Missionaries from Honduras Doing Missions in Haiti

Honduras or Haiti which country do you serve? Both are extremely poor. Both require and need help. Does it have to be one or the other? Is there not an option for both. Many times in any spectrum of our life we swing from one side of the pendulum to the other side as if there is always a black and white to every issue in life. In fact, much of life I am coming to realize is lived in the gray.

Last year we were scheduled to go to Honduras on a mission trip in August to serve with Mission Lazarus. However, due to unforeseen circumstances and being responsible for a group of teens we canceled the trip. I am disappointed that I did not have the chance to serve with an outstanding missional organization. I look forward to the future when one day I may have an opportunity to work and serve alongside Jarrod Brown and the other missionaries and staff at Mission Lazarus. (Photo courtesy of email attachment from Jarrod Brown.)

Since our first communication with Mission Lazarus in 2008 I have kept close tabs on their work with the orphans, coffee farm, preaching, medical clinic, and ranch all in an effort to reach the people of Honduras for their mind, body and soul.

I wanted to pass along the recent blog updates and video below about the work they have done in Haiti since the earthquake. This is taking the entire Story of redemption and the incarnation of Christ not only in their outreach, but to the ends of the earth. Below is a video from Haitian women singing in the midst of their pain.

Praises Amidst the Suffering from Meredith Jones on Vimeo.

Leadership 2.0...This Includes You

Recent conversation nugget between myself and a friend:

"Only 5% of leaders will realize a situation and make proper adjustments. Others will freeze in light of the current plight, the remaining portion will be in a cascading spiral of destruction."

This has been evident in the last few weeks within the political arena. This a current reality of the financial meltdown. In fact, this small statement is true with everything from marriages to churches to counseling.

To avoid this read about Leadership 2.0 and what is required for all leaders including, parents, spouses, CEO, ministers, and therapist.

Michael Hyatt describes the new leadership era on the Catalyst website as this:

"Leadership 2.0 embraces change. Like Web 1.0, old-style leadership was fairly static. Leaders resisted change and were more focused on preserving the status quo. However, Leadership 2.0 embraces change. New-style leaders are on the cutting edge of experimentation. If something doesn’t work, they change course quickly. They are more concerned about driving the right outcomes than maintaining business-as-usual."

Other things mentioned that this new leadership era needs to have; transparency, engagement, community, and a few other great nuggets.

Be sure to go over and read the remaining points from Leadership 2.0


(Photo: zowiedust)

The Book of the Shepherd Review

The Book of the Shepherd by Joann Davis is a short easy fable to read packed with bits of truth that we all need to be reminded of to help keep us focused.

The journey leads the reader down a road less traveled. A road of simplicity and connection.

Simplicity that our journey is made easier when we are seeking the One. Simplicity that this journey does not require the weight of extra bags that slows us down.

The reminder of connection is both external and internal. The importance of having relational connections with others on this journey. And the reminder that we must continually examine our connection to the One and the way of simplicity.

This could be a good book to read to children with the guidance of their parents. This would make a good book for those who like to be reminded of simple truth that we forget to often. This is not a book of theology nor is it intended to be a book of theology. It is a fable weaved with remnants and teaching about following "the Way."



Thanks to the Ooze Viral Bloggers for the opportunity to review this book. See a few pages of the inside of the book.

Is that the really the best price?

Call it my personality. Call it obsessive compulsive. Call it whatever you like, but sometimes I get annoyed by my persistence to get the best price on everything I buy.

Not sure what it is, but not only do I want the best price, I have to have the best quality. This does not mean I shop at fine stores. In fact it is quite the opposite. I shop on Craigslist and eBay to get the really good deals. And then go to Ross and TJ Maxx for most other wants.

I will even order or buy something and then check around to make sure I got a good deal.

Is this my compulsiveness to greed?

Or is it fair to say that I am really frugal?

Not sure, but is that really the best price?

What do you think; is there a better price?

(Image: ba1969)

Family Dynamics Lives Up to the Name

My expectations for conferences, non-profits, and training seminars has been pushed to the next level thanks to the people at Family Dynamics and there passion for creating a unique environment for marriages to be "dynamic."

Jessica and I went this past weekend to a facilitator training and were totally impressed that we cannot help, but think about our future marriage and helping other marriages as well. How is it possible to go to a conference not knowing anyone and leave the conference feeling as if you have a deep connection with people? Why would we be willing to share with strangers about our marriage struggles and joys? Well, the unique approach combines cognitive learning with experimental learning and when these two collide together it creates the perfect catalyst for good marriages to become great and ok marriages to go to the next level. It is unlike anything I have experienced. Yes, I have been to marriage conferences. I am a cynic when it comes to retreats, and "life changing" mountain top experiences. Yes, I am a counselor and have been to counseling and this is more than counseling. I believe every marriage across the nation should attend this 8-week class. This will have an impact not only on you, but your entire family.


Who should use the material from Family Dynamic?
This material needs to be used by every church, church plant, non profit, counselors, and any agency wanting to strengthen marriage.

What one thing could someone do to enhance their marriage?
Attend a Dynamic Marriage class in your area.

What if I am not trying to enhance my marriage, but save it from disaster?
Go to a Save My Marriage intensive 3 day conference.

What if I have a desire for marriages what can I do?
Become a Dynamic Marriage facilitators.

I look forward to our new partnership together and the lives that will be changed by Family Dynamics.

Why should I invest in my marriage?

Last Friday night, right before I got smacked down with body aches, chills and a fever Jessica and I spent some time reading His Needs Her Needs and doing some worksheets together to invest in our marriage. This is not only for our marriage, but yours as well as we learn how to become facilitators of a Dynamic Marriage.

Take some time this year to invest in your marriage. Read a book and discuss it together. Find a workshop or seminar in your area to attend together. Even consider seeing a counselor for a few sessions. This small investment this year in your marriage will pay off huge dividends in the weeks and years to come.

You can not expect your marriage to change by doing the same thing. You are not crazy or weird if you go to a counselor. Marriage is a joy, but marriage can be emotionally exhausting if you are not growing individually and together.

You take your car in for an oil change and mainteance or maybe you even DIY. Well, why would you not do the same for your marriage?

Invest...change the oil...do something this year to have a Dynamic Marriage.

(Photo: shho)

Are you a Linchpin?

I first want to say thanks to Seth Godin for allowing his tribe to grab a copy of this book by donating to the Acumen Fund. You know you are a Linchpin and a tribe leader when you ask for a small donation in exchange for his latest book and raise, at least in my estimates, over $100,ooo.

How do you describe a book you read in two days and underlined and marked it up as if I was taking an exam? Why would I be willing to reread particular parts of the book, including the chapter over resistance?

The one example that came to mind over and over was that of a Pez dispenser. Seth Godin writes a poignant book with every new chapter and subtitle. He cuts hard to the bone marrow, but leaves you remaining with a sense of awe and fascination with his style of writing. The Pez dispenser is similar to this book, you are fascinated by the one liners that seem to be filled on every page, so you continue to flip each page waiting for the next pez or one liner to wet your mouth for more so you can smash your lizard brain (gotta read the book to understand the lizard brain). However, this book deserves more than a Pez dispenser, because Pez dispensers are not unique, they have no sense of value, and more importantly they do not offer emotional investment or return. Pez dispenser are a veneer of art. You were made to authentic art . I know I am not an artist either. Art according to Seth changes people, therefore I am an artist. You are an artist, not a Pez dispenser.

Many will read this book, few will understand. We crawl to our caves either at home or work and rarely reach out to make the emotional connection with those closest to us. An emotional connection requires energy and effort beyond showing up, but we face resistance daily and allow the resistance and our lizard brain to take control.

Who is this book for? Everyone. You deserve more than what is given to you, but you must realize people are asking you to take a risk; to go beyond the sale, go beyond the meeting, go beyond the church walls, go beyond the 1 hour therapy session, this requires emotional labor. Take a risk and connect with someone and give them emotional labor.

The book is released Jan 26th.

Are you a Linchpin?

Read the Linchpin Manifesto

High Five to My Daughter

She gave me a high five the other day during the Cowboy's football game. Ok, she was not giving me a high five about the Cowboys that's for sure. She was giving me a high five because she loves her daddy and/or her daddy loves her!

Kennedie is nearing 23 weeks or 17 weeks remaining until her birth and I pray our life will be filled with high fives in the weeks, months, and years to come.

Do you think it will ever change?

Last night Jessica asked me "Do you ever think there will be a change in Christians getting a divorce?" Yes and no. We live in a world of sin and often as Christians we don't even confront our own sin, which leads to repentance and realizing God's sovereign grace. There has got to be a radical change in our churches and communities about divorce, marriage and relationships in general. I went on to talk about the need for understanding, teaching, and modeling of healthy relationships.

Let's face it, we have all been an emotional train wreck at some point in our life. Where did you go? Who did you turn to? Was there a relationship in your life you could find support and empathy? I am not convinced that people know how to handle his or her emotions and become self aware of the deeper pain and issue of our need for a Savior. We turn to many various forms of sin to mask our emotional pain and the veneer of healing. Unfortunately because our hurts happen through relationships, we put walls to the healing that comes from relationships.

There must be a change in our churches across the nation to become a place of wounded healers. A place were we do not simply wipe the tears away and add on "I'll pray for you." Seems like to me there are people who desire relationships within our church walls, but few who reciprocate.

I desire community. I desire a place for wounded healers. I desire for a change in Christian marriages. I desire to be in relationship with God and others.

What are your thoughts about the Christian divorce rate?


(Photo: SXC)

Traveled with Donald Miller

Ok...so I really didn't travel with him, but I read Through Painted Deserts this weekend while being laid up sick in bed. This is not a review of the book, I just wanted to capture what he learned while traveling from Houston to the Northwest. Ok...so I did not capture this, Don wrote it down and I wanted to share it with you.

"Relationships between men and women indicate something of the nature of God--that is He is relational, that He feels love and loss. It's a metaphor, and the story is about us; it's about all of us who God made, and God himself, just enjoying each other. It strikes me how far the commercials are from this reality, how deadly they are, perhaps. Months ago I would have told you life was about doing, about jumping through the religious hoops, about impressing other people, and my actions would have told you this is done by buying more possessions or keeping a good image or going to church. I don't believe that anymore. I think we are supposed to love our friends and introduce people to the story, to the peaceful, calming way of life."

We cannot try to reduce God down to logarithm (some math thing) or make Him fit in a perfect little box. God is a relational God. That's what I desire; to be relational with God and others. Through this I pray my life will overflow in worship, love, sacrifice, and living by faith.

(Photo depicts my mother sharing her overflowing love with a gentle woman in Abilene, TX)