This blog is difficult for me to write. I've been burned with this very thing. Needless to say, I have learned a very painful lesson, and honestly...glad that I did. So let's jump right in.

During tonight's message at First Baptist Orlando, Pastor David Uth touched on a topic that I have struggled with in the past, and still do. This is not word-for-word what he said, but paraphrased... "Instead of talking "about" someone when you have a problem with them, try talking "with" them."

I am not going into details, on my experience, but I am going to give some observations. Still to this day, I dislike severely confrontations. I remember when I managed a Chick-fil-A. I had to do a large amount of confrontation. It is not fun for me, and I am taking a wild assumption here that there are not many people that would find it fun.

(**Disclaimer: I am using the word "people" in this paragraph not calling anyone out. I am talking to myself as well.**) I see it time and time again. Person A has a problem with person B, and they do whatever means they see fit in order to "call out" that person, but tend to forget the appropriate way of dealing with the problem. Going to that person in private and discussing the matter in which is an issue. How does this help share God's love? How does God look at this? Can the action cause more harm than good?

So, let us keep in mind, we do not have all of the information. I spoke with Scott tonight, and he gave me an example of a situation he was it where a lady wrote a letter to a group of people because he was misquoted by the news media. Scott explained himself to her and told her the situation, and she understood. But did she go and do the correct action to make it right? No.

In my own life, I find that I am a person that will deal with major confrontation issues, but a majority of the time I just let them go. That is something I need to work on. It is the fact that I am completely uncomfortable in those situations. Trust me in saying that I had a situation that happened YEARS ago in which I handled incorrectly and that still comes up to bite me. Did I do what I needed to at the time? Yes. But the person has refused to forgive the wrong doing I inflicted toward him, therefore hindering the friendship from going any further.

If you have never listened or took to heart anything that I have ever said, please take this snippet and apply it to your life. "Instead of talking "about" someone when you have a problem with them, try talking "with" them."

Thank you for reading.

-Ken

Labels: careers, Change in my Life, christ, church, David Uth, experiences, FIrst Orlando, forgiveness, friendships, ministry, Scott Link, stubborn

As I grow older, the only thing that I regret is not doing something when the time is right. I am sure that many of you can relate.

I received an e-mail from my Grandfather earlier in the week. It was one of his forwards that he blesses me and many others with daily. It was a very interesting story. In a nutshell, it is an elderly lady who begins taking college classes. When asked by one of the younger students why she was going to college, she responded with something to the extent of she had always dreamed of coming to college, so now she is finally doing it. She also said that the one thing that older people regret is dreams they did not follow through with during their life, making it to late to do anything about it now.

It took a couple of days for that to sit in, but this morning that line really spoke to me. I thought on my way to lecture this morning, how many opportunities have I passed up that may be to late to do anything with? How many dreams have I passed up because I was not totally dedicated?

Monday evening I was chatting with a friend of mine. I mentioned to him a dream that I had, that had been developing recently. He was very encouraging with the idea and thought it was great. I have also mentioned this "dream" or vision to other people and they have been very encouraging as well. Sometimes you need that type of support in order for a dream to become a reality.

Through the years, I would like to think that I have not let too many dreams slip away. My move to Orlando was probably the biggest dream that I have had in a very long time, and that was tough, but it has been great since I have been down here studying. Another major dream I had was to serve at a church again. It had been a couple of years since I had done that, but I was able to work through some stuff I was battling with and had lunch with the Media and Communications Pastor at First Baptist Orlando. Every since that day back in early 2008, I have been serving in the broadcast ministry at First Orlando.

Let me encourage you to read this post, and take it to heart. Please, do not let you most cherish dreams of today become a big regret later on in your life, because you were too scared or afraid to pursue them.

-Ken

Labels: application, Buckhead Church, dreams, First Baptist Church Orlando, ministry, no regreats, Orlando, politics, serve

The Memorial Day weekend services at First Orlando were absolutely top notch! I was there to witness most of them, and going into the services, we were unsure of what was going to happen. These services are very special to most people in the congregation and especially our Senior Pastor, David Uth. Changes were made to each service minutes before the Sunday services. It is amazing to see what a little prayer can do. That is proof that God is in control. If we were to do these services out of our flesh we would fail each time. This Memorial Day, let us celebrate in thanks those who have fought for and served our country out of love. It takes much passion and fear to serve this country, and I am thankful each day for their service.

Also, lift up Doug Pierce, one of the worship leaders at First Baptist Orlando. He has a medical condition, but I have every confidence that God will heal him and be a testimony to His power. Doug, I am praying for you and your family. Thanks for all that you do for God's ministry. Your church family loves you. Have a blessed memorial day! -

-Ken

Labels: America, Doug Pierce, First Baptist Church Orlando, FIrst Orlando, Memorial Day, ministry, production, Remember