A note from a friend at Calvary Baptist asked to consider what songs we might sing together in fellowship, and some testimony about why the song(s) we picked spoke to us.  This one song stood out.  

Dear Ryan,

Thanks for this reminder to meditate on God's goodness.  Years ago I had lunch with TJ Hampton, the worship leader at Life Church. He shared with me his story of desperation, concluding by saying "When we find out all we have is God, we realize God is all we need".  Men that have passed through this recognize other men who have passed through it, and we treasure that truth together.  This song, "Blessed be your name" speaks to me because I have lived in the desert for a very long time, over 17 years. For a time I even thought I was alone, very alone.  But God the FATHER came after me, took me by the hand and lead me through deep waters of standing first for my faith in the valley of despair, and then for His truth as he led me to be the father of my family. 

Though it cost me everything, I understand the words of Jim Elliot in a new way "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."  Many times I have returned to this place, and many times I have been reminded, there is no where else to go, Lord, you have the words of eternal life (John 6:68).  Though you slay me, yet will I trust in you. (Job 13:11-5). He has blessed me with His word, his wisdom, His favor and most importantly His comfort through His presence. 

At this point I have lost my wife of 25 years, my five children, my family, my inheritance, my savings, and nearly my career.  What I have is assurance that God is with me, and that He is for me, that He loves me and that He will keep me.   He calls me to comfort others with the comfort He has given me and into the ministry of presence, to be with others and learn of Him with them. That is a land that is plentiful. Blessed be His name, Jesus, the lord saves, Jehovah Jireh, the Lord provides, Papa Dios (Father God), Abba (papa), The Comforter.  More real to me than the things that I see with my eyes, Blessed be your name.  

Blessed Be Your Name

Blessed Be Your Name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed Be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed Be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Leadership Lessons from Shackleton

A friend at work who seems to find a big picture in small things wrote this.  I wanted to remember.  

On the 100th anniversary of the first successful expedition to the South Pole, members of the Oncology Business Unit's Community trekked across downtown Indianapolis to attend a lecture led by the Associate Dean of Indiana University's Kelley School of Business titled, "Leadership Lessons from Shackleton's Expedition".  It is the story of shipwrecked sailors at the bottom of the world and how specific leadership philosophies helped this diverse crew persevere with teamwork and collaboration.

Key Leadership Lessons from Shackleton Expedition:

·  Leaders must have vision.
·  Leaders must be able to “sell” their “product”.
·  Leaders must know their supporters.
·  No one is perfect.  Leaders have flaws.
·  Leaders understand the importance of publicity and public relations.

·   Leaders have an unreasonable passion and an almost irrational faith that they will succeed.
·  Great leaders show faith in their subordinates.
·  Leaders must be firm but flexible.
·  Leaders must be willing to re-direct their ambition.

·  Leaders must be able to promote a sense of teamwork and democracy.
·  Leaders need to know how to deal with the unexpected and turn it to their advantage.
·  Leaders must know how to maintain morale.
·  Leaders must know how to get the optimal performance from their subordinates.

·  Leaders can not dwell on the present.  They must focus on the future.
·  Leaders must have optimism.
·  Leaders need to share the sacrifice.

·  Leaders need to choose the right teams.
·  Leaders need to make sure that no one feels shortchanged.
·  Leaders need at times to display Servant Leadership.
·  Leaders know the role of symbolism.

·  Leaders include the key players.
·  Leaders have a willingness to change direction and have that flexibility.
·  Leaders must recognize times for ceremonies and celebrations.
·  Leaders must know how to express appreciation to their team.

·  Leaders must be adept at dealing with adversity.
·  Leaders must be willing to admit mistakes.
·  Leaders understand self-sacrifice.
·  Leaders know how to create loyalty.
·  Leaders must be willing to risk everything if there seems to be few alternatives.
·  Leaders have an ability to inspire.

- Michael Lyons