We had the privilege of spending time with a husband and wife celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. We were married 25 years to their 50 years, so we felt like babies in comparison. They were rich in so many ways, not in dollars and cents but in all the other ways which truly last.
Gerry and Shirley taught us so much about how to build and nurture a community. Were they perfect? No. However, what we learned from this couple before they passed will remain with us always.
I believe that Father’s Day, the third Sunday in June, is a great opportunity to discuss fatherhood and leadership. In 1966, President Johnson, by presidential proclamation, said “In our Nation, we look to fathers to provide the strength and stability which characterize the successful family. If the father’s responsibilities are many, his rewards are also great -- the love, appreciation, and respect of his children and spouse.” It may seem awkward to some to discuss leadership and fatherhood in the same breath.
Dan Cable, a professor of organizational behavior at London Business School and author of the new book Alive at Work: The Neuroscience of Helping Your People Love What They Do, recalls the story of how a company changed its culture – and dramatically increased its productivity – with a simple question.
The first time I heard the concept of work being worship I thought it was a little strange. Personally, I had a number of days where I worked long hours going from meeting to meeting, jumping on conference calls and solving problems without taking a single minute to pray. There were other days where I got up before the crack of dawn to rush to the airport and spend the day visiting stores without taking any time to read my Bible. Honestly, there were times I thought work was the exact opposite of worship and in some cases an interruption to real worship. How can I worship God when work
“…shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:1-4
Football is a big part of our family’s life; hence it often provides us with leadership and life lessons.
“Would you like me to take that back to the kitchen and have them remove the head?”
I warily looked down at the fish that was eying me. Of course it was dead… and also beautifully prepared, by the way. But this “whole fish” concept was a bit unsettling. I quickly agreed that I’d enjoy my dinner much more if I didn’t feel I should be conversing with my entrée.
“Whew, that was close,” I thought, as I maneuvered my car back into the center lane, realizing I’d missed hitting the car I’d passed, by just a few inches. “That Mazda was in my blind spot.” Although the Mazda was there, it was not in view when I’d checked the lane out. I didn’t see it. However, if we had collided, the collision would have been my fault.
At the age of 49, I got my first ticket – a speeding ticket. I must be honest in saying that this was not the first time I sped, it was just the first time I got caught! I greeted the officer with my license and registration and he returned with a nice little piece of paper with my fine printed on it. I had an hour and a half left on my journey before I got home and had to tell my husband. Many thoughts went through my head. I was mad at myself because this was completely avoidable.
Music has always been an important part of my life. Through it, as a child, I escaped many saddening experiences. Music opened the doors of possibility to a brighter world, and it helped me create bonds of friendship. Today, I find comfort and inspiration; especially with contemporary Christian music.
When the opportunity to see James Taylor in concert recently presented itself, Annie and I bought our tickets. We made our way to the Amway Center, and spent the night at a hotel in Orlando so that we could enjoy the experience and not feel rushed to get back home.
Mother's Day is celebrated in many parts of the world as a day to honor mothers and motherhood. In the United States, Canada, and Australia it is celebrated on the 2nd Sunday in May.
One indicator of the importance of Mother’s Day is that it’s the busiest day of the year for phone calls, with an estimated 122 million phone calls made in the U.S. alone. There’s a natural desire in most people to want to honor their mother, if it’s possible. That’s why billions of dollars are spent on buying flowers, cards, and taking Mom out to dinner.
