tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33686842724234029442012-01-29T13:16:48.037-05:00Whatever Is...Reflections on that which is right, noble and lifegiving.Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.comBlogger2581100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-29472238001885473342012-01-24T09:21:00.000-05:002012-01-24T09:21:03.414-05:00Save our SchoolLast night, 1/23/12, I spoke to our City Commission about soliciting their support to save our school. I was so proud to be part of such a great community who showed their support in such passionate ways! The kids were an incredible testimony to what a great school we are a part of!
<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-44195857117173261952012-01-17T22:48:00.003-05:002012-01-17T22:48:32.838-05:00Connecting People!<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-52037039927188925382012-01-08T14:49:00.002-05:002012-01-08T14:49:49.949-05:00Being a Guest at the Guests’ House<!--[if !mso]>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-21520077158260129532011-12-18T22:29:00.004-05:002011-12-18T22:30:37.708-05:00Resting in a King Size Bed.
The presents are purchased and the parties are almost
complete. Lights have been hung and
trees have been decorated. Comfort food has been consumed and fruitcake has
been received. Cards have been sent, memories have been revived and sentiment
has warmed. The carols have been sung and services have been attended. Hope has
been offered, joy has been celebrated, love has been revered and peace Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-75951090499794804772011-12-16T07:23:00.001-05:002011-12-16T07:23:03.614-05:00Worshipful Carols<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-83337846784855510722011-12-07T22:02:00.001-05:002011-12-07T22:06:01.297-05:00The Missional ChurchI love this. It's a great picture of the paradigm shift that needs to happen in the Church.
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-84427448563706400942011-12-07T09:10:00.001-05:002011-12-07T09:12:28.846-05:00It Takes a Whole Community to Create a Whole Community<!--[if gte mso 9]>
800x600
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-51208902610299435922011-12-04T20:32:00.001-05:002011-12-04T20:34:34.579-05:00Irony<!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-40252750768475138712011-11-28T17:14:00.001-05:002011-11-29T13:57:43.076-05:00Video Clips
The projects that we have been working on to help hungry and homeless
school kids in Seminole County has been receiving media attention this
week. The video above is from 60 Minutes overtime, celebrating our Casselberry Community.
This second video is from our local Fox station, being interviewed about the work of the Task Force.
I am so Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-25872371907266176472011-11-21T07:19:00.001-05:002011-11-21T07:23:45.064-05:00The Boundary is in your head?
This short story is taken from Seth Godin’s excellent and
sharp book, “Poke the Box”. He writes:
“My dog wears one
of those invisible fence collars. There’s a wire around our small yard, and if she
gets near it, the collar buzzes. If she goes a little further, she gets a small
shock. (I think she’s been shocked exactly once.) The dog associates the buzz
with the shock and never goes to the Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-63867710360916335052011-11-14T21:47:00.001-05:002011-11-14T21:51:20.914-05:00Similar Cans, Different Beverage<!--[if !mso]>
v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
800x600
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-90453782230316348372011-11-07T20:36:00.001-05:002011-11-07T20:36:59.225-05:00Things you need to know if you want to make a difference...<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-23238763473248027852011-10-31T11:47:00.000-04:002011-10-31T11:54:44.425-04:00Jesus wants to you Change the World.
Increasingly my heart beats faster with the idea that Jesus
Christ wants to transform the world. In some circles to say such a thing has
become a powerless cliché. For many of my early years as a believer, I believed
this, but then reality set in, focus drifts and the task of seeing the world
transformed seemed a distant fantasy. As I continue to walk with Jesus, trying
(and often failing) Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-72966432969021870402011-10-24T11:46:00.002-04:002011-10-24T11:58:41.775-04:00Behind the Camera
About four
weeks ago I spent a Saturday lunch time at Casselberry
Elementary School, a place that
has become the epicenter for some of the transformative care that began in the
school system and the city. I was there because CBS’s national news magazine program,
“60 Minutes”. This was a taping to follow
up to their earlier segment on homelessness in Central Florida. If all goes to
plan, it Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-14166834931915934392011-10-18T20:30:00.003-04:002011-10-18T20:30:52.909-04:00Accelorators and Brakes<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-38679510036533161082011-10-09T14:02:00.000-04:002011-10-09T14:02:16.365-04:00Zealousy?<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-59816336903970848612011-10-04T07:44:00.002-04:002011-10-06T15:02:18.160-04:00Community MATters
There are few things in life that give deep, abundant joy.
Most of them occur after moments of great sacrifice and selflessness. However,
God has reserved one special joy for all those who know Him. In the Church we call it fellowship, in the
world we call it friendship but neither of these fully reflects the joy-filled
lives that we live when we enter into what the bible calls “Koinonia”. Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-60215718931397179742011-09-19T07:06:00.003-04:002011-09-19T07:06:55.416-04:00What or Why?<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-34500333844551600892011-09-12T07:34:00.001-04:002011-09-12T07:34:44.601-04:00Pruning!<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-84738528165276547292011-09-05T13:57:00.000-04:002011-09-06T13:48:25.912-04:00A Lesson in Preparedness.
The Scouts have it right – Be prepared.
Jesus instructs us to think this way – Be Prepared.
My friend Sean taught me a valuable lesson about being
prepared.
Thursday
I was sitting in Sean’s apartment with a few other players
with the Orlando City Soccer team engaged in a Bible Study that my friend Cory
had put together called “The Complete Athlete”. It speaks about how complete
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-24490576068864776052011-08-28T22:21:00.003-04:002011-08-28T22:22:22.548-04:00A Disappearing Cemetery
Last Tuesday I went flying again. I was a lot more at ease
this time (except for an incident in the air where I discovered my door was
open and I had to open it and slam it shut), and because of this I was able to
pay a little more attention (once my door was fully closed, that is). Because we were flying over roads that I had
driven up and down thousands of times, it was fun to be able to haveAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-77986971264027747142011-08-22T09:07:00.002-04:002011-08-22T09:07:29.548-04:00Vulnerable Humility<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-89364026508497949322011-08-15T11:52:00.005-04:002011-08-19T16:09:32.445-04:00The Salvation Lyric.
The story of Zacchaeus (Luke19:1-10) is a story that most of us have known and grown up with since we
were kids. We’ve read the story, sung the song and thought that we knew
everything that there was to know about the charming story. But have you
considered that the story of this “Wee little Man” allows us to tell God’s
wonderful story of salvation?
The little lyric below can help us Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-64187394703312661452011-07-24T22:56:00.001-04:002011-07-24T22:56:39.299-04:00A Deflating Mattress?<!--[if gte mso 9]>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
X-NONE
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-28402716715888001772011-07-18T07:45:00.001-04:002011-07-18T07:50:15.973-04:00Anthem Schizophrenia.
This evening I went to watch my local, and increasingly,
favorite soccer team Orlando City play a glamorous exhibition match against
English Premier League team Bolton Wanderers. I had been so excited for this
game because it has been years since I have seen been present to see a top
level English team play. Many childhood memories came flooding back as I met
with my mates, bantered around Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-21708010166315640062011-07-11T11:39:00.001-04:002011-07-11T11:57:06.978-04:00Birthing Drama from Boredom?
This week Orlando, and perhaps much of the country, has been
enthralled in the Casey Antony verdict. While I have the utmost respect for the
jury and feel that they did their job professionally, there are all kinds of
questions about the case that remain unanswered. My personal opinion is that
there is much of the story that hasn’t been told, and it centers on an
incredibly pained family. Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-85408200557496390502011-07-04T12:57:00.000-04:002011-07-04T12:57:18.560-04:00Slowing Down on Sin<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-85230267258789703602011-06-27T16:30:00.000-04:002011-06-27T16:30:50.856-04:00Jesus in Ordinary Life.<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-18299457250928704582011-06-20T22:51:00.000-04:002011-06-20T22:51:08.333-04:00When Emotional Opposites Collide.<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-12563896354043261642011-06-13T16:22:00.000-04:002011-06-13T16:22:27.869-04:00Another Motivation for Mission?<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-57982562442695367542011-06-06T22:43:00.001-04:002011-06-12T23:22:50.230-04:00Developing "Great" Faith.In the passage below (Matthew 15:21-28), Jesus makes the emphatic statement that he loves it when we have “Great Faith“:
21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-82055250459539158172011-05-28T21:28:00.001-04:002011-05-29T08:02:33.547-04:00Loosening Your Grip.My good friend Tom has been a pilot for a long time. He was a plane mechanic in the Navy, served as a flight instructor, professionally taught aeronautical principals to want to-be pilots and then finished his career as a pilot of commercial airlines. There isn’t much about flying that Tom doesn’t know. Yet, when I went flying with him in a very small, 4-seater Cessna airplane last week I was Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-73700322423969322332011-05-23T13:30:00.001-04:002011-06-12T23:26:46.561-04:00Former Glories.For the better part of my life, I have supported one soccer team – Ipswich Town. I have followed them through some great highs and deep lows. Together we have experienced all the joys and sorrows of supporting a mid-level, often mediocre team, while spending ridiculous amounts of money to follow them and letting their results often determine my ability to enjoy the weekend. While it is likely as Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-10615221019810187462011-05-16T13:59:00.001-04:002011-06-13T08:13:05.775-04:00Standing Outside or Sitting Around?Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! – Mark 3:31-34
After his family believed that he Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-30749794352044510932011-05-09T22:27:00.001-04:002011-05-09T22:30:01.904-04:00A Blue StickerDue to either divine intervention or ridiculously good luck, Tracie and I were recently able to go to watch a live screening of the David Letterman show. Although, I’m not a huge fan of Big Dave, the opportunity to see the taping of a live TV show was too tantalizing to turn down. I applied online, and a week before our trip to New York, I received a call from the show asking me to answer one Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-64168048935859991352011-04-17T22:39:00.000-04:002011-04-17T22:39:11.882-04:00Another Book ReviewThomas Nelson gives me books (which I love to read), if I promise to review them on my blog. I have recently finished "The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World". Here's what I think of it...
<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONEAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-49452158765613980942011-04-17T13:27:00.000-04:002011-04-17T13:27:03.380-04:00Jesus instructs us to look!In John 4, there is a fantastic story. After meeting the salvation needs of a Samaritan woman, Jesus turns to his disciples and calls them to look for the salvation needs that exist in the lives around them. By the term “salvation needs” I mean the needs that we all have to be saved from the sin that entangles us that we just can’t work, earn or talk ourselves out of.
Jesus says, “Look! Open Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-18958438636162203012011-04-10T18:41:00.001-04:002011-06-13T07:47:42.144-04:00Checking the BatteriesLast week a nasty storm blew through Central Florida knocking trees onto homes, separating limbs from trees and leaving tens of thousands of homes without power. Ours was one of the homes that lost all electricity for several hours .As I arrived home with the children at around 8pm we were greeted by complete darkness both from the streets and within our home. For me this was a minor Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-64965840021011573992011-04-03T22:20:00.000-04:002011-04-03T22:20:50.438-04:00Cuting out the MaybeI am often looking for a little edge in my energy level, something that will give me a little extra “zip” to maximize life and increase my capacity a little more. I think we’re all like this, we want to be able maximize life further. Of course, we all know that there is no substitute for eating well, resting well and exercising, but sometimes it’d be nice just to have a little boost wouldn’t it? Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-9254058129045225452011-03-27T17:12:00.000-04:002011-03-27T17:12:57.353-04:00Empowering People Well.One of the continual challenges as a leader, especially one who leads in the volunteer sector, is the need to empower people. Without empowering others we not only put a cap on our potential to make a difference, but we also rob others of the opportunity to fulfill theirs. A leader’s ability to empower those around him is one of the primary indicators as to the impact that an organization will Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-72287054034985081972011-03-20T22:54:00.000-04:002011-03-20T22:54:04.275-04:00Bees in the Bathroom<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-23310742799659508192011-03-13T22:29:00.000-04:002011-03-13T22:29:56.287-04:00A Holy Nudge.<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-65196921364154844162011-03-06T22:10:00.000-05:002011-03-06T22:10:34.869-05:00A Dirty Face.<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-37774037631176560322011-02-27T20:46:00.000-05:002011-02-27T20:46:42.896-05:00Interactions with the Elder Brother.We are all familiar with the story of the prodigal sun. It is a story of grace and the nature of God that is so well told, and so packed with truth, that it transcends history, circumstance and culture. There are many things that the younger brother can teach us in this story, many things we learn about The Father from the father in the story, and a few things that even the older brother teaches Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-14124833438271920952011-02-11T10:57:00.001-05:002011-02-11T11:00:25.788-05:00Questions of Integrity.Integrity matters. It matters more than it used to and it matters more than we know. It was a matter that was close to Jesus heart and a matter that we need to spend a lot more time and energy addressing than we already do.
There are three things that I believe passionately about integrity;
- Integrity is about our outside actions reflecting our inside affections.
- The internal affection andAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-83073074573136481802011-02-10T16:31:00.000-05:002011-02-10T16:31:10.596-05:00Pujols - More than a Game.Another book review for Thomas Nelson...
This book will be the perfect read for people like my in-laws, who have both a strong faith and a love for the St Louis Cardinals! As the authors clarify, the purpose of the book combines two of Albert Pujols favorite loves – Baseball and Jesus (p206). While the book tracks his profession career from Santo Domingo to Saint Louis, it also tracks his Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-37936731554996774882011-02-07T15:52:00.000-05:002011-02-07T15:52:15.457-05:00Unusual Traits of TeamsEvery leadership expert in the word knows that success never happens alone. We all know that if we try to achieve success on our own that we can only ever reach the limit of our capacity. We all familiar with some of the cliché’s in our culture about the importance of accomplishing things together (E.g."There is no ‘I’ in team”) and as far back as the great King David, teams have been essential Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-51436962130047432452011-02-01T23:24:00.001-05:002011-02-01T23:25:22.625-05:00Avoid Capture or Avoid being Killed?It is rare that I get to spend time with a real hero – someone whose acts have saved the lives of many individuals. This past Monday, in the hospital, I was able to spend quality time talking with a hero, who by his own admission, is probably in the final season of his life. Paul is a man’s man, a leader who calls courage out from within you. He has a raspy, ‘Clint Eastwood’ kind of voice (which Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-11963380849281764642011-01-25T14:27:00.000-05:002011-01-25T14:27:58.234-05:00Lead Like IkeI occassionally review books published by Thomas Nelson. The following review is from a book called "Lead Like Ike", by Geoff Loftus that I have recently read. In return for posting a review on my blog, Thomas Nelson sends me another book! Here's my review...
"Leadership is tough! There are often big decisions to make that have big consequences. For Eisenhower, what was at stake in the Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-5501085510443152472011-01-23T21:33:00.001-05:002011-02-01T23:26:40.631-05:00Taking Responsibility...I was asked recently what one of the most frustrating things about serving and leading within God’s Church is. This really wasn't a hard question for me to answer as this frustration often keeps me awake at night, praying that God will work to resolve this struggle I sense. The furstration revolves around the concept of people struggling to take personal responsibility for their own spiritual Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-44787989679628984012011-01-16T22:27:00.000-05:002011-01-16T22:27:34.932-05:00Courageous Faith - Respond to it!Jesus wants us to be courageous in our faith. Per my previous blog (see below) this is something that he is emphatic about. I think it is debatable intellectually to consider whether faith without courage is actually faith, but it is very true that in our life and relationship with God if we don’t live with courageous faith we not only miss out on the big adventure that Jesus invites us on, but Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-12451258335459216642011-01-09T15:04:00.000-05:002011-01-09T15:04:13.488-05:00Eradicating Evil!One of the ways to determine when Jesus was emphatic about something is when the translators of scriptures put an exclamation point after Jesus words. As I have been studying the New Testament recently, I have noticed that there are many instances where an exclamation point has been used to demonstrate how emphatic Jesus was being. As I categorized these exclamation points, I noticed that there Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-22009650345116971102011-01-02T15:17:00.000-05:002011-01-02T15:17:25.732-05:00Gourmet Pretzels on a Low Budget Airline.As has become our custom – partially because we are cheap and partially because we think the airlines nickel and dime us enough anyway – when we fly, we tend to look at the cheaper, budget airlines first. This was the case on our recent trip to St Louis for Christmas. We had an additional bonus this year because the cheapest flight was also a direct flight!
As we were being served our drinks (Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-51780021005817793422010-12-23T11:59:00.002-05:002010-12-23T12:03:56.576-05:00Statements!
Have you ever noticed how many statements we make at this time of year? We make statements on what we value and what's important through numerous different mediums. One of the great ways that we have traditionally made statements at this Christmas season is through the carols that we sing. Consider some of the following, life shaping statements that we make in what we sing at this time of year!
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-80550085339173678162010-12-05T11:10:00.002-05:002010-12-05T11:22:13.875-05:00Ridiculously Safe?
While the safety of ourselves and the safety of others is an important value for us to hold onto, it must be kept in balance. Our society, especially in this litigious age, has placed safety as a value beyond many other more important values.
Recently I went on a field trip with my daughter to the zoo. I love to get involved in her life and the life of the school like this. It was an exciting Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-76079373121937293172010-11-28T16:40:00.000-05:002010-11-28T16:40:09.872-05:00Put your hand in His.The Psalmist tells us that God’s hands are faithful, fair and trustworthy (Psalm 111:7). Because of this, it makes joyful sense to commit everything about us into his hands (Psalm 31:5). It is there that we are safe, secure and where our heart finds its resting place. Yet, because he is so adventurous, Jesus invites us not to simple hide under his hand, but hold it as we journey with him on an Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-935506711512589632010-11-21T16:13:00.000-05:002010-11-21T16:13:25.320-05:00Broken Trust = Poor Communication & Unneccessary PainRecently Jonathan, our 3 year old, had a triple surgery. He had his tonsils and adenoids removed and some tubes added in his ears during 2 hours that we spent at the surgical center. He was a trooper, the doctors were fantastic and now – two weeks later – he is better than normal. He is listening better (although, selectively!) and speaking more clearly. While it is difficult for any parent to Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-72357322253035248702010-11-14T16:19:00.000-05:002010-11-14T16:19:51.446-05:00From "What Is" to "What If".In life and the kingdom of God, there are two equal realities, the reality of “what is” and the reality of “what if”. We are all familiar with the “what is”. It is what we know, what we are comfortable with and the tangible reality that we experience in the now. We are less familiar with “what if”… the potential for what could be and the hope for what will be. Because the gospel is all about Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-35719114302668591382010-11-07T16:46:00.002-05:002010-11-07T16:50:38.147-05:00What if…?
In preparation for some talks that I am putting together, I recently scanned the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) looking for stories that transformed "what is" (The reality of life) into "what if" (a visionary picture of what could be). It staggered me how frequently Jesus went into difficult realities where the 'what is' of life was difficult, challenging and made the impossible, Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-62713432417801825232010-10-31T20:32:00.003-04:002010-11-01T11:37:55.510-04:00Offering Spiritual Breath Mints.
Have you ever been around someone long enough to realize that they consistently had bad breath? Have you then ever realized that if you don’t tell them about the problem, then no one probably will? I have been on both sides of this coin – needing to tell people about their problem and needing people to tell me about mine. We shy away from difficult conversations because they are uncomfortable toAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-90649761092309389332010-10-24T13:42:00.000-04:002011-11-18T13:46:22.550-05:00"May the Lord give you the Feet of a Deer".Three times in scripture, it is promised that God will give us the "Feet of a Deer".
2 Samuel 22:34. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
Psalm 18:33 -He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
Habakkuk 3:19 - The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-69072663062379220582010-10-17T22:33:00.003-04:002010-10-17T22:38:08.343-04:00Then in Fellowship Sweet…?In the favorite and famous hymn “Trust and Obey”, there is a wonderful line that sings; “Then in fellowship sweet, we will sit at his feet, until all on the altar we lay”. The words are talking about heaven… and while indeed we will enjoy a “fellowship sweet” as we sit at Jesus feet, I am not sure that heaven is going to be the passive experience that the hymn writer portrays. I can’t wait for Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-75288338114099039892010-10-11T11:15:00.000-04:002010-10-11T11:15:49.055-04:00Some random thoughts about hair...In my Tuesday night study, we have recently been looking at some metaphorical ways that scripture helps us understand our different body parts. Recently, we looked at hair. The most famous story in scripture relating to hair is the story of Samson who lost his physical strength when his hair was cut. His spiritual strength, however, was lost way before that because of his selfishness and sin.
Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-38059362809831793122010-10-03T16:26:00.003-04:002010-10-03T16:33:19.083-04:00Nine things I learned as Bethany learned to ride!
Recently, Bethany has learned to ride a bike without training wheels and it has been a frustrating and arduous task to teach her! As I process the experience there are several things that I have learned, here are few of them:
Everyone has training wheels. Everyone has to take them off. In England, we call training wheel's 'stabilizers', because… well… they stabilize you. They help you balance Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-20746975169527088422010-09-26T22:11:00.002-04:002010-09-26T22:15:15.559-04:00When God Opens Your Eyes.
The latest Bible Study series that I have been taking my study group through is entitled "Body Parts". I want to encourage people to use their body parts, such as eyes, feet, arms, nose, etc., for the glory of God. (It has been suggested that I should study the story of Balaam's talking "donkey" as a body part, but I decided against it. Think about it. You'll get it in a minute).
This past weekAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-6168054478639272202010-09-20T22:21:00.001-04:002010-09-20T22:23:27.044-04:00What do you see God doing at Aloma?
At our recent ministry leaders meeting, in our own goofy way, we paused and celebrated what we saw God doing around the Church!Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-88791760350378730882010-09-19T20:22:00.002-04:002010-09-19T20:46:03.718-04:00Matthew 20/20 Vision.
I really don't remember many trips to the optician throughout my life; partly because on the times I have been, it has been determined that I have 20/20 vision. A person with 20/20 vision is said to have a very clear visibility range – on an eye chart this person can read the right letters from the right distance.
In the book of Matthew we read about God's design for our spiritual eye sight andAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-1571142105788657992010-09-12T22:31:00.003-04:002010-09-12T22:38:02.055-04:00When we Don’t Know What we Don’t Know.
It is a profound and simple truism of life that we don't know what we don't know! Our mental capacity is limited to the knowledge that rests within us. While we can speculate about what we don't know, the truth is that we do not know what is not known to us. (I realize that in this past sentence I have made the first sentence more complex!)
What I find interesting is how people react when facedAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-39841998615573183662010-09-06T09:39:00.003-04:002010-09-06T13:12:00.437-04:00Don’t let the “Why Not’s” win!
In John 4:7-9, in the midst of the noon day heat, Jesus asks the woman at the well to meet his need and give him a drink. While it would have been easy to provide some water for Jesus, the ladies response is marked with two reasons why she can't help in this simple task. Both of which are based in petty prejudice. Firstly, she says that she can't because she is a Samaritan and he is a Jew (and Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-57127222800372153982010-09-02T10:45:00.002-04:002010-09-06T13:16:12.156-04:00Living Water Quote – Malcolm Muggeridge
"I may, I suppose, regard myself, or pass for being, a relatively successful man. People occasionally stare at me in the streets – that's fame. I can fairly easily earn enough to qualify for admission to the higher slopes of the Inland Revenue – that's success. Furnished with money and a little fame, even the elderly, if they care to, may partake of trendy diversions – that's pleasure. It might Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-53480449462765938172010-08-30T11:12:00.008-04:002010-09-06T13:23:39.199-04:00Getting Personal, Quickly.
In John 4 (16-19, 39) Jesus meets a complete stranger and is able to speak with great understanding into the state of her life. She is amazed that he could tell her all about her life, having never met her before. Because of this gift, he is able to speak truthfully and lovingly into her life, altering the trajectory of her eternity. Surely, only Jesus could do something like this …or so I Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-78841020520765388652010-08-22T16:51:00.008-04:002010-09-06T15:10:16.255-04:00Adopted!
Over the past few months I have been involved with two families who recently adopted little girls - one from Russia and one from China. I had the privilege today of being able to baptize one of these little girls and welcome her to the family of God. As we gathered at the front of the Church this morning and prayed together, I was reminded that adoption is a process that is so dear to the heartAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-73171849699822359842010-08-13T18:39:00.001-04:002010-09-06T15:12:38.566-04:00"In Reason we Trust"? Really...I read this in the St Peteresburg newspaper as we were visiting this past week. Their is much to be cautious about when trusting in our own reason. If we were perfect, it'd be OK... but we're not. This organization has over 700 members... that's the about the same number as 7 small Churches in the state of Florida.
TAMPA — The Freedom From Religion Foundation, a nationwide nonprofit of atheists Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-53328206230637368932010-08-03T16:47:00.003-04:002010-09-06T15:13:46.654-04:00Choosing to Define Reality.
Have you ever noticed how there are some people who seem to live with a clear sense of reality, and a few who, well, seem to live a surreal world? The one who has defined reality is able to live with confidence, purpose and clarity and unfortunately the people who live outside of reality tend to find themselves confused, in denial and often in conflict… primarily with themself!
John 4:1-26 (Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-13878030405202725902010-07-25T16:44:00.003-04:002010-09-06T15:14:49.040-04:00A Hole in our Soul.
A new book has recently been released that has both made me laugh and cry. The book is written by a gentleman called Michael Largo called "God's Lunatic's". The premise of the book is that Largo looks at some of the craziest and most bizarre religious leaders that the world has seen. It is not a Christian book and Largo describes himself as a 'recovering catholic'. It makes me laugh because of Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-55844931278094452562010-07-14T10:32:00.002-04:002010-07-14T10:43:47.868-04:00The Big Wave.
Recently, on one of our hot Florida summer days, I took my family – with our Children's Ministry – down to Typhoon Lagoon, one of the Disney water parks. I can't remember the last time I was at a water park and was a little self-conscious as to how my tanned (!!!) and toned (!!!) physic would fit into such a place!
One of the main attractions at this water park is a 15 foot wave that is able toAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-64639774683960688332010-07-09T13:58:00.000-04:002010-07-09T13:58:11.430-04:00Traditional Leadership Lessons - Part 3Here are some more reflections (see below for further thoughts) on some of the leadership lessons I have been learning over this past season.
15) People want to own their stuff, but not their sin.
In our consumer society it is not surprising that people learn and love to own things. Infact, people go to extraordinary lengths to get their hands on things. In learning to own, we have learnt to Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-66629079472952343302010-07-03T21:54:00.000-04:002010-07-03T21:54:35.270-04:00Aloma UMC's 50th Anniversary - Find us Faithful.
This is a short video we put together to celebrate the 50th birthday of Aloma. Each picture tells of a amazing God! I pray that God would find us even more faithful for the next 50 years!Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-88916062957900553162010-07-02T14:09:00.000-04:002010-07-02T14:09:13.396-04:00Transitional Leadership Lessons - Part 2Here's some more of the recent lessons I have been learning through transition... (See previous post for more info)
9) When I schedule appointments at 15 minute intervals, no one wins, grains or grows.
In the land of busy-ness, everyone, everything, and every project wants some ownership in the precious commodity I own called “my time”. Thinking that it would be fair to try and share time with Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-44723480408803900512010-06-28T10:27:00.009-04:002010-06-28T12:34:30.343-04:00Transitional Leadership Lessons – Part 1
Over the past four months I have been in a position where I have had to lead and learn quickly. During this process I have kept a journal of some of the rich lessons that I have learnt. I am sharing them publically on my blog so that 1) I can further process them 2) I can share them with anyone who is interested. 3) I want to model a reflective and vulnerable life. Some of these lessons are Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-61802640311848475982010-06-24T17:16:00.001-04:002010-06-24T17:17:56.621-04:00Everyday Heroes
In our culture of celebrity, everyone wants to be a hero. Whether our cause is grand or small, playing the role of a hero holds an appeal to all of us. Perhaps rightly so, we all have an innate desire to make a difference, to change a life and to make our life count. I have no doubt that it was part of God’s plan that we should leverage our lives in heroic ways that accomplish heroic acts that Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-79956224221038627812010-06-20T20:54:00.003-04:002010-06-20T21:01:31.526-04:00An Imitation.
As a football (soccer) fan I have been glued to ESPN recently watching the World Cup. I have been incredibly disappointed in England's first two performances, and, for no apparent reason, I'm optimistic that they will win their crucial third game this Wednesday.
One of the few positives from the slow start to the world cup has been the coverage that it is has been getting in the US. All the Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-42714425451415199572010-06-07T10:47:00.002-04:002010-06-07T11:23:29.531-04:00Questions for a Church to ask Itself.
The very first Church, recorded in the book of Acts, is often held as a model for what the Church of today should look like. There are two main reasons why I think this is true. Firstly, it was 'first generation'. The DNA of this Church was as close to replicating Christ's as any other Church. Jesus had literally rubbed shoulders with the founders and leaders of this Church. Secondly, it was Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-71239163201159644532010-06-02T11:08:00.002-04:002010-06-02T11:11:48.981-04:00The Dad’s Bible
As I have shared previously I am a part of "Book Sneeze", a division of Thomas Nelson Publishers. In return for a free book to read, I have to review the book and post the review on my blog. For someone who loves reading like me, it's a sweet deal. Click on the link on the left hand bar of this blog for details about how to join. Below is my review of the latest book that I received from them, "Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-55161283469806672672010-05-31T17:44:00.002-04:002010-05-31T17:48:58.709-04:00The Value of Significance.
In Acts 8, we read of an interchange between the apostle Phillip, and a sorcerer call Simon. For his whole career Simon had excelled in deceiving people but his magic tricks and his use of black magic. As Phillip comes into the city, full of the Holy Spirit and exhibiting some of the awesome signs and wonders that often accompany the work of the Spirit, Simon feels a little threatened. His Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-86589199512088958632010-05-25T16:44:00.000-04:002010-05-25T16:44:59.246-04:00The Jesus Palindrome.This is what Jesus does... (Check out the video)
He reverses loss and He turns around despair. He fills the hungry with good things. He finds the lost. He breathes hope to the hopeless, and makes a way when there doesn't appear to be one. He turns things around. He flips the switch and changes our direction. Darkness disappears when He shows up. When thing are heading down, he picks us Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-78029793064595673832010-05-24T15:23:00.004-04:002010-05-24T15:32:57.057-04:00When not to Represent Christ.Recently Tracie and I went on a cruise to celebrate our first 10 years of marriage. We had a great time, laughing, catching up with each other, visiting new places, and being treated like royalty everywhere we went. One of the great things for me about the cruise was that I was able to switch off from Church life that has been consuming me recently and focus my attention fully on Tracie. While itAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-34517106312349373622010-05-19T10:46:00.002-04:002010-05-19T10:57:13.543-04:00Double Blessing.
While on our 10th anniversary cruise recently, Tracie and I decided that we'd attend one of the art auctions that took place. They had some great pieces by some very famous artists that really caught our attention. Although we had no intention of spending any serious money we decided that we would sign up for the auction, just for the fun of it. (The added incentive of a raffle at the end Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-90537047351935198032010-05-17T11:40:00.000-04:002010-05-17T11:40:48.231-04:00When Discipleship Breaks down“Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” “But Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-42382979135063303192010-05-14T15:49:00.000-04:002010-05-14T15:49:23.816-04:00Communicate Clearly!True story...
The great Cunard liner Queen Mary was originally to have been given a different name. The original intention was to christen the ship Queen Victoria. However, when a Cunard official was dispatched to Buckingham Palace to inform George V of the choice, the official wasn't clear in his communication. He told the king that the company had decided to name the imposing new vessel after Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-18900973179102303882010-05-10T10:47:00.000-04:002010-05-10T10:47:23.955-04:00Monkey Love.Dr Harlow was a research psychologist in the mid-twentieth century who became famous for his studies of monkeys and their need for love. He found that if little monkeys had perfect conditions for hygiene and food but did not have another monkey present, they languished. Monkeys that had cloth diapers on the floor of their cage did better; they seems to get what Harlow called “Contact Comfort” - Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-13198267754030494992010-05-05T21:47:00.002-04:002010-05-05T21:52:11.898-04:00Hearing what we want to Hear.
This past Monday I had another adrenaline pumping moment when I found myself in what felt like a real life version of "24". It was around 8:30pm and I was leaving Church after a productive meeting when a look across the street helped my heart pump a little faster. Within my vista were several fire trucks, around 15 police cars and about 4 TV camera crews. I didn't know what was happening but it Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-47248072699978686642010-05-02T23:38:00.000-04:002010-05-02T23:38:48.055-04:00What Jack Hanna taught me about Honor.SeaWorld has a great offer for Florida residents – buy one admission ticket and come back for the rest of the year free! Being frugal, this is my kind of deal! Tracie, the kids and I often enjoy stealing away for an afternoon or evening in this park.
A couple of weeks ago, while Tracie was due to be at our Women’s retreat, I took the children to see Shamu and the various shows within SeaWorld. AsAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-57385448680206081472010-04-23T10:37:00.002-04:002010-04-23T10:45:41.393-04:00Requisites of Integrity
Stephen Carter's book, "Integrity" lays out three requisites steps for exercising integrity.
Discerning what is right and wrong
Acting on what you have discerned, even at personal cost
Saying openly that you are acting on your understanding of right and wrong.
The first step captures the idea of integrity as a degree of moral reflectiveness. The second bring in the ideal of an integral person Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-33313373232092837762010-04-18T14:22:00.003-04:002010-04-18T20:48:53.989-04:00How Full is Your Bucket?
I have recently finished a great little book called "How Full is Your Bucket". The premise of this book is to encourage us to encourage others and 'fill their bucket' with appreciation. The study presents some pretty comprehensive evidence that creating a positive environment among those you journey through life with has some incredible, and immediate, pay offs. Towards the end of the book the Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-21914969155834679462010-04-12T11:02:00.002-04:002010-04-12T11:10:47.110-04:00The Jesus Book - Review
The attached is a review of a book that I have just finished reviewing for Thomas Nelson publishers. Through their program called "Booksneeze" (Yes, I know, an attractive name!) they send me free books which I read and post a review of on my site. Here goes…
"The Jesus book is a cross between the Purpose Driven Life and the Case for Christ – for kids! One of my frustrations with Children's Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-73569898503136259072010-04-07T09:20:00.001-04:002010-04-07T09:22:23.877-04:00How to Make God Laugh.Recently, someone gave me a little plaque that said, "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans". I hated that plaque because it didn't represent that God that I serve. God does not mock our desires, he doesn't belittle them and the correction that he offers aren't wrapped up in patronizing giggles. Recently, I have come accross some scripture that makes me think twice about my thought Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-43400510333807378322010-04-04T19:56:00.002-04:002010-04-04T19:59:23.177-04:00A Short Story of Grace.Recently Paul Young, author of The Shack, shared his favorite joke. I love what this story tells us about Grace. What an incredible gift we have been given.
A pastor dies and he’s up at the pearly gates, but he’s not sure whether he can just walk in, so he shuffles around wondering what to do.
Just then St. Peter shows up, so the pastor addresses him. “Hello, Peter . . . . Um, pardon me, but I Andy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-84260512713471248842010-03-31T12:41:00.003-04:002010-03-31T12:50:23.944-04:00Four GlassesDuring the Passover meal it is traditional for four glasses of wine to be drunk. Each glass has significant symbolism centered on the promise of God found in Exodus 6:6-7. It reads;
“I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. 7 I will takeAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3368684272423402944.post-84256083821969016782010-03-29T16:27:00.005-04:002010-04-22T13:21:07.347-04:00Establishing Expectations.
Palm Sunday is about misinterpreted expectations. All of us have felt the disappointment of unmet expectations when what we wanted and expected to happy. The Disciples, and the crowds, that followed Jesus to Jerusalem were no different on that Sunday morning.
The disciples had established expectations based on a number of factors surrounding that day. They were looking for a king who was goingAndy Searleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16763658990198447252noreply@blogger.com0