Month: November 2020

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving….and some might be saying, “This is 2020….global pandemic, political discourse, natural disasters…..what do I have to be thankful for?”

Hey, I’m right there with you!

I did a quick Google search on “being thankful” and came across a great article about writing a gratitude journal.

I’m certain the men in our group might be thinking, “I don’t have time to do something like a gratitude journal.”

How about this as a simple challenge…..spend time over the next few days with this list below. These are “teasers” … simple ways for you to think about all our blessings and even great conversation starters with family and friends.

• What is something you have today that you didn’t have a year ago?
• What is a personality trait in yourself that you are thankful for?
• What is a possession that makes your life easier?
• What do you like about your job?
• How are you able to help or give to others?
• What is a tradition that you’re grateful for?
• How does your family make your life richer?
• What are five positive memories from the last year?
• What are three good decisions you’ve made this year?

Last week, I closed out our lesson sharing a 2-minute video about “How to Love Your Enemies at Thanksgiving”. (Sharing it again below…)

We won’t gather this Friday…but we’ll wrap up next Friday, DEC 4th at Community Matters Cafe. I’ll have the Zoom up and running as well for those who can’t join in person.

Peace gents….!

Years ago, I heard Andy Standy give a sermon that said “maybe Mick Jagger was right all along…..”

No, you can’t always get what you want

You can’t always get what you want

You can’t always get what you want

But if you try sometime you find

You get what you need….

The Rolling Stones

Andy’s point in that sermon was more about God not always giving us what we want…but what we need.

Similarly, this week’s assignment, Chapter 9, talks about our wants….or really, our lack of knowing what we “want”.

Unlike “Reverend” Mick, however, this week’s chapter is more about figuring out what we want, then asking God to fulfill what’s in our heart.

A slightly different turn on that earlier sermon I heard years ago.

See what insight you pull from this week’s chapter as well!

David Parker leads us this week. Same Zoom as last week. Gather at 7:30 am ET then our lesson starts at 7:45 am ET.

Reminder that next week, NOV 27th, we’re off for Thanksgiving.

Then, for those that want to meet in-person, we’ll gather at the back room at Community Matters Cafe the following Friday, DEC 2nd. We’ll also have the Zoom up and running for those who can’t be in person that day.

This week’s video primer is below. I’ll see you on Friday!

Hopefully when you read this week’s chapter, “Find Your People”, that African quote will jump off the page to you as it did for me. This week’s lesson is all about “teamwork”…..something McManus refers to as “our tribe”.

Teamwork is not necessary a new Biblical teaching. But maybe something that’s not made a priority to many of us. With all the earthy focus on “wealth”, does this mean we put relationships aside, easily burning bridges?

I’m excited to lead this Friday and I’d ask that you come prepared to share stories of where you went at something alone….and when you went as a team.

Same Zoom invite as before. I’ll see everyone beginning at 7:30 am ET. Lesson starts at 7:45 am ET.

Chapter 8 video primer is below.

Peace!

I’m traveling this week for a guys’ golf trip to Arizona. But luckily, I’ve worked the tee times so I’ll be able to join our group on Friday morning. I know I’ll have a strong cup of coffee in front of me since the timezone is 2 hours behind Charlotte! It will be 5:45 am when I join you all!

Be gentle to me!

All kidding aside, just as the rebranding of our group states, there’s no better way to “start” my day than with you all.

Now, let’s talk about this week’s chapter: Chapter 7: Stand Your Ground. I’m planning on reading on the plane today but I’ve quickly watched the primer video (below). In that video, McManus asks “What matters most to you to stand your ground?“

I can’t wait to read the chapter today…because I can think of several times where I’ve stood firm on convictions…but that’s never an easy thing to do. In fact, many times, standing firm also means “standing all alone.”

But we are never alone when we stand firm with God. Amen….amen!

Tim leads us this week….can’t wait to hear him on Friday!

Have a great Thursday….I’ll see you guys Friday morning…Please gather at over Zoom at 7:30 am ET….and we’ll get going at 7:45 am ET.

Peace!