I stumbled across a Rick Atchley (an Austin area pastor) tweet where he stated "Love your particular Christian tribe, but remember: you are SOME of God's people, not the SUM of God's people." I don't know if this is an original Atchley quote, but I do know that I love it.
I wrote about in my May 25th blog (Santa God) how many people within the church can cast the definition of being a "good Christian" on someone who achieves a certain level of behavioral traits and I really thought that Atchley hit the nail further on the head about Christian circles (or as he's stated—tribes).
I recall a time when I was in a singles study group at my church a while back. The group seemed to be brought up within the church. They were all well read in the Bible, and sang songs, and prayed, and had times of fellowship. But I couldn't really get engaged, and I think one time I said a curse word once in a discussion. It wasn't a fit for me, and perhaps I for them. Now this is not at all a bad thing to not fit in (and perhaps I shouldn't have sworn). I guess it just shows that there is a bird of a feather thing to a lot of Christian tribes. And this is not necessarily a bad thing. There certainly are doctrinal and ritualistic things which pertain to particular Christian tribes. But when in a tribe, we need to ensure that we examine ourselves and our intentions — recognizing that no one has the book on God outside of Himself. And that we love one another...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Validation
I was pointed to Seth Godin's latest blog on validation (http://tw0.us/HwV). In which he describes validation as being "overrated" in the workplace. He also describes, or rather encourages, folks to push towards achieving their goals and find fulfillment in, well...fulfillment.
I don't know that validation is overrated. I believe that we all need validation. What matters though is the source of our validation. Certainly as Godin describes we all to often look for validation from our colleagues, or work leaders, or even what we do professionally. On the personal side, many of us look for our validation from our neighbors, or those Joneses we tend to focus on keeping up with. But that is not where we should find our individual validation. There are bigger validators at play than simply our boss, or our peers. But it is up to us to find, define or recognize them.
Around my 40th year was when I was able to truly experience this. I was going through what I have shared with many as a "gray time" at the office. Let's just say that things were not going well for me and that I may have been underdelivering (that's still open to debate). However, from a long endured desert-like experience came my utter reliance on God, and the understanding that His was the sole necessary validation for me. It really was what He thought of me that mattered—and matters still.
Certainly my wife, children, and close friends can show me support, recognition and yes, validation in a wonderful way, but when I really need to understand it and receive it, I gotta get to my knees.
I don't know that validation is overrated. I believe that we all need validation. What matters though is the source of our validation. Certainly as Godin describes we all to often look for validation from our colleagues, or work leaders, or even what we do professionally. On the personal side, many of us look for our validation from our neighbors, or those Joneses we tend to focus on keeping up with. But that is not where we should find our individual validation. There are bigger validators at play than simply our boss, or our peers. But it is up to us to find, define or recognize them.
Around my 40th year was when I was able to truly experience this. I was going through what I have shared with many as a "gray time" at the office. Let's just say that things were not going well for me and that I may have been underdelivering (that's still open to debate). However, from a long endured desert-like experience came my utter reliance on God, and the understanding that His was the sole necessary validation for me. It really was what He thought of me that mattered—and matters still.
Certainly my wife, children, and close friends can show me support, recognition and yes, validation in a wonderful way, but when I really need to understand it and receive it, I gotta get to my knees.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
For Real?
A while back I'd asked a friend if they'd read my blog. They replied that they had, they liked it, but the spiritual bit scared them. They said they'd had a bad experience with some hypocritical people from church. It seems this hypocritical thing has been a constant descriptor of "church people" through the ages. Wikipedia defines Hypocrisy as "The act of persistently professing beliefs, opinions, virtues, feelings, qualities, or standards that are inconsistent with one's actions. Hypocrisy is thus a kind of lie." Pretty heavy stuff at the tail end of this. "Hypocrisy is thus kind of a lie.". I think the origin of the word comes from Latin or something which means actor, or playing a part. Not being real.
Hypocrisy escapes no one. We've all been there and done that. It is far too often in leadership positions and roles. Be it a do as I say, not as I do form of parenting or some finger wagging politician who is wrought in scandal. We are not holier than thou—if thou is just someone else.
The reality of hypocrisy within the church is a shame — a tragedy. And Jesus clearly spotted the hypocrites and called them out (Matthew 23 is loaded with this). I hope that the words that I've been typing within this blog, as well as the life I am leading is transparent enough to have me not veiled or saying I am things that I am not. I do my best to place myself, my faith, and my life out in the open, as well as try to look in the mirror for self-examination. I fail. I succeed. I insult. I encourage. I fall short. I get up again...by the grace of God.
Hypocrisy escapes no one. We've all been there and done that. It is far too often in leadership positions and roles. Be it a do as I say, not as I do form of parenting or some finger wagging politician who is wrought in scandal. We are not holier than thou—if thou is just someone else.
The reality of hypocrisy within the church is a shame — a tragedy. And Jesus clearly spotted the hypocrites and called them out (Matthew 23 is loaded with this). I hope that the words that I've been typing within this blog, as well as the life I am leading is transparent enough to have me not veiled or saying I am things that I am not. I do my best to place myself, my faith, and my life out in the open, as well as try to look in the mirror for self-examination. I fail. I succeed. I insult. I encourage. I fall short. I get up again...by the grace of God.
ROI
Most have heard the term ROI, or Return On Investment (ROI). Typically a business term and deliverable where we are asked to either receive or provide some sort of ROI. This will either be some sort of financial or awareness type of return. Many times there are measurables in place to determine if ROI is being achieved along the life of a project. As well as there being some sort of mapped out end game, where goals have been met and everyone is happy. Now there certainly are times where said project has not necessarily met its goals and folks aren't happy. People may even lose a job. Or at least some reputation. There is frustration on both sides—the investor's and investee's.
But how many of us are willing to invest without any proof or awareness of return? Certainly when we are dealing with money and business goals, we want to see that return. We are paid to see that return. But what about our investments from a life standpoint—are we willing to invest?
As a parent we have a more innate desire for investment. They are our kids after all. And we are called to raise them as best we can. But what about if we don't see the return? Sometimes there is snubbing, and disrespect. What empowers us to keep on? A sense of duty? And what energy do we continue to apply?
When it comes to our community, or our "fellow man", it can perhaps be even harder to invest without the return. We may give, and simply have our giving taken. Unthanked. Or even unnoticed. Would we give again?
Even in our professional lives, will we continue to go to the proverbial well? I imagine someone in the counseling or teaching field would find this sort of investment drudgery a lot of the time. Outside of a paycheck (small as it is for most of these folks), what motivates?
I wonder what God felt when he invested in us through His son, Jesus. I suppose with His omnipresent perspective he has a good idea as to His return on that investment. So many times our actions and attitude leaves Him snubbed, disrespected, unthanked, unnoticed underpaid. Fortunately for us His well is deep and He continues to invest...
But how many of us are willing to invest without any proof or awareness of return? Certainly when we are dealing with money and business goals, we want to see that return. We are paid to see that return. But what about our investments from a life standpoint—are we willing to invest?
As a parent we have a more innate desire for investment. They are our kids after all. And we are called to raise them as best we can. But what about if we don't see the return? Sometimes there is snubbing, and disrespect. What empowers us to keep on? A sense of duty? And what energy do we continue to apply?
When it comes to our community, or our "fellow man", it can perhaps be even harder to invest without the return. We may give, and simply have our giving taken. Unthanked. Or even unnoticed. Would we give again?
Even in our professional lives, will we continue to go to the proverbial well? I imagine someone in the counseling or teaching field would find this sort of investment drudgery a lot of the time. Outside of a paycheck (small as it is for most of these folks), what motivates?
I wonder what God felt when he invested in us through His son, Jesus. I suppose with His omnipresent perspective he has a good idea as to His return on that investment. So many times our actions and attitude leaves Him snubbed, disrespected, unthanked, unnoticed underpaid. Fortunately for us His well is deep and He continues to invest...
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Thanks Dad
As I was sweating through a sunny, 80 some odd degree, Father's Day eve walk this morning, I was thinking about my old man. Traditionally, I'd be searching for a card today, and looking forward to spending time with my Dad tomorrow. Relaxing with a cold beer, some good food, a decent sports viewing on the tube, and just being with him. My heart and mind thought I should mix it up a bit this year and get a little deeper regarding my pop. So Dad, the below is for you.
Dad,
I want to share with you some of the many ways you've fathered and influenced me.
Dad as Constant: We used to have a family joke that if Dad were a color, he'd be beige. Originally this was due to clothing color choice and an incredibly subdued nature, but as I look a little deeper here, I recognize that Dad was always there in a beige-like capacity. He'd sit back and more or less observe. I believe that this is where he received some of his greatest parental joy—watching his sons (I am one of three) in varied interactions while enjoying mild interaction, and really resting in the joy of simply taking it all in.
Dad as Caretaker: Dad really has a passion for quiet caretaking. I have seen this over many years as his child. Dad was a car dealer who owned a few dealerships throughout his time in the industry. Dad would work Monday through Saturday and NEVER bring home (to my knowledge) business issues or concerns. He quietly provided for his family, almost as though it was avowed. As I grew on through college, I saw Dad wrap his paternal wings around various young men who were in need of counsel, financial support, and even a roof over their heads. Dad's "fatherhood" stretched far.
Dad as Selfless Leader: Dad had many men in his life, but some I had the opportunity to uniquely experience was when I worked in the Service Department of his Chrysler dealership for a year after high school and the summer's through college. Here is where I observed what people said about him. I got to see his interaction with those on his payroll and how he communicated with and lead them. I listened to some guys who'd worked for him for years speak of him as a "good man". I've also seen him give second chances to some hardship cases and be gracious in all professional areas. Dad put his folks first.
Dad as Defender: In what was most likely Dad's most unbeige-like moment, I had the incredible opportunity to see him in a temple-table-turning instance. I sat behind the Parts Department counter and witnessed a guy, who'd brought his car in for some service, berate the Service Manager in a way that was beyond simply being disgruntled about a bill. My Dad walked into the discussion and listened to this guy rant on a little further, then proceeded to tear up the guys bill and vigorously tell him to get out. If looks could kill, I don't know what sort of shape that guy would be in as I glared at him from behind the counter as he huffed out the door. Dad would not allow for his team to be belittled and insulted.
Now I've seen you change over the years as your reliance upon our Heavenly Father, your faith in our Lord Jesus, and your trust in a life of prayer, has grown. I have seen a quiet and reserved man stand in church with his hands opened (in your uniquely beige-like manner) place himself under God's control and grace.
Dad, while the above are merely glimpses of your life and of your influence I want to say that now, as a father of two boys, I cannot appreciate you more. You are a shining example of a man, and a shining example of a dad. I love you. Thank you for being exactly who you are. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
As for tomorrow, I look forward to a couple of cold beers, some brats, and just being beige.
Your son,
Rick
Dad,
I want to share with you some of the many ways you've fathered and influenced me.
Dad as Constant: We used to have a family joke that if Dad were a color, he'd be beige. Originally this was due to clothing color choice and an incredibly subdued nature, but as I look a little deeper here, I recognize that Dad was always there in a beige-like capacity. He'd sit back and more or less observe. I believe that this is where he received some of his greatest parental joy—watching his sons (I am one of three) in varied interactions while enjoying mild interaction, and really resting in the joy of simply taking it all in.
Dad as Caretaker: Dad really has a passion for quiet caretaking. I have seen this over many years as his child. Dad was a car dealer who owned a few dealerships throughout his time in the industry. Dad would work Monday through Saturday and NEVER bring home (to my knowledge) business issues or concerns. He quietly provided for his family, almost as though it was avowed. As I grew on through college, I saw Dad wrap his paternal wings around various young men who were in need of counsel, financial support, and even a roof over their heads. Dad's "fatherhood" stretched far.
Dad as Selfless Leader: Dad had many men in his life, but some I had the opportunity to uniquely experience was when I worked in the Service Department of his Chrysler dealership for a year after high school and the summer's through college. Here is where I observed what people said about him. I got to see his interaction with those on his payroll and how he communicated with and lead them. I listened to some guys who'd worked for him for years speak of him as a "good man". I've also seen him give second chances to some hardship cases and be gracious in all professional areas. Dad put his folks first.
Dad as Defender: In what was most likely Dad's most unbeige-like moment, I had the incredible opportunity to see him in a temple-table-turning instance. I sat behind the Parts Department counter and witnessed a guy, who'd brought his car in for some service, berate the Service Manager in a way that was beyond simply being disgruntled about a bill. My Dad walked into the discussion and listened to this guy rant on a little further, then proceeded to tear up the guys bill and vigorously tell him to get out. If looks could kill, I don't know what sort of shape that guy would be in as I glared at him from behind the counter as he huffed out the door. Dad would not allow for his team to be belittled and insulted.
Now I've seen you change over the years as your reliance upon our Heavenly Father, your faith in our Lord Jesus, and your trust in a life of prayer, has grown. I have seen a quiet and reserved man stand in church with his hands opened (in your uniquely beige-like manner) place himself under God's control and grace.
Dad, while the above are merely glimpses of your life and of your influence I want to say that now, as a father of two boys, I cannot appreciate you more. You are a shining example of a man, and a shining example of a dad. I love you. Thank you for being exactly who you are. I couldn't have asked for anything more.
As for tomorrow, I look forward to a couple of cold beers, some brats, and just being beige.
Your son,
Rick
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
In Not Of
In The Godfather III, Michael Corleone stated "Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in". I can empathize. Not from the mob family perspective, and particularly the Corleones, but from an out-of-this-world perspective. There are day to day, moment by moment occurrences, feelings, and issues which challenge the Christian life experience within this world.
Most certainly prayer, Bible reading, and the church body are paramount combatants against this world's challengers, but I would argue that dialogue and engagement with this world are large components—to keep our own faith challenged and true.
All too often, I believe that "Christians" are isolated from this world (at least in my neck of the woods). Tucked into churches, over-scheduled with christian to-dos, christian sports leagues, and study groups. Let us not wear blinders to those walking around this land with us. Or even worse, think less—poor little non-Christians.
We are called to live in this world, and not of it. The ability to be a participant is critical, not only for the sharing of the Gospel, but for having an understanding of the society and culture in which we live, and being able to communicate and love within it.
Galatians 5:25 shares "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.". Keeping in step with the Spirit is crucial as engagement with this world can be deadly. But there is a battle waging for hearts and allegiance, and we need to be participants. Perhaps Michael Corleone said had a point in Godfather II, "My father taught me many things here - he taught me in this room. He taught me - keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
Most certainly prayer, Bible reading, and the church body are paramount combatants against this world's challengers, but I would argue that dialogue and engagement with this world are large components—to keep our own faith challenged and true.
All too often, I believe that "Christians" are isolated from this world (at least in my neck of the woods). Tucked into churches, over-scheduled with christian to-dos, christian sports leagues, and study groups. Let us not wear blinders to those walking around this land with us. Or even worse, think less—poor little non-Christians.
We are called to live in this world, and not of it. The ability to be a participant is critical, not only for the sharing of the Gospel, but for having an understanding of the society and culture in which we live, and being able to communicate and love within it.
Galatians 5:25 shares "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.". Keeping in step with the Spirit is crucial as engagement with this world can be deadly. But there is a battle waging for hearts and allegiance, and we need to be participants. Perhaps Michael Corleone said had a point in Godfather II, "My father taught me many things here - he taught me in this room. He taught me - keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Size Matters Part 2
As I considered in yesterday's entry that there are things (a lot) that are not known about God, I wanted to dig a little deeper into the aspect of knowing Him. I have had a two conversations over the last few days which have me considering the actuality of knowing God.
So, can we know God? Can we understand Him? As the ocean, God is vast. And some have been thrown into mighty waters and experienced a God a lot won't ever understand. And others have waded into the ocean a bit further than others and can turn back and say. "When you get out this far it warms up a bit".
We must wade in further—even swim—scary and undiscovered as the ocean may be—to find out more about it. God only knows what is lurking beneath the waves.
- Conversation One surrounded the fact (yes, fact) that we can know God. And that there are a lot of things which we can believe and have ideas about but there is a concreteness to God. He can be known.
- Conversation Two surrounded the aspect of knowing more about God. This was driven around the idea that through age comes wisdom and life experience that allow for us to know things. Our experience has allowed us to provide counsel and encouragement.
- Regarding Conversation One: There was a girl I knew who lost a battle with Neuroblastoma. At her memorial service her father shared a story of how, sitting at her bedside, he wanted to ensure that his little girl knew how much he loved her. He told her that his love for her was great and that he wanted her to make sure that she knew that. To which she replied "I know you love me, Daddy, but I also know God loves me more". This young girl was ten. She'd battled cancer for 9 years of her life and she knew God in an intimate way. A concrete way. She KNEW God!
- Regarding Conversation Two: Many consider C.S. Lewis a spiritual giant. Certainly a well schooled man who had a deep viewpoint on who God is. I read he was once asked about how he and others can have such a knowledge about God to which he shared “Think of me as a fellow patient in the same hospital who, having been admitted a little earlier could give some advice.”
So, can we know God? Can we understand Him? As the ocean, God is vast. And some have been thrown into mighty waters and experienced a God a lot won't ever understand. And others have waded into the ocean a bit further than others and can turn back and say. "When you get out this far it warms up a bit".
We must wade in further—even swim—scary and undiscovered as the ocean may be—to find out more about it. God only knows what is lurking beneath the waves.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Size Matters
The older I get, the more I realize what I don't know. And that is something that I find oddly comforting. I don't have to have all the answers, I don't have to fully comprehend things, I don't always say and do the right thing. Because, when I believe I got it figured out, I am consistently shown otherwise.
I used to think (and sometimes still do) that I had a lot of answers when it came the "Christian Faith" and living therein. I have read a lot of books, heard a lot of sermons, been in a lot of discussions, and experienced a good bit of Faith-walk in my life. By contrast, I have failed a ton, experimented too much, hurt many people, and generally screwed up a lot along the way.
I also used to quite think that I had God himself figured out. I've come to realize that I hardly do at all. Perhaps a fingertips worth (until I am shown otherwise)—and there's a lot of body beyond the tip of a finger.
One thing I think I've figured out is that God is big. Really big. Beyond anything I could imagine big. I like Him big. And I believe He wants us to be amazed by how big He is. Because that's what He is. Big. Huge. Out-of-this-world.
In The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Lucy asks Beaver about Aslan inquiring if he is "safe", to which Beaver replies "safe—no, but he is good". I love this interpretation of what God could be like. Monstrous, Powerful, Clawed, Saber-toothed, Muscular, Mighty....but good.
I am gonna steal from Steve Martin here.... Let's get small, and keep God big.
I used to think (and sometimes still do) that I had a lot of answers when it came the "Christian Faith" and living therein. I have read a lot of books, heard a lot of sermons, been in a lot of discussions, and experienced a good bit of Faith-walk in my life. By contrast, I have failed a ton, experimented too much, hurt many people, and generally screwed up a lot along the way.
I also used to quite think that I had God himself figured out. I've come to realize that I hardly do at all. Perhaps a fingertips worth (until I am shown otherwise)—and there's a lot of body beyond the tip of a finger.
One thing I think I've figured out is that God is big. Really big. Beyond anything I could imagine big. I like Him big. And I believe He wants us to be amazed by how big He is. Because that's what He is. Big. Huge. Out-of-this-world.
In The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Lucy asks Beaver about Aslan inquiring if he is "safe", to which Beaver replies "safe—no, but he is good". I love this interpretation of what God could be like. Monstrous, Powerful, Clawed, Saber-toothed, Muscular, Mighty....but good.
I am gonna steal from Steve Martin here.... Let's get small, and keep God big.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Stand Corrected
Do I stand corrected?
Will I stand corrected?
Have I stood corrected?
Do you stand corrected?
Will you stand corrected?
Have you stood corrected?
None of us have it all figured out yet.
Will I stand corrected?
Have I stood corrected?
Do you stand corrected?
Will you stand corrected?
Have you stood corrected?
None of us have it all figured out yet.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Attitude Amazing
When I come across someone who, under tremendous circumstances, embraces an incredibly positive attitude, I am inspired, humbled, and a bit ashamed. Inspired by their conscious decision to take a certain stance or belief given a heavy state of affairs. Humbled by my own life situation and how I can lose sight of the incredible blessings I hold on a daily basis. And ashamed to think of the sort of attitude I can take under certain "trials" I face each day.
We all have heard great stories of triumph and amazing attitudes, but when we are exposed to them in our own individual lives—with people we have seen and touched. It has a deeper impact.
Take time today to reflect on those you know whose amazing attitude has impacted your life. And check your own attitude. I know I need to.
We all have heard great stories of triumph and amazing attitudes, but when we are exposed to them in our own individual lives—with people we have seen and touched. It has a deeper impact.
- My Aunt battled cancer in a few forms over the last years of her life. This lady was a true angel. A shining example of attitude and faith. Amid her battle, she'd been asked "Do you ever ask God, why me?" to which she replied "Why not me."
- A buddy of mine was out of work for over a year. I know there were internal battles he waged with himself, but he made the decision to "embrace it, and find out what God desired for me to learn from this" and now employed and digging back out from under states he "wouldn't have changed a thing" because there was so much to learn.
- At seven months old, Hailey Trainer was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Amid incredible sorrow and questions, her parents embraced an attitude of prayer and trust, and leaned heavily on family, friends and the church body. Hailey is now a miracle child who at 2-years old, is the oldest living survivor of her form of cancer.
Take time today to reflect on those you know whose amazing attitude has impacted your life. And check your own attitude. I know I need to.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Father Figure
Being a father reminds me on many occasions about what being a child is. Yesterday at church, our Sr. Pastor Crawford Loritts considered part of a child's perspective*, and the comfort and confidence a child has in their father (or mother)—The bills are paid. There is gas in the car. Food is coming. There will be clean clothes. That most needs will be met—and that we should share the same confidence in our Heavenly Father.
In 1 John 2:13, the author writes "...I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. " We need to know the Father. And trust Him as the child described above does. Trusting that he is aware of our bills, the car, the food, the clothes. And will provide for us as we need.
As a grown(er) person, and somebody who has been in a growing relationship with our God for a while, I have seen many times where the bills make a borderline untimely payment, the car is filled one quarter tank at a time, we're hitting the pantry, and Macy's is surely not shopped.
Just as we want our kids to learn that there is hard work and patience required for our needs being met, often times God's desire has been for me to learn through a time of trial or want. And I have always seen my Father deliver. Not always as expected, or I even desired at the time, but in a sufficient (sometimes beyond sufficient) manner.
Now this is a perspective I don't keep daily. So often I try to take matters into my own hands and lose track of the relationship, wisdom and support I can receive from my Father each day. I need to remember who's roof I live under—and the price paid for me to live there.
*Certainly there are many children who don't share this exact perspective due to environmental circumstances, poverty, etc, but I believe the theory is the same, the vehicles of a father, or The Father's support may look different.
In 1 John 2:13, the author writes "...I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. " We need to know the Father. And trust Him as the child described above does. Trusting that he is aware of our bills, the car, the food, the clothes. And will provide for us as we need.
As a grown(er) person, and somebody who has been in a growing relationship with our God for a while, I have seen many times where the bills make a borderline untimely payment, the car is filled one quarter tank at a time, we're hitting the pantry, and Macy's is surely not shopped.
Just as we want our kids to learn that there is hard work and patience required for our needs being met, often times God's desire has been for me to learn through a time of trial or want. And I have always seen my Father deliver. Not always as expected, or I even desired at the time, but in a sufficient (sometimes beyond sufficient) manner.
Now this is a perspective I don't keep daily. So often I try to take matters into my own hands and lose track of the relationship, wisdom and support I can receive from my Father each day. I need to remember who's roof I live under—and the price paid for me to live there.
*Certainly there are many children who don't share this exact perspective due to environmental circumstances, poverty, etc, but I believe the theory is the same, the vehicles of a father, or The Father's support may look different.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Calibrators
Back when I was a single guy, I had a roommate, Jim. He and I would frequent the local establishments for a few beverages with the hopes of some sort of engagement with the fairer sex. I recall there were seasons when this engagement proved more "successful" than others—shall we say, one of us for some reason would have better "luck with the ladies"* with a greater frequency. I can recall having conversations with Jim which would typically pan out to a dude, you are on a roll these days. Oddly enough, it seems that whenever this roll was identified, and one of use would try to take advantage of it, that roll would end. The simply fact of awareness seemed to set things straight. We were not nearly as cool, suave, etc. as we thought we were.
Obviously the effect of awareness does not solely come to play when it comes to the guy/girl thing. I know that I am in need of some sort of awareness on a daily basis. There are many things that can puff me up and make me loose sight of who I am (or Why I Am—see March 5, 2010 posting). Things such as:
Galatians 5:25 shares "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.". So often I will lose sight of my step with the Spirit. Thank God for the relationship I have with Him, through Jesus, and thank God for all of the relationships and calibrators in my life.
*When I refer to "luck with the ladies", I don't mean getting lucky, I mean simply moderate engagement—don't over think this, y'all.
Obviously the effect of awareness does not solely come to play when it comes to the guy/girl thing. I know that I am in need of some sort of awareness on a daily basis. There are many things that can puff me up and make me loose sight of who I am (or Why I Am—see March 5, 2010 posting). Things such as:
- Success
- Experience
- Appreciation
- Validation
- Knowledge
- My spouse
- Honest and trusted friends
- Prayer
- God's Word
- ...even this blog
Galatians 5:25 shares "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.". So often I will lose sight of my step with the Spirit. Thank God for the relationship I have with Him, through Jesus, and thank God for all of the relationships and calibrators in my life.
*When I refer to "luck with the ladies", I don't mean getting lucky, I mean simply moderate engagement—don't over think this, y'all.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
In Discipline
I have been reading a book by Scott Belsky entitled "Making Ideas Happen". In a nutshell, the book is about organizing ideas and projects, and the discipline of pushing them through execution. Belsky has made it very clear that creatives battle discipline and the ability to see ideas through fruition (I can attest this to be true). I am about halfway through the book and have been applying some of the organization methodologies and oddly enough enjoying it. I am interested to see if I can keep this up—as I've always battled the ability to sustain organization—but that what this book is about. Time will tell if I remain disciplined to the process.
Considering the importance of discipline, today I am in need of a post Memorial Day jump start. So I have forced this blog out. Or rather, disciplined myself to scribe it. Brief as it is, I believe that, once written and published, it will have created some inertia to dial back in to work.
I hope to remain in discipline.
Considering the importance of discipline, today I am in need of a post Memorial Day jump start. So I have forced this blog out. Or rather, disciplined myself to scribe it. Brief as it is, I believe that, once written and published, it will have created some inertia to dial back in to work.
I hope to remain in discipline.
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