How do you give your very best strawberries?

I read a short quote from our SacredSpace morning devotion a couple of weeks ago that hasn’t left me. I share it with you here: In an essay about the crushing loss of a friendship novelist Jacqueline Mitchard crafted a brilliant phrase. To describe how she had neglected other relationships during the ill-fated friendship, Mitchard wrote that she had given the ‘very best strawberries’ of her personal life only to that one particular friend. I Read more about How do you give your very best strawberries?[…]

Can you read the room?

I loved the title in one of Dan Reiland’s posts – ‘If you can’t read the room, you can’t lead the room.’  Our lives are full of relationships with others and with meetings of one kind and another and whether we are talking with our wives, our kids, teaching a group of students or having a conversation with someone, it is vital that we learn to read the room. Generally, the more relational you are, Read more about Can you read the room?[…]

110. How do you give and receive feedback?

What comes to mind when you think of the word ‘feedback’?  When was the last time you can remember receiving feedback where your response was, ‘that was very helpful’? And when was the last time you were affirmed by someone who was receiving feedback from you?  For many of us, we have to think very hard and long! Definition: Feedback is information about reactions or response to a product or programme, a person’s performance of Read more about 110. How do you give and receive feedback?[…]

109. Do you have conversations on purpose?

There are all kinds of statistics given how women talk three times as much as men but actually there is nothing substantial to back them up.  The reality is that men & women probably talk as much as each other if they are extrovert and if they are introvert, they don’t talk as much!     Talking as an introvert, I am aware that I am economical with my words!  But my greatest desire is for Read more about 109. Do you have conversations on purpose?[…]

105. How do you spot leadership potential?

The bible suggests that the state of a nation is influenced strongly by the leaders it puts in place.  When Israel installed a good king, the nation was prosperous and flourished.  When a bad king took over, the nation went downhill. We see the results of good and bad leaders in our families, teams, bases and ministries right across the world.  I know that you can’t just accept the results of surveys, but there does Read more about 105. How do you spot leadership potential?[…]

Mountain with Cross

102. Is your leadership characterised by mercy and peace?

      Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  John 14:27 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Mathew 5:7, 9 Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Read more about 102. Is your leadership characterised by mercy and peace?[…]

99.Do you weep with those that weep?

I don’t remember crying much in my early years – apart from when my brother would tease me, as most older brothers do. There is a classic picture of me when I am small, sitting on the edge of a bench not wanting to be in a family picture – of course they are all smiling at the other end of the bench. I, on the other hand, was grizzling – a lovely English term Read more about 99.Do you weep with those that weep?[…]

96. Do you have a seat at the table?

As a young child, I was brought up to always eat my meals around the table and on Sundays and special occasions I would often help in setting the table. I have always enjoyed the aesthetics of a beautifully ordained table, almost as much as eating the flavourful food on it. But tables are more than just food servers, tables are all about expressing love. John Ortberg in his new book, ‘I’d like you more Read more about 96. Do you have a seat at the table?[…]

88. Are you a shepherd warrior?

We have a constant flow of leaders through the retreat centre who share their stories with us.  They are all doing incredible work but at the same time facing huge challenges.  We find there is an amazing energy and drive among the leaders we meet, to do great exploits for the Lord and they are passionate about accomplishing the great commission in their specific aspect of ministry – leading teams and bases, reaching families, working Read more about 88. Are you a shepherd warrior?[…]

81. Had your buttons pushed lately?

For those who don’t know the expression, if you have your button pushed, you havea strong emotional reaction to what someone says or does. The reaction can be withdrawal or explosion or somewhere in-between but there is a strong emotional response. We all have a dash board with an array of buttons – the question is what happens when someone pushes one of them: I have an older brother who knew just how to bring a Read more about 81. Had your buttons pushed lately?[…]

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