Tag Archives: Habits

Six-Pack (62)

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Welcome to this week’s edition of the Six-Pack.

Having missed last week’s post, a small stockpiling of great material has begun. Let me skim a half-dozen off the top for sharing.

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) 20 Unusual Things 20 Successful People Do Every Day (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
For Inc.com, Jeff Haden has compiled these intriguing bits. I love getting peeks into others’ processes for creativity or organization or life. To me, this stuff is fascinating. I especially appreciate Leo Widrich’s entry — I could get into that, though those around me likely want no part of it!

2) What Saint Paul Really Said About Slavery
Scot McKnight shares a brief excerpt from Sarah Ruden on this still-provocative topic.

3) Platt Wasn’t Enough for My Church
Andy Schmitz took over leadership of a church formerly led by David Platt… sort of. Here’s his take on the non-negotiable value of flesh-and-blood pastoring.

4) Seeking God, Finding Jesus
Nabeel Qureshi is the author of “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus”, and perhaps you should get to know him.

5) Twenty Years a Survior (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
The world recently marked the 20-year anniversary of Rwanda’s horrors. Many stories have been told. One you should hear is that of Clarisse Mukashumbusho, now living in London, Canada.

6) Are Mac Owners Really Cooler than PC Users?
Psychology Today picks at the famous commercials and their message.


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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Like a Drummer with Tourettes

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this-is-your-brain-on-gadgetsI can hardly see an egg frying without flashing back to those old ads:

This is your brain.
This is your brain on drugs.

My version:

This is your life.
This is your life on summer.

The past month of life has played out to the rhythm of a drummer with tourettes.  Fragmented portions of time, with half-completed tasks filling the gaps between Trip A and Event B and Emergency C and Surprise D. Rinse and repeat with no particular pattern.

Part of me says, “Hey that’s summer holidays.” Another part of me says, “Hey that’s enough!”  A month ago, I’d have told you–with some measure of satisfaction–that I had finally established some positive and productive patterns: Bedtimes and wake-ups, exercise and diet, reading and prayer.  It frustrates me to have no such things to talk about today; I’ve been undone by summer.

Some will laugh at one guy’s need for structure, but I just fail to find the steadiness I need without it. Haphazard hasn’t equated to health for me even once.

So I sit at the drawing board again, labouring to sketch our how to best re-arrive at a place I recently enjoyed and how to discover an even better stride for life.

YOUR TURN: As summer fades and routine re-enters, what life-patterns (if any) are you seeking to (re)establish for the year ahead?  Leave a comment to inspire or challenge another reader.  You make this post better!

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Sunday Six-Pack (43)

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Welcome to the weekend and to the Six-Pack. Below is the latest installment of best-of pieces I’ve recently read online. As per usual, most pieces are faith-focused or ministry-minded; others are covered under the banner of who-knows-what!

If you need direction, begin with my two *Picks of the Week*, and move out from there.

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

Today’s edition:

1) You’re Reading the Wrong Book of Esther
The Book of Esther occupies a controversial place in the Bible. So says Joel Miller. Check out this reflection on this unique book of Scripture.

2) I Am Sorry (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
Exodus International, a polarizing organization for its stance and approach to homosexuality, is closing after thirty-seven years. This apology letter by its leader is important reading for anyone wanting to enter the dialog. This response from Exodus spokeswoman Julie Rodgers supplements the follow-up conversation richly.

3) Three Things Churches Love that Kill Outreach
I have been part of churches all my life, and I have yet to be part of one where outreach appeared to be happening in a natural and unimpeded way. Some of these factors (from Church Leaders) have been tied into those struggles.

4) You Can’t Think Your Way to God (*PICK OF THE WEEK*)
This CT gem features an interview with Canadian philosopher and professor James K.A. Smith. The title isn’t nearly enough to summarize this rich reflection. Too much to sum up; go read. You will be given several logs that you’ve never before placed on your fire.

5) Ten Inspirational Leadership Quotes
I am a sucker for good quotes. This batch is from Personal Success Today. If even one of these does for you what it’s supposed to do (inspire), then the link will be worth posting.

6) Angry is a Habit
As is his practice, Seth Godin packs a punch in tiny package. Allow him to nudge you toward a plan on how to address that habit(s) that is holding you back.

Another Six-Pack served.  Have at it!

May the remainder of your weekend be full of awareness and enjoyment of the God who loves you deeply. Grace and peace, my friends.

YOUR TURN: Which link above was most useful–why that one? Direct others readers to the best of the bunch. Your input makes this post better!

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A Year in the Scriptures

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A year ago, I got myself organized by formatting our church’s Scripture reading schedule to fit neatly in my Bible cover. Below are three photos chronicling my success (and other things) in this venture:
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2012 Reading Schedule - Pic 22012 Reading Schedule - Pic 3A few observations may resonate with anyone who has ever tried to firmly establish a good habit:

1) Starting strong is admirable, but the real learning will take place miles from the gate you so eagerly burst forth from.

2) Life’s circumstances must be factored in. The birth of our third child, on May 28, and the rhythmic irregularities of summertime both had an obvious impact on my devotional habits.  “Creatures of habit” is sometimes tossed around as a derogatory term, but I view it as fact to be utilized wisely.  Craft the rhythms on which to build the habits, and you shape the creature you become. Do this wisely, but allow enough grace that you don’t despair when life’s special circumstances “interrupt”.

3) Reassessment and readjustment are key to ongoing success. Mid-November marked a conversation with my wife, in which we collectively planned how we desired to improve the scheduling patterns of our family life. The impact of those adjustments is obvious over the last six weeks of the calendar.

For any Christian – regardless of gender, age, or experience –  some form of Scripture diet is essential. I have never yet heard of a substantial spiritual life being cultivated apart from a love of Scripture.

A recent article by the Gospel Coalition offers five highly focused and practical tips toward developing one’s devotional habits.  If you have yet to settle upon a reading plan, do yourself a huge favour and choose one.  Numerous options can be found HERE or HERE.As well, you can view the Three Year Bible Reading Plan that our church uses. (We are just now entering year two of the cycle.)

If this habit is already well-established in your life, then you need little convincing to continue. If this habit is not yet established in your life, then today, this year, our gifts to you as entry points to the deeper realms of life available to all who seek God with all their hearts.

YOUR TURN: What have you discovered in your efforts to create Scripture and prayer rhythms in your life?  Any tips on what to do OR what not to do? Your input makes this post better!

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