A few of my favorite worship songs!

   "In the great orchestra we call life...it's always good to have a song in our heart." Max Lucado

First heard this song in the early 70's.

One of the questions in our Faithwalkers Saturday morning Men's Bible Group:

1. The Spirit-filled believer sings and makes music to the Lord in their heart.  Are you a singing Christian?  Do you have a song in your heart?

Yes, and I am posting just a few of my favorites... Not in any order of preference.
More later.

¹⁵ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, ²⁰ giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-20

We are one in the spirit...

This song was sort of an anthem among the Jesus People in the '60s and '70s

First heard this song in the early 70's, See prior post

 

The heartbeat of our mission...is still the same!

 

 

 

. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My top 10 worship songs at this time...I guess I went past the 10...always subject to change.

Leave a comment...with a favorite worship song!

Finding peace with God 

In the great orchestra we call life...

"There are things only  you can do,
          and you are alive to do them.

In the great Orchestra we call life,
          you have an instrument and a song,

and you owe it to God to play them both sublimely."

Max Lucado: Quote is from his book, The Applause Of Heaven.

Play on

"For we are God's workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10 NIV

PLAY ON!

My latest TWEETS

Planning and it's importance

Pray, Plan and Prioritize...then delegate.

But don't get hung up on planning...the LORD can intervene at any moment and you can change direction! Keep your ears open!


"You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me" Nov 19th Devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.

 "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

As Oswald Chambers states : "The circumstances of a man's life are ordained by God. In the life of a saint there is no chance. God by His providence brings you into circumstances that you cannot understand at all, but the Spirit of God understands. God brings you to places, among people, and into certain conditions to accomplish a definite purpose through the intercession of the Spirit in you." 


Is Jesus the only way to Heaven?The circumstances of a man's life are ordained bly God. In the life of a saint there is no chance

A few notes on "Planning" from the book of Proverbs:

"For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths." Proverbs 5:21

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9



"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." Proverbs 21:5

"Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth." Proverbs 27:1

We have to remember that these are observations...reality, not promises from the Bible. Our actions have consequences.


So, be sure to pray before making plans...and continue to pray!



Let me know your thoughts!
Have a great day!

Leaving a Legacy

Interested in making a difference or change in the lives of people in your city...Milwaukee...or any city or town in the country?

 

 

What is Neighborhood Transformation?

Neighborhood Transformation is a strategy that helps churches minister in a wholistic manner to people in urban poor neighborhoods. It empowers people to take responsibility for their own lives. It helps neighbors to help their neighbors and moves them from welfare and relief to empowerment. It focuses on assets found in the neighborhood, which fosters local ownership instead of being based on problems that they expect outsiders to fix for them. 

  

But another option is to start right now...right where you are...and you don't have to wait for your church to get on board...you can start alone and or with a friend!

 

You may already be heavily involved in your own ministry and may not be able to take on a new ministry...but remember that Neighborhood Transformation is a template of hundreds of elements that a person does dependent on what they are already doing in a neighborhood.

 

 Check out the links below to see what small elements you can add to your current ministry...and then see how combining God's word and His example of showing love to all people...and then helping them engage in this ministry can lead to the extension of God's Kingdom!  Talk about multiplication!

 

Search the list below and pick out your top 3 most fun activities you and another person can do together!  

 

100 Ways you can start to use to get to know your neighbors!

 

And if you would like to get to know alot of new neighbors...here is another fun easy activity you and a friend or partner can do!

 

9 Easy Questions you can ask your neighbor to start the process! 

 

Collaborative for Neighborhood Transformation helps people in the neighborhood transform their lives and communities from the inside out, resulting in:

• People knowing, loving, caring and serving their neighbors
• People taking responsibility and working to change their reality
• A reduction in disease, crime, drug abuse, and alcohol addiction
• People knowing Christ with healthy, growing churches
• Improved employment and living conditions    
• Hope, health, and enthusiasm toward neighborhood life 
•  

 Isn't this exciting!

 

Let's begin the journey!

  

It all starts with developing relationships!

 

Short blog about how you can get started!

 

Neighborhood Transformation-Milwaukee

 

  First Neighborhood Transformation Event was in Milwaukee in 2011 

 

 

Programs for poverty alleviation are good...but "without heart change, money, healthcare, housing, and education do not meet our world's deepest needs." "Apart from Christ, we might simply introduce the problems of prosperity while we solve the problems of poverty. -  Peter Greer

 

 "The church should be the most creative entity in the world."

 

  By "Church" I mean the people of God, not the physical building or institution.

 

  You as an individual can use your creativity to bring glory and honor to the   LORD! 

  What a journey!

Follow me on TWITTER 

Spiritual Gifts:Tests and Assessments: How important are they?

At our local Saturday morning "Men's Group", we had a short teaching on Ephesians 4:1-16, and "spiritual gifts"

Our small table Discussion Questions:

 
1. How should we live in the light of our Calling?
2. What spiritual gift do you have to build up the church?
3. Why is unity Important?

 

It was interesting listening to answers to Question #2 that it was apparent that there were different "gifts" that men had that were not among the common "gifts" listed in various scripture passages. Some were "Strengths" that could be common to all people...believers and non believers. 

 

We use our "Strengths" every day!  In our families, careers, jobs, business's.

Strengthsfinder.2.0 Assessment gives one a good 16 page pdf printout showing how you can use and develope  your strengths and use them every day!

One of my prior posts explains this more fully.

 

 

Also that none of the men at my table had ever taken a "Spiritual Gift Assessment" and that there was such an "Assessment"

 

  

I had taken several such assessments years ago...and was asked to bring some resources next week. 

 

 

After doing alittle research...I decided to make this blog post with some resources.

 

 

Be wary of tests and assessments: Best to be wary of Spiritual Gift Tests & Assessments

 

 Different "Assessments" and "Tests" have different "gifts".

 

 

Alot has to do with our understanding of scripture and the denomination we come from. 

 

A good list and definition of "Spiritual Gifts"

 

A fairly good Assessment 

  

Why is this all important?

 ⁷ The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. ⁸ Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰ As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: ¹¹ whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.  1st Peter 4:7-11

 

 You might also check out these verses in various Biblical translations~

 

 

Check out 1st. Corinthians 12.

 

Going from ME to WE.

 

One body.  So whatever our "gifts" are...we are part of the body. Each  part of the body is important and needed. So we should be in a local body of Christ, where we are encouraged to serve...whatever our gifts and strengths are.

Bottom line: We are given "gifts" to serve.

Any "Assessment" one takes, requires a fairly good amount of time...but it is worth it!  Helps us find our place in ministry. 

 

The difference between natural talents or strengths and Spiritual Gifts

Hope this is of help. 

Blessings

Richard

 

 

Opportunity to receive free boxes of meals for inner city outreach.

If your organization would like to receive some boxes for outreach...please contact Richard Dassow via Linkedin and or Twitter.

We are excited to welcome you and your fellowship, school or food pantry to join us in our mission to change the math on childhood hunger in Milwaukee on October 12th.  Below you will find our event information, registration url, facebook links and a few other tidbits!

What is Generosity Feeds?  

Generosity Feeds is a national non-profit working to end child hunger in every county in America. We do this by uniting local businesses, civic groups, and community members for large scale meal creation events. In 2 hours or less, volunteers will create a minimum of 10,000 Rice and Bean Meals. These meals are then distributed by local school backpack programs or food pantries to children who need it most. Generosity Feeds began in 2011. Since beginning over 3 million meals have been created in 28 states.

Generosity Feeds Milwaukee Event Information: 

Date: October 12th, 2019 

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm 

- Registration opens at 9:30am 

Volunteer opportunities available for event set up: October 11th 6:00pm 

Location: 

Nicolet High School Cafeteria 

6701 N Jean Nicolet Road

Glendale, WI 53217

What: Join us in creating 12,000 nutritious and delicious meal pouches to be distributed through local organizations and schools to children and families in the greatest need in our community.  

Who can participate?  

This is a family event!  All ages and abilities are welcome to attend.  

Registration: FREE 

generosityfeedsmke.org

Facebook Event Page

Offering A Child HOPE

Business Partner Impact

Overview

O

Distribution: 

Each Box of meal pouches is 12x12x8 

Each box weighs approximately 8lbs

Each box contains 25 pouches of meals

Each pouch contains 2 child sized meals

Each pouch is 4oz

If your organization would like to receive some boxes for outreach...please contact Richard Dassow via Linkedin and or Twitter.

 

 

For more information or to explore hosting an event please go to generosityfeeds.org

Wisdom from my Blogs

In Jesus Christ God gives us our identity, our purpose and our meaning in this life and in the life to come.1 Peter1:1-12 

●"The Lord created each of us individually with different Spiritual Gifts, Passions, Abilities, strengths and a unique personality with different experiences. Helping people with the puzzle and putting the pieces together so we each can be most effective in our families, church, community and the world and finish our lives well and leave a legacy that gives glory to the LORD so when we stand before Him one day, we will hear, "Well done, my good and faithful 
servant."​

I have 3 blogs. Created at different times for different purposes and audiences

https://bloomwhereyouareplantednow.blogspot.com/

Helping people to be "rooted", "grounded" and "grow" and so bloom" where they are "planted" in their neighborhood, world and career...using their "Passion", "Abilities","Gifts","Strengths" and prior "Experiences" God has gifted them with and thereby bringing glory and honor to the LORD. 1st Corinthians 10:31

 

  https://northshorefinishingwellgroup.blogspot.com/

Mobilizing the body of Christ globally to join Jesus in His mission, especially among the least-reached peoples,transforming lives, relationships & communities. Reaching the "Unreached People Groups" in the 10/40 window. There are endless opportunities to help complete the Great Commission, whatever your interests and abilities are. 

 

http://neighborhoodtransformationmilwaukee.blogspot.com/

Neighborhood Transformation (NT) trains church lay-people how to enter a nearby poor neighborhood, develop relationships and identify assets already found in the neighborhood in individuals and groups. Building on these assets, the goal is to see the gospel bring true poverty alleviation over time.

1. My blogs are Searchable...see small box on right hand side of blog.
You could experiment with different "words" to find what you might be looking for. 

2. After a little experimenting today...I discovered that most of you find my blog because of a post I put on Twitter! And you find it in a few minutes of my Tweet!
If you did NOT find this post on Twitter...click  HERE  and you can see all my Tweets, even if you are NOT on Twitter!


To a lesser extent others find my blog because we are "connected" on LinkedIn.
You can  Connect  with me on LinkedIN   HERE

3. On the right hand side of the blog are the most "Popular" posts viewed in the last 30 days.

4. If you scroll down to the very bottom of the blog...you will see the most popular viewed posts in the last week.

5. You can also leave comments at the bottom of each post. Would love to answer any questions, etc. 

As you all know...one can find anything we want on  the internet...lots of knowledge out there.

6. I hope to impart some "wisdom" that you could use in your life! Whatever reason would you be searching or looking at my blog?

Blessings on your life and year!


My Latest Tweets

Richard

 

10 Steps to creating your own job!

 Over the course of time...past 20 plus years...working with people looking for a job...meeting with individuals as a group and also one on one, I have proposed the following process in some way, shape or form:

This is WHAT I would do IF I were looking for a job.

I never got a job with a resume. 

AND your probably wondering if anyone got a job following my advice.
Don't really know...My good friend Wayne said once. "You can teach a person what to do but you can't make them DO what is in their best interest to do". That's a paraphrase of his comment after my voicing disappointment that with all the help & advice I have given many people especially about updating their Linkedin profile, few people follow through.  

You don't get a job because of your Linkedin Profile. It's just a tool to connect with the right people who can help you.  AND to see who the people are that are doing the job you might love to do...but only better!

So, here are  my 10 steps to Finding a Job You Can Love!

1. Identify your passion. What are you interested in...What makes you get up in the morning?

2. What company or  non profit would you ideally love to work with...NOT for. There IS a difference.

3.  Explore their website. What is their mission  and vision?

4. Connect with people working for that organization. It's really not hard to do.

5.  Take your new "connections" out for coffee...Again not hard to do. Use your creativity.

6.  What are the challenges that organization is facing...short term and long term.

7.  After taking the Strengthfinders. 2.0 Assessement...you now know or have a clue to your "Strenghts' and HOW to use them!  So you are now going to use your "Strengths"to solve their most pressing challenge!

8  Remember, You are unique! There is no one else like you.

9. Forget about  the "job description" IF you are pursuing a job with an opening... Positions that are advertised are probably already taken. Why compete...It's a losing game. 
So don't spend alot of time with that goal of submitting applications to job openings. You can do that, but...  

10. So you are now going to use your "Strengths"to solve their most pressing challenge! AND
You are going to create your own "position" and Job Description!

 On our journey with Jesus! "The trail is long, and we won't arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we're on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives." Zig Ziglar

Ok, if you have reached this far in my blog post...do you think it's luck, fate or providence?

What are you now going to do?

Here are a few of my prior blog posts that can help you in the process:

If you are looking for a great volunteer opportunity: 

 

If you doubt that you are unique and special. 

Helping you accomplish your vision and mission

 

How to Evaluate an organization.

 

You are partially satisfied with your present position...

 

Still looking for "Peace" in your life? 

 

Lacking joy in your quest for that job you can love? 

 

If any of this post has been helpful...please let me know.

 

 Meet for coffee?

 

Always willing to meet for coffee

 

Finding A Job You Can Love

A great book. Probably out of print.
Copyright 1982 by Ralph Mattson and Arthur Miller

It's all about Passion!


We often hear the words, luck, fate, and providence.
Theologian Dr. R.C. Sproul.  "God's sovereign providence stands over and above our actions. He works out His will through the actions of human wills, without violating the freedom of those human wills." 

You found this page...by luck, fate or providence...? 

Your answer to this question will probably determine if you are going to continue reading this post to the end and take some action
Are you actively looking for a job?

What follows can also be used as a guide to finding a great volunteer opportunity. 


The book, Finding A Job You Can Love  explores the SIMA process:

SIMA System for Identifying Motivated Abilities
but I also see other process's as
  
1.  Strengthfinder 2.0
2.  S.H.A.P.E    Strengths, Heart or  Passion, Abilities, Personality, and Experience.
3.  Spiritual Gifts Assessments

 Over the course of time...past 20 plus years...working with people looking for a job...meeting with individuals as a group and also one on one, I have proposed the following process in some way, shape or form:

These are my ideas...NOT from the book.

This is WHAT I would do IF I were looking for a job.
I never got a job with a resume. 

AND your probably wondering if anyone got a job following my advice.
Don't really know...My good friend Wayne said once. "You can teach a person what to do but you can't make them DO what is in their best interest to do". That's a paraphrase of his comment after my voicing disappointment that with all the help & advice I have given many people especially about updating their Linkedin profile, few people follow through.  

You don't get a job because of your Linkedin Profile. It's just a tool to connect with the right people who can help you.  AND to see who the people are that are doing the job you might love to do...but only better!

So, here are  my 10 steps to Finding a Job You Can Love!

1. Identify your passion. What are you interested in...What makes you get up in the morning?

2. What company or  non profit would you ideally love to work with...NOT for. There IS a difference.

3.  Explore their website. What is their mission  and vision?

4. Connect with people working for that organization. It's really not hard to do.

5.  Take your new "connections" out for coffee...Again not hard to do. Use your creativity.

6.  What are the challenges that organization is facing...short term and long term.

7.  After taking the Strengthfinders. 2.0 Assessement...you now know or have a clue to your "Strenghts' and HOW to use them!  So you are now going to use your "Strengths"to solve their most pressing challenge!

8  Remember, You are unique! There is no one else like you.

9. Forget about  the "job description" IF you are pursuing a job with an opening... Positions that are advertised are probably already taken. Why compete...It's a losing game. 
So don't spend alot of time with that goal of submitting applications to job openings. You can do that, but...  

10. So you are now going to use your "Strengths"to solve their most pressing challenge! AND
You are going to create your own "position". 


 On our journey with Jesus! "The trail is long, and we won't arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we're on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives." Zig Ziglar

Ok, if you have reached this far in my blog post...do you think it's luck, fate or providence?

What are you now going to do?

Here are a few of my prior blog posts that can help you in the process:

If you are looking for a great volunteer opportunity: 

 

If you doubt that you are unique and special. 

Helping you accomplish your vision and mission

 

How to Evaluate an organization.

 

You are partially satified with your present position...

 

Still looking for "Peace" in your life? 

 

Lacking joy in your quest for that job you can love? 

 

If any of this post has been helpful...please let me know.

 

 Meet for coffee?

 

Always willing to meet for coffee

 

How You Can Make a Difference in Milwaukee

Many people and organizations wonder what they can do to effect a positive change within their community.



Here is one way to make a difference in the lives of Milwaukee children and their families.

From a prior blog post:

 Ami’s message: “You may not be aware that 61% of kids in Milwaukee County rely on the free and reduced lunch programs while at school, but often go home to an empty fridge.  That’s greater than 1 in 2 children, and this is just not acceptable. My family along with the Nicolet World Language Department is sponsoring an event at Nicolet High School on October 12th, 2019 through Generosity Feeds.  Our goal is to package 15,000 wholesome meals for our local kids, and we need your help… “

Be a hunger hero and help us reach our goal of 15,000 meals for kids in Milwaukee County.
Rob and I will personally match all donations made through this fundraiser. Join us- Stop hunger and start hope today!

Register now to help make 15,000 meals!

 

Forward this blog post to your friends. Thank you.