I get it now ...

[ht: petewilson]

Perspective

I am doing a message on perspective this next week. 

I am wondering if we view our situations in light of God's work in our life or if some of our experiences are because of "lifeinstance"?  

How does one's perspective on/about life shaped?  Is it a matter of your glass being half full/empty?  Discuss ... 

Not necessarily the direction I am going but just want some feedback.

Back on baby!

I took a necessary break from blogging and my blogroll.  Just felt a little informationed - out!

I am back and plan to blog a little more frequent than once every three weeks.  

What have you recently got burned out on?

The 30 Day Sex Challenge

I've signed up for the challenge! Now, to tell Melissa . . .

I know what I think about this challenge. What do you think about this challenge?

We all want to belong | Fit in!

This came from the Director of Community at a church in the Midwest. It was a wake up call to be aware of the obvious - and aware that people matter and want to belong. It's up to us to help facilitate that.

"At 8:15 this past Sunday morning, I see this guy wandering in the area near staff mailboxes and the bathrooms. He doesn't seem like he's waiting for anyone. He doesn't stop anyone to ask for direction. (I was one of at least 3 people who walked by him.) He is definitely looking around. Yeah, he is out of place. I don't stop him. I don't inquire. I just noticed. (Not my proudest Director of Community moment!)

Less than 5 minutes later, I now see him in the atrium wandering but definitely uncomfortable. The only other people are a few staff and volunteer leaders setting up for the day, and some GCC regulars meeting early for coffee. He stood out again. He's looking around. Weird. What is he doing?

Wait. He's making a move. He starts walking toward the exit doors with determination. For whatever reason, I now decide that if he has just stalked the place, I should probably say something to let him know he was noticed.

Just as he's opening the second set of doors to reach the cold air, I reach him. "Can I help you find anything?" With a slight dialect of another language, "Well, I was supposed to serve today. It was my first time, but I can't find where I'm supposed to go. So..." Feeling like a complete schmuck, "Ohhhh. We can find the team. Let me help you." Within 2 minutes, we found the team leader, made the introduction, and poof! Connection made! I saw him later that morning serving confidently.

People are uncomfortable when they take a step. It's new. They don't know what to expect. They don't do what seems obvious to us who are already connected. Really! Yes, I know it doesn't make sense. Virtually everyone in the building at that time could have helped him. He only needed to ask. He did not feel comfortable to stop anyone.

Taking a step is a big deal. I want to be noticed - to be significant - to connect - to fit in. At the same time, I don't want to be noticed as different - as not fitting in. I am glad I had this glimpse into the experience of our people. It gives me passion to do all that we can to make it easy for them."

Guest Services of the future

I saw this on the internet and thought how cool to have more of these roaming malls, churches, amusement parks. Having a set place is good for map purposes but . . . I know which one is more inviting for me.

What about you?

We like me ... and others like me.

I saw this picture from a friend's blog today:

It's just another reminder of how businesses work hard to find things in common with their audiences. How can a church or should a church work harder at it, too?

It can be done in the most simple ways...got milk?