It's Simple...

Have you ever looked at a word so many times that it becomes like a foreign language? Ever said a word so many times that it eventually sounds like gibberish? Ever heard a word so often that over time it became nonsense?

 "Simple” is one of those words to me. Typing it just now, I had to double check the spelling.

It seems to me that the simple things in life should be, well, simple. But I’ve discovered that some of the simplest things in life are the most difficult to grasp, and to apply. At least, we try to make them that way.

We like to take the most simple concepts and make them nearly impossible to understand and grasp.

But the greatest reality of all – the Gospel – is perhaps the one we confuse the most. At its heart, it is one of the simplest things to explain. But we’ve confounded and confused it with so much misinformation, misunderstanding, perversion or flat out falsehoods that too many people have no concept of what it really is. So I want to take the rest of this post to lay it out, simply... 

• God has an amazing plan for all of our lives.
• Because of our sin, we’re separated from God and thus unable to live out that plan on our own.
• God loves us so much that He bridged the gap, the chasm between us and Him by sending  His son, Jesus Christ, to live righteously, die sacrificially, and rise bodily.
• It’s our choice to accept that reality or not.

That’s it. Of course, the repercussions are towering, because they are eternal. And we don’t want things that are that important to be so simple. But the truth is that the Gospel is simple. And it’s simply up to us what we do with it.

So, what are you going to do with the simplest, yet most profound concept in the universe? The choice is yours.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me.

To me? It means honoring someone. And it’s something that is earned.

Too often, people today demand respect. But if you have to demand respect, I have to wonder if you really deserve it.

Respect is a commodity that increases the more it is given away. It’s a funny thing that way. By respecting others, you are earning respect for yourself.

Respect is something that also takes time. I could demand that you respect me the moment we meet. But even if you say you do, do you really? No. Respect is like a reputation. It takes time to build up. It takes work. It takes consistency. It takes patience.

So if you want people to respect you, start first by asking yourself, “What am I doing to earn respect? Am I giving respect away to others? Am I being patient in wanting to be respected?”

R-E-S-P-E-C-T. You found out what it means to me. What does it mean to you?

 

Quote me on that...

Have you ever quoted someone? Of course you have. We all have. We love to recall what someone said. There are entire websites created that simply list quotes from people. Some famous. Some unknown. Some completely random. 

“Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” – JFK

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal.” – Winston Churchill

“You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” – C.S. Lewis

“When you’re wrong, admit it. When you’re right, shut up.” – my bride

Quotes are the SportsCenter highlights of someone’s life. They give us a quick peek into the mindset and mentality of what that person believes. Some of the most powerful and poignant moments of history are encapsulated in a single quote from the time.

Have you ever considered this: When people remember you, what will they remember you saying? What quotes will they attribute to you?

I’m not talking about having some deep, meaningful, life-altering ten word phrase or sentence. You may have some of those; you may not. But what will people remember you saying?

See, I think our most quotable moments reveal the reality of our priorities. What we say the most, what we refer to the most, what we talk about the most – that’s what tells us and others what we truly hold as important. So think about that. Because as the Bible says (and I’m paraphrasing here), “What a man talks about is what his heart truly values.”

Think about that when you are talking to someone again. If they never hear you again, what will they remember you saying?

The Pursuit of Perfection

Perfection. The impossible pursuit; the most improbable accomplishment. It’s something the best aspire to achieve and the worst don't even try, knowing it’s never going to be in their reach.

Perfection is a gift. It causes us to try harder, to work more, to push the limits of what we thought we could do.

Perfection is also a curse. It convinces us that everything and everyone is there for our use, pawns in our pursuit.

Perfection is something that, as children, we believe in. And as adults, we scoff at. But there’s something about perfection that keeps it on the forefront of my own mind.

It’s not the quest for my own perfection - that's where the curse comes in. If it's about my perfection, then I will never experience it. See, perfection is impossible for me, but not impossible for Christ.

That's right. Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, I have the possibility of experiencing the benefits of perfection without ever actually achieving it on my own.

Does that mean I stop trying? Do I stop pursuing the elusive goal? No. I strive every day to become more to do better and to get closer. But I know, without him, that pursuit is in vain…because without him that’s all it is – vanity.

So the question is: are you pursuing perfection away from Christ? Or are you pursuing perfection through Christ. One is vanity. The other leads to eternity. The choice is yours.

Simply, "No"

Few English words are shorter than “no”. Sure, there’s “I” and “a” and … well, I think that about covers the “words shorter than ‘no’" list.

But there are also few words that carry the weight of “no”.

No has such a finality to it. It’s as if whatever topic or subject is behind it has met its untimely (or timely, depending on your perspective I guess) end.

No also has such limitation to it. “No parking” limits your ability to store your car. “No pets” limits your companionship in that area to humans (which is something I think we all dread from time to time). “No entry” lets you know that you aren’t wanted…not in that door anyway.

But there’s something about no that we don’t often consider. No has huge potential behind it! Think about it. When “no” is the answer on one end, then “yes” is on the other end, somewhere. My pastor has a great line: “Say ‘no’ to the good so you can say ‘yes’ to the best.”

It’s all about where you place your priorities. What are you saying “no” to in your life so that you can say a bigger “yes”? I’ll leave the areas of yes/no up to you. But it could translate in any realm of life – emotionally, relationally, financially, occupationally, spiritually, or to any other “-ally” you may have.

Are your “yeses” causing you to say a bunch of “no’s” that you really want to say “yes” to? Maybe you should start saying “no” to the things you’re saying “yes” to so that you can say “yes” to the things you are saying “no” to…

Just something to consider!

L-O-V-E

There's no greater topic, subject, or word to cover with "L" than "LOVE". And while there are a millions upon millions of words that can be written about LOVE, I thought back immediately to a song my church's creative team, Fellowship Creative, wrote and performed. It's a powerful reminder of what LOVE really is...and what it's really all about! Check it out...


L-O-V-E - LIVE from Fellowship Creative on Vimeo.

The Killers

Do you have one of the bands that you never really got until someone you really cared for got you into them? I mean the kind that, now, you'd like to say you always liked, but in reality it took someone special to get you to actually give them a shot?

Well that's The Killers for me. So, thanks babe...they're probably one of my favorite now!

(and to be honest, this post kind of feels like a cop out... But hey, it's a "K"!)

Oh, and I just realized this is the second music-type post in the last few days. So...I'm gonna try to stay away from the music for a while. At least until "P" - because then we'll hit the greatest band in the history of music...

Jackson

I have three sons – Jackson, Parker, and Matthew – ages 12, 10, and 8 respectively (*insert cliché “My Three Sons” joke here*). You’d think, after 12+ years of being a father, I’d start to have things down. You would, of course, be wrong.

Parenting is like a brand new adventure every single day. You could say that for any of my boys, but since today is “J” and I only have one son that starts with “J” and that son happens to also be the oldest, just roll with me.

Jackson is just like me, which makes him the most difficult kid for me to parent. It also, I think, allows for the greatest lessons in parenting. I think that’s why God gave him to me first…so I could at least get the lessons down that would help with the other two. Here are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned while being Jackson’s dad…

I don’t really know what I’m doing. If you had kids, think back to the first day you came home with your child. I remember ours. We walked in, set him down in his car seat, and thought, “What are we supposed to do now?!” We’re still trying to figure that one out…

My dad is way smarter than I ever gave him credit for. Dad, all I can say is, “You were right.” And “I’m learning it more and more each day.” 

Time goes way too fast. I can remember that day we brought Jackson home. I can remember almost every day since. But what I can’t remember is agreeing to let those days slip by so fast. 

God has more patience with me than I’ll ever know. There is no greater lesson in God than that of being a parent. And I’m amazed that he continues to give me fresh chances to make up for my mistakes. I cannot fathom that kind of patience. But I am grateful for it!

Of course, there are a squillion more lessons I’ve learned…and a squillion more to learn ahead. I only hope and pray that each lesson I learn is a lesson learned out of love for … Jackson.

Ice, Ice, Baby...

Ding ding ding da da ding ding! Ding ding ding da da ding ding!

Alright stop...

Now that the song is stuck in your head, we can move forward. (And if it isn’t stuck in your head, you are either too young to appreciate the greatness of Vanilla Ice or you and I don’t have near the same affinity for early 90s music.)

We all have those songs from our past that stick out in our minds. At the drop of a beat, you can sing every word, recall every note, and remember every step of the music video (when they actually made music videos).

Whether it’s “Ice, Ice, Baby” or some other “classic,” there are songs that will forever transport us back to the days of our childhood or teenage years… when the future held every possibility and the days flew by too quickly.

But thinking of it that way makes me wonder. What is today’s “Ice, Ice, Baby” for me? Because the reality is that the music we hear today will be the music of our memories tomorrow…

Just something to think about.

Will it ever stop, yo, I don't know… (now you finish the song!)

A Haiku

She’s remarkable.

Some call her ‘friend.’ I see ‘home.’

You see, she’s my bride.

God Is...and God Isn't

God is love.

                                                                                                                God isn’t apathy.

God is present.

                                                                                                                God isn’t missing.

God is alive.

                                                                                                                God isn’t a figment.

God is generous.

                                                                                                                God isn’t stingy.

God is purposed.

                                                                                                                God isn’t wandering.

God is understanding.

                                                                                                                God isn’t close-minded.

God is hope.

                                                                                                                God isn’t fear.

God is trustworthy.

                                                                                                                God isn’t a liar.

God is all-knowing.

                                                                                                                God isn’t surprised.

God is powerful.

                                                                                                                God isn’t weak.

God is dangerous.

                                                                                                                God isn’t timid.

God is good.

                                                                                                                God isn’t neutral.

God is safe.

                                                                                                                God isn’t scary.

God is indescribable.

                                                                                                                God isn’t unknowable.

God is mighty.

                                                                                                                God isn’t mild.

God is near.

                                                                                                                God isn’t distant.

God is true.

                                                                                                                God isn’t relative.

God is right.

                                                                                                                God isn’t

God is firm.

                                                                                                                God isn’t

God is forgiving.

                                                                                                                God isn’t bitter.

God is patient.

                                                                                                                God isn’t

God is eternal.

                                                                                                                God isn’t temporal.

Most of all…

God is Jesus Chirst.

                God isn’t someone we can never know

Funerals, Flags, and Faith

I have attended two funerals in the last several weeks. The first one was on February 7, and I would be surprised if you hadn’t heard about it. The other was today, and I would be surprised if you had heard about it.  

Chris Kyle’s funeral was a national event. There were thousands in attendance, including political dignitaries and news organizations, military heroes and famous musicians. It was the greatest, most moving display of unified patriotism I have personally seen in my life. (One of these A to Z posts will likely be about that experience.)

Ralph Sims’ funeral, on the other hand, was anything but a national event. There might have been a hundred and fifty people there. There were no news cameras. No dignitaries. No famous musicians. Just family, friends, and a few others who had the privilege of meeting him.

But I will tell you that both funerals, both events, both men had two things in common – two things that bond them together in a way that will continue to shape and mold my life as a man.

As I watched both caskets being carried out of each ceremony, each draped in an American flag, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming pride. Both of these men, while not in the same time, fashion, or stage, sacrificed part of their existence to secure the freedom of someone else. 

There were both military heroes. Chris was a hero of national acclaim. And although he never asked for the spotlight, he handled it with absolute humility and a deep sense of honor.

Ralph was a hero on a much quieter stage. But he was no less a hero (Even Chris would have said the same thing…) But hearing the words spoken about Ralph today by his friends and family revealed the same honor and humility that were displayed in Chris Kyle.   But it wasn’t the humility, honor, or sacrifice that made the greatest impression. That service to our nation wasn’t the strongest bond these two great men share.

The greatest aspect of both men was their unquestionable faith in Jesus Christ. Plain and simple, the faith that Chris and Ralph had in God’s Son is the ONLY reason each funeral was more celebration than it was mourning.

It was that faith, that trust, that ultimate surrender to Christ that allowed each of these men to be great. They would tell you the same thing. It was only through their faith that they were able to stand in the face of fear, to have peace in the face of chaos, and to have trust in the face of uncertainty in our world.

While I only had the honor of spending a very short time with Ralph, and an even shorter amount of time with Chris, the faith they each displayed stands as an example and a challenge for me. I hope it will for you…

Evening with Friends

Well, it's almost midnight. I barely made the deadline today. And I really am exhausted. So for this post I'm simply posting this image of an 'evening with friends'. It was a great night full of laughs, stories, good food and great conversation. Not to mention glow-in-the-dark croquet... 

(Which, by the way, we decided was a million dollar idea for anyone who wants to trademark, produce, and market it... You're welcome!)

I Don't Doubt It. Or Do I?

Have you ever had so much faith in something that to even think about doubting it made you feel queasy? It’s funny how that works. We grow to have faith in something – anything – and we tell ourselves that if doubt ever entered the picture, then we must not have had faith to begin with. Because if doubt is there, we reason, then our faith isn’t really that strong.

Right about now, you may be thinking of something you have faith in. It could be anything from Santa Claus to Jesus Christ. I don’t care what it is. We all have faith in something. And I would argue that the very thing we have faith in is the very thing we doubt from time to time. (Let that mess with your mind for a while!)

Here’s something else that will mess with you. This is a statement that my pastor preached years ago:

Doubt and faith run on parallel tracks.

In other words, doubt plays an irreplaceable and inevitable role in your faith. It seems like a contradictory statement, I know. But if you have faith in something, no matter what that thing is, there is an element of the unknown. That’s what faith is! It’s trusting in something that's bound to merge with doubt. Because the reality is that if there was no unknown, there would be no faith. There would only be certainty. And certainty requires no faith. It simply requires observation of facts.

But how boring would life be if it was all about certainty and not about faith? Faith is the thing that invokes excitement. Faith is driven by desire. Faith requires more than knowledge; it requires trust and an understanding that can withstand any logical argument. And trust, even in the face of doubt, is where life becomes more than simply survival. That’s when it becomes truly living.

Here’s the question. What do you have faith in? What do you believe so strongly that you are willing to doubt it, just to prove to yourself that your faith is real? Me? There’s a lot I have faith in. The biggest is that Jesus Christ is my savior. Does that mean I have no doubt? Of course not! But I don’t let that doubt stop me from trusting. Instead, I use that doubt to drive me forward into experiencing what it means to truly live!

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1

Cliché? Touché!

Writers are all the same, aren’t we? Oh, sure, we don’t write about the same things. We don’t act the same way. We don’t even think along the same lines. But we all struggle with avoiding the most dangerous of all traps: cliché.

But this is something that transcends writing.

One of my wife’s most powerful ideas (and what she bases much her life on) is that she never wants to be cliché. And she isn’t. She doesn’t even have to try to avoid it. She’s original in everything she says, does, and thinks. And that’s one of the things I love most about her. But me? I have to fight it.

Too many times, I’ll find myself falling into one cliché or another. I’m the middle aged white guy with 3 kids, a mortgage, and a golden retriever. Pretty cliché. Maybe that’s one reason I like tattoos, and want even more. But even that can become cliché. So I shave my head. But again…cliché. I (now) own a gun. But still…

I could go on and on. But I won’t. I don’t want to focus on what makes me cliché. I want to focus on what makes me unique.

So what makes me unique? What makes any of us unique? Maybe it’s as simple as the way we fight becoming cliché.

I’ll leave my own fight against cliché for another post (maybe under “f”). But for now, let's go interactive. I’d love to hear from you. What do you do to avoid becoming cliché?

I'm BORED

When’s the last time you were bored? I mean really bored. Think about it. I’m not talking about 'wasting time on your smart phone' bored. I mean really, really bored. I mean bored to the point of almost restless energy. I mean so bored that you began to talk to yourself about how bored you were!

If you’re like most people (and chances are, you are; that’s why it’s ‘like most people’) the answer is, “I can’t remember.” We’re so plugged in, wired in, and tuned in that we have forgotten what it’s like to be really bored.

When my boys (I have three) say to me, “Dad, I’m bored!” my response is always the same. “Great! It’s good to be bored sometimes.”

See, when we’re bored, that’s when our imagination kicks in. I’m not talking about tapping into someone else’s imagination. I mean our own. When we’re bored, we allow our creativity to work its way out from the recesses of our minds.

Think about it. It’s from boredom that our greatest games as children were created. I’m not talking about video games. I’m talking about those games where it was you and some friends, and you were lucky if there was a stick or a can around to help with the creation of the game. But either way (with or without props), it was all up to your imagination. And the more ‘bored’ you were, the faster you likely created your way out of that boredom.

I realize it makes me sound like some old fashioned curmudgeon, but kids these days need to be bored (You kids get off my lawn!) I would even argue that adults these days need to be bored!

So go be bored. Sometime today, put everything aside. Turn off the phone (and don’t just put it on silent, because you’re still going to check it.) Get away from your desk or your classroom or your office. Find some place where you can sit. And then…do nothing. 

It’s not going to be easy. At first, you’re going to think about all the things you “should” be doing. But eventually, you’ll get to the point of boredom. And you never know what you’ll think of next…

A...

There are 6549 words that start with the letter “a” in the English dictionary. All I have to do is pick one to start this A to Z Writing Challenge. But I’m struggling. And like always, when I’m struggling, I ask my wife for a little help, a little inspiration. So right now she is literally spouting words that start with “A”. Some of the ones she’s suggested: aardvarks, addictions, ascension, a la mode (ok, that’s not English, but she really likes ice cream…)

But, like anything that has to do with writing, the first is always the hardest. It’s true with the first line. It’s true with getting your first book or article published. This is just another first that is difficult.

I’ve waffled between going with a theme or picking random topics each day. A friend of mine is writing the entire A to Z Challenge on marriage. I love that idea, but I can’t do that. To steal a line from another blogger, “for the sake of my sanity, I’m not sticking to a particular theme.”

So I figured today I’d write about a… No, not a topic. Not a subject. Just a…

The dictionary defines “a” as an indefinite article; not any particular or certain one of a class. Have you ever felt like a…? I think we all have. We’ve said things like, “I’m just a father. I’m just a businessman. I’m just a person.” But the reality is so much greater; so much grander.

The truth is that you aren’t a… you are the. There has never been, nor will there ever be, another you. Sure, some of the roles you fill may overlap with the roles other people fill. But the fact is, you are the only one who will ever fulfill every role that you fill right now, right where you are.

That’s the greatness of life. It’s the originality of it all. God created you to be one-of-a-kind. Think about how amazing that is. With 7 billion people on earth (and that’s just the living ones…it doesn’t count those who have gone before us), there are no duplicates. No one fills in the gaps exactly as someone else has, does, or ever will.

So, no, you are not just a… Remember, every moment of every day, you are filling the role of the one and only…