Thursday Thanks (11-15)

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 two-year venture into which I’ve only begun.

Having missed last week, I am striving for a double dose this week! Keep an eye out for a second post.

1)  Comedy
Two weeks ago, my sweetheart and I enjoyed an evening listening to the stories of Danny Bhoy. This week, the untimely passing of John Pinette reminded me yet again that I do love funny people!

2) Sweeping
Of all household chores, sweeping might be one of my favourites. The labor is light enough to be done quickly, but the satisfaction of seeing results is immediate. My broom and I made a dramatic impact on my garage this afternoon!

3) Slurpees
With Spring apparently on its way (for real), I indulged in my first slurpee of the year this week. The clerk at the corner store near my office definitely sees me more in the summertime!

4) Play-Doh
Our church is incorporating Play-Doh as a key ingredient in our upcoming Sunday assembly. Who can resist that stuff?

5) Mio
A small bottle of this juice mix is tucked in my desk drawer. And thanks to it, my water consumption has been way up in the last two weeks! Mio, I salute you.

 

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?

[You can subscribe to this blog via RSS or email, in the upper right corner of this page.]

Spring Renewal

SR2014_Logo_Black_LargeLast week’s scheduled blogging got overrun by the final details ahead of our church’s annual weekend event: Spring Renewal. The worship was rich, lessons were profound, and fellowship was sweet. If you were there, you know what I mean. If you weren’t, check out what you missed and leave some slack in April 2015 — details will form over the months ahead.

For tonight, a rest.

Later this week, back on the blogging horse!

 

Six-Pack (61)

Welcome to the latest edition of the Six-Pack, delivered right on time! Grab your coffee, choose your comfy chair, and settle in!

This week’s collection features the usual mix of ministry, faith, and anything else that piqued interest. I think you’ll be pleased, provoked, and pushed.

If six ever feels overwhelming, start with my two *Picks of the Week*, and move out from there.

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) Dallas Willard Changed My Ministry Forever (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
Dallas Willard’s books (particularly “Divine Conspiracy”) will forever hold spots on my “best of” list. Looks like Chris Nye might agree as he reflects on the late author and teacher impacted his life and work.

2) The Secret Pain of Pastors
For Churchleaders.com, Philip Wagner considers some of the challenges faced by those in ministry roles. Friends of mine have faced every one of these in huge doses — I know a few firsthand myself.

3) Are Sex and Religions Natural Enemies? (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
I like to think about religion. I like to think about sex too, sometimes I visit some website about it too. Naturally, this article struck my chords then. I think some of the basic premise is a bit goofy, but there are fascinating bits in here, all the same.

4) Here’s How Maria Popova Writes
I’ve long been fascinated with how creative people create — artists, musicians, writers, whatever. Here, CopyBlogger caught up with writer Maria Popova. There’s some great stuff in this interview.

5) The Disney Recipe
When Jeffrey Katzenberg became the head of Walt Disney Studios, he was given the task of fixing what was broke. For direction, he turned to archived wisdom from Walt Disney himself. He learned a few things. You might too.

6) How Much Can an Extra Hour’s Sleep Change You?
This study, summarized by BBC, says: Quite a lot!


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.

[You can subscribe to this blog via RSS or email, in the upper right corner of this page.]

Thursday Thanks (6-10)

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 two-year venture from when I started last week!

1) Guacamole
I’m looking at a bowl of the great green stuff as I type. My wife turned an avocado into a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness with her magic wand, and it’s easy to be grateful for.

2) Feet
Today we took our girls skating for the first time. One loved it; the other not so much. I was reminded of all the marks of learning this winter skill — pushed-beyond-the-limit balance, dependence on another (me in this case), and sore feet. But there’s something pleasant to me about having skates tightly tied, compacting feet inside those bladed boots. And for whatever reason, slipping my skates off made me think, “Man, I’m glad I have feet to hold my skates in place!”

3) Frozen
For “family night”, we rented this movie off of our Apple TV. It’s cute with some great songs, and it tickled my daughters’ hearts. And that tickles mine!

4) Water
When given a list of drink options, the most classic choice on the menu is not typically mine. But this glass beside me with its few ice cubes inside — it’s hitting the spot. And the heated version that will spray on to my head before bed tonight — I’m particularly fond of it!

5) Chiropractors
Two weeks ago, in our hockey finale, I damaged/tore some cartilage in my ribs. It was terribly tender for a week. One week later, it’s nearly healed up, thanks to a perceptive chiropractor and his trusty ultrasound gun. Consider me amazed!

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?

[You can subscribe to this blog via RSS or email, in the upper right corner of this page.]

Stoke Your Passion

A little girl does some sweet back-seat conducting of her church’s choir!

What are you that passionate about?!