June 1, 2011 in
Character, Funny Stories, Leadership, Loving Others, True Stories with
I try my best not to speed. Some of you may not believe me, but it’s true. Typically, I exceed the speed limit by not paying attention; however, I was thankful that I was paying attention this past Sunday afternoon while traveling south on Interstate 77. Several cars in front of me began slamming on their brakes, so I automatically assumed that there was an accident or some type of road construction. Wrong and wrong. I slowed to almost a stop and then I saw what was happening. A short, little lady had pulled her car over to the side of the road and she was basically stopping traffic in the very right hand lane. Why? Had she run someone over with her car? Did she hit a deer? Did one of her tires blow out? The answer is…none of the above. Apparently, there was a medium size turtle making an attempt to cross the crowded highway and this “good Samaritan” was risking life and limb to make sure that the turtle was safe. Raise your hand if you would actually stop your car on the highway and help a turtle make it across safely. I would not. I would think to myself, “Someone else will stop.”
The problem is that no one else will probably stop. Everyone thinks that it is someone else’s responsibility. When was the last time you saw a piece of trash on the ground and picked it up, even though you knew it was not yours? When was the last time you willingly volunteered in the over-crowded nursery in your church, even though it wasn’t your scheduled week? When was the last time you helped a busy neighbor finish a project, even though there was no personal benefit to you?
There are already enough spectators in our world. The world needs people willing to serve, even when it is not their responsibility. ”Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10, NLT).
What would you be willing to save even if you had to stop traffic?
November 1, 2010 in
Contentment, Determination, Leadership, Life, Perspective, Prayer, Thoughts, Wisdom with
What do you do when progress is slow? The relationship isn’t moving fast enough. The business is lacking customers. Your church isn’t growing as fast as the one down the street. The frustrating habit hasn’t been broken. An unmet desire seems unreachable. Your prayer is yet to be answered. Your day job has taken time away from your passion. When these situations occur, you need to ask yourself five honest questions.
- Is it worth it? If the final result is important, stick with it…no matter what. Although your strategy may need to change from time to time, you should chase after goals that will pay off in the end.
- Do I need help? No one likes to ask for help, but all of us need it at certain points of our life. There are plenty of people who can relate to your circumstance, so why not learn from them?
- Should I take a break? A day off or change in schedule can often break up the monotony and provide your mind a much needed rest. If taking a day off or getting away doesn’t fit into your schedule, set aside some time for prayer or meditation. Alone time with God has a unique way to refocus priorities.
- Is there a better way? If you have determined that your goal is worth it, does your approach need to be adjusted? You may have become immune to the strategy.
- Am I being impatient? Anything worth attaining is worth the wait. Reaching a goal often requires hard work, endurance, and patience. Overnight success is the exception, not the rule.
Progressing at a slow rate is not always a negative thing. Use the time as an opportunity to ask yourself some honest questions.
October 5, 2010 in
Judging, Leadership, Loving Others, Thoughts with
All of us have issues. You have them. I have them. The person who seems like they have it all together has them. So it confuses me when people act as if they don’t have any weaknesses, shortcomings, or struggles. What confuses me even more is when one individual judges another for a noticeable fault. Although I believe that the Bible commands Christians to judge or hold accountable those who teach doctrines contrary to Scripture (1 John 4:1-3), Jesus openly condemns those who sit in judgment of others for apparent failings. Rather than pointing out someone else’s imperfections, Jesus demands that the “self-appointed judges” take care of their own issues first (Matthew 7:1-5). I’m convinced that my issues will take a lifetime to overcome, so I am in no position to criticize another person for their flaws.
However, as a Pastor or spiritual leader I have a responsibility to confront or assist others who are ensnared in sinful issues. How can a spiritual leader or friend find balance between judging and confronting sin? Paul wrote some helpful advice to the church at Galatia concerning this very circumstance, “…if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). The key to avoid being judgmental is to realize that you are equally capable of committing the same trespass. This attitude of humility has a way of breaking down barriers which may lead to restoration…and repairing the damage is always the intended result.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eyes when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, `Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye” (Matthew 7:3-5, NLT).
September 21, 2010 in
Determination, Leadership, Life, Motivation, Personal Stuff, Random Thinking, Thoughts, Transformation with
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Enlist someone to hold you accountable in your endeavor. My wife was a huge help. She really encouraged me along the way.
- 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!
December 30, 2009 in
Leadership, True Stories with
Recently my wife and I were walking through the mall just browsing when a watch caught her eye…not for her, but for me. Most of my watches have been purchased at garage sales, so I wasn’t too keen about spending $23.99, especially on a watch that was much larger than my usual wrist wear. Leah noticed my hesitancy to purchase it, so she started using phrases like “it would look good [aka sexy] on you” and “you need a new watch.” After listening to her persuasive words and promises of it making me cool, I left the mall with a new watch on my wrist. It took me several days to adjust to the sheer weight of this watch (pictured left), but it has developed larger muscles in my left arm. Two months have passed and I must admit that I hate this watch. Although it keeps great time (and looks good), I cannot read the layout of the numbers – it takes more than a quick glance to decipher the time.
So…why am I still wearing the watch? Personal appearance often overshadows personal benefit. Dying relationships are prolonged because of how it makes us look around others. Once productive ministries/projects are continued because we fear what people would think or say if we shut it down. Outdated models and systems are embraced because of what they used to do.
I may need to start looking for a new watch.
December 29, 2009 in
Leadership, True Stories with
Traffic is always crazy around here during the holidays, so I’m not sure why my wife sent me out to pick up a few things two days before Christmas while she stayed at home. I must have done something horribly wrong to be subjected to that type of insanity. After fulfilling my husbandly duties, I carefully planned out my route back home. Although there were several options, I chose the shortcut but the shortcut turned out to be a big mistake. Cars were backed up and people were NOT spreading Christmas cheer. While waiting in this line of cars I came to the conclusion that shortcuts are rarely worth it.
Shortcuts are my attempt to find the quickest path with the least resistance, which will ultimately help me arrive at a destination before or alongside everyone else. The problem with taking the fast track is that a person often misses valuable wisdom which is only gained through time and trials. In my opinion, faithfulness and endurance are more desirable than timing and placement.
There are no real shortcuts to parenting, friendships, marriages, church growth, business success, godliness, health, financial freedom, or whatever else you can insert here. Shortcuts are only an attempt to minimize the work between a dream and a destination. “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time” (Galatians 6:9).
November 12, 2009 in
Faith, Leadership, Prayer, Trials with
We all want it, well, I think most of us do. Success, although I’m not talking about the selfish, self-serving type of success. Regardless of how you define success in your particular vocation, success seems to be a term thrown around in our world today – successful businessman, successful parent, successful pastor, successful marriage, successful church, and whatever else you can add. With all this talk about being successful, is there a downside? I believe there can be. There is a great story in the Bible concerning the downside of success found in 1 Kings 18-19. Elijah, the prophet of God during the reign of Ahab (874-853 BC), spoke out against Israel’s worship of false gods, including Baal. Ahab is called the most evil king than all who were before him (1 Kings 16:30) and also the one who angered God more than any other king prior to his rule (16:33). This was spoken of Ahab because he was the one responsible for dragging Israel into the worship of false gods. As a judgment, God caused a three and a half year drought to come upon Israel. Toward the end of the drought, Elijah called for the 450 prophets of Baal to meet him on Mount Carmel where there was a showdown to determine which god was true – Baal or the God of Israel (1 Kings 18:20-40). In a miraculous display of power, Elijah called down fire from heaven and God demonstrated that He was the one and only true God. Elijah then had all 450 prophets of Baal executed for their part in leading Israel into the worship of false gods (1 Kings 18:40). After this monumental event in Elijah’s ministry, God caused it to rain again in response to the prayers of Elijah (1 Kings 18:41-46). Most people would read this and think, success.
However, when you turn the page, Elijah is being threatened by Ahab’s evil wife, who basically promises that she will have Elijah killed as he had killed the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 19:1-2). Forgetting about the supernatural displays of power he had just witnessed, Elijah becomes fearful of Jezebel, runs for his life (19:3), and begs God to kill him (19:4). What happened? I believe two things are clear in this story: 1) success is often followed by an immediate challenge, and, 2) past success does not guarantee future success. Elijah forgot that the God who sent fire from heaven was the same God who could deliver him from his current situation.
I wonder if I’ve forgotten…
October 30, 2009 in
Character, Determination, Faith, Impact, Influence, Leadership, Life, Motivation, Readiness, Reputation, The Church, Transition, Wisdom with
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?
October 28, 2009 in
Leadership, Motivation, Random Thinking, The Church, Travel, True Stories, Unspecific Ramblings with
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!
August 26, 2009 in
Attitude, Determination, Failure, Family, Funny Stories, Leadership, Perspective, Relationships, Transition, Trials, True Stories, Weakness with
Yesterday I took my two kids on a bike ride because, well, it is our new favorite thing to do and I believe they enjoying spending some time with me as much as I enjoy spending time with them. Now every day when I get home from work, both my son and daughter beg me to take another bike ride. So yesterday, instead of traveling the normal route around our neighborhood, I decided to take them on a new, exciting adventure in order to explore the unknown – the woods. Hoping there would be a decent bicycle path amongst the tall trees near our house, all three of us set out on an adventure; however, my children had no idea what I had planned. As we approached the deep, dark forest my seven and nine year old became a little concerned about entering a place where they had never been; in fact, they objected and made statements like, “I don’t want to go in there.” I assured them that there had been no recent snake attacks in our area, so we finally proceeded into the canopy of trees. After only traveling a short distance, the trail ended so we backtracked and took a side trail I had spotted several yards back, which ended up leading to another dead end. Determined to find a clear path, I led us along the edge of the trees until we had descended down a hill where we were met with yet another dead end. By this time, my kids were clearly frustrated with me and at one point, my daughter (who is always brutally honest) put her bike down on the ground and said, “I’m tired and I want to go home NOW!” I knew it was time to abandon my plan for discovery and exploration. Dejected and a little frustrated that my plan for exploring new paths had failed, we all pedaled home. Based on yesterday’s failure, I was certain that they would not want to embark on another bicycle journey; however, when I arrived home this evening, they asked if we were going on a bike ride.
Has the person who is your leader (a boss, teacher, parent, or pastor) led your business, classmates, family, or church to several dead ends? If so, maybe he or she needs you to ask to go on another bike ride.
