A Better Way To Live

Thanks to Tim McGraw and Kris Allen, we have all heard the saying "Live like you were dying."  This saying encourages us to live life to the fullest, tell your family and friends that you love them, and make decisions as though there is no tomorrow.  I am a fan of this saying, except for the fact that we would all be broke since there would be no reason to save money.

I recently read the book A Better Way to Live by Og Mandino (one of my favorite authors).  He says that we should live like everyone else is dying.  Mandino writes:

"Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to be dead at midnight.  Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward.  Your life will never be the same again."

Now that is a challenge.  I mean I don't have a problem going sky diving, rocky mountain climbing, or going 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fu Man Chu.  But asking me to treat every person I meet with all of the care, love, kindness, and understanding that I can muster is a different story.

Think about it though.  How do you suppose people would react if you treated them with unexpected and undeserved love and kindness?  How would your cashier, bank teller, food server, teacher, student, friend or family member feel if you stepped out of your comfort zone and talked to them as if you may be the last person that made them feel important?  Well how would you respond if someone did that to you?

So the next time you see a familiar face or meet someone, treat them as though they will be gone at midnight and make them feel important on their last day on Earth.

By the way, there are 16 other timeless principles that Og Mandino recommends to live by in his book A Better Way to Live.  It's a quick read and I recommend it.

Out In The Open

What are you broadcasting?

I heard a statement on the radio that said something like this:

"One of the best things that could happen to you is if all of your sins and secrets were broadcast on the 6 o'clock news.  This way there would be no more hiding, covering up lies, and you would be forced to deal with any issues that you are struggling with."

Best thing?  My first reaction was that sounds like one of the worst things that could happen to you.  Embarrassment, humiliation and shame are words that come to mind.  Yet after thinking about it, there is unexplainable freedom in honesty and openness.  Don't get me wrong, it is difficult and humbling.  But there is something about confessing and asking forgiveness that is life changing.  (speaking from experience...thank you Jesus!)

Now I am not suggesting that you tell everyone, every sin you have ever committed.  That is between you and God.  Rather, I am suggesting that starting today you live your life in such a way that you (and everyone you know) would be pleased with anything that shows up about you on the news, facebook, or youtube.  Starting today, make the decision to do the right thing, just because it's the right thing.  Starting today, seek help where you need it.  Starting today, lead a life that you and your family can be proud of. 

Would you be proud if your every move was made public?  

 

What Is Your Brand?

What do Kleenex, Daisy Duke, iPods, Scotch tape and Ziploc baggies have in common?  They are revolutionary.  Not only did they make a great product but their brand name is the first thing that comes to mind. Think about it.  When you need to blow your nose what do you ask for?  When you see someone with short shorts what are they wearing?  If you see someone with headphones in what are they listening to?  If you need to wrap a present what type of tape do you need?  If you need to keep some food fresh what type of baggie do you put it in?  Even though there are all types of tissue, shorts, Mp3 players, tape, and baggies, these are always the brands that come to mind.

What about your brand?  What comes to the mind of others when they hear your name?  When someone sees a random act of kindness do they think "That was a (your name) move".  When someone hears words of encouragement and inspiration do they think "That sounds like something (your name) would say".

Your name and reputation is your brand and your actions are your product.  What do you want people to think of when they hear your name?  What are you going to do about it?

Going Green

In 2010, its cool to be Green.  Green meaning that you reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Green meaning that you are considerate of the environment when making decisions. 

I have heard this thousands of times but I never really took it too seriously.  I have always liked the idea of going green, but to be honest I thought it was too much of a hassle and cost too much money.

After spending a week in the "Greenest" country in the world (Costa Rica), I now have a better idea of what going green means.  It means always using real plates, cups, & silverware (never disposable).  It means using any leftover, untouched food in the next meal or the next day.  It means taking colder showers so they don't last as long.  It means buying more locally grown food and supplies.  It means donating unwanted goods or clothing to families in need or any local charity or even selling them at garage sales.  It means not wasting water while you're brushing your teeth or shaving.  It means only flushing the toilet once each day (just kidding). 

Going green doesn't require you to buy a hybrid car or install solar panels and windmills in your home.  It doesn't mean bathing in rivers or being a vegan.  It doesn't mean that you have to spend more money on less stuff.  All of these things are good but sometimes these giant leaps by a few can scare off small steps by many.  Going green simply means being good stewards of the Earth that God allows us to live on.  Whatever you decide to do, I hope you will do your part to leave this Earth better than you found it. 

28 Things I Learned in Costa Rica

My wife and I just returned from a mission trip in the mountains Costa Rica.  We served at Camp Roblealto with 5 other families through Pine Cove ONE:8 Trips.  Here are a few of the many things that I learned.

1.  Volcanoes are indescribably beautiful.
2.  Daily rain makes everything greener.
3.  A smile is multilingual. 
4.  Beans and Rice are good at every meal when you're hungry.
5.  There is not a good way to take a cold shower.
6.  I'm so thankful for the plumbing and sewage system in the USA.
7.  A 5 year old boy is a 5 year old boy, no matter what country or culture.
8.  Justin Bieber is somehow a global icon.
9.  You can communicate a lot through hand gestures and body language.
10.  My way is the best way for me, but not others.
11.  God's grace is needed around the world.
12.  I have way to many clothes and shoes.
13.  Being wasteful is disrespectful.
14.  A handmade gift means more than a store-bought gift.
15.  You grow closer to the people that share your struggles.
16.  I rely on my plans too much and God's plans too little.
17.  Costa Rican coffee is delicious.
18.  It is better to experience the rainforest in the trees than on the ground.
19.  There is freedom in going a week without looking in the mirror.
20.  I need to learn how to do more with less rather than less with more.
21.  There are more important things that I should be doing than watching TV.
22.  Facebook is revolutionary!

23.  Kids can impact the lives of others just as well as adults.
24.  Religion keeps a lot of people from experiencing God.
25.  Singing praise songs in 2 languages is better than in one.
26.  Serving is a great way to break down cultural and language barriers.
27.  Saying hello is much easier than saying goodbye.
28.  God answers prayer in all languages and is active in all cultures.

Open Hands

I heard a song on the radio today.  I don't remember the exact words but the song was talking about living with open hands.  I have heard this song multiple times but this is the first time that I got it.

To live with open hands is to be prepared to give at all times.  You cannot give with clinched fists.

To live with open hands is also to be prepared to receive at all times.  You cannot receive blessings from others with clinched fists.

Open your hands and open your heart. 

Are your hands open?

If not, what do you need to let go of?

The Daily Grind

I heard a story the other day about a boy that has a problem with his eye.  Not that he needed glasses but he was seeing way more than double vision (think decavision if that's possible).  When he was about 5 years old he had corrective surgery that was supposed to heal him.  The surgery helped for a little while but eventually his vision problems came back.  He and his parents have tried many things but the only thing that seems to work is eye exercises.  The now approx. 10 year old has a 30 minute eye focusing/exercise plan that he must do twice a day, everyday. 

This is a great reminder that in order to get our desired results, we must have a daily plan.  In a world of get rich quick schemes, gastric bypass surgeries, 3 minute abs, and speed read the Bible we often forget the importance of the daily grind.  Not that any of these things are wrong, because they have helped many people achieve their desired financial, health, physical, and spiritual results.  However, it is important to remember that it is usually not the big, quick, and magical events that change, heal, improve, challenge, or inspire us.  Rather it is our daily approach, attitude, focus, and exercises that shape us into the people we desire to be. 

What daily exercises do you need to start today to become a better ______________?

Confirmation

There are times in our life when we have to make tough decisions.  It is usually a decision to start, stop, or change something that you are comfortable with.  Leadership guru Andy Stanley said, "Generally speaking, you are never going to be more than 80% certain when it comes to making tough decisions."  If you are 100% certain then you are not challenging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone.  Growth rarely happens within our comfort zone. 

I don't know what tough decisions you are facing but I do know that it is always great to receive confirmation.  It doesn't happen right away but it is a great feeling when you look back on the past weeks, months, or years and realize that the tough decision you made was certainly the correct one.  Who knows, if you had waited for that 100% confirmation before you made the decision you might still be waiting.  

Sometimes you need to make tough decisions and wait for confirmation rather than the opposite.

Be challenged.  Take a step of faith outside of your comfort zone and experience some new growth.

Father's Day

It's Father's Day and Dad's are so hard to shop for.  At least my Dad is.  I mean what do you get the Man who taught you how to ride a bike, hit/throw/catch/shoot/kick a ball, shoot a BB gun, tie a tie, study, drive, do magic tricks, scare people, pee outside, buy a house/car, invest, go to church, work hard, shave, and so much more?  Any gift I get will be nothing compared to the food, water, shelter, clothing, toys, electronics, car, education, lessons, etc... that my Dad provided for me.  (Thank you for teaching me all of these things dad.  I hope my future kids feel the same about me as I feel about you.)

And then I remember what I learned on Mother's Day and I will give the best gift that I can give:  Some Quality Time.  For me it's a Redhawks game, watching the game that my Dad taught me how to play and love.  For you it could be fishing, golfing, camping, hiking, painting, wood-working, or whatever your Dad likes to do.  You can give your Dad any gift you want, but remember to add some quality time.

Unfortunately, I am also aware that not everyone had the privilege of being raised by a Father so their Mom had to do double duty.  If that is the case, please make sure you recognize your Mom (or other father figure) for the extra work they took on to provide for you.  Might as well spend some extra quality time with them.  Remember, time is finite.  It is the only gift that cannot be returned.

A Million Miles...

I just read the book A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller (Blue Like Jazz).  It was by far the best book I have read in a while.  Without giving you a summary, here are a few reasons why I liked it and think you will too.

1.  It's an easy read.  This book just kept flowing and I couldn't put it down.  I read the whole thing on a round trip flight.  Although the reading is light the writing is very deep.  I promise that will make sense once you read it.

2.  It's thought provoking.  While reading through the authors story you can't help but reflect and examine your own story.

3.  It's challenging.  You can learn how to create a better story for yourself and your family.  It's like reading a self-help book in story form and much more entertaining.

4.  It's funny.  Donald Miller's writing style is very conversational and people looked at me as I laughed out loud on the plane while reading it.

5.  It's sad.  I didn't cry but my throat got a little lumpy once or twice.

I could go on but I would rather you read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller.  Hit up Barnes and Noble or check it out at your local library. 


Learning is a Drug.  Get Addicted.