I am glad I am not an American and do not have to vote in November's election because it would be a very difficult choice. You see I watched Barack Obama's acceptance of the Democratic nomination last night and I think he is the better choice as Prez as compared to John McCain, the Republican nominee. Yet on issues of "faith and morality" I hold closer personally to John McCain's choices... but I think he/his party has pathetic, if any, answers to most of the issues concerning America today. Overall I think Obama would be a better leader for the nation... and exhibits many traits a good leader needs.
So here's why I liked Obama's speech and would vote for him...
1) Even though he disagrees, he did not rip John McCain's character or patriotism... he demonstrated what he would later talk about in terms of solving issues regardless of political lines. In fact, he even acknowledged it as something to be appreciated and respected.
2) He took on the issues head-on and/or dealt with them realistically - whether talking about the concerns about him (eg. too young, no experience, esp in foreign policy) or the challenges of the current economy, Obama was very specific and very issue oriented in dealing with the concerns.
3) He picked someone different than himself to be VP - Joe Biden is a wise choice as VP, I think, in that he is older, experienced, and yet still a democrat who will support Obama's enthusiasm and "do things different mindset" even within the framework of Washington and the political bureaucracy.
4) He didn't say that government would fix all the problems... but that the people had a responsibility to make changes themselves. He didn't say, though you could read between the lines, its not the govt's job to stop every person from maxing out their credit cards, and mortgages, and etc, etc. That's the responsibility of an individual/family to make wise choices.
5) His story is good... flat out good!!! Again he is a living example of the "promise" he is talking about.
6) I actually believe he loves his wife and two daughters.
Rick Warren had a forum at Saddleback Community Church last week for the two candidates which from what I've heard reported was very well done - civil yet asking the real tough questions. The next day (Sunday August 21) he preached a sermon on what three qualities to look for in a leader... being very careful not to say he endorsed either candidate. Again, very wise! The three items Warren identified were integrity, humility, and generosity. And the last reason (at least at this posting) why I would probably vote for Barack Obama is
7) He demonstrates integrity, humility and generosity. I don't like that he is not opposed to same-sex marriage, but I do like that he admits such and I think his words last night about treating all people with respect was something many evangelicals need to hear. Ditto for the abortion issue. The other two qualities, humility and generosity also came out very clearly in his life story and speech.
ADDENDUM OF September 2 - First again let me emphasize that I canNOT vote in the upcoming election as I am a "proud" Canadian citizen... and I am very glad to not be able to
vote in November because it would be a VERY difficult choice. The posting above is not meant to be an endorsement of Barack Obama... though I can certainly understand if it is/has been taken that way. My regrets!
Additionally, I do plan to post at the end of this week on the Republican National Convention and my perspectives on John McCain and his new VP choice, Alaska governor Sarah Palin.
Finally, yes I have read the reports that McCain answered Rick Warren's questions well and honestly while Obama was "evasive" and beat-around-the-bush (bad puns ready, anyone?) on a variety of questions. This is NOT integrity... and I think he was more direct in his acceptance of the Democratic party's nomination in Denver partially in light of that critique.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Book Review - Wild Goose Chase
A very worthwhile read that is well-written and actually fun to read! With an interesting look at the stories of Nehemiah, Moses, Abraham, Peter, Paul and Jonathan, Pastor Mark Batterson presents clearly six cages that could be keeping us as believers from following the leading of the Holy Spirit. He probably uses a few too many cliches... but then again, they are used so cleverly and composed so carefully, that one is really struck by the conversational yet convicting word-smithing of this author. Now that I've read this book, I want to go back and read his other book, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. I may use this book with high school guys for a Bible study though I think it would also be useful for college & career age crowd!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Updated pictures of Caleb
Just thought I'd post up a few pictures of our wonderful son, Caleb... esp since some family members are probably missing seeing him...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
First Year college student Mindset list
The annual "First year college student's mindset list" put out by Beloit College is now available. Personally, I found this year's list to be fairly drab with not as many interesting or surprising ideas... Now I just have to figure out if that's because I'm so in touch with young people... or if I'm so old that I can't even connect with the new jokes anymore?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Book Review forthcoming
I am still waiting to receive a copy of pastor Mark Batterson's book, Wild Goose Chase which is set for release tomorrow. Check back to this blog for the review in a few days...Here's some initial info from the publisher:
Most of us have no idea where we’re going most of the time. Perfect. “Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or ‘the Wild Goose.’ The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it’s like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure.” --from the introduction.
Author Bio:
Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of Washington , DC ’s National Community Church , widely recognized as one of America ’s most innovative churches. NCC meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the city, as well as in a church-owned coffee house near Union Station. More than seventy percent of NCC’ers are single twentysomethings who live or work on Capitol Hill. Mark is the author of the best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and a widely read blogger (www.markbatterson.com). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.
Author Bio:
Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of Washington , DC ’s National Community Church , widely recognized as one of America ’s most innovative churches. NCC meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the city, as well as in a church-owned coffee house near Union Station. More than seventy percent of NCC’ers are single twentysomethings who live or work on Capitol Hill. Mark is the author of the best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and a widely read blogger (www.markbatterson.com). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
What I'm reading
As one might expect, the summer months are a little slower for those involved in education (whether K-12 or post-secondary) and a good chance to do some reading. So, here's a few books I am/have been reading...
Alexander Strauch, Leading with Love (Littleton, CO: Lewis & Roth Publishing, 2006) - Our elders board worked through Strauch's book on biblical eldership a couple years ago and so when I saw this title by Strauch I thought it might be worth reading. And it was... very challenging, and of course biblical. Strauch seems to have a way of presenting very direct and pointed personal challenges in a way that is tender and pastoral. A good read!
Rowland Forman, Jeff Jones & Bruce Miller, The Leadership Baton (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004) - I am not quite finished this book, though I'm about 80% through it. Again, nothing particularly new yet a good reminder of the importance of being intentional in passing on leadership to others. Also very practical!
Wess Stafford, Too Small to Ignore (Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press, 2005) - I heard about this book from my mother-in-law and I'm about 80% of the way through this book also. Incredibly well-written and very challenging. Also some great challenges for church leaders and/or those involved in education of elementary and secondary school students! Also this book is not without mention of the difficulties the author experienced during his growing up years as an MK in a boarding school in West Africa... and reading of this and doing some further online tracking has raised a couple other interesting leadership questions in my heart and mind.
Looking forward to reading and reviewing Mark Batterson's newest book, Wild Goose Chase for this blog in the days to come. Stay tuned...
Alexander Strauch, Leading with Love (Littleton, CO: Lewis & Roth Publishing, 2006) - Our elders board worked through Strauch's book on biblical eldership a couple years ago and so when I saw this title by Strauch I thought it might be worth reading. And it was... very challenging, and of course biblical. Strauch seems to have a way of presenting very direct and pointed personal challenges in a way that is tender and pastoral. A good read!
Rowland Forman, Jeff Jones & Bruce Miller, The Leadership Baton (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004) - I am not quite finished this book, though I'm about 80% through it. Again, nothing particularly new yet a good reminder of the importance of being intentional in passing on leadership to others. Also very practical!
Wess Stafford, Too Small to Ignore (Colorado Springs, CO: Waterbrook Press, 2005) - I heard about this book from my mother-in-law and I'm about 80% of the way through this book also. Incredibly well-written and very challenging. Also some great challenges for church leaders and/or those involved in education of elementary and secondary school students! Also this book is not without mention of the difficulties the author experienced during his growing up years as an MK in a boarding school in West Africa... and reading of this and doing some further online tracking has raised a couple other interesting leadership questions in my heart and mind.
Looking forward to reading and reviewing Mark Batterson's newest book, Wild Goose Chase for this blog in the days to come. Stay tuned...
A couple pictures of Caleb
Its been a while since I posted up some updated pictures of our son, Caleb, and so I thought I'd better do so...
This is a picture from Friday, August 8, Caleb's five month birthday!
The second picture was taken on Sunday, August 10, as Caleb 
and his friend Milo Dalghetty (born May 9) play together. We expect Caleb and Milo and a few other friends (eg. Levi Ewert, Aaron Kirk, Theo Creasser) will have lots of fun stories to tell of the interesting things they explore together as they grow up!
and his friend Milo Dalghetty (born May 9) play together. We expect Caleb and Milo and a few other friends (eg. Levi Ewert, Aaron Kirk, Theo Creasser) will have lots of fun stories to tell of the interesting things they explore together as they grow up!Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Leadership means thinking ahead
With CBC news broadcasting live from Beijing, we've been trying to watch the news the last few nights as they've had some interesting stories on various topics about life in China as well as other national and international news. Particularly neat last night was the story on Canada's Men's Field Hockey team...a tribute to Canada's multi-culturalism!
However, in terms of leadership, there were a couple stories that to me just screamed "Think ahead." By the way, these items were not connected or in sequence in CBC's reporting:
1) A feature on life in China that looked at the results of the "one child only policy" and the strong preference for male children... and corresponding disdain, to put it politely, for girls. Apparently this has created a "demographic nightmare" as there are way too many single men now and no women for them to marry. NO kidding!
By the way, the same is true in India where my wife Sarah formerly lived and worked.
2) Apparently the issue of when to begin French Immersion for children in New Brunswick has been a controversial issue over the past year and yesterday the gov't decided they would change their decision from last year and allow students to either begin in grade 3 or grade 6. As a sort of "sidenote," they report also mentioned that NB is quite concerned because their students score fairly low in comparison to the rest of the country in national achievement tests.
HELLO! If you already score low in national achievement tests, would introducing a second language at grade 3 or grade 6 - where students across the country take the wonderful "Canadian Tests of Basic Skills" in those grades - really be a wise solution?
Those two examples cause me to wonder are there no leaders who think ahead even a few months, never mind a few years? Then again, before laughing at the silly and obvious "plank" in someone else's sight, perhaps I need to look again at my own life, school and policies and see if there are any "specs of dust" where I am not seeing the future implications!
However, in terms of leadership, there were a couple stories that to me just screamed "Think ahead." By the way, these items were not connected or in sequence in CBC's reporting:
1) A feature on life in China that looked at the results of the "one child only policy" and the strong preference for male children... and corresponding disdain, to put it politely, for girls. Apparently this has created a "demographic nightmare" as there are way too many single men now and no women for them to marry. NO kidding!
By the way, the same is true in India where my wife Sarah formerly lived and worked.
2) Apparently the issue of when to begin French Immersion for children in New Brunswick has been a controversial issue over the past year and yesterday the gov't decided they would change their decision from last year and allow students to either begin in grade 3 or grade 6. As a sort of "sidenote," they report also mentioned that NB is quite concerned because their students score fairly low in comparison to the rest of the country in national achievement tests.
HELLO! If you already score low in national achievement tests, would introducing a second language at grade 3 or grade 6 - where students across the country take the wonderful "Canadian Tests of Basic Skills" in those grades - really be a wise solution?
Those two examples cause me to wonder are there no leaders who think ahead even a few months, never mind a few years? Then again, before laughing at the silly and obvious "plank" in someone else's sight, perhaps I need to look again at my own life, school and policies and see if there are any "specs of dust" where I am not seeing the future implications!
Friday, August 01, 2008
Leadership Lessons from Cirque du Soleil
Last night, Sarah and I and Caleb had the privilege of attending Cirque du Soleil's opening night performance of "Corteo" in Calgary. Thanks to the generosity of Sarah's parents who bought the tickets, Mom & Dad Hunt, Sarah and myself, Cameron & Beckie and Jon & Kim took up one row of the show. Lois, we did miss you! And Mom & Dad Ibbotson will be very glad to know that someone else succeeded into getting some "arts and culture" into their son. It was an interesting performance and thought I'd share some initial "leadership observations" about the evening.
1) Trust - all sorts of easy examples of the need for trust in your teammate in a production/performance like this. Yes, they are professionals and yes, they practice a lot, and have all the necessary safety precautions, but still... you've gotta trust the people catching you or guiding you or... in order for the show to go on. A pretty basic (and obvious) leadership concept: If you don't trust your teammates in an organization, you really don't have anything to build on.
2) Practice - again, pretty obvious and basic to a performance of this caliber, the participants have practiced their individual skills over and over and over again and then practiced repeatedly the various sections of the program as they work together.
In terms of leadership, if you are going to be excellent, you have to practice some skills (and talents) over and over and over for them to develop well... and some of those activities/skills are pretty mundane at times. Similarly, experience is important in leadership... its not the greatest necessity, but its important because it shows a track record of faithful performance... something that it is vital for leadership.
3) "Don't judge a book by its cover" - I suspect that some of the men who went into "dancing" classes got a few jabs from their macho friends... but there was nothing un-manly about the men who were swinging, jumping, lifting, catching and throwing the women artists last night. They were pretty good physical specimens, even if they were short in stature. Likewise, a couple of the "short people" (politically incorrect=midgets) who were likely considered "handicapped" played a significant and entertaining role in the production also! And I would imagine that they are compensated decently for the unique contribution they can bring to such a production.
4) Live like you may attend your own funeral - "Corteo" was the story of a clown/circus performer and dreams that he is attending his own funeral... and he reminisces about all the excitement in his life and all the people he has met. In graduate school, one of my classes with Dr Char Bates included the assignment of writing your own obituary. A great assignment and really makes one focus on what s/he values and what s/he wants to be remembered for. It also gives a person a good focus when little details in daily life seem so onerous or frustrating.
1) Trust - all sorts of easy examples of the need for trust in your teammate in a production/performance like this. Yes, they are professionals and yes, they practice a lot, and have all the necessary safety precautions, but still... you've gotta trust the people catching you or guiding you or... in order for the show to go on. A pretty basic (and obvious) leadership concept: If you don't trust your teammates in an organization, you really don't have anything to build on.
2) Practice - again, pretty obvious and basic to a performance of this caliber, the participants have practiced their individual skills over and over and over again and then practiced repeatedly the various sections of the program as they work together.
In terms of leadership, if you are going to be excellent, you have to practice some skills (and talents) over and over and over for them to develop well... and some of those activities/skills are pretty mundane at times. Similarly, experience is important in leadership... its not the greatest necessity, but its important because it shows a track record of faithful performance... something that it is vital for leadership.
3) "Don't judge a book by its cover" - I suspect that some of the men who went into "dancing" classes got a few jabs from their macho friends... but there was nothing un-manly about the men who were swinging, jumping, lifting, catching and throwing the women artists last night. They were pretty good physical specimens, even if they were short in stature. Likewise, a couple of the "short people" (politically incorrect=midgets) who were likely considered "handicapped" played a significant and entertaining role in the production also! And I would imagine that they are compensated decently for the unique contribution they can bring to such a production.
4) Live like you may attend your own funeral - "Corteo" was the story of a clown/circus performer and dreams that he is attending his own funeral... and he reminisces about all the excitement in his life and all the people he has met. In graduate school, one of my classes with Dr Char Bates included the assignment of writing your own obituary. A great assignment and really makes one focus on what s/he values and what s/he wants to be remembered for. It also gives a person a good focus when little details in daily life seem so onerous or frustrating.
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