Claimed, gathered and sent

The first step to promoting vision is to align personal values. According to Leading Coherently, “…leadership performance was markedly aligned to values and purpose, both in character and behavior” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 53). One can only lead out of who he or she is. Hesselbein states, “…leadership is a matter of how to be, not how to do it … in the end we know that it is the quality and character of the leader that determines performance and results” (Levesque, 2003). Step two is listening to your followers. “To attract people from divergent backgrounds and interests, you must discover what aspirations, goals, needs, and dreams they have in common” (Kouzes & Posner, 2002, p. 161). This can be accomplished in any number of ways: eating lunch with employees, being more visible, and “hanging out” (Kouzes & Posner, p. 168). Step three is aligning visions which is “…the process of bringing individual visions into agreement with each other so they support and

We have all had those impossible looking chasms to cross while holding on for dear life to God's promises. Gifted for Leadership has a great post concerning that. Check it out. What do you think? Is this something you can identify with?

An interesting series is taking place at Jim Wallis' blog. I just read part two of five on social justice. The author is a Vineyard pastor, a group which rightly or wrongly I always associated with typically conservative, charismatic, evangelical convictions. This may be the case generally, but this pastor is well aware of the bigger picture: what the kingdom of God is about. Take a look.

My husband Ray, “used adversity to sharpen … vision for how … to invest in … life.” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, pp. 34-35). Ray is blind. Born prematurely, concerned for lung development, pure oxygen use caused blindness, though he retained sight until 26 years old. Ray “seized and created leadership opportunities” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 35), leading a productive life, making Eagle Scout, serving on student council, and when blind, was assistant scoutmaster. Following college, Ray taught until deteriorating eyesight hindered him. Ray “used early work experiences to refine and clarify [his] leadership purpose” (Stanford-Blair & Dickman, 2005, p. 35). Having completed rehab, Ray started work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for Rhode Island . Retiring after 28 years, Ray wrote: I hoped … individuals… could use me as a role model; since being blind, I could demonstrate … with training, the necessary accommodations, and …understanding … of an

Several things are striking about Ezekiel 20:1-32 . The first is God’s response via Ezekiel when the elders of the people came to “inquire of the Lord” (Ezek 20:1). It sounds like a good thing that they would want to seek God’s will. We are not told what they wanted to ask and “guesswork is pointless in view of Yahweh’s total repudiation of any right or privilege … to inquire of him about his designs.” [1] He responds with a detailed, painful history of disobedience despite God’s mercy and blessing. Things are not always, as they seem because “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart ” (1 Sam 16:7). Personally, to discern and not take things at face value is something perhaps we all need to work on. Repeatedly God blesses his ancient people and bestows grace upon grace, yet they spurn his overtures and rebel against him. He does not let go, however. This is even hinted at after the litany of disobedience and rebellion. “You say, ‘We want to be like the

Centered Life: Connecting Sunday to Monday on the Luther Seminary website has a short quiz to see how centered your life is. These are my results. How did you do? Imagine a life of belonging, identity and meaning centered in Christ that is: Awakened to God's presence in your life Called to live your faith in every situation Set free to contribute your unique gifts to God's work in the world Nurtured and supported by a community of faith Your profile: Awakened - 35 (7 mean) Called - 34 (6.8) Set Free - 34 (6.8) Nurtured - 35 (7)

This is my most recent Ezekiel exegesis for my class on the prophets. Ezekiel 16:1-43 I. Historical/Cultural Context This figurative narrative or allegory, from the beginning of the monarchy or earlier, [1] is a striking departure from Amos’ and Hosea’s depiction of Israel ’s beginnings at God’s call from Egypt , describing her then as innocent. Contrast Ezekiel: Israel viewed as hopeless from beginning, Canaan her origin. “The twists to the familiar theme are designed to shock…people out of their complacency.” [2] At maturity, Yahweh weds Jerusalem because of “…the contractual nature of marriage, the spousal relationship lent itself to expressing the centrality, permanence, and emotive content of the covenant bond between God and people.” [3] Graphic in nature, an early rabbi, “Eliezer … forbade … liturgical use…though… retained in the lectionary, it was stipulated that it must …be followed by its [greatly sanitized] targum ( m. Megillah 4.10).” [4]