Twitter

Ok, I did it. I couldn't imagine it being a good thing but I did it. It's actually kind of fun. It's like Facebook except you don't have to go to Facebook to see what everyone is up to if you use twhirl. It is also a motivator for me because I'm following someone I consider I mentor. Uh, I've never met this person but his website, blog, posts to writers groups and now his tweets have motivated me for nearly four years. 

Terry Whalin and other productive people posting on tweeter motivates me to be productive so that I can tweet about what I'm doing.

Follow my tweets at http://twitter.com/LisaBiggsCrum. 

Does anyone remember an old network site by the name of MySpace??? :) I'll probably close down my MySpace soon. Haven't added to it in a long time. Seems somewhat boring now. 

How to be a Great Cell Group Coach by Joel Comiskey

When the pastoral coordinator offered this book, I thought it was just another book on how to lead a small group. No, this one is for those who Coach or oversee small groups. Great little sidebar tips, insights, and strategies. Very practical.

Strategies include "How to Encourage Cell Leaders" and "Reasons to Ask Questions" which both give not only guide in what to do but point out the intent of each task.

The first part of the book addresses the "habits" of the Coach - things you do for the group leaders. The last part of the book looks at the issues of being a coach - authority, diagnosing problems, visiting the groups, coaching meetings, and, my favorite, the coaching stages.

I've already applied the concepts from this book as I prepared a training session for leaders in my care in a para-church organization. I'll give it a 4 1/2 out of 5 star rating and recommend it for those new to coaching or in the middle level of supervising ministry.

Yippee! The Election is Over

For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted. ~ Romans 13:1-2

Throughout the campaign, I encouraged people to consider character over issues, race, or gender. This morning I read the reactions of several black Americans regarding their perspective of Obama's win and I saw something new.

As much as I don't want to admit it, Obama's race was an issue. Although I did not vote for Obama, I see the potential for his presidency to influence future generations for great good. Maybe in political issues, maybe not. More so in unifying our country. 

This campaign has opened my eyes to the racial and gender prejudices that I - as a white suburban female - was able to live without seeing. 

A friend told me recently that a white man would not allow her to draw his blood in the hospital because she was black. Another was pulled over in a white suburban neighborhood because he was black. I'd heard of stuff like that but didn't realize it was happening to friends of mine. My heart is broken not just because these things happen but because I have ignored these prejudices because they didn't seem to affect me personally.

The slams on Palin have also revealed our continued stereotyping of women.

It all comes down to this, we have to look at the Creator or whatever your perspective of how we all got here. Whether through intelligent design or a big bang, the human race is in this together. We all live and breathe and communicate with words. We all have the ability to love.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:5

Janine Turner

Listen to the comments of this woman. Great stuff. Lots of wisdom for everyone.

"To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing."

"America is like an Eagle. We need a right wing and a left wing to fly."

"Partisanship is poisoning America."

Political Wisdom for All Parties

Don't pervert justice.
Don't show favoritism to either the poor or the great.
Judge on the basis of what is right.
~ Leviticus 19:15

More than an abortion issue

Listen to this video with the thought of all issues these potential presidents will be facing.

"If they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby." Barack Obama

Do you view having a baby as punishment? Ok, maybe sometimes it feels that way but praise God he has conceived this crazy idea of giving life so that every person can participate in His Divine Nature.

Now, let's consider say... a death of someone you love by a teenage drunk driver. The kid was just a teenager. He made a mistake. Let's not punish him for his mistake, let's just bury your loved one and act like it never happened. Oh, yes, he was underage but he was a teenage, it was a mistake. He didn't mean to get drunk. He knew it might be risky driving after being at that party. But he had to get home, he loved his parents.

Ok, foreign policy... the terrorist just have different beliefs than us. It's not their fault they were raised to believe killing thousands of people is what Allah wanted them to do.

Economy... the no money down loan was too good to pass up. The couple was trusting the loan company who said they could afford it. It's not the couple's fault. It's the loan company. The couple just made the mistake of not being realistic about what could happen when the rate went up. We can't hold them accountable. Can't blame the loan company either they were just trying to help the folks who couldn't afford to buy a house. Let's just bail everyone out with the funds of those who were wise enough to stay out of those types of transactions.

Education... so, they made the mistake of goofing off during school. Let's not punish them by withholding a high school degree.

You fill in the scenario for the issues important to you.

What character traits do you want leading our country?

I believe John McCain has the experience to get things done and the heart to seek the good for all people. He has chosen a running mate who agrees with his views and has the courage to push him in the right direction when his life in politics pushes him away from his views of doing what is right for all people.

Getting Political - Go Sarah!

I am not promoting Sarah Palin because she is a woman. I'm promoting Sarah Palin because I believe she is a leader who can take this country in the direction it needs to go.



Visit www.teamsarah.org. View the videos regarding who she is. Watch some truths that have come out because of "Joe the Plumber".

Also watch Janine Turner interview on Fox.