With new life comes new reflection. Not looking back. Rather looking forward to what will be, can be and should be. Everyday I look at my newborn baby girl and see nothing but limitless possibilites.
So the question should be why don't I see that every time I look in the mirror?
As I pull back from the many distractions in life, most of which I volunteered for, I find myself accomplishing more. Not just more productivity, but greater focus and even greater results. The bible says if you bear fruit, God will purge us, that we will bear more fruit. This means cutting off those things that are sucking the life from your relationships, job and ministry.
Let's clear up what ministry really is. Hebrews 6:6 says "Those who come to God must believe that He Is and that He is a rewarder of those that Diligently Seek Him." First believing He not only exists, but also exists in your life to help you be successful. And a daily pursuit of Him, no matter how hectic things get. These two principles will act as the catalyst for serving God, your family, your job and everyone else. So let your daily life be your ministry.
As John Maxwell says "walk through the crowd slowly." Enjoy everyday, treat everyone with the respect you would want and cherish your family. Let that be your launch pad into limitless possibilities. You will thank me later.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Choices?!
Here is a post from Veteran's Day that I wrote, but didn't actually post. Until now I thought I was just complaining. But I think it's important for people to know the struggles of ministry and yet great success at the same time. Interesting paradox.
Thank God for good leadership. Those days that you need to lean on someone else to help you through an off day
In Sunday's morning service we had the largest crowd ever, around One Hundred and Fifty first time visitors. We were able to honor over Ninety veterans with music, skits, videos, medals, gift bags and even a Twenty-One gun salute. Very emotional and humbling to think of their great service to our great country. Not a dry eye in the place.
Even in that atmosphere of showing honor and recognizing the heroes of our country, you still have to deal with people. I love people.... I really do. You really find out if you're led by the Spirit of God or your flesh when dealing with a lot of people in one place. Thank God for good Pastors and Leaders.
Thank God for good leadership. Those days that you need to lean on someone else to help you through an off day
In Sunday's morning service we had the largest crowd ever, around One Hundred and Fifty first time visitors. We were able to honor over Ninety veterans with music, skits, videos, medals, gift bags and even a Twenty-One gun salute. Very emotional and humbling to think of their great service to our great country. Not a dry eye in the place.
Even in that atmosphere of showing honor and recognizing the heroes of our country, you still have to deal with people. I love people.... I really do. You really find out if you're led by the Spirit of God or your flesh when dealing with a lot of people in one place. Thank God for good Pastors and Leaders.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Self Discipline
Nick Saban, Coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, was talking about ways his undefeated team could improve. He said, "Discipline is knowing what to do and doing it. Self Discipline is knowing what to do and doing it no matter how you feel."
It's easy to follow instructions and do what you're told, but what you do when no one else is looking is another thing. Keeping your eyes fixed on the prize and your ears closed to the distractions will help you achieve any goal in front of you. Focus can be allusive, because it's not so much what you're doing, but what you should stop doing. Decide to cut off the distractions and push beyond your emotions.
Just like coach said, no one will remember who was undefeated at mid point of this season next year, it's what you've accomplished in the end.
Roll Tide!
It's easy to follow instructions and do what you're told, but what you do when no one else is looking is another thing. Keeping your eyes fixed on the prize and your ears closed to the distractions will help you achieve any goal in front of you. Focus can be allusive, because it's not so much what you're doing, but what you should stop doing. Decide to cut off the distractions and push beyond your emotions.
Just like coach said, no one will remember who was undefeated at mid point of this season next year, it's what you've accomplished in the end.
Roll Tide!
Monday, October 27, 2008
10-16-08
She's finally here, the moment Me & Kristy have been waiting for. A Beautiful, Happy, Healthy Baby Girl. So here's the stats: 8lbs. 10oz., 19 3/4" long, born at 4:17pm on October 16, 2008.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Less Is More
Narrowing my focus has some people questioning my decisions, but the response from those closest to me have been very positive. My wife said she has noticed a definite change for the better, I am more engaged at work and church is more enjoyable. If you're not enjoying what you do, the smart money is on finding something else to do.
I've also noticed stepping back from some things have not only allowed others to step up, but also revealed the areas that need the most attention. Less is more. Not less effort or less passion. Rather less distraction, less time stealers, less waste, so more is accomplished. I'm spending more time in fewer more important things.
Jim Collins said "Within every organization or company that is great...you will find a culture of discpline." Saying No to the wrong choices and Yes to the right choices takes discpline. Because some wrong choices look right you have to be disciplined to know your priorities and stick to them.
I've also noticed stepping back from some things have not only allowed others to step up, but also revealed the areas that need the most attention. Less is more. Not less effort or less passion. Rather less distraction, less time stealers, less waste, so more is accomplished. I'm spending more time in fewer more important things.
Jim Collins said "Within every organization or company that is great...you will find a culture of discpline." Saying No to the wrong choices and Yes to the right choices takes discpline. Because some wrong choices look right you have to be disciplined to know your priorities and stick to them.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Narrowing Your Focus
The hardest thing for me to do as a Leader is to let go of things I'm in control of, so I can narrow my focus. I must emphasize that we are all leaders to some degree, whether at work, at church or at home. Somewhere you're in front and people are following your lead. That means there is pressure on you to perform, navigate and produce the desired results.
Rather than being the flood light that gets enough light out to cover what's in front of it, I am choosing to be like the laser with energy so focused it could perform sugery. Narrowing my focus isn't the easiest thing, it means I have to give up some things I don't want to. But I am able to spend more time with those important people, that specific calling and enjoy a greater harvest.
Take the time to evaluate your priorties. What can I do with out? Is this really the team I am to be leading or should I focus on something else? You may have to step back to see what it is, because you've probably been standing on it.
Rather than being the flood light that gets enough light out to cover what's in front of it, I am choosing to be like the laser with energy so focused it could perform sugery. Narrowing my focus isn't the easiest thing, it means I have to give up some things I don't want to. But I am able to spend more time with those important people, that specific calling and enjoy a greater harvest.
Take the time to evaluate your priorties. What can I do with out? Is this really the team I am to be leading or should I focus on something else? You may have to step back to see what it is, because you've probably been standing on it.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
37 Weeks
A couple more weeks and I'll be a Dad, I'm sooo excited! Last Friday the doctor checked out Kristy, so here's the scoop: est. weight- 6 lbs. 11 oz. , 1-1/2 cm. dilated, 75% effaced and -1 pelvic station.
If it wasn't for the 10 hours of birthing classes I doubt those numbers would mean anything to me. The short of it is Chloe will probably be entering the world sooner than the original due date of October 13th.
The plan (as I understand it) is for natural childbirth. So we are practicing those famous Lamaze breathing techniques. They seem funny but I think they will actually help. Keeping your mind occupied with counting and duration of breaths is suppose to help distract from the pain (we'll see :)
I had trouble downloading the ultra sound pics, maybe in the next couple of days I can post the new ones.
If it wasn't for the 10 hours of birthing classes I doubt those numbers would mean anything to me. The short of it is Chloe will probably be entering the world sooner than the original due date of October 13th.
The plan (as I understand it) is for natural childbirth. So we are practicing those famous Lamaze breathing techniques. They seem funny but I think they will actually help. Keeping your mind occupied with counting and duration of breaths is suppose to help distract from the pain (we'll see :)
I had trouble downloading the ultra sound pics, maybe in the next couple of days I can post the new ones.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pink!
Just about finished with the baby's room. When I walk down the hall this room just glows pink. I feel like pink is running out of my ears! Anyways there is more done than what these pictures show, I'll try to post them soon.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Unpolitical
In this very politically charged atmosphere it's so easy to express our own opinion instead of Christ's. Mark Batterson did an interview with Leadership Journal, which you can read about here, about pastoring a church(es) minutes from Capitol Hill. He did an amazing job of reflecting the heart of a true pastor, whose agenda is to teach people how to follow Christ and not which politics best fit the church.
I believe the allure of branding yourself with a certain political affiliation will always distract you from reaching into the hurting world around. Our mission as Christians is to help people see the Christ that died for everyone and then teach them how to walk successfully with Him. Not make our bend of politics the only way. Rather let the principals of Christ shape peoples values and priorities. Then trust them to live it out.
I believe the allure of branding yourself with a certain political affiliation will always distract you from reaching into the hurting world around. Our mission as Christians is to help people see the Christ that died for everyone and then teach them how to walk successfully with Him. Not make our bend of politics the only way. Rather let the principals of Christ shape peoples values and priorities. Then trust them to live it out.
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