Are You Killing Cockroaches?

I recently received a free copy of Killing Cockroaches from Tony Morgan.  (Thanks Tony!)

As I read, I couldn't help but think of Killing Cockroaches as a book of blogs.  It is filled with 1-2 page snipets of thoughts.  Great thoughts.  Easy to manage thoughts.  Everything from church leadership tips to embarassing moments that we really didn't need to know about.  

This conglomeration of thoughts challenged me in certain areas of my life and minsitry, and affirmed me in others.  A few of my favorite quotes:

• What would our churches have to look like in order to transform people’s lives so completely that their excitement could not be contained?
• I love churches that aren’t about helping people become churchy. 
• All leaders and volunteers must believe that it is their responsibility to ‘tap the shoulders’ of the folks next to them and invite them into ministry.
  
• My first thought was this: “Dear God, I will never make fun of people who listen to country music again."

Tony obviously has a deep desire to see people's lives transformed by the power of the Gospel.  His unique insights and provocative thoughts are a great challenge to any church leader (whether you get paid for it or not).  If you haven't read Killing Cockroaches yet, check it out.

Read Any Good Books Lately?

I've added a couple of lists on the right side of my blog. You can check out a list of books I'm reading now. Below that is a list of books I've read. I use LibraryThing.com to manage my books. Check it out!

Who Should You Blame?

I've been reading a book recently called "Do You Know how to Shut Up?" Michael Staver offers 52 short lessons on ways to improve yourself as you interact with those around you, whether at work, home, or wherever you are.

Today I read chapter 11 - Who Should You Blame? I'd like to share that with you today:

From the time we are very young, we engage in a game of blame. As a child, you probably answered your parents' questions about why you did something with "Everybody does it!" or "Because so-and-so did it!" or "So-and-so made me do it!" If you have kids of your own, you've probably heard the same words. And it's not only kids. How often do we hear adults blame their environment, the market, their significant other, their heredity, or some other entity for their problems?

I suggest that this is an enormous waste of energy and, in most cases, it doesn't matter who is to blame. I love this statement: "It's not your fault, but it is your problem!" I heard those words from Doug at Long Realty Company who thinks it might have come from his coworker Theresa. I am not sure who to blame (or credit) for this phrase, but I like it! I would counsel you to forget who or what is to blame and get on with the business of dealing with the problem.

What do you think? Should we find someone to blame, or just take responsibility and concentrate on getting the job done?