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.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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.
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, August 14, 2008
Chuck Norris!
Someone told me the other day that when Chuck Norris does a push up,he doesn't lift himself up, he's pushing the earth down (pretty funny stuff!).
I just finished reading his book "Against All Odds",the story about his life. Pretty easy read, although it probably helps if you're a Chuck fan. There were some funny parts and some sad parts as well. I had no idea he had such a rough child hood, nothing he did came easy. I really enjoyed his journey to becoming the Middle Weight Karate Champion for 6 years in a row!
The funniest thing in the whole book is when Chuck and Steve McQueen went to a dance studio, to work on Steve's flexibility, and they had to wear tights. I don't want to ruin for you, but it made me bust out laughing for a while.
The common theme in his life is he had to work harder than anyone around him to be successful. Nothing came easy. He wasn't a natural. No one handed him anything. Just hard work, sweat and he surrounded himself with good people.
I just finished reading his book "Against All Odds",the story about his life. Pretty easy read, although it probably helps if you're a Chuck fan. There were some funny parts and some sad parts as well. I had no idea he had such a rough child hood, nothing he did came easy. I really enjoyed his journey to becoming the Middle Weight Karate Champion for 6 years in a row!
The funniest thing in the whole book is when Chuck and Steve McQueen went to a dance studio, to work on Steve's flexibility, and they had to wear tights. I don't want to ruin for you, but it made me bust out laughing for a while.
The common theme in his life is he had to work harder than anyone around him to be successful. Nothing came easy. He wasn't a natural. No one handed him anything. Just hard work, sweat and he surrounded himself with good people.
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.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Sound of Rain
That's the sound I'm listening to right now, lots and lots of rain. A sound that reminds me of a time when I got stuck in the mud. The problem is it wasn't mud when I parked there, it was bone dry. But a heavy rain came through and my 4x4 Dodge had to be pulled out with a backhoe :)
When you get comfortable with your current pace and place in life, you sometimes get stuck. Even though you started with passion and determination it changes to be lethargic and unfruitful.
So how do you get unstuck?
Go back to your first love, whatever ignited that passion in the first place. Determination always follows passion, but procastination is born out of a loss of vision. Pray the Ephesians 1:15-23 prayer and rediscover your direction and purpose in life. When you find it don't think it's a down hill coast from there, you have to work hard at fulfilling that vision. You can never fulfill a passion outside of God, it will only be a cheap imitation.
When you get comfortable with your current pace and place in life, you sometimes get stuck. Even though you started with passion and determination it changes to be lethargic and unfruitful.
So how do you get unstuck?
Go back to your first love, whatever ignited that passion in the first place. Determination always follows passion, but procastination is born out of a loss of vision. Pray the Ephesians 1:15-23 prayer and rediscover your direction and purpose in life. When you find it don't think it's a down hill coast from there, you have to work hard at fulfilling that vision. You can never fulfill a passion outside of God, it will only be a cheap imitation.
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!
Random Thoughts
Enjoy the journey. Life is not about the destination it's all about how you get there. My first 25 years of existence I was so focused on getting to the next thing and frustrated the whole time I wasn't there.
The path to obtain your goal is where you meet the people and experience the moments that shape your character. Not until you reach your destination and look back on the journey can you really appreciate it. Slow down, smell the roses, enjoy the sunrise and take a walk in the park with your sweetheart. You'll thank me later!
The path to obtain your goal is where you meet the people and experience the moments that shape your character. Not until you reach your destination and look back on the journey can you really appreciate it. Slow down, smell the roses, enjoy the sunrise and take a walk in the park with your sweetheart. You'll thank me later!
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