What get's you out of bed in the morning? Today, what made you to pull back the covers and plant your feet on the floor?
Maybe, it's your little ones that come running into your room looking for breakfast. How about the dog? She sits whining at the bottom of the stairs wanting to be let out to do her thing? Maybe, it's your boss that wants you at work by a certain time.
There are many reasons we get out of bed in the morning.
What if it was your personal mission that got you out of bed every morning?
If there is one thing that I have been learning about myself these days, it's that if I am not clear on my mission in life, then I am not fulfilling my purpose in life . See, we are not here on this earth to just collect stuff, make money and retire at 65. God has placed a greater mission within each and everyone of us.
When you discover your personal mission, it doesn't need to kick you out of bed in the morning, it stands beside the bed whispering, "let's go make a difference".
Just Sayin
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Christian Faith Disciplines
When you step back from the Christian faith and get some distance, you will notice that there are two important elements of the CF. One, is faith in Jesus Christ. It all starts with Jesus. If we are to have a right relationship with God it must start with him. His death and resurrection was his way of showing us the path to God.
As you take another step back, you will notice a second element to the CF. It would be the Christian Faith Disciplines!
There are these disciplines that we put in place as training tools to assist in the work of God in our lives. To be real clear, disciplines are not about us trying harder to change. They are the practices that God uses in the transformation of our lives.
Let me give an example: You don't like your boss (hypothetical of course). When you see your boss, you have some very strong thoughts and feelings about him or her. Now, the discipline to transform your thoughts is what would be the discipline of memorization of bible verses. Committing verses to memory. This helps in that moment when the negative thought enters your mind, you very quickly replace that thought with the verses that you have been memorizing. It's a training tool for those moments.
If that doesn't work for you, think about an athlete that trains over and over. They train their bodies to do something, so that in game situations, it becomes automatic for them to respond. Very little thought would go into that response. Why? Because they have trained.
Now, back to Christian Faith Disciplines. I believer there is a discipline that needs more air time. You might have heard a preacher talk about the discipline of bible reading, prayer or even giving. But, when was the last time you heard a message on the CFD of fitness? Yes fitness!!!
I am going to go to go public with this - Fitness is the missing discipline for many people who are seeking to follow Jesus.
The Apostle Paul is very clear about this. He tells us that we are to "honor God with our bodies." 1 Corinthians 6:20
When you honor someone, you give them your best. You give them a medal or an award that shows how much you honor them. You are not going to honor them with a dollar store ribbon or a plaque that was stored away in a box.
If I am to honor God with my body, then I better make sure it's in the best condition possible. I want to present it to him in a way that shows Him that I have taken care of it, not abused it or even mis-handled it. Imagine what it would be like to say to God everyday: I honor you God with my body and it's healthy and strong. Important to notice - I am not talking about being skinny or thin. I am not even talking about looking like the front cover of the underwear package :)
Not only do I believe that the bible supports this discipline, but I have experienced this in my own life. A few years ago I began the journey of taking care of my body. I started to exercise and eat healthier (cut back chip intake). I was surprised by how it transformed my life with God. There was a connection I did not see coming. It unlocked an area of my life that created a freshness in my ability to follow God.
I was taught growing up that reading my bible, prayer and church participation are important disciplines, and they are. But never did I hear anyone talk about fitness as a discipline.
This is a new year. I hope that you will move towards taking care of your body. Remember, your body is a gift from God. Will you honor him with the body he has given you?
Maybe this discipline is the one that is missing in your life?
Thursday, February 2, 2012
The Author
Most of us have read a book or two in life (not counting little kid books). Every book we read has a plot filled with suspense, tension, and even adventure. If it's a really good book, you can get swept away by the story line.
Recently, I read a book that I could not put down. When I did put it down, I couldn't wait for the next time I could pick it up again to find out what was going to happen next. My wife was the one that picked the book for me, so I kept telling her that she picked a great one. I read the thing in just over a day. You might laugh, but for me, this was a big deal.
It got me thinking...
This is an obvious statement to make, but I am going to make it anyway. Behind every book is an author. I know... profound. There was an author that imagined the entire story. The author is the one that determines what the tension will be. The author is the one that develops character. The author is the one that will even decide what the ending will be.
So I guess you could say that every story has an author.
It's interesting, when you step back and look at life, your life story is being written by an author. It's true! For some, the author is all the voices in your head from the past. For others, the author is addiction and abuse. The author could be regret of past choices. A big author, that is hard to admit to, is worry, and in many of us this author is writing sequels.
I guess if I were to try to help us all to think about the author of our story, I would challenge you to not allow those authors anywhere near the pages of yours. Yes, they are part of your story, but they don't need to write the book.
One day, Jesus had these very pointed words: He told the listeners to seek first the kingdom of God. I think what he was trying to help them -and us- understand, is that we need to allow God to be the author of our lives. Let Him tell the story.
I think He is a better author!
Just Sayin
Recently, I read a book that I could not put down. When I did put it down, I couldn't wait for the next time I could pick it up again to find out what was going to happen next. My wife was the one that picked the book for me, so I kept telling her that she picked a great one. I read the thing in just over a day. You might laugh, but for me, this was a big deal.
It got me thinking...
This is an obvious statement to make, but I am going to make it anyway. Behind every book is an author. I know... profound. There was an author that imagined the entire story. The author is the one that determines what the tension will be. The author is the one that develops character. The author is the one that will even decide what the ending will be.
So I guess you could say that every story has an author.
It's interesting, when you step back and look at life, your life story is being written by an author. It's true! For some, the author is all the voices in your head from the past. For others, the author is addiction and abuse. The author could be regret of past choices. A big author, that is hard to admit to, is worry, and in many of us this author is writing sequels.
I guess if I were to try to help us all to think about the author of our story, I would challenge you to not allow those authors anywhere near the pages of yours. Yes, they are part of your story, but they don't need to write the book.
One day, Jesus had these very pointed words: He told the listeners to seek first the kingdom of God. I think what he was trying to help them -and us- understand, is that we need to allow God to be the author of our lives. Let Him tell the story.
I think He is a better author!
Just Sayin
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Heineken
Not too long ago, I was helping out a friend by speaking at his church. He was on a family vacation, and needed someone to fill-in while he was away. I was pretty excited about the opportunity to kick off the Christmas series called, "Be Present". I developed the whole message around this idea: "Have you ever been there, but not really there?" ( I talked about this in one of the other blog entries). I really wanted people to think about how easy it would be to let Christmas go by and miss the depth of its meaning.
The morning arrived. I was so excited to share what I had prepared. I was driving along one of the main roads in my city, and I noticed a billboard. I almost missed it, but caught it just as I was passing it. It said, with big bold letters, "What impression are you leaving?".
Have you ever had one of those moments when you know this particular thing is just for you?
I felt that way when I read the billboard!
See, we are all leaving an impression of some sort. We are all telling a story with our lives. Some of us are leaving an impression of worry, others stress. For some, it's the impression of having it all together. For some it's anger, regret, or an unforgiving heart. All of us are leaving an impression with our lives.
As you think about the day ahead of you, or, as you look back, what impression did you leave? If the people around you could tell you the imprint you left on them, what would they say?
It took a Heineken billboard to remind me that we are leaving an impression with our lives. I don't know about you, but I want to leave an impression of kindness, love, acceptance and grace.
Just Sayin!
The morning arrived. I was so excited to share what I had prepared. I was driving along one of the main roads in my city, and I noticed a billboard. I almost missed it, but caught it just as I was passing it. It said, with big bold letters, "What impression are you leaving?".
Have you ever had one of those moments when you know this particular thing is just for you?
I felt that way when I read the billboard!
See, we are all leaving an impression of some sort. We are all telling a story with our lives. Some of us are leaving an impression of worry, others stress. For some, it's the impression of having it all together. For some it's anger, regret, or an unforgiving heart. All of us are leaving an impression with our lives.
As you think about the day ahead of you, or, as you look back, what impression did you leave? If the people around you could tell you the imprint you left on them, what would they say?
It took a Heineken billboard to remind me that we are leaving an impression with our lives. I don't know about you, but I want to leave an impression of kindness, love, acceptance and grace.
Just Sayin!
Friday, November 25, 2011
Masquerade
Have you ever noticed that sometimes it's good to look back on your life in order to better understand how you got to where you are today? In some ways, it gives meaning and depth to the "now".
As our two sons get older, my wife and I have more of these moments of looking back to when they were little (I know, a little pathetic, but that is what's happening). This week I was thinking about our oldest son's first birthday. It was a big deal, a first-born son party blowout.
Man, it was happening.
We had family and friends around us. We had food, streamers, cake, candles and - wait for it...
a C-L-O-W-N! Yup, a clown!
My friend dressed up in this crazy clown outfit that was way too small (we nicknamed him Wedgie the Clown ever since). When Ian appeared in that clown outfit, our oldest son responded in a way that we did not prepare ourselves for: HE SCREAMED HIS LITTLE LUNGS OUT! It was a bad scene; it could have scarred him for life, but since he was only one, he has no memory of it. We sure do.
Without the clown outfit, our son loved Ian. Once that suit was on, everything changed.
I look back and laugh at that moment, but it also makes me stop and think about how at times in life we live with a mask on. At times, we pretend to be something that we are not.
We wear the "I am okay" mask, the "I am important" mask, the "I don't need help" mask, the "I am the victim" mask, the "I don't care" mask... for some, a mask is a way of life.
I ask this: If we live life trying to pretend we are something we are not, is that really living? Is that the way life was meant to be? I know this idea can be taken too far, and some might, but don't you think that living from a place of integrity, honesty, truthfulness and authenticity is a better place?
Yes, we wear masks for all kinds of reasons, but I want us to really look at them and ask ourselves: Is this really living life the way we were meant to live?
If you reading this, I want to encourage you to stop clowning around, and consider taking the mask off.
Just Sayin!
As our two sons get older, my wife and I have more of these moments of looking back to when they were little (I know, a little pathetic, but that is what's happening). This week I was thinking about our oldest son's first birthday. It was a big deal, a first-born son party blowout.
Man, it was happening.
We had family and friends around us. We had food, streamers, cake, candles and - wait for it...
a C-L-O-W-N! Yup, a clown!
My friend dressed up in this crazy clown outfit that was way too small (we nicknamed him Wedgie the Clown ever since). When Ian appeared in that clown outfit, our oldest son responded in a way that we did not prepare ourselves for: HE SCREAMED HIS LITTLE LUNGS OUT! It was a bad scene; it could have scarred him for life, but since he was only one, he has no memory of it. We sure do.
Without the clown outfit, our son loved Ian. Once that suit was on, everything changed.
I look back and laugh at that moment, but it also makes me stop and think about how at times in life we live with a mask on. At times, we pretend to be something that we are not.
We wear the "I am okay" mask, the "I am important" mask, the "I don't need help" mask, the "I am the victim" mask, the "I don't care" mask... for some, a mask is a way of life.
I ask this: If we live life trying to pretend we are something we are not, is that really living? Is that the way life was meant to be? I know this idea can be taken too far, and some might, but don't you think that living from a place of integrity, honesty, truthfulness and authenticity is a better place?
Yes, we wear masks for all kinds of reasons, but I want us to really look at them and ask ourselves: Is this really living life the way we were meant to live?
If you reading this, I want to encourage you to stop clowning around, and consider taking the mask off.
Just Sayin!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Red Light, Green Light
I know some of you read that title and thought about the childhood game that you used to play, but guess what... that's not what comes to my mind.
The other day, my youngest son Paul had tickets to the London Knights hockey game. If you are reading this, and you live in my town, you know who they are. If you don't know, the Knights are the local Junior hockey team. He had two tickets and he wanted to take a friend with him.
We drove to his friend's house, picked him up, and headed downtown to where the Knights play. Not far from this friend's house is an intersection with traffic lights. As we approached the lights, I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. This person (a woman) was running the red, as I proceeded to turn right on the green. I thought to myself, "Self, what is she doing?". Just as that thought brushed over my mind, I heard my wife's voice saying, "What are you doing? You just ran that red!!!"
A quick check of the mirror proved that she was correct, I ran the red!!! For the next ten minutes we discussed my infraction. At the end of the discussion, she asked to drive (not kidding).
It got me thinking how easy it is to be there, but not there. I had no excuse for what I had done, other than that at that moment I was somewhere else in my thoughts.
Life can be like that. We can go through the motions each day and miss moments with our kids, friends, co-workers and even our spouse. It's as if we are there, but not there. It can even happen at times in a walk with God. If I understand one thing about God, it's this: He is trying to have a conversation with all of us. The problem lies in the fact that we are not always present, not always listening... not always aware.
This Christmas, let me encourage you to not miss the amazing message of Jesus. It would be easy to be there, but not, in this season. Take time to slow down and allow yourself to be there! You might discover that He is trying to get your attention.
Just Sayin!
The other day, my youngest son Paul had tickets to the London Knights hockey game. If you are reading this, and you live in my town, you know who they are. If you don't know, the Knights are the local Junior hockey team. He had two tickets and he wanted to take a friend with him.
We drove to his friend's house, picked him up, and headed downtown to where the Knights play. Not far from this friend's house is an intersection with traffic lights. As we approached the lights, I couldn't believe what I was witnessing. This person (a woman) was running the red, as I proceeded to turn right on the green. I thought to myself, "Self, what is she doing?". Just as that thought brushed over my mind, I heard my wife's voice saying, "What are you doing? You just ran that red!!!"
A quick check of the mirror proved that she was correct, I ran the red!!! For the next ten minutes we discussed my infraction. At the end of the discussion, she asked to drive (not kidding).
It got me thinking how easy it is to be there, but not there. I had no excuse for what I had done, other than that at that moment I was somewhere else in my thoughts.
Life can be like that. We can go through the motions each day and miss moments with our kids, friends, co-workers and even our spouse. It's as if we are there, but not there. It can even happen at times in a walk with God. If I understand one thing about God, it's this: He is trying to have a conversation with all of us. The problem lies in the fact that we are not always present, not always listening... not always aware.
This Christmas, let me encourage you to not miss the amazing message of Jesus. It would be easy to be there, but not, in this season. Take time to slow down and allow yourself to be there! You might discover that He is trying to get your attention.
Just Sayin!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Wise vs Fool
When I was growing up, I loved to watch the show "A-Team". If you are over 40, you might remember the show.
One of the crazy characters was "Mr T". He had a mohawk, lots of jewelry, and carried a mean attitude wherever he went. One of Mr T's favorite words was "fool" (said with his forehead creased). He could place the word in the perfect spot to describe the actions of someone who would get in their way: "I pity the fool that..." (I know you can hear him say it, it's okay to admit it).
Lately, I have found myself thinking about that word: fool.
I attended the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit (say that ten times real fast) this past September, and Henry Cloud did a session on the differences between a wise person, a foolish person and an evil person. This session has stuck with me.
The idea that he presented was this: when we hear truth from someone about our lives, we can do a number of things with that truth. We can be wise and adjust ourselves to the truth by receiving it and making necessary changes to ourselves, or, we can respond by adjusting the truth by deflecting it, making excuses, becoming defensive, etc.
Interesting how we respond to truth spoken to us.
Let me ask you: when you hear truth from a friend, boss, or someone close, do you adjust yourself and take steps to make the changes necessary? Or, do you adjust the truth to make yourself feel better?
If someone has been courageous to speak truth to you about an area of your life, let me encourage you to be wise, not a fool. I have seen how often I have been a fool about things in my own life, and I have witnessed others behave the same way.
Next time you receive some hard truth, adjust yourself. Do the hard work to make the changes.
Just Sayin
Four Vietnam vets, framed for a crime they didn't commit, help the innocent while on the run from the military. They entertained for only a few short years but left an impression on many who watched.
One of the crazy characters was "Mr T". He had a mohawk, lots of jewelry, and carried a mean attitude wherever he went. One of Mr T's favorite words was "fool" (said with his forehead creased). He could place the word in the perfect spot to describe the actions of someone who would get in their way: "I pity the fool that..." (I know you can hear him say it, it's okay to admit it).
Lately, I have found myself thinking about that word: fool.
I attended the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit (say that ten times real fast) this past September, and Henry Cloud did a session on the differences between a wise person, a foolish person and an evil person. This session has stuck with me.
The idea that he presented was this: when we hear truth from someone about our lives, we can do a number of things with that truth. We can be wise and adjust ourselves to the truth by receiving it and making necessary changes to ourselves, or, we can respond by adjusting the truth by deflecting it, making excuses, becoming defensive, etc.
Interesting how we respond to truth spoken to us.
Let me ask you: when you hear truth from a friend, boss, or someone close, do you adjust yourself and take steps to make the changes necessary? Or, do you adjust the truth to make yourself feel better?
If someone has been courageous to speak truth to you about an area of your life, let me encourage you to be wise, not a fool. I have seen how often I have been a fool about things in my own life, and I have witnessed others behave the same way.
Next time you receive some hard truth, adjust yourself. Do the hard work to make the changes.
Just Sayin
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Death and Living
Two nights ago, I went to see a play called "Tuesdays with Morrie". I was really excited to go and support my wife, who directed the play. It was the "good spouse" thing to do! After 21 years of marriage, I have learned that it's a good thing to show support for these types of things. As the play started, I was so excited for her and the cast. As I sat there, something happened, I started to reflect on my own life; it reached into me and shook me up.
If you know the story, it's about a guy who takes time to spend every Tuesday visiting an old professor who is dying of ALS. They spend time discussing a variety of subjects, such as love, forgiveness, how to treat others, meaning, hope, life, and yes, death.
Death. It's not something that we like to think about or talk about. We all know that it's a part of life, and yet we still do everything we can to avoid it. If you have ever bought anti-aging cream, you know what I'm talking about.
There was a line in the play that knocked the air out of me, kind of like a punch to the stomach that makes you gasp for air. Morrie looks at Mitch and he says, "(Death)'s not a dirty word. I am dying, and I can live with that. I've got news for you, Mitch, my friend... you are dying, too... just a lot slower."
Sitting there and hearing that line, I started to wonder how my life would change if I really lived as if was dying. How would it change how you live? Would you love more deeply? Forgive more freely? Mend family issues? Get together with your friends more often? Would you take a closer look at faith?
I am not sure if you are a person of faith or not, but Jesus tells us that if we really want to be about living, we must die to self. He explains that we must pick up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow him... then we will know what it means to live.
We all hope that we live a long, full life, but what if today was really our last day? I know that if it was my last day, I would make sure that I was letting those who are close to me know that I love them deeply. What would you do?
Just Sayin!
If you know the story, it's about a guy who takes time to spend every Tuesday visiting an old professor who is dying of ALS. They spend time discussing a variety of subjects, such as love, forgiveness, how to treat others, meaning, hope, life, and yes, death.
Death. It's not something that we like to think about or talk about. We all know that it's a part of life, and yet we still do everything we can to avoid it. If you have ever bought anti-aging cream, you know what I'm talking about.
There was a line in the play that knocked the air out of me, kind of like a punch to the stomach that makes you gasp for air. Morrie looks at Mitch and he says, "(Death)'s not a dirty word. I am dying, and I can live with that. I've got news for you, Mitch, my friend... you are dying, too... just a lot slower."
Sitting there and hearing that line, I started to wonder how my life would change if I really lived as if was dying. How would it change how you live? Would you love more deeply? Forgive more freely? Mend family issues? Get together with your friends more often? Would you take a closer look at faith?
I am not sure if you are a person of faith or not, but Jesus tells us that if we really want to be about living, we must die to self. He explains that we must pick up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow him... then we will know what it means to live.
We all hope that we live a long, full life, but what if today was really our last day? I know that if it was my last day, I would make sure that I was letting those who are close to me know that I love them deeply. What would you do?
Just Sayin!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Dripping in Gratitude
This past July, my oldest son Dave and I spent a week in Nairobi. It was an amazing Father son trip with many different experiences that left an impression on both of us.
One of the experiences I had was preaching in the slums of Korogocho. This is one of the largest slums in Nairobi. When we arrived at the church, we learned that the church was built on a dump... literally, the ground was previously used as a dumping place. Between a few of the buildings we could look across the Nairobi river where the dump was still active. There were children searching for their daily meal... in the dump.
It's not everyday you get to see this type of thing firsthand.
I will never forget our visit to this church. I will never forget the smells. I will never forget the church experience - three hours long. There is one more thing that I will never forget; how thankful the Pastors were for what they had. They were dripping in gratitude to God for all that He had provided. We could hear it in their words. We could see it in their excitement as they showed us around.
What these men taught me was we can be thankful, no matter what our circumstances may be.
There is this verse in the Bible that tells us that we are to be thankful "in" all circumstances. One of the many things that I learned from my trip to Nairobi is that being thankful in all circumstances helps me rise above whatever my circumstances may be.
Whatever your circumstances are, find a way to be thankful, it can help you rise above it!
Just Sayin
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Outrageous prayers
Recently, I was driving along in my pick-up listening to the radio, and before I knew it, I was talking out loud to God. I mean, full-voice talking to him. Thankfully, nobody was around watching me or they would have thought I was crazy talking to myself.
Here is what I was talking to God about: I was asking him to help me pray a big audacious prayer. I mean, asking him to help me pray over something that might be way out of my comfort zone. Here is the thing, I pray for my friends; I pray for my family, sons, wife. I pray for the needs of others in my life but I have found lately that I have not asked God for something big and crazy.
I have read the Bible a few times, and from what I see, the early church prayed some big stuff. We see in the Old Testament that people prayed for walls to fall down, or that the sun would stop in the sky, and God answered.
I am not sure about you, but I want to see a movement of God like that in my generation. I want to be part of a group of people who really believe that with God, all things are possible.
So, next time you are alone and you are talking with God, ask him to give you that outrageous thing to pray about. Ask God to do what seems to be the impossible and see how He answers.
The way I see it, there is no better way to live.
Just Sayin!
Here is what I was talking to God about: I was asking him to help me pray a big audacious prayer. I mean, asking him to help me pray over something that might be way out of my comfort zone. Here is the thing, I pray for my friends; I pray for my family, sons, wife. I pray for the needs of others in my life but I have found lately that I have not asked God for something big and crazy.
I have read the Bible a few times, and from what I see, the early church prayed some big stuff. We see in the Old Testament that people prayed for walls to fall down, or that the sun would stop in the sky, and God answered.
I am not sure about you, but I want to see a movement of God like that in my generation. I want to be part of a group of people who really believe that with God, all things are possible.
So, next time you are alone and you are talking with God, ask him to give you that outrageous thing to pray about. Ask God to do what seems to be the impossible and see how He answers.
The way I see it, there is no better way to live.
Just Sayin!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Leave a Legacy
The conversation had been going around the room for about an hour with a group of 20 somethings. We had been discussing life, faith, friends and God. If I were to rank this night, it was almost a 10. We were almost done for the night but there was more question I wanted them to think about:
"What kind of legacy do you want to leave?" I was convinced this question would end the night with a bang. This is a group of very smart, passionate 20 somethings, and they will love the question. I was so wrong! Many of them had this blank look on their faces.
What emerged was that they really don't think about that question. They are more concerned with living in the moment, the now. As the facilitator of this group I began to have this panic moment (inside of course, can't let them see that). I had to pull another question out of the air, we had to end well.
It hit me. (Thank-you Jesus)
"Okay, how about this: If I took each of you and paired you up with a teenager, could you tell that student to follow your life?" The question was followed by good silence. Talk about looking in the mirror of your life. I wanted them to really wrestle with how they were living life, and this question got them thinking and talking again.
I don't know how you live life. I don't know who you follow. But I want to ask you this one thing: Are you living your life in a way that you could invite someone to follow your example?
If I were to take someone and pair them up with you, could you look at that person and say, "follow me, I will show you how to live life the way God intended us to live"?
Maybe we need to stop thinking about a legacy and start living in a way that others could follow. I don't know about you, but every once in a while I need to look in the mirror and see how I am living life.
Just Sayin!
"What kind of legacy do you want to leave?" I was convinced this question would end the night with a bang. This is a group of very smart, passionate 20 somethings, and they will love the question. I was so wrong! Many of them had this blank look on their faces.
What emerged was that they really don't think about that question. They are more concerned with living in the moment, the now. As the facilitator of this group I began to have this panic moment (inside of course, can't let them see that). I had to pull another question out of the air, we had to end well.
It hit me. (Thank-you Jesus)
"Okay, how about this: If I took each of you and paired you up with a teenager, could you tell that student to follow your life?" The question was followed by good silence. Talk about looking in the mirror of your life. I wanted them to really wrestle with how they were living life, and this question got them thinking and talking again.
I don't know how you live life. I don't know who you follow. But I want to ask you this one thing: Are you living your life in a way that you could invite someone to follow your example?
If I were to take someone and pair them up with you, could you look at that person and say, "follow me, I will show you how to live life the way God intended us to live"?
Maybe we need to stop thinking about a legacy and start living in a way that others could follow. I don't know about you, but every once in a while I need to look in the mirror and see how I am living life.
Just Sayin!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Camp Fire
I don't know about you, but I love a camp fire setting. There is something about sitting around a fire with friends that is just so peaceful. The smell of the wood, the flames jumping into the air... it's such a great moment.
Last week, my wife and I were invited to a friends house for a campfire. The evening was filled with great laughs, stories, and big questions.
One of the guys in the group, whom I had just met, turned to me at about 12am and said, "So, you are a man of God... tell me what the key to life is". Something you should know about me is that I don't focus well after 10pm (I have been given the label "party pooper" by many). At this moment, I am looking around the campfire to see who he is talking to. Man of God? Somebody else must have just showed up.
WOW! What a question for any time of the day. What is the key to life?
I dogged the question by asking a question about himself, but he was on to me. He picked up that I was trying to buy time to think about a response.
I looked at him and I said...
"The key to life is to figure out how to love God with everything you have and to love others!"
I don't know what you think the key to life is, and I don't know how you would have answered that question, but I believe with everything in my being that life is about seeking God and loving him with all that I have. One day, Jesus told some people that we are to love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. The way I see it, that covers every area of life.
You can pursue a lot of things in life, like happiness, money, stuff, popularity, education, family... and there is nothing wrong with those things. That is, unless they get in the way of loving God with your whole life.
When you think about the key to life, I hope you will give consideration to loving God with your whole life.
When we live this way, we begin to discover the key to life.
Just Sayin!
Last week, my wife and I were invited to a friends house for a campfire. The evening was filled with great laughs, stories, and big questions.
One of the guys in the group, whom I had just met, turned to me at about 12am and said, "So, you are a man of God... tell me what the key to life is". Something you should know about me is that I don't focus well after 10pm (I have been given the label "party pooper" by many). At this moment, I am looking around the campfire to see who he is talking to. Man of God? Somebody else must have just showed up.
WOW! What a question for any time of the day. What is the key to life?
I dogged the question by asking a question about himself, but he was on to me. He picked up that I was trying to buy time to think about a response.
I looked at him and I said...
"The key to life is to figure out how to love God with everything you have and to love others!"
I don't know what you think the key to life is, and I don't know how you would have answered that question, but I believe with everything in my being that life is about seeking God and loving him with all that I have. One day, Jesus told some people that we are to love God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. The way I see it, that covers every area of life.
You can pursue a lot of things in life, like happiness, money, stuff, popularity, education, family... and there is nothing wrong with those things. That is, unless they get in the way of loving God with your whole life.
When you think about the key to life, I hope you will give consideration to loving God with your whole life.
When we live this way, we begin to discover the key to life.
Just Sayin!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Status
What is your status?
There used to be a very simple answer to that question: married or single. Today, status can mean all kinds of things, especially since Facebook has become so popular. We post our status for all to see and comment on. Your "friends" can even reply to your status to let you know what they think.
I was talking to someone the other day and he told me that he was on "permanent disability". He talked so matter-of-fact about it. I asked him, "is this what you believe about yourself?" He told me that this is what his status is, that the doctor put that on his file. As I sat there wondering about his status, I began to wonder if maybe he had just bought into it, and that that is all he could become, "permanently disabled".
In our culture we love to label things, we love to place a status on someone. What I see happening is that when we do this to ourselves and others we end up living up to that status. We end up putting limitations on ourselves because of "status".
The way I look at it - the status that matters the most is the status given to someone by God. See, when we become part of God's family, we get a new status.
The status is:
Forgiven
Loved
Cherished
New creation
I don't know about you, but I think I would prefer to live up to these labels. Especially the "new creation" one, man, I need that!!!
If you are looking at your life and you are living up to some other status, let me encourage you to consider these new ones. It might just be the status that helps move you forward in life.
Just sayin
There used to be a very simple answer to that question: married or single. Today, status can mean all kinds of things, especially since Facebook has become so popular. We post our status for all to see and comment on. Your "friends" can even reply to your status to let you know what they think.
I was talking to someone the other day and he told me that he was on "permanent disability". He talked so matter-of-fact about it. I asked him, "is this what you believe about yourself?" He told me that this is what his status is, that the doctor put that on his file. As I sat there wondering about his status, I began to wonder if maybe he had just bought into it, and that that is all he could become, "permanently disabled".
In our culture we love to label things, we love to place a status on someone. What I see happening is that when we do this to ourselves and others we end up living up to that status. We end up putting limitations on ourselves because of "status".
The way I look at it - the status that matters the most is the status given to someone by God. See, when we become part of God's family, we get a new status.
The status is:
Forgiven
Loved
Cherished
New creation
I don't know about you, but I think I would prefer to live up to these labels. Especially the "new creation" one, man, I need that!!!
If you are looking at your life and you are living up to some other status, let me encourage you to consider these new ones. It might just be the status that helps move you forward in life.
Just sayin
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The ache
I use my blog to find everyday life happenings and connect them with God. If God is at work in my life and yours then it will be the everyday things that we experience Him in. This entry is a little different, it has a more personal feel to it as you are about to read (assuming you read beyond this opening) I post with some hesitation as well.
There has been something that has been aching inside of me now for some time. I could not put my finger on it but I think I am getting clarity.
My private ache is this: I have turned my walk with God into a profession. Because I work in a church I have seen how I have allowed my "public passion exceed my personal devotion to him" (I read that found myself identifying).
During an extended time away from work it became real clear to me that I was not loving God/Jesus with my whole heart, mind and strength. My job was getting in the way. Jesus tells us that we are to love him with our whole being and I was missing that.
Have I walked away from Jesus? Not at all but I know that I have allowed my walk with him to become professional. The intimacy of my walk with him was missing. My love for him had faded.
There is this funny movie that stars Will Smith and Kevin James. You might remember it - Hitch. It's a movie about this guy who has developed a business of hooking people up, essentially helping them find love. It's very funny if you have never seen it.
There is this scene where KJ character confronts WS character and he tells him he doesn't get love. WS character yells, "love is my life", KJ responds, "no love is your job." I was in a hotel room in Kentucky with my family when that scene unfolded and I thought this is me. My walk with God has become my job. (don't you hate it when movies reveal something about yourself)
You probably don't work in a church like I do but maybe you are a church going person, I want to ask. Have you allowed your walk with God to become routine or ritualistic? Is it so predictable that you are bored out of your mind?
Today maybe together we can find a new path that will have fresh new steps to it. Maybe today we can say no more ruts or routine. Maybe today it can become new and alive again.
It might just be me but I know I need to change something.
Just Sayin!
There has been something that has been aching inside of me now for some time. I could not put my finger on it but I think I am getting clarity.
My private ache is this: I have turned my walk with God into a profession. Because I work in a church I have seen how I have allowed my "public passion exceed my personal devotion to him" (I read that found myself identifying).
During an extended time away from work it became real clear to me that I was not loving God/Jesus with my whole heart, mind and strength. My job was getting in the way. Jesus tells us that we are to love him with our whole being and I was missing that.
Have I walked away from Jesus? Not at all but I know that I have allowed my walk with him to become professional. The intimacy of my walk with him was missing. My love for him had faded.
There is this funny movie that stars Will Smith and Kevin James. You might remember it - Hitch. It's a movie about this guy who has developed a business of hooking people up, essentially helping them find love. It's very funny if you have never seen it.
There is this scene where KJ character confronts WS character and he tells him he doesn't get love. WS character yells, "love is my life", KJ responds, "no love is your job." I was in a hotel room in Kentucky with my family when that scene unfolded and I thought this is me. My walk with God has become my job. (don't you hate it when movies reveal something about yourself)
You probably don't work in a church like I do but maybe you are a church going person, I want to ask. Have you allowed your walk with God to become routine or ritualistic? Is it so predictable that you are bored out of your mind?
Today maybe together we can find a new path that will have fresh new steps to it. Maybe today we can say no more ruts or routine. Maybe today it can become new and alive again.
It might just be me but I know I need to change something.
Just Sayin!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Question
It's been a while since I blogged. Today I felt compelled to write this.
One of the things that I love to do is ask questions. It doesn’t matter if I am standing in front of a thousand people giving a "talk" or sitting with someone in a coffee shop. I feel that questions can open us up to think and discover.
A good question will shake us up to make us think about how we are living.
Here is my question for you today…
Do you know what your purpose is? Do you know why you are on this planet? (I know that’s two questions)
I have been spending some time over the past year thinking about my purpose. I have asked why am I on this planet a number of times. The answer has been hard to find since I find myself drawn to all sorts of things. I believe I am discovering the answer to this question.
What I have learned is that when we find the answer it has the potential to change everything.
It will change…
how you view the people at your workplace
your relationships
your friendships
your conversations
your family
It even has the potential to change how you view everyday living.
I used to hate it when people would challenge me to think about my purpose. I used to think who cares just live and let the chips fall where they may. But the journey over the past year has helped me realize how important purpose is.
So I ask again…
What is your purpose? Why are you on this planet?
If you can enter the journey and find the answer to this question it has the potential to get about living life to the full.
I think this is what God would want from us.
Just sayin!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Next Summer
Where do I start?
This week I had to say goodbye to someone who I will probably never see again. That person is my stepfather. Over a year ago he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Things are not great right now and I really felt I needed to make the trip to New Brunswick to visit him and my mom.
It was a great visit. My younger brother was there as well. In about a 2 day span, we all laughed, talked, and cried together. We had such a great time, the four of us. We had the biggest feast of fiddleheads you have ever seen (if you have never had them, I feel sorry for you).
There was a moment I had with my stepfather when I sensed a real strong push to ask him about what he is facing.
I asked him what he would like to do before he dies. I know it was a tough question but I wanted to ask. He paused for a moment and then said he could not think of anything right away but he wished he had not pushed things off to next summer.
When he said those words I knew right away what he meant.
He wished that he had just done things when he had time. He wished he had not put certain things off.
It was the most intense conversation about life and death I have ever had with someone close to me. He welled up and I just plain old cried.
I wonder what we have put off to next summer that we just need to do:
- Call an old friend
- Tell someone that you love them
- Thank someone for all they have done for you
- Or even thank someone for being a great “papa” to your kids
Whatever it is that you have been putting off, let me encourage you not to put it off until next summer. Do it now!
Just sayin!
This week I had to say goodbye to someone who I will probably never see again. That person is my stepfather. Over a year ago he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Things are not great right now and I really felt I needed to make the trip to New Brunswick to visit him and my mom.
It was a great visit. My younger brother was there as well. In about a 2 day span, we all laughed, talked, and cried together. We had such a great time, the four of us. We had the biggest feast of fiddleheads you have ever seen (if you have never had them, I feel sorry for you).
There was a moment I had with my stepfather when I sensed a real strong push to ask him about what he is facing.
I asked him what he would like to do before he dies. I know it was a tough question but I wanted to ask. He paused for a moment and then said he could not think of anything right away but he wished he had not pushed things off to next summer.
When he said those words I knew right away what he meant.
He wished that he had just done things when he had time. He wished he had not put certain things off.
It was the most intense conversation about life and death I have ever had with someone close to me. He welled up and I just plain old cried.
I wonder what we have put off to next summer that we just need to do:
- Call an old friend
- Tell someone that you love them
- Thank someone for all they have done for you
- Or even thank someone for being a great “papa” to your kids
Whatever it is that you have been putting off, let me encourage you not to put it off until next summer. Do it now!
Just sayin!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Overflow
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between happiness and joy? They look like twins, but are they really? I don’t think that they are. Let me explain.
Happiness to me is based on what is happening around us, those external things that cause an emotional response. We all love those things. We receive a good mark at school, we get the job, we buy a cool new gadget (like an Iphone), we have our first child, we win the lottery (that might make you really, really happy).
But the problem is, those moments come and go. They change all the time and so our happiness changes. It becomes a temporary feeling.
Joy is not like that. Joy is something that comes from being plugged into the right source. Joy is not based on what is happening around us. It comes from something else. It comes from being plugged into God. He is the source.
I know you might be thinking, “What is he talking about? Internal God source?” That’s right! It’s possible to be plugged into God and He be your source of Joy. Does that mean that sadness will go away or that we will never cry? Of course it doesn’t. We will still have those moments but joy is something that grows inside a person. It happens when we are pursuing a relationship with God.
Today, if joy is absent, then maybe what you need to do is look and see what you are plugged into. If you are not plugged into the right source, perhaps you should consider unplugging from that and plugging into a source that will cause your joy to overflow.
Just Sayin
Happiness to me is based on what is happening around us, those external things that cause an emotional response. We all love those things. We receive a good mark at school, we get the job, we buy a cool new gadget (like an Iphone), we have our first child, we win the lottery (that might make you really, really happy).
But the problem is, those moments come and go. They change all the time and so our happiness changes. It becomes a temporary feeling.
Joy is not like that. Joy is something that comes from being plugged into the right source. Joy is not based on what is happening around us. It comes from something else. It comes from being plugged into God. He is the source.
I know you might be thinking, “What is he talking about? Internal God source?” That’s right! It’s possible to be plugged into God and He be your source of Joy. Does that mean that sadness will go away or that we will never cry? Of course it doesn’t. We will still have those moments but joy is something that grows inside a person. It happens when we are pursuing a relationship with God.
Today, if joy is absent, then maybe what you need to do is look and see what you are plugged into. If you are not plugged into the right source, perhaps you should consider unplugging from that and plugging into a source that will cause your joy to overflow.
Just Sayin
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
On the Podium
So this past weekend, my family and a few friends went to watch the Toronto Supercross – whenever you have a large amount of rednecks together in one place, it’s a Nascar race or Supercross.
Since our family is into motocross (my youngest son rides), it was a great day. We watched practice, took in the smell of race fuel, and watched incredible racing as the top Supercross riders in the world tore up the track.
There is something interesting that happens at the end of every race: All of the focus is on the top three riders as they head to a podium where they will receive their trophies. It’s an exciting moment for the rider and the fans, especially if the guy you are cheering for is on the podium.
There are lots of smiles, photo ops, and reporters. As each of the riders makes their way to the podium, a reporter intercepts them and shoves a microphone in their face to ask all kinds of questions.
One thing I have noticed about this moment is that every rider on that podium thanks the team around him. They take the time to point out that they would not be there if it were not for the team manager, mechanics, fitness trainers, sponsors, and of course, their parents.
It got me thinking about how life works.
We need a team to do life. It’s not a mechanic or a team manager, but a trusted friend that we can celebrate with when there is reason to celebrate. We need those few that we can go to when life is tough and they are willing to listen. We need someone that will pick us up when we stumble and have our “stupid moments.”
We all need that kind of team.
I would not be where I am today if it were not for the team of people around me. You have been part of helping me discover how God has wired me up. You have challenged me to become more then I ever thought I could be. I am especially grateful to those who have spoken truth into my life.
To my team, I say thank-you!
If you have a team, take the time to thank them. If you don’t have a team, maybe you’d better consider finding one.
Just sayin
Monday, March 28, 2011
Backpacks
If you drive by the high school in your area you will see a very common thing - backpacks. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colours. Almost every student is wearing one of these backpacks. When I grew up we didn’t carry backpacks. We had those blue and yellow Adidas bags (I know you feel the connection). I loved the one I had.
In those backpacks students carry everything from books, pens, pencils, paper, gum, and things I’m sure every parent would not want to know about. The purpose is to carry the things they need to be in school.
When you think about it, we all wear backpacks. We don’t carry school supplies, but we carry all of life’s stuff. All the high points and low points go in our backpack.
Some of our backpacks have things like:
Worry
Regrets
Hurtful words
Addictions
Guilt
Broken relationships
Anger
Some of us have some pretty ugly stuff in our backpacks.
The thing is we were never meant to carry all of this stuff in our backpacks. All these things do is weigh us down. Hold us back from living free in life. Keep us from living into who God wants us to become.
I guess what has been running around in my heart these days is this – we need to stop letting the things in our backpack rule our lives.
God knew that we would not be able to run through life with all this extra weight so He did something about it. He sent his son to take our backpacks for us.
Today, maybe what you need to do is give your backpack over to him and let him carry it. Or at least begin to replace the stuff in your backpack with new things like:
Peace
Hope
Love
Grace
Mercy
Forgiveness
I don’t know about you but it seems like a pretty great exchange of what we have in our backpacks.
Just Sayin
In those backpacks students carry everything from books, pens, pencils, paper, gum, and things I’m sure every parent would not want to know about. The purpose is to carry the things they need to be in school.
When you think about it, we all wear backpacks. We don’t carry school supplies, but we carry all of life’s stuff. All the high points and low points go in our backpack.
Some of our backpacks have things like:
Worry
Regrets
Hurtful words
Addictions
Guilt
Broken relationships
Anger
Some of us have some pretty ugly stuff in our backpacks.
The thing is we were never meant to carry all of this stuff in our backpacks. All these things do is weigh us down. Hold us back from living free in life. Keep us from living into who God wants us to become.
I guess what has been running around in my heart these days is this – we need to stop letting the things in our backpack rule our lives.
God knew that we would not be able to run through life with all this extra weight so He did something about it. He sent his son to take our backpacks for us.
Today, maybe what you need to do is give your backpack over to him and let him carry it. Or at least begin to replace the stuff in your backpack with new things like:
Peace
Hope
Love
Grace
Mercy
Forgiveness
I don’t know about you but it seems like a pretty great exchange of what we have in our backpacks.
Just Sayin
Monday, March 21, 2011
HMMMM…
Every once in a while you might find yourself in a conversation that makes you go…hmmm!
It was in a coffee shop around the corner from my office (I like to meet people over coffee. It’s not an addiction but an appreciation). The guy I was meeting with told me the reason why he left his secure, good-paying job to start his own business.
He said, “I found myself thinking and dreaming about retirement, hanging on for 20 more years so I can get full pension.” It hit him that this is not what he wanted from life; he wanted to live his dreams now. So he quit his job and started his business. He said, “I have not regretted one minute of it. I am living the dream”.
He took a tough business call when we were meeting and I asked, “Still living the dream?” He responded, “Yes, even with this stuff.”
The twinge of “hmmm…” hit me. A few weeks ago I met with my financial guy to see if I could ever actually retire at all. I figured I would need to work until I am 120 years old. He told me I will be fine and I will be able to retire about 65. I found myself dreaming after I met with him. I only have 24 more years and I can stop working.
Today I went “hmmm…”
What am I doing that I love? What I am doing today to fulfill that God-sized dream that is screaming to get out of me? I literally thought, “Stop living for the future and start living now”.
Let me ask. Are you living for that retirement number or are you living in the now?
The way I look at it, God has placed great dreams inside all of us and we need to discover what they are. It might not be quitting your job but it might be as simple as take a risk, step out of your comfortable and see what happens.
Just sayin!
It was in a coffee shop around the corner from my office (I like to meet people over coffee. It’s not an addiction but an appreciation). The guy I was meeting with told me the reason why he left his secure, good-paying job to start his own business.
He said, “I found myself thinking and dreaming about retirement, hanging on for 20 more years so I can get full pension.” It hit him that this is not what he wanted from life; he wanted to live his dreams now. So he quit his job and started his business. He said, “I have not regretted one minute of it. I am living the dream”.
He took a tough business call when we were meeting and I asked, “Still living the dream?” He responded, “Yes, even with this stuff.”
The twinge of “hmmm…” hit me. A few weeks ago I met with my financial guy to see if I could ever actually retire at all. I figured I would need to work until I am 120 years old. He told me I will be fine and I will be able to retire about 65. I found myself dreaming after I met with him. I only have 24 more years and I can stop working.
Today I went “hmmm…”
What am I doing that I love? What I am doing today to fulfill that God-sized dream that is screaming to get out of me? I literally thought, “Stop living for the future and start living now”.
Let me ask. Are you living for that retirement number or are you living in the now?
The way I look at it, God has placed great dreams inside all of us and we need to discover what they are. It might not be quitting your job but it might be as simple as take a risk, step out of your comfortable and see what happens.
Just sayin!
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