Heart of a Warrior - Dr. Greg Bourgond: Papa's Blessings

Do you hear the rattling of sabers on a distant battlefield? Is there something stirring deep inside of you? Do you feel the anticipation of something important about to happen? God is stirring the souls of men. It is time to get ready for your call to battle!!! Are you trained? Are you ready? Are you prepared?
No one cares what you have to say until they observe how you live. When you live an observable life of integrity and honor they will eventually listen to what you have to say.

About

Audio Clips

Belfast Ireland - A Warrior After God's Heart (Video) - The Mandate - November 2007. It will take 5 minutes to fully load.

Podcasts from Heart of a Warrior Ministry

Heart of a Warrior Stats

Informal Beginning: 13 Men - 1991 San Diego, California
Formal Beginning: 9 Men – 1997 St. Paul, Minnesota
Home Page & Blog:
Heart of a Warrior Home Page was established in 2001. Currently under re-construction.
Heart of a Warrior Blog was established in 2005.
Manuals Published: 2000+
Advances: 3 USA, 2 Brazil, 3 Romania
Associated Men’s Retreats: 25+
States: 8 (MN, CA, SD, IA, WI, CO, OK, NE)
Countries: 5 (US, Canada, Brazil, Ireland, Romania
Current Ministries: 5
Foundations of a Warrior
Phase I – Heart of a Warrior
Phase II – Focus of a Warrior
Purity of a Warrior
Lino Lakes Prison Ministry - launched October 2007.
Churches: Many churches are using our materials in the states and in other countries. I continue to lead many groups personally in Minnesota.
Men Involved: Many men are in the process of completing or have completed the journey in one or more of the four ministries that comprise Heart of a Warrior. Generally, 25-50% of men completing Phase I go on to Phase II.
Revised September 23, 2009

December 2011

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Great Blogs

VANTAGEPOINT3 :: Blog
Randy Reese is President of VantagePoint3 and a personal friend and peer mentor. He is also mentored by J. Robert Clinton. Randy's nature is to function as a priest, a mentor, a teacher, a pioneer, and an architect.
For a Thousand Generations
Scott Higgingbotham is an author of "Ransomed Lives" and "For a Thousand Generations." Novels that entertain and instruct and seek a good publishing home.. Check it out.
Terry Walling
Personal friend and fellow warrior after God's heart. Terry Walling is President of Leader Breakthru. He is passionate to see leaders experience a breakthrough in their development. Terry resources, coaches and mentors breakthrough for entrepreneurial, risk taking leaders, helping to accelerate them onto greater Kingdom contribution.
Daniel Taylor
Teaching Pastor - First United Methodist Church Sedalia MO.
Scott Strand
Scott Strand is an Instructional Technologist at Bethel University and primary lead for Phase I: Heart of a Warrior at Lino Lakes Prison.
Eric Bryant
Eric Michael Bryant serves as a Grow Pastor leading the Central Austin team, helps with the South Austin team, and helps with speaking and creating resources at Gateway Church in Austin.
Sam Rima
Director, Social Innovation Center at Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development
Alex McManus
Alex McManus is the author of Making the World Human Again, the founder of the International Mentoring Network and the creator of Voxtropolis, a collaboration between artists and activists, promoters and clubs, businesses and individuals designed to mobilze communities in the fight 4 humanity. Voxtropolis presently has expressions in the US, Canada and the UK as well as a mirror expression in the cybersphere at Voxtropolis.com.
Joseph Dworak
Joseph is a personal friend and is currently employed at Bethel University. He is a premier certified Gallup StrengthsFinder Coach.

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« It Matters What You Belive by Justin Edwards | Main | Blessings I am thankful for... »

July 21, 2011

Papa's Blessings - Just Published

Just Published - Papa's Blessings: The Gift That Keeps Giving

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.

Posted by Greg on July 21, 2011 at 08:33 PM | Permalink

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My Speaking Schedule

CY 2011/12
September 9-10, 2011
Men’s Great Adventure(li> Rochester, MN
September 30 - Oct 2, 2011
Men's Advance
Lake Retreat Camp and Conference Center
Ravensdale, Washington
October 7-8, 2011
Systems Theory
Fort Myers Agape Christian Fellowship
Fort Myers, Florida
November 18-20, 2011
Men's Retreat
Covenant Pines Bible Camp
McGregor, MN
November 26-27, 2011
"The Value of Values"
Christ Community Church
Rochester, MN
January 20-21, 2012
Men's Retreat
Grace Baptist Church
Grantsburg, WI
February 4, 2012
No Regrets Conference
"Five Deadly Lies"
Elmbrook Church
Brookfield, WI
February 5-12-19-26, 2012
Preaching – Papa’s Blessings
The Bridge
Somerset, WI

Kilns 2010

In my recent stay at the Kilns, the home of C.S. Lewis in Headington England, I took many pictures in and around Oxford, ~ 5 miles from the Kilns. Included in this set are pictures inside and outside the Kilns. The pictures associated with stained glass and the dining room used in the Harry Potter films were taken at Christ's Church, one of the 36 colleges of Oxford University. There are also pictures of the Chapel in the college where I attended a Carol Sing.

Great Quotes

We cannot escape our destiny, nor should we try to do so. The leadership of the free world was thrust upon us two centuries ago in that little hall of Philadelphia. In the days following World War II, when the economic strength and power of America was all that stood between the world and the return to the dark ages, Pope Pius XII said, "The American people have a great genius for splendid and unselfish actions. Into the hands of America God has placed the destinies of an afflicted mankind." We are indeed, and we are today, the last best hope of man on earth. Conclusion from Ronald Reagan's 1974 CPAC Speech
"The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral precepts of Jesus and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in his discourses."
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Albert Ellery Bergh,editor (Washington, D.C.: The Thomas Jefferson Memorial Association, 1904), Vol. XII, p.315, to James Fishback, September 27, 1809.
Tolerance is putting up with behavior one finds objectionable. Society defines tolerance as acceptance and affirmation. Dan Taylor, 1999.
Given that everyone agrees that some things should not be tolerated, the real issue should not be whether one is tollerant or intolerant, but what's oncluded on one's list...One is not tolernat of something unless one objects to it...A challenge for those who prize tolerance as one of the highest public goods is to distinguish between healthy tolerance and a diseased moral passivity or indifference...Tooo much of what passes as tolerance in America is not the result of principled judgment but is simple moral indifference. Dan Taylor, CT 1999
He who gives thanks for little will always find he has enough.
Perform one act per day that defies “success” as you once defined it. Choose not to impress someone; refuse to invest in an image; compliment someone you once judged. By all means, let your heart be at peace. Chris Tiegreen - The One Year Walk with God
The Enemy can't steal your salvation but he can steal all its pleasure--your joy and your peace. Chris Tiegreen - The One Year Walk with God
We have seen a concerted effort in recent years to change the meaning of tolerance from "putting up with the objectionable" to "affirming the diverse." Dan Taylor
He who provides for this life, but takes no care for eternity, is wise for a moment, but a fool forever. John Tillotson
The road to moral impurity and spiritual corruption is the result of incremental compromise through a slow erosion of standards, a growing carelessness about details, a gradual blurring of distinctives, and poor moral discipline. Isa 1:22; Eph 4:17-24 Greg Bourgond
You don't feel your way into good behavior, you behave your way into good feelings. Neil T. Anderson
Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the absence of self. Erwin McManus
We need a firm grip on God's Word before we will experience much success at practical Christianity. We need to understand who we are as a result of who God is and what He has done. A productive Christian behavior system is the byproduct of a solid Christian belief system, not the other way around. Neil Anderson
Spiritual formation for the Christian basically refers to the Spirit-driven process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it becomes like the inner being of Christ Himself ... Christian formation is focused entirely on Jesus. Its goal is an obedience or conformity to Christ that arises out of an inner transformation accomplished through puposive interaction with the grace of God in Christ. Galatians 4:19 Dallas Willard - Renovation of the Heart
Gen. Omar Bradley, a hero of World War II, delivered a speech in Boston in 1948 that is remarkably appropriate for the violent and chaotic world of today. "The world has acheived brillance without wisdom, power without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical midgets. We know more about war than we know of peace, more about killing than we know about living." Bob Herbert, Star Tribune, Feb. 4, 2003.
We need a firm grip on God's Word before we will experience much success at practical Christianity. We need to understand who we are as a result of who God is and what He has done. A productive Christian behavior system is the byproduct of a solid Christian belief system, not the other way around. Neil Anderson April 30, 2006
See the What's New page of the Heart of a Warrior for previous quotes appearing on this blog.

Reading & Watching

Timothy Keller: The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism
A great apologetic for atheistic and secular claims disputing the existence of God. Publisher's Weekly made the following comments. "In this apologia for Christian faith, Keller mines material from literary classics, philosophy, anthropology and a multitude of other disciplines to make an intellectually compelling case for God. Written for skeptics and the believers who love them, the book draws on the author's encounters as founding pastor of New York's booming Redeemer Presbyterian Church. One of Keller's most provocative arguments is that all doubts, however skeptical and cynical they may seem, are really a set of alternate beliefs. Drawing on sources as diverse as 19th-century author Robert Louis Stevenson and contemporary New Testament theologian N.T. Wright, Keller attempts to deconstruct everyone he finds in his way, from the evolutionary psychologist Richard Dawkins to popular author Dan Brown. The first, shorter part of the book looks at popular arguments against God's existence, while the second builds on general arguments for God to culminate in a sharp focus on the redemptive work of God in Christ. Keller's condensed summaries of arguments for and against theism make the scope of the book overwhelming at times. Nonetheless, it should serve both as testimony to the author's encyclopedic learning and as a compelling overview of the current debate on faith for those who doubt and for those who want to re-evaluate what they believe, and why."
Charles Colson: The Faith: What Christians Believe, Why They Believe It, and Why It Matters
This is a must read mean. Not only is it an accurate picture of our relativistic culture today it also clearly sets forth the basic beliefs of Christians. It answers the question what Christians believe, why they believe it, and why it matters. This is a book you will want to read word for word.
Rob Bell: Rythm
One of Rob Bell's latest Noomas is tiltled Rythm. I would recommend this for anyone. "Is how we live connected to something that has been in place since the beginning of time? Maybe Jesus didn't come to start a new religion, but to show us how to live in tune with the life God has always planned for us." Number 11 in a series of 18 talks about God's melody that has been playing for centuries. The melofy speaks of His character. Bell asks the question, "Are you in tune with God's melody?" The instrumental accompanying the comments is worth the price alone.
Alister E. McGrath: Understanding Doctrine
I recommend this book to every man. In a day when doctrine is disparaged McGrath powerfully argues for its importance. He says, "In order for anyone - Christian, atheist, Marxist or Moslem - to make informed moral decisions, it is necessary to have a set of values concerning human life. Those values are determined by beliefs, and thos beliefs are stated as doctrines. Christian doctrine thus provides a fundamental framework for Christian living." 12/23/06
Harry R.Jr. Jackson: The Warriors Heart: Rules of Engagement for the Spiritual War Zone
Reminds us of the spiritual warfare around us that affects every aspect of our lives. Eph 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This book is a good reminder of the battle before us. 12/23/06
Alasdair C. MacIntyre: After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory
For those of you wanting to delve into moral philosophy MacIntyre offers an interesting journey. The author suggests that "our moral language assumes a universality we do not believe." He traces the breakdown of moralistic thining and deciding. He coined the phrase that we are living in a "new dark age." This book is for serious students of morality.
David Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The Christian Soldier: An Exposition of Ephesians 6:1020
The author examines the whole armor of God as it relates to the spiritual warfare we all face as believers and followers of Christ. He describes, in vivid detail, the picture of a Christian as a soldier so powerfully depicted in the writings of the Apostle Paul. The battle is real as is the armor God gives us to fight the battle.
Gary Smalley and John Trent: The Blessing
Many men have never received a blessing from the father. All men long for a blessing. This book helps you understand the importance of blessing your children whether they are still children or they are now adults. I encourage every man to read this book and apply its principles. April 24, 2006
George Barna: Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions
The online instroduction to this book frames its importance. "No one can deny that our culture is opposed to Christian values, and the influences bombarding our children's moral development can be deadly. But few parents and church leaders realize how critical it is to start developing a child's biblical worldview from the very earliest years of life. The problem is complex: parents who themselves did not receive early spiritual training leave their children's training to the church. Yet the church often focuses on older children-not realizing that a child's moral development is set by the age of nine." This book is exceedingy helpful to all parents desiring to raise up children who can live godly lives in the midst of darkness, who can navigate their way in unfamiliar territory, and who can make decisions that bring glory and honor to God. April 15, 2006
Neil T. Anderson: Daily in Christ: A Devotional
This is a "must have" book. Anderson deals with our identity in Christ. The nature of the influence of the Enemy on the lives of believers is clearly described. Used as a daily devotional you will be systematically informed, encouraged, and enlightened. Any man seeking to live victoriously will find this devotional indespensible. 4/1/06
Robert Lewis: Raising a Modern Day Knight
How does a boy become a man? What can we do to help them on the journey? An editorial commentator explains the book. "How does a father instill these qualities in his son? By Raising a Modern-Day Knight. Beginning with a biblical perspective of manhood, author-pastor Robert Lewis shares a unique approach to shaping a boy into a man by equipping him with three essential elements: a vision, a code of conduct, and a cause (Christianity) in which to invest his life. Complete with ceremony ideas to celebrate accomplishments and ingrain them in his mind, this softcover is as insightful as it is practical in raising a boy to be a chivalrous, godly man." Strategic fatherhood demands we give our sons such guidance. 3/31/06
Robert J. Sternberg: Why Smart People Can Be So Stupid
Amazon describes this great read as follows - "Why do intelligent people sometimes behave in ways so stupid that they destroy their livelihoods or even their lives? This book is the first to investigate the psychological basis for stupidity in everyday life. Experts shed light on the nature and theory of stupidity, whether stupidity is measurable, how people can avoid stupidity and its devastating consequences, and much more." This is a secular book that provides interesting insight into why people do stupid things--people who should know better. There are lessons to be learned from this book. I recommend it. 3/24/06
James C. Dobson: Bringing Up Boys
This is an excellent resource for fathers who desire to help their boys become men. This book delves into research that supports the uniqueness of boys and what makes them tick. Many helpful suggestions are offered as well as cautions. This is a must read especially for fathers of young boys. 3/16/06
C. S. Lewis: Mere Christianity
This book is a classic and should be 'must' reading for any person desiring a concrete argument for Christianity. Sound reasoning, clear examples, and strong support for the faith is presented. In an age where more and more Christians are ignorant of the foundations of their beliefs this book offers a rational basis for the essentials of orthodox Christianity. You will want to read this book frequently.
King Arthur - 2004
This movie is loosely based on recent archeological findings that suggests King Authur lived as a Roman commander in England. It avoids the mystical elements of previous films. King Authur stands for courgae, honor, and duty. His commitment to his men and willingness to live and die for his convictions is refreshing in an our age of political correctness. What is the hill you are prepared to die on? What cause are you willing to give your life to?
The Last Samurai (Widescreen Edition)
This movie is loosely based on actual historic events when Japan struggled to transition from a Samurai protectorate to a modern army. This movie is all about courage and valor. Pay close attention to the Samurai warlord. He epitomizes these qualities. Courage is simply leaning into your fear. Valor is never turning your back no matter the odds. An added bonus is the haunting music score.
Rob Bell: Lump
The Nooma series of short videos are short videos that give great video presentations of scriptural truths. Each video in the series comes with a little study guide of compelling questions designed to help us process our journey. In this video, Rob Bell, lead pastor of Mars Hill Baptist Church in Grand Rapids Michigan, focuses on the issue of shame. God knows everything we have done. He wants to help us make things right. By doing so He will help us move to a brighter future.
Gladiator (Extended Edition)
Gladiator is a compelling story of an amazing leader and general who became a slave, a gladiator, and hero. Under debiliating circumstances he maintained his integrity. He valued Rome, family, strength and honor. If we were as consistant as this pagan but for the cause of Christ what could we accomplish for the Kingdom?
Antwone Fisher (Widescreen Edition)
Great movie about rising above very difficult circumstances. Based on a true story this young man comes to terms with his past and the loss of a father just before his birth. Through the steady hand of a mentor he found his identity. This movie will lift your soul.
Paul D. Stanley & J. Robert Clinton: Connecting: The Mentoring Relationships You Need To Succeed In Life
After analyzing over 2000 case studies of Christian leaders Clinton and his team found that leaders who finish well have had anywhere from 10 to 15 significant mentors in their life. This book describes 9 different types of mentors in 3 broad categories: intentional, occasional, and passive. It will help you decide what type of mentor you need, how to approach a mentor, and how to develop a mentoring plan. We need each other men. Find a mentor, be a mentor.
J. Robert Clinton: The Making of a Leader
This book outlines how God develops leaders. It identiifies six stages of development. This well researched resource provides valuable insights. To date Clinton and his team have studied the lives of 2000 Christian leaders (biblical, historical, and contemporary). Leadership development is a function of perspective, processing, and the leaders response to God's processing. It may be a little hard to read but it is worth the effort. You will find many transferable concepts for training leaders.
Dallas Willard: Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ
This book is a compliment to Victory of Darkness. Willard understands spiritual formation from the inside out. He explains how the heart is corrupted and renewed. I agree with the reviewer who said, "The way of change is through inner transformation and taking the small steps that lead one to it. Beginning with an introduction to spiritual formation, (the author) then outlines the avenues through which transformation takes place, including thoughts, feelings, choices, social context, the body, and the soul."
I believe one of the reasons why we are often 'clueless' about the sources of our abhorent behavior is that we are looking for quick and easy routes to wholeness. This book will help you understand the sources of our behavior and how to make transformational change through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Neil T. Anderson: Victory over the Darkness
This book was instrumental in facilitating an inside-out transformation of my life. While on active duty many years ago I read the book when I wasn't on duty. It helped me to understand the source of my corruption that resulted in repeated sinful behavior. It also showed me how to remove strongholds in my life that kept me from being all God intended me to be. It helped me connect the dots. The book firmly establishes our identity in Christ. It's not what we do that determines who we are; it's who we are in Christ that determines what we do. Dr. Anderson and his book provided the seed for Heart of a Warrior Ministries. I strongly urge that every man who struggles with dishonorable behavior read this book. We have made it a requirement for the first phase of Heart of a Warrior.
Ted Cooper: The Bible in 90 Days
As Christ-followers we should have a comprehesive view of the Bible--the tool God uses to shape us into the image of his Son. Cooper's plan calls for reading 12 pages a day for 90 days. The journey can be augmented by accompanying DVDs, participant's guide, and other materials if you choose to take the trip with a group. I'm doing it solo using the specially prepared Bible in 90 Days NIV Thinline LP Bible. Not only does it give you a 'helicopter' view but it helps you connect with God's redemptive purposes for humanity over time.
Erwin Raphael McManus: The Barbarian Way : Unleash the Untamed Faith Within
Erwin calls the church to radical Christianity. It's all about 'bold relief' living, faith in action, congruence between belief and behavior, proactive engagement, and stand up and be counted profession. One reviewer put it this way,"Barbaric Christians see Jesus differently than civilized Christians. They see disciples differently, and they see Christ's mission differently. The Barbarian Way is a call to escape "civilized" Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians-just as Christ intended." This book is a must read for all Christians who are tired of mediocrity.
George Barna: Revolution
Barna's latest book is his best in my estimation. I'm absolutely positive he will be either admired or loathed. This book shares some startling evidence that suggests people are opting for a no-holds-barred approach to living thier faith in bold relief--they are no longer satisfied with status quo and are choosing alternative approaches to being what God intended His church to be. This book will either shake you up, make you angry, or reassure you. This is certainly a wakeup call for the institutional church. Read it and determine if you are a "revolutionary" Christian.
Randy C. Alcorn: Heaven
Want to know what it's really going to be like in heaven? Randy has done a very thorough job investigating the Scriptures and leading experts to compile an amazing picture of what we can expect when God calls us home. He clears up many mysteries for us. If you want to be encouraged and uplifted read this book. It'll give you a whole new perspective on heaven and God's future plans for us.
David Murrow: Why Men Hate Going to Church
Wake up call for churches - finally a book that gets it regarding ministry to men. The author suggests that men haven't left the church, the church has left men. Murrow gives some excellent suggestions for churches (and ministry organizations) if they want to attract and engage men. Many of his contentions are backed by solid research findings. A must read for those interested in establishing men's ministries or reaching men for the kingdom.