"How to address the “SWC Syndrome”

Have you ever heard of the “should have, would have, could have syndrome”? Well, I never heard about it either until I was inspired with the message. Let’s just call the SWC Syndrome for short.

This video speaks about the SWC Syndrome and how to address the actions on which you have either procrastinated or for whatever reason you decided to put off starting or completing. The thoughts of “no action” begin to burden you and consume your being to the extent you sometimes have a hard time reengaging.

If you ever fall prey to this syndrome, don’t spend a lot of time in self pity, and get depressed and overwhelmed with stress. Try to consider the following steps.

1. Inventory your list: these are the items or actions that believe you should have done or taken care of; wished you would have done or taken care of; knowledge of what you could have added, changed, provided yet didn’t.

2. Identify Opportunity: Sometimes it is too late to go back and take the action. However, on occasion you find that there is still an opportunity to take action. Perhaps there is an event going on that requires your expertise and you don’t speak up when you or the group you are in is being solicited for help. Then later you wish you would have spoke up and shared your skills and made yourself available. Now let’s you identify this on your list and find out that the opportunity is still open. What do you do? Go to #3.

3. Take immediate action: Pick up the phone and call; email, text or drive over; However you decide to do it, take immediate action and Go Make it Happen Today!

After you view this, please take a moment to rate the video, and leave me a comment about times when you wished you had went ahead and taken action instead of putting it off.

Dog: A man’s best friend?

Where did the statement come from? What is meant by a dog or a pet being a friend or being viewed as the closest acquaintance to a human?

My dad had lady so trained that during family time watching the black & white TV in the basement, there were times when we would be watching TV and enjoying ice-cream, and as I can remember it like it was yesterday, Dad would tell lady to go upstairs and get your plate and off Lady would run. And in less than a minute Lady would return, wagging her tale with her plate in her mouth anticipating that something good was getting ready to happen. Even though we knew Lady's skill, each time she would go off and return on demand, we would watch in amazement our dog, our pet, our family member, our friend Lady do her thing.

Lady grew old and past on. And let me tell you, that was like losing a family member. It took a while to recover her being gone. We had other dogs during and after lady; laid, baby, princes, and even when I got married there was my oldest daughter’s favorite named “buttons”. But known had the impact on my life like lady.

Realizing the responsibility of caring for a pet as I observed and in which took part, as an adult I didn’t want to have a dog in the house. Knowing the business of my household and the business travel and school activities, I didn’t want any pets of mine to be cheated out of the care and love it deserved. So I took a stance and claimed that in my house we will not have a pet.

While being the demanding yet loving father that I continue to try to be, I always struggled saying “NO” to my kids, especially my daughters. So when my oldest daughter graduated from college part of our strategic plan was to allow her to move back home, land a good job, TITHE her income (Tithing and giving offering is a must in our family) and save has much as possible before setting sale on the next level of her life journey. Prior to her moving back in my daughter, with her sweet, kind and loving voice asked, “Daddy is it okay if I purchase a puppy to bring home and move in with me?” Within less than a three second mental, emotional rollercoaster ride and thought to myself, “Oh boy, here we go!”, “I am not taking care of a dog!”, “Who’s going to watch the dog when you are not here?” “That dog better not poop on my carpet!” “And what about the barking?” “I am not getting up to let that dog out!” Then out of nowhere I answered, okay dear???

It was during the following week Coco entered into my life. A frail little mutt, needing love and care that had not been loved or taken care of; My daughter walks in and the first thing she does is honor me by bringing Coco over to me while I was lying on the couch watching TV; or sleeping in front of the TV. She places Coco on my lap and says “Coco” this is daddy. Coco was scared at the site of this big, strange man and was shaking something fierce. Immediately I transitioned from all of my previous thoughts and beliefs to and began trying to figure out how I can remove this fear from Coco so that he is comfortable around me.

In just a few months Coco went from shaking at the very presence of me, to always looking for me whenever he comes in the house. You want to talk about what makes you feel good? When I would come home from work or from just being outside working in the yard, my family members may say hello, or hi dad; but Coco would stand up on his hind legs and would greet me as if he was reaching out to give me a hug. Whenever I would head upstairs Coco would run ahead of me and wait at the top of the steps just to greet me once again and collect his scratch behind his ears and pat on his head. Whew! That would make me feel so good inside. That would make me feel appreciated. That alone helps me understand what it means to say a dog can be one of your best friends.

Well my daughter has moved out and is getting married soon. When she comes home to visit and has Coco with her, as soon as Coco comes in the house he immediately starts looking for me. When he finally finds me lying on the couch watching TV or sleep in front of the TV, he takes off running in my direction and jumps up on the couch and we begin playing as if he never left the house.

Through this I have relearned my appreciation for pets. I especially appreciate those who car for pets and even those who have a passion to care for and look for missing pets for families who are sometimes in distress from having lost their animal friend, like my friend Andy Esche at http://www.missingpets.com/

Take a look at my video featuring Coco, one of my best friends. Then think about things in life you appreciate with which you can reconnect and “Go Make it Happen Today! Please rate this video and blog and share your favorite or funny pet story.

Dave's 3rd Sixty Day Sound-off Segment

Greetings Dayspring Church family and friends in the name of Jesus Christ! As I prepare to close out the third round of sixty day activities you may recall I indicated my focus would be on maximizing outreach opportunities, close circuit connections, launching new website and the public relations and marketing communications (PRMC)team. I am excited to report a few accomplishments regarding that focus. Some Information you may already know, while other updates may be new information. As a reminder, if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact me at: 513-825-2545 ext 106 or email me at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org

Children’s Ministry: We experienced a very exciting children’s ministry brainstorming meeting in July. The turn out was awesome. We discussed strengths and opportunities and directionally discussed how we can move toward a self directed work group approach to leadership which includes partnering team leaders over each area of ministry. I wish to thank everyone that came out and stayed late on a beautiful Friday evening when so many other activities and more fun things could have been done. Your commitment and dedication was herculean and admirable. I wish to thank Chris fox for coming by to help me facilitate this meeting. Next steps: During this month I will generate a report comprised of all the collected data and will have it reviewed by the Senior Pastor and executive committee prior to forwarding it to the meeting participants and sharing the direction with the church at large. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at: 513-825-2545 ext 106 or email me at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org

Technology: WE ARE WIRED!! For close circuit TV that is. We now have the capability to view service via close circuit in the library. I am so excited about this! You remember in my last update I thanked Cindy Mason for responding to God’s call to request that this be done. Well I was also approached by another person recently. Tiffany Payne shared that God has placed it on her heart to work with a special needs ministry. PRAISE GOD! Now we need to simply form this effort and make it happen ASAP! The body of Christ at work! The next connection for cabling will be in the lobby/narthex, and café which will be completed this month; connections to multipurpose room and other classrooms will be completed over the next 30 to 60 days, after which we will focus on running ongoing scheduling messages during business and ministry hours.

Public Relations & Marketing Communications (PRMC): Not much activity as of yet. Although we did experiment with a webcam YouTube video taken during the youth camp at camp Lebanon, and a video presentation of the “A Mosaic Movement” A day in the Life of Dayspring Church during Unity Celebration Sunday, both of which were shared on FaceBook. If you would like to see the video or receive the link shoot me a note at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org. I do wish to again thank Chris Fox for coming to the PRMC meeting. To give everyone an update on the direction, see what I shared during the ministry fair.

Spreading the Good News about the Love of Christ and the ministries at Dayspring Church of God to and through the television, radio, schools, universities, communities, internet, businesses and churches!

Here is how you can help!

Televisions: Help establish ongoing contact with local and national stations! Produce live feeds to remote family viewers.
Radio: Assist with online radio & help establish ongoing contacts with local and global stations! Produce live feeds to remote family listeners.
Writing: Help write proposals, memos, and creative advertisements. Help generate and mail announcements, and follow up correspondence.
Speaking: Help deliver creative announcements and mock up news interviews and reporting!
New Ideas: You have any? Pleases share at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org or call me at 513-825-2545 ext 106

New Website: The new website is ready to go. While it isn’t live, I can let you see a preview. Remember this is not the new website address; just a link to let you view it. The new address will be shared during release of new site. I want to thank Bobbie Griffin, one of our newest Dayspring family members who indicated that he would help me out on the website development effort. You see after we go live, we still need help to make changes, updates etc... So in addition to Bobble…HELP!!! I had to get that off my chest. If you want to help with the website…that’s right, you know the drill, contact me at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org Here is the preview link: http://dayspringcincy.fhcaleb.com/

The place with the Space: 1. Damon Gospel Productions: Damon Gospel Productions Presents… “The TrailBlazer’s Concert” took place on July 27th. Great turn out. I would like to thank everyone from the church that helped out sound, greeting, facilities and those that came to experience the great concert. 2. A reminder about the Divine Purpose Productions: Divine Purpose Productions is proud to be hosting the 2010 Dorinda Clark Cole's Ohio Regional Singers & Musicians Conference on Friday August 20, 2010 and Saturday August 21, 2010 right here at Dayspring Church of God; Dr. Clark-Coles will be in “The Place with the Space”. Twinkie Clark of the world famous Clark Sisters will be in attendance at “The Place with the Space”

Church Plant Opportunity: Dr. John Pande: and his Global Changers Ministries experienced their inaugural service opening at Dayspring on August 1, 2010 in the Hispanic Chapel. They had seating for around 80 people who would include their congregation and special guest. They had approximately 72 people in attendance. As Dr. Pande and his church have taken on this new venture on site, effective mediately they have also taken on a new name. They will now be known as the “Spirit Life Ministries International”.

Outreach:
Underground: Our next door neighbors call the Underground “The Zone” is now hosting a church plant that will begin a new outreach ministry. They will have Sunday services however they have an outreach focus. As more details come in we will keep you informed. As I indicated in the last update that my focus priorities would include outreach; this is something that has just happen before our very eyes. God is awesome!

Nimrod: You may recall when Nimrod of the Philippines was here during a unity service when he spoke to us about his missions work he is doing right here in the U.S. out of Atlanta, GA. Pastor Tim has expressed an interest in having him come and hang out with us for a will and conduct training on effective outreach practices and even go out and do outreach ministry with us and for us. While the expense to fund this effort is extremely less than a salaried position, the dilemma right now is from where the funds would come, where could Nimrod and his wife and young daughter stay and how can we provide such expenses has cell phone, internet access etc.. all of which represent the bare minimum. If you have any thoughts on this please contact me at: AskDave@dayspringcincy.org or call me at 513-825-2545 ext. 106.

Things you may have heard; things you may hear and things to remember:
A. Dayspring Church 2010 Mosaic Ministry Model
Spiritual Development
• Prayer
• Bible Study
• Fellowship
• Systematic Fasting

Focus on Diversity
• Multigenerational Teams
• Family oriented ministry (father, mother, children, grandparents, teens, etc.)
• Seek unity service or gathering opportunities.
• Influence individuals to grow relationships with others.
• Racially blended

In/Outreach Invitation to Salvation & Service
• Growing the Kingdom for Christian service.
• Increased and more strategic approach to invite friends & neighbors to programs & services.
• Include others outside of Dayspring to join service efforts.
• Let’s not assume everyone is saved.
• Invite people to join the works and help serve.
• Recruitment efforts in community, academic, and civic organization arenas.

B. Sayings:
1. “Catch the VISION” “Join the WORK” and “Make it PERSONAL” often said and led by Pastor Tim from the Pulpit.
2. Dayspring Church, “Where the nations worship” Something we are known for, also said occasionally by the Pastor and will be labeled on our new website.
3. Dayspring Church, “Making Ministry Happen, where the nations worship, in the place with the space, for people like you!” This was used on an ad created for the church and will be included as part of the welcome page on our new website.

C. Stay tuned! I’m excited and can’t wait to hear what new saying or phrase may come during the capital campaign!

If you can think of another one or have any questions about items A & B, shoot me a note at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org or call me at 513-825-2545

Dayspring DID YOU KNOW? I have an interesting story I would like to share in a section that I will periodically include called “Dayspring DID YOU KNOW?” Did you know that in our history there was once a plan to have a Dayspring Drive-in service? I know! WHAT!!??? That’s what I said too! The next time you are driving in the parking lot close to the building on the I-275 side just beyond the front entrance, you might notice how there is a nice slope or slant where the parking spaces are. There was a plan designed to allow cars to be parked with a perfect vantage point for viewing service from the car, with the drive-in type speaker to hear. While it never happened, I must say that was some innovative and out of the box thinking for back in the day…if you have more Dayspring history stories you would like to share shoot me a note at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org

TAG IT: While I am slightly disappointed in the level of responses, remain optimistic and have been encouraged by those of you that have indicated that you are still working on this. Because of those responses I will continue to hold the TAG IT game open and see how we do over the next update cycle. If you have any questions feel free to send me a note at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org or call me at 513-825-254.

Church Corporate Buzz: I plan to use this section to let you know what I have been hearing as suggestions and ideas for ministry.

I want your feedback on the following.

Questions in the May 2010 report
1. Can we have a bulletin board that we can post network type information to include yet not be limited to the following: Job postings, people in need of, free give always (furniture, cloths, cars, etc.), upcoming local events. Response: A bulletin board will be placed near the café for this purpose. All requests will need to be approved by office prior to posting. Start date to be announced.

2. Can we create a Dayspring directory of services: if I need work done on a car, yard, house, computer, how can we find out who in Dayspring has these skills? Response: This can be done. However we will need volunteers that are interested to send a note to AskDave@dayspringcincy.org.

3. Can we have a holiday dinner (FREE for the community) held on Christmas day and/or Thanksgiving Day? This could be for out reach to the lonely, needy, unsaved, un-churched, etc. God laid this on my heart and told me to get to work and make it happen. Response: This has been shared with the fellowship, missions, and evangelism ministry leaders. The person with the idea has been contacted. More discussions will take place to determine timing feasibility.

4. Can we have small candles on a very small inexpensive wooden block to be used to give to new converts? We can put their name, the date Christ was accepted into their life, and give it to them so they can have it as a reminder of when the first lit their light and got connected to Christ. Response: A volunteer has come forth to create a mock-up wooden block and is working directly with the person with this idea.

5. Can we have a nurse ministry that can routinely conduct health fair and information clinics for things like blood pressure screenings for the congregation and community? Response: A few folks have raised their hand and have expressed the interest. More follow up needed.

6. Can we approach all the area businesses, schools, nursing homes, and invite them to come to our service or event as well as request that we speak at their place of business or operation?
Response: This is an effort that I hope will fall under PRMC ministry. As well I do know that one of our ordained ministers did go out and preach at a nursing home. PRAISE GOD!

7. There is the United Way, World Vision, UNICEF, and Operation FEED etc... How can we create a commercial and campaign for Dayspring’s Helping Hands Ministry which does the exact same thing. Response: If we plan to keep this going under our church We really need more help on this. The administrative duties alone require resource hours we currently do not have. Please pray for help on this!

8. Since we have sold the church bus, how can we create funds to purchase another bus or develop a transportation strategy that assures transportation for ELMS and other ministries when the need arises? Response: Discussions have yet to commence on how, when or if we will purchase a new bus. The focus right now has been on capital campaign strategy which involves the entire church at large.

New buzz comments and Questions: responses will be in next update.

1. Why can’t we receive this updates more frequently? Like on a monthly basis or in the bulletin each week?
2. Is the student intern ever coming back to share his gifts with us again?
3. Why are these updates so long? So much information!
4. Regarding the concerts that are being held here. Is there a reason why not too much was shared with the church at large?
5. These updates are great! Can you provide a way for us to follow up if we have questions? Perhaps at the end of each section you could indicate how folks can follow up.

Over the next sixty days my focus will be on supporting in every way possible the efforts of building the capital fund campaign strategy, rolling out the new children’s ministry strategy, and keeping my eyes and ears open to the immediate and future needs of Dayspring Church of God at large. And with your continue support and God’s blessings I am certain we will be successful.

Thank you so much for reading this update and for all of the prayers and encouraging comments! And remember, if you have any questions feel free to send me a note at AskDave@dayspringcincy.org or call me at 513-825-2545.