December 29, 2011 at 2:10 pm, by Rich Kirkpatrick
The year in review. Yes, 2011 is nearly complete. I have a had a record percentage of first-time visitors to this blog, so I think a review of some of the most popular posts makes sense. This blog is about “conversation” so the hundreds of comments, emails, Facebook likes and tweets are greatly appreciated!
Unique “visitors” to my blog this past year:
40,249
Subscribers from Networked Blogs, RSS and Email:
~1,900
5 top blog posts:
- Love Won or Love Wins: A different take on Rob Bell, his book and Christian dialog
While apparently “alarming” for some, I decided Rob Bell is not a heretic, but that there are other questions more obvious if we think critically about his book. It seemed that either there were blind supporters who cried foul or critics who claimed the worst. Is there a different way to look at it?
Read more →
December 22, 2011 at 10:08 pm, by Rich Kirkpatrick
Merry Christmas! My blog is closing as far as new content the next days, although I will be here to answer any comments.
I cannot wait to reconnect in some IRL (in real life) interactions over the next few days or so. I thank you my readers, lurkers and friends for being a part of the community online.
Here is a picture of my family. I send a blessing to you on your celebration of the Advent of Jesus. The Incarnation of Jesus is the greatest miracle. Without it, there is no Son of Man. There is no cross and resurrection.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the oppressed will be set free,
and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.
Luke 14:18-19 (NLT)
December 14, 2011 at 12:01 am, by Rich Kirkpatrick
Those who know me do realize I absolutely love good coffee. Even on vacation the goal is to find the shops with the locally roasted beans and well-trained baristas. This series is a how-to for those who want to save money but love good coffee.
Now, I love to serve espresso straight, occasionally adding a bit of honey or raw sugar. I also like a good latte or mocha latte or espresso macchiato. This means frothing and steaming milk. Here is a short how-to on frothing milk. Read more →
December 13, 2011 at 9:28 pm, by Rich Kirkpatrick
This is a repost from September 2009 in my Leadership Series.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(Philippians 2:1-11 ESV)
Really, sometimes I wonder if we who lead in any capacity get it at all. Jesus came to serve and lay down His life for His Father’s mission. We want perks for minimal sacrifice! Here is list of five things that you will get instead of your parade:
- Legacy: whether its a good one or bad one is not the question. What you do will impact and last beyond you. You can be an inspiration, pleasant memory or the fart caught up in a whirlwind.
- Pushback: even those who are on your side from time to time will press against you. Then, there are those who are competing against your very mission in life. Count on being pushed back–whether friendly fire or not it will come.
- Loneliness: there will be some decisions, seasons and issues that you have to be the last man (or woman) standing on. Its not lonely at the top, its lonely at the sewer where real leadership happens.
- Fatigue: I need not say too much here. Its tiring when you are thinking through, praying through leadership of people. Do not think you can coast or be comfortable. Managing fatigue is a major responsibility of leadership.
- Reward: you may not get your parade this side of heaven nor deserve one. But, what we suffer with Christ as we live His mission will indeed give us reward. You may get reward this side of heaven, actually. But, that is not gonna help you. It may hurt you if you ever feel entitled to it.
Do you have any additions or comments about this list?
Bruce Adolph on 
Bren McLean on 
Janet on 
Me on 
