following

I am a leader... in my home, in my marriage, at my work... at one time, in the church (though no more) but I need to follow before I can lead. I realize that though I may have claimed to be a Jesus follower for many years, I have only pretty much only done what I wanted to do...

If I am going to really lead, not just be the leader, but really lead, I need to learn to be a better follower... Jesus' disciples followed him for over three years and still had quite a bit of learning to do when it came to their leadership roles.

I want to try and examine Jesus' leadership methods, his management style, and try to begin to pattern my efforts after his example.

O my soul

Does anyone else just feel absolutely inept at rearing children??? I love my kids so much but I feel absolutely incompetent... You do your best to lead with gentleness and servant leadership and end up getting walked all over...

How does one teach gratitude, humility, respect, kindness...

I am at a loss... this is the hardest thing I've ever done.

My bucket list

Okay... So thinking about the Bucket List I came up with my sort of top 25 things to do before I die... What's on your list?

1. Bungee Jump, sky dive or hang-glide
2. Read the Bible cover to cover
3. Be in a real play
4. Take dance lessons
5. Ride a camel in the desert
6. Own a motorcycle
7. Learn to play a musical instrument with some skill
8. Get passionate about a cause and spend time making a difference
9. Raft the Grand Canyon
10. Make a pilgrimage to Belfast
11. Become Debt Free
12. Visit every continent
13. Paint an oil painting worth framing
14. Shoot a gun
15. Go to a real Broadway play
16. See Stonehenge
17. Get a tattoo
18. Swim the Dead Sea
19. Swim or shower under a waterfall
20. Be an extra in a movie
21. Write a letter to an editor
22. Visit all 50 states
23. Swim in every ocean
24. Attend one great sporting event
25. Go gambling

A New Year's Prayer

Gentle, yet Almighty God
I slip into your presence this New Year's morn

To thank you for a year gone by…
For every gorgeous sunrise and the fullness they brought my heart
For the scent of summer flowers and of a woman's perfume
That left me feeling heady and breathless
I thank you for beauty - the beauty of creation in all its forms

I thank you that the year is past…
With every misspoken word and hurtful deed
Every doubt and fear and sorrow that tore at my soul
And left me wounded and weeping
I thank you that the past - is the past

I thank you for the wheel and the fire
Potter's tools that sometimes left me dizzy
Or feeling scorched or brittle or dry
But were really shaping and forming me
I thank you for seeing me - not as I am, but as you are making me

I thank you for friends…
For old friendships renewed and new friendships born
For arms that hold, and hearts that hope
And promises to pray - and unconditional love
I thank you for the future - and the friends who will walk with me there.