There are weeks like this in life (& leadership)

What a week? Last Saturday night, my dear wife Sarah was sitting reading on the couch as I finished watching the Flames defeat the Oilers 3-0. Just as we are ready to head to bed, my wife looks over and says, "I feel a little queasy." Seconds later, she drops the book and rushes to the bathroom and vomits. After cleaning up, we go upstairs and get ready for bed and are just about to settle in when... she vomits again. Fortunately, that was the last time, and despite not having a great night's sleep, the next morning comes around. Sarah realizes she should not serve in the nursery as was scheduled so she calls and swaps with someone else and stays home with Rachel while Caleb and I go to church. A fairly calm rest of the day, though we are disappointed we also had to cancel lunch plans with Sarah's family due to her sickness.

Sunday night, it is the children's turn to "up-chuck." I first hear Rachel cry out just before 3:00 am and bolt out of bed. In the 2-3 seconds between Sarah saying, "don't rush in, she might settle herself" and her next cry, I think but cannot find the words to say, "yes, you are right. I know she might settle herself. And yet I think that was something more than just a cry." The next sound is clearly not a cry but a throw-up noise and then Sarah bolts out of bed to go and help her. We get her, her bed, and dolly re-settled and before we know it, Caleb is awake. I help him settle and then he says "Daddy, my tummy aches." And that's the cue... he vomits too! Clean up the pjs and room, settle our boy back down and then up again ay 6:30 am for another round.

Monday actually goes okay and yet Monday night it is my turn to have poor night's sleep with back pain. I feel like I get no sleep at all and finally take some tylenol... something I probably should have done as I went to bed and felt sore. One of my perpetual problems... I don't take a pain medication until the pain is out of control as I hope its going to get better and I already feel like I take enough pills. Tuesday again goes okay, though Sarah and the children do not go to Mom's Time Out causing Rachel no small amount of frustration as she already missed playing with grandma at church on Sunday, now she doesn't get to spend time with her at MTO.

Tuesday ends with a Board of Elders meeting. Despite being very tired, I am feeling pretty good. Our Elders meeting goes well and we end with a discussion of an interpersonal conflict within the congregation... and it does not finish until after 12:30 am. Though I am home and in bed at 1:15, I'm sure I don't go to sleep until after 2:00 am and its a pretty restless night. By Wednesday, I don't know how I'm going to survive, but I do (by God's grace) and then another bad night with pain... and not taking tylenol quickly enough, and I just survive Thursday morning before taking a "sick day" (1/2) Thursday afternoon. Last night, everyone had a great sleep - myself, Sarah, Caleb and Rachel. It was incredible! I took a tylenol and a gravol before going to bed to help relieve the pain and make sure I slept well.

The purpose of sharing these "such is life" details on my blog is not sympathy (or to bore you with details). I think there's some leadership lessons I need to learn from this situation:
1) Manage trouble spots before they become major issues.
2) Don't put yourself into situations where if one thing happens suddenly, everything else shatters.
3) Life will happen and God will provide enough strength for each day. I confess, I was beginning to wonder about this on Wednesday... how was I going to make it through the rest of the week. The Lord always provides the resources we need to carry out His good will. I need to be sure to thank Him!

"Enough"

Turn back the clock with me seven years ago. Having just completed my doctoral studies, sensing that it was time to make a move career-wise, and yet reasonably satisfied to continue living in my hometown near my loving and supportive family, I frequently listen to the Chris Tomlin song "Enough." Whether at church, on the radio, or on my playlist as I worked on my journal or class preparation, I would stop and try to sing along, only to realize that I couldn't genuinely repeat the words. I believed them to be true and desparately wanted to claim that truth personally, but often I felt as if I was trying to convince myself of the truth of the lyrics, not proclaim them. Over a period of months, I believe God worked to bring me to a point where I believe I could sing the words truthfully, before the circumstances of life changed to a point where I could see His provision so amazingly beyond my wildest dreams and expectations.

Now, back to December 2011. As the worship team at the Prairie Tabernacle congregation led this song on Sunday morning, I needed to stop singing and ask the Lord, do I really mean the words coming out of my mouth? What does that truth claim mean for me today with a wife, two children and another one due in January, a home, two part-time jobs, and a general sense of physical (and mental) fatigue in my body?

I have not yet come to an "answer," yet I will sing the words, affirming the truth the song conveys about God, His character, and His provision.

Where has Critical Appreciation Gone?

The critical review essays were due yesterday in the Written Composition (HF 110) class I am teaching this semester as a sessional instructor at PBI. Consequently, I found this article interesting!

Gratitude for those who have helped me in leadership

John Maxwell's latest Leadership Wired newsletter includes an essay titled "Leadership in Dependence: An Attitude Inspiring Gratitude" and focuses on the need for leaders to realize that they have come to their place/position of influence because of many people who have helped them along the way.
I want to express my appreciation to the following people for the role they have played in my life and contributing to any success God has blessed me with in leadership.

• My parents, John & Wendy Ibbotson - ways too numerous. Bottom line: I had every opportunity for success because of a safe, secure, nurturing home I was raised in.
• Mr. Fred Stidham - the grade 6 teacher who one day in a passing comment said, "Steve, you could become a teacher someday."
• Dr Charlotte Kinving-Bates - for believing that I could develop into a leader from the time I graduated from high school and provided opportunities for me to lead in various ways. In one of her leadership development classes in 1996, I began an annual personal development plan that I have used, reviewed, and updated every year.
• The people of the Prairie Tabernacle Congregation - a group of people, many in their senior years, who have served around the world in various capacities, gave a young, single, 25 year old the chance to serve as an elder among them. I have been privileged to serve as an elder for 12 of the last 14 years, including some years as chair.
• Gonzaga University - a school that sought to open the doors to students from various aspects of life to study in the Doctor of Philosphy in Educational Leadership program... and that new what an MDiv was because they trained Jesuit priests!
• Paul Nigh, Jason Ewert & principal Randy Wood at Prairie Christian Academy - you have helped me use my administrative gifts and demonstrated "get it done" leadership that makes things happen in two contexts (public school/academia and Christian non-profit organization) that can be frustratingly restrictive.
• Many individuals in formal leadership positions locally and globally who I've watched and tried to learn from.

Of course, thanks to the Lord for providing me with so many people and opportunities to lead God's people by serving God's people.

Review: Why Men Hate Going to Church (Revised) by David Murrow

I remember hearing about this book when it was first published in 1995 (2005). There were some  proponents who felt this book was long overdue. Others felt the book was simply a pathetic attempt to excuse male apathy in church. So, when the opportunity was given to review an updated version, I jumped in eager to read the arguments and examine their validity.

It is only fair to concede that this reader fits the small percentage of men who the church "connects" with - the verbal (able to teach/preach), studious (I read the book, right!), and sensitive (okay, many people would not describe me this way, but as it relates to the concepts in this book). Though I enjoy sports, due to physical limitations I cannot play, and thus resonate with the language Murrow suggests the church largely ignores that is men's preferred context/language. I can understand why male critics of this book would not agree with Murrow, because if you are a male church "star" (pastor/elder) and you agree with the thesis of the book, you are essentially admitting that you are a "feminine man."

The thesis of the book is that the main reason men hate church is because most aspects of congregational life are oriented towards predominantly female traits and styles. Part 1 seek to answer the question, "Where are the men?" and though not rich in statistics, the fact of the argument is really not up for debate.

Murrow actually begin arguing in chapter 5 (two chapters before part 2 of the book seemingly begins) that church culture and male culture are in constant structural (sytems) and functional (how things actually work out) conflict. From a one-sided view of Jesus (chapter 6) to the lovey-dovey worship songs (chapter 9) and many other symptoms, Murrow thoroughly points out how churches of the 20th century sent multiple messages to men that "church" is not the place you want to be talking about over the water-cooler on Monday morning. This part of the book is repetitive in some places, yet at the same time, it provides such ample evidence of how male culture is so diametrically opposed to most church language and activities, that one really can only cringe in embarassment.

Fortunately, part 3 offers some ten practical chapters "Calling the Church back to Men." By the end of the book, this reader found himself both convinced of the need for change to our church language and structures so that they are more "manly" as well as armed with some initial ideas for making these things happen.

This book was provided for free for review by Thomas Nelson publishers as part of the BookSneeze program.

What I learned about Leadership from a Root Canal by Michael Hyatt

Check this article out!

Thankful for "nothing"

Yesterday I had my annual cardiologist appointment at the Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary. After a six-minute walk test as part of tracking a medication's effectiveness, an echocardiogram (ECG), and an electrocardiogram (EEG), I visited with my cardiologist, his assistant, and a new doctor working with him. As they asked the standard questions (eg. swelling, chest pain, dizziness, etc.) and if there was anything new in the last year, I gave "no" answers. It was all very boring. Why I haven't even had a nosebleed in the past year! As the doctor summarized the appointment, "well, we're glad you came in so that we could find out that you and Sarah are expecting child #3 in January. Be sure to send us some pictures when baby arrives."

I realize I don't stop often enough to thank the Lord for this complete lack of news. When "nothing" is happening (medically) and life is going by in an orderly fashion, I need to make sure I stop and praise Him for His gracious hand upon my life in so many ways. His amazing kindness extended to me, not only far beyond what I deserve, but far beyond what medically seems comprehensible. So, thanks for nothing, Lord!

Stuck (DVD Series) Review

The "Stuck" series of DVDs is designed for a women's ministry group or Bible study. As I man, I am clearly not involved in such groups, and thus I passed this series on to the co-ordinator of women's ministries in the Prairie Tabernacle Congregation (my home church) and she in turn shared it with her leaders. So far I have heard that "the premise I got was positive and there seemed to be good biblical content." Sorry I don't have more to share at this time.

Samplers of the Book and DVD have been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. DVD-Based Study available October 2011 at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Review: Close Enough to Hear God Breathe by Greg Paul

I knew this was going to be a challenging book when I was crying as I read the prologue the day before Thanksgiving. Greg Paul's writing is itself an artistic masterpiece and his ability to draw the reader into the description is amazing. (Admittedly, the fact his daughter's name, Rachel, is also my daughter's name, helped draw this reader in. Later, in chapter 1 I discovered he also has a son named Caleb.) The author masterfully weaves personal stories illustrating the idea being presented in each chapter.

After an introductory section ("The Heart of the Matter"), Paul goes through the four acts of the Great Story – Creation, the Fall, Redemption, and Consummation – offering words God is trying to communicate to individuals in each part of the Story. Without being presumptuous, Paul compellingly shares the stories in a way that is full of theology and thoroughly consistent with evangelical doctrine. Each chapter begins with a Scripture passage, addressed to “my child,” “my beloved,” and ” my pleasure,” in each section (hence 15 chapters plus prologue and epilogue). Likewise, each chapter concludes with a suggested phrase that God whispers to individuals.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough, whether to a young person looking to understand their place in the Great Story and how to hear God better, or to a long-time Christian looking for a fresh and moving challenge to the way they’ve always thought about the Gospel message. Without diminishing His sovereignty and awesomeness, the book presents an intimately personal God in a way unlike any other book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Missions Matters - PCA's Journey of missions team development

I was privileged to share the story of PCA's journey of developing a missions team at this past week's ACSI (Association of Christian School's International) Alberta Teacher's Conference held at Bearspaw Christian Academy in Calgary. Here is the pdf of my powerpoint presentation. If you would like more info, please contact the address given at the end of the pdf.

Thanksgiving Reflections

Yes, its that time of year here in Canada where we celebrate Thanksgiving - about seven weeks ahead of our friends in the USA! In keeping with the line from Matt & Beth Redman's song, "Every blessing You pour out, I'll turn back to praise...", thank God with me for: *salvation through Jesus Christ, so rich and free,
*a noble wife as described in Proverbs 31. Sarah is amazing as a woman, a wife, mother, daugher (& in-law), sister, friend, etc.
*two amazing children. Caleb & Rachel, who I love and learn so much from me each day!
*baby #3 on the way in January,
*wonderful & far too kind extended family (parents, siblings & in-laws, grandpa Carter & Nana),
*a great group of people to work with at Prairie Christian Academy (PCA),
*the opportunity to impact boys & girls through my work at PCA,
*the opportunity to teach again in a college setting at PBI,
*His incredible provision for our house,
*friends in the Three Hills community,
...and the list could go on and on and on.

Yesterday as I was driving to work in my wheelchair - yes, a local man who knew I wasn't using it anymore thought he'd take it off my hands and use it for a go-cart but once he started looking at it realized it was "easy to fix" and did so - I just started to cry thinking again of how amazingly gracious and generous the Lord has been to me. His provision and care for me are beyond comprehension and words so I'll simply say "Thank You" (realizing it never can be enough).

Swerve Calgary article about PBI

While I would not agree with all the perspectives and conclusions offered in this article by Jeremy Klaszus and his sources, it is a well-written article. A good writer/reporter gets perspective from all angles and Jeremy does this well!

Family Pics

I have not posted pics of our family in a looooong time and so thought I'd better post a few more for aunts, uncles or family friends who do not live nearby!

Four Generations of females (taken February 20, 2011)

Our Cool Kids

Family picture (July 26, 2011)

Speaking Topics

Having been involved in education for 15 years as a teacher and administrator, Dr Steve Ibbotson desires to serve churches, schools and other Christian ministries. If you are looking for a speaker and think I may be able to serve your group, please contact me. I am willing to do individual presentations or a series of "messages."

As well as preaching in local churches, I have presented to groups on the following topics:

• Leadership - Communicate like a Leader, Building Teams that Work 
• Cross-cultural work - Missions Matter: How to build successful short-term missions teams in your school?, What does it mean to be a missions leader in the 21st century?
• Growing up with a physical disability - Parenting a Disabled Child

To hear a recent sermon, click here.

Why McDonald's Wins in any Economy - Fortune magazine Sept 5, 2011

A great article on my personal favorite restaurant - McDonalds!
Thanks to challies.com for the link!

Ten Myths about Calvinism by Ken Stewart

Though I have not read this book, very positive reviews come from individuals across the theological spectrum. I am very happy to see the success of the book because I had the pleasure and privilege of serving at Prairie Bible Institute for a number of years with the book's author, Dr. Ken Stewart.

• Roger E. Olson review at Christianity Today.
• Scot McKnight of North Park University (Chicago) investigates various chapters.
• Passion for Preaching review
• Podcast with Tim Challies
• The official info from InterVarsity Press

Do Leaders Need Competition?

by Steve Ibbotson

Just listening to the FAN 960 as I'm sitting here in the office and as part of their golf report, they were considering how Phil Mickelson has not become the world's #1 golfer since the Tiger Woods debacle. Everyone thought he was poised to be move right into top spot if/when Tiger faded, yet the lefty has not been the power everyone expected. Perhaps Mickelson needed Tiger in order to play his best?

I have wondered the same thing about WestJet (Canadian equivalent of SouthWest Airlines). Air Canada has been a perpetual disaster in most ways - customer service, repeated financial help from the government, etc. Yet I believe if they ever did cease operations - as most companies with their track record, financial issues, outrageous contractual obligations, etc would - WestJet might not be far behind. I believe WestJet lives and in fact, succeeds, largely because they have a competitor, Air Canada.

A number of years ago, there was a serious builder in our town who started a construction boom. Soon there was a good competitor, a business that went from a one-man painting company to becoming another serious home builder, restaurant/hotel builder, etc. Now, one of these builders has disappeared from the scene and while builder #2 still is building homes in Three Hills, a number of small local contractors seem to be just as prevalent as seven years ago when there was the two-man building war... in small town TH of all places!

Oh yes, and I'll say it before someone else does: Three Hills and area have eight strongly evangelical local churches in a town of 4000. Really?

So I'm asking the question: Do Leaders Need Competition?
(I'll offer an answer in a future blogpost)

Beer, Bohemianism & True Christian Liberty

An excellent article by John MacArthur! Thanks to Tim Challies for the link!

Book Review: On Being a Leader for God by Warren Wiersbe

In the preface, pastor and Bible teacher Warren W. Wiersbe articulates the purpose of this book is to be "a practical 'theology of leadership' based on the principles and illustrated taught in the Bible. As one would expect from a Bible teacher with significant life experience in various contexts, Wiersbe accomplishes this goal well. He admits there won't be ground-breaking new ideas or leadership concepts and there are not. Yet the book is an easy read, well-written, and illustrates the biblical principles of leadership with engaging stories.

The chapters are short (4-7 pages), making the book easy to read, though the lack of chapter headings or titles seems awkward (and of course this means there is no "table of contents" to guide you through). An outline never became clear as one read, though the book didn't seem scattered either and chapters generally flow in a logical sequence, though again some formal titles would be beneficial.

Though it is not particularly academic, I would recommend this book for an introductory college (or high school) course on leadership as it coverse Biblical principles well and interacts with some general leadership concepts thoughtfully.

Psalm 16 & Heritage Day Weekend

It is a Friday afternoon and in most of Canada, today begins a long weekend! In Alberta, the holiday is called Heritage Day. In my reading the other day, I was reflecting on Psalm 16 and it seems to be a good fit for a blog entry as the Heritage Day weekend commences. So here are some of my reflections:

Psalm 16:5-6
Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup;
you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance.

Next Friday, we take possession of our new home here in Three Hills. Sarah has been packing diligently for the past two weeks and I have done a couple things this week. It will be busy next weekend, but we are soooo blessed to be able to purchase this home. However, as blessed as we are with this home, the past few weeks have been even more amazing as we have seen God answer prayer in related matters:
a) the mobile home we currently live in was rented within hours of us putting out word it would be available;
b) Sarah enjoys having homestay students and so we applied and have already been accepted. One young lady has already been "assigned" to our home and we are open to another. Yes, this provides a bit of supplementary income without being an income (covers R&B), but more importantly, it means our home (space) can be a blessing to others.
c) My current employment position is being cut from full-time to half-time and yet no other "income options" were opening... until this week when a chance to teach a couple courses for PBI/PCAAT in the fall semester were available. Even more amazing... except to God who is in control of it all... both classes fit the schedule and do not conflict with the key components of my role, even being half-time.

However, this is simply a small part of the truth of Psalm 16 in my life. I could talk for hours/pages about how this Psalm plays out in my life... from the amazing wife God has blessed me with in Sarah, to our amazing two children, Caleb and Rachel, to the incredible extended family we have on both sides, to various friends near and far, the opportunities to impact lives here in Three Hills and around the world, I could go on and on. Indeed, "apart from you (Lord), I have no good thing."

So as this Heritage Day weekend begins, I trust reading this blog entry will encourage your heart that God IS watching out for you and will guard/protect/watch over you... especially when the future seems uncertain. To Him be honour and glory!

Two Book Reviews (long overdue)

A couple books provided by Graf-Martin for which the blog reviews below are long overdue.
The Gospel Commission by Michael Horton (Baker, 2011)

I believe this will be an excellent book… however I have only gotten through the first 50 pages because it is densely packed and you do not want to skip over the depth contained therein. Horton chooses his words carefully and they cause one (at least this reader) to read slowly… not great if you are supposed to write a blog review within 30 days of a 300+ page hardcover book. It is not that the reading is difficult, it is simply full of good theological argument/discussion and one should not read over it hastily.

One example: "We often speak of 'making Jesus our personal Lord and Savior," but this obscures two important points. First, we do not make Jesus anything, especially Lord and Savior. It is because he already is Lord and Savior that we are freed from death and hell. All authority belongs to him already." (second point follows in the next paragraph). If I really grasp this concept, it will (and has) changed the way I pray for my children. Yes, I have prayed they will "accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour" but actually I should pray that they "will recognize Jesus as the Lord and Savior of all people, and of them individually."
My regrets this review is so short, yet I believe its strengths and weakness are accurately depicted.


Small Groups with Purpose by Steve Gladen (Baker, 2011)

My wife and I lead and host a small group in our home and I have done so for many years as single man with a variety of groups (ie. college students, congregation members). I’m also looking at the possibility of serving as a small groups coach in the near future and so this book seemed to be a good choice for a blog review. Written by Saddleback’s Pastor of Small Group Community, Steve Gladen very clearly says at the beginning that the advice in this book is for you to go out and in most ways replicate because it is based on biblical principles. Personally, I liked that because I have encountered many books where an author says, “don’t try to do this strategy in your church but here’s how it works and why it works well.” If it works so well, why wouldn’t I use the strategy?

Gladen does a good job of giving a variety of options in each chapter so that the book is not an overly prescriptive manual, but a small group’s guidebook based on biblical principles with a selection of ways that might look in different settings. Easy-to-read and highly practical, each chapter also includes “study questions” at the end for discussion or planning.

I would highly recommend this book to small group coaches as well as leaders.

Letter to a teenager from John Piper

Just back in the office after a week of holiday camping with the family at Old McDonald Resort (just outside Erskine, AB). Came across this nice piece by pastor John Piper through Tim Challies blog.

Also, a good article on Perry Noble's blog, Control is the Greatest Illusion in the Universe.

Interesting Articles on this blog's topic

Three interesting articles that fit the topic of this blog quite well.

Survivor: Leadership edition by Roger Parrott
CJ Mahaney's Leave of Absence by CJ Mahaney
Ten Questions Leaders should be asking by Perry Noble

Are they enjoying themselves?

As my wife and I have been watching the news the past three nights and seeing the reports on Prince William and Kate's travel around Canada, she has commented a few times, "I hope they are enjoying themselves?" Whether it was the day 1 update on how each of the three outfits worn by Kate were made by Canadian designers or yesterday's updates on how they made out pretty well public relations wise in Quebec, despite the protests, I'm glad my wife has a thoughtfulness and compassion that many, including myself, probably don't really have for this royal couple.

I'm of the perspective that Kate knew what she was marrying into - or at least as much as anyone can know until you really live it - and so "c'est la vie," this is the life you chose. Kate knew she was going to always been in the spotlight the minute she started dating Prince William. In a sense, she had to weigh the "can I live in the constant spotlight?" question against the "do I want to be Prince William's wife?" (or do I love Will that much?) Admittedly, there are a multiple of lifelong benefits for such perpetual privacy invasions - global travel, gifts galore, lavish banquets with the political elite (and eventually other "stars), constant 5-star hotels and vacations, etc.

However, you might suspect that one Diana Spencer wondered these very same thoughts 25+ years ago and felt she could handle these pressures too! And you can bet her eldest son has these questions weighing in his young mind as he tries to live up to the expectations of being the prince while also being a newly married man, trying to understand what it means to care for his wife. That's some load to carry for a leader!

Book Review - The Irresistable Church by Wayne Cordeiro

As an elder in our congregation, the chance to review a book titled The Irresistable Church: 12 Traits of a Church Heaven Applauds really was an obvious "yes." And after reading the book, I'm ready to make sure our whole elders board reads this excellent book by pastor Wayne Cordeiro.

Three key points are made in the introductory chapter that hinted this was going to be an incredibly valuable book. First, "irresistable" was defined, not by numbers or programs or other external signs of success but by the "feel" of the church. I prefer a numerical/programmatic approach and yet know that this definition of a "successful" church are not what really matters. Secondly, in setting forth this description, pastor Cordeiro clearly says that this is not only a church that will be recognized as "irresistable" by earthly standards, but in fact by heavenly standards because it follows God's design for the Church and is based on biblical ideals. Finally, this book said it did/would provide principles to follow for any church, regardless of size, location, denomination, leadership style/polity, etc. The book did not need to say "modify these for your congregation" - something that many "church advice" books say - because they are biblical values and thus timeless and abiding.

The 12 traits that Cordeiro identifies (you'll have to read the book to get them) are indeed biblical and the way he identifies, describes, and illustrates each characteristic is both clear and challenging. Without being simplistic, the book is easy-to-read (nice size chapters) and well-written in an engaging style. Interestingly enough, the tone of the book does not convey a pride or arrogance about "how we do church" either.

The only possible drawback I can see in this book is that it does not contain a plethora of Scripture references in the actual text of the book. While I am convinced that its teaching is thoroughly biblical and reflects the "traits of a church that heaven applauds" you will not find a pile of Scripture references littering the pages. Again, I personally quite appreciate this, though for some, these references may be helpful for cross-referencing and studying each trait specifically. There is a useful study guide at the end of the book that includes a number of key Scripture references for each chapter.

I highly recommend this book and believe it could be a landscape-changer if the church in North America actually began again to live out these principles.

This book, published by BethanyHouse publishers, was provided free for review by Graf-Martin Canada.

A lot can change in five years...

Five years ago today (June 21, 2006), Sarah and I started dating. There's lots of great stories behind and around the events of that day - and I'll be very glad to tell anyone about them who hasn't heard the stories! Today, all I want to say is that WOW! A lot change in five years... On June 21, 2006, I was a 34-year old single guy who had just graduated with his PhD and was teaching at a college. Five years later, I am blessed to be a very happily married man with two dear and amazing children, and I work as a Christian Education Co-ordinator for a K-12 school. Ephesians 3:20-21 says, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (NIV) The Lord has certainly blessed me with way more than I could ever ask or imagine five years ago when I took a risk... and found God had already gone before me!

Every young hockey player's dream?

What is every young hockey player's dream? To play in the NHL? To be drafted first overall in their draft year? To win the scoring title or league MVP? No, it is to hoist the Stanley Cup.

Last year at this time, there was some debate about who would be the first overall selection in the NHL entry draft. Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall? The winner was Taylor Hall who was selected by the Edmonton Oilers first overall and had a very solid rookie season before any injury ended his campaign prematurely. He will not win the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year, yet his season was very good. Most believe the Calder trophy will go to either Logan Couture of the San Jose Sharks or Jeff Skinner of the Carolina Hurricanes.

One could argue, however, that Tyler Seguin was the real winner of last year's NHL entry draft. Last night, he and his Boston Bruin teammates claimed the ultimate hockey prize, the Stanley Cup. Seguin had a decent rookie year, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists, playing in 74 regular season games. He was a healthy scratch for the first two rounds of the playoffs, yet was inserted into the lineup in round 3 against the Tampa Bay Lightning due to an injury. He was a sparkplug for the team, notching 3 goals and 3 assists in the first two games of the conference championship against the Lightning and thus he played the next 12 games of the playoffs. He played no less than six and no more than 12 minutes in each game of the Stanley Cup Finals against Vancouver, and yet last night, he was living every young hockey player's dream: hoisting the Stanley Cup!

So who do you say "won"? Taylor or Tyler

Trip to Kandahar

A simply incredible article by TSN's Gord Miller about his trip to Kandahar with Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, Jarome Iginla and others! Another reason to be proud to be Canadian!

Making Progress on the Annual Goals

A new article on Michael Hyatt's "Intentional Leadership" blog titled 5 Reasons You Should Commit Your Goals in Writing reminded me to check in on my annual goals and see how I'm doing in accomplishing the goals I believed God had me set forth for this year.

In the vocational area, one goal was to update this blog with a leadership article each month. I don't know if I've done that every month, but at least I'm doing it now... for June! A second goal in this area to make a presentation at a conference and my proposal for a workshop at the upcoming ACSI Teacher's Conference in Alberta was recently accepted so that will take place in October. Although it was listed in the area I call "Global Mission of the Church," my next goal, relating to my position as Christian Education Co-ordinator at Prairie Christian Academy, was to participate with the Junior High missions trip to Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp which happened a couple weekends ago.

My spiritual growth and interpersonal relationshup goals are on track and in the stewardship area, the Lord has recently graced us with the privilege of purchasing a home (a goal that we've been saving towards and praying about for about a year).

So I would agree that it is important to write down your goals and it is vital to track their progress to thank the Lord for His gracious blessings! (and sometimes to give yourself a kick-in-the-butt to attend to other matters)

Book Review: Pujols - More than a Game

Having checked in on Tim Ellsworth's blog semi-regularly over the past year and with spring arriving, I felt a biography on a baseball player would be a good change of pace to my usual academic and church leadership book reviews. Though I had given up hope the book would arrive, it did eventually come. Unfortunately, I cannot say it was worth the wait.

By all accounts, Albert Pujols is not only an exceptional baseball player, he is a God-honouring man, father, baseball player, and philanthropist. His faith in Christ and clarity about his Christianity - in an age where everyone "thanks God" for their success - is refreshing. Likewise, there are many aspects of his life story/journey which are inspiring, encouraging, and laudable. Where skepticism (legitimately) abounds about any high-profile person and their faith and others-focused lifestyle, Pujols is above reproach and exemplary.

Pujols - More than a Game, gets the above message across very clearly and thus is commendable. However, as a biography, this reader found it lacking in story-telling, personal anecdotes, and general flow. Frankly, each chapter seemed like a "summary article" of the previous season, baseball achievements as well as charitable activities. Yet it didn't really flow and tell a story or give Pujols (or anyone else's) "stories." There were enough quotes intermingled that it seemed like the authors had access to various people who may have been able to fill in the story, yet it was absent. The final chapter was perhaps the best expression of this flaw as it reviewed the 2010 season and then in the final page (literally) indicated that we'll see what 2011 holds and after that Pujols is a free agent so many things could happen. No epilogue. No summary about a relationship with St Louis Cardinals fans and what this could mean come free agency. It just ended.

Furthermore, the authors seemed to go awkwardly out of their way to intermittently "proselytize," making sure that a reader knew specifically the "salvation message" of Pujols' Christian faith and "preaching" at the reader in a clarifying, almost patronizing way.

Overall a disappointing biography of a truly amazing baseball player and a fine Christian role model.

This book was provided free for review by ThomasNelson Publishers through the "BookSneeze" review program.

A store worth mentioning

I don't know if you have ever had one of those shopping experiences where you just wanted to find the store manager or company owner and hug them, but Sarah and I had such an experience last week and so I sent an email to the Customer Service department today. I encourage you to visit a Please Mum store (or online)!

Dear Please Mum office,

My wife and I were walking through CrossIron Mills mall (Balzac, AB) and stopped by the Please Mum store. My wife remembered a young baby had recently been born in our church and wanted to find an outfit for a baby shower. She found a very cute outfit that was a bit more than we wanted to spend, yet we knew people had been generous with us when our little one(s) were born, so we figured we'd just bite the bullet. As the sales lady was preparing to ring the bill through she drew our attention to a special Mother's Day promotion: get 50% of your bill if you are a mom (or grandmother) with a picture of your children. We knew we did not have any "paper" pictures on hand and yet I suddenly remembered to check my cell phone to see if I had not-deleted some recent pictures of our kids. Thankfully, there were a couple and as we showed them to the sales lady, she kindly commented and rang through the discount. A most pleasurable experience and we were tempted to shop some more to take advantage of this special sale, but decided not to.

More than a pleasurable surprise and nice shopping experience, I want to commend Please Mum for two things. First, the promotion itself is so good and kind in the values it promotes and affirms - that being a mom is a worthwhile calling/vocation and should be honoured and celebrated. In our world today, anything a company can do to encourage this is appreciated. Secondly, the sales lady was so kind and gracious - to mention the sale in the first place, to not have any kind of "prove that's your kid" (not someone else's kid in the picture) attitude. We were taken as being truthful and the sales lady was kind in her comments and accepting of our cell phone pictures as really our children.

I fear that your customer service department likely hears only the complaints of customers. The service we received and the values conveyed by the promotion were so excellent, I wanted to take a moment and email you our appreciation. Your store may have slightly higher prices than other stores, and yet with this kind of customer service and these kind of values, we will be glad to continue giving our business to Please Mum.

With sincere appreciation,
Steven & Sarah Ibbotson

Book Review: Max on Life

Another chance to get a Max Lucado book for free... I signed up! Again, I am not disappointed, though I did not find this book as super as Outlive Your Life by Lucado.

Max on Life purposes to answer the variety of life questions that have come to the author by virtue of his position and prominence as a writer and pastor. Of course, this opens the door for the first obvious criticism: Lucado has just cut and spliced sections from his plethora of books and inserted the answer. There are certainly places where this does seem to have happened, and the answer given does not seem to really closely relate to the question as much as be a generic answer to this general area of questions (eg. suffering).

The second obvious criticism relates to thoroughness or depth. Because he has attempted to answer each question in less than two printed pages (most are one printed page at most), the answers at times seem too simplistic or "surface" rather than providing indepth spiritual principles/foundations for the deep questions of life.

Having identified two easy criticisms, and recognizing that there are questions asked where these two criticisms are legitimate, overall, Max on Life is a theologically solid book that comes across reasonably sensitive and practical. There are places where Lucado could have provided a bit more theological depth and general biblical principles. However, his advice in each answer is direct, pastoral, and fully biblical.

Overall there is no hesitation in recommending this book.

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers and Graf-Martin.

Canadian Publishing Contest

Leadership in a facebook, youtube, txt world

Our Friday afternoon Bible class had a few people absent and so the few students that were present shared some of their favorite youtube videos. After doing so and chatting about the different videos - mainly the students informing me how they found them and why they find them interesting, we had some discussion of how the world they live in (and don't know otherwise) of facebook, youtube and texting will impact their worldview. If someone doesn't answer a txt message or respond to a facebook post within two days, you wonder if they died... or at least if their phone and computer have crashed. Then how does this relate to the concept in the Bible of "wait on the Lord." Baby Boomers and even moreso Generation X were accused of being a "microwave generation" who expected everything instantaneously, yet how will the post-millenials view God, time, concepts like patience, waiting on God?

A few weeks ago, I blogged about Leadership and Momentum. Likewise, what will leadership look like in a facebook, youtube and txt saturated world? Will concepts like "sober second thought" or "due diligence" or "processing time" in regards to a decision become obsolete? Will the expected urgency of a response result in organizations responded well to inquiries or will it result in companies replying one way and then 48 hours later changing their decision (and then potentially 48 hours later responding yet another way)?

I welcome your perspective.

There's a new #2

Yes, there is a new #2 personal favourite event in the RDAC as a result of this past weekend. The PCA Sabres girls basketball team won the 2A Provincial title on home court Saturday night by defeating the top-ranked and 3-time defending champion Immanual Christian Eagles 78-70. It was a great game to be at the scoretable and running the clock for and the RDAC was packed and loud and noisy - and so it should be. It was the kind of evening the person the building is named after (Rick Down) would have just loved! And he would have been one of the loudest cheering!

Of course, if this is "the new #2" you probably want to know what my previous favorite events, now #3 and #4 at the RDAC were (if you don't you can stop reading now!).

Event #3 was the 1999 2A High School Boys Zone Final between the PHS (now PCA) Sabres and Siksika First Nation. The Sabres guys were the favorite to go to provincials and win it all - which they did. No one had heard anything really about the Siksika First Nation guys team until the zone tournament and didn't who or what to expect. It was a crazy game, played on half-court in the RDAC and early on the Sabres star guard, Ryan Reed, got pushed towards the scoretable and pretty much landed on my lap (I did not recall this part of the event until my in-laws brought it up this weekend as we were reminiscing). Siksika guard Troy Wolf Leg matched Reed shot for shot and their other players found ways to match the other Sabres score for score. The Sabres won 108-100 in regulation time. No, that is not a typo - 208 points in a 40 minute high school basketball game. The teams went back and forth and it was intense the whole way. Between the many Sabres fans and the boisterous crew from Siksika with their traditional drums, it was loud! I believe that was the most challenge the Sabres got on their way to the provincial title.

Event #4 was the first playoff game between the PBC Pilots and the Grant MacEwan College Griffins. Grant Mac was ranked first in the north and the Pilots had claimed fourth in the south by virtue of beating out Medicine Hat College and Briercrest College. It was the one and only time a Pilots team made the playoffs in ACAC and it was a foregone conclusion that the best-of-3 series would be a two game slaughter, and thus the first game was in Three Hills on a Thursday night before they headed back to Edmonton for game #2 on Friday night (and game # 3 if necessary, ha! ha!).

Well, the Lady Pilots forgot to read the memo... and they came out and shot the lights out. I think Deb Krause (now Adams) hit five three's in the first half alone and another two in the second half. When they weren't raining down 3's, Mary Fehr (now Amendt) was cutting in from the point guard position and dishing it off to any of her teammates for an easy two. The possibility of a great upset got greater and greater as the Pilots hung on and only fizzled in the closing moments as Grant MacEwan won 64-61. (They beat the Pilots by 50 points the next night to win the series).

By the way, if you want to know my favorite event at the RDAC (#1)... just leave a comment and ask!

Blessings surrounding 2A Girls Provincials at PCA

Its only day 1 of the ASAA 2A Girls Provincial basketball championships being hosted here in Three Hills by Prairie Christian Academy. Already, I have reflected on a handful of blessings and the weekend has barely started...

1) This morning after the opening ceremonies, I had a visit with Sean Stetson, a former student at Prairie Bible College who now works with NBC Camps in Spokane, Washington. He played Pilots basketball for four years and was a great kid coming out of high school and continues to be a great and God-honouring young man. I found out he is speaking tonight at the boys 2A provincial basketball championships banquet as he is an alumnus of Didsbury High School, the host for guys tournament. That's pretty cool... and I hope our Sabres guys listen to him well!

He also is married and he and his wife also have a 3 year old and a 1 year old (two boys)... like Sarah and I (though we have a boy & girl).

2) I've been wondering if this weekend will make in any way break into my top three RDAC moments... and I doubt it... though it could make a good #4 towards a top 5 list! Does anyone want to guess my top 3 RDAC moments so far...

I'll post them up tomorrow or Saturday! Those moments and the people involved represent more of the blessings God has showered on me. (And I'm much more thankful for them than I was for the fresh snow showers this morning!)

GO SABRES GO!

The Good Book Blog

I don't know how good this blog will be but it has the potential to be very good!

February Leadership Reflections

One of the leadership lessons that is predominant in the first two months of 2011 is the power of momentum or to put it another way, "Success begets success." In world events, the waves of political upheavel started in Tanzania, them moved to Egypt, are currently roaring through Libya and apparently Yemen and Morocco are beginning to see a change in the tides also. In a facebook and twitter and text-message world, momentum is almost impossible to stop once it starts moving, even if it is "technically" blocked.

Momentum has always been a force that leaders need to acknowledge and deal with, whether building on positive momentum or diffusing (or otherwise minimizing) negative momentum. The difference in 2011 is that what may have taken months or even years to develop and move in the political realm in one nation, now can shift dramatically in days, and can then carry over geographic boundaries - as if the lines are simply pencil markings on a map - almost overnight.

This is also evident in the hockey arena. Just after Christmas, the Calgary Flames were waiting for a "bomb to drop" as significant changes were desperately needed as the team continued to muddle along in mediocrity. When GM Darryl Sutter was asked to step down, this was thought to be the first of many steps to the "urgently needed" rebuild. Seven weeks later the Flames are not only in the playoff race, but as of today would be in the top eight in the Western Conference. The alleged "fire sale" that the Flames would be having at the trade deadline is now unthinkable, as all agree you cannot break up the chemistry the team has right now. Seven weeks ago, they were too old, too slow, with almost no salary cap room and even fewer draft choices or prospects to look forward to watching. Again, the direction the team has been moving on the ice (and thus in the standings) has changed the whole tone of the conversation about the character and needs of the organization.

The same has happened in New Jersey as coach John MacLean was let go and former coach, Jacques Lemaire has stepped in. Like the Flames, a team that was competing for a lottery pick in the NHL entry draft is now on the verge of the playoff bubble. Goaltender Martin Brodeur, who the Devils had perhaps played too much and thereby left no room for another goaltender to prepare to fill his shoes, now is the "clutch goaltender" he has always been. Other teams have crashed almost as quickly, namely the Colorado Avalanche.

Leaders are going to have to be increasingly astute at understanding what "trends" are gaining momentum and how when they "go viral" this will affect their organization. Equally challenging, will be distinguishing what news is potentially momentous, and what flashes are simply blips of no lasting significance.

Proud of the Calgary Flames team

Today I am proud to be a Calgary Flames fan. Yes, they have won six games in a row including their first ever victory in Atlanta since the "Flames" franchise played there. However, I am even more proud to be a Calgary Flames fan because of the organizational culture that the team represents, encourages, and celebrates.

First, Craig Conroy announced his retirement today and will now be serving as "Special Assistant to the Acting General Manager." This situation could have gone wrong in so many ways, and yet the Flames organization, under the direction of Ken King as President, did so many things right. First, this is a classy man who just played his 1000th NHL game, is a favorite with everyone - fans, teammates, media, etc - and yet the bottom line was he was not going to get in the lineup. Someone had to make the tough call for the good of the team and tell Conroy the truth - and Acting GM Jay Feaster did this last week. He could either accept assignment to the AHL farm team in Abbotsford or retire (because no team picked him up on waivers). You know this had to be tough on everyone and yet they did what was needed for the organization. Conroy admitted it was hard to take and wisely, he took about a week to decide what his next step would be.

Once it became clear that Conroy's choice was retirement, the Flames then took this very classy man and multi-favorite and offered him a "get a taste of everything in hockey management" position - something he will be good at and something the Flames and Feaster specifically at this time need. Conroy, of course, thinks he has won the proverbial lottery, getting to stay in Calgary (avoiding uprooting his family), stay involved with hockey and specifically the Flames, and get his feet into various aspects of hockey management and operations. In many respects, he did get a "golden job" - and every fan, player and media person agrees that it couldn't happen to a better guy.

Best of all, the team - no doubt led by their captain Jarome Iginla - all showed up today at the press conference where Conroy announced his retirement. Yes, this shows how much Conroy means to them as a friend, yet it is so much the "right thing" for an organization to see, for young players to see/experience.

Speaking of Jarome Iginla, the Flames captain who declined the invitation to the All-Star Game to spend time with his elderly grandmother, today's Calgary Herald article shows just what a good, classy guy Iggy is.

So I am proud to be a Flames fan today because their organization is truly classy.

Book Review - Soulprint by Mark Batterson

Simply put: another awesome book by Mark Batterson. Soulprint: discovering your divine destiny is written to help each individual discover the unique destiny only s/he can fulfill in God's plan. If this sounds too much like a pop psychology self-help book rather than meaningful Scriptural study from a pastor, fear not. Batterson's addresses the issue right up front saying, "Make no mistake, this is no self-help book. Self-help is nothing more than idolatry dressed up in a rented tuxedo... here's the good news: there is nothing God cannot do in you and through you if you simply yield your life to Him. All of it. All of you." (p. 1)

Stopping along different points in the life of David, Batterson helps the reader pause and explore various "moments" that God has used and is using to shape each person's unique soulprint. Not surprisingly, he appropriately interprets the text, and then provides excellent application. He is a vulnerable and effective story-teller and the illustrations he uses rich. The discussion questions at the end of the book also could make this a meaningful small group study.

Personally, this was a challenging read, even for a long-time follower of Christ. Pastor Mark always seems to connect with challenges/issues I am dealing with in my faith journey. As a teacher of high school seniors, beginning to talk with them about writing a personal mission statement, this would be a wonderful resource book to help them walk through what I am trying to talk through with them. Likewise, having taught Bible college students, this would be a great book as part of a spiritual formation class, reflecting on similar concepts. I would highly recommend this for these audiences specifically, though it is good Christian reading for all.

This book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Press.