Staying Alive, Staying Young, & Challenging Myself!

Recently I have grown out my facial hair. Not a full beard, but scruffy. Kind of like when I was a college kid and didn't shave because facial hair was new to me, and I hated shaving every morning. But lately I have seen some gray...NOOOOOOOOOOO! This week I turn 36 years old. This means that 1/2 a life ago I was graduating high school. So, at this point in my life, I have done quite a few things...I'm not at mid-life crisis mode yet, but I'm sure I'm a year closer now. I love challenges and so this year, I look to find something new to challenge me. Physically, I have done a few things like returned from a brain surgery, run a marathon, complete P90X and continue to work out regularly, and eat pretty organically. Spiritually-I have memorized scripture, read through the Bible every year, and am teaching my family how Jesus loves us. Mentally-I'm reading more, so that is a start. I've coached and am coaching. Socially-well I will hit 1,000 FB friends this year, most who I haven't seen or had a face to face conversation with in the last 5 years. (so that doesn't count-I think)

So, this is my goal this year...to find something to do that will challenge me in a person's HEALTH ZONES. I'm not sure what that is yet, but I guarantee you-I'm always up for a challenge.

Maybe I will conquer all my fears...climbing the Space Needle bare handed to conquer heights; wrestle a garter snake to get that one behind me; give blood more this year conquer my fear of needles (adding a tattoo is probably more fun)

All this to say..."36, you will not hold me back." 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 didn't even have a chance & neither will you.

JACKPOT leads to some marriage advice

This weekend we celebrate 12 years of marriage. OMG, I know, we look so young. Life has been pretty crazy the past 12 years. 4 moves, 3 kids, 2 jobs, 1 brain surgery, and life together is just starting to rock. I married way out of my league and every one knows it. Heck, I was just glad she said yes, because she played hard to get and just to date her was a challenge. I remember when I first was attracted to Jenelle, there was something different about her. I am 3 years her elder and although we were in the same church, same youth ministry, we were in completely different worlds. Once our world's collided after college, I finally realized, she was pretty cute, grounded, and a go-getter. She had the call of God on her life and that was one of the things that attracted me to her. That and she is FINE! (not only using vocab from my high school days, but also scoring some major points) For the record, I really don't need them-I score them all the time. I know that in the game of life, I have hit the JACKPOT, because I have someone like her to share life with. She is my biggest fan, and also my honest helpmate. I love her honesty- she tells me when I'm hot and when I'm not. She compliments me by being the detailed chick in the house. My big ideas are often brought to fruition or reality because of her. She makes me better in so many ways too.
When we took our vows, we included that we would be with each other in sickness and in health, and little did she know 9 days after saying those vows, she would walk with me through a brain tumor discovery and then surgery to remove it. But she did. She is so strong as a woman of faith, and has been amazing to see her even grow so much in our 12 years together. As far as MOM goes to our kids, she is a Rock Star. Juggling a career, wife, homemaker, mentor, and then add a full scale pastor's wife who is super involved, makes the case for SUPERWIFE. But balance is the reason we have made it. Looking back there are some thoughts for you based on how we have kept our marriage strong. For all you looking for love, here ya go:

• Be Flexible with each other.


• Say, "I Love you" a lot.


• Be the first to admit you are wrong, if you are.


• Be spontaneous and have some fun.


• Unplug from everything electronic occasionally.


• Set goals & dream together.


• Make date nights)without the kids) a priority in your week. (at least bi-weekly)


• Treat your spouse as if the whole world was watching you.


• Open the door for her, gentlemen.


• Impress and win her like you had to when you were dating.


• Pray together.


• Put together a family plan that will help you concentrate on the areas of your marriage you want and need too.


• Put amazing couples around you that you can lean on when things get tough, and laugh with when things are going great.

Well, this works for now. We ask ourselves all the time, "can you believe we got married?" 20 years ago, no one would have ever thought that, but hey a lot can happen in 20, and also 12.

NEVER GIVE UP

There have been a few times in life when I wanted to give up. I remember the time my high school basketball team was down by 20, and our coach pulled the guys who were screwing around on the court-because they had given up. I've always had the never give up mentality. I mean really, if I would have taken my last girlfriend's first response when I asked her out, I would not have the wife I have today. I didn't give up, and eventually she said yes. In life you can become discouraged for whatever reason. Life happens and so does encouragement. In Hebrews 10:32 this is a verse written to Christ followers who were discouraged, and by this they were ready to throw in their faith. They had been waiting a long time for God to reveal Himself. This verse in Hebrews uses the word "illuminated". It is a Gk word photidzo, meaning lighten up, or to shine, to illuminate, to make visible, to radiate. Have you ever seen a brilliant light that left an impression, this is that thought here. Like a photograph, these followers were to hold time and remember when they first heard God's Word and were illuminated. When God reveals truth to you, or the Holy Spirit shows you something powerful, it is the idea that it is a permanent impression.
If you are at a place and you feel you are going to give up, remember that time when you were first illuminated by God's Word. Look for the rewind button in your life right now, remember the power of God, the joy, the experiences you have had with the Lord. Let Him be an illumination of light during your darkest time. Then put that illumination into action so you will not forget what God has done in your life, so that others may see it through you. When you go back and rehearse these in your mind, it is a great way to encourage you, to stir you, and to give you power through your struggle. Don't let the enemy get a foothold of discouragement in your life. Let your light shine brilliantly even in the days when you feel like the lights are dimming.
Declare it right now! Never give up!

Surprise!

So, as I reflect on this past week, I am still in awe of what we celebrate every Easter. For the Christian faith, it is the ESSENTIAL and most important part of the story. Jesus is alive! This is not some renaissance, cool idea, but it is all about this thought here: God's power went ballistic in the tomb, reconnecting Jesus' body with the Holy Spirit, taking His corpse and put life back into it. If there is a time to use the word EPIC- this would be your cue! (Insert here) As you read through the gospels you will see different accounts. When put in order chronologically it makes complete sense. The guards sealed the tomb per Pilate's request. The women proceeded to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus. As you read this passage, an earthquake takes place. This earthquake was simultaneous to the resurrection. It did not happen as the women came upon the tomb. The word used to describe the earthquake in the Gk is idou. It carries the same connotation of our use of "wow, amazing, & wonder." Matthew writes this years after the event, yet is still throwing this word in because of the impact and experience he still remembers.
As the women enter the tomb, they are perplexed. As if they lost their way is how the wording is interpreted.
This is the point, when you have an encounter with the living God, Jesus, you may have a hard time understanding what happened, because God works in the supernatural, not the natural. You may even babble or have a hard time communicating like the women did upon finding the tomb empty. Bu God, through His Holy Spirit, speaks through us when we tell people of this Jesus. So, don't lose heart, and don't think you are speaking gibberish-When God gives you the opportunity to tell someone of Jesus-the words coming out of your mouth will be clear and precise, so that more can hear about this great story of Resurrection.
Jesus surprised a lot of people by raising from the dead, even though He gave them every indication He would. So what is Jesus telling you, that you may be missing.

Don't Stop Short

I have been reading out of the book of Joshua recently. He is definitely one of my fave Bible characters. In Joshua 5 & 6 there is a great story that many of us have heard of. It is the FALL OF JERICHO. As I read this story for the millionth time-something really hit me this past time. First, I thought about that crazy feat: A wall built 50 ft tall & 6 ft thick and the Lord said to Joshua, "I will deliver Jericho into your hands." Think with me if you will about this. How would you feel if you are in Joshua's army and he communicates with God and told you to take it down. These are soldiers who have prepped for battle, and have the skills. But God tells Joshua to march around it. WHAT? No battering ram, flaming arrows, sword skills! Just marching feet and a few days to make it happen, but then the trumpet players in the marching band get some credit here too. I think the army was pretty upset about not using their training and fighting skills. But it got me thinking, what if they would have stopped short of the 7th time around, on the 7th day? They would have missed out on God's blessing and promise. How many times in our lives have we stopped short of something and missed out on God's blessing. Maybe it was not a march around Jericho, or maybe it wasn't a wall that seemed impenetrable, but I'm sure each of us have our Wall of Jericho that we have had to circle. Here is my thought-if God has given you a Jericho, don't stop marching. The Lord gave Jericho into the hands of Joshua as promised-no premature war cries or victory dances. It was a simple message followed to the exact directions given to Joshua. After the march of a few circles each day, when Joshua gave the order to SHOUT on the 7th day, the wall collapsed. SAY WHAT? Don't stop marching, God has something for you and if He has revealed what that may be and the orders to go forward are there-then by all means march and don't stop short. For the full story check out Joshua 5:13-6.

Take Courage! Some thoughts...

A month ago, I was able to hang in So Cal at a leadership conference. While I was there I was able to be challenged in many different aspects of COURAGE! So here area few quotes that were inspiring to me throughout the CATALYST Conference: • Scot McKnight (Professor, Author) o Dreams- give us hope, are connected to ministries, and connected to leadership. o Current enemies in Christian culture are: Muslims, homosexuals, homeless, differing political views…they are enemies because they are never in our homes. Jesus invited cultural enemies into eat with Him. Why don’t we? • Mark Batterson (Church Planter, Author) o There are ways to do church that no one has thought of yet. o “Favor of God is what God does for you that you can’t do for yourself.” o Ways to amp up your prayer life-pray the Bible. o Using the passage out of Joshua: Prayer is practical-and has no shortcuts. o We need 20/20 Vision- a 2020 vision for our church. o A Vision beyond our resources. If we can’t have a big vision that God can meet, well then…we should questions a lot of things about ourselves. • John Acuff (Blogger, Comedian, Author, Speaker) o We live in the “I AM, BUT GENERATION” (professionally)- this is the generation who says they are/do ________, but really want to be or hope to be/do ________. o In 2011, 84% of people wanted to look for a new job. (recent poll Manpower survey, as reported on CNN, HuffPo) o We have to close the gap between our job and our dream job. o We have to figure out what our dream is! Jud Wilhite & Mike Foster (People of the Second Chance) o Grace is Christians killer App. o We have to overthrow judgment & liberate love o Grace will draw people to your church. o We line up our value and worth based on how culture is. o Our entertainment is other’s failure (Charlie Sheen) o Grace is not just about forgiveness, it is about life. DAVID PLATT  When you know God truly, you love God deeply.  4.5 Billion don’t know Christ.  Spiritual needs and physical needs  We don’t have times to play games.  Followers of Christ-Jesus almost tries and talk them out of it.  “I’m trying to talk you out of following Jesus.”  More crowds, John 6, Luke 14, Leave your mom & dad  Pick up your Cross(a instrument for torture, death, humiliation)  Jesus is enough.  Come to Jesus to get Jesus.  The Word of God & the Holy Spirit is accomplishing the mission of the church.  It is fine without all the resources. Andy Stanley • A single act of courage is a tipping point to change something. • All great stories of the Bible starts with an act of courage: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Joseph, Jacob, David, Gideon, Shadrach/Meshach/ Abednego • Stories of the Bible are so big and dramatic-ours probably won’t be. Dave Ramsey • Enduring organizations have core principles that guide daily decisions. • 5 MATTERS o People Matter o Incredible Teams & Culture Matters o Slow & Steady Matters o Financial Principles Matters o A Higher Calling Matters John Perkins-Interview o “Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it is to face head on that which fears you.” o Interview about his role in the Civil Rights era and his efforts to bridge reconciliation and development with Christian principles and community efforts. Rev Run • Be Open, God will use opportunities to expand you. • I don’t just believe in miracles, I depend on them. • Give God the Glory! • Do your best, forget the rest. Christine Caine • We can’t avoid risk if we tried. • Brisk living is a risk. • Life is risky! • Death is a real statistic- 1 out of 1 die. • God called us to a risky life, not a predictable, safe life. NANCY ORTBERG • How would your organization look if you had courage? • Don’t allow the celebrity culture into your church. • Omni-competent- we are not. • Conflict- great leaders don’t avoid it! • Be Courageous, not a Jerk. JACK DORSEY • Only the courageous will solve problems that have yet to be addressed. • It’s not lucky, it’s a point in which something you see a need, and do something. MATT CHANDLER • Living out the gospel demands a courageous lifestyle. • Weapon 1-Blood of Christ- Ephesians 2:13 • Weapon 2- Word of God- @ Timothy 3:16-17 • Weapon 3- Promises of Covenant- Heb 9:14 • You cannot control anything, but you can POINT TO THE KING. Britt Merrick • Intimacy with God creates pure courage. • Mark 3:13-15- they climbed together. • Be with HIM! • We have functionally left our first love. • Christ is on Mission Randall Wallace  What may move me, will move others.  Real story behind Braveheart scene- they all wanted to fight and respond-but director had to re-take a few times.  Our gifts from God are used to connect us to others.

Flavor of the Month- Charlie Sheen

It seems we are always caught up in some new flavor of the month. This is normally something that comes and goes or entertains us for a certain time frame. I have found that these cycles seem to spin in 3s. This is what I mean: most entertainers or forms of entertainment come in cycles of 3 months or 3 years. Think about it- with the exception of a group like U2, most careers of musical entertainers keep them in the spotlight for about 3 years. Look at athletes(especially NFL players) they normally give you 3 amazing years and then they are no longer the player they were toted to be, or given killer contracts and their drive to be amazing beseeches them. Products, songs, TV shows, jobs, the list goes on and on.
Right now we are on the flavor of the month in an entertainer who is pretty much gone crazy. 3 months from now, he will either be dead, or explaining the melt down to us on Oprah or a Barbara Walters show. He has been around awhile-no doubt about that. Ferris Bueller's Day Off and the flash of epic 80s movies with Sheen in them are still classics. By definition, Charlie Sheen needs help. However, the media is milking every interview out of him to get ratings-because let's be honest, the dude is living in a bizarro world right now. This Hollywood bad-boy is definitely hooking us up with some great tag lines. But the sad part is we have likened him to the flavor of the month.
It got me thinking, what if we spent as much time as we do hanging on every word Sheen rolls off his tongue, as we do in God's Word-we might have made an impact in the world-as opposed to watching it dissipate right before us. So, think about the Flavor of the Month for you-and see if you can replace it with something true and time tested-The Word of God. Trust me, it is a story with both losing & winning, and there is even some lion-blood in there, which triumphs tiger-blood. (if you can't connect the last sentence with Sheen-this blog post may not make sense to you.) Have a great day!