Mike's personal growth book

The book I have selected is Disciplines of a Godly Man. There are many times that I feel that if I would do a better job of doing some things that are considered the basics in the christian walk, prayer, time in the Word, etc., so many other things in life would somewhat come into place. I ran across this book title so thought I would read it.

Mike's 60 day goal

GOAL: The next event that will be coming up in Honor Bound is the spring car care clinic which is usually held sometime in April. Action steps needed: 1. Set a date for the event - will need to work with Taylor, John, and church staff (Done) 2. Update sign-up forms (Done) 3. Work on promotions for the event (In progress) (Done - bulletin announcements, preservice slides, church directory phone call list). 4. Line up a work crew 5. Collect money within the groups to help offset the expenses (In progress)
The event was held Saturday April 30. We were able to help 8 different people / families which to date, is the best turn out. Angela Rohan helped served refreshments which was also a big blessing. Some follow up paper work needs to be done (make a list to help improve for future events).

Allison's 60 day Goal and Action Plan

GOAL: Plan Missions trip to St. Louis Dream Center.

Action Steps:

1. Set Date for Missions trip to Dream Center. SET THE DATE


2. Price cost of trip for Van and or Bus and set cost for trip. SET THE PRICE


3. Present/extend trip to the congregation with a sign up sheet. WILL BE DONE THIS SUNDAY


4. Create a deadline for money to be handed in. SET THE DEADLINE


5. Post in weekly bulletin. POSTED


6. Request a DVD of Dream Center to view in church. NOT DONE YET

Additional Goal related to Missions: Line up speaker(s) for the Missions Festival. One Speaker is lined up.

Jodie's Feb. RI Book Review

Wow,  how many people like the 'Michael Scott's" do we know.  Being total self-UNaware.  I try not to be judgemental of others but sometimes it is almost hilarious - just have to laugh at them.  Having our own opinion of others, yet not trying to judge them - giving them the benefit of the doubt.  I think when I was younger I was so much easier going,  never let people get to me.  Now I find myself at times letting the small things get to me.  I need to  not look at others like that if I can't say honestly they are no different than I am in their thinking.    I see what a work in progress I am in and thank God for his grace and mercy on me!  
Can I handle it if someone criticizes me?  Of course it depends on who it is.  How well they know me.  Are they saying it to puff themselves up or is it out of love and truly wanting me to grow through this.  "Wisdom shouts from the rooftops" as said in a proverb,  maybe God is using that person to tell us something we need to change about ourselves or work on.  I'm all for the examination!  God's ways are not our ways  and I could very easily live in the 'polyanna' world where all is good and don't step on any toes.  But I don't want to be the person I was yesterday and better toughen up, wipe my nose and let others help me through the bumps of life with mature growth.  The Word also says, 'as iron sharpens iron',  that's what I need to remember when we relationship with others.  It's to improve me.

Annette's Feb Post

Chapter 2: The Michael Scott Syndrome

I am a huge Office fan so I totally enjoyed this reference - it makes so much sense. :o)  Self awareness - and the lack of it - definitely defines Michael Scott accurately.  And I immediately knew what was coming...  Since I've done so much reading the last few years, I also knew what was coming as soon as Mr. Saccone started talking about how much God loves us in spite of our flaws (which I am so grateful for).  It seems like when an author starts being very affirmative and reminding us that God's love is unconditional, I brace myself for the sock-it-to-you revelation that is coming.  And I was right!

If you're married, you have someone who is usually very willing to point out your weaknesses.  LOL  But that's not enough if you really want to have an accurate picture of who you are.  He talked about relationships of honesty.  I think that I have built a few of those into my life (thanks Mom & Dad who always taught me this principle), BUT the other side of that is making sure that you're open to seeking that feedback from time to time.  Even if people see things in you and are willing to be honest about it, they generally don't call you up and offer to give you some healthy critique once a month.  So we still have to be responsible to seek that.  That is not a pleasant thing to do...but even in this last year, I've learned a lot from those kinds of conversations.  I also really liked that he talked about activating the reflective mind in you!  I was relieved actually because I regularly do this.  I know you can definitely take it too far - never good enough, beat yourself up etc.  But I do agree it's a healthy practice.  After every meeting I go to (even weekly staff meetings), I think about how I participated or how I led.  Did I include everyone's input?  Did I respond appropriately to any disagreements or differing views?  Did I make sure people I work with feel valued?  Thank goodness it's a good habit!!  :o)

I'm really enjoying this book and I hope that in all of your reviews, you don't just regurgitate what the author wrote.  Your reviews are also an outlet to GET PERSONAL and show what you are learning and applying from this book.

Allison's Personal Growth Book

Actively loving people and aggressively reaching out to others.

Not just being aware of the needs of the world around us but also being apart of the solution. I picked this book because I believe it will help me to not be distracted by everyday problems and help to look outside of myself and refocus on doing the work of Christ. As the mission servant leader there are times of encouragement and times of discouragement on the Missions Field. I want to be better equipped for finding tangibly solutions to the needs of the world.

Nat's Feb RI "Chapter 2" Review

Oh oh Michael Scott! Who doesn't love "The Office"? How we love to watch him be such a fool. I find myself embarrassed for him at times in the show because I think, "how can you be so dumb?" Steve Saccone definitely nailed Michael right on as being blissfully unaware. He truly believes he is the most awesome everything and that people should treat him as such. How well does that correlate to our lives sometimes. Of course I am talking in 2nd person here because as this chapter reveals, it is not easy to point the finger back at ourselves to reveal the flaws. Self-awareness is such a polite way of saying it, but how true it is. Reality is a funny thing because I have my version of what I think and see and then there's how someone else sees things and then there's the objectional view of how things really are. I guess I feel for Michael because there are times when I look at myself, knowing full well of a particular area of weakness, and I'd rather just hide it under the rug and pretend it doesn't exist because I just don't want to go there; I don't want to deal with the feelings or do the work to strengthen myself in that area.

This chapter was a good reminder for me that I have become lax in this area. I do feel like I have genuine people in my life who are trustworthy and honest, but loving to speak into my life, but I don't think I invite them often enough to give their input. And this chapter has really challenged me to bite the bullet and ask my friends and love ones who I value to give me input. I want an honest look at myself through their eyes and I know it may be a tough pill to swallow, but I really think I need at this point. I do feel as if I am in a bit of a rut and I think I need a little nudge to get going up the hill again. I really liked his line "...there should definitely be some people who practically make us nervous about what they might say because they are willing to be so completely honest." I have definitely had that feeling before. But the biggest times of spiritual growth for me was when I opened myself up to people who I saw as wise and admired their walk with Christ and allowed their influence to change some things in my life.

I am looking forward to gaining some fresh insight about myself. Scared but intrigued. Thank you Michael Scott for showing me who I do not want to be.