Recommended Reading

If you are sincerely interested and desirous of being an impact player in the Kingdon of God, then this book is for you: Off-Road Disciplines: Spiritual Adventures of Missional Leaders. It is written by a good friend, Earl Creps. Earl approaches the disciplines in a different manner. He explores 12 central disciplines. Six are personal: death, truth, perspective, learning, witness, and humility. Six are organizational: assessment, harmony, reflection, opportunity, sacrifice, and legacy.

There other ways of encountering God, outside of the spiritual disciples such as prayer and Bible reading. I have personally been inspired and challenged by Richard Foster's book, "Celebration of Discipline" and Dallas Willard's book, "The Spirit of the Disciplines." These authors have radically changed my personal disciplines.

However, Earl's book leads me on a new journey of understanding and appreciation of God's unique and personal working in my life. If you are wanting to understand our post-modern culture and are intent on effectively reaching culture, this reading is for you. Dan Kimball says it well in the forward of Earl's book: "Earl writes about the most important thing he has discovered in all his exploring of the Church: the life of the missional leader and its effect on a missional organization."

No, I am not pushing the book because a friend wrote it. I am pushing it because we need to do church differently. Read the book and then share your thoughts with me. You can order it through Amazon. A free download of an excerpt from Off-Road Disciplines is available at this link. http://www.agts.edu/faculty/faculty_publications/articles/creps_offroad_disciplines.pdf

A Flawless Word

In my devotions this morning I read:

"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." (Proverbs 30:5 NIV)

First, remember "every" word of God, not some, not part, not only what we want to read or hear or listen to is flawless. There are very few people who can make a claim that their word is flawless. Secondly, God is our shield if we choose to come under His protection, rule, or care. What comforting thoughts to those who rest (trust) in Him.

Enjoy your day in Christ! There is nothing for you to fear when you believe in God's flawless word and choose to live under His presence.

Local Cultural Issues

Our local paper, the Portland Press Herald has only validated yesterday's thoughts on conflict and culture. You can read the article, "Bias Study Prompts Reflection, Criticism" and viewer comments for yourself by going to their web site http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/local/060927bias.html

Conflict and Culture

I remember very clearly my first conflict experience with cultural diversity as a newly arrived cadet from New Jersey to North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia in the summer of 1969. Being a northerner in the deep south made me a target for jokes and ridicule. Those southerners kept reminding me to save my southern money as the south would rise again. After several days of light hearted ridicule, I finally responded by telling my fellow cadets that their southern money would not be needed as we northerners would just send General Sherman on his march through Georgia again. It was the wrong thing to say. Needless to say, I was nearly crucified for my insensitive remarks. I had stirred some deep feelings and had created conflict.

On another occasion after having just moved to Ellsworth, Maine, which is considered a part of “Down East” Maine to plant a new church, I stood in line at the local post office to open a new postal box. There were a number of individuals ahead of me in line. The postal clerk behind the counter would take a few minutes to converse with each individual. The subject of each conversation was the same. It had to do with that day’s weather. My New Jersey upbringing caused me to believe that such conversation was a needless waste of time when there was a line of individuals waiting to be assisted. I had places to go, people to see, and things to do. I fumed and sputtered under my breath as I waited my turn. When it arrived, I found myself being confronted by the exact same conversation. Here I was, a complete stranger, and now the postal clerk was engaging me in the same manner. Fortunately, I did not allow my cultural past to create conflict in my new cultural setting.

Cultural diversity and subculture exist everywhere in society. Such settings are bound to cause conflict. We are living in a world in which different cultures are becoming increasingly interlocked to one another by technological advances in travel and communication. In order to be more effective in ministry we need to have a clearer understanding of and sensitivity to the various dynamics that are at work in a conflict that crosses cultural environments. It is important to understand how our own and other cultures’ responses to conflict are formed and influenced by cultural myths, histories and values.

Cultural customs and traditions have an influence on how we deal with and resolve conflict. These all vary from culture to culture. The same holds true for individuals since they are members of and influenced by cultural subgroups that have their own personality, values and rules. It is important for pastors to understand the culture within which they are ministering. Understanding the culture of the geographical region, community and local church will not necessarily eliminate conflict but will help to resolve conflict in a creative or constructive manner
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George Barna, founder and president of the Barna Research Group, wrote, “To remain relevant and influential, we must be current in our understanding of cultural changes and their implications. The changes that influence our lives and ministry fall within these key domains: demographics, attitudes and values, lifestyle and behaviors, and spirituality” (“The Second Coming of the Church,” Enrichment, Winter 2000). Barna goes on to write that if we understand the culture we are in, the more responsive we can be in developing and providing for the needs of the people to whom we are ministering.

Conflicts are inevitable. How we resolve conflict is important. As believers in Christ, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.

Think in terms of a lifetime of preparation!

We need to think in terms of a lifetime of preparation. Recently, I was asked the question, “Why are you involved in graduate studies.” A few years ago, I was talking with my cousin’s son who had just graduated from a major university with a bachelor degree in history. At the time he was hoping to become a high school history teacher. During our conversation he happened to mention that the state in which he resides requires that every teacher must complete a master program within five years or face not being re-certified. This goes much further than most states that either require continuing education credits (CEC’s) or continuing education units (CEU’s) for ongoing teacher certification. It is a fact that many professions require individuals to complete a certain number CEC’s and CEU’s to remain certified or licensed in their professional careers. Such requirements, no doubt, are meant to assist these professionals to stay current in a rapidly changing world. My cousin’s son didn’t seem to mind this additional burden of continuing an educational process at all. He saw it as a profitable benefit in his personal life. Our conversation caused me to do some internal evaluation of my own personal educational pursuit and that of our ministers and lay leaders.

I consider myself a late comer to hearing and pursuing the call of God into full-time ministry. I did not have the luxury or the flexibility of enrolling in one of our many outstanding A/G Bible colleges. Instead, I pursued my ministerial preparations by correspondence through Berean School of the Bible, division of Global University. This educational process served me well as a foundation for ministry. However, over time I have had to continue to hone and improve my ministry skills. This process has taken many directions and forms, from reading books and magazines to attending various training conferences. These forms of continuing education have helped me to develop my abilities and calling. However, in 1999, at the age of 48, I enrolled in a bachelors degree program through distant education with one of our A/G Bible colleges. It has been this structured learning process of a distance education degree program that challenged and motivated me personally. Since then I have been able to enroll in AGTS. Although, it is going to take me many years to complete a degree program, I am finding this continuing education process to be refreshing in spite of the additional work load that it has created.

It is vitally important that all of us move beyond our present education level in order to become more effective ministers of the gospel. The most often used excuses for not continuing our education is age, time and money. Indeed, I have tried to use each one of them too. However, once I made the commitment to pursuing a degree program, I have discovered that each of these hurdles can be overcome. It is a matter importance, priority and faith.

I believe there are several reasons why ministers and lay leaders need to consider furthering their education. (1) If we take our calling seriously, we have a responsibility to grow in our understanding of God’s Word and our ability to minister in the church. The people we minister too will grow proportionately too our level of growth. (2) We are called to be a life-long learner (2 Timothy 2:15). The day we stop learning is the day we stop growing. (3) If we expect to remain relevant in this rapidly changing culture we must continue to refine our skills. Ministering to today’s issues is more complex than it was a generation ago. (4) Formal education (classroom or distant education settings) hold the learner accountable. Disciplines are learned and maintained. (5) Continuing an education can open new doors of ministry. There are ministries such as chaplaincy, Bible College teaching, counseling, etc., that require specific educational requirements or advanced degrees. If a door of opportunity opens, I will be able to say, “Here am I Lord, send me.”

Whatever form my continuing education may take, it will enrich my personal life and keep me as a ministry leader on the cutting edge of a complex, demanding, and ever changing culture. I hope you too will think in terms of a lifetime of preparation. I hope you will never grow tired of learning.

2 Tim 2:15 KJV
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Treasure Both the Old and the New

In Matthew 13 we find Jesus teaching through parables or stories that the Kingdom of Heaven is like:

sowing of seeds
a mustard seed
hidden treasure
fine pearls
a fishing net

"Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied. He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old." (Matthew 13:51-52 NIV)

My thought today is what to do with the old and new? How do we appreciate the past and the present? How do we relate the past with what is happening today? Is the the Bible relevant today? Of course it is. The message doesn't change, but it does require new methods of presenting it. Its the treasure of bringing forth the old and the new.

Another Penn State football weekend is upon me. PSU faces #1 Ohio State. I'm sure my brother and his family will be watching and cheering for OSU since my sister-in-law is an OSU graduate. Oh well . . . Go PSU. Coach Paterno has been coaching in one school longer than any other coach. He is like old treasures. He is coaching players that are the age of grand children - new treasures. Bringing forth the best of old and new treasures creates winning seasons. Are you getting my drift spiritually? Have a great weekend

Who are you trying to be?

Rex Miller, author of the book, The Millennium Matrix, writes, "Authenticity derives its power out of a clear sense of identity." Authenticity is knowing who you are. Authenticity is not a false sense of security or self assurance. Authenticity is real. It is genuine. It is not an imitation or a copy.

Who are you? Are you copy of someone else or are you the real thing? Are you an imitator of others? Try this. Be yourself. You were created by God with purpose.

Psalm139:13-16 NIV
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

People are looking for authenticity in relationships.

What are you made of?

This morning I read, "If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength!" (Prov 24:10 NIV)

We often think of our struggles, trials, or troubles as being character builders. How often has someone attempted to console me by saying, "God is building character in your life." But that is not what the writer is saying in this verse. Could it be that the writer has discovered that troubles reveal what we have already learned? Could it be possible that our trial is an opportunity to display what we are already made of?

Alicia Chole in her book, Anonymous, discusses this very thought.

Embrace Life!

I found my devotional this morning humorous. Sometimes, I just can't help but laugh at some of our words used in our different versions of the Bible. For example, this morning's passage:

Mark 11:22-25
Jesus was matter-of-fact: "Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, 'Go jump in the lake' — no shuffling or shilly-shallying — and it's as good as done. That's why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you'll get God's everything. And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it's not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive — only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins." (from THE MESSAGE)

I like the choice of the words, "no shuffling or shilly-shallying." In other words, "It will happen!" The word of God is awesome. Read and enjoy it. Enjoy your time with God. A devotional life does not have to be dull or boring. As Jesus said, "Embrace this God-life." Enjoy life. It's not always, meant to be serious. I can't imagine Jesus without a sense of humor.

Running Behind Schedule

I'm at my favorite coffee shop, Maine Bean, here in Windham. It's unusual for me, but I am a little behind schedule this morning. The good news: God is never late. He is always on time. In fact, His timing is always perfect. Consider these words of Solomon:

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 NIV

On another note: GO PENN STATE!!!!! Yes, they lost to the Irish last weekend. ND out played my Nittany Lions. PSU has a very young team, about 63% of the suited players are freshmen or sophomores. They will be out to redeem themselves this week against a very good Divsion I-AA team, Youngstown State. Meanwhile ND has to play Michigan. Go Wolverines!!!! I am always a Big Ten fan. Sorry about that Charlie Wiess. You were a New Englander when you were with the Patriots, but you can't replace my favorites: Big Ten and Penn State football.

Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem literally means "pluck the day." Or as it became known from the film, Dead Poet Society, starring Robin Williams, "seize the day." In my devotions with Jeanne this morning, we were reading the story of the blind begger, Bartimaeus, and his encounter with Jesus on the road outside of Jericho (Mark 10:46-52). When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus was passing near by, he cried out for mercy. The crowd traveling with Jesus basically told Bartimaeus to be quiet, but he continued to cry out for mercy. Jesus stopped by him, listened to his request and healed the man.

My thought on finishing the reading was, that we like Bartimaeus, must not let opportunity pass us by. Today is our day for salvation, deliverance and healing. But on further thought during my commute to the office, I realized that I cannot miss an opportunity to reach out and touch someone in need. I must "pluck" or "cease" the opportunity that calls out to me. Lord, help me to hear that voice of desperation in the midst of the many voices that may be trying to drown it out.

Silence - A little Used Spiritual Discipline

Both Richard Foster and Dallas Willard write about silence and solitude as under used spiritual disciplines in their books. In Ezekiel 3:15, we can read about the prophet sitting down among the people to whom he was to minister and saying nothing for 7 days. We preachers like to talk. We are encouraged to talk. People expect us to have answers for their life difficulties. We believe we have the answers. It's hard to remain silent when God has called us, anointed us, and sent us out to be shepherds and watchmen.

Prior to Ezekiel's week of silence, he has experienced an incredible vision of God's glory and majesty. He sees, he hears, he tastes God's presence. Now the Spirit lifts him away and he goes and sits among the exiles who lived at Tel Abib, near the Kebar River and sits among them. Most of us would have just started telling everyone about that holy moment. Sometimes it good to just sit rather than being spontaneous.

It would do us well to rediscover the blessings of silence. After all, we live in a loud world, filled with noise and many voices. What can we learn from Ezekiel's silence?

1. The silence of grief. Ezekiel was grieved for his people. He was taking time to enter into their grief. He was placing himself in their suffering.

2. The silence of wonder. He was taking time to reflect on what God had revealed to him. He was astonished. He was taking some time to digest and comprehend the magnitude of what had just been revealed to him.

3. The silence of sympathy. We need to take time to weep with those who weep, to mourn with those who mourn, to hurt with those who hurt. We too often speak before having taken time to experience the other person's pain or suffering.

4. The silence of anticipation. As of yet, Ezekiel had not heard from God what he was to speak. What was the message he was to share? He knew he was called to the people. But what exactly was he to say? So he waits in silence.

Recommended Reading

I am reading "Anonymous" by Alicia Britt Chole during part of my early morning devotions. I would recommend you getting a copy and read it, too. She is writing from the perspective of Jesus' hidden years and relating it to our hidden years. There are seasons in life when we feel we are unnoticed, whether it be retirement, educational preparations, relocation, unexplainable loss, extended illness, or for that matter any reason that might tend to hide us.

In my reading today, Chole is writing about Jesus' temptation. She referred to Jesus' experience in His wilderness as His time of preparation. His temptations suggested by the author were that of appetite, applause, and authority. Our human desire is for all three in our life. How will we be able to resist such temptations thrown at us by the devil? By spending time alone with our God in anonymity.

Chole wrote: "In the hidden years, God is our only consistent audience. Others come and go, but only He always sees. God alone realizes our full potential and comprehends the longings in our souls. When no one else is interested in (let alone impressed by) our capabilities and dreams. God is still wholeheartedly with fatherly pride shouting his love over us. Anonymous seasons afford us the opportunity to establish God as our soul's true point of reference if we resist underestimating how He treasures our hiddeness and take the time to decide whose attention and acceptance really matters in our lives."

Is God enough in my life? Is God enough in your life?

9-11 Reflections

I have experienced two major national tragedies of epic proportions in my life time. The first occurred 43 years ago on a November day in 1963. I was sitting in my 7th grade math class when the school secretary walked into my classroom, interrupting Mr. Noctor's teaching to whisper something in his hear. Upon her exiting the classroom, Mr Noctor very calmly announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, our President has been shot in Texas." School was dismissed early, and I spent the rest of the day in front of a Philco Television set, watching a grainy black and white picture, trying to piece together the stunning events of that day in absolute horror and shock. Some historians look back to this event as "the day that America lost its innocense."

The second occurred 5 years ago today. I had been busy with last minute preparations for a finance committee meeting at the district office, when one of our committee members rushed in to announce that a plane had flown into the World Trade Center. We all rushed to the A/V room and turned on the television. As we stood there watching and listening to commentators, to our horror, we actually saw the the second plane crash into the second tower. For the next hour or so we were mesmerized by the news as reports came forth of a plane slamming into the Pentagon, the collapse of the twin towers, and the eventual fate of United 93. Many in the media refer to this day's event as "the day that changed Americans forever."

Reflecting on these two major events during my devotional time, these thoughts crossed my mind. First, Jesus said, "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." (Luke 12:4-5 NIV)

Second, the Apostle Paul wrote: "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph 6:11-12NIV)

Third, it is amazing how life changing events are captured in our minds, seemingly forever. There is another day that far exceeds those two tragic events that I have experience in my life. I remember a day that I regained my innocense and my life was forever changed; August 23, 1973. It was the day I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and received God's forgiveness and pardon. It has truly been a life forming event for me.

Your Life's Race

I enjoy running. Even ran a marathon many (many) years ago. I came across this encouraging reading, yesterday, by D.H. Groberg:

THE RACE

"Quit! Give up! you're beaten!"

They did shout and plead.

"There's just too much against you now.

This time, you can't succeed."

And as I start to hang my head

in front of failure's face.

My downward fall is broken by

the memory of a face.

And hope refills my weakened will

as I recall that scene.

For just the thought of that short race

rejuvenates my being.

A children's race, young boys, young men,

how I remember well.

Excitement, sure, but also fear;

it wasn't hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope,

each thought to win that race.

Or tie for first, or if not that,

at least take second place.

And fathers watched from off the side,

each cheering for his son.

And each boy hoped to show his dad

that he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went,

young hearts and hopes afire.

To win, to be the hero, there

was each young boy's desire.

And one boy in particular,

whose dad was in the crowd.

Was running near the lead and thought,

"My dad will be so proud."

But as he speeded down the field

across a shallow dip,

The little boy who thought to win,

lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself,

his hands flew out to brace,

And mid the laughter of the crowd,

he fell flat on his face.

So down he fell and with him hope.

He couldn't win it now.

Embarrassed, sad, he only wished

to disappear somehow.

But as he fell his dad stood up

and showed his anxious face.

Which to the boy so clearly said,

"Get up and win the race!"

He quickly rose, no damage done,

behind a bit, that's all

And ran with all his mind and might

to make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself,

to catch up and to win,

His mind went faster than his legs,

he slipped and fell again.

He wished that he had quit before

with only one disgrace.

"I'm hopeless as a runner now;

I shouldn't try to race."

But in the laughing crowd he searched

and found his father's face;

That steady look that said again:

"Get up and win the race."

So up he jumped to try again

ten yards behind the last.

"If I'm to gain those yards," he thought,

"I've got to run real fast."

Exerting everything he had,

he regained eight or ten.

But trying so hard to catch the lead,

he slipped and fell again.

Defeat! He laid there silently,

a tear dropped from his eye.

"There's no sense running anymore.

Three strikes: I'm out, why try?"

The will to rise had disappeared;

all hope had fled away;

So far behind, so error prone,

a loser all the way.

"I've lost, so what's the use?" he thought,

"I'll live with my disgrace."

But then he thought about his dad,

who soon he'd have to face.

"Get up!" an echo sounded low.

"Get up and take your place;

You were not meant for failure here.

Get up and win the race!"

With borrowed will, "Get up," it said.

"You haven't lost at all,

for winning is no more than this;

to rise each time you fall."

So up he rose run once more.

And with a new commit,

He resolved that win or lose,

at least he wouldn't quit.

So far behind the others now,

the most he'd ever been.

Still he gave it all he had

and ran as though to win.

Three times he'd fallen stumbling;

three times he rose again.

Too far behind to hope to win,

he still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner

as he crossed first place.

Head high, and proud; and happy;

no falling; no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster

crossed the line, last place,

The crowd gave him the greater cheer

for finishing the race!

And even though he came in last

with head bowed low, unproud;

You would have thought he'd won the race

to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said,

"I didn't do so well."

"To me you won," his father said,

"You rose each time you fell."

And when things seem dark and hard

and difficult to face,

The memory of that little boy

helps me win my race.

For all of life is like that race,

with ups and downs and all.

And all you have to do to win

is rise each time you fall.

"Quit! Give up! You're beaten!"

they may shout in my face.

But another voice within me says,

"GET UP AND WIN THE RACE!"

"for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again"

Proverbs 24:16 NIV

Recent Book Reading

I recently finished reading the book, Now, Discover Your Strengths, by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton. The book basically helps you to discover your inner strengths or talents in order to be a more effective leader. The authors' assumption is that most people spend their time trying to improve their weaknesses instead of investing more time in building upon their strengths. Perhaps the most useful part of the book was the online assessment profile to discover your top five strengths. (Warning: In order to take the strengthfinder analysis, you must buy the book new, not used.)

My results and general description of that strength were:

Woo - love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. Derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person.
Positivity - have enthusiasm that is contagious, up beat and can get along with others. Excited about what they are going to do.
Responsibility - take psycological ownership of what they say they will do. Committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty.
Connectedness - believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason. A bridge builder for people of different cultures.
Communication - find it easy to put thoughts into words. Good conversationalists and presenters.

In the days to come, I look forward to comparing the above results with my other discoveries from Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Taylor Johnson, DISC Profile, FIRO-B Instrument, and the Gregorc Style Delineator.

God has uniquely created each one of us. We all come in different shapes and sizes. We all have strengths and weaknesses. There are things that are important to me, that others do not care about at all. Sometimes an individual’s behavior doesn't make any sense to me, but I want to understand that person, and communicate well, because we live together in the same world. I know that I cannot expect others to want the same things that I want. We are not the same person, so we will not always see things the same way. I have my own thoughts and my own ideas, that may or may not fit into someone else’s expectation of who I should be. By learning more about my self and my own personality, and about other personality types, I can better understand myself in relationship to others. I can improve my interpersonal relationships, realign my expectations towards others, and gain a better self-knowledge that will help me help others toward spiritual emotional maturity.

Lessons From Joe Pa, the Coach

This past Saturday I sat down in front of my TV to watch my number one college team beat Akron. As I watched PSU dominate the game, I could not help but observe Coach Joe Paterno on the sideline. He is one amazing man at the age of 79, I believe. Where does all that energy generate from? Think about these stats:

- served as head coach at PSU for 41 seasons, 57 years as member of PSU coaching staff
- second in all-time career Division I-A victories
- winning percentage of 75% is tied for fifth best among active Division i-A coaches (minimum 10 years)
- ranks 2nd all-time in games coached (475) among major college coaches
- has directed PSU to five unbeaten seasons (1968, '69, '73, '86, '94) and two national championmships (1982, '86)
- all-time leader among coaches in bowl appearances (32) and post season triumphs (21)
- only coach to win the four traditional New Year's Day games: Rose, Sugar, Cotton, and Orange Bowls
- coached 71 first team All-Americans
- Under Paterno, PSU has produced 14 Hall of Fame Scholar-Athletes, 24 first team Academic All-Americans and 18 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship winners.
- eighty-five percent of his players graduate from college
- coached more than 250 players who have made it to the NFL, 30 of them first round draft choices
- has coached players who have won all the major college awards: Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp, Lombardi, O'Brien, Outland, Butkus, Doak Walker and Biletnikoff
- he and his wife, Sue, have contributed more than $4 million to Penn State
- the 135,000 square foot Paterno Libray on campus is named after them
- they have made significant contributions to build the Pasquerilla Spiritual Life Center, dedicated in May 2003
- signed a four year contract extension that extends through the 2008 season.

As I think about Joe pa's accomplishments some thoughts arise about what makes for good coaching, not only in the sport of football, but more importantly, in life. Passion, drive, excellence, commitment, dedication, loyalty, longevity, adaptability, change, core values, character, morals, priorities, persistance, adversity, generosity. I am sure you sport fans can add to the list.

As I watched Coached Paterno pace the sidelines, I noticed that he spent a great deal of time communicating with his assistants. Yes, he spoke to players, but most often he was communicating with his assistants. I relate ministry to that of coaching. Jesus is our ultimate example of an incredible coach. Yes, Jesus was available to the multitudes, but he invested the greatest portion of ministry time with the Twelve. He invested himself in them. Pastoral and minstry burnout can be avoided as we invest ourselves in key people around us. May your seasons be many as ministers of the Gospel.


Who will win the PSU - Nortre Dame game this Saturday? I am a believer - the Nittany Lions, of course.

Five Steps to Becoming a Better Listener

We can improve our social life by becoming better listeners. I have been reading Proverbs during my early morning devotions. I am amazed at the number of times the writer says, "listen." I guess I should be counting them, but I haven't. Become a better listener by:

1. Committing yourself to real change. Change is a choice. I choose to learn to listen. Think about how listening better could change or improve your relationship with others.

2. Getting feedback from someone who knows you well. Ask a close friend how they think you can improve your listening skills. Speaking of friends, the Bible says, there is a friend that sticks closer to you than a brother. Have you talked to God about this?

3. Being watchful. Pay attention to your behavior. When are you most likely not to listen effectively? Pay attention to the habit that you are trying to change. Discipline one's self.

4. Using your failures as an opportunity. When you revert to your old habit of not listening, think about how you could have handled that situation better if it were to happen again in the future. I have learned this saying that was shared with me along time ago, "The only time you fail is the last time you try."

5. Keep on trying. Life is a school. No matter how well or bad one is doing, the key is to keep on trying and learning new approaches to doing things. Why keep doing the same thing over that you don't like about yourself? Try something different. This leads me back to the first step, change.

Labor Day Thoughts

Here are my thoughts regarding Labor Day:

ONE

It is a sign that summer is about to come to end and that I don't have much time left to enjoy my boating and water activities.

TWO

It's time for FOOTBALL!

GO PENN STATE!!!!!!

THREE

It's time to start getting prepared for winter.

FOUR

Labor Day is set aside to honor the hard work of the American people. I am reminded of the story in the Old Testament of Abraham who sent his servant on a mission to find Isaac a wife. As the servant sat at a well, we read:

Then he prayed, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, 'Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,' and she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too' — let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor. The girl was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever lain with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar and came up again. The servant hurried to meet her and said, "Please give me a little water from your jar." "Drink, my lord," she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, "I'll draw water for your camels too, until they have finished drinking." So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, ran back to the well to draw more water, and drew enough for all his camels. (Ge 24:12-21 NIV)

What I find interesting is Rebekah's willingness to go the extra step. She didn't have to do more than give the servant a drink of water. But she chose to water his camels too. Camels drink a lot of water. I read somewhere that camels are capable of drinking up to 35 gallons of water. Earlier in the chapter we are informed that the servant took 10 camels on the journey. Wow! Rebekah carried up to 350 gallons of water from that well. My point is not the exact amount of water. My point I want to make is that we see an individual who is desirous of not just settling for doing average or doing what is expected. She is set on excelling at what she does. She is set on doing the extraordinary! The New Testament says it this way, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17 NIV) Have a great Labor Day weekend!