A thought on counseling . . .

Yesterday, I received a wonderful note from my professor on a recently returned assignment regarding pastoral counseling:

So much of being a good pastor is simply being there and being willing to listen. The need to provide answers to problems is frequently our own need and not the need of those we counsel.

If you are willing to listen without judgment and walk beside those who suffer, you will be a wonderful pastor.

These are great insights!! Denver Seminary rocks.

Baby on the way!!

Here's the latest photo of baby boy Proctor #2, on the way and scheduled to arrive around August 7th. He's growing just as scheduled and Mommy is eating everything in sight! Pray for continued health for mother and baby!

Twitter - for Jeff

Recent scathing thoughts about Twitter:

http://theologica.blogspot.com/2009/04/twitter-telegraph-of-narcissus.html

My blog's 4 year anniversary

On April 13, my blog celebrated its 4 year anniversary. Here are a few anniversary thoughts:

1) I still only have like 2 regular readers (and I'm one of them).
2) I have wondered for the last 2 years if blogging is already a dead vehicle. Is Twitter the new king? I hope not! Twitter is the enemy of developed thought. At least a good blog digests info and doesn't just throw up extemporaneous thoughts.
3) I have hoped that the pictures and videos of my family have helped people understand that life is more than thoughts and books. My family loves them, but those who want thoughts just skip by. I've heard my family also ignores the more "thoughtful posts" so I guess that makes both sides even the score.
4) Some people are thinkers and some talkers. I am a talker; therefore, I talk to process my ideas. Unfortunately, I often do some of my thinking by typing/blogging. That means many of these blog thoughts are only the early stages of my maturing thoughts. That being said, you can always disagree and challenge me. I'm in process (and so are you).
5) I wonder if people who read this blog are looking for specific discussion topics??? Send me a shout.

Are you up on Susan Boyle?

Go to youtube and update yourself on this wonderful story that overthrows all Hollywood Hype!

Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU&NR=1

See a recent CNN article on why we like this story so much:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/22/bregman.boyle/index.html

Easter egg hunt!!

So here is Samuel's Easter morning egg hunt. (Plus a few other random clips.) We weren't sure if he would get into it, but I think the jelly bean incentive increased the excitement level. He is such fun these days (except for this morning when he cried a lot because of teeth cutting through...that's life). Most of the time, though, he is repeating new words, climbing, and asking to go outside or take a bath. Lots of adventure!

Facebook and Jesus??

Check this out (a Good Friday reminder . . . note, it's a joke!):

http://canter.s437.sureserver.com/fbp/facebookpassion.pdf

Who is your church serving?

Quote of the day:

"I'm convinced the biggest difference between growing churches and dying ones, is for whom they exist. Dying and plateaued churches exist for the people who are already there. Growing churches exist for people who aren't there yet." Paul Borden

If you're a preacher, you may enjoy reading the entire article:

http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/8752.htm

Encouraging News . . .

I have been asked to serve a church near Denver Seminary this Sunday. They are in need of someone to fill their pulpit, and one of the Denver Seminary professors most graciously (albeit foolishly) recommended me to serve.

Please pray for Hillcrest Reformed Church and myself this week. Pray that the Spirit would prepare our hearts and that the Word would change our lives.