Lessons from the Rose Bowl

Tonight I was watching the 2011 Rose Bowl - Wisconsin vs. TCU. In the first half, lots of the TCU offensive players were slipping all over the field. The announcers kept talking about their cleats and how they were going to have to overcome the issue. Just before halftime a "sideline report" told the story of TCU's specially designed cleats by Nike for the turf at the Rose Bowl. The team had received the shoes on Sunday but had apparently not tested them. The reporter asked the TCU Equipment Manager about replacing the cleats and they replied that they did not bring any backups.

An interesting scenario: How quick are we to abandon our old ways that got us to where we are, for a new and improved 'shoe?

I'm all for innovation, improvement and technology. Just a voice for not totally throwing out the 'old' until the 'new' is more proven.


In the end, TCU pulled out the 'W'...so maybe my thoughts are for not.

A re-blog: Is there room for me in your church?

I read this morning and can't get it out of my head.  While I don't get this feeling where I work, I can totally relate.  It is from a blog, tonymorganlive.com.  Here is a synopsis: 

People with spiritual gifts like mine aren’t welcomed in your church.

My spiritual gifts include leadership and administration and discernment. That’s how God has wired me. As a result of that mix of gifts, I think in terms of systems and strategies. I have the ability to walk into a chaotic situation and offer clarity and encourage simplicity. I can’t explain it, but God allows me to see the future in some situations and develop plans and next steps that help bring a vision to fruition.

Here’s the rub, though. Since my spiritual gifts don’t include teaching or prayer or shepherding, I don’t look or smell like the typical “Spirit-filled” pastor. When I start talking strategy and planning, people automatically assume that my counsel is being driven by my own strength and not God’s power.

I admit there are days when, like every Christ-follower, I try to take control of my life rather than embracing God’s control. I’m far from perfect. But I also know that the strengths that make me unique are God’s design for my life. I assume God wants me to use those gifts in the church. You’d be amazed, though, at how much my gifts are disdained within “Spirit-filled” churches.

Engaging the counsel of others won’t limit the Holy Spirit. Planning for the future shouldn’t constrict the power of the Holy Spirit. Learning from the experiences of other leaders and ministries doesn’t constrain the Holy Spirit. Bringing order and systems and strategic approaches certainly don’t stop the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers people like me to do all those things.

It’s crazy. In the business world, people like me are rewarded handsomely for helping to expand the business. When people use those same gifts to help expand the impact of the church, though, they’re doing something wrong.

Are people who have these gifts supposed to get jobs in the marketplace where their strengths are welcomed? Is there room for them in your church?

Social Media Replacement

MySpace, Twitter, blogashpere, BookFace, web2.0, social media, mobile sites, apps ...

Whatever it is, what is it replacing? All of these things are relatively new, so we all can probably remember a time in our life without them. Even though it has been within the last 5 years or so, it is hard for me to think about a time that I didn't spend extreme amounts of time with them.

I am not blasting them as tools of the devil.  Obviously that would be fairly hypocritical since I'm posting this on a blog.  The question is just, what has it replaced?  If hours of surfing to the end of the internet has replaced hours of TV watching, then the argument could be made that it is an upgrade (in some form or fashion).  But what if BookFace game apps and forums/chatrooms now take the time of more worthwhile activities.  With the plethora of options on laptops/smartphones to fill our time, the possibility of moving from worthwhile 'time-fillers' to wasting time can happen quickly, easily and often without us noticing it.

Again, this is not meant to be a condemning thought for others.  That's not my style.  In fact, more than anything,  this is condemning for ME.


Final Thought:  In a day, do you spend more time in/on social media, or The Word?

Skeptic

Top Three Things I am skeptical of:

3. Vehicles with more than 6 bumper stickers.  So, I get if you are passionate about something and want to promote it from the rear of your car, truck or SUV.  But there should be a limit to the number allowed.  Can you really care that much about your alma matter, your kids swim team, the place you vacation, your favorite NASCAR number, a witty (slightly offensive) saying, and the political party you voted for 3 years ago.  Pick one or two and be done.

2. 24 Hour News Channels.  You cannot convince me that there is enough NOTEWORTHY news to be reported on 24 hours everyday, 365 days a year...and 366 in a leap year.  I believe that on the occasion of an important, developing story, CNN, FoxNEWS, CSPAN, MSNBC etc. do serve a purpose.  All the other times they should play a looping aquarium or fireplace video.

1. Talk Radio Personalities.  Now, I know you are thinking this has some sort of political slant, maybe it does, maybe it doesn't.  Nonetheless, there is not 3 hours of important things to talk about everyday, 365 days a year...366 in leap year.  If it was volunteer work, and you were that passionate about it...I could listen.  But since their paycheck is directly related to how much they talk, they cannot just come on the air one day and say, "Well, I covered pretty much everything yesterday.  See ya tomorrow".   SO, they have to find things to rant and rave about to keep food on their table.  

I guess when you boil down my skepticism, it has to do with passion.  I totally can follow and am myself passionate about a few things.  God, my family. (And try to live like that everyday.) But when 'passion' gets spread so thin that it covers the back of your SUV, or is required 24/7 about minuscule things, just to get paid; I am skeptical.