflection on Monday can transform your everyday’s into special days for your church and for your ministry.

Ken Gosnell is the lead preacher at Restoration Point Christian Church, a church in the DC metro area (www.therestorationpoint.com) and you can reach Ken at kenspeaks@gmail.com

Related Articles:
3 Vital Ways to Encourage Your Church Family
5 Elements of the Call to Ministry
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Reader Comments:

Four good questions, but here are mine.
1. Have you forgiven yourself for not preaching the perfect sermon yesterday?
2. Have you forgiven those that reminded you of this?
3. Have you asked the Lord to help you glorify Him better this week?
4. Have you listened to your wife in the last 72 hours?
By: clarkd52 On: 5/16/2011 5:58:25 AM (Flag this post)

Ken, thank you for your helpful thoughts on Monday mornings in the pastor's study. The problem is that I feel the way I do on Monday mornings (after 36 years of fairly successful ministry) precisely because I constantly ask myself those questions. Do you have another set of questions for those of us who feel we have given our last ounce of energy to the greatest cause (and the greatest people) on earth?
By: Vanita54 On: 5/16/2011 10:45:19 AM (Flag this post)

Happy Mother's Day - Every Mom Counts

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Sun, 08 May 2011 13:18:00 +0000

Joe Gibbs - A Higher Calling

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Tue, 03 May 2011 19:20:00 +0000

I just finishing reading an article about Joe Gibbs in the December 2010 issue of NASCAR Illustrated. I admire and applaud how Joe Gibbs has made his work a calling from God.

One quote that stood out in the article was when Gibbs was talking about his failures in life, specifically his failure as a dad. The article stated: "I made a lot of mistakes with my kids, I was gone so much and I'm not wanting to do that with my grandkids. Every day I'm home, I'm trying to do something with them. You make mistakes in life. I told my boys,'I'm sorry for all the time I was gone." I told both of them, 'Don't do what I did. Make sure you stay close,'" Gibbs said.

This is the balance that all dads today in our new business reality are trying to deal with. I hope we all can listen to the man of the year and heed his advice of not being away from our kids.

New Study about Relationships

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:39:00 +0000

Great Worship Video

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:48:00 +0000

I love this Sermon Jam

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:30:00 +0000

What Grace is All About - Sermon Jam from this past Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:48:00 +0000

God Loves All of Us -

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:28:00 +0000

5 Questions to Ask Your Kids Every Day!

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:51:00 +0000

National Fatherhood Initiative asked me to write their Dad E-Mail this week. Having 3 children of ages 2 to 15 I thought this topic was very helpful. I hope you ask your kids these questions everyday.

Five Questions To Ask Your Kids Every Day

by: Ken Gosnell

Connecting with your kids doesn't have to be complicated. With just five questions a day you can build a stronger relationship with your kids.

1. What Is The Most Important Thing That Happened Today? This is a great way to get more than a yes or no answer when you ask about your child's life and day.

2. How Are You And Your Friends Getting Along? You'll get to know your child's social circle and may get a heads up on drama that could be brewing and may cause some later problems.

3. What Is Something I Should Know About You? This question is great for growing any relationship - and you're guaranteed to learn something surprising. Just be prepared to have an answer, too!

4. What Should We Celebrate Today? Make it a goal to have fun with your kids and bring joy into your family's life on a regular basis. It can be as simple as popsicles on the back porch, a good grade on a quiz, or your favorite show being on TV. Savor the little things together.

5. Do You Know That I Love You? You can never say this too much. Always tell your kids you love them - and for who they are, not just for what they do.

ESP - Equally Shared Parenting

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 04:22:00 +0000

I just read this article: http://www.psychologies.co.uk/articles/equally-shared-parenting/ in this month's issue of Psychologies magazine. It is very interesting...

I must admit that I feel strongly that men should take up the role of father and man but that role should include equal shared parenting...

I would love to hear your comments on this

Dad Camp

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 05:21:00 +0000

I watched the 'tnew show "Dad Camp" tonight. I think that shows the other side of why dads are important. The question I have to ask is: Why don't women think about the kind of dads they want for their kids before they sleep with or have relationships with some of these losers?

Telling Your Children Your Story

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:37:00 +0000

This is a great post over at the http://www.thefatherfactor.blogspot.com/ about "Telling Your Children Your “Story”. They have a book giveaway for people who post about their favorite movie. Here is what is says:

"Have you ever thought about how you are going to tell your children about your life?

According to author and Generation Y expert Michael McQueen, the current generation of kids yearns to know all about their parents – the good and the bad. And one of the most important things a father can do is to leave a legacy for his children – a legacy they can learn and live from.

Enter Memento, a new book by McQueen that makes it manageable and fun to record your life in writing for your children.

Memento is filled with great questions that allow you to “go deep” and show your real self to your kids, so that when you pass on, they will have a treasure trove of stories to turn to for wisdom and guidance.

Chronicle Books, the publisher of Memento, has given us five copies of the book to give away to readers of The Father Factor. To make you “earn” your free copy, we are running a little contest.

Send us your response to this question from the book for a chance to win a copy of Memento. The five winners will be announced on Monday morning, so the deadline for entries is Sunday, May 30, at midnight!"

Remember – answer this as if your child is asking you: “What is your favorite movie and why?”

Go post and you may win a free book!

Lost - The Season Finale!

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Sat, 22 May 2010 15:59:00 +0000

I am a huge lost fan. CNN is showing how some people think the season will end.

I am preaching tomorrow at Restoration Point Christian Church are the topic: Jesus Understands My Lostness."

I am not going to tell how the season will end - but I will say how are lives will end if we end it lost....

11 Things God Does for Church Leaders - Mark Driscoll

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Thu, 20 May 2010 23:06:00 +0000

In a post on his Resurgence blog, Mars Hill preaching pastor Mark Driscoll reflected on the 2010 Catalyst West conference, saying that leaders can have real trouble finishing well in the ministry. He laments that he’s personally seen fellow church leaders “burn up, blow up, or give up”—i.e., the stress and work of the ministry can destroy a leader physically, spiritually and/or practically. He says, “We do great damage to ourselves, our family, and our church when we ignore the fact that ministry is not what we do for God. Rather, ministry is what God promises to do first FOR us, and then IN us before doing anything through us.”

In hopes of encouraging ministry leaders, Driscoll reminds readers of the biblical promises God offers to, in, and through ministry leadership:

Jesus is the senior pastor of the church. (1 Peter 5:4)
The Holy Spirit chooses leaders for the church. (Acts 20:28)
God gifts leaders of the church. (Ephesians 4:11–12)
God empowers leaders for the church. (1 Corinthians 15:10)
God encourages leaders in the church. (2 Corinthians 4:1)
The Holy Spirit speaks to leaders about the church. (Acts 13:2–3)
God gives wisdom to leaders over the church. (2 Timothy 2:7)
Jesus joins leaders as they discipline in the church. (Matthew 18:20)
God answers leaders’ prayers for the church. (James 5:14–15)
The Holy Spirit falls on Bible preaching in the church. (Acts 10:44)
The Holy Spirit says no to leaders of the church. (Acts 16:6)

From Mark Driscoll, The Resurgence blog

Dads Get PostPartum Depression Too

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:44:00 +0000

CNN (www.cnn.com) just ran an article about dads and postpartum depression. You can read the entire article at: http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/05/18/postpartum.dads/index.html?hpt=T2

This is very interesting. It shows that dads are connected to their babies even from the start. I would like to hear your stories - did you get depressed after your child was born?

Dad offers Child for Beer/Drugs

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:18:00 +0000

A News report out today reports that a "Massachusetts man offered to trade his 3-month-old daughter to an employee at a gas station and convenience store in exchange for beer, or perhaps crack cocaine, police say.

Matthew Brace, 24, of Northampton allegedly made the offer on Monday in what Chicopee Police Chief John Ferraro Jr. called "a new low."

"It’s not a joke; this is very serious,” Ferraro said Tuesday, according to The Republican."

You can read the entire article here:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37208622/ns/us_news-weird_news/?Gt1=43001

I agree with the police officer - this is a new low! The sad fact is that a lot of dads trade their children for many things in life. I have known dads that trade their kids for:

1. More time at the office. Many dads neglect their kids because they are trying to hard to advance at work.

2. Focus on their hobbies. A lot of dads want to focus on their hobbies rather than on the responsibilty of being good dads

3. Poor Habits and addictions. Just like the dad in their story, all dads have poor habits that can eat away at the time that they should be spending with their kids.

The point - let's not trade away that which is most valuable for something that is useless.

31 Things I wish I would have known - Father's Thoughts to his daughter

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Mon, 17 May 2010 22:42:00 +0000

I read this blog post at MSN.com today and I found it quite interesting. I sent it to my teenager daughter and said:

"I know you are not 31 or even 21 but I thought you might find some of these interesting. Let's talk about this tonight when I get home. I love you!"

Here is the list...

1. If you're confused about whether a guy likes you or not, that's probably not good. Confusion in romance belongs only in romantic comedies because it suspends the plot, but suspense in real life sucks. So try not to analyze the events. The truth will reveal itself without you having to do anything.

2. Sometimes guys flirt with you or pay attention to you because it makes them feel good about themselves. (Hey, we do it, too.)

3. Even a guy who will admit that you're better looking than him should still be able to tell you you're beautiful. If he holds back in order to control the situation, or to keep you, or keep you down, he's got issues.

4. Don't help him ask you out by texting him something nice or polite. I'm glad you're more outgoing and thoughtful than he is, but he doesn't want the help.

5. Guys want to get busy more than anything. They'll say anything to close the deal.

6. It's shocking how much guys will talk about marriage. Until there's a ring on your finger, it will be better for you if you pretend you're deaf.

7. It's better not to lift a finger in the beginning.

8. In the early stages, giving him presents is too much. Generosity looks desperate to guys. You may be a great shopper and gift-wrapper; it may be his birthday and you may be wild about birthdays — even still, he'll think you're just wild about him. Too wild.

9. Guys just do not think like girls. I wish I'd had a brother. Real boys are nothing like the boys in movies.

10. They might take a decade to mature. Don't hope they'll grow up or be ready in the next six months.

11. Even if your family thinks there's going to be a marriage, don't let them spoil your guy. Yes, he's grateful you gave him your car when he moved out of NYC, but he would rather have had to work for it.

12. Learn to cook. Learn to cook well. I see now that it would have won me a lot of points. A LOT.

13. Just because he might be smarter than you or more talented at certain things doesn't mean he's your servant and won't mind doing all your homework/research/chores.

14. Guys get resentful, too.

15. You're special, unique, and important, but you're not a princess — no matter what Daddy says (although for the record, my dad calls me "Erin").

16. It's okay to say no. It's more than okay. It's always okay. If he stops calling (and many, many, many will), you're only weeding out the guys who aren't truly interested in you as a person. Time saved!

17. Playing it safe guarantees you'll have more time and energy to think about your grades or your work. Less drama in your life will always be better and healthier for you.

18. You deserve to be treated like a human being.

19. Your wants and needs are just as important as his, and if you don't express them because you think it will scare him away, then you're saying you don't count as much as he does.

20. Even sophisticated people with professional jobs can have tempers or hit you or use foul language. I've known men who dressed like diplomats but they were ugly human beings.

21. You can't force chemistry. If you like him as a friend, the attraction might grow, but if it doesn't, don't force it. And don't waste his time.

22. Ease up on the sauce. Alcohol clouds your judgment.

23. No boyfriend-girlfriend relationship starts with a 1 a.m. booty text.

24. When a guy has taken you to Applebee's five times and you say you want to treat him, he'll be psyched. But secretly he'll freak out if you take him to Ruth's Chris, even just the one teeny time. Don't try to match him one Ruth's Chris for five Applebee's. Take him out, but go to T.G.I. Friday's.

25. Women love attention. A guy needs to be pretty crazy about you in order for him to pay enough attention to make you happy long-term.

26. My mom always said, "Men don't think." I thought she meant, "They are mistaken in their thoughts." But they're just not thinking anything at all. About you. They're watching the game. That's why they haven't called.

27. There should be a medium ground between workaholism and his absolute devotion. "The knight departing for new adventures offends his lady, yet she has nothing but contempt for him if he remains at her feet" (Simone de Beauvoir, The Second Sex, 658).

28. Never underestimate the quality of "interesting." Men want someone interesting. They really do. Find some hobbies.

29. What are you hoping to gain by hooking up with this guy? If the answer is "him," that's a bad deal for you. "The woman gives herself, the man adds to himself by taking her" (de Beauvoir 659).

30. Expectations? They'll ruin every dating experience you have.

31. You will never understand men. Just try to understand yourself.

My Defining Moments in Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Fri, 07 May 2010 02:43:00 +0000

www.lifeway.com just published my latest article about ministry. I have recently been thinking about my "defining moments in ministry." Find below what I thought were my defining moments in ministry...

For those of us that have been in ministry for awhile, it can seem that one Sunday runs into the next and that every Sunday becomes like the Sunday before it. However, as I look back over the landscape of ministry I find that there are some defining moments that have shaped me as a Christian leader.

Is God Calling Me?

As you read these, think about your own defining moments and write about them in your journal. You may also wish to sign in and add one or more of your defining moments as comments to this article.

Defining Moment #1 - The Day that I Embraced my Calling.

Ministry leaders all receive a call from God to do the work that they do. I knew that I was called but after going through the bumps of ministry and thinking about giving up I finally embraced Romans 11:29, “since God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable.” (HCSB)

Defining Moment #2 – The Day I Resigned My First Ministry.

This was the day that I became keenly aware that the Kingdom of God was bigger then my efforts or my abilities. This is the day that I realized that my work would have to be continued by someone else. This is the day that I fully understood what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6 when he stated, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (HCSB).

Defining Moment #3 – The Day I Preached My First Funeral.

It is easy for ministry to engulf our time energy, and our focus. The day I preached my first funeral was the day that I realized that all of my days would end. I realized that no matter how hard I tried that I would leave some things undone. I also realized in that defining moment that some of the struggles and trials that I faced on that day would someday prove to be insignificant.
Defining Moment #4 – The Day I Quit Comparing Myself to Others.

It is so tempting in ministry to compare ourselves to someone else and focus on where we lack on fall short. I believe that this is one of the most damaging points of ministry. God never calls us to be someone else or even like someone else. God is the God of individuality. In fact Jesus states in Luke 12:7 “Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!" (HCSB). God knows me and created me just as I am. He does not want me to compare myself to someone else.

Defining Moment #5 – The Day I learned to Forgive Those Who Had Hurt Me.

One aspect that makes ministry tough is the fact that we see the same people over and over again. When we have a disagreement or a difference that pops up it is something that plays itself over a period of months or even years. One aspect of ministry that was never taught to me in seminary was how to forgive others. It is something that we preach about but not something that is easy to practice. I have come to believe that an essential part of ministry is to forgive others. The day that I realized that was the day my ministry changed.

Ministry in the 21st Century can be difficult and exhausting. I am thankful for the days of ministry when I see lives transformed because of people developing a relationship with God. I am thankful for days when I see families transformed because they have learned about grace, love, and acceptance. But most of all I am thankful for the God who has revealed defining moments of my ministry that have shaped me as a minister and transformed the type of ministry I would perform.

My Top Ten Leadership Books

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:34:00 +0000

I was just asked by a friend what are my favorite leadership books. Here is my top ten list:

10. The Effective Executive: The Definitive Guide to Getting the Right Things Done by Peter Drucker

Peter Drucker begins this book by pointing out that there is no science of how to improve executive effectiveness, nor any naturally-occurring effective executives. The redeeming point of this problem is that he argues that executive effectiveness can be learned.
The principles begin with a focus on time management. We can get greater quantities of every other resource we need, except time. Drucker reports that executives spend their time much differently than they think they do and much differently than they would like to. His solution is to begin by measuring how you spend your time, and compare it with an ideal allocation.

Next, Drucker argues that we should focus on what will make a difference rather than unimportant questions. Otherwise, we will fill our time with motion rather than proceeding towards results. Perhaps the best section in the book has to do with executive decision-making, when to make a decision, about what, and what principles to apply. If you only read this section, you would be well rewarded for studying this fine book.

http://www.amazon.com/Effective-Executive-Definitive-Harperbusiness-Essentials/dp/0060833459/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267731307&sr=8-1

9. The Leadership Challenge, 4th Edition (Paperback) by Kouzes and Ponser

An inspirational and practical handbook, this expanded revision of a bestselling manual originally published in 1987 offers sound advice to corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, to managers and employees and to aspiring leaders in retail, manufacturing, government, community, church and school settings. Drawing on interviews and a questionnaire survey of more than 3000 leaders, the authors identify five fundamental practices of exemplary leadership: challenge the status quo; inspire a shared vision; enable others to act; model the way forward by setting an example; tap individuals' inner drives by linking rewards and performance. Kouzes, chairman and CEO of TPG/Learning Systems, and Posner, managing partner of Santa Clara University's Executive Development Center in California, write insightful, down-to-earth, jargon-free prose. This new edition has been substantially updated to reflect the challenges of shrinking work forces, rising cynicism and expanded telecommunications. An appendix includes the author's Leadership Practices Inventory, a tool for assessing leadership behavior.

http://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Challenge-4th-James-Kouzes/dp/0787984922/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267731538&sr=1-1-spell

8. How To Win Friends and Influence People (Hardcover) by Dale Carnegie

This grandfather of all people-skills books was first published in 1937. It was an overnight hit, eventually selling 15 million copies. How to Win Friends and Influence People is just as useful today as it was when it was first published, because Dale Carnegie had an understanding of human nature that will never be outdated. Financial success, Carnegie believed, is due 15 percent to professional knowledge and 85 percent to "the ability to express ideas, to assume leadership, and to arouse enthusiasm among people." He teaches these skills through underlying principles of dealing with people so that they feel important and appreciated. He also emphasizes fundamental techniques for handling people without making them feel manipulated. Carnegie says you can make someone want to do what you want them to by seeing the situation from the other person's point of view and "arousing in the other person an eager want." You learn how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without causing offense or arousing resentment. For instance, "let the other person feel that the idea is his or hers," and "talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person." Carnegie illustrates his points with anecdotes of historical figures, leaders of the business world, and everyday folks. --Joan Price

http://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/1439167346/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267731747&sr=1-1

7. Leadership Is an Art (Paperback) by Max DePree

Rather than offering a how-to manual on running a business, DePree, CEO of Herman Miller Inc., a manufacturer of office furniture, details, in deceptively simple but imaginative language, a humanitarian approach to leadership. The artful leader, he argues, should recognize human diversity and make full use of his or her employees' gifts. Further, he believes, a leader is responsible not just for the health of a company's financial assets, but for its ethics. Advocating management through persuasion, and the exercise of democratic participation rather than concentrated power, he favors covenantal relationships with employees that rest on shared purpose, dignity and choice. The author stresses the need for communication, but his only direct guidance concerns the need for job performance reviews and self-evaluation. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

http://www.amazon.com/Leadership-Art-Max-Depree/dp/0385512465/ref=sr_1_20?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267731906&sr=1-20

6. Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness 25th Anniversary Edition [Deluxe Edition] (Hardcover) by Robert Greenleaf

Twenty-five years ago Robert Greenleaf published these prophetic essays on what he coined servant leadership, a practical philosophy that replaces traditional autocratic leadership with a holistic, ethical approach. This highly influential book has been embraced by cutting edge management everywhere. Yet in these days of Enron and what VISA CEO Dee Hock calls our "era of massive institutional failure," Greenleaf's seminal work must reach the mainstream now more than ever. Servant Leadership helps leaders find their true power and moral authority to lead. It helps those served become healthier, wiser, freer, and more autonomous. This book encourages collaboration, trust, listening, and empowerment. It offers long-lasting change, not a temporary fix and extends beyond business for leaders of all types of groups.

http://www.amazon.com/Servant-Leadership-Legitimate-Greatness-Anniversary/dp/0809105543/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267731906&sr=1-23

5. On Becoming a Leader (Paperback) by Warren Bennis

Business consultant and University of Southern California professor of business administration, Bennis here deplores what he considers a dearth of leadership in the world. Although he provides solid, practical guidance in how to fill this vacuum, his philosophically and psychologically rich volume seeks primarily to define leadership--which, in his view, requires self-knowledge and clear personal goals. Leaders in widely diverse areas--represented by television producer Norman Lear, AIDS researcher Mathilde Krim, CEO John Sculley and feminist Gloria Steinem--all share, contends Bennis, the ability to unite people in a common purpose. The curiosity of leaders, their faith in an "inner voice" and success in seizing control of their lives distinguish them from mere managers. But while a leader may demonstrate talent, the author observes that its fulfillment depends largely on organizational response to the challenge.

http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Leader-Warren-Bennis/dp/0465014089/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267732190&sr=1-29

4. Jesus on Leadership (Paperback) by C. Gene Wilkes

This book is definitely read at your own risk because it may change your view of leadership. It is a corrective book for the 21st century paradigm. The author builds seven principles of leadership: #1: Humble Your Heart #2: First Be A Follower #3: Find Greatness In Service #4: Take Risks #5: Take Up The Towel #6: Share Responsibility & Authority #7: Build A Team

http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Leadership-C-Gene-Wilkes/dp/0842318631/ref=sr_1_83?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267732397&sr=1-83

3. Developing the Leader Within You (Paperback) by John Maxwell

Few of us are natural-born leaders, according to John C. Maxwell, author of Developing the Leader Within You. Fortunately though, "the traits that are the raw material of leadership can be acquired," he promises. "Link them up with desire and nothing can keep you from becoming a leader. This book will supply the leadership principles. You must supply the desire." True to his words, Maxwell offers a detailed and inspiring primer on becoming a leader. Even the Table of Contents reads like a motivational poster.

Maxwell (The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader), who is the founder of INJOY, a Christian-based leadership program, debunks the myth that strong leaders must have big egos and spend all their time harnessing personal power. Instead, he elevates leadership to a spiritual act of service: "The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership." Maxwell relies on real-life anecdotes, short paragraphs, charts, and numerous lists to make his wisdom accessible. As a result, his writing often seems simplistic, with a self-help tone. Nonetheless, in teaching readers how to bring out the best in themselves as well as others, Maxwell offers a worthwhile life lesson that extends far beyond the workplace. --Gail Hudson

http://www.amazon.com/Developing-Leader-Within-John-Maxwell/dp/0785281126/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267732794&sr=1-7

2. Management of the Absurd Paradoxes in Leadership (Paperback) by Richard Farson

In organizations, as in life, human behavior is often irrational -- and problems do not easily lend themselves to the simplistic answers and gimmickry offered in the myriad business "self-help" books and management training programs available today. In Management of the Absurd, Richard Farson zeros in on the paradoxes of communication, the politics of management, and the dilemmas of change, exploring relationships within organizations and offering a unique perspective on the challenges managers face.

http://www.shearonforschools.com/Management%20of%20the%20Absurd%20Paradoxes%20in%20Leadership%20by%20Richard%20Farson/

1. The Top 10 Mistakes Leaders Make (Paperback) by Hans Finzel

Poor leadership habits spawn new generations of poor leaders. Or they create enough discomfort that the leader figures out how to do it right. That has been the experience of author Hans Finzel and many others. In this leadership classic Hans describes the ten most common leadership faux pas: • The top-down attitude• Dirty delegation• Putting paperwork before peoplework• Communication chaos• The absence of affirmation• Missing the culture clues• No room for mavericks• Success without successors• Dictatorship in decision-making• Failure to focus on the future. "Solid concepts. Great quotes. Good stories. Hans Finzel has combined sophisticated leadership theory with practical principles to teach us how to lead. Read this book today and become a better leader tomorrow." by Leith Anderson

http://www.amazon.com/Top-10-Mistakes-Leaders-Make/dp/8179926788/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1267733288&sr=1-2-fkmr0

Tiger Wood Press Conference - Life of Duplicity

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:22:00 +0000

Tiger Woods has now spoken about his life of duplicity. He admitted in his press conference that he was living a life of excess because he thought that he deserving because of his accomplishments.

Tiger follows a long list of priviaged men that have lived lives of duplicity. They say one thing and then do another. Let us learn from the wounds of this tiger and live a life that is transparent and honest.

Inventor of the Frisbee Dies

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 21:40:00 +0000

Frisbee Inventor Fred Morrison died this past week.

"FRED MORRISON, a pilot and carpenter credited with inventing that most ubiquitous of backyard toys, the frisbee, has died at his home in Monroe, Utah, aged 90.The inspiration for Morrison’s flying-saucer toy came when he and his girlfriend were entertaining themselves by tossing a popcorn-tin lid in the backyard.

The lid eventually became dented, and a cake pan from Morrison’s mother’s kitchen was substituted.One day when the couple were playing on the beach, a stranger offered them a quarter for the device. “That got the wheels turning,” Morrison told a reporter in 2007."

I must admit that I love the Frisbee. I have spent many hours as a kid playing with the little round toy. It has been said of Frisbee lovers that, "When we die, we don't go to purgatory. We just land up on the roof and lay there." Lawyer Kay McIff, who represented Morrison in a royalties case, said the American inventor died at his home in Monroe, Utah, on Tuesday February 9th, 2010.

"That simple little toy has permeated every continent in every country, as many homes have Frisbees as any other device ever invented," McIff, who is from Morrison's hometown, Richfield, Utah, said. "How would you get through your youth without learning to throw a Frisbee?"

Let me repeat that last phrase: "How would you get throguh your youth without learning to throw a Frisbee?" This reminds me of the words of David who in Psalm 71 declared...

"16 I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD;I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. 17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. 19 Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? 20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up."

You see God has done something better that each person in this world should know - He has given the marvelous gift of Salvation and restored our life. His power can touch us whether we are young or old. He renewal comes to us in our joy and in our sadness. His acts on our behalf make the old, young - to make the sick, well - to make the lost found. This is something we can praise God for and something we should proclaim from generation to generation.

Good For Dads to Go to Church!

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 23:37:00 +0000

National Fatherhood Initiative just released a survey of how moms feel about dads. Terry comments on the findings at the above link.

The Point is that dads that go to church are better dads!

Dads in the Delivery Room

noreply@blogger.com (kenspeaks) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:10:00 +0000

I recently appeared on the Dr. Nancy Show to discuss the tpoic: Dads in the Delivery Room. I recently expereinced the birth of my son Kaiden and know how special those hours in the delivery room were. You can see the interview below:

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