Randy’s December 2009 Update Merry Christmas! It's a season of celebration! Here is an anonymous story of life-change worth celebrating. It’s a great representation of some of the lies that many people struggle with: My Top Ten Lies List - by Anonymous: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) “Identifying and naming my Top … [Read more...]
Merry Christmas!
Some simple decorations at my house Macy's. Merry Christmas! I haven’t written a Christmas letter in years – which some people may appreciate! Here's a brief pictorial update on my life (outside of ministry). Friends Return: Andy: Around Christmas last year, one of my closest friends, Andy, moved back to Chicago from San Diego. “Are you sure you want to come back at the beginning of winter?” I asked. Talk about a rude … [Read more...]
Uma from India
Randy’s November 2009 Update One of God’s many surprises for me this year showed up in the form of a woman named Uma from India. Though Uma would not label herself a Christian and doesn’t fall within this ministry’s target age group, through God’s mysterious design, Uma and I have recently begun a spiritual mentoring relationship. Here’s a bit of Uma’s fascinating story: UMA'S BACKGROUND: “I was born Hindu, and raised … [Read more...]
What a Weekend!
Randy’s October 2009 Update YOU CAN'T CAN HANDLE THE TRUTH: Imagine standing in front of eight of your peers and finishing the statement: “The truth I don’t want you to know about me is…” How would you complete that sentence? How would you feel being that vulnerable with other people? That was how we kicked off an intense men’s retreat weekend, I recently co-facilitated, for seven 20something leaders. All weekend the retreat … [Read more...]
Helpful Tools for greater self-awareness and subsequently God awareness.
Randy’s September 2009 Update “There is no deep knowing of God without a deep knowing of self and no deep knowing of self without a deep knowing of God.” – John Calvin “A humble self knowledge is a surer way to God than a search after deep learning.” – Thomas a Kempis “Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee.” - Augustine Free Assessments: This month’s update is designed to point you toward some free assessments … [Read more...]
Melanie in OK
Randy’s August 2009 Update God Opens Doors: When I first stepped out of my comfort zone into this Legacy Shepherding ministry adventure, I had no idea what doors God would open. All I knew was that I had to step out. I felt confident that God would do something amazing. Not because I’m “all that”, but because I sensed God wanted to do something beautiful, something he’d been preparing me for my whole life, and God can do anything … [Read more...]
Eric’s Discovery
Randy’s July 2009 Update Eric's Story: “In the past six months, I moved from the role of associate pastor to interim senior pastor. I am currently a candidate to become the permanent senior pastor of the church I serve. “Though we’ve been presented with a series of unique challenges, I’ve found a great deal of joy in my role. “I attribute this to time spent on an inner journey over the past couple years. What might have produced … [Read more...]
Justin the Nomad
Randy’s June 2009 Update Where In The World Is Justin? Justin Vorel, age 28, considers himself a nomad. He spent two years in Afghanistan. Two years in Taiwan. And he spent a year riding his bicycle from Oklahoma to the southern tip of Chile (approximately 12,000 miles). My butt hurts just thinking about it! Then he ventured to cold and snowy Chicago, where … [Read more...]
Prague Trip with 20somethings
Randy’s May 2009 Update Prague, The Czech Republic The Prague mission trip went well. It's probably best to tell through pictures. Prague is beautiful. And...the Czech Republic has one of the least religious populations in all of Europe. During the 40 years of Communist rule, religion was virtually outlawed, and churchgoing was strongly discouraged. Today, the majority of Czechs classify themselves … [Read more...]
Book Recommendations
Randy’s April 2009 Update Book Recommendations: This month, I’m adding to my book recommendations list (for those of you who are reading along). If I could only pick four books (outside of the Bible) for people to read, currently these would be the four I’d recommend: The Gift of Being Yourself - David Benner This book is a great way to begin on a deeper journey of discovering God and yourself in more experiential and … [Read more...]
Brian’s Coming Alive!
Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. – Randy’s March Update “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Gil Bailie Brian Steck has been coming alive in many ways, including in his heart. Brian is a 24-year-old leader of a 20something missional community and a small group of men. We’ve been meeting for just over a year. … [Read more...]
The Transformational Triangle
Legacy Shepherding Ministries, Inc. – Randy’s February Update This month I thought I’d share an illustration with you that I share with most of the people I meet with. I’ve found it to be a helpful tool in listening to what God is doing in my life (and in the lives of others), so I may better partner with Him in the transformation He is doing inside of me (and inside of them). It’s called “The Transformational Triangle Illustration.” It’s … [Read more...]