Monday Ten

Today's list of ten are random things that are going on in the neighborhood.

1. Living in the Ozarks will always keep you hopping. Saturday was sunny and 68. Today, it's snowing and 36. Next Thursday it will be 74. Stupid groundhog!

2. My family experienced a little sadness and a lot of joy last week when my wife's grandfather passed away. Fortunately, he was a Christian and today is in Heaven with Jesus.

3. The church we attend baptized 248 people at our two campuses this past weekend. Watching people go public with their faith in Jesus is an awesome sight.

4. Next week is Spring Break. A golf course is calling my name.

5. I don't know about you, but I couldn't take my eyes off the amazing video coming out of Japan last Friday. Such a terrible tragedy. I only hope the people of Japan will turn to Jesus during this time.

6. I was filling in for our morning show host Friday. The reporter in me got a chance to come back to life, as I kept listeners updated on the tsunami as it hit Hawaii and the west coast.

7. My friends at the Convoy of Hope are doing what they can to help Japan. You can help too by donating through them.

8. The radio station I work for is experiencing some of the busiest times ever in my history here. I'm having to delagate some stuff just to get my daily chores completed.

9. This past week, the man who dreamt the dream that became KWFC passed away. He was only 22 when he approached Baptist Bible College about starting a Christian radio station in the Ozarks.

10: Lesson from #9: Young people can change the world.

Disaster in Japan

Today's earthquake and tsunami has ravaged Japan, especially the northern part of that island country.

To help in recovery efforts, text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10 to Convoy of Hope's Disaster Response efforts. Message and Data Rates May Apply.

New Version of the New American Bible

Today, the New American Bible releases its newest revision of the scriptures. This Bible contains heavy Catholic influences, but was also influenced by a wide range of Christian theologians.

This version of the Bible is primarily for Catholic audiences, and the notes contained throughout will reflect this.

What do you think? Do we need to constantly revise our Bible versions? And, what do you think of some of the changes the NAB has made? Review this link and let me know.

NRB Comments: Chuck Swindoll

I spent most of last week at the National Religious Broadcasters annual meeting. The keynote address on the last night was delivered by Insight for Living's Chuck Swindoll. Here are some notes from his address.

I should tell people how I feel about them now rather than later. Later seldom comes.

Things I'm not even aware of are being noticed and remembered by others.

Little things mean so much to people.

Being real is a lot better than being religious.

Authenticity will keep you from a lot of problems.

When you fit, things flow. When they don't, they have to be forced. When God is in it, there is a flow. When it has to be forced, it tends to be a mistake.

It doesn't pay to talk anybody into or out of a big decision. Pushing & pulling has big consequences.

Days of maintainence are a lot more in number than days of magnificence.

Most of ministry is just plain hard work.

Some people aren't going to change, no matter what.

I seldom feel sorry for things I did not say.

4 gates to run what we say through:
1. Is it confidential?
2. Is it true?
3. Is it necessary?
4. Is it kind?

Perception overshadows reality.

Time spent with my family is always worth it.

Grace is worth the risk.

Stop saying "never" and "always."

Thinking theologically pays off big time.

Some things are worth the sweat.

You can't beat having fun.

NRB 2011

I just returned from my first ever trip to the National Religious Broadcasters convention, and I must say that it was time well spent. Not only did I learn some great stuff, but I also connected with some wonderful people.

I'll have more details and pictures later. For now, I'm resting and recovering from the long trip.

Blogs to Read

Once in a while I will re-direct you to some blog posts worth reading. Today is no different.

My pastor, Tommy Sparger, writes "The 15 Commandments for a Great Church."

John Maxwell writes a good post on understanding people.

And, this soon-to-be-adoptive mom is giving away an iPad and iPod Touch on her blog.