Are you a driven or called person

It is entirely possible that for the first half of my life I lived as a driven person, not called. That bothers me. I am positive that I ran people over not even realizing the consequences of my actions. This is what self-serving people do. No more.

Check out this devo I received today from the fine folks over at www.leadlikejesus.com:

Few people would admit they are self-serving leaders… And yet we observe self-serving leaders all the time... What makes people self-serving? Gordon MacDonald in his book, Ordering Your Private World, says there are two types of people in the world – Driven people and Called people. Driven people think they own everything; Called people believe everything is on loan. (Inspiring thoughts from Lead Like Jesus: Beginning the Journey Participant’s Study Guide - Page 26-27)

So, which kind of leader are you? Hey try this! Ask your coworkers! Let them tell you. (If you can't ask them, you are probably a self-serving leader) Tye out.

Moral Guidelines for Leaders - Ten Commandments

In the wake of Ted Haggard's resignation I still continue to think about the severe consequences of a moral failure. I hope you won't take this stuff lightly, but will take time to create some boundaries and encourage those around you to take the necessary steps to deal with their personal moral integrity.

Saddleback Church has the following guidelines for their staff:

1. Thou shalt not go to lunch alone with the opposite sex.*
2. Thou shalt not have the opposite sex pick you up or drive you places when it is just the two of you.*
3. Thou shalt not kiss any attender of the opposite sex or show affection that could be questioned.*
4. Thou shalt not visit the opposite sex alone at home.
5. Thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex alone at the office, and thou shalt not counsel the opposite sex more than once without that person’s mate. Refer them.
6. Thou shalt not discuss detailed sexual problems with the opposite sex in counseling. Refer them.
7. Thou shalt not discuss your marriage problems with an attender of the opposite sex.
8. Thou shalt be careful in answering emails, instant messages, chatrooms, cards, or letters from the opposite sex.
9. Thou shalt make your secretary your protective ally.
10. Thou shalt pray for the integrity of other staff members.

* The first three do not apply to unmarried staff.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Eph. 5:3 NIV

Tye out.

Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts' got it going on!

Ok, it's 3:10 PM and I've been hard at it since about 4:55 Am this morning so I'm going to take a break and spend a few minutes with you. So, this is somewhat random.

I just finished watching a video online from the movie Cars. O MY! Country music has come a long ways! So, with that intro, here goes my first ever music critique.

Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts

WOW! This group has got it going on! They were this year's CMA Vocal Group of the Year. No wonder! Life is a Highway is cool tune with a lot of cool elements. Joe Don's lead vocals take off from the very beginning. It's hard to believe how high he sings, so effortlessly. I especially like that contemporary country sound (minus the steel guitar) but yet with a touch of banjo and electric fiddle in the background. But between the lead guitar and bass player it's a toss up for best performer. Those guys crank out some great riffs in unison that add to the cohesion of this group. Check out the bass lines throughout - he uses nearly every inch of that bass! And dig the electric guitar solo! If you listen carefully you can hear those great Hammond B3 pads laid down in the background. I would have run it up a little in the mix, but it's still not bad.

These guys are a great group and I love hearing them sing. There's nothing like watching skilled people perform their craft and that's exactly what you get with Rascal Flatts.

Tye out.

Are titles really important?

I receive Desktop Devotions from the fine folks over at Lead Like Jesus and wanted to share this one with you:

The Lead Like Jesus journey is moving from a self-serving heart to a servant heart. You finally become a mature adult when you realize that life is about what you give rather than what you get. (Inspiring thoughts from Lead Like Jesus: Beginning the Journey Participant’s Study Guide - Page 26)

I receive another eNewsletter each week and just today noticed that the author signed his name _________ Ph.D. Now I know that it is important for some professionals to use a title with their signature, but I'm not sure why this one felt compelled to do so. Hmmm....

True confession (& rant warning): I have been tempted to get one of those inexpensive online master's degrees so I could say that I have my masters. For about $6k I could get that piece of paper - no kidding. I can't afford Regent U. or some of those others.

You see, I almost didn't find a ministry position because I lack a master's level degree. How can churches demand a degree that costs a small fortune and then offer you $46K a year? (I had this happen to me - not NCBC though!) Other churches tossed my resume because I lacked the master's degree. Keep reading...

I'm glad I was rejected by so many! (really!!!) Now I get to work in a servant leadership environment where the words of Jesus to his disciples are lived out every day.

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mt 20:25-28NIV

Why great men fall - part 2

I just finished reading Wayde Goodall's book Why Great Men Fall last night and over the next few weeks I would like to share my insights with you as we seek to understand how a man like Ted Haggard could get involved in such sinful behavior. Goodall compares our life journey to a minefield in a battlefield and that there are potential land mines that can derail us. He lists 15 possibilities for failure. Here we go: (pp14-15)



1. Do I feel a sense of entitlement? - "I deserve this because of who I am or what I do."
2. Am I a gifted entrepreneur - but my life is out of balance?
3. Do I have the ability to compartmentalize my moral choices? Can I do something wrong and then mentally put it aside while I do something right?
4. Do I expect my employees and peers to keep quiet when I do questionable things?
5. Am I a "high risk" man who loves the adrenaline rush of danger or compromise?
6. Am I a magnet for women" Do they love my power, money, influence, and personality? [definitely NOT my prob - tye]
7. Is my intergity in check?
8. Am I surrounded by "yes men" with very little accountability?
9. Do I compromise my conscience?
10. Who is my mentor? Who am I a mentor to?
11. Do I play by my own rules? Do I have an ethical code?
12. Do I handle stress in a healthy way?
13. What do I do with my moeny? Integrity includes both my physical and my financial self.
14. Are my moods under control?
15. Have I found a balance with money, sex, and power?

There you go. How did you do? A couple of them challenged me so I will be working on them.

BTW, this is a great guide to help you as you mentor others. also, when you are looking to work at a church or secular work place it will help you identify potential issues.

And, need I mention servant leadership? If we are servant leaders, then most of this stuff takes care of itself.
Tye out.

I started my filing system today!!!

Armed with a system from my executive pastor Kim Pagel, a stack of file folders, a label maker ($120 job!) and a box full of papers, Robin Koskamp and I launched into the one job I hate the most - filing. Three hours later we had gone through a mountain of papers and created a filing system that will work for me! I was the envy of the entire office today! WOW!

Kudos to Robin for helping out today. You are an awesome lady and I really appreciate your help today!

The system I used was really simple - for a simple mind. I only have five categories: Admin, ABFs, Small Groups, Projects/Ministries, and Input. There is a separate color for each category and we use the double strength tab folders so we don't use those plastic thingamabobs. Then, we only use the center tabs - Kim used the left tabs. This keeps everything inline for easy reference. I feel confident that this system will work not only now, but for years to come.

Tye out.

Let it snow!

Welp, it's November 10 and as I sit here at Panera working away trying to catch up on some work, groovin' on some Dexter Gordon and looking out the window at the snow flakes a flyin! WOW! It looks kinda cool to tell you the truth.

Honey - I'll be home in a bit. Maybe we could have some hot chocolate together. Tye out.

The Power of a Praying Husband - "Her Fears"

Even the strongest, most godly women have fears. They fear many things that can become consuming at times. Since they are often not the primary wage earner, they must rely on their husbands for their needs. They fear for their children, whether of not their husband will be faithful, and many other things. Often, these fears actually become founded in truth at the loss of a job, sickness of a child or aging parent, or some catastrophic loss.

It is at times like this when our wives are feeling fearful that pure logic and rationale do not work. As men, we deal with our wives on a rational/logical basis, and they are dealing on an emotional basis. So, what do you say when your wife is overcome by fear? Listen to this quote by Stormie:

Do you know what your wife's greatest struggle is? Are you aware of her deepest fears? You may already have a good idea, but if you're not absolutely sure, ask her. Say, "Tell me what you struggle with or fear most in your life, because I want to pray for you about it."

Too often, women carry burdens in their lives that are far heavier than their delicate shoulders were created to bear.

Sometimes a woman fears that the difficult spot she's in at the moment is as good as it gets, and that things will never change. That hopeless mindset is torturous for any woman.... (p141)

I am going to spend time praying for my wife and her fears today. Tye out.

Family Night at New Covenant Bible Church - it's FANTASTIC!!!

Mackenzie performs with "Worship Academy"

Nickelodeon at New Covenant! It was another awesome family night at New Covenant Bible Church. Parents, children, Worship & Art Academy, and the puppet ministry jammed the worship center for a fast-paced, kid friendly, heart-pounding, music-pulsating night of learning about being thankful. Clik on the pic for a slide show.

Thanks to the family night team who brings this fantastic evening alive: Jeremy & Loretta Bushlack, Eric & Daphne Vincent, Brad & Christie Dunn, Chris & Ann Evans, Chris Foster, and Pastor Mick Schultz! You're an awesome team!

Hello! My name is Tye Male and I am a recovering legalist

I'm still sick in my stomach for what happened to Ted Haggard. I have known someone in a similar situation and I know that "but for the grace of God, there go I." So...

Leadership Journal has an article by Gordon MacDonald that had one paragraph I wanted to share with you. I know that I get irritated with non-grace giving, unforgiving people who become almost militant about issues like this. I think this is because once upon a time it was me. And I think I can say with a level of confidence that I am a recovering legalist! With strict baptist upbringing that helped me be more judgemental than gracious. Thankfully, many have also turned the corner on this and are vibrant, growing, healthy congregations fulfilling God's plan.

Listen to what MacDonald writes about what to watch for in a leader (or yourself for that matter!) that may indicate they are headed for a fall:

When I see a leader who becomes stubborn and rigid, who is increasingly less compassionate toward his adversaries, increasingly tyrannical in his own organization, who rouses anger and arrogance in others, I wonder if he is not generating all of this heat because he is trying so hard to say "no" to something surging deep within his own soul.

Ouch! It always makes me nervous when I hear someone being judgemental about others in an almost arrogant tone. whew!

• Stubborn - unteachable
• Rigid - unwilling to believe one could be wrong
• Less compassionate - thinking that we are above such difficulties
• Rouses anger and arrogance in others - rebel rousers who believe they are above the law

Let's be careful to be gracious, compassionate, loving, and forgiving with others. I don't want to wind up like Ted Haggard. Tye out.

A dead man alive?

I'm in Acts on my way through the bible this year and a phrase jumped out and grabbed me - well, not exactly : )

Instead, they had some points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul calimed was alive.... Acts 25:19 NIV

Here Festus is telling King Agrippa about the apostle Paul and the fact that he claims that a dead man named Jesus was alive. He is complaining that he has to deal with the case that the Jews have against Paul and in doing so he makes this statement about what Paul is teaching.

Things haven't changed much. This is still the argument. Did Jesus raise from the dead like he said he would or is this whole thing a hoax? Prob not.

Notice that Festus says that Paul is making this claim. What he is not taking into consideration is the fact that MANY people were witnesses to the resurrection. In fact, 120 at one time saw him alive. And a variety of witnesses saw him as well. Not just a handful of "crazies." Fisherman, women, and even one doubter - at least!

Jesus is alive. His word is true. But, are you willing to believe it? Tye out.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies." John 11:25 NIV

I voted

I voted this morning. In fact, I was the first person at my polling place. As I stood there and waited I could only think of the awesome privilege we have in this country to be part of the political process. This is a great country we live in. There were no military troops at my polling place to protect workers. I didn't have any fear of reprisal for showing up to vote. And, my vote counts.

I'm proud to be an American and I thank God for the men and women who fought to achieve and maintain this great freedom that we enjoy today.

God bless America. Tye out.

Why great men fall

I don't know about you, but this whole Ted Haggard thing has me doing a lot of thinking. This morning I read an article by the good folks over at MondayMorningInsight and Todd Rhodes challenged pastors and leaders to order this book and we are going to go through it together in the coming weeks.

I'm thinking that maybe our staff at New Covenant Bible Church should go through it together. Whattayathink guys?

I, for one, am well aware of the battle that takes place in the pastor's life and I want to be an overcomer. I also know that it will ONLY be by God's grace.

So, back to the book. Here is what Todd said about the book in his weekly email:

By focusing on well-known Biblical examples, he points to easily identifiable signposts that trapped 'great' men. The profiles in give pause to others in similar environments: pastors, ministry heads, even fathers and husbands struggling to maintain their families. Goodall explains why biblical morality is the key to avoiding ethical failure. His thousands of hours of counseling also provide unique insights into the character flaws that contribute to falls from grace. Some of the issues covered include:
--Entitlement--Entrepreneurs without Balance --Compartmentalization --Expectation of Silence --The Sex Issue --Integrity --Anger --Accountability --Conscience --Mentors and Coaches--Ethics --Stress and Pressure --Money --Depression and Moods --The One Who Can Keep You from Falling

I can't wait to get started. Tye out.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Co 10:12NIV

Ted Haggard

I'm sad for Ted Haggard. I'm sad for his family. I'm sad for his church. But, I am proud of the body of Christ. His church has responded sooooo appropriately. Click here to watch a video of Colorado Springs local news station's coverage.

I must say that I am humbled by this news. So, today I am not writing to condemn Ted or his church, but to say "but for the grace of God, there goes I." I fear for people who get all rowled up and put on their pharisaical garb. So, for those of us in the ministry, here's some tips from Steve Gallagher.

Steve Gallagher of Pure Life Ministries recently wrote on this subject recently in an article featured at the Canadian PromiseKeeper’s website. Here are some excerpts: (Copied from MondayMorningInsight)

1. Their devotional life has not been properly maintained. A number of years ago I was asked to speak at a pastors’ retreat on the subject, Why Do Our Pastors Keep Falling Into Sin? One of the things I said to those pastors was that, of all the fallen pastors I had dealt with over the years, I had never once had to minister to a “Mary,” but I had dealt with many “Marthas.” In other words, those who stay at the feet of Christ are not vulnerable to falling into sin. At Pure Life Ministries, every worker—whether he is ministering to others or simply filling telephone orders—is required to spend at least two hours a day seeking God. If these lay people can live that way, surely those who are representing the Lord to others should do so as well.

2. There is an over-busy life. This is difficult, because ministry can be very demanding. However, I have found that much of the activity of those who had fallen into sin was not generated by a sincere love for people as much as it was by selfish ambition or fear of man. The sincere minister will go to God and ask Him to reveal his motives. “Lord, am I involved in this activity because I truly want to help others or because I am trying to build a bigger church?” Or, “Lord, even if my motives are pure in this, is it your will?” Jesus scolded Martha by saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42) Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Beware of the barrenness of a busy life.”

3. Discouragement, Depression, & Fatigue. Satan often capitalizes upon discouragement to lead a person into sin. When a believer gets down or gets hurt by others, he becomes more vulnerable to temptation. Being worn out by ministry is another thing that will weaken a leader’s resolve to live a holy life. The ministry is both stressful and sedentary by nature. The combination of these elements often leave a person physically exhausted, which in turn makes him more vulnerable to temptation.

Tye here. Tye out.

I like winners

Tony Stewart won yesterday. So did Peyton Manning (my fave quarterback) and the Colts (my fave team for the time being). And Lance Armstrong? He won too. So did cancer research. I like winners.

Now, I can't vouch for these people regarding their personal lives, but in their realms they are winners.

What does it take to be a winner? Here's a few bullets on the theme:

• Focus - you know what the goal is and keep your eyes on it.
• Determination - pain is gain.
• Positive mental attitude - negativity can not be in a winner's vocab
• Discipline - winners don't "sleep in." They don't take short cuts. They work hard.

Is there any biblical truth here? Let's see:

Focus - I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Php 3:14NIV

Determinination - Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead Php 3:13 NIV

Positive mental attitude -  I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Php 4:13 NIV

Discipline - (check this out)
You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself. 1 Cor 9:24-27 The Message

I like winners. I want to be a winner. How about you? Tye out.

Great job Allyson!!!

Allyson our Honor Student

(click on the pic for a slideshow)

Thursday our daughter Allyson received a special academic award at Linn-Mar High School's Academic Award Ceremony. Somehow I missed the memo on this special day so you can imagine how excited I was when I came downstairs (I was sick all day) there was a certificate and academic letter there on the counter. Although she down played the significance of this award, we are extremely proud of our honor student!

Since I wasn't there, I checked out Kim Pagel's blog entry to get the scoop. Here's an excerpt from his blog:

It was an awesome sight seeing over 500 students sitting on the main floor of the gym, being recognized for their academic achievement. You can click on the picture above to see a slide show of the event...It was also fun to see so many New Covenant students being recognized. -Kim Pagel

Congrats Ally! We are so proud of you and all the other students of Linn-Mar High School!

Like my new blog look?

Wow! I just updated my blog to the new blogger look and feel and I like it! I still have a lot of work to do to it, but that will have to come later. It's been a tough day trying to recover from yesterday's little stomach bout.

So, what do you think of the new look? Let me know! Tye out.

I finally caught up on email

You're not going to believe this, but I only have 12 emails in my inbox. It took a while, but I finally succeeded in catching up. You see, one of my top five strengths on the strengthfinder analysis is input. I love data, saving things for "just in case." So, I made some hard decisions and cleared out my email.

I used to answer every single email, but that has become almost impossible. I love the fact that I can be connected to so many people at one time, but it takes a lot of time.

How's your inbox? Got any ideas for what you do to keep it cleared out?

Tye out.

P.S. A simple Yahoo! search just brought up some cool tips and tricks on how to better manage email.

Not feeling well today : (

I woke up this morning with a stomach bug of some kind and wound up in bed all day. Bummer. I also missed playing with the Iowa Vanguard Jazz Collective at what would probably be our last night at the IMAX. As it turned out, when I called Peter Hart he said they were having difficulty getting band members together. double bummer.

So, I finally mustered some strength and came downstairs to prop myself up to answer a few emails. Now for a blog, and back to horizontal.

Rules for entering Iowa

Please, only read this if you have a sense of humor. If you don't, I wouldn't go any further. I once read something like this about people from PA. Made me laugh - thought it would you too. Thanks Jeff Dunham for sending it. Tye out.

1. Pull up your droopy pants. You look like an idiot.
2. Let's get this straight; it's called a "gravel road." I drive a pickup truck because I want to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.
3. They are cattle & feed lots. That's what they smell like to you. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-80 goes east and west.
4. So you have a $60,000 car. We're impressed. We have $200,000 combines that are driven only 3 weeks a year ...
5. So every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.
6. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of pheasants are coming in, we WILL shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.
7. Yeah, we eat catfish. You really want sushi & caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.
8. The "Opener" refers to the first day of pheasant/deer season.It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.
9. We open doors for women. That is applied to all women, regardless of age. We say Thank You, You're Welcome and God Bless, etc.
10. No, there's no "vegetarian special" on the menu. Order steak. Or you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the 2 pounds of ham & turkey.
11. When we fill out a table, there are three main dishes: meats,vegetables and breads. We use three spices: salt, pepper, and Picante Sauce.
12. You bring "coke" into my house, it better be brown, wet, and served over ice. You bring "Mary Jane" into my house, she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.
13. The "Cyclones & Hawkeyes" Football/Baseball/Volleyball/Basketball/Track/Wresting/Softball are as important here as the Lakers and the Knicks -and a whole lot more fun to watch.
14. Yeah, we have golf courses. But don't hit the water hazards. It spooks the fish.
15. Colleges? Try Ames, Iowa City or a bunch a'others. They come outa there with an education plus a love for God and country, and they still wave at passing pickups when they come for the holidays.
16. So just Wave if you are a IOWAN............. :-)