Changes

Making a few tweaks to the blog in the next few days.

I love change.

Being Intentional

I’ve been listening to a really interesting and challenging talk by Patrick Dixon (check out www.globalchange.com on the Delicious links). His title was “Doubling your productivity” or something like it…

He is an exceptional entrepreneur and works with a varied portfolio that includes church leaders, business leaders and politicians around the world. He began the charity ACET which looks to tackle the AIDS crisis internationally.

I’m still processing so much of what he says in his talk but it got me asking several questions… it might seem terribly introspective, but I am the only person that I can change for the better (with God’s help) so I want to give it a go. Below are the 10 questions that I’m thinking through at the moment… which one strikes you as the most important?

1. What roles and responsibilities do I currently have?

2. What gifts/talents/skills/passions do I have?

3. Where and when am I most effective in ministry?

4. Where and when do I come alive?

5. Are there new opportunities to take advantage of?

6. Does anything need to drop?

7. What are the distractions/habits/attitudes that need addressing?

8. How am I serving those who are less advantaged than me?

9. Who are the people that I should be investing in?

10. What do I want to be remembered for in 5 years time?

Leadership 101

“If the gospels are any indication, Jesus Christ showed scant regard for modern management wisdom. He was not looking for managers, but for learners and leaders – disciples and apostles.”

California Photos

I’ve updated my flickr photos to include a few from California – just click on the link to flickr on the sidebar.

Grace

“I have been seized by the power of a great affection”

I took a whole load of books on holiday with me… I usually devour lots and so went prepared. This summer I read one book and it took me three weeks (admittedly the “Surviving Disaster” shows on cable were appealing). I read the Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning. This is a book that I tried to read on holiday once before – I picked up my friend John’s copy and it fell apart. So I gave up. I’ve recommended this book to others. I’ve even nodded in agreement when others have talked about it.

Well I’ve read it now.

If you want to truly encounter grace…

So should you.

Separated at Birth?

Thanks to my friend Alex for this…

Back home

Trip back went fine… watched the Hangover on the plane. A few very funny bits, but generally garbage. Can’t believe all the hype about it. Listened to a bit of Vic Reeves autobiog too – so dull I slept through it. I also slept through the whole of Terminator Salvation.

Hopefully our body clock will be like my watch and adjust almost instantly to UK time.

Not a chance.

USA Road Trip last destination: Monterey Bay

Day 18 – We woke up to thick fog on the coast and drove down 50miles to Monterey. We arrived at the aquarium at opening time and got straight on with looking around this famous place – check it out HERE

The tanks were huge and full of fish – all mainly from the bay area. We wandered around for hours looking at all the big displays. My highlight was the “Outer Bay” tank which had a million gallons of water in and held huge tuna, Dorado, Barracuda, Hammerhead sharks, Galapagos Sharks and a single 5ft Great White. We happened to arrive at feeding time… Nell loved the Sea Horses exhibit and the otters. It was the most amazing place. We both love these kind of places so this was out of this world! After we had finished we had a very late lunch at BubbaGumps Shrimp restaurant (think TGI Fridays but cheesier). Then we checked in at our hotel… we had saved the best till last. We are at ”Sanctuary Beach” in Marina just north of Monterey.  It is the best hotel ever!!!!! Our room looks out over the Pacific Ocean (you can hear the waves break) and is amazing… we crashed out this evening and slept VERY well!

Day 19 – We had a great lay in till mid morning and then headed down to Carmel (mayor = Clint Eastwood!!!!). We failed to meet Dirty Harry but had a great time wandering around the shady streets drinking great coffee and explaining to americans that we are from Bristol UK. We grabbed a sandwich and headed south to check out some beaches and coastal views. That evening we went to a local steakhouse for dinner and ate a rack of ribs between us… I’m still full.

Day 20 – Our last full day in California… very sad. Yet another lie in followed by breakfast in bed and then on to Monterey. We planned a trip out to see whales but at the last minute it was cancelled due to high winds… gutted. That was our anniversary treat (9 years on the 2nd Sept!!!). Instead we ate huge ice cream sundaes whilst watching sea otters tormenting the gull population. As a result of the cancellation we were able to make the most of happy hour at the local steak/sushi place and drink a few cocktails. We are gutted to be leaving tomorrow… however tonight on SPIKE TV sees the start of “Surviving Disasters” which I am very excited about. We’ve had the most amazing time and are already planning our return trip when we’ve both sold kidneys…

Back in the UK on Thurs lunchtime to begin our endurance of jetlag and to see our wonderful family and friends… college has already started (whoops) and I need to get jogging again to lose the immense amount of weight that I have probably gained.

Still got a few hours left though…