Figuring it all out one day at a time
Today I went to the Newspring Leadership Conference in Anderson, SC. I love Christian Conferences and the people you meet there. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve been to. At every single one of them there was a life challenging nugget or a word from the Lord which is good because that’s why we go to those things. There are tears of joy, [Read more…] about The Day After a Christian Conference
This week, my wife, Karen, has been hard at work getting things ready for our church yard sale. I have done my fair share of yard sales for youth fundraisers. Some have done quite well and some…haven’t. There was one where I had to sit on a block of ice for 15 minutes because people put more money in my jar than the other pastor’s(this was of course rigged). I don’t think there’s anything wrong with youth fundraisers as long as it doesn’t take away from the ministry. If you’re doing a youth car wash every weekend then…you may want to re-think that.
In the last year, I’ve heard of 2 churches(both Wesleyan) having monthly yard/hot dog sales to pay the mortgage on their new buildings. Before I go off on a rant let me say that both of these buildings were built in better economic times. I’m sure the church leaders never foresaw having to use valuable church space to store yard sale stuff year round because they wouldn’t be able to keep up with the payments.
Now, church yard sales can a be a good thing because they get people on your campus in a non-churchy environment. It’s a great way to meet new people and for people to check out your church. On the other hand, [Read more…] about Why does your church have yard sales?
Almost a year into the adventure that is Chase Your Lion dot com and I am bursting with excitement about what the future holds. The past year has truly been an adventure. So, now that I’ve let you know that I’m doing great and life is awesome, I do have something to get off my chest.
When I was growing up I was the skinniest kid around. My grandmothers thought I was unhealthy. One made me take honey bee pollen which I had an allergic reaction to. Through high school and college I was in great shape. Then, something happened(I realize that many of you know what’s coming next because it happened to you). I started putting on weight.
I shouldn’t be surprised as:
It hit when I got on the scale for my pre-shoulder surgery exam that I had crossed the 200 lb plateau. Since then, I have run, gone to the gym, Power 90’d, bought a punching bag, met with a trainer, ate salad, given up soda, and, and, and….nothing. Every time, I have hit the proverbial wall like an NBA rookie after 45 games.
I sit here typing, weight unknown, knowing that this is a matter of life and death.
The weight gain has lead to snoring and sleep apnea(undiagnosed). Since our move to SC, I have not once felt rested even though I have vegged out and slept in accordingly. I have been extremely ill tempered at home. I think my kids are calling me Oscar the Grouch behind my back.
It’s frustrated because God has been doing such a new work in my heart and the NewSpring Leadership Conference(which I’m still unpacking in my mind) was a great challenge and encouragement to get closer to God. I have been seeking Him and begging Him to do something amazing in our church. I have been praying Sun Stand Still
“I can’t transform your church until I transform you.”
I knew what He meant: mind, soul, and body. I told my wife about 10 minutes later. I told one of my best friends at lunch(where I traded sweet tea for water. Hey, it’s a start.). I know many of you have heard this song and dance from me before, and I’m still Jolly Old Heath. I guess the weight of it hit me today(seriously, no pun intended). That it’s not about me. It’s about someone who won’t be convicted by a message on holiness coming from a punk overweight gluttonous preacher. But, if I can lay down what God’s calling me to lay down(the fork and excuses) then maybe they will lay down what God is calling them to(their life). I don’t know, but it’s a start.
What’s holding you back? Are you overweight like me? Has your poor health(like mine) turned you into an ogre? You’re not alone. Join me. Let’s do this. Let’s believe that God can bless our exercise. Let’s believe that God can restore our health. Let’s believe that God can change a pastor and a city. One pound and one person at a time. You can’t chase a lion if you’re too fat to tie your shoes. You can’t walk your daughters down the aisle if you’re not around. Would love to hear your comments, thoughts, and encouragements. Let’s get connected and do this thing!
Sometimes people are leary of clicking ads and affiliate links or purchasing products they see on blogs. Blogging is fun if your doing something your passionate about, but it’s a lot of time and effort to build it. Most bloggers quit. I was going through a list of Wesleyan blogs the other day and found that most of them were no longer there or hadn’t been updated in over a year. The first blog I ever started had one post. I don’t even remember where it is. I got fired up about something, wrote about it, and posted it for the world to see. Then I went back to my life. I don’t even know if anyone read it. I’ve learned a lot about life and blogging since then. Here are some cool and free ways you can support your favorite blogs, keep them going, and help other people find them.
1. Install the Alexa toolbar or status bar. Here’s a little about them and their partnership with Amazon. Why do this? Alexa ranks websites based on traffic and visits made to the site by people using the Alexa toolbar. For example, when I first started Chase Your Lion dot com it was unranked by Alexa. Now, I’m ranked #937,145 out of all the sites in the world(google is #1). Alexa helps people find out more about sites while providing site owners with valuable information that will help them reach their target audience more effectively. I have the status bar and it takes less than 10 seconds to download and install on your browser.
2. Comment on posts. Whether you agree or disagree with what’s said please join the discussion. Sometimes, as a blogger, it’s just nice to know someone’s reading.
3. Subscribe to the feed. Look for this symbol 
. This insures you don’t miss any posts. Many blogs also allow you to sign up for email updates/newsletters. This normally requires you to confirm your subscription and doesn’t lead to spam. My feed is located on the handy dandy toolbar at the bottom.
4. Tweet it! Most blogs now have the option for you to tweet/retweet their posts. This is kind gesture that shows your reading and that you feel others would benefit from the post. The button is normally located beside the post title.
5. Share It! There are lots of other places to share posts! Facebook, Digg, et. I have a share/save button with each post. It’s quick and easy to get the word out about your favorite posts.
6. Link Love. If you have a blog of your own then write about and link to posts you’ve been reading. Incoming links give a blog credibility and help generate buzz and discussion. I don’t recommend the blog roll and here’s why. How many people on your blog roll actually keep up with their blogs? What does it say to your readers that you’re linking to people who may have dead sites and old news? Plus, adding a link in a post gives a more personal stamp of approval.
7. Join the Facebook page/community. The wibiya toolbar has a button for people to join my Facebook group. It’s quick and shows your support. There’s also a place for more discussion there. No, I will not ask for your help with Farmville or other Facebook games.
8. Word of Mouth. I’ve tried to make my domain names easy to remember and easy to share. If a blog has been helpful to you then it might be helpful to others. Share the love. PS: I even bought a domain with a common misspelling of my last name so people looking for Heath Mulliken will actually find Heath Mullikin.
9. Give suggestions. Does my layout make your head spin? Is stuff too hard to find? Is there an herb you’ve found that will help a person get taller?
10. Last but not least…pray. Pray for bloggers to have wisdom and integrity in what they write. Pray for their families. Pray for their health. Pray for their churches and ministries. Pray that God uses the words they write to make a difference.
Thanks for your support! Blogging buddies, what did I leave out?
Currently Reading:
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Lost Art of Disciple Making
By LeRoy Eims “Every believer in Jesus Christ deserves the opportunity of personal nurture and development,” says LeRoy Eims.But all too often the opportunity isn’t there. We neglect the young Christian in our whirl of programs, church services and fellowship groups. And we neglect to raise up workers and leaders who can disciple young believers into mature and fruitful Christians. In simple, practical, and biblical terms, LeRoy Eims revives the lost art of disciple making. He explains:
“True growth takes time and tears and love and patience,” Eims states. There is no instant maturity. This book examines the growth process in the life of a Christian and considers what nurture and guidance it takes to develop spiritually qualified workers in the church. |
Currently Listening:
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Ocean Eyes CD
By Owl City From the quiet backroads of small-town Minnesota comes Owl City, the one-man project of keyboard wiz Adam Young. Ocean Eyes is awash in breezy electronics, light melodies, and crisp, sparkling textures, and includes the single “Fireflies” plus “Hello Seattle,” “Umbrella Beach,” “Vanilla Twilight,” and more. |
