Today we spent the whole day running around the hub of Jesus’ ministry. The more we saw the more the stories just rolled up in my heart. We crossed over the Sea of Galilee by boat and crossed the Jordan by bridge. We visited Mt. Beatitudes, Capernaum, Tabgha, Nazareth and saw Canna, Gaderia, and several other places where Jesus ministered to the masses as well as to His disciples. It was another amazing day. Better run have to get up early again.
Happy Birthday America!

Greetings everyone from the banks of the Sea of Galilee. Julie and I landed Wednesday afternoon in Tel Aviv. After a good night’s sleep we hit the ground full speed today. We toured Caesarea, the Aqueducts, Mukraka, Mt Carmel (No, I didn’t call fire down.) Toured Megiddo and Mt. Arbel. Tonight we walked around Tiberias and tomorrow go all around the Sea of Galilee. This is an amazing place. It’s so cool to see the steps Paul would have walked down to get on the a ship to leave from Casarea. As we were there it was so cool to see the city where we Gentiles were included in the plan of God. He still invites us today to be a part of his plan and into the power of the Holy Spirit. Can’t wait to go to bed, wake up and go for a boat ride on The Sea of Galilee. I promise I won’t try to walk across it. I’m going to go read Matthew 5 too, we go to the Mount of the Beatitudes tomorrow. This is way cool! Off to read, then to bed!
More to come….

I am finishing up packing for Israel. Today, I will be heading over to the land of the Bible. I am so excited! I’ve read the book my whole life, met the aurthor some years later but the opportunity to see where it all took place is yet another dream come true in this amazing journey called life. Julie and I were like kids last night we were so excited we had a hard time going to sleep. I’ll try to update this blog while I’m gone. I better go finish packing….
Dreams come true, my heart has turned on it’s listening ears, I am excited!
More later…

I got a sweet email tonight…

“We recently hosted Yancy here for a concert. She was great! The kids loved her. Even though the attendance was not what I had hoped for, her performance was professional, enthusiastic, scriptural and fun. Most of all, I appreciate her passion for ministering to children. She has a new group of fans!

I lost my dad – also in ministry - to lung cancer earlier this month and I especially appreciated folks telling him when I did a good job.”

I am proud of my kids! They both love Jesus and want to make a difference in others for the kingdom.
My girls are my greatest sermon!
Checkout Yancy’s ministry and music at www.yancynotnancy.com

At the heart of every organization should be core values! These are simply values that shape our behaviors.
Here at WOC we are committed to 5 non-negotiable values…
1. Being a redeeming place
2. Creativity and Innovation
3. Extending the Kingdom
4. Loving our neighbor (People Matter!)
5. Experiencing God

Methods change values should not that’s why every leader needs to know their non-negotiables!
What are yours?

Leaders choose to be flexible. Many years ago Burger King had a jiggle that let people know they were flexible. “Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don’t upset us!” This was a much different attitude than the golden arches people. Being flexible causes you gain ground. Let’s face it nothing in life goes the way you think. I came to Tulsa not to work at the church but after I got there I was asked to work at the church as well as work for the ministry. It was God’s plan for my life. I’m glad I was flexible. When you’re not flexible, you miss out on what God has for you! If I can be totally honest with you, I never thought at 52 I would be starting all over in a local church but I want what God wants for me more than anything else and choosing to be flexible is a huge part of seeing your leadership grow. Don’t refuse to be flexible in your thinking, your actions or your planning.
What areas of your life do you need to choose to be flexible in?

Happy Father’s Day to all of you Dads! Thanks not only for setting an example to other Dads but for showing kids a picture of what their Heavenly Father is like. Enjoy your day, hope you eat big, get lot’s of presents and know that the right choices you make really do matter. You are appreciated!
Thanks for reading my blog Dad!
bj

Sign up on the main page of jimwideman.com for our email list before June 15th and get the theClub on mp3 free for the Summer! Yes you read it right…the Summer! It’s that easy. No matter your age or ministry experience, theClub audio leadership resource will help you grow. So what are you waiting on click here to get the JWM Newsletter and free club link. Thanks for reading my blog!

I was talking to my Pastor today and he told me and one of my student pastors…”Workout details when they are not necessary so you’ll be ready when opportunities come.”
That just really blessed me and got me thinking… Where do I need to workout the details? How about you?
Feeding on God’s Word works the same way! We put the Word in us so when we need it it comes out. My best friend called me today and told me his daughter was not given a good report from a doctor last night. My friend told the doctor “My daughter will live and not die!” Several scriptures he had put in earlier came to him when he needed them. The doctor did what he was trained to do, my friend did what he had been trained to do! SHE IS ALIVE TODAY! Dig in, do your homework, think it through, do it now so when opportunity presents it’s self you are ready!

Ready to give yourself a test?

1. Are you open to change?
2. Are you teachable?
3. Are you a servant or do you want to be served?
4. Are you sensitive and insecure?
5. Are you so in love with the Word that nothing offends you?
6. Are you being attacked and accused wrongly yet you maintain a right attitude?
7. Do you quit easily, pout, or throw fits?
How did you do? You’re the only one who can make the needed changes.