Monday Morning Insights

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    Puppy Dogs and Butterflies

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    You know, I've always been much of an instigator (just ask my roommate in college).  I like to throw different ideas out there and get people talking.  Usually the result is a good discussion; but sometimes it turns ugly.  (That's when I step in).  But, seriously, I think it's very important the we as leaders discuss some of these issues, new ideas, philosophies, etc.  It's important that we know how to defend our beliefs; that we keep up on new ways to minister; that we connect with other pastors and church leaders and don't live in a bubble.  That's what I hope this blog is becoming for some... a place to be challenged; a place to grow; and a place to connect.  I hope to write more on my goals for the blog in the near future.  I'm not really sure where it's going, so it will be good for me to write some thoughts down as well (and, of course, get your input).

    But this morning... let's just take a break from all the stress and strife and think kind thoughts... thoughts of puppy dogs and butterflies.  Ahhhhhhh....

    Have a great day!  smile

    Todd

    I’ve tackled some pretty tough subjects this week here at the MMIBlog… homosexuality; pastors and pornography, untalented people, church growth, staffing issues, Rick Warren (still don’t get his controversy), and multi-sites (and that’s just in the last couple days).  I’m starting to wonder if there are any ‘safe’ subjects that pastors/church staff/church leadership can talk about.    So jokingly, last night, I said that I might just turn the blog into a discussion on puppy dogs and butterflies.  And I also guessed that there would probably be some pastors out there opposed to either puppy dogs; butterflies; or both!

    Comments

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    1. Todd Rhoades on Thu, July 14, 2005

      Ahhh… just got an email that made my day.  It seems that we may be making progress after all.  http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif


      “I just wanted to commend you on the quality of your blog especially since you took greater control over the monitoring of it a few weeks ago.  The tone has changed dramatically as now comments are not filled with ad hominem attacks and careless rantings.  It is obvious that people can still vent their displeasure about a topic, but do so in a civil way.

      Keep up the good work.”


      Thanks!  I needed that.  http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif  Hopefully we can continue to ‘civily’ discuss here!

       

    2. pjlr on Thu, July 14, 2005

      Interestingly I had several encounters this week with a young couple who adopted a puppy, a young lady who revealed to me her dream to have “Butterfly kisses” sung at her wedding and another woman who had her cat put to sleep and was wondering if the cat was in heaven.

      Is this the coordinated work of the Holy Spirit or what http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif

       

    3. bern on Thu, July 14, 2005

      Are you writing about me?  Dogs and butterflies… my logo is a butterfly, and I go by the handle “Bernmutt” on some discussion boards…

      ...Bernie

       

    4. Ricky on Thu, July 14, 2005

      Bernie:


      “Bernmutt?”


      Please, do tell.


      http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/wink.gif

    5. bernie dehler on Thu, July 14, 2005

      I used to go by “berndog,” but my nephew teased me once and called me bernmutt instead.  I like the humblenss of it, so I kept it.

      ...Bernie

       

    6. mark on Thu, July 14, 2005

      Todd,


      The canine in the picture is not a ‘puppy’ - it is clearly a full-grown dog. This is the absolute truth, don’t even try to dispute it! And that butterfly - are you turning into some kind of tree-hugging liberal or something? And one other thing - there has to be something un-biblical about mixing 4-legged and 6-legged critters on the same picture.


      Seriously, I second the the comments you received in the email above. I’ve seen other blogs and forums ‘descend into the pit’ and never recover. I commend you for your efforts.

      I initally found this blog when my wife started to think about going into full-time ministry (we’re still thinking). She knows better than I the kinds of issues a pastor runs into and suggested I look around and find out what a pastor’s life is really like. What an eye-opener!


      This blog is at it’s best when pastors (and staff) are free to express their frustrations and concerns as well as their joys. I’ve always felt that pastors were special people and have made it a point not to be critical of the pastors at my church. I now see that that is not enough. After hearing what so many of you have gone through, I am no longer passive in my support of my pastors. Thank you all for opening my eyes.


      Todd, keep up the good work. You have impact beyond what you see.

       

    7. rev-ed on Thu, July 14, 2005

      I have no problems with the topic, although my wife hates butterflies and anything with wings if they get too close to her…

      BTW, I have a dog that looks a lot like the dog pictured.  However to call him a “puppy dog” is a bit inaccuarate.  “Hound dog” works better.  “Hairy, snoring doorstop” is the most accurate. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/smile.gif

    8. BeHim on Thu, July 14, 2005

      Todd, I think you’ve opened allot of closed doors that we as leaders need to have opened in discussion.  You and I have spoke a few times about civility in discussion and you know I pray for tact so that being said, you are doing a phenominal job.


      I see you as the moderator in a debate format.  Asking the instigating questions and keeping time limits.  Chastizing insults and keeping the format moving.


      Believe it or not, these subjects are at the forefront of big changes in American Culture that is now here and soon coming.  You’re allowing both positions to open up dialoge and expose their belief systems (which no doubt can and will be heated at times).

      Again, please forgive me if in anyway I have offended you.  I too am human and at times can become “heated”.  It’s in this “heat” (also known as “the flesh”) that I make mistakes and must apologize for offense.


      The Lord bless you in His Grace and Knowledge of Christ Jesus.

       

      P.S. I have a dog that once was puppy that likes to chase butterflies but hey, that’s my view http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/wink.gif

       

    9. R & R on Thu, July 14, 2005

      Personally I like cats.  And have two!


      They are entertaining…....and a diversion after becoming empty nesters and then grandparents this year. http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/wink.gif

    10. Pete King on Fri, July 15, 2005

      Todd,

      I too have periodically stood on my soap box as I drifted from the topic to spew my venom of frustration on not just you but others here as well. I want to appologise for anything I might have said that would hurt anyone’s feelings. My intent was never to offend but sometimes, I can be abrasive and cold when contending an issue. Just as BeHim, I too am asking God to help me say the right things and be what God wants me to be even in the heat of Biblical debate. Once again Todd I think you know how I feel about this ministry. For some of us being here has literally saved us from giving up on serving God. I just want to thank you for keeping the Monday Praise report post going. I am not just saying that because I post there but because I really see God using that post to encourage Christian leaders everywhere. I just want to encourage everyone to share what God is doing in your life with us. We are made overcomers by the word of our testimony. It is during these ever changing times in our country that we need praise reports to remind us that God has not changed. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. God bless.

       

    11. pjlr on Fri, July 15, 2005

      BeHim and Pete King:  My respectometer for you two guys just went up a dozen notches (and it’s only calibrated to 10:)


      I have followed you two guys for several months and have chosen not to engage you in dialogue at times because you came across as abrasive, dogmatic and arrogant.  I didn’t think you were any of these, but I didn’t want to take a chance.

      In many cases you had great things to say but your wording was a hindrance.  I have seen you purposely tone down your rhetoric and still come across very poignantly and with conviction, but with much more grace in the use of your words.


      Thanks for your humility.  I look forward to entering in to discussions with you, although I admit you guys are really good in framing your arguments and comments:)


      Blessings to you

       

    12. Pete King on Mon, July 18, 2005

      pjlr,

      Thank you for you honesty. I really appreciate it. The first thing I always want to be careful about is how I come across to people. Sometimes our freedom to express ourselves can do more harm than good. You know, just like our society abuses freedom to speak their mind. It takes people like yourself to remind us that our words though meant with the best intentions can still hurt and hinder our message. Once again, thanks for keeping it real. Please pray for me that my comments lift up the body of Christ. We’ve had enough church bashing to last us a lifetime. I really want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. God bless.

       

    13. Jason Poling on Mon, July 18, 2005

      I’m allergic to dogs.

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