Lesson in laughter

Sometimes I think for me at least, lessons can be learned with humor. I know often I find little things more interesting with a slight spin of sarcasism or light heartedness. To take the little things inject bits of humor into observation. It's the irony in the everyday situations that I seem to miss until I look at them with different perspective. Humor can cushion the blow of reality to be more paletable for the lessons to be learned.

Or to take notice of bumper stickers, two that I have seen recently.....
"Don't like my driving? Then quit watching me."
"Make God laugh, tell Him your plans...."

Here's a kicker, on a Marquee sign I saw outside a local church recently....

"Don’t let worries kill you. Let the Church help."
An obvious message here, but which one?

Measured Success

I had the blessing to listen to a dynamic speaker last week at a lunch with a number of other men, the message was about leadership. I am spending time on this subject personally and professionally. I am driven to improve my leadership in all arenas of my life, refine my understanding of character development and establish a better balance in all areas of submission to Him. The speaker at this gathering is an excellent communicator, a voice of reason and incredible motivator through his vision, passion and humility, Pastor Furtick. None of this message was unique to him, as he sighted many resources of his understanding, his implementation of Biblical principles and foundation gave great insight to me. Sharing examples of dynamic leaders throughout time. There were a number of bullet points that impacted my horizon.

I have had some incredible leaders to learn and grow from in my life and one of the most interesting traits they all seem to possess is the ability to lead more by leading less. Empowering, stepping aside to allow others to lead, trusting in their abilities and gifts. As Pastor stated, "once the vision is established set people out in dispatch mode." Leadership is not a title or position because of hierarchy, it is an acceleration on an ability.

Another point I took away is that it is all too easy to say this is not my spiritual gifting, so I turn my back on certain things I am not "good at." I may not have the abilities of others, netting a disproportionate amount of return, that should not stop me in preparation. I must continue to build my preparedness of these "weaknesses." The focus for me is to build and be prepared in all spiritual gifts, when called I must be prepared to in all areas. God calls different leaders to different arenas. Success is not measured by mimicking others, doing what they do, it is about what I do with what I admire in others. Taking action in my creation, leading with humility, being uncomfortable in complacency, allowing Him to empower and equip me.

Blinders or Kingdom

I have been working on a strategy(revisions) in our business over the last couple of years or so, to sustain our growth and continue to build our reputation. I have begun to really look around at other successful companies, read as much as I can about their successes and take what I can to build foundation. It is not only their successes, learning from their failures. How they have worked within their limitations to build upon their realities. I have learned I do not have the answers, I do possess the ability to learn & revise the strategy. Evaluating many resources and strategic planning to complete the "Vision." All that I read, listen and learn from share a similar vision, "success," not yet have I come across anyone who has set out failure. If the shops in my area were to put their heads together, push each other we would be able to make a significant impact in our areas of business, there is enough work for all of us. Rather than trying to protect our "trade secrets" or padding our preferences, we work to raise the level producing quality results, working in unison. Separating the chaff from the wheat. It is all too easy for me to work within my comforts, thinking I know something others do not by living with blinders on.

Last night we heard a message from Pastor Furtick about "One Prayer" project. He recorded a message for this upcoming video teaching series where pastor's will share a message, churches will exchange these teachings, allowing many churches to hear, learn and grow from the messages from Pastor's across the nation. It's about the Kingdom, impacting the Kingdom in His name, more broad minded than the preferences of the local church. Churches are primarily known for what they're against in the community rather than what they are for, isn't it time for us to stand up and proclaim the name of Christ?

Compressed relationships

My day happily starts at Starbucks each morning, "my Starbucks" is the best. Best Barista's, best people and best shots(not just because often they are free) it is because the whole experience has good vibe, case closed. Relationally speaking, 2 minute relationships, being able to connect to people in bits, first impressions, substance is built slowly over a period of time. Building a relationship over time in small increments requires good listening skills and careful content. Today started as any other day, picked up my "joy in a cup," one of the Barista's I typically only see on Sunday mornings. First impression, she's not usually happy, nor a morning person, now I know nothing of her other than first impressions. Today was different, I entered with my typical enthusiastic "good morning," I was received with better than expected results, we spoke, as brief as it was I learned more about her, building just a little more in content. Another "joy seeker" entered I said hello to him by name, I have not seen him for the last few months. I continued and asked him how things were for him. He's a teacher, so I asked questions about his nearing the end of the year, work load, etc. Asked about how he was doing as a few months ago someone in his life passed away. It is like continuing a conversation with a good friend, picking right up where you left off, lots of life has passed, it is still relevant.

What happened next was a payoff of stepping out of myself connecting with those around me. Getting out of the way for Him to show me the importance of investing in others. As I was getting back into my truck, this gentleman came out and thanked me for asking. He said "I wish I had your gift of compassion and simply remembering names..." I thanked him, we went on our way, God impressed on my heart the significance of these brief encounters. To be effective to Him, I must "impact others" not for my glory, that His light may shine. I think of how many times Jesus healed, in a brief encounter. I must make the most of these opportunities, His power can be the difference in a moment.

Falling on deaf ears...

Here's something that clearly speaks to my heart, Marlee Matlin on overcoming limitations, Dancing with the Stars, she's deaf, not hearing impaired, deaf. Yet she danced, moved and rejoiced in the opportunity to publically face challenge and adversity, continually. Arriving home from Men's group the other night, I walked in on the "voting results" of Dancing with the Stars, Marlee was out. My response to Sandra was "that su&^s, I now have no emotional attachment with tears welling up each week." I have been on the verge of tears every time I saw her dance, that lump in my throat in admiration to her abilities not limited by a handicap. Dance is one thing, not hearing the music and dancing, wow. A quote I read from Marlee is even more convicting.... "life may be difficult when you cannot hear but believe me when I say that the real "handicap" of Deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. At the end of the day, silence is the last thing the world will ever hear from me. I hope and pray that it is the same for all of you."

First, I was watching the dancing, not the hockey playoffs, this may be hard to overcome in the locker room of my hockey team! Hey Jason Taylor is on the show and will be in a locker room with professional football players, 'nough said! One thing to live, work and impact others through your strengths, it is completely another to participate beyond strength and face challenges in our limitations and weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. When I face my weaknesses, He provides the strength and power to work through them. To overcome any weakness it becomes undeniably His power and grace that performs, strengthens and provides a way to overcome the strongholds and limitations of weakness. He receives the praise and thanksgiving.

Becoming a man....

Here's something I have wrestled with for a long time, while watching one of my favorite (why?) TV shows, "Deadliest Catch" it dawned on me I am not alone. A show based around crab fishing, I hate crab because my wife is allergic to crab! Here's the back story, "greenhorn" boards a boat for the life changing experience of living on the edge, pushing the limits, braving the elements, trudging through limitations of human endurance, placing your life in the hands of the "crew" while at the mercy of the sea. All for a flippin' crustation hiding on the ocean floor. This "greenhorn" has never done something like this before, has something to prove and this will in his mind be the turning point in his life. He survives this experience, he has earned the respect of the crew, earns his stripes sort to speak. The season has drawn to a close, the boat returning to it's port, families waiting in anticipation of their return, his test is not yet complete. He says his goodbyes to the crew, disembarks the vessel and is greeted and embraced by his father. While in his father's arms, he says "I did it dad, I am a man..."

I have never had this turning point of embrace, spending many a day wishing I had my father's approval and assurance. What I have found in seeking an earthly father's respect, it may not be there, I am no lesser of a man, I am falling prey to the limitations of the world, trying to live up to expectations. This limits me to live for or through someone else, I may never find that approval. My assurance must come through Him, God's purpose is to will heal, build and empower me, not enable me... having something to prove. It is all about my embracing Him, for my ways are not His ways. Luke 15:20 ...."But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." He has equipped me, I am what I am, a man, I choose His embrace...

Name labels...

Growing up it seemed as though everything had a label, mom seemed to sew that little label onto every possible article of clothing. Heaven knows when you would get that item back from the "sewing" room. This room was a literal mountain of clothing, a virtual goldmine of retro clothes if it only existed today, by the time the very first item was dug out for repair it would have been back in style! Never the less, when an item did resurface, it darned a name label. This was for some reason embarrassing to me, to have my name labeled on every article of clothing. What was the message she was sending? As if I was performing some sort of striptease while riding my "Schwinn Sting Ray," or while playing capture the flag! I do not know, I never seemed to arrive home with someone else's sock or shirt, I guess it worked. These labels were made with glass, metal shavings or starch that allowed them to dig, scrap, cut, pierce or gouge the skin, not to mention the actual knot of "razor wire"thread that bonded them to the item. Inevitably, I walked with a limp due to the one heel being sliced by this label in my sock!

Well some quiet time here's what appeared, Numbers 15:39 You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Today these labels are not my name but His, not literal but figurative, He is sewn into the very thread of my heart. Some days this label may sharply dig, making it hard to walk, yet having the perserverence to do what is right, despite the limp I may be "consecrated to my God." Do not give in to your limp as Pastor Furtick said a couple of weeks ago in a message, He has the plan and purpose......when our desire becomes greater than our disability.

Good eats....

I had the pleasure of dining with my bride the other night on a date night. We went to a nice restaurant, which places a great deal of effort in their "wow factor." Not the fussy kind of restaurant that is tight laced, formal or stuffy, that makes me feel like I do not belong, unable to enjoy the reasons I am there. This was casual dining where you could wear whatever you want, enjoy the food, atmosphere and excellent service. All too often restaurants I've gone into pay close attention to either service, food or attitude, not the whole package. The key detail is the food and atmosphere is developed from there, not 4 star service with poor quality food. They focus first on the key component "food," taking off on the details of making it a place where you want to return. Coming from a culinary perspective one reason I noticed their food was most important, there was no salt of pepper on any of the tables, this means the chef(s) focus on the seasonings in preparation, not tailored to taste at the table. They want their preparation to make the impact, thinking through the basic reason they are in business. It is not overly stimulating with screens (TVs) distracting your focus, or tables filled with bottles of flavor. Simply unpretentious dining, allowing you to enjoy their primary purpose and details.

Takeaway, it really is a good personal and professional strategy. What are the strengths that set me apart, recognize how they make me different from others. Establish balance through this fundamental, but understand the difference can be made with the strength setting the "bar" and developing the excellence by focus on improving the whole experience. Never losing sight of the primary purpose building foundations from there, not resting on your laurels...improving on all areas, stimulating a "wow" response, clearly making an impact on the overall experience.

Small World

Yesterday, I me with a new potential client, she was recommended by another client. We discussed their project for sometime, as I was leaving she said she heard I was from New England. I replied "Yes, I was from Connecticut," she "really where?" Turns out she was from the same home town, one year behind me in school, all the same friends, many similarities in our childhood and no doubt we were at the same places, parties and did the same things. This is not something I spend much time in "the past," as it was filled with days I prefer not to relive. I was troubled at that point in my life. Honestly, my ambitions were to turn 21 and legally drink in any state in the Union! God has a sense of humor & a plan, when I was 21, I got sober. We talked about many different things from our childhood, piecing the people and parts of our earlier years together...wow what a difference now!
The takeaways, the more we discussed all this, the more charged up about my life now I became. It becomes very clear when looking back in time that I have purpose now in my life. That there is a calling I must reply to in my life. God has delivered me from the life with no future, my limited ambitions. How specific people He placed in my life changed the direction and offered new hope. Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. He has never stopped placing these people in my life, continues to offer hope in my life transforming my heart. I thank Him for the ability to look back see where I have been, recognizing the change and delivering me from the chains...... Do not overlook the past, it offers new hope for the future.

Branded Icons

Yesterday, I saw something that surprised me, alarmed my inner sense of duty. I have heard the term "Branded Icon" for years, understood the concept I thought. What does it say when something ignites a memory in an instance, with a music note, shape of a logo, etc. It mostly sparks the mind to think of a product, service or corporation. Those little things that make a powerful statement by triggering a response, say to sing along with the jingle. Well, some ad executive and marketers have done their job well.

What I saw yesterday was something I will only have to see this one time but will effect me every time I see this type of service again. I could only ask myself, why didn't they see this coming? On the side of the road was a vehicle with a flat tire. The business was clear, the signage was all over the car, should have seen it coming! It was a psychic service, yes a psychic was pulled off the road.....I chuckled! My thoughts were immediately drawn to a trip to the beach, passing a tarot card and psychic business location with a sign on the door that read "Gone out of business!" Did they see that coming?! Now that's a branded icon!

I was drawn to the thought that this is true in life as well. I wear the brand of "Christ." I believe in Him, follow His teachings, how am I acting? If it is me on the side of the road with a flat tire, do I stand there kicking the tires, pounding the hood? What do others see in me that can change the brand from sing along to turning the channel? Do reap what I sew? Impact can be made in a moment, leaving a lasting impression....I am not perfect, giving in to the temptations of flesh may be what others see....

Compliments

My day can be changed with receiving simple words of praise from another person. The same holds true for giving a compliment to others, simply acknowledging an appreciation, ability, accomplishment or thank you. I have always understood the impact of such gifts, yet often I find myself handcuffed not living in the moment, over look the opportunity to deliver these small seeds of encouragement. My acknowledgement is about how something has impacted me, how someone has effected me, how they have blessed me...why not let them know? It allows me to live in the moment, if it is genuine in substance it can transform one's attitude. I have been blessed with great leadership in my life and career, learning lessons, building integrity, a key component in this growth is spawned by encouraging words.

The other day someone impacted my day, by simply say to me "you brighten my morning with your cheerful attitude." See I do not know the basis for their compliment, what's happening in their day, impact was made for both involved. They had influence in my heart as I had on theirs. I found myself passing on the attitude throughout the day....simply because it was vocalized.

In business, I am a leader, I can dictate the mood of a project from start to finish. My mindset can influence how others meet their responsibilities. I need to set the bar by acknowledging the parts of the process that allow us to exceed expectations. This is done by building, encouraging and empowering those who have a part in the process. Impact can be made through a simple compliment, defeating negativity, increasing productivity, building community.

Celebrating Birthdays

We had a partial celebration of a birthday last night, partial because for this one's birthday it can not be complete without a date night! My bride is dorning the same age as me! She revels in the thought that for 5 months of the year she is younger than me, Ha, you've caught up! Now this could be filled with the spiritual benefits of the joy she has brought into my days, walk and faith. I choose to fill this blog with the observations from her day. Kids have made it so much more fun to celebrate these kinds of milestones.
Takeaways from last night.......We started our dinner with a very special prayer, in honor of her.
Cornbread casserole...the molten lava of casserole, yummy!
Sloppy Joe's...that's right who will spill this time...good job Coley!
Then some gift's....creative cards from the girls, coupons stuffed inside.
A card from Jess, opening it up was a hand written dissertation! Obviously, she has my ability to write...lengthy notes, "novels" if you will!
These coupons were filled with things like 4 hours without a child whining, 10 minute foot massage, help around the house, among others. What was so funny about these coupons was they were wrapped like some sort of "top secret message." I think the government could benefit from a child's origami folding, tucking and taping of a note!
Spiritual takeaways.....living in the "now" offers the opportunity to benefit in the moment. I am able to see those little things that make the difference in life, enjoy how God has blessed me and we can all laugh together as they are inside jokes! Inside jokes are those that resinate, in an instant they come back, put a skip into my step and smile on my face! The joy is in the journey....

Reality TV

When will this peering into the lives of others end? I have seen a commercial over the last week about "Verminator's," the people who get rid of the infestations in homes, behind walls and under houses. This could only be to scare and repulse viewers, placing judgement on the way others live. Where will we stop? Is it that most people want to change careers or are that interested in the lives of others? Some of these are compelling, such as "Deadliest Catch," where I will hope to never find myself, yet fascinating living so close to danger, I do not even like crab!
Then you have the other spectrum of "The Real Lives of Orange County Housewives," where people show their hands, selfish ambitions, spoils of money, superficial relationships. What is the common denominator?
Money? Could it be we are fascinated with the way others earn and spend their money?
American Dream? How people live out their interpretation of the American Dream?
Judgement? That on the outside we can place judgement on the way others live?

I think we live in this voyeuristic society allowing us to look into the lives of others that we can live for some moment in time without the struggles of everyday life. We can use this "fantasy" for our lives to somehow find the secret formula for success without the investment. The investment in reality, our own reality, truth as it is not as we would have it be..... Living in reality, being ourselves and impacting others 2Corinthians 9:12

Overpacking part 2

What's it about men that force everything into one bag, as if to make a point? I used to have an average size suitcase, it is smaller now. When and how has this happened? Before we leave for somewhere, my duty, go into the attic and get luggage down. Somehow, I am holding all the straws, having known which straw is which, I always pull the short one! Lord knows if it was winter forget'bout dit, I'd never fit anything. I am not the guy that spends 50% traveling for work, I have traveled some and learned lessons of packing. Fold and roll, whatever, I am going to make this work, I am a man. Somehow, I can not be seen with the second bag (ManCode violation 432:90). Besides, do I have any hope? I have 2 daughters, 1 wife and her flippen blow dryer that is the size of a fire extinguisher!

Sometimes the question is asked, "do you have some extra room?" Extra room..where, are you crazy? I would have to start wearing speedo's, Lycra clothing and tank tops only to have extra room! No one wants this, and the very thought of this embarrasses my oldest daughter, I will hold onto this one for the future! Ok, my solution, wisely executed a couple of years ago, golf bag! The travel bag has places to cram, jam and "cushion" my clubs! Yes, that's right I now can enjoy that second pair of jeans, sweatshirt and perhaps an extra pair of shoes! Best yet, have not broken man code and I've added credibility with my clubs, impressive!

Sunday we arrived here on the Island, I carry all luggage, 3 girls worth of stuff, food, totes w/supplies, bikes, bla, bla bla! Finally, I get it all into the house and start unpacking. I open my travel bag for the clubs........I have bike helmets, jackets, kites and everything but my overflow! What just happened? I am not sure I have a solution for this one! No one will believe me with a garmet bag, the last suit I was forced into was............? It still counts as a second bag!

Overpacking

What's it about men that force everything into one bag, as if to make a point? I used to have an average size suitcase, it is smaller now. I have noticed the last couple of times we've left for somewhere my suitcase has gone from tall trash bag to quart size freezer bag! Never the less, I am going to pack in one suitcase! Another thing I have notice with this sandwich bag I pack in...it has compartments, for what? If I was to put a pair of socks in the compartment on the side, a shirt would never fit in the middle!

It has triggered a thought of compartmentalizing in life. If I was to continue to shove parts of my life separating from the others I would not have room for Christ in the center. I would have to squeeze Him in, so little room with everything else straining the seams. Publicly, I can declare "Christ comes first in my life," and privately deny Him by my lifestyle. "I keep things to myself" is deadly for me, denying the very power in which I profess to love and follow. I seek a walk with Him, in every aspect of my life, that I am authentically seeking His Righteousness. Christ first, not just with the words of my lips, the actions of my heart. Integrity builds relationship, relationships build intimacy, intimacy builds understanding. Limiting the intimacy with Him by holding on to certain things acknowledges the fact I have not surrendered to His Will, still living mine. Simply, if I squeeze Him into my bag, "I think," He can not see all of me. If I fit everything else around Him the answer to the question "who will know if I do this?" the answer is obvious: God will. True Intimacy is impossible without Integrity.
Proverbs 20:7

Vacation memories

It is truly a blessing to have this time with the girls, vacations used to be times that haunted my memories. Growing up, the family climbed into a metal bread box, vinyl seats for that summer pleasure, rolled the windows down and we were off. Whistling down the highways, wind blowing, no one really spoke, a soft beg comes from somewhere in the back of this Country Squire Wagon, "I have to go to the bathroom," it was like Oliver asking for more porridge (gotsta be a little older for this reference!) My fathers fateful glance in the rear view mirror, "we'll stop soon, we only have 1000 miles to go!"

You get the picture, we all get on an agenda, have expectations and ideas as to what our vacation will look like. Fact is the Pollard's do not travel real well with others, others that have expectations of full time entertainment. We do not lack adventure, just the minute to minute micro managing is out for us. This island is our favorite real close adventure, Bald Head Island, there is nothing to do and there is so much to do. It truly is a place to step away from daily routine, we have enjoyed this island for several years now. Yesterday's decisions were taxing, bike ride, cart drive, walk on beach, nap, sun.......watch the ferry come in....whatever. This is vacation to me, opportunities to enjoy what is around you. Our nightly adventures include wildlife safari's to find what animals are out frolicking, eating and observing people! Off to the local hangouts, looking for "gators," something really intriguing about being so close to alligators. The hawk swooping in to get a fish, the gator trying for the hawk and the fish realizing it is dinner for one! This allows the moments to make the memories, not to force memories into a moment. This is far removed from daily routine, for us, I can't remember the last time I pulled the kite out in my backyard, well I do remember but I am hoping my neighbors have forgotten!

Vacation Exercise

Ok, truth be told I have this habit of going on vacation to catch up on the exercise I have put off all year. I put long hours in the saddle! Strapped up the cycling shoes, filled the water bottle, earbuds in. I have it in my mind I am off on another adventure, slipping through the mean streets here on the island. Poised to pass upcoming motor vehicles, like a tornado, I am focused, driven with a vision. Hop on my steed, push play, crank up the volume... watch out

Ozzy Osbourne "Crazy Train,"
Crazy, but that’s how it goes
Millions of people living as foes
Maybe it’s not to late
To learn how to love
And forget how to hate.....

Yes, focus, now even inspiration, "learn how to love....," I am off. Watch out golf carts, I'm on yo 'ash, the blaze that just rode past you, is me. Cop-per's catch me if you can, lightening I am. Harmonious sounds of gears, chain and testosterone! Man and machine in unison, well oiled...
Gasp, wheeze, hack.... ouch, it burns, aaahh, I think I am gonna throw up.

"due to a man's stupidity, arrogance and pride that tell him he is capable of doing today what he could do yesterday." quoted by chris pollard 4/8/08. Yes, why is it I get on vacation every year - peddle, skate and run as though I'd been doing it all year long. Only to remember I could not do it then either! What a numbskull, think I just blacked out from a lack of oxygen, did that happen last year too?!!!! Perhaps I will stick to riding with the girls!

At least I was not wearing the Lycra wind suit!!!!!!!!!
It's great getting old, people expect the mind to go, I can finally deliver, it is!
Yes, appearing soon at a mall near you, ready to rock those socks!

Each of our callings

A teacher gave an assignment to her class, draw something from nature. As the teacher moved down the aisles, checking on the students' progress, she paused at one's desk and commented. "Those flowers are nice, but flowers don't have faces on them." The boy replied, "mine do." Flowers with faces, trees that could run and dance, an elephant with ears so big he could fly, a cricket that was a little boys conscience and even a mouse that could talk - these were Walt Disney's visions.

Jer.1:4-5 Scripture points out repeatedly, God has placed a message, a dream, a gift in every human heart. "the Holy Spirit did not come to the early church just so signs, wonders and miracles could take place. The Spirit also came to enable each of us to express the devine gifts placed within us from conception."

I find myself on vacation fervantly praying that I may understand mine and use it for God's glory. I feel like the flood gates have been opened........

Brave Heart

Great message at church yesterday, really made me think of a couple things, first I have to thank Michael Leahy for sharing his message with our church body. The other thanks to the Staff at Elevation Church, for tackling the issues of pornography from the pulpit. The message yesterday was not of a fallen minister, athlete having lost everything, the rich and powerful selling their souls. No this message was about the "average Joe," who had the life of Barbie & Ken. Middle income, ok job, family, kids, having what was expected from this stereotype. An all-American family, powerfully hammered home to me, it's the things unseen, "Brady Bunch" does not exist, the man who has 2 lives, that which is seen, and the silence unseen, gripped by shame. The story of escalation, to living out fantasy. The absolute truth of believing what they are selling, perfect marketing, knowing the target audience. The porn industry falls short of telling you about the lives, homes and hearts on the brink of total bankruptcy, spiritual, emotional and physical. How about the lives "affected" the ripple effect, families, spouses, children, co-workers, etc.

Absolutely time to face the music of sexual immorality, promiscuity and the grip Satan has on the people through seduction of believing what they are selling, that somehow life should be like a porn. Why is the church taking so long to respond? Why is this a 57 billion dollar industry, and the church acts as if it has never heard of this thing, pornography? Or thinking it is not affecting the hearts of the believer. Something so tempting and powerfully seductive, the church is not actively facing the battle, fighting the fight and saving souls. This addiction haunts more than alcoholism, drug addictions, gambling, credit and consumer debt combined, and we do not talk about it, in too many cases we pretend it does not exist. Time to start realizing, not talking only perpetuates the condition of the hearts, continues the generation sin and drives our future further from the Father. Yes, there are some fighting, facing this and helping to save the hearts from the grips of shame, the noose of addiction and the cycle of bondage. Thanks Michael, sharing, stirring and speaking up, believing God has a plan for your life. That "restoration" can only happen when reality is confronted. Let's impact those afflicted with an option, hope that is found in Grace, freedom in Christ.

Priority Investment

When I was speed skating, this was one of the most taxing disciplines I had to that point been involved in, requiring complete commitment to win. There was always someone faster, more refined technique, better suited for a distance, course or simply a lunge at the line. So training involved many different approaches, preparing me for an event. It always came down to more than what I had done during the race or what I had eaten to supply the energy for effort. Physical condition, emotional investment, mental (spiritual) commitment were all required for success.

Tuesday night in Men's group, along with other topics we were discussing "spiritual backslide." A chart with different descriptions "road signs" of attitude or behaviors leading to separation from God. This is a cycle of separation and decline, the very first category leading away is loss of focus, time, devotion to spiritual condition, reading and praying. All of the levels below are really manifestations of loosing sight of "Restoration" focus. The other character traits that detour me from being effective in my discipline, serve as warnings to take notice of which direction I am moving.

Priority is my greatest struggle, often tangling true priority, seeking Him, with work priority. Finding spiritual balance is directly related to time investment. I find myself alone having sacrificed spiritual investment when work success out weighs discipline. My enlightenment may happen suddenly, like a ton of bricks, truth is it happens by missing the "road signs" along the way, which would be clear if my focus was correct. Balance is unobtainable when priorities are not focused on all the disciplines required to "win." Spiritual, emotional, and physical investments are required to stay on course....... or I find myself left behind.

Ripple effect

Somewhere along the way in my life my eyes were opened to the ripple effect. I stopped thinking like a child and learned of cause and effect. This understanding has dramatic differences in life. There is positive ripple effect that perpetuates and causes a ground swell of God's blessings to resound in hearts, gain speed, take actions and cause great impact on others. The initial thought I have as an example is "Bless Back Project," at Elevation Church this was a powerful move through a community to take financial blessing and share them with others. The stories are heart wrenching of how these blessing were used to move on God's behalf. I can only think God shed tears because an understanding of Agape love was spreading among His people. Serving others the way we were meant to serve, "the bride of Christ." This was not a one time action, but an understanding by our actions the effects can be everlasting on our hearts, making a difference in the lives of others and living as we were meant to live.

Ripple effect can be caused when selfishness & self-centered behaviors grab hold of a man distracting him from purpose, separating him from God, causing him to react in a manner sending shock waves through every aspect of his life, shaking the foundations of everything close and affecting lives of everyone around him. To be seduced into thinking "the grass is greener," the covenant of marriage is flawed, Mal. 2:14. Questioning the sovereignty of God and the very authority of whom we serve.

These are very different examples of ripple effect. One causes "impact exploding" through the body of Christ. Effecting (The power to produce an outcome or achieve a result) influencing lives through the move of God. The other causing "impact imploding" affecting (To attack or infect, as a disease.) the lives around us because of the separation from God. Either produces ripple effect, to have impact on others, only one produces the impact to build foundation, the other crumbles foundations.

Visionary combat

Visionary combat
A men's group discussion I was involved in last night was alarming to me, one of the topics discussed was, Fantasy, "is fantasy acceptable in one's life?" I can only share to my experience, that is to believe today fantasy has no place in my life. Before I could even filter the words from my mouth, I replied "there are no redeeming qualities in any form of fantasy." I paused after my statement to listen to others in the discussion. I became extremely passionate about my position, I spent much of my life living in fantasy, most developed out of the insulating factors of protecting myself. Not knowing how to expose the fears and insecurities in childhood and life, and process emotion. At any point of discomfort or conflict, I could slip into my fantasy world, it became my ability to escape. My medication from pain, instinctual avoidance. Fantasy is not based in truth, fantasy allows me to live separated from everyone else, a self-centered defense that paralyzed my abilities to move beyond the insecurities I possess. Eventually, fantasy isolates me from the life that is reality. Some may not understand this thought, "I can be in a room filled with people and be completely alone." Having absolutely no connection to others, to myself, to God. It all started as insulation and escalated to isolation.

Fantasy does not require anything from me, it allows me to wallow in circumstances, holding me back, avoiding responsibility, moving beyond, processing emotion and seeking guidance. Summed up, "giving in and giving up." You end up participating in life from the sidelines.

The reprogramming process for me as truth is poured in my life, fantasy is replaced with "vision." Vision requires action, effort and fundamental foundation. I am able to refine my vision, strategically respond, doing something about it. I have found it mobilizes me into reality, enabling me to grow, change, process that which I used to run from, and act upon the calling inside of me. Allowing me to break free from the bondage of paralyzing insecurities (fear), thrusting me into participation and offering me hope, hope based in truth.

Level of Play

I play with a hockey team that has played together for over 8 years, after a length of time they become an extension of your body on the ice. You know what the others are going to do inherently, little communication required, you know your position, anticipate theirs and work together. Others may be faster, but to know what to expect from your team, challenging their assault. Sunday night we were on the ice, winning, all we needed to do was keep the puck away. The other team had an odd man rush on me (goalie), out of nowhere comes one of my on ice heroes, completely disrupting their attempt to score, by stripping the puck from them. He (Jeff) was giving it 110%. This was a game we had in hand, winning strong, it did not require the 110% effort. Jeff did not stop at the efforts to just get by, he sacrificed his body for the play, in fact he broke his leg in 3 places hitting the boards after this play. He has significant impact on the level of play every time he laces up his skates, no matter what is required in effort.

Takeaways are rather convicting for me, so often in life it is easy to find the softer path, just getting by, exhausting a minimum effort. Jeff's efforts are an example of no matter what the score, giving your all. If the battle is being lost, do I fall back on my heels and give in to defeat? If winning handily do I begin to sacrifice the energy required to increase the level of play? Either situation requires an attitude of purpose, conviction and intensity. The turning point of any game (battle) can happen in an instant, the attitude towards the outcome can slip and find myself limited, if I do not maintain the efforts required to fight. I must face every situation with heart, 110% effort and be willing to sacrifice my body for the battle. Raising the level of play in victory and adversity will impact the result, no matter what the outcome.....conviction requires Perseverance and heart, it is not fleeting or momentary.