Robbed the Cradle?

I got to meet Marcos Witt yesterday for a lunch meeting with some other pastors. When I introduced him to Julie he said, "You robbed the cradle, man." I quickly responded that we were the same age. I told Pastor Marcos that it was great having him in our city of Houston. The standard for Latino ministries has truly been lifted by him. It's funny, I had to travel 3000 miles from Houston to meet a pastor of my own city. Nonetheless it's great to know him.

I know Julie looks younger than 30 and I look older than 30 but come on Marcos. Maybe I should die my hair. I wonder what color?

Live Blogging- Corazon 08'

Six Questions to Ask Yourself for Creative Focus
Dale O'Sheilds
pastor Church of the Redeemer


1. What things are not in your life right now that God wants to bring into existence?

What things do not exist that should?

2. What exist now but needs to be better than it is?

What can I improve or take to the next level?

3. What opportunities are seated within the problem?

Creative people don’t just see problems they see Opportunities.

4. What can I do to create something more meaningful in the world?

How can God use me to add more grace to the world where I live?

5. What can I do to stretch my heart and mind in new ways?

6. What can I do or change in my life that will help me better communicate the Gospel?

Never change the message only the method.

Corazon 08'!

There is a shaking again in Peru. Not like the recent earthquake but from the sound of a dozen subwoofers as thousands of feet stand in the Polo Hunt Club in Lima, for the Corazon 08 Creative Heart Conference.

To see the entire set click here.

Greater Good VS. Business as Usual

While sitting at Bush Airport in Houston next to my wife Julie, waiting for our flight to Lima, my mind drifts to all that I leave behind. Leaving my daughters, even though I am blessed with a great caretaker for them while we travel, is hard. I’ll miss Audrie’s last basketball game of the season, and another one of Alyssa’s halftime cheerleading shows. I’ll miss serving and ministering to my church congregation. I’ll miss everyone gathering tonight to watch the Superbowl as the Patriots try to achieve pigskin perfection. I will miss counseling, encouraging and praying with the men of the church. At least I won’t miss Julie; she is peacefully by my side texting more words per minute then seems humanly possible.

How do you decide which activities to give yourself to and which to reject? I asked an influential pastor this question once. His answer has shaped my ministry paradigm ever since. We have to decide which actions add more value to the Kingdom, he told me. Sometimes staying home with the family and attending to my first ministry is paramount. Then there are times when we must weigh the greater good against business as usual. Accepting an invitation to be commissioned as a minister to men, by one of South Americas leading pastors under the banner of Christian Men’s Network Worldwide in front of my wife, parents and key church leaders from around the world holds a certain significance that cannot be ignored. As a leader of men in my church and city I recognize the momentum builder this event will be for me as well as those around me. It’s almost as if I can hear the sound of the wench being cranked. The catapult is being set for a launch that will send me into flight, not knowing when or where I will land.

But quickly my mind is pulled back into the moment by the ‘All passengers boarding’ call announced loudly over the speaker. I will miss many things in my lifetime because of these calls. But I pray that in the end, the greater good has been served. Lord, that my life would add value to Your kingdom, and that those around me would understand. I know that God will be everything that I cannot and that His grace will abound.