down but not out

Wow do I feel like junk. I actually had to come home from work early to get in the bed, with what I'm thinking is the flu. My wife couldn't believe it when I called her and said I had to come home early to lay down. I very rarely get sick or at least very rarely admit it. I can usually "positive mental attitude" my way through it. I'm bummed because I'm missing "Firestorm" with a group of guys from C3, which is our 1st ever men's trip. Also, tomorrow I was going to do an indoor triathlon early and only miss the first session of the conference. I hope to be better by tomorrow. The triathlon is actually postponed due to weather and I hope to make it to the men's conference. Time will tell.

expectations

I got a call from my dad today and said because of the snow storm, my parents are unable to come down for the weekend. So now, when the news is given to my kids, they will be heart broken. Why? Because their expectations were so high. I have found that if you continually find yourself being hurt or disappointed on a regular basis, maybe it's time you lower your expectations. I now this sounds crazy, but here me out. Then you are not expecting anything from anyone, but if they do come through or give me something, it is a bonus. Perhaps, it's the relative that is ALWAYS LATE to every get together. It then bothers you so much that you miss out on the joy of seeing everyone else. What if you didn't set your expectations for them so high? Whether or not they get there on time then, doesn't affect you. When they show up or don't show up is all the same, you are just glad to see them.
I hope that makes sense and of course I don't apply that to everyone or every situation, but rather have used it with people who may continually let me down. I guess it could be a form of a boundary where I don't let them have control over me or my emotions.

content

I have heard it said "It's right to be content with what you have, but not with who you are." This week we are starting two weeks of messages entitled "Death By Suburb." I really think that so many of us are always concerned with having what is just out of reach, that we miss the beauty of what we have. Our culture is constantly telling us what we don't have and what we need to have to be happy. That happiness and contentment comes in stuff. Many have bought into this lie and live very hollow and empty lives. I never want to lose sight of, or appreciation for, what I have and the true joy comes from my creator and His love. I also don't want to waste my life on things that don't matter in the long run. I want to strive to continually develop myself and be grateful for what I have been blessed with.

frustration in the process #2

Anyway, as a team and/or ministry grows, so grows the problems. Many people want bigger or better, but still have to learn to lead through what they have. There will always be relationship conflicts, opportunities and problems. A problem is something, that I have NO control over. Ex. We are doing a 15,000 Easter egg hunt here in a week and a half. If it is pouring down ice and rain...that is a problem, because I can't control that. Many people though look at an "opportunity for solution" as problems, and they are not. Rather, they are a test to our leadership, attitude and determination. I have learned that as a leader, you cannot run from problems, conflict or frustration. If you do, it will eat away at your soul and you will carry unwanted stress. I have also found that when I do confront others or myself with the frustration, it wasn't near as bad of a reaction as I thought. So what's frustrating you? Deal with it NOW and move on.

frustration in the process

It's amazing how growth can bring friction, because everything changes. It's like wearing a size x/small t-shirt and then still wearing it when you actually fit a medium. Growth brings change and change brings friction that if it's not dealt with can begin to create wear. And that's all I can say right now because my appointment just walked in to the coffee shop. Sooo goodbye till later.

yesterday

We had a decent crowd as we finished a couple weeks walking through "boundaries." Yesterday, the main point was that "we are responsible for our boundaries." By the show of hands, I could tell that the majority of our people are dealing with some boundary issues within their lives. As for that actual "excellence level", in production, we were a bit loose, and it wasn't just one person, but a team effort. This is how we learn though! It is tough sometimes to strive and keep the level of excellence high. We have a great team and we will keep adjusting as necessary. Growth is truly a journey.

shooting video is hard work

I'm blown away at all the set up, to shoot a couple minute video. We literally filled a minivan with no seats almost full for what we were shooting. I remember the days when my brother Josh and I would grab a small camera bag and shoot away. This is a completely different level! Can you say JIB ARM? Where Josh works now, they have some incredible equipment. The coolest for me had to be the tele-prompter (screen you can read your lines off of) that the camera actually shoots through. We didn't use it, but it did get to drool on it. We have 4 video's down and one more to go. I fly back in at 11:30 tonight, and will be ready to preach tomorrow. We are ending two weeks on "boundaries". Tomorrow specifically, how our boundaries are our responsibility.