Month: April 2008

Happy Birthday Laurie!

Today is Laurie’s 25th Birthday (for a third time :-)). As part of her celebration she took the day off and is enjoying some pampering at the spa today. I planed to take her to dinner tonight to California Pizza Kitchen but last night she mentioned she may prefer Johnny Carino’s instead. Either is fine with me. Just look forward to spending the evening with her.

On the topic of birthdays, saw this video today that gave me a chuckle. It’s been said that the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach – I guess it may be through his coffee mug too. But have no fear – I know all of you are concerned – I’m not using this video to suggest I got Laurie a cup of coffee for her birthday (although that might not be a bad idea ;-)).

Faith ideas :: Become a home for the homeless

We talked last night at our community group of some ways we can/should put the words of Jesus into real application and practice. CMS shared this idea today and thought it was a definite great idea for local churches.

It reminds me of a great point Shane Claiborne made in “Jesus for President.” He said that while many Christians will get up in arms against things like abortion, they’re rarely willing to actually put real action into their fight. He said that Mother Theresa (whom Claiborne spent several months with) was strongly against abortion, but rather than condemn a mother for considering it, or even possibly for the actions that conceived the child, she welcomed the mother and child into her home and cared for them specifically. She didn’t just tell an un-wed mother – abortion is sin – now go solve your problem. She said, “abortion is wrong but so is me putting you out on the street expecting you to deal with this issue alone. Let me help you in the midst of your crises.”
Continue reading Faith ideas :: Become a home for the homeless

Construction in Ellis/Dallas County

For those of you in the Ellis County/southern Dallas County, this information my prove useful:

In the next few weeks, we will begin making arrangements to permanently convert the frontage roads to one-way operation between Parkerville Road and US 77. This is an important part of the project as it will improve the safety along the frontage roads at the ramp junctures. It is also appropriate to make this conversion now as we begin opening new ramps in their ultimate configurations. The west frontage road and the east frontage road will be switched to one-way traffic operation at the same time to minimize confusion and to help drivers get acclimated to the new traffic pattern. I will provide additional information when the exact date is selected. In the mean time, please help me in spreading the word about this upcoming traffic change.

Sincerely,
Bill Pierce, P.E.
Ellis County Area Engineer
Texas Department of Transportation
972-938-1570

You don’t need it –>

While I won’t condone vandalism, I love the idea behind these stickers:

They’re meant as anti-advertising “protests.” And can be placed on advertising like this:

If only people would stick these reminders on my local Chick-Fil-A, What-A-Burger, Joey’s Burritos, iTunes and other stores I might frequent…

Engaging your audience

As part of our community 2.0 ministry at encounter, we recently purchased copies of Andy Stanley’s book, “Communicating for a Change.” Loved the book. It really challenged me and the ways I’ve always been taught to communicate with folks (hense my Mass Communications major).

Rather then outlining a message or lesson with 3 points, each having 3 or 4 sub-points, Stanley suggests outlining your message with only one central point. And building the message around Me-We-God-You-We. I’ll let you start reading it to find out more ;-). Like I said – it’s challenged me for sure.

I’ve tried to share some of the e-mails I send to our leaders from time to time (where appropriate) and thought this was one of those times…
Continue reading Engaging your audience