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"Don't Deliver a Product. Deliver an Experience."

1/19/2019

"What you do has far greater impact than what you say."
~Stephen Covey

"When you're good at something, you'll tell everyone. When you're great at something, they'll tell you."
~Walter Payton

"Life is like a dogsled team. If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes."
~Lewis Grizzard

We are nineteen days into the new year. While the legislative and executive branches of the United States government continue to show us how things are "not accomplished," those of us who are not part of the Washington elite strive to keep providing for our families and making a positive difference in the world.

Many areas of the country have experienced some harsh winter conditions in the last couple of weeks and more is on the way. Combine this with the usual "let-down" after the holidays and it may be a challenge to find the motivation to keep going each day. Remember, we all have opportunities to positively impact others on a regular basis. Whose life will you touch in a positive way today?

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Across The Country--People Are Standing Up For Life

1/18/2019

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Please pray for everyone taking part in pro-life marches across the country. May their efforts bear abundant fruit.

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Continuing Education and Spiritual Formation

1/17/2019

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Tuesday provided an opportunity to travel off the island for a deanery training session. It was good to meet many of the staff members from neighboring parishes. We enjoyed prayer, study, and fellowship together.

One of the exercises of the day was taking a personality "test." I know it is actually an inventory, but it feels like a test when you are marking the boxes. I had taken this particular inventory numerous times in the past so I knew where I would land in regard to the results. However, some of my co-workers were a bit stunned to find out that I am an introvert.

One of the things to remember is that the inventory seeks your natural inclinations. Do I prefer "this" or "that"? If I answer that I prefer "this," it does not mean that I will never do "that". It simply means my preference is "this." Being in ministry for 20 years, or any occupation for that matter, requires us to learn new skills based upon our responsibilities. If a person becomes a supervisor, there may be different skills needed to fulfill the duties of the position. Even if some of the job requirements are not our favorite tasks when we get promoted or moved around in various departments, we still have to learn to do them.

The one thing that people have commented on frequently during my years of ministry is in regard to my ability to speak in public. When they find out I am an introvert their first reaction is not to believe it. "You preach without using notes in front of congregations sometimes exceeding a thousand people. There is no way you are an introvert." My response is simple:

Public speaking is a learned skill. It's so easy that even an introvert can do it.

In all seriousness, public speaking is like any other task that requires skill. It takes a lot of practice and preparation. After decades of being in front of groups and audiences, I still prepare vigorously for each presentation. I owe it to the people investing their time to attend an event to give them solid content and a vibrant delivery style.

If I am attending a workshop, a retreat, a conference, or even a liturgical service listening to a homily, I have a right to expect that the person doing the speaking has faithfully prepared for the gathering. In the world of ministry, I also expect that the presenter has been praying during his/her preparations. This prayer should include a prayer of blessing on his/her own work, but it should also include intercessory prayer for those who will be in attendance at the event. That opens up the door wide for God's grace to move among us. Those are my expectations when I attend an event. Subsequently, I try to live up to those expectations when I am the presenter.

Please know that when I pray the Liturgy of the Hours each day, I hold all of you up in prayer. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion, fellowship, and power of the Holy Spirit be with you in abundance today!

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What Books Have You Read Lately?

1/16/2019

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It is my goal to be a life-long learner, and reading is a big part of that equation. I am grateful when people suggest certain books that prove to be as good as the hype.

I decided to start 2019 off with a recharging of my battery. The Energy Bus seemed like a smart place to begin. It was an easy read and provided a good reminder about approaching life with a proper attitude. It is well worth the time invested if you need a little spark put back in your life.

Next, I read How To Become A Rainmaker. Although it centered on the process of selling, it is applicable to all of us in one way or another. If nothing else, we all try to sell ourselves from time to time in conversations. It is a short read and worth the time.

This past weekend I read Refire! Don't Retire. Once again, it was an easy read in which the message was conveyed through the telling of a story. While the subject matter is geared toward the older audience, there are nuggets of wisdom helpful for people at all different stages of life. The book is only 143 pages long and can be handled in a pretty short period of time.

What's next? Communicate With Confidence! I have read many books on leadership throughout the years. Communication is frequently addressed on a number of different levels in many of those books. These 453 pages look to walk through all aspects of communication with detailed instructions. It will definitely take me longer than a weekend to navigate through this book.

I am grateful for our public library systems. I am enjoying the Beaufort County Library System here in Hilton Head. I really enjoyed the resources at the Laramie County Library in Cheyenne, Wyoming during my eight plus years in that community. Cheyenne can be proud of such a magnificent institution in their midst. If you have not been to your local library recently, I would encourage you to stop in for a visit. Keep reading. Keep learning. Keep growing.

I did not have a photo of the Laramie County Library. Their representation in the Cheyenne Frontier Days parade will have to suffice.

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Say A Prayer For Peace Today

1/15/2019

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It was late in the afternoon when I had the opportunity to visit Waterfront Park in Charleston. The sunlight was already on its way down and the statue is a little difficult to see in the photo. The woman is holding a folded American flag in one hand while her other arm is resting on top of a helmet perched upon a rifle. The statue depicts the sacrifices of more than just the soldiers.

Take a moment to pray for peace today. Life is precious.

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Rally for Life--Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

1/14/2019

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Over 130 people gathered yesterday in front of the St. Francis Thrift Store to rally for life. It was 52 degrees with a 10 mph breeze, but at the least the rain had stopped before we gathered. We stood along the main thoroughfare on the island for an hour and prayed for our nation.

Respect Life Sunday, the first Sunday in October, is when the majority of the nation participates in LifeChain. However, St. Francis by the Sea celebrates their patronal feast day on the first Sunday of October with a parish picnic. (St. Francis of Assisi feast day is October 4.) Thus, this time in January leading up to the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe versus Wade is also a good time to stand and give witness to the sanctity of life.

Today, begins the novena for life. Click on the bishops' website for resources.

www.usccb.org/about/pro-life-activities/january-roe-events/nine-days-of-prayer-penance-and-pilgrimage.cfm

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Gaining Perspective

1/13/2019

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There is no shortage of name-calling and derogatory comments on social media. Many people obviously have opinions on a wide array of topics, and they are not hesitant to share their insights with everyone else in a direct manner with a condescending tone added for good measure. Civil discourse seems to be a things of the past.

I recently had a chance to go over the bridge (pictured above) and enjoy an amazing view. I could see a cruise ship, a decommissioned aircraft carrier, and a number of cargo ships. It was beautiful. Later on I had a chance to visit Waterfront Park. Part of this park is located directly underneath the bridge. It was not nearly as scenic as being on top, but it certainly provided a different perspective. I marveled at the handiwork of the construction of such a magnificent structure. It made me appreciate engineers, architects, and construction workers and the good work they do. We pass over bridges every day and trust that people did their job well. Thankfully, most of the time they do.

As I mentioned, the perspective gained was vastly different upon my location. The view from the top of the bridge provided one angle. The view from the bottom of the bridge provided another. Neither view was wrong--just different.

In day-to-day life we confront many issues. There is right and wrong. There is truth. We need to be morally upright people and stand by truth. However, there are times when we are simply talking about different approaches to difficult circumstances. Is there only one way to do something? Sometimes there may be. Other times, there may be multiple options from which to choose. How do we decide?

The next time you disagree with someone, try to see things from their vantage point. What can you learn? We may not always agree with one another, but can we at least engage in civil discourse as we disagree?

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New Ebenezer Retreat Center--Rincon, Georgia

1/10/2019

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Preparations are underway for another new experience. I will be leading my first retreat in the beautiful state of Georgia in the Diocese of Savannah. A group of men from the parish have been gathering annually for a retreat for many years to spend time completely focused on their spiritual journey. I am thrilled to be their retreat director this year at the New Ebenezer Retreat and Conference Center in Rincon, Georgia.

When I was ordained a deacon nearly twenty years ago, I had no idea of the journey in front of me. It is truly a privilege to be a messenger of the Good News of Jesus Christ through retreats, parish missions, days of recollection, and catechetical workshops and conferences. I glanced through the list of places on the "Speaking Engagements" page of my website and reminisced a little bit about the places I have been. I have had the pleasure to minister in a lot of places and I am very grateful for that blessing in my life.

I have preached at Eucharistic liturgies in 35 different churches and have led retreats for 33 different types of groups. I have conducted workshops for 22 different groups and preached 20 parish missions at 14 different parishes. Other speaking venues have included pro-life events, youth gatherings, young adult events, and other special events. I hope to continue to add to this list for many years to come.

Any time I add a speaking engagement to my calendar I begin praying for that event. I pray for my preparations and I pray for all who will be in attendance. It is through the movement of the Holy Spirit in our midst that we witness amazing things. God's faithfulness is ever present.

If I can ever be of service to your group or organization as a speaker, please feel free to contact me. Obviously, it has to fit into my schedule without disrupting my current work responsibilities to a great degree. However, I will do my best to adjust things as much as possible to make it work. Contact me at: [email protected]

Blessings and peace!

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Are You Still Celebrating Christmas?

1/9/2019

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"Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection."
~Winston Churchill

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."
~Charles Dickens

The Church continues to celebrate Christmas through this Sunday when we celebrate The Baptism of the Lord. We will then enter back into Ordinary Time until Ash Wednesday on March 6.

What has impacted you most during this Christmas season? What have you pondered and kept in your heart?

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Sullivan's Island

1/8/2019

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We have much more to see around Charleston, but this was a great start.

I am grateful for the privilege of enjoying God's creation in such a beautiful area just two and a half hours away from where we live. There is something about the magnitude of the ocean that makes me ponder the omniscience of the One who created it. I feel the same way when I stand in awe of the mountains. Who has ever looked upon the Grand Tetons in Wyoming without feeling the presence of Almighty God?

The opportunity to travel is something I don't take for granted. We have the gift of freedom in our country that allows us to do that. It costs money to travel. I am grateful that I have good health which enables me to work. I am also grateful that I have been able to stay gainfully employed throughout my life. Others have not been as fortunate. Today, I simply close this blog post with a grateful heart for all the blessings in my life.

Celebrate the end of the Christmas season well.

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