Parenting: Things to Notice

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andyandrews4Andy Andrews has been called “America’s Noticer”. He recently released a for-purchase parenting program. Ahead of that, he released four free videos that are worth sharing.

They can be found at Andy’s website or by clicking the links below:

Moms and dads: What you do matters so much! Throw yourself into it — the blessing of the experience will flow to both you and your kids.

 

Six-Pack (67)

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Welcome to the Six-Pack!

My apologies for missing last week — I heard no rumblings of revolution, so I think we’re all right. Back at it with the six worth-sharing pieces from recent days — about ministry or faith or who-knows-what!

If a half-dozen feels daunting, start with the *Picks of the Week*, and move out.

For a steady stream of such links, follow me on Twitter to the right of this post.  Sharp quotes and solid articles are tweeted 3-4 times daily.

Today’s edition:

1) We Don’t Need Another Hero (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
Sean Palmer takes issue with the relatively recent fascination everyone has with their “stories” — one particular issue. Bang on!

2)  What Cessationists Really Think About the Supernatural
Moving from what I describe as a Cessationist mentality into a life increasingly intrigued by the Holy Spirit, I was curious to see what Charisma Magazine would have to say in an article with that title.

3)  Clark Pinnock: Postmodern Pioneer
One of my favourite theologians was a Canadian man named Clark Pinnock. Capable of ruffling feathers and stirring pots while remaining absolutely humble and gracious, he passed away in 2010. This article of reflection back on his life and contributions was touching to me.

4)  Fundamental Greatness: The Oral History of Tim Duncan
I’ve been an ardent Tim Duncan fan since he entered the NBA many moons ago. This collection of quotes and comments is a fascinating chronicling of the “Big Fundamental’s” storied career.

5)  Six Subtle Things Highly Productive People Do Everyday (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
I like to think I’m productive; I like do dream how much more productive I could be. This piece from Business Insider has some valuable tips and reminders to get you closer to whatever productivity goals you’ve got set.

6) How One ADD Writer Focuses and Cranks Out Drafts
Jessi Stanley shares her approach for how to stop thinking and how to “get at it”.

May your week ahead be filled with life, as you seek the One from whom it flows!

leaveacommentYOUR TURN: Your input makes this post better!

  • Which link above was today’s best-of-the-best?
  • Why that one?

Direct others to the best of the bunch with a quick comment.

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Thursday Thanks (46-50)

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fiveEach week (I aim for Thursday), I’ll use this space to list five things (items, experiences, people, whatever) for which I’ve been recently grateful. Consider it my “blessings count”. Ann Voskamp’s famous challenge to list 1000 gifts seemed daunting — I’m committing to 500, a task which will take me two years of weekly posts to complete!

I missed it last week altogether, as I was too busy aging by a year!

Back to being grateful!

1) Sheets
With summer officially here, we recently changed the sheets on our bed to something other than flannel. I visited this page to find a local laundry mat so I can get my sheets cleaned. Whether it’s laundry days or seasonal changes, why do I so love the feel of clean sheets?

2) Bikes
Beautiful weather and city street construction have give me multiple reasons to love riding my bike to work lately.

3) Spurs
I haven’t cared so much about sports series as I do about the NBA Finals, in I-don’t-know-how-long. The Spurs knocking out the Heat would be a thing of beauty. Love that team!

4) Theology Books
Studying for a lesson series on the Holy Spirit, I was blown away by portions of writing from Gordon Fee and Clark Pinnock. Crystal-clear language about beyond-description truths — these are marvelous to me!

5) Exact
That’s the brand name of Superstore’s razors that I have recently begun using. The quality seems great, and they’re a fraction of every big-brand version of I’ve been scammed into paying for. Cheap and smooth — that’s how I like to be!

Zemanta Related Posts ThumbnailYOUR TURN: Your input makes this post better!

  • Did any of this week’s list especially strike a chord with you?
  • What’s one thing you’re particularly grateful for this week?

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Summer Spirituality

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typewriterOccasionally, I compose short pieces for our church bulletin. While most would consider 250 words or less shorter than the ideal blog post, allow me to share one such recent post below. If such articles are useful to you or your church for similar use, consider permission granted. Please just tag on my blog address for the sake of reference.

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SUMMERTIME

In one of Malcolm Gladwell’s books, he writes about a trend that can be observed in the average student’s life. On a graph, it would look like a slow, steady incline up from Point A to Point B. Then it would drop somewhat steeply down to Point C, from where another slow, steady incline would begin This pattern would continue a dozen times or so. Statistical research from US educational systems showed that students learn throughout a given school year (the slow, steady incline), but then “lose ground” during the leisure of summer holidays. The next grade then demands some “catch-up” before new progress can be added to last year’s development.

Gladwell’s observations centered on how important summertime was and how much power it held for children whose families were involved in “continuing the learning” when school dismissed. This didn’t need to look like formal class; generally, it showed up in family vacations, day camps, museum visits, library books, and meaningful conversations. Children with less supportive families or less financial means were more apt to sit in front of the TV or wander the neighbourhood. The point: Downtime matters!

What’s your summer plan for spiritual growth? Do you have one? I hope you’re considering attending a camp or helping with one of our summer ministries, reading something Christ-centered or generating some visits that move beyond Roughriders and cheeseburgers.

The Father works to move us “from glory unto glory”; be sure you have a summer plan conducive to such wondrous work!

 

Darcy Oake

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I love me a good magic trick.

Darcy Oake, a Canadian trying out on Britain’s Got Talent, has one for you…