Tony Dungy

I just finished reading "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy. Wow, am I inspired. This is a must read book.

I first began my admiration for Tony when he was in Minnesota, working as an assistant coach for the Vikings. I loved the fact that he was great at what he did, but was even better at who he is. He has an inspiring faith in Jesus Christ.

One year ago, he led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI, making history as the first African American coach to win the big game.

In the book, Tony reveals to the reader his secret for why he has been successful. He shares his principles, and priorities that have kept him on the right path despite incredible personal and professional heart ache.

Tony really challenged me regarding the things in life that really matter and in regards to leading others with a "quiet strength".

Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

Are You Still Dreaming?

Monday through Wednesday of this week I am in St. Louis Park for our Mn District School of Ministry. As a sectional presbyter, we spend time interviewing individuals who are desiring to become Assembly of God Minister's. As the candidates were at the altar praying and the presbyters were laying hands on them, interceding for them and their ministries, my mind wondered back in time. 21 years ago, I found myself in the same place; on the verge of being credentialed with all my dreams of ministry before me.

I had such expectancy as a 22 year old. I recall the anticipation, wondering where God would send me and what He would accomplish through my ministry.

Today I asked myself, "Do you have the same anticipation today?" "Are you still dreaming like you were as a young man on the verge of ministry?"

I am happy to say that I can answer both of those questions with a big yes! I do not feel tired of ministry. I am refreshed by what I do. I actually feel like I'm just starting out. There are so many more things that God is calling me to do. I desperately want to fulfill His plan for my life. Anything less is not acceptable.

Whatever God has called you to do, I want to encourage you to not grow weary. Spend time with God so you have something to give to others.

The Power of a Song

Last night I attended the Little Falls Community High School band and choir concert. My son Mark plays saxophone and my wife Darla was accompanying the choir on the piano. During the night I had two surprises, one from Mark and one from the Choir. Where Mark was sitting, I could only see the top half of his face and his hands. At one portion of a song I could hear a saxophone solo. I could see Mark's hands moving and had to do a double take. He hadn't told us that he would have a solo. He did a great job.

The choir shocked me when they began to sing a song called "O Sifuni Mungo". In a moments time I was transported in my mind to 1990, Calvary Assembly of God in Stillwater, MN. I was Youth Pastor there, and on New Years Eve my wife and I, along with a couple of youth coaches, decided to perform this song for our youth group. I still don't know how they talked me into this. We dressed in African attire and put together some corny choreography. We actually have it on video tape. I am trying to decide when to show this to my kids. I guarantee they will have a great laugh at my expense!

I know that you have experienced something similar to this. Out of the blue, you hear a song and your mind leaps back to a significant time in your life. Your first date, your wedding, a special time with God....That's the power of a song. A love song by Chicago, a favorite hymn, or the music of your favorite performer; the Imperials, White Heart, Mylon LeFevre. Sorry, I was having a sentimental moment.

If you are a musician, use your talent for the Lord and play or sing, sing sing. You are blessing people with significant moments.

From Little Falls

I just received an interesting email from one of our young adults that grew up at Living Hope Church and is now on the mission field.

"Hey Pastor Keith, I was in Poland a couple of weekends ago with Students for Christ Europe. It was there that I found out that Sara Hobbs grew up in LHAG. It's pretty crazy that of the 40 or so workers for SFC Europe right now, three of us (Sara, Phil, and me) are LF grads. God does some pretty cool things coming from such a small town."

It's not just Little Falls native Charles Lindberg that has impacted our world. Our church has been blessed to be a part of sending so many people around the world to share the incredible love of Jesus. These are true Little Falls hero's.

As a Pastor, I believe Living Hope has a call to be a sending church. I'm praying that one day, most of the missionaries we support will have grown up at Living Hope.

To all of you from Living Hope that are out there making a difference I just want to say how proud I am of you.