One of the books that I treasure the most in my library is a book by Richard Foster titled Celebration of Discipline. I consider it a classic work. Foster writes about the importance of Christian Disciplines like – Meditation, Prayer, Fasting, Study, etc. I find his writing refreshing, challenging, and often counter-cultural. One of the disciplines that I’m working on in my life right now is journaling. For the last couple of years, I have been recording thoughts, quotes, observations, Scriptures, and experiences in a number of Moleskine journals that I religiously carry around with me. In addition, I’m learning how to better use the digital journal called Evernote as a means for capturing and recalling stories, articles, and resources. Journaling in this fashion has helped me in many ways. Don’t get me wrong, I’m far from an expert at this discipline, but I’ve benefited greatly from writing things down and recording them either by long hand or digitally. I’ve found that journaling can be fun, therapeutic, and a great avenue for continued growth and learning.

Let me admit that I haven’t posted anything on my blog for months. I’m making an effort to do better. My heart is to use this blog to share with you things I’m learning, thinking about, or experiencing. The other day I read something from author and playwright, Victor Hugo. He said: “There’s nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come.” It made me think about the importance of continuing to be open to new ideas. It’s so easy to get in a rut. Life can get rather boring and predictable if all we do is the same old thing day after day. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:18) We value our past but the real mission is to live today. Keep dreaming. Let God plant some new ideas in your heart and mind. It’s a powerful thing to think about what God wants to do in and through your life. What fresh ideas are going through your mind today?

 

The countdown to Easter is here. I’m super excited about several events taking place through the ministry of Park Hill Baptist Church.  Over the next nine days we are focused on the following:

 

MUSIC – The Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra will lead in worship on Sunday evening, April 17^th at 6:30 p.m.  Your heart will be blessed as they share “Raise the Crown”. Let the music of God’s People stir your soul and inspire you as we walk toward the Easter Sunday.

 

DISCIPLESHIP – We’re hosting a “Secret Church Simulcast”. We have the opportunity to join with many other sites as David Platt, pastor of The Church at Brook Hills, shares from God’s Word and helps churches pray for persecuted Believers around the world.  We meet in the Fellowship Hall at Park Hill from 6 p.m. – midnight on April 22^nd. I can’t wait to be a part of this time in the Word. Come expecting a blessing and to be challenged to be fully devoted.

 

CHILDREN – Saturday morning, April 23^rd at 10:00 a.m. we have 20 sites in N. Little Rock, Sherwood, and Maumelle that are going to offer Easter egg hunts. At each site the resurrection story will be told in a fresh and creative way to children and adults alike. More details on the church website: www.parkhillbaptist.org

 

EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES:  We would love for you to come and be in one of our Easter services at either 8:15 or 10:55 a.m. on Sunday, April 24^th. Together through music and message we will affirm that Jesus is Risen! No time in the calendar year is more exciting and meaningful to me than Easter. Because Jesus lives we have hope and promise.

 

These are days of great opportunity. Pray that lives will be changed for eternity.

I picked up a copy of Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s bestseller, Leading With the Heart recently. It’s hard not to be impressed with this coach’s success. His name and Duke basketball go together. I’ve already found some great quotes and motivational statements in my reading to this point. Here are just three samples worth thinking about and developing in your own mind.

 

On the subject of Teamwork he states: “In leadership, no word is more important than trust.”

 

In thinking about Handling a Crisis: “When you screw up, admit you are wrong. Apologize in front of the whole team. To admit a mistake is not a weakness, its strength.”

 

In writing on Getting Organized: “Recruit great individuals who are willing to be part of a team and who are coachable.”

 

These are just a few of the many helpful strategies I have picked up from reading this book. I love the beauty of how transferable his principles are to so many different areas of leadership.

 

I’m a little embarrassed to see how long it has been since I posted on my blog. Life does stay busy.

 

Every day I carry a small Moleskin notebook with me. I use this little journal to record what God is teaching me. This is a way to document some things that are worth remembering. Little by little pages of the notebook are filled up with what I consider helpful insights.

 

Here are just four recent quotes I have jotted down that made me think or reinforced what I believe. Perhaps by sharing these thoughts it will spur fresh insights in your life.

 

·         “Every great leader I’ve ever met has been a great reader.” – Jim Rohn (America’s business philosopher).

·         “Every Christian worth his or her salt reads the Bible from cover to cover every year.” – J.I. Packer (Theologian)

·         “God-sized dreams keep us on our knees in raw dependence upon God.” – Mark Batterson (Pastor)

·         “It is better to be faithful than famous.” – Teddy Roosevelt (President)