Category Archives: JP's Thoughts
Tortorella/Laviolette: Lessons in Great Coaching
Because I am in the process of moving, I have been in a motel this past week. Last night while channel surfing I came across the HBO special “Rangers and Flyers: Road to the NHL Winter Classic,” a documentary which … Continue reading
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The Dash
Tonight I listened to Pastor Ben Harris, the Men’s Pastor at Shadow Mountain Community Church give a message on God’s grace in our lives and how we must respond to it. While there were many gold nuggets of information in … Continue reading
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Sandi Patty: “Do Everything You Can Do Right Where You Are”
This Fall season I have had the privilege of taking the Hispanic Choir from Shadow Mountain through Ephesians 4:1-16 where the Apostle Paul writes to the early church about the subject of “Unity.” As our choir is growing and we … Continue reading
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People Are Just That… People.
I am home sick today and thought I would take some time to reflect on the past couple of weeks and months. While 2011 has been a great year in some aspects, there have also been some great learning lessons … Continue reading
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Truth or Power Play?
Social theorist and historian Michael Foucalt once stated: “Truth is a thing of this world: it is produced only by virtue of multiple forms of constraint.” In other words, Foucalt was saying, a claim to absolute truth is simply a … Continue reading
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Gloria Steinem: “Follow Your Fears.”
Tonight, I watched Charlie Rose interview journalist, feminist, writer and activist Gloria Steinem. Because I do not follow feminist authors (not because of any bias, but rather because the subject of feminism does not interest me), I had never heard … Continue reading
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Seth Godin, Purple Cows and the Evangelical Church
Today, I watched a brief video from the TED Talks featuring Seth Godin giving a talk on the importance of “standing out.” He spoke of marketing and the importance of being “remarkable” in a world where consumers have too many … Continue reading
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The Secrets of Jesus
Today, I read a chapter from Max Lucado’s book Cast of Characters entitled “The Sparkle From Eternity.” This writing by Max Lucado spoke to me. I came away with a sense of wonder in the very idea that Jesus was … Continue reading
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Lessons from Chef Gordon Ramsay
After watching a marathon of “Kitchen Nightmares” with some great friends tonight, I want to state that in my personal opinion, Gordon Ramsay is a leadership rock star. While I do not personally condone his approaches to everything (as if … Continue reading
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Solitude
Sometimes life simply tells us something. Other times it shouts that “something” to us through obvious measures. This week, life has been shouting to me one simple word: solitude. Yes, solitude. I am taking a class entitled Leadership in Public … Continue reading
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A Call to Christians: Lay Down Your Arms and… Adopt?
I first must say that I am biased on this subject. As a man who was given a second chance at life because my own father adopted me 32 years ago, I know the power of adoption. Second, any chance … Continue reading
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Bonhoeffer and the Role of the Church IN the State
In March 1933, the citizens of Germany had no idea the ideological storm brewing in the country and the eventual disastrous results that would come from it. Just two months earlier, Hitler had been elected Chancellor of Germany and already … Continue reading
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Frustrations of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: The Great Divide Between Intellect, Social Justice and the Gospel Message
In continuing with the Frustrations of Dietrich Bonhoeffer taken from my reading of Eric Mataxas’ “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy,” today I read of Bonhoeffer’s frustration with the liberal theology of places like Union Theological Seminary and Riverside Church, both … Continue reading
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Frustrations of Dietrich Bonhoeffer: Lack of Seriousness in Our Faith, Churches and Religion
In continuing my reading of the book entitled “Bonheoffer” by Eric Mataxas, the portion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s journey I am reading about today is his quest through Union Theological Seminary in New York City and his frustration with the lack … Continue reading
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Saved! Now What??
Have you ever met a person who claims to follow Christ yet does literally nothing but take up space in the church pew every weekend? You know the person I am talking about… The one claims salvation through faith alone, … Continue reading
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Do the Fundamentals of Christianity Matter?
I am currently reading an incredible book on the life and history of German Lutheran theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The book, authored by Eric Metaxas, is entitled BONHOEFFER: Pastor, Prophet, Martyr, Spy. It chronicles Bonhoeffer’s childhood, years of study … Continue reading
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Parker J. Palmer: 4 Great Questions for Teachers/Leaders
Because of my ADD tendencies, I read about 3 to 4 books at the same time. Right now, one of the books I am reading is Courage To Teach by Parker J. Palmer, noted author, activist and an educator for more … Continue reading
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I’ve “Sheen” Enough: Are Modern Hollywood Stars Really Role Models?
With the revelation from CBS that they have temporarily cancelled the hit show “Two and a Half Men” because of the controversial off-screen actions of it’s primary star Charlie Sheen, we are faced with the age-old question: Are television and … Continue reading
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A Question Posed: Must The U.S. Intervene In Matters of Faith? The tragic stories of Scott and Jean Adams and Said Musa
I am sure I will take a couple of hits for this, but the question in the headline of this blog is heavy on my mind today. Does the United States have a mandate to intervene in every global situation … Continue reading
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Rick Warren, Dr. Oz and the Daniel Plan
The blogs are lighting up all across America with Pastor Rick Warren’s idea to partner with Dr. Mehmet Oz - from the Dr. Oz Show – in a 52 week plan to lose 90 pounds using the Daniel Plan. In addition, … Continue reading
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Evaluating a Week of Great Lessons In Ministry
What. A. Week. Have you ever had a week where you barely reach Saturday alive? Possibly, you barely reach Friday alive! A week where you feel like a battered car that reaches the gas station just as it getting ready … Continue reading
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Michael Guglielmucci: Fake Healer?
Tonight as I sat down to plan the worship set for tomorrow’s SMCC Men’s Ministry breakfast, I came across a song called “Healer” written by Michael Guglielmucci, an Australia-based worship leader. This beautiful song of declaration became a huge hit across … Continue reading
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Bill Gaither: A Lesson In Achieving Greatness Through Investing In Others
It has only been in recent years that my love for a greater variety of music has come through. For most of my growing up years I listened to the sounds of Larnelle Harris, Sandi Patty, Steve Green, Russ Taff, … Continue reading
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Wynton Marsalis: Superstar, Teamplayer
I just watched an incredible 60 Minutes segment on the music of jazz legend Wynton Marsalis. While his talent speaks for itself – winner of 9 Grammy Awards (being the only artist ever to win five years consecutively AND the … Continue reading
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“California Chivalry” = Oxymoron
I remember waiting tables at a Chili’s restaurant in Indiana the summer before I came to California. On one of my last evenings serving guests I had a table to the rudest customers I think I have ever had. I … Continue reading
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Jason C. Prater
