Leadership | Heartstone Journey

The Great Career Hoax!

Father’s Day is upon us men, once again, but I want to challenge you with a question. Is this day about us or our kids and family? Hold that thought for a bit.

As we unpack this, let’s start with this from Patrick Morley of Man in the Mirror:

The late Tom Skinner, a sought after speaker, once said that he received a call one day from a friend who wanted him to speak at an event one week away. Usually such events get scheduled months in advance.

Tom looked at his calendar and said, “I’m sorry, I have an appointment with my daughter on that day.”

We Are a Chip Off The Old Block

God gives Adam some instructions on the care of creation and his role in the unfolding story. It’s pretty basic, and very generous (see Genesis 2:16-17). But notice what God doesn’t tell Adam. There is no warning or instruction over what is about to occur: the Temptation of Eve. This is just staggering. Notably missing from the dialogue between Adam and God is something like this: “Adam, one more thing. A week from Tuesday, about four in the afternoon, you and Eve are going to be down in the orchard and something dangerous is going to happen. Adam, are you listening? The eternal destiny of the human race hangs on this moment. Now, here’s what I want you to do . . .” He doesn’t tell him. He doesn’t even mention it, so far as we know. Good grief—why not?! Because God believes in Adam.

Warning: Dad’s Failing To Pass The Mantle

Recently watched Wrath Of The Titans with my son and the ending scene really stuck a chord with me. In this scene Perseus passes the mantle to his son Helius by speaking words of life and symbolically by handing over his sword.

Yeah, this is a fictional movie but this scene gets at the core of what’s missing today.

Consider this glimpse in the story of Jesus. Before His ministry begins, before He has His wilderness experience Jesus hears these words from God, “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) Ever pause and think about the significance of this?

This is huge!

Men Wanted For Hazardous Journey

Ernest Shackleton’s Trans-Antarctica expedition of 1914 – 1917 is one of the most incredible adventure stories of all time. The goal of this expedition was was to cross the Antarctic continent from one coast to the other via the South Pole. In summary, the men on this adventure actually never set foot on continental Antarctica. On their journey they managed to survive the loss of their ship in the Antarctic pack ice during a season when there was no chance of contacting the outside world or of being rescued.

Men wanted for hazardous journey. Small wages. Bitter Cold. Long months of complete darkness. Constant danger. Safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.

-Ernest Shackleton

Armor Up

We are with you, sire! For Sparta, for freedom, to the death!

-Stelios (From the movie 300)

The essence of this “rise up” theme is embedded in many narratives; a theme that bears an unshakable source of inspiration for those of us who dare to face evil with unwavering courage!

I love the scene from J. R. R Tolkien’s “The Return of the King” where Aragon is desperately outnumbered. He looks fear right in the eye and finds the strength to inspire his men against what seems like an almost certain defeat against the massive forces of the enemy. Standing firm and riding in front of his army, Aragon addresses these words to his men:

The Great Career Hoax!

We Are a Chip Off The Old Block

Warning: Dad’s Failing To Pass The Mantle

Men Wanted For Hazardous Journey

Armor Up

Favorite Quotes

Cool Scripture

Never Out Of The Fight!

Resources