I saw this picture on one of my favorite blogs called 22 Words. The comments about the picture are humorous and poke fun at Romney and the intern.
via Sharon Liao and 22 Words
However, there are two angles in this picture and one questions. Which one will you take? The high or the low?
This year you have several options. You can be…
The person in the spotlight or the person in the background.
The person wanting everyone’s attention, or the person that helps others to be heard.
The one who is recognized or the one who makes it possible for others to get the credit.
There’s a theme here. We have an opportunity this year to move into the role of servants. We can be the ones pointing to other people and what makes them important, rather than trying to prove our own importance.
Maybe this is the year of…
Humility
Honor
Servanthood
Modesty
Submission
Meekness
Being a door-holder
Being a cheer-leader
Shining a spotlight on someone who deserves. Even those who may not deserve it, but taking our places as humble servants.
This was the mind of Christ and we are called to the same mindset.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3-5 (Click here to see the entire chapter)
It won’t be easy. The countercultural way of Jesus has never been easy. But it’s always right and always rewarding.
Questions for You…
How do you do with giving others credit?
Who are people in your life you need to show honor? (Going private)
Who are people in your life that you need to put in the spotlight? (Going public)
“Communicate” your life may sound like I chose the wrong word, but trust me, “communicate” is definitely the word I wanted.
We say we want to “share” our lives. The idea is lofty and worthy. Why celebrate a good memory alone? Sharing multiplies the sweetness of life or brings sanity to the troubled times.
But what if we “communicate” our lives this year?
You’re reading my blog which is one source of where I share my life, mostly my thought life. Through social media, conversations and journaling I record the moments and the memories and am able to “communicate” the meaning of it all to other people or even to myself when I need to remember what I was thinking.
You’ve probably seen this Google Chrome commercial, but I doubt you’d be opposed to watching it again, so take a look.
This is my favorite of the recent Google ad campaign. Using multiple streams, a dad is recording memories, hopes, dreams and so much more for his daughter.
As we kick-off 2012 I encourage you to grab your favorite method and start recording. Look at life and don’t let a day pass where you haven’t recorded a quick glimpse of what was significant. The best days and the worst days…record them all.
Every year at this time I hear someone talk about how time is moving too fast and life is passing so quickly. Our joy and pain are all part of a full life, and we somehow need to communicate to the ones we love the fullness of our lives.
You now have 364 days do record and communicate the story of your life in 2012. Don’t let another day pass by without doing so.
Here are a few ideas of how you can “grab your favorite method” to communicate your story in 2012.
Start a blog – You can go simple and free. Write the stories and the memories. Share with the world, or just those you invite.
Photo Projects - Several apps allow you to take a picture a day and compile and share the pictures in various ways. Check out these 3 free ways to record it all. Daily BoothShutter Cal and 365 Project.
Start a Parade – Read this post and you’ll see what I mean. One of my favorite stories I’ve heard in year. How can you create memories this year?
Scrapblog – Looking to next December when you’re ready to put it all together to archive or share, here is a site that can help you create cards, books and calendars.
Every day God gives us this year is a wonderful opportunity to love, share, grow, laugh, cry. There are memories to be created. But don’t just keep it to yourself. Communicate the story of your life this year.
Questions for You…
What are some of your goals for 2012?
Do you currently have a way you “communicate” your life to others?
What are some other resources or creative ways to “communicate” your life?
This weekend is it. Do you have your shopping done? Your Christmas cards in the mail? Your fruitcakes purchased for people you don’t like?
The last few years I’ve not had the “Christmas spirit.” I’m not sure what it is. Maybe I’m drained by commercialism. Maybe I’m confused by all the political correctness and what I should or should not wish or say. Maybe because I live in the south and Christmas day is usually the warmest day in December and at some point I wear shorts. Whatever the reason, Christmas has taken second place to my favorite holiday…New Year’s.
The new year is a new starting point. The board is erased and you can’t start writing all over again, hopefully with more clarity and maturity from the previous twelve months.
Today’s post is simple. I want to put the two together.
Somewhere over the years Christmas was hijacked by commercialism. As a Christian, I don’t get so upset when retailers don’t say “Merry Christmas.” Over the decades we first surrendered Christmas to Santa, and now to retailers. As long as we keep giving retailers billions of dollars, they are the “reason for the season” and will only say and do what they want to say and do.
Ok, that was my soapbox paragraph. Back to the point.
I saw this video last month. I’ve been waiting for the right moment to share it here. Tomorrow you’ll finish the Christmas preparations. Sunday is the big day. All I want for Christmas is the joy and the anticipation of this boy in this video. It’s a simple message. You’ll get it.
Maybe this kid’s heart should be a New Year’s Resolution for us all.
May your heart of “giving” be greater than your desire to “get” this weekend. Merry Christmas.
1 Question for you…
What’s the best gift you have ever given someone?
P.S. Next week I don’t expect many people to reading, so this blog will be some greatest hits of random Youtube videos. Check back and laugh. I’ll kick-off the new year with a bang on January 2nd. Be sure to come back and bring some friends.
A few weeks ago a co-worker and I sat down for a talk. We were good friends long before we started working together and our common ADD as well as love for Waffle House, Seinfeld and other random things causes us to drift to the “office across the hall” sometimes. Our problem is, Nathan’s schedule is very different from mine. It seems that our peak productivity, much less responsibilities are quite opposite. It’s easy for either of us to find a down time in our day and wander across the hall to the other’s office to check-in for some “water cooler” time. The vast majority of these times is not good for the other.
We both realized there are times when we don’t “have the time” to talk.
The concept of time management is a joke. There is no way to “manage” time. Continue Reading…
About 5 minutes after I wrote yesterday’s post, I saw this quote.
“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you.” ~ Mother Teresa
Andy Stanley shared a similar statement at Catalyst this year. “Do for one, what you wish you could do for everyone.”
You can listen to a sermon below where he explains what this means.
I challenge you to take some time and listen to this message before you start the new year.
Life is overwhelming. How can we impact lives around us? One at a time.
Questions for you…
Who is the person nearest you in need?
What ideas do you have to use your life for the good of someone else, next year?
Listen here to Andy Stanley “One, Not Everyone”
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Yesterday I saw this video. It’s a collection of responses from North Koreans after learning of the death of Kim Jong Il. Watch it and read my observations below.
I was amazed how the people wept so openly over the death of their leader, whom most of the world saw as an evil tyrant. A few reminders for us.
Those we see as enemies are still people and loved by others.
The value of a relationship to another is not determined by your opinion of the people involved. A person doesn’t have to be on the other side of the world for you to see them as an enemy. Your like or dislike of a person does not determine their value to others or to God.
These people have lost control.
I don’t mean they have lost control of their emotions. They have lost their controller. They have lost security, direction and identity. I’m sure not all North Koreans, even those seen weeping, had great affection for Kim Jong Il. But suddenly the security they have known is gone. I’m sure many wept at the possibility of invasion, a drastic change (for better or worse) of life as they know it. In losing their controller, they have lost control and the future is uncertain and frightening.
Simply put, the video is a reminder of two of humanity’s greatest needs. Relationship and security. We all want to connect with others. We all want to know “unknowns” will not destroy us. No doubt, the North Korean people have lost a sense of relationship and security this week. Politically, you may consider these people enemies, but at the core of their humanity, we are no different.
It’s Christmas week. Unless you have some crazy travel plans to North Korea, maybe the best gift you can give this nation is a prayer that God will open their hearts and give them peace.
As we hit our Christmas vacations and gatherings this week, surely you’ll encounter the same weeping depicted in the video. Maybe it’s all on the inside of a person. Valued relationships may not exist anymore. Security in an unpredictable world seems impossible. Maybe the person weeping inside…is you.
Take a moment. You can share a gift of time, focus, listening, encouragement or prayer. They don’t cost a dime. You don’t have to wrap them or have a bow. But you may give someone the best gift they have had all year.
Questions for you…
Have you ever seen someone truly “love their enemies?”
What is the most difficult thing you or someone you know may be facing this week?
I talk a lot about making an impact. I know I sound like a broken record constantly saying, “We have a creative capacity from God to make an impact on the lives of others around us. We have the opportunity to bring ideas into existence so “better” comes about in the world around us.”
But there is a prerequisite for making an impact in the world. Continue Reading…
I love flying. I’m not always a fan of TSA security lines, airline food or waiting on someone to get an oversized “carry-on” out of the overhead bin so I can catch my connection in 3 minutes. Nonetheless I still love flying.
There is a point during every flight where I find myself in awe or shock as I think, “Wait a minute, I’m in a metal tube, traveling at 500 miles per hour and I’m 30,000 feet (sometimes more) in the air.” It is healthy and helpful to be reminded how small we are in the world. Some reminders point us to God. Some point us to the God-like quality of creativity and how we are impacted by innovation. Flying does both for me.
A few weeks ago I came across several quotes by the Wright brothers. Continue Reading…
UPDATE: If you read yesterday’s post, I’m glad to share with you that my dad learned good news at his follow-up appointment. The tumors in his lungs are responding well to chemotherapy and have decreased in size about 75-80%. This is wonderful news. While the journey is far from over, we are encouraged. Thanks for your prayers.
When I was a kid I was a sucker for Christmas, Santa Claus and all the decorations, songs, and cheesy animated television shows that were part of the season. I vividly remember being about 5 years old one Christmas morning. The family was up early. We had come to see the “loot” Santa had left for us.
What I am about to tell you is not from a Hallmark movie. I actually did this. As my family rustled behind me, I moved slowly and quietly around the Christmas tree to the window. I looked up at the cold blue sky as the sun was beginning to break. I gazed hoping to see a sleigh, or a least Rudolph’s red nose. I saw no sign of them, but softly whispered to myself, “Thank you, Santa. Wherever you are.”
Now, you ladies are probably thinking that is precious. I know what the guys are thinking and yes, I agree. I was a stupid kid.
Old Christmas movies painted a pure, heart-warming picture of Christmas and Santa. But over the years, Hollywood shows us Santa in more raw and human images. Screenwriters must be bitter about when they “found out” about Santa and are lashing out against those of us who want a “nice” movie to watch on Christmas Eve, because the fun places are closed.
I’ve seen depictions of Santa as the lazy part-time worker, a serial smoker, a raging alcoholic and more. Seems we’ve taken negative images and suddenly slapped them onto Santa as accessories to his red costume.
Watch this clip from the movie “Trading Places.” Dan Aykroyd was “the guy’ who fell on his luck and took a job as a part-time Santa. I always laugh at this one.
Over time, I’ve gone from the child full of wonder “thanking” Santa from a window on Christmas morning, to the cynical guy who laughs at mockery of such an endearing character.
It happens in faith. It happens in relationships. It happens all the time when we put our trust in something or someone not really trustworthy. When the veil is lifted we see that all along, Santa had a terrible smoker’s cough and a reeks of whiskey and ham.
Growing up is hard, right?
But also growing apart, growing older, living in a broken world. Let’s face it, life can be hard sometimes and cynicism chokes out wonder. Once you get burned or betrayed, it’s hard to keep going back.
BUT… (This part of the conversation really needs a “but” don’t you think?)
The reason I’ve been writing and you have been reading is because we long for and know things can be better. God gives us opportunity and creativity to make an impact.
When you look at my posts for the last two days there’s a series of related messages.
We are in a season that should be filled with joy and peace. But mostly, I’d say filled with grace.
Creative thoughts should be dominating as we think of how to bless and impact others, not wondering if they prefer a gift card or a pair of socks. This season is for us to think and stretch our minds. How can you do something over the top to show someone how much they mean to you?
Since Santa started smoking and drinking, we’ve let the cynicism win. It’s time to find the wonder of a child in our hearts again, think and dream big, and make an impact in the life of someone who needs to know they are loved.
Questions…
What is the best Christmas present you’ve given or received, and why?
What are some of your favorite Christmas memories?
What do you love or anticipate most about this season?
Anybody remember this commercial from the “Get a Mac” campaign?
The expression “touche” is French word used in the sport of fencing. When your opponent touches you with the tip of his “foil,” you acknowledge by saying touche. It’s a way of saying, “you got me” and admitting defeat. It’s throwing in the towel because you’ve been beaten.
How many of us love the movie, “The Princess Bride?” One character, Inigo, refused to say “touche.” You remember he spent his life in pursuit of the six-fingered man who killed his defenseless father. Just like the prodigal son in Luke 15, he had a speech prepared for the moment. Say it with me…
“Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
Or watch the clips from the movie, including the climax with the language you may not use in church.
In July I came out of a meeting and checked a voicemail from my dad. I returned his call and he told me a doctor’s visit confirmed some of his worries. Inoperable lung cancer. Over the next month he went through a series of biopsies, tests, and consultations with various doctors. In early September he started chemotherapy.
It’s been amazing to watch my dad. He’s 73 years old and over the last few months battling lung cancer and enduring chemotherapy he has continued a busy life. There are days with nausea, dizziness and fatigue, but my old man has been pressing on doing home renovations which is a hobby and work he’s done in his retirement to avoid insanity from sitting around doing nothing.
I’ve had many people ask, “How’s your dad doing?” I’ll tell them stories of how he continues to work and be active. Many have been amazed at his activity and persistence at his age. The thing I keep telling them is, “It will take a lot more than cancer to get him to slow down.”
There’s something about this stubbornness that is inspiring. No doubt, anyone battling cancer or other chronic or terminal illnesses can be inspired to fight hard each day. But we all need a little stubbornness in our lives, no matter what.
It’s easy to give in to our opponents. It’s easy to say, “touche…I give up…you got me.”
When you’re trying to get out of debt and the ease of charging “one more time” tempts you.
When you’re trying to lose weight and the holiday feast gatherings begin.
When you’re trying to work through hardships in relationships and the other person seems unwilling.
When you’re working your life’s dream plan and the obstacles seem bigger than the dream itself.
Foe after foe and obstacle after obstacle. Distractions. Temptations. Disruptions. Simply being too tired to go on.
I have to ask you. Are you stubborn enough?
You have a choice to refuse to give in and surrender. You don’t have to acknowledge that your opponent has touched you to the point that you’re giving up. You have a choice to keep trying, keep fighting, keep creating, keep working and keep growing. Anything short of stubbornness may simply allow relationships, dreams and impact to die.
Today my dad will get an update on how his treatments are progressing and the next steps. I know he’s tired of chemotherapy, but regardless of what report he gets from a doctor, he won’t be giving up anytime soon. He’s way too stubborn.
Follow my dad’s example. Don’t give up. Be stubborn.
Four years ago I was in the middle of what St. John of the Cross referred to as a “Dark Night of the Soul.” I was weary from burn-out. I was overcome by pride and sin. I was suffering from stupid financial decisions and friendships were falling apart. Life as I knew it was coming undone.
In what I thought would be a temporary move, I came back to my hometown and took a sales job. Temporary lasted 18 months.
In the middle of this I was diagnosed with clinical depression. I discovered this was not a result of things being out of whack. It was several years old, and in my opinion, probably the catalyst to things beginning to unravel.
I remember driving to a daily 7:30 am sales meeting. Each day I would beg God for understanding and release. I wanted to be released from my circumstances. I never was suicidal, but I remember praying many times, “Lord, if you want to take me, please do.” I suffered no where near the anguish of Job, but my heart didn’t know the difference. Dreams were dying. Hope was fading.
Understandably, during that two years of my life, I wasn’t writing or doing much with music. I wasn’t dreaming. I wasn’t teaching or speaking. I felt like Samson after his hair had been cut. Weak and ineffective.
Praise God. He slowly opened doors for me doing part-time work at my church with media. More importantly He was opening my heart up for repentance, healing and understanding. Slowly but surely I was becoming myself again. The best part of this mental, emotional and spiritual renewal; there was less pride. For the first time I really grasped grace not because of a good sermon or book, but because I was drowning it.
Creativity is an extension of who we are. God made us in His image. He made us unique with different gifts and diversity in the ways we create. Creativity is about ideas and how we bring “nothing” into “something.”
We all have dry times when creative energy may not freely flow. There are ways to overcome dry spells. But sometimes tragedy occurs. Maybe you’ve been there, or witnessed a time when the desire, the goal or the ability to create and impact crept further and further away. If this is happening, it’s because something is deeply wrong. If creativity is an extension of who you are, then this emptiness is because you are not yourself.
Depression is a blessed curse – Much has been written that leads to hope. Many of these writings were born out of sorrow and depression. While no one wants to reach rock-bottom, it is in brokenness that pride can be removed and we are reminded of who we really are. Creativity flows from honesty.
Creativity and grace are partners – We need to understand our capacity to turn ideas into impact is an undeserved gift. God never intended us to be empty spectators, but producers and contributors to life. Bringing life, light, and beauty into needy places is not a duty, it’s a joy given to us by God. He created and saw His creation was good. He has allowed us and called us to do the same.
There is potential for great danger through pride, and great power through grace. If your heart is heavy or broken right now, I encourage you not to fight it. In brokenness God deals with your pride. He extends grace. There you are free to be who you are once again for God’s glory and the blessing of others.
Please know God is working. He will restore you. I’m here to pray for you or encourage you in any way.
Questions for you…
Have you ever been in a broken place before?
Have you ever experienced God’s grace in brokenness?
If we are going to talk about making an impact on this blog, I want to let you in on two places that have captured my heart.
A couple of weeks ago I wrote about my first mission trip to the Czech Republic back in 2004. Earlier this week I booked my tickets to return. I’ll be traveling with a couple of American friends in February. We’ll visit with our Czech friends in an effort to encourage them. Christians are rare in Czech Republic and it easy for our brothers and sisters there to feel isolated when it comes to living for Jesus. When we go to the city of Brno, it can be a powerful encouragement to our Czech Christian friends.
I will share more as the trip approaches in a few months, including some long-term dreams I have for mission work there.
Another way God has convicted me is through orphan care. As a single man, for me that is primarily through sponsorships of orphans around the world with organizations like World Vision, Christian Relief Fund and the 100X Foundation. I’m excited to announce, “It’s a boy.” This week I joined the mission of 100 X in supporting a young man named Patrick who is in the equivalent of twelfth grade in Malawi.
I’m blessed to be surrounded by many at my church as well as several close friends that have chosen to adopt and end the hopelessness in the lives of the children they now call sons and daughters. It’s an awesome privilege to see God transforming so many hearts toward adoption, fostering, and so many other ways to care for orphans.
Caring for orphans and widows was not a good idea presented in Scripture. It’s a command.James 1:27 Granted, that may look differently for everyone, but it should be a part of who we are as followers of Jesus.
Today I want to be a resource for you. Here are a few organizations doing great things for orphans in the world. If you have others, please list them. Let’s share ideas today and reach into places God can use us to make a greater impact.
Last week, I found this great series of Youtube videos through Tyler Stanton’s blog.
This is a “A Bad Lip-Reading Soundbite.” I’m not sure who the guys are that do these videos, but in my opinion they are brilliant. I haven’t watched them all, so don’t hold me to any inappropriate subject matter or language.
As funny as this is, do you ever feel like you’re communicating with someone in this manner? No one is hearing what you say.
Questions for you…
What’s the biggest problem you have had in communicating with others?
Are you proactive in resolving communication problems or do you wait until things blow-over or blow-up?
I know there have been many curses upon Daylight Savings time over the last few days. Most of those curses by parents of small children who must adjust to the time change. Yet, I know many adults who willingly and dare I say, unwisely decided to take advantage of this annual opportunity for extra sleep to stay up an extra hour. What were these people thinking?
I’m a music minister. Sundays start very early for me and last all day without much mercy in the schedule. I’m usually at the church building by 7:30 booting computers and projectors and prepping for rehearsals. What makes it worse week in and week out is the fact that I’m a night person coupled with anticipation of the next day, so Saturday nights I usually average 4-5 hours of sleep before a very long day. This is not a complaint, just fun facts. This past Sunday after a crazy Saturday, early bed time, and time change I got a whopping 7 and a half hours of sleep. This is huge for me.
I showed up Sunday morning a few minutes earlier than normal. I was peppy and cheerful. Most people who see be before 10:00 on any day of the week know that is a major change in me, but I was ready for the day. In addition to my regular routine, I also lead a Bible study with college on Sunday mornings between rehearsal and worship service. Yep. It’s a long day.
Sunday I was overly excited to teach, to lead worship, to worship, run a marathon. You name it, I was ready. Continue Reading…
I’d like to thank my friends Wes Kohring and Rob Sellars for providing me informational videos on how to fold flat sheets.
Yesterday’s post was a glimpse at my ability to rant about meaningless things. It’s fun for me. I know a few others laughed. However, over the years I’ve had people think and dare to say I’m not very funny…In their opinion.
By the title of this post you may think that I’m in a self-depracating, low self-esteem place. Not true. I actually laugh at my jokes more than anyone, because I actually get them. But here are three reasons people have suggested I’m not very funny.Continue Reading…
I write this blog because I'm convinced God can use our creativity and lead us to greater
Relationships, Leadership and Impact
in the world. I'm convinced everything can be done better when we think outside the box. Whatever the status of these areas in your life, think outside the box from here to better.
About 5 minutes after I wrote yesterday’s post, I saw this quote.
