2009 In Review

Monday, I posted the top TDZ posts from 2009, based on site stats.  I would also, like to post a month by month review of my favorites.

January

Providence

Jimmy at Keeping it Simple wrote a post recently inspired by the actions of Chesley B. Sullenberger, pilot of U.S. Airways Flight 1549. Sullenberger was able to safely land in the Hudson River. Surprisingly, everyone on the flight survived. As I read Jimmy’s post and listened to news reports, one word came to mind: Providence! … More

February

My World Tuesday: My World of Contrast

The Big Guy and I are from Texas but currently live in Florida. Today I thought I would show the contrast between my two worlds. … More

March

Top 10: Soundtrack for Life

Got tagged for another Facebook Meme. I think it was supposed to be more albums.  I decided to make it fit my Top 10 format and since it is my blog … More

May

What Makes a Good Pastor?

Our church is in a period of transition. As a part of the process we were asked to complete a survey. Most of the survey focused on the type of pastor desired for the church. While pondering my responses I began thinking about the survey, vision for our church, and qualities I want in a pastor.  …More

Lessons from Crocs

On a recent shopping trip I got stuck in an unusually long line. While waiting I begin comparing a display of knock-off “Crocs” type shoes with my Crocs. As I was comparing the shoes I realized that there were some spiritual lessons that could be gleaned from the experience. … More

June

Worship is Not a Spectator Event

It seems that sometimes in church we get in a routine where we come in sit down and wait for those on the stage to sing, teach, pray etc, while we sit in our comfy little pew and observe.  This really frustrates me because I think we have a misunderstanding of worship.  Matt Redman is right that at its very core worship is all about Jesus or at least it should be. Worship is not just a corporate service that we attend once a week to please God. … More

July

3 Things

In Bible Study recently we discussed what does it really mean to be a Christian. Some have tried to turn being a Christian into a bunch of do’s and don’ts. So, being a Christian becomes just a bunch of rules. The word Christian literally mean’s Christ follower.  As Christians we should be imitators or followers of Christ. I think it is more than following rules. As we grow in our relationship with Christ we should become more like Him. So what does that look like in our lives if we focus on following Christ and not just a bunch of rules?  A good place to start is with three commands that Jesus gave. … More

September

Two Irish Bands

My go to music this summer has been from two Irish bands, one is a well known band and the other is a new band.  So, I’m sure you’ve probably guessed that one of the bands is U2. The new band is Bluetree. … More

October

Facebook Quizzes Out of Control

It seems that there is a Facebook Quiz for everything. I played along for a while but  have grown weary of them. Many use  the following format “What type of _____ are you?” Some are funny while others are just plain ridiculous.  I have decided I don’t need a quiz to tell me what type of ____ I am.  I can figure that out for myself and have decided to share my unbiased and non-scientific results. … More

Zero-Tolerance or Zero Discretion?

As an educator one of my biggest frustrations was the unfair enforcement of school rules. I tried to be fair with all of my students regardless of who they were or were not. I have been a supporter of zero-tolerance. However, I think that discretion must also be used when enforcing rules. There are times when the penalty may far exceed the offense.  A recent incident in the Christina School District in Delaware is an excellent example of zero-tolerance out of control when  six-year-old cub scout Zachary Christie was suspended for bringing a dangerous weapon to school.  The dangerous weapon was a camping utensil with a knife, fork, and spoon. Zachary was excited about his new tool and wanted to use it at lunch. He was not threatening anyone but simply wanted to eat lunch. In an interview Zachary responded to the questions about his motivation by saying he simply wanted to eat lunch. Zachary has been suspended for 45 days and may be sent to a reform or alternative school. … More

November

Be the Best

As a child my Granddaddy Crain used to quote one of his favorite poems Be the Best for me. It was one of the many lessons my Granddaddy taught me. … More

December

Happy Birthday Big Guy

Check my pictorial tribute to the Big Guy. … More