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Tired of Living in a Van Down by the River?

December 28, 2011 in Determination, Motivation, Thoughts with 2 Comments

Only a few more days until this year expires and a new one begins.  If you are like me, you’ve probably outlined or are outlining some resolutions for the new year .  It is exciting to solidify these resolutions, but the real challenge is to keep these resolutions.  Will you be able to sustain your resolutions beyond a week or a month?  The answer is firmly rooted in one word, perseverance.  Perseverance is the ability to stay on course no matter the circumstance.  When times are good, I won’t get comfortable.  When times are bad, I refuse to quit.  This simple attitude determines whether your resolutions will last beyond day one.  Here are a few guidelines for staying on track in the new year.

Everyone needs a motivational speaker. I’m not talking about “Matt Foley,” but someone who can genuinely motivate you when you want to give up.  This person should be able to sympathize without compromising your goals.

If you quit, start again the next day. Everyone quits.  Everyone is not a quitter.  A quitter is someone who never starts again.

Give yourself time. No goal worth accomplishing is automatic.  Remind yourself about the end result when you choose to make good daily choices.

If you don’t want things to be like they have been, there is no turning back.  Your future awaits you.  Here’s to perseverance.

Is losing weight one of your new year’s resolutions?  If so, check out what I believe to be the secret to weight loss and read my own story of how I lost 20 pounds in the first 90 days of 2010.

photo courtesy of dezignia.com

Do You Think This Can Wait Until Tomorrow?

September 13, 2011 in Determination, Motivation, True Stories with 0 Comments

Anytime I see a spare tire (donut) on a car, I laugh.  I don’t laugh out of scorn but because I know the feeling of having my tire blowout and temporarily replacing it with one of those awkward looking things.  Those of you with full-sized spares should thank your lucky stars.  Now I’m certainly not an expert when it comes to cars, but I’ve been told that you are not supposed to drive on a spare tire for an extended period of time.  A spare tire is only a temporary fix until you can get your regular tire repaired or replaced.  Continuing to drive on a spare can actually put the driver as well as the passengers at risk.  Okay.  Confession time.  How many of you have ever driven a little longer than you should have on a spare tire?  My hand is raised.  Several years ago my tire went flat and I (actually someone else) put on a spare and I had to drive around on it.  Every time I looked at my car I thought, “I should get that tire replaced.”  This went on for weeks.  Sure, I noticed a difference in the handling of my car but I kept putting it off.  I was even a little ashamed because I knew it made my car look funny, but the feelings of embarrassment weren’t enough motivation to make me get the tire changed.  People even started to say things to me about it (i.e. my wife), but her voice of complaint did not cause me to respond.

We have become too comfortable with temporary solutions.  Instead of handling the problem, we scramble to find a temporary patch to stop the immediate consequences, but the problem is that over time we begin to believe that a temporary fix is an eternal solution.

Eventually I got that tire fixed, but it happened when I finally made up my mind to do it.  No more procrastination.  No more delay.  No more laziness.  It’s time to have that conversation.  It’s time to try church again.  It’s time to start being a parent.  It’s time to get alone with God.  It’s time to start practicing better habits.  The time is now.

How soon not now, becomes never. – Martin Luther

Most Boring Book of the Bible?

May 10, 2011 in Communication with God, God, Honesty, Motivation, Thoughts with 2 Comments

Stick with me until the end on this one.

This week I began my trek through the book of Leviticus.  Honestly, Leviticus is not a very popular book of the Bible with modern-day worshipers.  There may be many reasons why, but the most glaring one is that most of the ceremonies and guidelines written in the book are no longer practiced in our culture today.  These practices were specifically designed so that the nation of Israel could comprehend what it meant to properly worship and obey God.  In reality, New Testament worshipers do not practice these sacrifices or rituals because Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross paid the penalty for sin (death) once for all (Hebrews 9:12; 10:8-10), making these sacrifices and offerings unnecessary.  However, just because the rituals written in Leviticus are no longer practiced, should we ignore the practical implications for the modern-day worshiper?  Absolutely not!

One of the biggest lessons to be learned from Leviticus is the necessity of marrying the heart to actions.   Sacrifices were acceptable ONLY when the attitude of the heart was right (see the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4).  Going through the motions in order to “get God off your back” is a waste of time.  A sacrifice is not a sacrifice if you don’t mean it.  After King David committed adultery and conspired to murder the woman’s husband (2 Samuel 11), he finally came to place of repentance and sacrifice one year later (2 Samuel 12; Psalm 32 and 51).  David was convinced that the heart and actions had to be joined together if a sacrifice was to mean anything.  Here are the beautiful words he wrote in a repentant prayer to God, “For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite [repentant] heart— These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17).

True worship and sacrifice does not come from the hands or the feet but from the heart.

Monday Schmunday

March 21, 2011 in Motivation, Thoughts with 0 Comments

It’s Monday.  I like Monday.  Some people don’t.

I think I like Monday because it signifies the beginning of a new week.  Last week is gone.  The happenings over the last seven days cannot be changed.  Last week is now the past.  Some people allow circumstances from last week to affect this week.  I try not to do that, although I’m not always perfect at it.  The good which occurred last week will provide joy to begin this week anew.  The disappointments from prior days must be left in the past.  I confess my sins.  I make things right with those I’ve offended.  I move on.  I must move on.  If you’ve been forgiven by God, forgive yourself.  Start over.  You must.

“…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead…” (Philippians 3:13)

My Story of Weight Loss

September 21, 2010 in Determination, Leadership, Life, Motivation, Personal Stuff, Random Thinking, Thoughts, Transformation with 2 Comments

Yesterday, I wrote about the Secret to Weight Loss (and more) in a blog post and today I wanted to share a little of my story regarding the statement, “make daily decisions consistent with your future, desired result.”  I’m a firm believer in the power of faithfulness, hard work, and patience in many areas, but over the past few years I began to ignore my health.  My motto was, ” You only live once so why not enjoy it.”  Exercise and eating in moderation were not high on my list of priorities.  I slowly gained about 40 pounds  over the course of 11 years.  Although the extra weight bothered me, I continued to ignore it.  At the end of last year, I determined to change my overall health and made a new year resolution to lose 20 pounds by the end of March 2010.  The first few weeks of counting EVERY calorie and exercising 30 minutes daily was a shock to my system.  My body didn’t like it, but I kept telling myself that I wouldn’t quit.  By the end of March, I had reached my goal and I genuinely felt better in many areas; in fact, exercise and eating better has become a new habit.

I learned a lot about myself and the value of faithfulness, hard work, and patience during the first 90 days of this year and I wanted to share a few of those things.  Although these principles are related to my weight loss, I believe they can apply in numerous areas.  So, here is what I learned.

  1. Set goals that are challenging, but attainable. Although I needed to lose 30-35 pounds, I started with losing 20.  Also, I kept the time period short so I wouldn’t become frustrated by the length of time.
  2. Stay committed even when progress is slow. There was a period of 2 weeks right in the middle of the 90 days when I didn’t lose a pound.  Quitting was not an option.
  3. Set short term goals, but keep the end result in mind. Again, I wanted to lose 20 pounds so instead of striving to lose 20 pounds, I reminded myself that I needed to lose just a little more than a pound a week.  I celebrated those small victories, but kept my end result in view.
  4. Enlist someone to hold you accountable in your endeavor. My wife was a huge help.  She really encouraged me along the way.
  5. I can sometimes accomplish more than I think I can. At first, I wasn’t sure if I could lose the weight, but now I know I can.  This means that the next time a challenge comes my way, I have the confidence that I can do it.

I really hope this helps!

Secret to Weight Loss (and more)

September 20, 2010 in Determination, Life, Motivation, Spiritual Disciplines, Thoughts with 6 Comments

On Saturday and Sunday mornings when I go to the gym, infomercials seem to be broadcast on all nine channels and the majority of the advertisements are regarding weight loss.  Usually the 30 minute infomercial consists of personal testimonies of individuals who have lost 30, 50, or even 75 pounds.  Although those results are probably accurate for some, most never experience those type of results; in fact, a disclaimer is written across the bottom of the screen which reads “results may vary” or “results not typical.”  Results vary and are not typical because people are not aware of the tremendous amount of work it takes to get from point A to point B.  Unfortunately, the world is full of people (including me) who are enamored with immediate results.

In my opinion, results tend to be the outcome of faithfulness, hard work, and patience. Creating a stronger marriage takes work.  Raising godly kids takes consistency.  Building a church doesn’t happen overnight.  Repairing a relationship takes patience.  Losing weight takes persistence.  Digging yourself out of debt takes determination.  Changing a negative mindset takes consistent rebuke.  Maturing in your faith takes faithfulness.  Getting good grades takes discipline.  There are no shortcuts to the road of results.

Let me give you what I believe to be one of the keys to achieving desired results.  Make daily decisions consistent with your future, desired result.  Even though progress may be slow at times, results come to those who remain faithful, work tirelessly, and wait patiently.

My Addiction and New Beginnings

August 23, 2010 in Christians, Determination, Failure, Motivation, True Stories with 2 Comments

I have never really been a game person, but I have been playing a few game apps lately.  I think I may be addicted in a good way, of course.  Plants vs. Zombies, Angry Birds, and Words with Friends (add me if you want to play – bocajrfan) top my list.  All of these games have one thing in common…they allow do overs.  When the zombies eat my brain, the pigs steal my eggs, or someone demolishes me with their word combinations, I can play again.

Today is Monday.  Most people hate Mondays.  I don’t.  Mondays, for me, are a chance to start over.

You may need to start over today.  Begin communicating with your wife again.  Hug your children and apologize for your distance lately.  Put all your effort into beginning that project at home or work.  Pick up your Bible again, even though it has been a while since you’ve read it.  Initiate a conversation with God, although months or years have passed since you talked to Him last.

God allows do overs.  He proved it when He gave His life for yours.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

What will you start over today?

Next Gen Leader Gets His Turn

October 30, 2009 in Character, Determination, Faith, Impact, Influence, Leadership, Life, Motivation, Readiness, Reputation, The Church, Transition, Wisdom with 0 Comments

The other day I was reading the cover story in the October issue of National Geographic magazine. The article, simply entitled Redwoods: Super Trees, speaks about the value and beauty of redwood trees, which have the potential to be the tallest trees on earth. Although the article addresses issues such as saving the trees and other conservation efforts, the author also writes about a unique process in the forest between the older trees and the second generation trees called release. The writer, Joel K. Bourne, Jr., describes this phenomenon for the reader by saying, “With their high tolerance for shade and ability to sprout, some redwoods can sit almost dormant in the shade of their elders for decades. Yet as soon as a dominant tree falls or is cut down, breaking the canopy and allowing new light to enter the forest, the suppressed redwood springs up with new growth” (October 2009 issue, p. 38).

As soon as I read this statement I paused and re-read it again; it was one of those moments in which I felt as if God was providing a spiritual application to an earthly illustration. In my lifetime I have seen many “elders” and “dominant” leaders pass off the scene which has opened up the forest to many of the “suppressed” (I don’t mean this in a negative way) leaders. For many years, some of you have stood strong in the shadow of an elder who provided shade and protection, but now it is time for you to step into the light and “spring up with new growth.”

I believe Paul wrote some similar advice to those “suppressed” leaders who were getting ready to assume the place of their elders, “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you (1 Timothy 4:12-16, NLT).

Are you ready to step into the light?

IMPART at Elevation Church

October 28, 2009 in Leadership, Motivation, Random Thinking, The Church, Travel, True Stories, Unspecific Ramblings with 1 Comment

On Tuesday, October 27, 2009 I had the opportunity to attend IMPART at Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. The eight hour trip from Ohio was well worth it for the “conference” as well as the time I was able to spend with my parents and both brothers who also live in Charlotte. This one day event was full of surprises, stories, staff, and stirring of the soul. Let me break it down.

Surprises:
Steve Fee showed up and played a few songs and then gave everyone a free copy of his new CD, Hope Rising. That was an unexpected surprise! I must say…hearing Glory to God Forever live was inspiring. The third session with Pastor Steven Furtick included a very special guest, Perry Noble from NewSpring Church in Anderson, SC. Hearing them interact about ministry was very helpful.

Stories:
Throughout the sessions, Pastor Steven shared the story of Elevation Church and how God has used their ministry in the city of Charlotte. His stories were especially near to my heart since I grew up in Charlotte. In just three and a half years, God has done some incredible things through Elevation and those stories were invigorating for me.

Staff:
The volunteer staff was AWESOME and the paid staff were available throughout the day. Those who attended the event had full access to the people who make Elevation what it is. You probably don’t get that at many other conferences.

Stirring of the Soul:
There is so much I could share here, but I’ll only highlight a few of the things God hit me with during the four sessions:

  • Three essential core values which should be a part of the church: Audacity (faith), Honor, and Generosity
  • “We want to be known by what we are for, not what we are against”
  • Act on the vision God has shown YOU.
  • Say it until you see it
  • True vision is holding onto what you cannot see yet
  • Don’t think too small
  • Our generation must restore honor to the church and that starts by honoring God
  • Honor men of God, the word of God, and other ministries
  • Respect is earned, honor is not
  • Excellence is custom designed
  • Simplicity enables excellence
  • Build for what God is going to do
  • Momentum – you don’t create it, you just ride it
  • I prepare, God blesses
  • Embrace the pain that lies between you and God
  • There is an emotional, physical, and relational cost to your calling
Of course, there is much more, but those are a few of the things God impressed on my heart as I listened. Now, I pray that God would help me to apply these things!

Mission (finally) Accomplished

August 18, 2009 in Determination, Fear, Leadership, Life, Motivation, Trials, True Stories with 0 Comments

My front yard was starting to look like a jungle so I figured it was time to bust out the old push mower, even though it had not been a week since I last mowed. I filled it with some gas, pulled the cord, and began cutting stripes into the front yard when suddenly something fell from the sky and hit me in the head and then in the back. Great! Over-sized drops of rain were falling at unusual speeds making each drop feel like it was piercing through my skin. I didn’t want to leave my grass half finished (what would the neighbors think?) so I continued on in the rain (which eventually stopped) until the job was completed.
Far too many people run for cover when the rain begins to fall leaving things half finished. It may be time for you to, once again, pull the cord and finish what you started.

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