Month: January 2021

Surely all of us can relate to that statement….”Daddy…are we there yet?” You’ve either said it….or heard … or even both!

This week’s homework is reading Chapter 2, “Love Lessons for Leaders”. I’m signed up to lead…but am only half-way there….but I promise to be done with the chapter later today….getting us to the “destination” in plenty of time!

As I’m half-way through, I’m finding that the title is a little misleading. Maybe the second half of the chapter brings home some “love lessons”. Or perhaps it’s a play on words.

The chapter is a great continuation of the “don’t be a jerk” theme from last week, if that’s any consolation.

Same login for the Zoom meeting as last week. I’ll look forward to some quick fellowship at 7:30 am with you all. Then we’ll “get there” starting at 7:45 am.

Peace!

We’re moving along with the new series, Love Your Enemies….and this week we’ll discuss Chapter 2, “Can You Afford to Be Nice?”. This chapter’s title begs the age long statement: Nice guys finish last!

Hmmmmm…..what do you think about that?

There’s a belief in politics and somewhat in life, in order to succeed you have to be a jerk. But this kind of behavior often brings a ton of anguish, especially to those who have to be something (or someone) they aren’t. In fact, some leaders have said years later that they had to be someone they didn’t admire in order to succeed.

Arthur Brooks writes on page 62:

“Is being nice difficult? Sure…it requires skill and practice, like anything else that’s worthwhile. But it is not impossible…”

Do you believe that?

What has made you successful? Building unity or building power?

Ernie Meland leads us this week as we’ll dig into this week’s chapter.

Don’t be a jerk! We’ll see you starting at 7:30 am ET via Zoom. Ernie kicks things into gear promptly at 7:45 am. Have a great rest of the week. I’ll see you on Friday!

Peace!

We’re back at it this week with our new study, “Love Your Enemies”. Homework this week is to read chapter one. Don’t wait until Thursday night….the chapter is a good 24 pages….so allow yourself some time to read and reflect.

Lots of great material that I’ll lead the discussion this week. Several great themes but what stands out to me is the story our author shares in meeting with the Dalai Lama. When asked how to respond to contempt in our lives, the Dalai Lama responds:

“Conquer anger though gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth.”

Dalai Lama

Easier said than done, right? I’m curious to get everyone’s thoughts on how we can do this. Is it even worth the trouble?

I think so.

Zoom invites should be in your email. Same details as last week’s gathering.

See you starting at 7:30 am ET this Friday!

Peace!

Happy New Year, gents! Looking forward to seeing everyone this Friday as we START a new study series, Love Your Enemies by Arthur Brooks.

Homework this week is to (only) read the Introduction section of the book. Jon Paschal will lead us this week and will introduce the new series. The SignUp Genius is updated with opportunities for men to grab a Friday to lead. I’d encourage you (and ask) that you consider doing at least one week during this new series.

The new series is very timely….I think that’s something we can all agree on. Psalm 133 proclaims:

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

This piece of scripture (and others) serve as the foundation of this new study. Can’t wait for our journey the next couple of months!

Calendar invites for the Zoom meeting have been updated. As always, reach out to me if you don’t have that information.

Remember, too, that starting a new series is a great opportunity to invite someone to join us. We all have friends, relatives, and co-workers who might benefit from our weekly fellowship. And in the world of “virtual” gatherings, you don’t need to be here in Charlotte to join our weekly time together……yet another reason to extend the invitation out to someone you care about!

Have a great rest of the week. I’ll see you on Friday starting at 7:30 am ET.