Chloe & Mommy at Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q in Five Points Birmingham, AL
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New Life
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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 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 4, 2008
Be Yourself
"Be yourself, because everyone else is taken."
Unknown
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is be yourself. Everyone pulling on you and placing expectations on you makes you want to give in to being real. It is easier at times to just be someone else or act in a way that blends in with the group or company or church around you.
The truth about being a leader or just someones friend is authenticity and originality. Being yourself is the only true thing you can do. Embrace your little flaws and mannerisms, because they are what set you apart from the crowd. What is looked at as a flaw by one may be seen as an asset by an entire organization.
God created you to think the way you do to set you apart from everyone else and accomplish what others can't. You can't afford to be someone else, because YOU are your greatest asset.
Unknown
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is be yourself. Everyone pulling on you and placing expectations on you makes you want to give in to being real. It is easier at times to just be someone else or act in a way that blends in with the group or company or church around you.
The truth about being a leader or just someones friend is authenticity and originality. Being yourself is the only true thing you can do. Embrace your little flaws and mannerisms, because they are what set you apart from the crowd. What is looked at as a flaw by one may be seen as an asset by an entire organization.
God created you to think the way you do to set you apart from everyone else and accomplish what others can't. You can't afford to be someone else, because YOU are your greatest asset.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Diligence
The more I grow as a christian/husband/leader the more God deals with me about the little things. Almost silly things like keeping my car clean (inside and out), keeping my yard cut and groomed all the time, showing up early to appointments and never saying something I don't intend to do (no matter what it takes). I believe those little things we do in life reflect our heart. You can sum up doing those seemingly small things with one word - Diligence.
Diligence can be broken down into three categories:
1. Obedience - A tender heart before God is an obedient heart.
2. Determination - The drive to fulfill God's purpose in your life, a higher purpose than your own.
3. Perseverance - How big is your want to? The catalyst to doing Great Things.
About a year ago I mentioned to my pastor how much I was growing sitting under his leadership and he said something I never expected: "It's not so much spiritual growth, but your heart is growing more tender before God".
My constant prayer is that God would change my heart and tenderize it, because my heart is the soil of my life. It determines my sustained success, something that will last a lifetime.
Diligence can be broken down into three categories:
1. Obedience - A tender heart before God is an obedient heart.
2. Determination - The drive to fulfill God's purpose in your life, a higher purpose than your own.
3. Perseverance - How big is your want to? The catalyst to doing Great Things.
About a year ago I mentioned to my pastor how much I was growing sitting under his leadership and he said something I never expected: "It's not so much spiritual growth, but your heart is growing more tender before God".
My constant prayer is that God would change my heart and tenderize it, because my heart is the soil of my life. It determines my sustained success, something that will last a lifetime.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
27 Weeks
Kristy has grown considerably since the last time I posted, check it out here. I would tell you she has gained 20 pounds since the start of the pregnancy, but I don't know if I should (oops, too late).
Every morning before I leave for work I pray over Chloe. And for the last week she has started moving as soon as I start talking, it's so awesome. She's not just hanging out in her mommas belly. With every sound or touch she is assimilating and taking it in. Since the doctors say her eyes are open, I just imagine waking her up all bright eyed and smiling. It's so surreal becoming a dad, I can't wait for October 13!
Friday, June 27, 2008
28 Years!
It's my birthday today and I haven't even thought about it until this week. Actually my Mom and Dad's birthday is the day before mine and I didn't even remember until Tuesday-Sorry!
The only one I seem to be thinking about is my little girl and I can't even see her. Not sure if that is good or not? By the way she will be 25 weeks on Monday!
My 28th birthday wish is not for myself, but that Chloe would grow up Loving God, Loving her Family and Loving Life.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Cultivating Your Prayer Life
A couple of months ago I was asked to speak in last Wednesdays service at my church. I first want to say it was an Honor and I greatly enjoyed it!
I talked about praying in minutes. Praying in the morning for a few minutes, on the way to work, at lunch, on your way home and before you go to bed. So prayer becomes a part of your everyday life. As we all Do Life we have so many things pulling on us and demanding our time, we don't always have large blocks of time for fellowship with God. Mark Batterson blogged something this morning right in line with that.
Mark posted about a 40 Day Prayer Challenge, that I am personally starting today. He had 10 great ideas, here are the ones that stood out to me:
1) Set Prayer Goals--pray thirty minutes five times a week. I know that sounds a little like "punching the clock" but it's a great way to develop a habit and I believe God smiles on those kinds of goals if our heart is to hear His voice and seek His heart.
2) Keep a Prayer Journal--this is a great way to cultivate the spiritual discipline of journaling. Yes, I think it's a spiritual discipline. It's a form of meditation.
6) Set Your Alarm an Hour Earlier for 40 Days
7) Turn Your commute into a prayer walk or prayer ride--turn off the radio and tune God in.
8) Pray with your spouse before bed for forty days.
I talked about praying in minutes. Praying in the morning for a few minutes, on the way to work, at lunch, on your way home and before you go to bed. So prayer becomes a part of your everyday life. As we all Do Life we have so many things pulling on us and demanding our time, we don't always have large blocks of time for fellowship with God. Mark Batterson blogged something this morning right in line with that.
Mark posted about a 40 Day Prayer Challenge, that I am personally starting today. He had 10 great ideas, here are the ones that stood out to me:
1) Set Prayer Goals--pray thirty minutes five times a week. I know that sounds a little like "punching the clock" but it's a great way to develop a habit and I believe God smiles on those kinds of goals if our heart is to hear His voice and seek His heart.
2) Keep a Prayer Journal--this is a great way to cultivate the spiritual discipline of journaling. Yes, I think it's a spiritual discipline. It's a form of meditation.
6) Set Your Alarm an Hour Earlier for 40 Days
7) Turn Your commute into a prayer walk or prayer ride--turn off the radio and tune God in.
8) Pray with your spouse before bed for forty days.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Beautiful!
As promised here is picture of the love of my life, Kristy, and the amazing gift of life growing inside of her. And after a late night run for some fruity pebbles, an early morning pancake cook off and enough corn on the cob to feed an army I still have a very happy pregnant wife. I may have exaggerated about the corn on the cob, but as that old saying goes "If momma ain't happy ain't nobody happy". So whatever momma wants momma gets!
Friday, May 30, 2008
It's a Girl!
Chloe Elizabeth Behl
Yesterday the ultrasound confirmed we are having a beautiful little girl! As you can see she's still tiny at 14 0z. with a heart rate of 140 bpm. The doc said all of her organs and features are perfect and she's actually a little bigger than average (that's daddy's girl!).
I will post some pictures of Kristy next week, she's getting so big. By the way she is 21 weeks on Monday.
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