Mission Lazarus Day 4

July 24, 2012 mjfelker1980

This week I’m at Mission Lazarus in San Marcos de Colon, Honduras. During this time, I will be, for the most part, completely offline. Our team will be building a house, distributing food, teaching children, and serving as the hands and feet of Jesus. While I am away, I want to ask you to pray for our team. Below is a little info on what we will be doing today and a few prayer prompts that you can pray for us. Thank you in advance! Have a great week!

TUESDAY, July 24
The team follows a “typical” daily schedule, going wherever they have been scheduled.

PRAY for them to have just the right things that they will need in each place.
PRAY for openness among the recipients, not only for physical needs, but for spiritual needs also to be met.
PRAY for translators to be accessible when needed.

Scripture to Pray: read through Ephesians 6:10-16, praying the armor of God on each team member.

Mission, Prayer

Mission Lazarus Day 3

July 23, 2012 mjfelker1980

Monday, July 23
The team starts the bulk of their work schedule today. For the next several days, they will be working at a mission site, visiting ongoing ministries, building a house, teaching children, and other work Mission Lazarus may need them to do.

PRAY that each person would get over travel quickly so they will not be tired.
PRAY for them to assimilate all the information they need today.
PRAY that they would feel peace and security in God’s plan for them to be there.

Scripture to Pray:
“Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).

“But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you…I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14: 26-27).

Mission, Prayer

Mission Lazarus Day 2

July 22, 2012 mjfelker1980

Sunday, July 22
After visiting and participating in a local church, the team will spend the day preparing for the rest of the week.

PRAY for God’s plans for each person to be accomplished on this trip.
PRAY for the team to have cultural discernment as they interact with those around them.
PRAY for the team to be flexible to whatever God has for them to do.

Scripture to Pray: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).

“Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24b).

Prayer

Mission Lazarus Day 1

July 21, 2012 mjfelker1980

Saturday, July 21
The team departs early this morning for Honduras. They will leave the building at 3:30am for DFW. After a brief layover in Houston, the team will travel to Tegucigalpa. The team will then drive 4 hrs into the mountains to Mission Lazarus in San Marcos de Colon for some brief rest, dinner, and orientation.

PRAY for all the final preparations to be made smoothly
PRAY for safe travel and health as they begin the trip.
PRAY for team unity and bonding while traveling.
PRAY for all to pass through customs smoothly and safely.
PRAY that there will not be any lost luggage.
PRAY for the Lord to prepare their hearts for service.

Scripture to Pray: “Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield” (Psalm 5:11-12).

Books, Discipleship, Resources, Risk, Self-Leadership, Study, Theology

49

July 19, 2012 mjfelker1980

Over the Christmas break, I wrote down a few goals and plans for 2012. One of those goals was to read 50 books between January and December 2012.

Yesterday, I finished my 49th book. I am inches from reaching my goal. In fact, I should cross that line sometime tonight or Friday.

How did I do it?

First, as I wrote last week, you can gain a lot of momentum in your reading when you choose the RIGHT kind of books to read. For me, I read books on Theology, Philosophy, and Best Practices. This way I am making the most of my time and energy and avoiding books that might not stretch me mentally or professionally.

Secondly, at the outset of the year I listed about 30 books that I wanted to read. Some books on my list are ones that were published in years previously and some are books that I know will be published later this year. Some are books I have always wanted to read but have not had the opportunity. I have since edited and re-edited that list but I believe by laying out a plan and choosing individual titles to read it set me on the path to achieving my goal early. It took the guess work out of choosing my next book and it kept me from blindly groping for any book to read next.

I also make time to read DAILY. On Monday morning when I get to the office it is “all sermon prep, all the time” from the minute I sit down at my desk. This is the day I’m reading scripture, commentaries, articles, you name it in order to prepare for next Sunday’s message. I take a break from around 12-2pm for lunch and a mentoring call. I wrap up my sermon prep for the day and then I make sure to spend about another hour reading from my list. There once was a time when I would have said, “I’ve been reading all day” and I would have made an excuse that I had already “read” for the day. No more. My goal is to read no less than one hour a day. Monday is just an hour. Other days I can get in more. Each day brings with it it’s own troubles and obstacles. If you want to read more books that will develop you personally, intellectually, or spiritually you have to commit to reading each day. No matter what!

Next Steps
The point isn’t for you to read 50 books or 100 or whatever. Reading has impacted my life greatly and I want to see it make a difference in your life. One of my favorite quotes is from Charlie “Tremendous” Jones when he says, “Ten years from now you will be the same, except for the books you read and the people you meet.” If you read one more book this year than you did last year you will be better for it and you will be better equipped to lead those around you. So, ready to set a reading goal? Here are some next steps you can take:

1) Today, make a list of the categories you would like to begin reading. Do you want to read more books on history, more literature, business books, foreign languages? There are thousands of books out there from a thousand different categories. Pick a handful of categories that will help you grow and that you will find enjoyable.

2) Next, list at least 5 books that you want to read in the categories you’ve chosen. Then begin reading from your lists. My list for this year is in Evernote. Next to each book I’ve chosen I have a check box and as I read each book, I check it off the list. Some books, after closer inspection, end up getting dropped from my list or moved down the list in order to make room for something that I need to read or is a better resource. Once your list is in place, you can stop worrying about what your going to read.

3) Pull out your calendar and find at least one hour a day in order to read from your lists. It doesn’t have to be all in one sitting. 30 minutes at lunch and 30 minutes before bedtime is manageable. Instead of watching that 3rd and 4th episode in a row of Diners, DriveIns, & Dives (guilty!), read. You have time to read- I promise. Get creative about making time. Make the hard decisions. Sacrifice the things you love in order to do the things you love more.

Don’t just sit there- get reading!

Question: What is one book you’ve read that you would recommend over and above any other book? (Leave your answer in the comments section.)

Get Back, Leadership, Ministry, Mission, Personal Leadership, Resources, Self-Leadership, Theology

Get Back 5- Life-Long Learning

July 13, 2012 mjfelker1980

I have a passion for learning. One of my core values is that Leaders are Learners and so I make sure that my daily actions are in line with this belief. Learning is a discipline and is strengthened through daily exercise.

We live in an day and age where each day offers you a new opportunity to grow in your calling. You can read a book, attend a conference, Skype with a mentor, or listen to a podcast. The possibilities are endless. All you have to do is make the choice to develop yourself, create a plan and stick with it.

My go-to form of development is Reading. Some may look at reading as merely a hobby. However, the truth is that while I love reading it is much more than a hobby for me. It is a necessity.

If I want to learn… I read.
If I need inspiration… I read.
If I need to understand the complexities of life… I read.
If I am hungry… I eat. (As amazing as reading is it can’t do everything.)

This year, I will read somewhere around 50 books.

I’m not chasing a number. I’m chasing wisdom.
I’m not after a trophy. I’m after knowledge.

Reading is essential for growth, development, inspiration, and focus. It is true in my life and it should be true in yours. As I’ve said before, you may believe that you do not have the time to read but the truth is you don’t time NOT to read. It is that important to your development as a leader. Growing organizations are led by growing leaders. If you aren’t growing… you’re dying.

I have had friends ask me how I read so much. Today’s post will give you a little insight into how I make the most of life-long learning through my reading.

I want share with you 3 simple ways to help you make reading an essential part of your life…

1) Choose the RIGHT BOOKS to read
There will be over 1 million new books published this year. You can’t possibly begin to try and read everything so the first step in making reading a essential part of your life is to read only the books that will have a direct impact on your leadership. I look for books in 3 categories:

a) Theology
As a pastor, I read books on theology in order to help me better understand God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Primarily this understanding comes directly through the Bible, God’s Word. I also read theologians like NT Wright, Walter Brueggemann, Miroslav Wolf, and Timothy Keller. Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “A mind once stretched by a new idea never regains its original dimension.” I want my mind stretched by the things of God so that I will be forever changed.

b) Philosophy
I read theology so that I can understand God. I read philosophy so I can understand man. I may read a book on Psychology and then read a biography/autobiography. I might read up on a particular time in history and then I might follow that up with reading a work of literature. Reading philosophy isn’t about reading Freud or Socrates. The whole point of reading books in this category is to understand how others think and what they believe about life and how it should be lived. Reading about competing world views and philosophies doesn’t make them all equal and valid. Understanding them though will aid in helping to connect them to Jesus Christ and his will for their lives.

c) Best Practices
Best Practices are the types of books that will help me in a practical areas of life and ministry. Books on leadership, small groups, marriage, and administration help me gain insight and develop skills that I need to succeed. I am currently in a season where I am devouring everything I can on communication so that I can develop my teaching and speaking skills.

Exit Question: What are the categories of books you need to read in order to grow and develop your area of leadership? Choose 3 categories right now.

2) Take NOTES on what you read
If you want to get the most from your reading you must take notes on what you are learning. I have two ways that I take notes on what I’m reading. First, I never go anywhere without my Rickshaw Moleskine Folio. When I’m reading I try and distill any thoughts or ideas down to one sentance. I also write out any quotes that strike me as important. I primarily use my moleskin to take notes if I am reading from my Kindle. If I have a physical copy of the book I write my notes inside the front cover and the quotes on the inside of the back cover. Find a way to take notes that matches your personality and learning style.

(This a picture of my Rickshaw Moleskine Folio. I actually own more than one of these. The folio allows me to carry my notes, pens, and anything else I might need when I’m reading and writing. You can see the reflection of my Starbucks Gold Card there in the front. I love this product.)

3) TELL someone what you are reading
Telling someone about what you are reading will do 2 things for you. First, you will begin to understand and clarify for yourself what you’re learning. Teaching others is a great way to learn. Second, you will find that as you share with others your excitement and confidence will grow. You will begin to feel and see the fruit of all your hard work. This will in turn encourage you to keep reading. You will see, feel, and know that your learning is having a tangible impact on you and those around you!

When leaders stop learning they ultimately stop leading. Don’t let this be true of your life. Right now commit to growing in your leadership through reading. Over the weekend, choose a book that will help you in your calling, decide on a method for keeping track on what you’re learning, and tell a close friend about the book you’ve chosen. Then…

Get reading so you can get leading!

Get Back

Get Back 4- My Daughter

July 10, 2012 mjfelker1980

Good morning Sweetheart,

You have been a wonderful addition to our family. I say addition, but it seems like you have always been a part of our family. Over the last 2 months it has been an absolute joy getting to know you and learn about who you are.

You are a night owl- Just like Daddy! When 10pm rolls around, you get your second wind. You come alive at night. If this trend continues I can see a lot of late night father-daughter adventures in our future.

You are strong- You are already lifting your head and turning your head to looking at the world around you. You are waving your arms and pushing to stand up when you sit in our laps. You are a strong little girl!

You are beautiful- I know, I know. Every daddy says that his little girl is beautiful but I mean it. Your eyes are big and blue and you look and study everything around you. Your smile is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen.

Your mother and I have something even greater hopes and dreams for you and the life you will live.

We have a vision for who we want you to be. We have a vision for who God wants you to be.

Our prayer for you is that you will…

Become a young woman of noble CHARACTER. We want you to understand that moral strength, honor, and integrity are priceless commodities in a world obsessed with the superficial.

Bring GOOD to those closest to you. You have within you the capacity to build others up or destroy them completely with your thoughts and actions. Choose to bring life and to add value to everyone you meet.

WORK HARD for yourself and those you love. Most people feel they are entitled to receive everything their heart desires. This is a terrible way to live. True independence and service is born from a heart that chooses to do the right things and to pay the price. When you rely on someones else to give you things you become their slave. Achieve for yourself and care for those who may be unable to help themselves.

Seek after WISDOM. This world will try to teach you that all anyone cares about is what you are wearing, what color your hair is, who is sporting the latest trend, and who is dating whom. Ignore all of this. Seek first the Kingdom of God. Understand that you are a real princess- the daughter of the King of the Universe. The kingdoms, malls, gossip houses, and tv studios of this world will pass away. The Kingdom of Jesus Christ will last forever.

Sweetheart, your mother and I love you so much and we want the best for your life. You have been a wonderful gift from God and I never want you to forget that. I will do my best to teach you and your brother the things I know God wants for your lives each and every day.

“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:29–30 NIV11

I love you sweet girl!

Get Back, My Life, Parenting

Get Back Day 3- My Son

June 28, 2012 mjfelker1980

Hey Son,

I am super proud to be your dad. You bring so much joy to your mom and I. We have had such a great adventure getting to know your personality and seeing how smart and loving you are. My heart is full when I think about you and I am excited to see what God does in and through your life.

I’ve learned a few things about you in the last 3 years.

You have a huge heart. It is amazing to watch you express your love, concern, and care for others. You have loved your little sister since before she was born and to see you talk to her, sing to her, hug her, and hold her makes my heart swell with pride over you. Where ever we go you say “Hello” to others and I love to hear you say “Don’t cry. It’s ok.” when we see another child that is upset. Lately, your favorite phrase is, “Let’s do this TOGETHER.” You want to do everything as a team. You love to help. You love to make others happy. I believe your capacity to love is as large as anyone I’ve ever known.

You have unlimited energy. I hope that you can grow to see that this means you have unlimited potential. From the minute your feet hit the floor each morning you are off and running. You are constantly moving and if our car could run on the kinetic energy we would never have to buy gasoline again! I love this about you. I hope that you never lose your passion and zeal for life.

You love music. You are definitely my son. I love to watch you dance and perform. While it drives me crazy, I do like how you study and strum my guitar (One day, when you stop messing with the tuning keys it will stay in tune!). You have a beautiful voice and when you sing it floods my heart with joy. You pick up on songs and lyrics so quickly. I love it! I can’t wait to see if this love for music will continue as you get older. I sure hope it does.

You are always out in front. I’m not sure whether you are a Leader or merely The Ringleader but more often then not, you have a parade of boys and girls behind you. You are the most visible, the most vocal, and the one with the most personality. If I’m being honest this is the part of your personality that I pray over the most. There is a responsibility to others when your put yourself out in front. You have to watch where you go, how you treat others, what you say, and how you say it. Character trumps personality and integrity trumps volume every single time.

As I think about these things I’ve shared with you today I can’t help but think about Proverbs 4. As your dad, I want the two us us to discover the instructions in this passage together. My prayer for you and for me is that we will grow to use our hearts to love others. I pray that we my spend our lives and our energies to serve those around us. I want us to use our gifts and talents to lift others up. I pray that your desire and my desire is to help others and bring joy to the lives of those closet to us.

I love you Son and I am honored that God chose me to be your Dad.

Proverbs 4:1–27
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother. Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Question: What are some things you want your children to know about growing up and living out of the unique way that God wired them?

Get Back, My Life, My Wife Rules

Get Back Day 2- Sandy

June 21, 2012 mjfelker1980

McInteer 150.

It is the largest classroom in the Bible building at Harding University. I never had a regular class in that room but what happened there radically and profoundly changed my life.

It is in McInteer 150 where I met the love of my life.

In the fall of 1999, I was scheduled to spend my semester studying abroad in Athens, Greece. Before I was to leave, I went to campus to help with the incoming freshmen and to spend some time with friends. I was also scheduled to take a test for scholarships/credits.

On Saturday morning I arrived to the room a little early with book in hand. I wasn’t interested in chit-chat. I wasn’t looking for a date. I simply wanted to take my test and get out of there.

Then she walked by.

Short brown hair. Beautiful smile. She was wearing a Dave Matthews Band shirt.

“Bingo! Conversation starter!” is instantly what I thought.

I engaged her with some small talk and we connected. As the room started to get full she went and sat down near the front of the room. She stayed there a few minutes before returning to my row in order to sit next to me so we could continue talking.

We interacted with one another during that week off and on in the cafeteria or somewhere on campus. As the week was drawing to a close I desperately wanted to ask her out. The problem was that I would essentially be traveling for the next 6 months. It would be less than an ideal situation for me to get involved with someone over such a long distance. I just didn’t know what the right thing to do was.

One night she asked, “Are we going to go out to dinner sometime before you leave?”

“Yes. Yes we are!” I replied. It was just the right nudge that I needed.

We went to dinner and a movie later that week and it was, hands down, the best date I had ever been on.

I spent the next few months bouncing from internet cafe to internet cafe writing her emails and exchanging correspondence. I was in love.

The best part: So was she!

In 2001, I married Sandy. 11 years later, we have an awesome marriage, two beautiful kids, a wonderful life, and a vision for our future. I am blessed because she is my wife. I am a better person because she is my friend. I love her with every ounce of my being. She is my rock, my encourager, and the love of my life.

Thank you Sandy. Thank you for all that you are and all that you do. You are the best. I love you.

Oh, and thank you McInteer 150. Well played.

Question: Who is the love of your life? What is your love story?

Family Ministry, Get Back, My Life, My Wife Rules, Parenthood, Parenting, Personal Leadership, Self-Leadership

Get Back Day 1- Family

June 19, 2012 mjfelker1980

I love my family and I do everything possible to make sure that they know that they are my number one priority. However, it isn’t always easy. Often times I feel caught in the middle between family and ministry.

There is a pull to spend all my focus and all my time on my ministry but if I do that I will lose my family. One of my core values is that I refuse to sacrifice my family on the alter of ministry. I will not let that happen. I know I cannot focus exclusively on my ministry.

There is a pull in the opposite direction to spend all my time and focus on my family. However, if I do that I will struggle to live out my calling to lead others into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.

There is a lot of tension between my family and my ministry. One thing I understand completely: I am called to lead a local congregation but I’m commanded to lead my family. The tension comes from my desire to do both equally well without sacrificing .

I’m sure you feel this tension as well. Our default reaction is to work feverishly in order to release or erase tension from our lives. I spent many years trying to resolve this type of tension yet I found myself super busy with little to show for my effort. I was meeting the unique needs of each part of my life poorly.

A few years ago I was challenged to manage the tension rather than resolve it. This mindset has made all the difference for us.

The tension between family and ministry or family and work will always, always, always be there. You can’t get around it. So you must learn how to work within the tension and allow both areas to co-exists and even strengthen one another.

Over the years, my wife and I have learned to consistently practiced 5 habits that help us manage the tension between family and ministry.

5 Ways We Manage the Tension

1) Communication
Communication is the foundation of every good relationship and it is essential for managing the tensions in your life. Specifically we seek to communicate the expectations we have for one another and what we need from each other in any given situation. For example, Sandy will tell me that she needs me to be home on Thursday night of next week so that she can be at a ladies event. I’ll then move my schedule- maybe I’ll schedule a meeting over coffee that morning or during lunch so that I am available when she needs me to be. Sandy knows that on Saturday nights I spend a few hours in preparation for Sunday. She understands this need and works her Saturday family plans around this. Bonus: If you add Flexibility to Communication, everybody wins.

2) Schedule
Sandy and I regularly talk about what is on our calendar. At least twice a week we connect with the upcoming calendar (usually we talk about the next 2 weeks). This helps us be intentional about our schedules and it helps us avoid scheduling conflicts. Before I plan anything big on my ministry calendar, I run it by Sandy. I’m not looking for permission but I want to include her in on any scheduling issues to make sure that she is available, aware, and a part of the conversation. This one thing has made a huge difference in our relationship.

3) Date Night
The ideal for us is to have a date night once a week. Having an infant definitely throws a wrench in the gears of that ideal. However, we have found that the real power behind having a regular date night lies with the mindset. Dating your spouse is very much a state of mind. While we can’t go out each week, we can make spending quality time with one another a reality. The couch in our living room can transform into an IMAX movie experience when we make time to watch a movie together. Our couch can also change into a quiet coffee shop as we sit and talk about how our day went and what are our future dreams and plans are. Dates don’t always have to take place “offsite” so make time today for your next date night.

4) Family Night
Right now, Tuesday night is Felker Family Fun Night. I put a hedge around Tuesday nights because I know that we are going out as a family. We typically load the kids up and head out to dinner. One of our favorite restaurants runs a family special on Tuesdays– 2 kids eat free with 1 adult purchase. (How cool is that!?!?!) After dinner we typically enjoy an evening activity. We walk around the mall, we visit the free zoo (pet store), we visit the free amusement park (the playground at church), play at the free waterpark (splash pad)- Are you picking up on a theme here? Family night is my favorite night of the week! Look around your town and see what kind of deals are in your area. Pick a night of the week and protect it from all other events. You will love it and your family will thank you.

5) Do ministry as a family
This will look differently for everyone but we decided years ago to make sure to do ministry together. When someone needs a meal delivered, we load up the car and deliver it as a family. Sometimes we invite a few families over to our home for dinner and fellowship. My hope is that over time my kids will be able to join us in ministry as well. Sandy truly is my ministry partner. I have been blessed beyond my wildest imagination.

My prayer for you is that you will learn to manage the tensions in your life. When you do, you will find freedom and life. Use your creativity and imagination to work within the tension rather than expending your time and energy trying to resolve a problem that won’t go away.

Question: How do you manage the tensions between Family and Work? (Leave your thoughts and ideas in the comment section)

MichealFelker.com