http://www.jumpstartchurch.com A spark when you need it... Mon, 05 May 2008 19:12:17 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Sometimes it’s easier to relate to a “Mother Terri” next door while the more stories about the saintly other Teresa becomes overwhelming as we hear more about her way of life. A good friend of mine travels nearly continually as he manages a well-known rock band. On a recent international flight ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2008/05/02/live-like-mother-terri-of-cleveland/ Who’s Fooling Whom? My friend Tracy couldn't believe his eyes. There before him was a twelve foot tall mountain of undigested... vitamins!  The idea of “One a Day” took on a whole new meaning at that moment (sorry, couldn’t resist the beg for a pun). This was just seven day's worth ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2008/03/14/how-did-omaha%e2%80%99s-vitamin%e2%80%99s-end-up-in-the-sewer/ There are a lot of smart and hard-working people out there.  Some are both. Have you noticed that power and influence most often seem to only be in the hands of a few who use this influence for personal gain or the destruction of others? There is a smaller percentage of ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2008/03/13/an-%e2%80%98ideator%e2%80%99-say-what/ When We Fake It We Look Goofy - Even Freakish My grandma from Paris, Texas was full of colorful expressions.  She didn’t so much speak English - she communicated in one metaphor after another.  One of my favorites was: “He was a lot like a cat standing on its hind legs ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2008/03/05/we-get-honest-god-shows-up/ Thoughts along the outward journey from Janie Sjogren Here's a switcharoo as an entry for today. My greatest asset on the planet is the lovely and talented Janie Sjogren - we just celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary. I wake up each morning now with two spontaneous thoughts - "Jesus, thank you ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2008/02/14/the-best-things-happen-on-the-way-to-%e2%80%98plan-a%e2%80%99/ It’s All Caught ... Then Explained Some think it’s clever to parrot, “That’s one of those things that is more ‘caught than taught.’”  No longer funny nor clever.  Please explain what isn’t caught.  One thing - please.  Somebody.  ‘Bueller, Bueller, has anyone seen Ferris Bueller?’ When we serve others it is natural ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2008/01/23/more-ah-hah%e2%80%99s-about-connecting-with-not-yet-believers/ As we launch into the new year new ideas are naturally on the horizon.  It is also time to consider putting to bed some old ideas - er uh, make that, terms that are less than helpful to us.  I move that we take a break from using the term ‘Innovation’ ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2007/12/30/innovation%e2%80%99-or-can-we-do-better/ Christmas, age 13. “Not again! All you want for Christmas is more fishing stuff… you already have lots of fishing stuff. Why don’t you get a baseball glove like normal kids your age...” “Can’t help it Mom - all I think about is fish. When you are serious about the ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2007/12/24/i-have-come-to-go-fish/ ...Do you want to communicate 'safe' or something else? The news of two horrible shooting incidents in Colorado recently brings back to the national spotlight what I have been shouting from the rooftops for years to church leaders.  If your church is more than simply providing chaplaincy services to your city ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2007/12/10/your-church-needs-armed-police-presence/ All of us have gifts, whether we know Christ or not.    I have found that one of the most powerful ways to lead people toward Christ is to give them a chance to use their gifts in serving others.  In using their gifts they will experience, to borrow a ... http://www.jumpstartchurch.com/2007/11/16/the-power-of-gods-pleasure/