Sep
25

Library?

By · Comments (0)

So this week I am moving some things around in switching an office setup, and the short of it is that I will be reducing the amount of space I intend to use for a library.  This is by choice for you see this reduction is coming right on the heels of reading a book called the Laws of Simplicity.  Good read, though the author is a bit crude at times.  One of the things that really stood out to me is the need to reduce clutter.  I have worked through this in the last few weeks just with stuff that has cluttered my living space, and wow, it has been great!  Now look out office.  What about those resources that are quite frankly past their prime?  Some books and resources will never grow out of date, whereas others are done.  So part of the issue is moving on past some books that I know in seven years at least I have not cracked open once!

But part two is really about how we use print now period.  As I move a bookshelf, I am clearly refining what I take.  And the reality is, I am becoming more and more tied to my computer and iPhone for research, news, and now books.  As a matter of fact, just today I landed on scribd.com after reading a news article about this newcomer.  Apparently this resource not only joins the fray in short-circuiting the wait to get knowledge at your fingertips, but is now propelling new authors ahead by helping them produce and provide content in short order.  With that said, obviously much caution is needed in selection of who is writing what on what subject.  However, what an expanse so readily available.  It is wait and see for me with resources like scribd, but there will certainly be books in my own collection hitting the door in the next week.

Do you have an outlet for online books that you have been pleased with?  Also, what are the mainstay books in your library?  Let me know, my library is shrinking!

Sep
14

Coaching

By · Comments (0)

Well a new Upward Football season is under way.  My son and I are having a ball so far, though this role as coach is new to me for this sport.  What a great program though, especially for the helps that they make available for coaches both in print, DVD, and online.

How many times have you wished that you had a resource or resources to help you as you coach in your ministry, business, and in life relationships in general.  Today, I had the great opportunity to have my commitment to coaching others in life renewed and resourced.  Just a few years ago I benefited directly from having a personal coaching experience through GiANT Leaders.  This invaluable time with the coach, and with a cohort of others leaders helped me to think critically, plan, and execute key issues in my own personal and professional development.

Leaders in our state church network held a conference at Parkview Baptist Church in Tulsa.  One of the critical tools was a book called Coaching 101, plus check out more information at Coach Net.  This type of leadership and relationship is different.  But, the way in which it happens shifts this type of leading to an entirely different level of direction and accountability.

I thank the Lord for those who continue to point the Way in my life, consider some of these resources to give you direction as you lead others.

Jul
27

Family Vacation

By · Comments (5)

Last week our family returned from a fun, quick trip to Ouray, Colorado.  The “million dollar highway” was a thrill to drive, and the views were postcard spectacular.  It is a cool little town with a neat hot-spring pool, plus a hiking trail on the perimeter of town that is stunning.  We broke up our trip on the way with a stop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where you can’t beat a night at El Pinto, and Old Town Albuquerque.

The trip was refreshing for me, and I am reminded of the simplicity of Jesus’ action to often go away to the hillside to pray.  Time with family, priceless.  I thank God for our fun, laughs, swimming, hiking, pit-stops, movies; it was a ball.  The re-charge is invaluable.

I am still having a blast learning how to use our camera, a Sony a300, so after taking a ton of pictures and weeding through the keepers, I discovered a problem.  No big deal, just the images still needed some tweaks with exposure, clarity, crop, etc.  I discovered an open source photo editor, Picnik, and it rocks!  It is as fast as lightning both in uploads, downloads, and in editing itself.  Check out these pics and also Picnik.

Jun
18

Sweet 16 with Jennifer

By · Comments (0)

I am blessed.  Period.

God granted me His incredible favor 16 years ago today with Jennifer, my wife, companion, helpmate, and soul-mate.  Life for me is so full and rich sharing it with her.  It is hard to imagine the capacity to love more, but somehow, through the years love becomes deeper, richer, and more fantastically complex.  So now I am learning that 16 years from now, we will experience love in even greater ways!

My take-away from 16 years: be a servant.  Marriage is not about what’s in it for you.  Marriage is about giving, serving, sharing, encouraging, sacrificing.

Jennifer, I love you with all of my heart.  I am so thankful for what we have shared, and what we will share in the future.  You love the Lord.  You are so beautiful.  You are an incredible mom.  You make my life so full.

Thank you Lord.

Categories : Marriage and Family
Comments (0)
May
22

Upward Soccer 2010

By · Comments (0)

Another sports season has come and gone in the Griffin home.  Way to go Emily on a great great season of hard work.  Our team, the Cheetahs (not cheaters!) had a ball together and everyone worked so hard to have a fun time at games and practices.

Kudos to all the leaders who make Upward at our church a success!  Check out the sports ministry at 146recreation.com.  And if you’d like a confirmation on the power, fun, and encouragement that Upward Sports is to a family, take it from me as a parent and as a coach, it’s a blast.

As a minister this gives a great opportunity to connect with families in the community, and to be able to share clearly about our hope in Jesus Christ.  As leader development, an experience like coaching 8 energetic 1st graders can also help refine clarity in communication, teamwork, patience, getting back up after bumps and bruises, and the like!

Thanks Emily and Cheetahs for an awesome season!