At our conference Orders Event a few weeks ago, we talked a lot about being anxious. The talk was from a systems theory perspective and focused on how pastors need to be non-anxious participants in the system to effectively lead change and help the system to be healthy. I’m not going to comment on the…
Longing for Crocus…
17 months ago, I planted nearly a thousand bulbs at our parsonage. While that sounds like a lot, let me tell you, a bag of 100 crocus bulbs are cheap and they plant easily when the soil has already been worked up and is ready. It was a lot of hard work, but the results…
Why you shouldn't share goals in fundraising
I made a rookie mistake during my first donor visit a few weeks ago. I announced, proudly and out loud, what our conference goal was. To me, it seemed like a no-brainer. People what to know what you are trying to accomplish. They want to see the finish line and know how far we have…
salvaging a forgotten purpose
Six years ago, I purchased a FranklinCovey planner. And then technology changed and I started keeping track of my calendar through gmail and with a smart phone it is so convenient to have that electronic copy everywhere. The planner had long since been hiding in a closet. But as I have been traveling and having…
My Book of Resolutions
Resolution 2013.1 WHEREAS, my change in job has caused some stress in my family life WHEREAS, stability is sometimes more important than flexibility WHEREAS, I need to remember this job is a marathon, not a sprint THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that I will prayerfully (and with consulatation from my husband) discern my schedule in the…
Batteries
I hopped in my car last night to go get some chinese food for our quiet little new year’s eve. We had movies and the first season of Spartacus to keep us company until the ball dropped and it was a new year. I turned the key in the ignition…. Nothing. No little sputters. No…
Imagination
At every training event I have hosted I ask this question: Why do we call ourselves “Imagine No Malaria”? What is that little word, “imagine” doing in there? Usually, the first response I get is a reference to John Lennon. But then people think for a bit. And their faces start to light up. They…
Vision, Mission, Money and Imagination
I love my new ministry as the coordinator for Imagine No Malaria in our conference… but I often have a hard time explaining why. While there are similarities with local church ministry (which I also love), so many aspects of this position are drawing upon gifts in new and different ways. But because I am…