BTW, I was going to show a tasteful picture of boxer briefs for this morning's blog, but my Internet filter caught all the potential pictures. Thank John Sharp http://www.hedge.org/
www.northpointonline.org
Friday, May 30, 2008
Boxer Briefs, Thank You Points, and G-Mail
I mentioned advice last week. If we watch and listen there are all kinds of tips on how to have a better life. I heard Chris Ruppe www.chrisruppe.com rant one day about boxer briefs. I had never heard of them at the time. He told me how they would change my life. Without getting personal (they did not change my life), I am enjoying a pair as we speak. Great advice.
Neal is a Thank You Points www.thankyou.com freak. I had him explain the concept. I will never be as good at Thank You Points as Neal, but thousands of points later, great advice. Dustin said G-mail. I do whatever Dustin www.dustinwillis.com says. Great advice.
I do see a pattern here, although boxer briefs, Thank You Points, or G-mail will not get me to heaven when I die, nor will they change the world.
Henry Cloud wrote a mediocre book with a fascinating concept in 9 Things You Simply Must Do. He defined a group of people called deja vu people. He called them this because when you meet them you feel like you have met them before. You haven't, but it is the way they do things that seems familiar. None of us can surround ourselves with these people every day. But, be sure to take advantage of when you are around them. Watch and learn.
From the Bible, Psalm chapter 1, addresses wisdom on a spiritual level. Take a look while you are out today. People will show up that are worth watching.
Neal is a Thank You Points www.thankyou.com freak. I had him explain the concept. I will never be as good at Thank You Points as Neal, but thousands of points later, great advice. Dustin said G-mail. I do whatever Dustin www.dustinwillis.com says. Great advice.
I do see a pattern here, although boxer briefs, Thank You Points, or G-mail will not get me to heaven when I die, nor will they change the world.
Henry Cloud wrote a mediocre book with a fascinating concept in 9 Things You Simply Must Do. He defined a group of people called deja vu people. He called them this because when you meet them you feel like you have met them before. You haven't, but it is the way they do things that seems familiar. None of us can surround ourselves with these people every day. But, be sure to take advantage of when you are around them. Watch and learn.
From the Bible, Psalm chapter 1, addresses wisdom on a spiritual level. Take a look while you are out today. People will show up that are worth watching.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Does Memorial Day Matter?
I am not trying to protect anybodies non-profit status today. My discomfort with discussing war and peace lies in the politics of it all. For the record, I consider myself Republican. I am bothered that the term Republican is more ambiguous than ever. Nevertheless, I will vote for John McCain in November, bottom line. End of discussion for me.Iraq, yes or no? Afghanistan, yes or no? I am just not expert on those issues. Obviously, few are. If I go into a rant, I am going to trivialize something, someone, somewhere.
Almost a year ago I witnessed my first ever, graduation from Basic Training, in San Antonio, Texas, Lackland AFB. Airman David Mikusek, my son-in-law, joined the Air Force reserves. I was moved and to some level changed forever.
Our sons and daughters, our dads and husbands, our wives, brothers, and sisters essentially stuck out their chests and said, if need to I will die for our country. I will die for a just war, I will die for an unjust war. I will die for a Republican war, a Democratic war. I will die for a Baptist war, a Catholic war, or an atheist war. I will die for a stupid war or a necessary war. Their families (including me) made the same commitment with them, celebrated, hugged, cried, and took pictures.
I will never protest or analyze something that costs real people and their families the ultimate price. Everything is a big, overused word. When a person serves our country and loses years, arms, legs, mental capacity, and life, any acknowledgment trivializes to some degree. Thank yous, flags, bumper stickers, and special holidays seem silly at times.
Memorial Day does not matter if it is a free day off or a moment of silence to take off my hat and cover my heart. Thank you must be year around to all who have paid, are paying, and will pay for democracy. I am not sure what that looks like. I know my son-in-law David, is not a political issue, he is a person. His son Owen and his wife Krista are not either.
What does 'thank you' look like? Think about that with me today. Talk about it with your children and families. Pray and be grateful.
Thank you to all of those who gave and who are willing to give it all for people like me. People you will never know. People, that, if you knew us, you may not even like. You are heroes.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Lefty Losey, Righty Tighty
Great advice is hard to come by. I am not very good at fixing things. I have a great track record of breaking things. I was leaning over a car in my New Orleans area driveway years ago. My friend, Bob Marks, uttered the words, lefty losey, righty tighty. Revolutionary words for the mechanically impaired. What about you? Someone will listen to you today. Any revolutionary words?
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Journey 5 - Deadly Bursts
I noticed a few less experienced runners on the trail. How could I tell? They were running way too hard at the beginning of the race. Too many deadly bursts. Tricky subject I know. How could I tell the difference? Didn't the top 10 finishers (I was in the bottom third of this big ugly) start out faster than me?
There was a big difference between the experienced runners who started quickly versus the inexperienced runners who started quickly. To the experienced runners it was about knowing purpose, preparation, and . . . drum roll please . . . self-awareness. How much fuel was in the tank when the race began?
Two major obstacles were faced by every runner. James (35) finished first with a time of 29.55. Terrance (52) finished last with a time of 1:15:49. Both faced personal obstacles and course obstacles. Both faced preparation issues and personal pain issues. They ran the same course, probably with different purposes. Who knows which one actually succeeded?
Let's see, three pieces of long hanging fruit, which one do you need to work on today? Definition of success? Personal obstacles (pain, disappointment, limitations)? Course obstacles (relationships, expectations of others, gas prices)? Where is God in the work?
There was a big difference between the experienced runners who started quickly versus the inexperienced runners who started quickly. To the experienced runners it was about knowing purpose, preparation, and . . . drum roll please . . . self-awareness. How much fuel was in the tank when the race began?
Two major obstacles were faced by every runner. James (35) finished first with a time of 29.55. Terrance (52) finished last with a time of 1:15:49. Both faced personal obstacles and course obstacles. Both faced preparation issues and personal pain issues. They ran the same course, probably with different purposes. Who knows which one actually succeeded?
Let's see, three pieces of long hanging fruit, which one do you need to work on today? Definition of success? Personal obstacles (pain, disappointment, limitations)? Course obstacles (relationships, expectations of others, gas prices)? Where is God in the work?
Heading to ATL today. Wish I had some time to maneuver a bit, but strictly business. I love ATL. Tennessee Friday/Saturday. Willow Ridge Sunday. Prince Caspian Monday. Looks like the track is laid for the next few feet.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
The Journey 4 - Finish
Most people do not finish well. I remember great advice I received when I was in school. Keep turning corners! Don't be overwhelmed by the big picture.
The old folks used to talk about how fast time goes. One day I woke up one of them. I understand now. Everything is temporary. The good, the bad, and the stuff in between. That is not intended to be a cynical view of life. To me, it motivates. Find a Bible and read Romans 8:18-39. Notice the journey aspect of the passage . . . The rhythm of life . . . The God perspective.
One lady on the trail said her goal was to finish without stopping. You Type A's probably think that is the stupidest vision statement ever. But if 60% of all leaders do not finish well, the stupid may be more powerful than at first glance. What do you think?
What a day yesterday! I survived family devotions at headquarters. Really turned out to be a friendly and receptive crowd. I have been speaking to groups for over 30 years. I am surprised and humbled by how nervous I get!
Spent the afternoon without some of my favorite movement makers in Greenville: Perry Duggar from Brookwood Church http://www.brookwoodchurch.org/ , Jay and Joanna Mitchell The Springs http://www.thesprings.org/, and Kermit (not easy being green) Morris. Just didn't feel like work, but I'm counting it. I'm savin' my vacation days.
The old folks used to talk about how fast time goes. One day I woke up one of them. I understand now. Everything is temporary. The good, the bad, and the stuff in between. That is not intended to be a cynical view of life. To me, it motivates. Find a Bible and read Romans 8:18-39. Notice the journey aspect of the passage . . . The rhythm of life . . . The God perspective.
One lady on the trail said her goal was to finish without stopping. You Type A's probably think that is the stupidest vision statement ever. But if 60% of all leaders do not finish well, the stupid may be more powerful than at first glance. What do you think?
What a day yesterday! I survived family devotions at headquarters. Really turned out to be a friendly and receptive crowd. I have been speaking to groups for over 30 years. I am surprised and humbled by how nervous I get!
Spent the afternoon without some of my favorite movement makers in Greenville: Perry Duggar from Brookwood Church http://www.brookwoodchurch.org/ , Jay and Joanna Mitchell The Springs http://www.thesprings.org/, and Kermit (not easy being green) Morris. Just didn't feel like work, but I'm counting it. I'm savin' my vacation days.
Monday, May 19, 2008
The Journey 3 - Obstacles
I told you I talk some during races. My purpose in racing is to stay motivated. I have been in health rehab now for two years. I try not to act too much like a serious runner. People will expect too much out of me if I do. I am afraid they will laugh, when the see my times, and murmur, he thinks he is a runner. I guess I do that in other areas besides running.
I asked the water table, where is the pizza? I yelled at one of the trail guides, I thought you were the finish line! The trail looked the same to all of us on the journey. Or did it? I have a feeling that it looked different to Gerald (73) who finished third to last, than Olivia (11) who finished next to last. For the record I smoked both of them. I was at the finish line talking smack when they crossed. We all need someone to feel superior to, now don't we?
Crosspoint Bluffton launched at Sea Turtle Cinema yesterday. Looked like over 80 from the community and a bunch of eager volunteers/missionaries. Carl Martin is a movement maker. God invited he and a bunch of people to Bluffton.
Busy weekend. Talking to the staff at headquarters today. I am a little nervous talking to my peers. Kind of like family devotions. They know me too well to get by with faking.
I asked the water table, where is the pizza? I yelled at one of the trail guides, I thought you were the finish line! The trail looked the same to all of us on the journey. Or did it? I have a feeling that it looked different to Gerald (73) who finished third to last, than Olivia (11) who finished next to last. For the record I smoked both of them. I was at the finish line talking smack when they crossed. We all need someone to feel superior to, now don't we?
Crosspoint Bluffton launched at Sea Turtle Cinema yesterday. Looked like over 80 from the community and a bunch of eager volunteers/missionaries. Carl Martin is a movement maker. God invited he and a bunch of people to Bluffton.
Busy weekend. Talking to the staff at headquarters today. I am a little nervous talking to my peers. Kind of like family devotions. They know me too well to get by with faking.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Journey 2 - Why?
Do people talk much during 8K races? What about 5K races? Not much. I am a Sanguine (High I on DISC). That means talking is what I do. Good, bad, or ugly, I get energy from talking and people.
Over half-way through the race we were at a narrow place in the path. I came upon a hard working lady in her 30's. She wanted to let me by. I told her I had never participated in a trail run. I said, this is fun! She said, me neither, my goal is to finish without stopping, feel free to pass me. She was pleasant. I agreed with her, my purpose was the same and I passed her.
Still not sure how many people ran Saturday. Maybe 75-100. All kinds of people, all kinds of purposes. Purpose drove everybody. You don't run 5 miles on a hot spring morning through woods, hills, streams, and open fields without purpose.
Rick Warren said, The most basic question everyone faces in life is, 'Why Am I Here?' When is the last time you took a hard look at that question? How you run the race will be influenced by your answer. The people who pass you will be influenced, too.
Over half-way through the race we were at a narrow place in the path. I came upon a hard working lady in her 30's. She wanted to let me by. I told her I had never participated in a trail run. I said, this is fun! She said, me neither, my goal is to finish without stopping, feel free to pass me. She was pleasant. I agreed with her, my purpose was the same and I passed her.
Still not sure how many people ran Saturday. Maybe 75-100. All kinds of people, all kinds of purposes. Purpose drove everybody. You don't run 5 miles on a hot spring morning through woods, hills, streams, and open fields without purpose.
Rick Warren said, The most basic question everyone faces in life is, 'Why Am I Here?' When is the last time you took a hard look at that question? How you run the race will be influenced by your answer. The people who pass you will be influenced, too.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Recap - The Journey Continues
I learned the definition of a trail run this weekend. I admit I had a blogger's moment about one mile in on the Earth Fair 8K Trail Run. The terrain constantly changed. From ditches to streams, hot open fields to shaded pathways, there was little boredom on the five mile course.
What I noticed even more was the variety of people on the journey. The winner (not sure his time) was just practicing for the big 50K in Columbia next week. David, my son-in-law who came in second in his age category said he did not see the winner for very long. David ran the 8K in 35 minutes. Some people took more than an hour to finish.
My time was around 47.21. I was satisfied. I did not stop or injure myself. I probably finished in the middle of the pack. I had a little fuel at the end for a kick. For the spectators it may have not looked like a kick, but it felt like one.
The crowd of witnesses at the finish line was important to me. My family tried to make it but could not get there in time. The cheers made me run harder. I enjoy being cheered for, even if they are cheering because of my effort, not necessarily for my accomplishment. Cheer somebody on today. It means more to us then we will ever admit.
In Greenville today. Cheering people on. Columbia tomorrow. This past weekend was a gift to me in so many ways. I will tell you why as the week goes on.
What I noticed even more was the variety of people on the journey. The winner (not sure his time) was just practicing for the big 50K in Columbia next week. David, my son-in-law who came in second in his age category said he did not see the winner for very long. David ran the 8K in 35 minutes. Some people took more than an hour to finish.
My time was around 47.21. I was satisfied. I did not stop or injure myself. I probably finished in the middle of the pack. I had a little fuel at the end for a kick. For the spectators it may have not looked like a kick, but it felt like one.
The crowd of witnesses at the finish line was important to me. My family tried to make it but could not get there in time. The cheers made me run harder. I enjoy being cheered for, even if they are cheering because of my effort, not necessarily for my accomplishment. Cheer somebody on today. It means more to us then we will ever admit.
In Greenville today. Cheering people on. Columbia tomorrow. This past weekend was a gift to me in so many ways. I will tell you why as the week goes on.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Brush Off Your Bottom III - Give Jesus Your Ugly Ear
I would love for Barna, Stetzer, or Rainer to give this research project a try. When on a losing streak and faced with three options: quit; look in the mirror; or brush off your bottom and go another round; what is the most common response?
I mentioned this week I thought heroes always pick number three and wimps always pick number one. So what is the right answer? Life is so much simpler with one answer. I don't think there is a universal answer to this question. Context is everything.
Some are obvious: don't quit on your marriage, don't quit on your kids, don't quit loving your neighbors . . . Hey, and don't let me scare you, I do believe there are issues in life where there is only one answer for everyone in every circumstance.
Here is one universal answer when on a losing streak: give Jesus your ear. You may have heard somewhere, sometime (depending on your background) give Jesus your heart, give Jesus your life; give Jesus your checkbook (uh, make that out to me, btw); give Jesus your family . . . but, what about your ear? He has customized instructions for you on how to respond.
My ears are so ugly. Shaped funny with man hair growing out of them, I would probably look better in ear muffs on a hot S.C. day. Why is Jesus even interested in such an awful thing? Here is why . . . when Jesus has your ear, He has all of you. Whoever you listen to owns you.
Here is an example: Then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the door post. An his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently (The Bible: Numbers 21:6, NAS). Just can't get this word out of my head, or my ear. Piercing anyone?
What a weekend! Horse show starring Anna tonight. Yvette's parents are coming . . . 8K Trail Run Saturday, WRC http://www.willowridgechurch.org/ Sunday, Mother's Day, exciting new church in Spartanburg, Sunday night, movement makers Monday.
I mentioned this week I thought heroes always pick number three and wimps always pick number one. So what is the right answer? Life is so much simpler with one answer. I don't think there is a universal answer to this question. Context is everything.
Some are obvious: don't quit on your marriage, don't quit on your kids, don't quit loving your neighbors . . . Hey, and don't let me scare you, I do believe there are issues in life where there is only one answer for everyone in every circumstance.
Here is one universal answer when on a losing streak: give Jesus your ear. You may have heard somewhere, sometime (depending on your background) give Jesus your heart, give Jesus your life; give Jesus your checkbook (uh, make that out to me, btw); give Jesus your family . . . but, what about your ear? He has customized instructions for you on how to respond.
My ears are so ugly. Shaped funny with man hair growing out of them, I would probably look better in ear muffs on a hot S.C. day. Why is Jesus even interested in such an awful thing? Here is why . . . when Jesus has your ear, He has all of you. Whoever you listen to owns you.
Here is an example: Then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the door post. An his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall serve him permanently (The Bible: Numbers 21:6, NAS). Just can't get this word out of my head, or my ear. Piercing anyone?
What a weekend! Horse show starring Anna tonight. Yvette's parents are coming . . . 8K Trail Run Saturday, WRC http://www.willowridgechurch.org/ Sunday, Mother's Day, exciting new church in Spartanburg, Sunday night, movement makers Monday.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Brush Off Your Bottom II
Let's review our options:
1) Quit
2) Look in the Mirror
3) Brush off our bottoms and go another round
Why are things so difficult? Why do I keep losing? All three options are legit, at times. Number two should continually happen if you are healthy. Some gaze way too long and too often, but a quick glance is always appropriate.
Heroes always pick number three. Heroes are often wrong. Wimps always pick number one. Lather, rinse, repeat . . . there is no simple formula for picking the right answer.
Now, what is God saying? If you are not sure, how can you find out? What is your next step? What (or whom) has robbed you of hope? How will you address this?
Great day yesterday at Myrtle Beach with movement makers. Did not set foot in one outlet . . . Not even for my government mandated 20 minute break in the morning or the afternoon. Impressive, huh? My first 8K is coming Saturday. David and I are pumped!
1) Quit
2) Look in the Mirror
3) Brush off our bottoms and go another round
Why are things so difficult? Why do I keep losing? All three options are legit, at times. Number two should continually happen if you are healthy. Some gaze way too long and too often, but a quick glance is always appropriate.
Heroes always pick number three. Heroes are often wrong. Wimps always pick number one. Lather, rinse, repeat . . . there is no simple formula for picking the right answer.
Now, what is God saying? If you are not sure, how can you find out? What is your next step? What (or whom) has robbed you of hope? How will you address this?
Great day yesterday at Myrtle Beach with movement makers. Did not set foot in one outlet . . . Not even for my government mandated 20 minute break in the morning or the afternoon. Impressive, huh? My first 8K is coming Saturday. David and I are pumped!
Monday, May 5, 2008
Brush Off Your Bottom
In life, you're going to get knocked down sometimes. No one is successful all the time. Learn to brush off your bottom, spit on your palms and say, I think I'll go another round. Then you will be a winner.
The balence is not always simple. 1) When do you quit? 2) When do you look in the mirror and say, why do I keep losing? . . . or in a more famous statement, Lord, is it I? 3) When do you brush off your bottom?
Sometimes in TOL my purpose is to wonder about the answers but not give them. In other words, I seldom actually know them. I act smug and say, Oh weedhopper, the wisdom of the ages is for you to discover on your own. I don't know the answer to today's question.
For today, let's pick the easy one. I'll have a number three please, and hold the mayo. Are you on a losing streak? Follow George Forman's advice. He won the world heavyweight boxing championship at age 45.
BTW, this weekend I place 61st in the Riverfest 5K. Two goals not met were: 1) finish in the top third (missed by two spots) 2) set a new personal record (26.13 was my time missed by 4 seconds). One goal I did meet: I beat frogman. I need to pick out a new nemisis.
The balence is not always simple. 1) When do you quit? 2) When do you look in the mirror and say, why do I keep losing? . . . or in a more famous statement, Lord, is it I? 3) When do you brush off your bottom?
Sometimes in TOL my purpose is to wonder about the answers but not give them. In other words, I seldom actually know them. I act smug and say, Oh weedhopper, the wisdom of the ages is for you to discover on your own. I don't know the answer to today's question.
For today, let's pick the easy one. I'll have a number three please, and hold the mayo. Are you on a losing streak? Follow George Forman's advice. He won the world heavyweight boxing championship at age 45.
BTW, this weekend I place 61st in the Riverfest 5K. Two goals not met were: 1) finish in the top third (missed by two spots) 2) set a new personal record (26.13 was my time missed by 4 seconds). One goal I did meet: I beat frogman. I need to pick out a new nemisis.
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