Winston Churchill is one of my favorite historian figures. Some would argue that he single handedly saved the free world during World War II. They could build a good case. One of the secrets to Churchill’s extraordinary impact was his passion for action. He didn’t sit around and wait to see what others would do. … Continue reading
Author Archives: pastorkemp
When Your Priorities Keep being Moved to the Back of the Line
Back in the day I had a jeweler in my church. In addition to having a traditional showroom where jewelry was sold, he also had a thriving repair business which was handled mostly by his two sons. He also had a daughter. On one occasion his daughter needed a treasured piece of jewelry repaired but, … Continue reading
Free from Guilt!
Years ago I was challenged to “think with my pen”. (That shows how long ago it was; we seldom use pens anymore. Now is is “Think with you keyboard.” But anyway, I drift…) So, writing my blogs is something I truly enjoy just for the exercise of working through things that are on my mind. … Continue reading
Let the Need Drive the Direction
Lesson: Let the need drive the direction. Occasion: Saturday Briefing for Ministers Date: October 24, 2020 ___________________________________ The preacher runs the risk of two extremes. First extreme: Life turns into a series of Sundays. Example: It’s like your daily commute – after awhile you stop seeing the beauty and all you’re doing is trying to … Continue reading
I’m sitting this one out.
In my prayer journal I like to include little daily “kick-in-the-pants” motivational sayings to remind me to get up and get going with my day. One that shows up several times throughout the year is: Lead or follow…or get out of the way. I’ve been challenged by that little kick in the pants many times. … Continue reading
Watering the lawn in the rain
I remember a few summers ago going through a mini-rainy season. Where I was living at the time was not supposed to have rainy seasons in the summer. Summer was a time for sun and fun. But not during that week of overcast skies and pelting rain. After about three days, I had had enough, … Continue reading
Reasonably Controlled Chaos
If a good day for you means you were in control and most everything worked out the way you planned it, then buckle up…you’re probably in for a rough ride. This does not mean you do not plan and prepare. Neither does it mean you throw up your hands and quit when emergencies and crises … Continue reading
Don’t worry, I got it.
The other day I was thinking about a weeklong event I conducted years ago at a church I pastored. Each night we gave out a program. There something I have learned about programs, they’re nice when you need them, but they are mostly worthless when the program is over and most people trash them … Continue reading
An attempted Dairy Queen repeat
My wife is an amazing woman. Last year, when her birthday came around, I asked her where she’d like me to take her for her birthday dinner and, much to my surprise, she said, “Dairy Queen.” I would have taken her to the finest restaurant available, but Dairy Queen it was. We had a wonderful … Continue reading
Will this sink the ship?
Have you ever been on a sinking boat or ship? I suppose the closest I have ever come was being on a “tossing raft.” I remember the occasion well. I had taken a church group on a white-water rafting trip. Soon we had paired off to our assigned raft and were ready to push off. … Continue reading
