There Is No Place Like Home

Breckenridge, CO

At the beginning of the summer I was super excited about all of the traveling I was going to do.  Vacations, visiting friends & family, and conferences filled over half of the summer.  I enjoyed my time away and all of the learning, conversations, new experiences, and memories.  However, I must agree with Dorothy that there is no place like home!  

Here I am with one week left of the Summer before I head back to school (most people call it work).  I'm so thankful to have a Summer Break and I do cherish it.  And although there really is No place like home, sometimes it takes trips, vacations, conferences, and the land of Oz to realize it.

Remember Me?

Lazy River

Fence in Saledo, TX

Pine Cove in Tyler, TX

5 Ways to Beat The Heat

It is ridiculously hot outside!  Here are a few ways for you and your family stay out of the heat, stay out of the house, and stay out of debt doing it!

1. Wake up early.  We can learn from roofers and construction workers.  Change your personal hours during the summer to wake up earlier to get outside work done before it gets too hot.  You can go for a jog, work in the yard, chip and put on the practice greens at your local golf course, or take your kids to play in the park all before 8am. 

2. Go to the Library.  The library is one of the most under utilized resources in America.  Not only is it fully air conditioned, but you can also check out books, audio books, DVDs, and CDs all FOR FREE!  If they don't have what you want you can request it and they will usually get it for you.  Let me say that again.  You can read any book or magazine, watch almost any movie, and listen to almost any music absolutely free.  Do you understand what that can do for your budget?

3.  The Mall.  People watching, mall walking, and window shopping are classic mall activities.  You can also Google mall scavenger hunts and come up with a ton of other fun ideas.  Also, many places offer extremely cheap matinee movies and some stores like Apple offer free training sessions. 

4.  Day at the Museums.  I know museums can be boring but everything can be boring with a bad attitude.  If you really want to stay out of the house and stay out of the heat then check out your local museums.  It's a great way to learn about local history and expand your mind. They usually cost money but there are always discount coupons online.

5.  Serve.  Ever wonder who puts all the pens and envelopes on the back of every chair at church?  Or who puts the extra insert into the bulletin?  It could be you.  Small tasks like that effect everyone and can make a big difference to a secretary or to a volunteer who needs a break.

[For more ways to beat the heat, ask the Dallas Mavericks.  :)  ]


What are some free/cheap ways you like to stay out of the house and out of the heat?

Can You Be Trusted?

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much..." 
                                                                  - Words of Jesus in Luke 16:10

I am learning that this biblical principle has a ton of applications.

What does your refrigerator look like?  Is it filled with month old leftovers, empty soda bottles, and unopened ranch dressing that expired in 2009?  Or is it organized so that each shelf has a purpose and everything is still edible?

What does your closet look like?  Do you have a large pile of shoes at the bottom, your kids presents from 2 Christmas's ago, clothes that you haven't worn in years that are jam packed so tightly that when you pull out one shirt you get three or four?  Or are your clothes separated by long and short sleeves, organized by color like a rainbow, with shoe, jewelry, tie, and belt racks?

When was the last time you washed and cleaned out your car?  Is it covered with bird poop and filled with fast food wrappers and other trash?  Or do you have a regular routine for washing and cleaning it out?

What about your desk?  What about your garage?  What about your purse or wallet?

Am I saying that the more organized you are the more money you'll make?  Its possible. Or the cleanliness of your refrigerator or garage has something to do with your bank account? Maybe a smidgen. Is cleaning out your closet or organizing your desk going to make you a better person? Who knows? 

All I know is Jesus said, "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much."  I think I need to pay more attention to the little before I think about the much.

The Power of Keys

There is something powerful about keys.

I remember the excitement of buying a house or a car or getting a new job. You get excited when your offer is accepted, when the closing date is set, when the loan goes through, when the appraisal comes back, when you get the phone call, and when you sign your name thousands of times. But you never really feel like that car or that house or that job is yours until you have the key.

I recently resigned from one job and changed positions in another.  In doing so, I had to turn in my keys to my offices, all the classrooms, and to get into the building.  Although ready to move on, each time I was always reluctant to turn in my keys.  It's not that I needed those keys anymore, but there is something about keys that makes you feel important. 

The same is true when selling a house or a car.  You may be ready to move out or ready to get a new car but there is just something about physically giving up the key that says, "this house, car, office, classroom, school, ___________ is no longer under my control."

At the same time, there is something freeing about giving up your keys.  Its a great feeling when people call you for something and you can say, "Sorry, I don't have keys to that anymore."

Weird how responsibility, power, freedom, and so much more can come from a single key. 

The Importance of Companions

I have been recently reminded of the importance of companions.  Here are 2 examples:

1.  My wife was out of town for a week, learning new things so that she can continue to excel as a leader of college students.  Not only did I miss her cooking and cleaning (I was reminded of how much she does that I don't even see) but I missed her voice, her conversation, and most of all her presence.  Sure we talked on the phone everyday, Facebooked, sent texts, etc... but there is no substitute for the real thing.  I just missed having my wife, my companion with me on a daily basis.

2.  I'm currently doing the exercise program Insanity.  If you have seen the infomercial or done it yourself you know that it really is Insane.  My Insanity partner is @ChadMcKamie and we are doing our best to make our schedules work for 60 Insane days.  Some days we can't make it happen and we have to do the workout alone, which makes it so much harder.  There is something about looking over and watching someone else struggle through the same thing with you that makes it easier, or at least more doable.  We are also able to encourage each other through words or actions as we go through this insane process.

Regardless of the context, I have found that nearly everything is better with a companion.  (This is crazy coming from a loaner, only child.)  The conversations, accountability, memories, stories, encouragement, and fun is at least double with someone to share them with.

Who are your companions?  In what areas of your life could you use one?

What's The Plan Stan?

I was in the gym the other day and my friend Andrew asked me what I was doing.  (Obviously I was working out but he was asking about my exercise routine.)  I briefly told him about the 4 week plan that I am currently doing from Men's Health Magazine.  Andrew said, "You're into plans aren't you?"  I quickly answered yes but I have been thinking about it ever since. 

I am into plans.  In my experience, plans work.  And even if plans don't work, you are probably better off than you would be without one.  I like workout plans because they remind me what to do everyday so that I can push myself to get better.  When the plan is over I am able to see its effectiveness based on my strength and endurance.  Without a workout plan, I would just go hang out in the gym and not get any stronger.

I like plans for other areas of my life. 

I have a plan for my finances (combo between Dave Ramsey and Robert Kiyosaki).  I have a plan for my education (read 2 books each month until I begin my PhD).  The purpose of this post is not to tell you about my plans but rather to say that I have learned that the old saying "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" is definitely true.  I have a plan for my marriage, career, health, life, future, and pretty much anything you can think of. 

Do my plans always work?  Absolutely not.  And when they don't, I simply check out the situation and make a new plan. 

Unfortunately, many people spend more time planning the wrong things. 
People spend more time planning their wedding than their marriage. 
People spend more time on the plans for their new house and than the plans for paying for it. 
People spend more time planning a week long vacation than they do the next 5 years of their life.  People spend more time planning a meal than they do planning their health.
People spend more time planning a toddler's birthday party that they won't remember than planning to develop their character, let alone their college fund.

Plans work.  What's your plan?

Daniel Fast

I just finished a 3 week Daniel Fast.  What is that you ask?  Fasting is going for a period of time without food.  Fasting has been around for thousands of years and is typically a religious practice.  Fasting is basically denying yourself physical nourishment in order to satisfy spiritual hunger.

Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. - Matthew 4:4

A Daniel Fast is based off of scripture that says Daniel (you know the guy in the lions' den) was mourning in the wilderness for three full weeks and ate no pleasant food, no meat, no wine, no sugar, no dairy, no potato chips, no coffee, no Dr. Pepper, etc... 

In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks.  I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. - Daniel 10:2, 3

This is my first experience of fasting (other than 24 hours) and it has been surprisingly wonderful.  I assumed I would pray, read my bible, serve, etc every time I was hungry.  I thought I would be starving for 3 weeks but that has not been the case.  The good thing about a Daniel fast is you can eat as much as you want so hunger hasn't been an issue.  However, there are times when I have been weak since I haven't been eating much protein.  It is in those times that I am reminded where my strength comes from.

My biggest struggle has been temptation.  There have been chocolate chip cookies, cups of coffee, Freddy's Frozen Custard, juicy hamburgers, and gigantic bowls of cereal seductively calling my name.  It is in those times I am reminded where I find true satisfaction.  

I don't have crazy explanations.  All I can say is this is the most I have felt God's presence in my life in a very long time.  My eyes have been reopened and I can see His work, His beauty, His grace, His love, in a way that I never have before.  I can sense a boldness that has been lacking and a strength that is not my own.

Do I think I feel this way because I changed my diet for 3 weeks?  No.  I believe it is due to a sacrificial pursuit of Jesus Christ.  Fasting does not make God love you more but it has made me love God more.  Fasting is not a magic formula for blessings to appear in your life but it has made me more aware of the many blessings I already have.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. - Matthew 5:6

Edible shoe made from fruits and vegetables.  :)

If you want to find out more about the Daniel fast check out http://www.daniel-fast.com/index.html.

What's It Going To Take?

What is it going to take for you to make a change for the better?  

Are you going to wait until you get a doctor's diagnosis before you start exercising & eating healthy? 
Are you going to wait until you go bankrupt before you start living within your means? 
Are you going to wait until you get fired before you look for the job you really want? 
Are you going to wait for the divorce papers before you work on your marriage? 
Are you going to wait until the funeral before you apologize?
Are you going to wait until mandatory rehab before you face your addiction? 
Are you going to wait to get hurt again before you ask for help? 
Are you going to wait until you're good enough before you ask God to change your life? 

I mean I guess you could wait before you make the change.  Or you could save some heartache, pain, tears, and time and go ahead and make the change now. 

Why wait for good health, financial security, purpose, great marriage, freedom, safety, and Love when you can make the choices to change for the better today!

Weird

I'm VERY EXCITED about the new book coming out by Craig Groeschel.  The book is titled WEIRD: Because Normal Isn't Working.  

If you know me, you know that I am weird.  I recently had a student say to me, "Mr. Bradley, you are the weirdest principal I have ever had." Thank you very much!  I take that as a compliment because being weird means standing out.  And in my opinion, it is better to stand out (be weird) than fit in.  (I think that is from Cinderella or something.)

If being weird is standing out then weird people land the job, weird people get the girl/boy, weird people eat healthy, and weird people impact lives.  Because normal fits in with the stack of resumes, normal doesn't get noticed, normal is overweight, and normal waits for their life to be impacted.

Weird people run marathons, save money, recycle, and fight for freedom. 

I don't know if I'll get the quote exactly right but Groeschel says something weird like: "Normal people are broke, divorced, and unhappy."  Unfortunately this is true if you look at the statistics of our nation and the world.

be WEiRD!

btw, Don't take my word for it.  I'm just a weirdo.  Check out the definition for weird.  It may not be what you think.

Recharge Your Batteries

Ft. Gibson Lake

My wife and I recently spent a few days with my parents in my hometown.  They live by Ft. Gibson Lake, out where the cellphone reception is non-existent.  We went on daily walks & jogs, explored, saw plenty of deer, breathed a ton of fresh air, and waved at everyone we saw even if we didn't know them.

We didn't hear sirens, traffic, airplanes, or our ringtones. 

It's funny how I used to be mad about not getting cellphone reception on vacation and now I enjoy it.  It is important to unplug, disconnect, and recharge every once in a while.  What good is reception if your battery is dead?

I'm back living city life and doing what I love.  My spiritual, physical, and mental batteries are recharged and cellphone reception is in full force...if you don't count the ridiculous amount of dropped calls.

Where do you go to unplug, disconnect, and recharge your batteries?

What's The Weather Like?

My wife and I had dinner with some friends of ours tonight.  Yes, they are old enough to be our grandparents but they are funny, wise, kind, great Christian role models.  We like to hang out with them when we can. 

We have a lot of people we like to spend time with but we make sure to spend time with people wiser and more experienced than us so that we may learn from them.  They also claim that we help keep them young but I think they do a pretty good job on their own.

Two paragraphs from Donald Miller's book Father Fiction paint a wonderful picture of why this is necessary.

I was on a plane a few years ago, flying from Chicago to Portland, and happened to plug my headphones into the jack on the armrest.  On a plane, you can sometimes listen to the radio transmissions coming in and out of the cockpit.  I was curious about what pilots say to each other so, like a good geek, I listened for a while.  It turns out, most of the transmissions are about weather and whether or not the plane is heading for choppy air.  The pilot would radio to a plane that was en route an hour or so ahead of us and get a report on what kind of turbulence they were experiencing; then would turn and radio the plane that had just taken off in Chicago to explain what sort of air we were fling through at the moment.  They system was primitive, but intelligent.

It occurred to me, listening to the pilots talk to each other, how much this is like life.  I could see it clearly, the fact that in life there are people being born, just as others are passing away.  And all the way through life, the guys who are twenty years ahead are teaching the guys twenty years behind what kind of weather they will be encountering at whatever stage of life they happen to be living in.

Do you have older, wiser, experienced people speaking into your life?  If not, I challenge you to find someone by next week.

Life as a Principal

I love my job!

I am a middle school assistant principal.  It is safe to say that my job is never boring. 

On any given day I could be...

a judge making decisions regarding consequences for poor behavior.
a crime scene investigator, checking survilliance cameras.
a detective questioning witnesses and doing background checks.
a teacher covering a class if there is not a substitute.
a janitor cleaning up the cafeteria in between lunches.
a bouncer breaking up physical altercations.
a counselor mediating girl drama.
an instructional leader providing strategies to teachers...I wish I could do this more :(
a mentor helping students make better life decisions.
a coach giving kids pointers during lunch recess.

And all of this could happen before lunch! (except for the lunch recess one of course)

Of course, there are also things I don't like about my job but I think this is true for everyone and every job. You have to choose to focus on the good, invest in those around you, and keep showing up. 

Give It Up

What are you giving up for Lent? 

Not sure what I'm talking about?   Lent is a Christian tradition in which believers pray, fast, give, or sacrifice something for the 40 days before Easter.  Lent officially begins Ash Wednesday, which is this week.

Why participate in Lent?  It is a great way to prepare our hearts, minds, and bodies for the greatest day of the Christian calendar, Easter. 



Lent is not about simply giving something up like a New Year's Resolution.  Lent is about doing (or not doing) something that interrupts your daily life that will cause you to pray, remember what God has done, and grow closer to God.

Here are a few things that people have done (or not done) during Lent.

- Give up caffeine to remember that God is the source of all strength and energy.
- Give up walking on grass.  Great for those that live on college campuses.  When everyone else cuts through the grass, say a prayer while you're taking the long way.
- Give up complaining or negative comments.  
- Give up television.  Read the Bible or a daily devotional instead.
- Give up video games.  Read the Bible or a daily devotional instead.
- Give up listening to music in the car.  Take the time to have conversations with loved ones or with God.

- Read the Bible and/or pray every day.  
- Write 40 encouraging notes to people who have made a difference in your life.
- Run or walk everyday.  Less about physical exercise and more about time alone with God.
- Give something away everyday.


These are just a few ideas.  You know what would work best in your life.  What you do or don't do is not important.  Participating in Lent will not make God love you more or less.  Participating in Lent will develop your relationship with God as you catch a small glimpse of the sacrifice and giving God has done for you. 

God is Bigger Than _____________.

God is bigger than __________. 

Fill in the blank with whatever you're up against. 

God spoke the universe into existence.  I'm pretty sure God can take care of ______________.

This does not take away from the difficulty of your ______________ but rather display God's immeasurable power and ability.

Prayerfully ask God.  He is more able than you could ever ask or imagine!


"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

Growing Closer To God

Like most Christians, I have a desire to grow in my relationship with Christ.  The most common ways of doing this are going to church, praying, and reading the Bible and other Christian books.  All of these things are good but to be honest they somehow don't always make it into my schedule.  I've tried daily devotionals and reading plans.  I've tried to have a set "quiet time" in the mornings, during the day, and at night.  In an attempt to grow closer to God, I feel obligation to check it off my list and guilt when I don't make time for it. Does this sound familiar?  I hope I'm not the only one.

Here are 3 different perspectives that have helped me develop a deeper relationship with God.  

1.  GET to vs HAVE to - My friend Braden said that he has learned to look at spending time with God (reading, praying, listening) as something that he gets to do rather than something he has to do everyday.  This way if he misses a day he feels as though he missed out on spending time with the Creator rather than guilty for not being a good Christian.

2.  Quality vs Quantity - Spending quality time, sharing joys, pains, conversations, and doing life with someone is better than spending a planned quantity of 15 minutes each day.  Christianity is about having a relationship with the Living God, so maybe that relationship should look more like our relationships with our loved ones.  I don't talk to my best friends or parents for 15 minutes everyday but we are still close. 


3.  Read For Change, Not Completion - I used to read the Bible like any other book.  I just wanted to finish so I could get another book.  I have learned to read for understanding, clarity, and most importantly for change.  I have been reading, studying, and understanding the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-8) for about 6 months and it is rockin' my world.  Our church has been studying the book of Ephesians for months now.  Sometimes its better to take your time and figure out how it applies to you before you move on.

What has helped develop your relationship with God?

Explore!

There is something in human nature about being first.  I realized this as I went outside to explore in the snow in attempt to help tame my cabin fever.  I only wanted to walk in the snow that people had yet to walk in.  I wanted to be the first one to explore in a particular patch of snow.  For a moment I pretended to be Lewis and Clark as I walked around the block in the untouched snow.

The same is true for most other areas of life.  It feels cool to be the first to eat at the new restaurant in town.  There is an odd sense of pride about being the first to discover the latest hot musician.  It feels cool to be the first to ___________.

In all of these cases being first is not about winning.  Being first is simply about being the first to experience something and for a moment being the only person to have that experience.  Or you can stay at home and watch the latest sitcoms and get sucked into the latest TV drama while you watch and read stories about other people exploring and discovering.


Get off the couch!  You were created to explore!

Dress For Productivity

As I've been snowed in my house for over 36 hours it has been difficult to be motivated to accomplish anything.  Then again, it is difficult to accomplish anything considering the fact I haven't gotten dressed in 2 days.

If you want to be productive and get things accomplished it is probably wise to get dressed for the day as if you are going out, even though you are snowed in.  Ask people that are home schooled or work from home and I think they would agree.

While You're Snowed In...

If you live in Oklahoma or anywhere in the Midwest you are deathly aware of the "blizzard" that is keeping most people home.  While this could frustrate people and cause some cabin fever there is one question that can change your perspective and keep you productive. 



Rather than watch the news of people driving around on the roads telling you to stay home ask yourself "What does this make possible?"
So I'm trapped in my home either alone or with my family,
What does this make possible?


Here is what this snow storm makes possible for me:
finish a book
write some blogs
do my taxes
watch a movie I've been wanting to see
create some new ringtones
organize my closet
spend some quality time with my wife


This snow storm can make possible for you:
write some thank you cards
write some encouraging notes
clean or organize your home
spend quality time with your family
get in touch with an old friend
put that photo album together
start a blog
finally create a Twitter account
exercise...there are plenty of exercise videos on iTunes and Youtube

What does being snowed in make possible for you?

Quit or Get Better

I have to confess something.  I'm not very good at basketball.  I would like to be because it is good exercise with good friends but unfortunately I used all my athletic ability on baseball. 

This leaves me with 2 options.

1.  Quit.
2.  Get Better.

Quitters never win and Winners never quit.

I guess I'll have to get better.

Emotional Bank Account

Everyone has an emotional bank account. 

Every time you say or do something positive for someone you make a deposit.  A compliment, words of encouragement, thank you card, act of service, and the like are all examples of making a deposit into someones emotional bank account.

However, when you say or do something negative you make a withdraw from their emotional bank account.  When you speak harshly, use sarcasm, make rude comments, gossip, lie, or hurt someone in any way that would be a withdraw. 

In life, withdraws will happen.  You are going to have to speak the truth in love or make a tough decision that may hurt someone's feelings.  The important thing is that you have made enough deposits that the inevitable withdraws don't cause emotional bankruptcy for someone.

In 2011 I challenge you to enrich the lives of your family, friends, students, coworkers, and even strangers by making numerous deposits in their emotional bank accounts.  You can make people rich without spending a dime!

(Emotional Bank Account concept by Steven Covey)