My Humble Thanks!
Welcome to Intersections! I hope what is written here will be beneficial to you and will bring glory to God. As I wrote in my “About Me” page, this blog is dedicated to the exploration, discussion and expansion of faith in the ordinary life settings such as workplace, community, family and church. I am a church leader, a corporate leader, a family man and involved in my community and so perhaps I have something to share with others who are interested in this topic. I do not know what paths this journey may take, but if it is a journey that is guided by God’s Holy Spirit as I intend, it will be an experience that challenges and benefits many people along the way. If it is an effort that is in accordance with God’s will, it will clearly reflect His glory and the glory of His Son, my personal Savior.
I don’t think I could take this journey with you without first acknowledging my own limitations and failures. I don’t hold myself up as a perfect example of faith in these settings. I am a follower of Jesus Christ seeking His will in my life and learning from my mistakes as I rest in His grace. Much of what I will share here comes from lessons learned the hard way in my life. I hope you accept each post with the humility in which I offer them.
After giving thanks and glory to God, I must next thank my family for their support and encouragement. I have the best wife in the world (Thank you, Kristal) and my three sons are first class arrows their father’s quiver. Thanks also to Mom and Dad for the gift of a firm foundation.
I must also acknowledge some who have significantly influenced my thinking and deserve my gratitude. First, thanks to Abilene Christian University for providing a sound foundation for me to grow as a Christian business leader. I did not fully appreciate my Christian business education when I graduated in 1986, but I have learned to treasure it since! Thanks also to Dr. Rick Lytle, Dean of the College of Business at ACU and his faculty for their leadership in equipping so many students with a distinctively Christian business education that will prepare them for service in the Kingdom. The COBA program is an inspiration to me and I have seen first-hand the benefits an organization receives from employing ACU graduates. Thank you for everything you do to serve us, my friend and my brother!
Thanks also to Dan Sanders, CEO of United Supermarkets and author of Built to Serve as well as Norm Miller, Chairman of Interstate Batteries and author of Beyond the Norm. Their words have inspired and challenged me and both men have blazed a trail for me to follow since they are both very successful executives not in spite of their faith but because of their faith. Many thanks to Dr. Ken Jones, President of Lubbock Christian University who brought the concept of “Followership” to me which forever changed my life. Finally, thanks to Mark Layton, Chairman and CEO of PFSweb and my friend and fellow believer. Mark not only allows me to bring my faith to work, he encourages me to do so. Thanks for everything, brother. There are so many others including Richard, Tim, my fellow shepherds, Steve, Dave, Jon, Jeff, etc. I could go on and on but I won’t.
Colossians chapter three is a fantastic concise guide to Christian living. Husbands, wives, employees, church leaders and community leaders will all find something to challenge and encourage them in these verses. I will draw on many more scriptures in the coming posts, but the conclusion to Colossians 3 sums up my purpose for this blog best.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24
Meet me at the intersection!
Mike
Intersections 
Mike, I am pleased and excited that you have chosen to enter the blogosphere. I know that with your strong background of faith, church leadership and corporate success, you will be able to offer challenging and beneficial insights into the integration of faith into our family, business, and community relationships. I look forward to following your journey. Thanks for your friendship and influence over the last ten years!
By: Tim Pyles on October 15, 2009
at 2:26 am
Mike, I am excited at your decision and I look forward to learning from you.
Thank you for your guidance and know that I appreciate so very much all you and your family do for all the saints.
By: Connie Cerny on October 15, 2009
at 3:15 pm
I’m standing at the intersection…waiting for what’s coming next with great anticipation!
By: Linda Trout on October 15, 2009
at 3:17 pm
Awesome leadership Mike. I appreciate your comments and support more than you can imagine and even more so your outstanding Christian leadership examples here at the office. It takes much courage to wear your cross outwardly in the office. God has a big smile today for you.
By: Mark Layton on October 15, 2009
at 3:22 pm
Hi Mike,
I’m looking forward to reading your post even if I may have to consult with Tim Pyles in order to understand what you wrote. The great thing is now folks can go shallow with me, and then get deep with you and Tim!
Thanks for the blog link.
By: Kent "Grumpy" Smith on October 15, 2009
at 3:33 pm
Great opening post Mike! I really respect and appreciate the time, thought, and motivation behind starting this blog.
I hope God illuminates your path on this journey!
By: Andrew Wilmot on October 15, 2009
at 5:52 pm
Thanks for making the time and taking the initiative. I have many friends and associates who are bloggers and I’m always amazed at their collective wisdom and insight. So, I know it will be refreshing and encouraging to read yours.
By: Steve Green on October 15, 2009
at 6:44 pm
Great post Mike! I look forward to reading more. Colossians 3:23 is my favorite verse in the bible…a great one to live by.
By: Reagan Morgan on October 15, 2009
at 8:05 pm
Looking forward to reading your post and being able to apply it to not only the workplace but also my daily walk. I appreciate the invitation!
By: Tevi Caver on October 15, 2009
at 8:32 pm
Looking forward to reading this blog.
By: Dave Reese on October 15, 2009
at 9:45 pm
I am excited about your blog, Mike, and really enjoyed this first one! I am sure it will be as thought provoking as your lessons are so I look forward to each entry!
By: Frances Hadley on October 16, 2009
at 6:34 am
Looking forward to reading your posts. You always have such great insight as to why we are here. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and time with us.
By: CiCi Thomas on October 16, 2009
at 2:52 pm
Proverbs 27:17 – Thanks for the encouragement and I look forward to the sharpening!
By: Richard Beasley on October 16, 2009
at 9:40 pm
I am very much looking forward to reading your entries. Your lessons are always so encouraging and enlightening.
By: Dawn Hooper on October 16, 2009
at 10:08 pm
Romans 8:28 For all things….Looking forward to reading your posts and learning from you and others as we all strive to live a purposed filled life.
By: Julie Rudolph on October 19, 2009
at 5:18 pm
Great place to start…thanks for the koine references for ‘hangs on’, very nice insight. Safe travels this week. Ephesians 4:29
By: Richard Beasley on October 19, 2009
at 9:23 pm