Comments for Heather Zempel

Comment on Prayers for Greatness by Essohana

Essohana — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 16:33:48 +0000

I prefer a sample prayer, in Christ.

Comment on Online Leadership 101 by How Do You Train Your Small-Group Leaders? | Tim Nations

How Do You Train Your Small-Group Leaders? | Tim Nations — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:06:00 +0000

[...] for SmallGroups.com, recently blogged about NCC's new way of training small-group leaders. In her blog post, she shares that they have started doing online training so that leaders can train at their own [...]

Comment on Online Leadership 101 by Lisa O

Lisa O — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:29:47 +0000

I heart Beeker. The end.

Comment on IF… by heidi

heidi — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:20:07 +0000

soooooo excited about eldership retreat!!!! it’s an incredible thing to know how much our pastors and staff love us!!! If you go to leadership retreat you would know.
thanks for all you all are doing this week to make it a success! we are so excited and we are asking the what IF questions with you already!!!

Comment on IF… by David Collier

David Collier — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:06:23 +0000

So excited for #LR12….can’t believe this is my 3rd one already… I too am praying for a mighty move of God this weekend.

Comment on IF… by Sarah Owen

Sarah Owen — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:03:35 +0000

So excited for #LR12! I am praying that God will do amazing things. Praying for you and the rest of the staff as well!

Comment on IF… by Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:55:06 +0000

Thank you! Appreciate it! Ugh, that “if” word is what can stop us but also gives me such hope. Cause IF we can positively answer any of the questions we are in the right direction!

Love you! SO wish I could be there.

Comment on Online Leadership 101 by Val

Val — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:16:30 +0000

What a awesome idea!

Comment on Online Leadership 101 by Bekah

Bekah — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:10:15 +0000

I think i have decided to become a hand actor after this. Just fyi.

Comment on Theology of a Teenager, Part 1 by January 14, 2012 Week In Review | Jon Stolpe Stretched

January 14, 2012 Week In Review | Jon Stolpe Stretched — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:48:23 +0000

[...] Theology of a Teenager, Part 1 and Theology of a Teenager, Part 2 by Heather Zempel at HeatherZempel.com [...]

Comment on Theology of a Teenager, Part 2 by Kimberly B

Kimberly B — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:42:21 +0000

Amen to all that Lindsey said!!

Comment on Theology of a Teenager, Part 2 by Lindsey Appiah

Lindsey Appiah — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:52:56 +0000

Heather,

I already have such tremendous respect for you, for your spiritual authority (you are one of my favorite Bible teachers), and for your ministry to NCC, but this just quadruples my respect for you. With all of your responsibilities within NCC, the fact that you took actual time out to pour truth into Michelle’s life is just a beautiful picture of how our God would leave the 99 to come for the 1. Thanks for not only leading and preaching discipleship but for demonstrating and living discipleship.

Comment on Theology of a Teenager, Part 2 by Jenilee LeFors

Jenilee LeFors — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:40:21 +0000

I LOVE this!! I also love that I look like a maniac in the first picture.. Is this because you couldnt put the picture you wanted in the epiphany letter?! hahah. LOVE YOU Heather.. Thank you for investing in the next generation… and the generation after them.. haha

Comment on Theology of a Teenager, Part 1 by Kimberly B

Kimberly B — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:37:00 +0000

I can’t wait to read more! I am certainly not a teenager, my youngest only has a year and a half left in that time frame, but I find myself increasingly interested and asking theological questions. As someone who “cut her teeth” on church pews I know what I believe., I have just recently begun hearing terms and titles in the Christian community that were never used or a part of our teaching in our local church. Now that I have been exposed to these topics I want to know more and this book looks like a great place to begin. I wish we still lived in the area, I might pretend to be a teenager just to be able to be have you disciple me.

Comment on Beauty in the Tension by Val

Val — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:24:07 +0000

“Like”

Comment on The Tale of the Carrot by Val

Val — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 23:48:02 +0000

I totally get that! I never would have connected that.
You can drop a garden analogy on me anytime!

Thanks Again!

Comment on It’s Not Just a Meeting by Favorite Blogs of 2011 | Heather Zempel

Favorite Blogs of 2011 | Heather Zempel — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:47:36 +0000

[...] It’s Not Just a Meeting [...]

Comment on Never Travel Alone by Favorite Blogs of 2011 | Heather Zempel

Favorite Blogs of 2011 | Heather Zempel — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:47:19 +0000

[...] Never Travel Alone [...]

Comment on I Don’t Care by Be Bold « Just a Son

Be Bold « Just a Son — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:47:16 +0000

[...] purpose the Spirit comes is to be our Comforter, but as Heather Zempel from NCC in Washington D.C. says “The Comforter isn’t needed unless we are in uncomfortable [...]

Comment on Unlearning What You Have Learned by Will Johnston

Will Johnston — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 03:44:43 +0000

It’s funny what “knowing” and knowing are.

I taught a kid to shoot a basketball in Ethiopia, and I’m probably far worse at it than you are. But simple things like using your right hand to flick the ball and your left hand as a guide are revolutionary when you’re just chucking it at the basket.

Which kinda reminds me of Andy Stanley’s talk at Catalyst about just teaching what you know, not needing to have all of the answers.

Okay, I don’t know how related this actually is to your post other than it’s about teaching someone to shoot a basketball

Comment on The God of Jacob by Margaret Feinberg

Margaret Feinberg — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 20:30:13 +0000

Heather–
Praying for you and the students for the ministry trip.

Big hug,
M

Comment on I Don’t Care by Beyond Comfort « Relentless Christianity

Beyond Comfort « Relentless Christianity — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:32:04 +0000

[...] Heather Zempel has some terrifically insightful words that we should heed. “In some strange turn of the tide, it seems that Christians often persecute themselves these days. We flee from the potential pollution of “the world,” sequester ourselves and the Gospel inside the walls of our safety bubbles and render ourselves impotent and ineffective. We stop doing things that are hard because we fail to realize that significant things are always hard. We seek peace instead of taking the Prince of Peace into turbulent places. We pray prayers that revolve around our comfort and stability. The Comforter isn’t needed unless we are in uncomfortable places. [...]

Comment on When Christians Lie by I Don’t Care | Heather Zempel

I Don’t Care | Heather Zempel — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:23:50 +0000

[...] I’m not known for empathy. I’m a pastor that rarely hears the word “care” on the other side of my title to describe what I do. Several months ago, I refused to offer a comforting throwaway line of “It’s all going to be okay” to a friend in the midst of emotional turmoil because I just don’t think that’s true Biblically. That’s one of those little lies that Christians like to tell one another. [...]

Comment on What I’m Telling the Proteges About Catalyst by Brian Owen

Brian Owen — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:26:05 +0000

Great thoughts Heather. As an application point of your post I’m looking forward to meeting you at the small group pastor lunch on Thursday.

By the way, my wife is an actress….I got a kick out of reading your bio and realizing that you and I have that in common.

Comment on Never Travel Alone by Go In Twos | Heather Zempel

Go In Twos | Heather Zempel — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:02:46 +0000

[...] rarely travel alone. In fact, I’ve already blogged at least once about this idea. It’s good to travel in twos for accountability purposes. The time on the road also allows [...]

Comment on How to Not Go Crazy by Kossi siwotso

Kossi siwotso — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:55:26 +0000

That is inspiring!

Comment on Face-to-Face and Shoulder-to-Shoulder by Trey Bailey

Trey Bailey — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:39:01 +0000

Thank you for this post. Someone sent me a link via email. And this was right on time for me and my views/thoughts on discipleship. Thanks again.

Comment on One Crazy Idea: Bittersweet by Glenda McMath

Glenda McMath — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:23:55 +0000

I am so amazed at how Bittersweet Creative continues to lead the way in creativity and engaging our world! This is one HUGE crazy idea! Love it!

Comment on One Crazy Idea: New Rhythm Project by Glenda McMath

Glenda McMath — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 18:21:24 +0000

A-MA-ZING! I LOVE how God is calling New Rhythm to make a difference in the lives of children! As an adoptive mom I know how incredible this is first hand….and not just for the kids…but for the families! Adoption is such a part of God’s heart! Best article ever on adoption: http://awaa.org/stories/spiritofadoption.aspx and scroll down to read!

Comment on Tooting Their Horn- Bittersweet Dreams by One Crazy Idea: Bittersweet | Heather Zempel

One Crazy Idea: Bittersweet | Heather Zempel — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 13:02:40 +0000

[...] to share about her her passion to fuse creatives and missions. I’ve already sung their praise here. But I wanted to let you hear their story in Kate’s [...]

Comment on I’m Writing…I Promise by Mark Cowsert

Mark Cowsert — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:41:01 +0000

You absolutely get a pass! Just used your talk from 2009 Willow Group Life Conference again with new leaders…so I am STOKED that you are writing a book on the subject…Can’t wait to read it!…”Small Groups are greeeaat…then the people show up!” HZ

Comment on I’m Writing…I Promise by Jon Stolpe

Jon Stolpe — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:04:27 +0000

Heather,
I’m sure your book will be awesome. I look forward to reading it (and reviewing it on my blog). Keep writing! We can’t wait!
Jon

Comment on I’m Writing…I Promise by Rob B

Rob B — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 02:42:13 +0000

Whoo! Can’t wait! I’m really excited not only to read everything myself, but also to be able to pass on a condensed form of all the Heather Zempelisms that my friends in college ministry have been getting in bits and pieces over the last few years.

Comment on I’m Writing…I Promise by Will Johnston

Will Johnston — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:55:54 +0000

Looks like our next project might need to be putting a “Like” button on here. Wanted to click that just now

Comment on The Table of Emmaus by Marilyn Randle

Marilyn Randle — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 20:16:27 +0000

Ummm. I got that. How many times have I set the table and was so intimidated by my guest. What a great setting. Thanks

Comment on Theology and the Power Ballad by Cary Umhau

Cary Umhau — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:41:01 +0000

Love it… and rings very true! Phil Collins has preached to me recently.

Comment on Legacy by Douglas Bartley

Douglas Bartley — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:26:26 +0000

Hello- I too share Rev. Owings as a g-grandfather, and tripped upon this site looking for more on him; please give me an idea as to how I might obtain a copy as well….

Comment on The Table of Emmaus by Steve Corn

Steve Corn — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:12:58 +0000

Wish you and Ryan were around our table. Love the way you think Heather and how God reveals himself to you. Great reflections here. I’ve always known the people around our table were important but never connected it back to this story. Love it!

Comment on Delays and Detours by Nicole Minford

Nicole Minford — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 18:47:14 +0000

Hi Heather,
Your story reminds me of the life lessons written by Corrie Ten Boom in “Tramp for the Lord.” God has a way of using the most aggravating delays and detours and working out His perfect plan in us and through us.

Comment on Delays and Detours by Regena Sawyer

Regena Sawyer — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 05:02:23 +0000

It certainly was a happy moment for me when we were “stuck” that extra day in St. John’s, Newfoundland!! (even though we did have to shell out some extra bucks for that rental car). I would have been happy to have been stuck for several days!

Comment on The Milkshake is the Muse by Ben Reed

Ben Reed — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:47:36 +0000

I think I’m going to try to use the same muse…the milkshake, that is. Because, even if it doesn’t lead to writing, at least I’ve had a milkshake!

Great post, Heather!

Comment on The Milkshake is the Muse by Stephen Elliot

Stephen Elliot — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 17:22:52 +0000

Just make a treadmill desk and then you can write without feeling guilty about the milkshake. P.S. Loved this post!

Comment on Leaders Must…Be Healthy by Mark Satterfield

Mark Satterfield — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:09:58 +0000

what a powerful statement at the beginning! “the way I was doing the work of God was killing the very work of God within me.” I need to hang that up in my office in the form of a question to see daily. Thanks for sharing!

Comment on Legacy by Heather

Heather — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:53:41 +0000

Hey David- so cool! Would love a copy of your book. How can I obtain a copy?

Comment on Leaders and Insecurities, Part 3 by Phil Vidal

Phil Vidal — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 01:40:01 +0000

Just wanted to say how thankful I am for your background. I think it gives you a different and enlightening perspective on many topics.

We were just talking in small group about how a couple that had been involved with ministry for 30 years had never heard wrath and grace connected like that and how thankful they were for the message.

Comment on Leaders and Insecurities, Part 2 by Finding a Part of Myself that I had Lost | Will Johnston | Mind Muse

Finding a Part of Myself that I had Lost | Will Johnston | Mind Muse — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 23:44:09 +0000

[...] what’s the take away for you? I don’t know exactly. This is one of those insecurities that I need to grow through as a leader. Maybe it’s encouragement to you to keep at it, whatever it is. Maybe it’s me being [...]

Comment on Leaders and Insecurities, Part 3 by April

April — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:03:06 +0000

thanks for this!

Comment on Leaders and Insecurities, Part 3 by Regena Sawyer

Regena Sawyer — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:42:55 +0000

Your mention of “A Beautiful Mind” makes me want to see the movie again.

Comment on Leaders and Insecurities, Part 3 by Ben Reed

Ben Reed — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:20:01 +0000

Love your vulnerability here, Heather. Thanks for stepping out and being honest like this.

I struggle with these things, too. One little off-handed comment can have me questioning my whole call to ministry…it’s ridiculous, really. It reminds me that I still desperately need God…and that I need to desperately ground myself in who Christ says I am.

Comment on Leaders and Insecurities, Part 3 by Donna Pisani

Donna Pisani — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:49:01 +0000

GREAT posts on tackling insecurity Heather…well done!

Comment on Leadership Summit…TED Style by Andy

Andy — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:44:49 +0000

All current or former NCC proteges, plus Maegan.

Comment on Creative Vomit by Steve Corn

Steve Corn — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:21:54 +0000

Great advice! Love it. Thanks for sharing.

PS – I’m very grateful for the variety of “notes” apps on my phone.

Comment on Reflections from Greece by Rob

Rob — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 16:56:59 +0000

Icons?! What madness is this? And you call yourself a protestant…

Free Wifi on Mars Hill? Seems appropriate.

Comment on Parenthood by Steve Corn

Steve Corn — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:22:23 +0000

but you guys just look so much alike. . . how could you not be related?

Guess that’s the point of discipleship as well – to be like the rabbi in every possible way.

Comment on Theology 101 Notes: Doctrine of Christ and Salvation by PETER NGONG

PETER NGONG — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:20:19 +0000

Thanks Josh,

This is great job and concretely precise and systematic.

Thanks again, and for a student working on defending these great Doctrines, this is awesome.

Comment on Four Hours in Rome by Pam Hatchell

Pam Hatchell — Sun, 29 May 2011 00:27:48 +0000

So proud, Sister. Way to lead and turn everything into a positive!

Comment on Serious About Sabbath by Rob B

Rob B — Fri, 20 May 2011 15:29:34 +0000

I am so glad your loyalties lie with the God’s favorite Chicago team. Do not let the prophets of evil persuade you otherwise.

Comment on Easter Baptisms by Kate

Kate — Sun, 15 May 2011 01:40:38 +0000

Such a touching, inspiring video. Makes me want to be baptized AGAIN! Praise the Lord.

Comment on Legacy by David Owings

David Owings — Sat, 14 May 2011 14:53:59 +0000

Rev. Owings is my 6th great grandfather. I wrote a biography of him if you would like it.

Comment on The Story…2 by Will Johnston

Will Johnston — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:20:00 +0000

For those who may not know the address, it’s at 535 8th St. SE, and a few of us will be grabbing dinner at 6 at DC-3 just down the street.

Comment on A Big Game of Telephone by Cary Umhau

Cary Umhau — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:20:13 +0000

Good reminder. We make it so complicated — or want something more dramatic to do. Tell the person in front of you. Pass it on. Simple. Thanks.

Comment on It’s Always an Adventure, Part 2 by Heather

Heather — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:32:12 +0000

Well, don’t take ALL the credit/blame for yourself, Taylor. A healthy percentage of the motivation was my insatiable desire for adventure. AND I was very very happy to see you live! Keep doing awesome things!

Comment on It’s Always an Adventure, Part 2 by Taylor

Taylor — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:22:23 +0000

HEATHER!!!!!! I cannot believe you risked life and limb to get there early for ME! You know they film these things, right?!? My dad had the video by that afternoon – we could have just showed it to you! ARGH! Don’t ever do that again! (And thank you. I can’t believe you did that for me, who you haven’t seen for a billion years!)

Comment on Decisions That Make a Leader by The 51-49 Decisions | Heather Zempel

The 51-49 Decisions | Heather Zempel — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:06:22 +0000

[...] requires the confidence, courage, and humility to make the 51-49 decisions. I first wrote about this idea when I was impressed with Joel Schmidgall’s leadership during Convoy of Hope a [...]

Comment on It’s Always an Adventure, Part 2 by Will Johnston

Will Johnston — Tue, 03 May 2011 03:59:50 +0000

You crazy.

Comment on It’s Always an Adventure, Part 1 by It’s Always an Adventure, Part 2 | Heather Zempel

It’s Always an Adventure, Part 2 | Heather Zempel — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:11:27 +0000

[...] This is a continuation of the epic tale of my trip to Knoxville and Atlanta. Read Part 1 here. [...]

Comment on It’s Always an Adventure, Part 1 by Heather

Heather — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:09:44 +0000

Hahahaha!!! Oh…but it gets better so keep reading! Basically, I had not had any sleep when I saw y’all on Thursday.

Comment on Lost and Learning by It’s Always an Adventure, Part 1 | Heather Zempel

It’s Always an Adventure, Part 1 | Heather Zempel — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:08:17 +0000

[...] wrong direction (and miraculously still made the flight). Or the time that Ryan Zempel and I got trapped on an island and began to wonder if we had time warped into an episode of Lost. And then there was the epic week [...]

Comment on It’s Always an Adventure, Part 1 by Taylor

Taylor — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:22:08 +0000

All of this happened and somehow you didn’t mention it at Orange?!? It’s a good thing I read your blog! Amazing!

Comment on A Short List of Wins From the Orange Conference by It’s Always an Adventure, Part 1 | Heather Zempel

It’s Always an Adventure, Part 1 | Heather Zempel — Sun, 01 May 2011 17:46:14 +0000

[...] adventures. Like the time Jenilee LeFors and I were already late for the airport and somehow drove 25 miles in the wrong direction (and miraculously still made the flight). Or the time that Ryan Zempel and I got trapped on an [...]

Comment on The Preaching Calendar by Heather

Heather — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:54:52 +0000

Oh…there is MUCH heckling around here.

Comment on The Preaching Calendar by Kathy Cannon

Kathy Cannon — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 19:28:37 +0000

Love it. I have often said we are the only church I know that will openly heckle each other in meetings and even larger group gatherings. NCC may just be the other one.

Comment on A New Chapter by Emily (your fav minion)

Emily (your fav minion) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:13:06 +0000

“Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar. I admire anybody who has the guts to write anything at all.” – E.B. White

Love you HZ. Cheering for you on this project!

Comment on A New Chapter by Jonathan

Jonathan — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:34:31 +0000

So excited for this and proud of you Heather. I am sure it will be one heck of a messy book! Looking forward to it.

Comment on A New Chapter by Jay Kroll

Jay Kroll — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:34:25 +0000

Congratulations, Heather! Good title and a powerful truth that so many seem to have missed. Add me to the email list for when it’s ready! jay@thecommon.org

Comment on It’s Not Just a Meeting by April

April — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:07:03 +0000

WORD!

Comment on The Tale of the Carrot by Pete Munson

Pete Munson — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 20:09:35 +0000

Hi Heather, I read your blog from time to time and really enjoyed the carrot tale. I’m a Pastor and over the last few days have had some discouraging thoughts and circumstances, and then I read your blog and gained a different and much better perspective on being buried alive. I know that God has His purpose and my part is to wait and trust. Thanks a lot.

Comment on I Fall by I Fall – Off Bikes | Will Johnston | Mind Muse

I Fall – Off Bikes | Will Johnston | Mind Muse — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:57:21 +0000

[...] 7th, 2011 in Personal Tweet this!Have you ever fallen? I mean really fallen? Fallen well, gotten swallowed up by a pit in the sidewalk, skidded across the ground at the top of an escalator, or nearly killed yourself on a [...]

Comment on Four Kinds of Criticism by Critical Analysis | Heather Zempel

Critical Analysis | Heather Zempel — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 13:05:50 +0000

[...] Four Kinds of Criticism [...]

Comment on I Fall by Megan

Megan — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:58:14 +0000

Me too. We are kindred fallers – or something…

Sunday night, I fell down the stairs in my own house. The ones I walk down every day. The carpeted ones with excellent traction. I flung myself around the corner 2 steps too soon. My knee is swollen and rug burned. My cell phone went flying and my friend on the phone didn’t even seem remotely surprised that I had flung the phone because she lived with me for 3 years and she is used to me stumbling and breaking things/myself… So, there you go. Thanks for letting us laugh at you, please laugh back. I feel like it makes the falls all worth while if they bring some joy.

Comment on I Fall by Heather

Heather — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:28:50 +0000

Lura– that is a-mazing. Love it. I totally forgot to mention the time I fell down the hill in Scotland and the time I fell on the hurdles. I’ll save those for another post.

Comment on I Fall by Lura

Lura — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:05:28 +0000

I can so relate to this, so I laughed out loud. I once was so busy talking and laughing with friends that I fell headfirst into a trash can.

Feel better??

Comment on A18: Neighborhoods Promo Video by Correct Criticism, Incorrect Heart | Heather Zempel

Correct Criticism, Incorrect Heart | Heather Zempel — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:06:58 +0000

[...] groups around the sermon series. It was called A18:Neighborhoods, and you can read more about it here, here, and [...]

Comment on When Christians Lie by Andre

Andre — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:20:33 +0000

Thanks Heather; This is right on point! I have always said that our faith is not designed to exempt us from trouble, but rather to sustain us in the time of trouble. This is where the grace, strength, and love of God become paramount. By knowing that all things are working together for our good, gives us the assurance that God’s sovereignty secures our destiny. God indeed has plans for us, but those plans are not ‘about’ us, but are ‘about’ HIM! They are HIS plans for us! This is where are theology get’s twisted, because we want to believe that God’s plans are for us and ‘about’ us! Yet the scriptures are replete of accounts where peoples’ and person’s journeys were so much more about God than them. ‘Everything will be okay, because God is in control! Hopefully, I’m ‘okay’ with that!
Thanks! (I will be borrowing this for my weekly pastoral reflection!)

Andre’

Comment on When the Mess is Of Your Own Creation by Incorrect Criticism, Correct Heart | Heather Zempel

Incorrect Criticism, Correct Heart | Heather Zempel — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:03:19 +0000

[...] I created a masterful mess. I won’t go into the gory details here. (But you can read them here). It involved some decisions we made at a leadership training event that really upset some folks. [...]

Comment on Community is Messy, Part 1: Blood by A Little Tact Goes a Long Way | Will Johnston | Mind Muse

A Little Tact Goes a Long Way | Will Johnston | Mind Muse — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:14:03 +0000

[...] I often find myself in situations where I need to address a problem, and addressing problems means risking mess. But leading well requires a willingness to do just [...]

Comment on When Christians Lie by Deb

Deb — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:17:05 +0000

My first reaction was that it wasn’t really a lie to say it’s going to be okay. You’re absolutely right that God didn’t promise us flower filled days and restful nights. Life can be tough – and I think sometimes it’s tougher for those “called according to his purpose” because we’re essentially setting ourselves up as targets in a spiritual sense.

But I don’t think it’s a lie to say it’s going to be okay because of the first part of that verse: “all things work together for good.” It IS going to be alright because even though we might not LIKE the path we’re walking, if we’re walking in faith and seeking God’s will it WILL be okay ultimately. We may have to walk through the fire to reach the good. We may have to die to reach the good. But if we’re walking in faith and salvation, we WILL reach the good.

I don’t disagree, however, with your ultimate point that we can’t be lazy in our faith – or in our support for each other. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” It’s the LAW that we should be doing this. So yeah, throw the fuzzy bunnies out the window. It could be a bumpy ride for all of us.

Comment on When Christians Lie by Matt

Matt — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 14:01:34 +0000

Great post…I’ve thought of that many times. I thought Jesus promised, “In this world you will have troubles.” The good news is as you’ve said, at the end it will be ok. Not always now though. Thanks for sharing these thoughts.

This reminds me of the video when Matt Chandler shared the news regarding his cancer. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMerKVKssQU

Comment on Forfeit by Marie

Marie — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:29:44 +0000

Love, love, LOVE this, Heather! Thanks for sharing…

Comment on Forfeit by Jay Kroll

Jay Kroll — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:10:19 +0000

Every encounter, relationship, struggle, is an opportunity to learn and grow. If it’s difficult, she should probably stick with it. If it’s damaging, yes, getting out would probably be best…there are certainly other learning opportunities out there…

Comment on Forfeit by Brooke Birkey

Brooke Birkey — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:51:13 +0000

Well said.
I don’t think I would advocate for her either way. This is something that Abba needs to show her in His way if she is willing to listen. But in my humble opinion, she should say. Sometimes in the midst of angst is when the most good is done…..both in refining your own personal character and in being there to lead and be a positive influence for the other people with whom you are walking through the tough experience.
Well said, PZ.

Comment on Staunton by Andy

Andy — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 05:02:15 +0000

If I owned a theater I’d call it the Union, and if I owned a hotel, I’d call it The Patrick O’Rorke.

Comment on Legacy by Pilgrim’s Process: Gratitude | Heather Zempel

Pilgrim’s Process: Gratitude | Heather Zempel — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:16:08 +0000

[...] Legacy [...]

Comment on Pilgrim’s Process: God’s Love is Bigger Than Mine by Lisa overman

Lisa overman — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 08:49:48 +0000

Thanks for this. Surprisingly, there is a lot of enthnocentricity in my line of work. It makes me wonder why people want to leave home when all they do is complain how where they are or how they live isn’t like home. So bizarre to me. Anyway, missing you. So glad you were soaking up every moment of where you were and for the great insight and reminder to us all that God does indeed love us idiots

Comment on Pilgrim’s Process: In Cathedrals in Conflict by Jay Kroll

Jay Kroll — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:01:22 +0000

I stood in St. Peter’s and had those same reactions–to know that it was man that perverted the relationship, but that ultimately God is true no matter what. Thanks for the reminder…

Comment on The End of Garden to City by heidi scanlon

heidi scanlon — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:36:49 +0000

Heather thanks for doing this. Your enthusiasm is amazing! I love how you lead us. Thanks for doing this on your vacation!

Comment on Final Thoughts From St. Peter’s Basilica by Rob B

Rob B — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:31:14 +0000

This was the most encouraging video in the series yet! Thanks so much for your thoughts

Comment on Loving God in Athens by David Messner

David Messner — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 04:47:56 +0000

Really got a lot out of your thoughts from Athens. Love your presentation and writing. Great video wrap up too. Looking forward to reports from Rome.

Comment on Loving God in Athens by Scott McCracken

Scott McCracken — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 21:29:01 +0000

Really enjoyed our time with you today! Wish it could have been longer. You may already be familiar with this information from Don Richardson, but if not, I think you will find it interesting…

http://anhonestdebate.com/2007/09/04/an-ancient-appeal-to-an-unknown-god/

Comment on Thoughts From Berea, Vergina, and Preveza by Jenilee LeFors

Jenilee LeFors — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:11:37 +0000

So.. Are you telling me there was snow on your way there?! So excited for you!!