raise your level

This morning, I ran a speed workout with a couple of my buddies as normal, but today
we had a college runner show up. He is on a different level and buried us all. I was bummed at first to the fact of getting smoked, but then realized that my times were faster than weeks before, because of him. So I actually pushed harder, trying to keep up with him. I'm always telling my kids that losing isn't a bad thing, as long as you get better. That every time you play someone better than you, you get better. That's why I love to hang with people that are sharper than me, because they help me think, pray, dream and lead at a different level.

the leader

People look to the leader for many things. Where are we going? How and when will we get there? How much will this cost? What part can I play? Why are we doing it this way? The list can go on and on. Those things are all external, but much of the culture and DNA of an organization, is formed by how the leader lives. When those who follow want to know how much integrity to have, how hard they should work, how to interact with others on the team, they will look at the leader. The leader is always modeling more than he/she can ever imagine. People here what the leader is saying, but more their actions ALWAYS speak louder than words.

FREEDOM

I think many times that we take for granted the freedom that we have in our country. It's easy to forget the lives that were willingly laid down to gain it and keep it. It means so much more to those who come to our country from another country. We have it so good and don't even realize it. As a dad, I am doing my best to instill in my kids that our Freedom wasn't and isn't free. Every time I see a flag, may I think on what it represents and the sacrifice that was made to fly it.

float update

We placed 2nd place in the "non-commercial" division. They even gave us a plaque! We handed out over 400 C3 helium balloons and a ton of candy. It was a blast. I had my kids walk with me and hand out candy in the parade.
Also, next Sunday we officially break ground! MidWest Church Construction is even giving us an engraved shovel. I can't believe that we will finally be building next week.

float

We are hard at work putting together a float for the Pickerington July 4th parade. It will feature our very own C3 band rocking it out live through a generator while they make their way through the streets of our little city. We will be handing out C3 helium balloons and candy....all in our C3 shirts. It should be fun. Any C3'ers wanting to jump in, just let me know.

down at the river

Last night we and the Fowlers drove down to southern Ohio to hang with some friends at their place on the river. We are having a blast just chillin out and playing some cornhole. We're praying the sun comes out. Our kids are having a great time. I'm enjoying friends and family!

your character is always showing

Whether you know it or not, your character is always showing. It reveals itself in the little things all day long. Things like how we react while driving, interacting with people and what we do when no one is around. Character is revealed in greater measure when the "heat" of adversity is put to us. We then see who we really are. Much like integrity isn't integrity until it costs us something, character is unknown until it is tested. What is your character you are showing, saying about you?