HEART OF A WARRIOR

Papa's Blessings Book Signing

September 17, 2011; Saturday @ 2:00 - 4:00 PM; 391 Harriet Circle, Shoreview, MN 55126

Speaking Schedule - 2011/12

My latest book has just been published and is now available at the following locations--Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and iUniverse in hard cover, soft cover, and e-book for Kindle.

Like my first book, it was written while I was a visiting scholar at C.S. Lewis' home, the Kilns, in Headington, England.

Every human being longs for the affirmation, acceptance, and esteem of someone who matters to them. Sadly, most of us never hear the words we long to hear—words of appreciation, esteem, recognition, and value. In Papa’s Blessings, author Dr. Greg Bourgond focuses on the vital importance of bestowing blessings upon others. This practical and helpful guide provides a fresh take on applying an ancient practice to life in the modern world. Bourgond establishes the importance of blessing, identifies the eight essential components of a meaningful blessing, provides multiple examples of blessings, describes how to administer a blessing, explains the legacy of blessings, and includes a worksheet for developing and giving a blessing. He combines biblical references, illustrations, and personal and emotional stories to show it’s never too late or too early to give a blessing to those who long for one—beginning with your loved ones and continuing with those who come within your sphere of influence. The world can be a cold and unforgiving place, and Papa’s Blessings helps prepare our loved ones by giving them something that will sustain them on the difficult journey before them—a blessing.

If you are in the area there will be a book signing September 17th from 2:00 - 4:00 PM @ 391 Harriet Circle, Shoreview,Minnesota 55126.

A Recent Integrity Check

When God develops a leader He uses events, circumstances, people, and situations to shape that leader. My mentor has given his life to studying how God develops a leader. Leadership development is a function of contextual shaping, intentional processing, and a leaders response to that processing.

One process item is called an integrity check that challenges an individual to respond in accordance with their beliefs and values. Many leaders fail integrity checks. God isn't trying to determine what you will do--He knows. He wants you to know what you will do--to learn from your failure or to strengthen your resolve.

One such integrity check happened to me today. I went to Best Buy to look at iPad cases. As I approached the front door I noticed a 4GB flash drive on the ground still in its packaging. I thought, "Somebody lost this. " In my mind I thought, "I could use this. It is probably not worth the effort to turn it in." But then I heard in my mind "It is not yours." I decided to turn it in. As I walked through the front door a women was talking with a store clerk. I didn't here what she was saying He turned to me and I told him I found this flash drive outside. The women said "That's the one I lost."

I was glad I turned it in. You never know when your beliefs and values will be challenged by an integrity check. I have realized over time that we are one small step away from compromising our integrity.

Click on Papa's Blessings to go to the iUniverse website for more details on my latest book!