Articles
Fluency
Published by on November 13th 2009
I spent the summer before my last year of college in France. Having studied the language for six years, I decided that a couple of months of immersion would be the best way to solidify my fluency. I had an offer to live and work in Paris but that job would have had me speaking English during the workday. Plus many Parisians are bilingual even though they are reluctant to admit it. So I scorned that opportunity in favor of work at a bank in the town of Dijon. Dijon was a train ride south of Paris in the heart of the Burgundy region and yes, they make the mustard too.
The Family Meal—is it Possible?
Published by on November 11th 2009
What is the “family” meal? Is it sitting around the television with a paper plate? Is it grabbing a bite in the car on the way home?
I am not trying to make anyone feel guilty because I know things have changed since my kids were young. We didn’t go out to eat much then, but now my 5 year old granddaughter doesn’t ask me what I am cooking, she asks me where we are going to eat!
Should I go digital or analog?
Published by on November 9th 2009
Most of the solutions that I use in my department as far as audio and video are digital and/or computer based. However, I do try to stay analog as often as possible. I’m sure that there will be a day when analog is completely out of the picture, but until then, I’m sticking to my guns as long as I can…especially in the video world.
No Teaching Allowed
Published by on November 6th 2009
I started attending a new Men’s Group a few weeks ago on Wednesday mornings. A good friend of mine set it up, and invited me on one condition: that I not teach or lapse into being “teachy”. A bit offended, I asked him exactly what he meant. Here’s what I learned…
Avoiding the Parkinson Laws
Published by on November 2nd 2009
C. Northgate Parkinson lived from 1909-1993, was a famous British economist and was also known for many other accomplishments. Here are three laws he identified that relate to our world today.
The Ministry of Giving
Published by on October 30th 2009
This week I had the opportunity to attend a two-day seminar geared for the church administrator. The Ultimate Financial and Legal Conference covered such topics as budgeting, procedures, employment law, internal controls, risk management and more. With such an ambitious name, the conference organizers needed to deliver – and they did – even bringing in the closest thing to a rock star in church law, Richard Hammar!
Some of my best takeaways however, came from a breakout session facilitated by Sherrye Willis of the Faith & Philanthropy Institute (www.fpiweb.org). She shared some foundational fundraising principles. Here are a couple of highlights:
Orange You Glad You Love Jesus?
Published by on October 28th 2009
Fall is such an exciting time of year. It makes me think of football, pumpkins, leaves, and the smell of cinnamon. What a great time to remind the kids of our many blessings—especially Jesus!
Pick Up The Pace
Published by on October 26th 2009
A former staff member contacted me last week to say thank you for some suggestions I had shared during a staff development meeting. Frequent infusions of encouragement and motivation should be a staple in your staff meetings. What I had shared that day were some self-improvement tips that I’ve picked up over the years. If you’ve known me for very long, then you’ve heard a truism that goes something like this . . . speed of the leader, speed of the team.
