Today I am thankful for...

It happens every year...to all of us...whether we like it or not...

It's our birthday...and today I am 492 months old (that's 41 years if you're trying to do the math in your head).  Personally, I don't really care to celebrate my birthday.  It's not because I dread getting older...really, I'm very thankful that I've made it another year...it's simply that I don't particularly like being the center of attention.  Some people like it.  Some people thrive on it.  Heck, some people even NEED it.  I'm just not one of those people.  Let someone else have the limelight...that is just fine with me.

But today, as I celebrate 41 years, I got to thinking...and that can be scary and/or dangerous for me.  What do I want for my birthday?  We get asked this question all the time...for our birthdays, for Father's/Mother's Day, for Christmas, etc.  We are so focused on the material aspect of these holidays.  Yes, there are some things that I want, and that I did ask for.  But as I thought more about it, I realized that I have already received the most precious gifts that I could ever ask for.  So today, I want to say 'Thank you' to those who have given me things that I can NEVER thank enough:

1.  I want to thank my parents for the gift of life...and my Mother, especially, for raising me like she did...most often a single Mom.  Without her, I wouldn't be here, and wouldn't be who I am today.  That, I can never repay.

2.  I want to thank my God above for His most gracious give of grace and mercy.  He alone knows just how broken and messed up I am...but yet He still sent He own Son to give His live to pay for mine.  That, I can never earn or repay.

3.  I want to thank my wife and daughter for giving me the gift of being a Dad and husband.  Those two jobs are the best, and most challenging, I've ever had...and I wouldn't trade them for the world.  That, I can never repay.

4.  I want to thank my family and friends for your gifts of love and friendship all these years.  Each and every one of you have made a difference in my life...no matter how big or small...and have helped mold and shape me into who I am today.  That, I can never repay.

So instead of focusing on what I 'want' for my birthday, I want to say 'THANK YOU' to you ALL for everything that you have given to me all these years, and continue to give me each and every day.

And my birthday wish is that...that God will bless each and every one of you...in His own time...and in His own way.

Mixed up prioities...

It's been a while, I know, but things have been a bit hectic.  Talk about struggling with time.  Dance competition season has started, and it seems like the days, and weeks, just run into one.  Then, horror of horrors, my daughter turned 13.  I am happy to report that I lived through that birthday week.  It was touch and go there for a while, I have to admit.  A couple of times, I didn't know if it was going to be her or me.  :)   For my daughter's birthday, I had the 'brilliant' idea to have a dance party for her 13th birthday.  What started out to be a simple party idea turned into quite the project...and over 16 hours later on the day of the party, I was ready for it to be over.  But after all was said and done, we all had a blast...and I have decided that until her Sweet 16, all she is getting for her birthday is a nice card and a pat on the back.  :)

But I digress...back to the topic at hand...

I have been thinking about how we have all different types of Halls of Fame and Walks of Fame for entertainers and athletes at whom we throw millions of dollars...daily...and idolize for their God-given talents.  But where is this same adoration...this same support...this same enthusiasm for those that protect and serve us on a daily basis, who ensure that we are able to go on 'worshiping' singers, actors and athletes?  Where are the Halls of Fame for our service men and women?  Our police officers?  Our first responders?  Our doctors, medics and nurses?  Our teachers?  Yes, we have an 'appreciation day' for these...but what about the rest of the days?  We definitely have our priorities backwards.  We  idolize those that entertain us, and take for granted those that serve us.  It should be the other way around.  I am just as guilty as anyone...even as a 20+ year veteran.  I need to do more to show my respect and gratitude for those that selflessly serve.  And hopefully through my actions, and not just my words, my daughter will herself start prioritizing service (and those who serve) more, and entertainment (and those who entertain) less.

We have to start somewhere to turn this around...and ourselves, and the next generation, is the best place I can think of.

20 things I need to give up for Lent...and beyond...

I wish I could take credit for this post, but I can't.  I am 'borrowing' it from my long-time friend Darin.  I don't think he'll mind...but if he does, I'll make it up to him somehow.   This definitely made me do some self-reflection, and I hope it makes you stop and think, too.

"Here are 20 things you might consider giving up this Lent.  And these are things to give up not just for Lent, but for the rest of your life.

1. Guilt – I am loved by Jesus and he has forgiven my sins.  Today is a new day and the past is behind.
2. Fear – God is on my side.  In him, I am more than a conqueror. (see Romans 8)
3. The need to please everyone – I can’t please everyone anyways.  There is only One I need to strive to please.
4. Envy – I am blessed.  My value is not found in my possessions, but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
5. Impatience – God’s timing is the perfect timing.
6. Sense of entitlement – The world does not owe me anything.  God does not owe me anything.  I live in humility and grace.
7. Bitterness and Resentment – The only person I am hurting by holding on to these is myself.
8. Blame – I am not going to pass the buck.  I will take responsibility for my actions.
9. Gossip and Negativity – I will put the best construction on everything when it comes to other people.  I will also minimize my contact with people who are negative, toxic and bringing other people down.
10. Comparison – I have my own unique contribution to make, and there is no one else like me.
11. Fear of failure – You don’t succeed without experiencing failure.  Just make sure you fail forward.
12. A spirit of poverty – Believe with God that there is always more than enough and never a lack.
13. Feelings of unworthiness – You are fearfully and wonderfully made by your creator. (see Psalm 139)
14. Doubt – Believe God has a plan for you that is beyond anything you could imagine.  The future is brighter than you could ever realize.
15. Self-pity – God comforts us in our sorrow so that we can comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
16. Retirement – As long as you are still breathing, you are here for a reason.  You have a purpose to influence others for Christ.  That does not come to an end until the day we die.
17. Excuses – A wise man once said, if you need an excuse, any excuse will do.
18. Lack of counsel – Wise decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
19. Pride – Blessed are the humble.
20. Worry – God is in control and worrying will not help.

God has so much more in store for you.  But so many of these things above are holding you back from walking in the full destiny he has laid out for you.  Today is a new day."

I have to admit, it's a lot easier to type this than to it.  I cannot do this alone...thankfully, I don't have to.

Praying to the Apple/Android gods...

I can't decide if it's more sad or depressing...

We've all seen them...and chances are, you probably know one and/or are related to one.  Heck, you may even be one.

I'm talking about the people who basically live for, even to the point of worshiping, their phones.  Be they iPhone users or Android users, their affliction is the same.  They have to be on their phones basically every waking minute...documenting everything that they do, think, eat, drink, see, etc. either by texting or posting on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, Instagram or any other of the seemingly countless social media outlets.  And it doesn't just have to be phones...I'd be remiss to leave out those of us on tablets, iPads, computers, etc.

Case in point.  I (very) recently took my daughter to a class she has after school.  The trip was approximately 24 minutes long (I say approximate because I was timing using the clock in the car).  Of those 24 minutes, she was actually NOT on her phone for a grand total of 2 minutes.  And of the time she was on her phone (22 minutes for those mathematically challenged), at least half was of her taking, and retaking, and retaking, and retaking, ... (you get the idea) 'selfies' to post on Instagram.

What happened to actually going out, enjoying others' company, and doing things WITHOUT an electronic device stuck in front of your face.  Oh...yeah...that's right...there's not a APP for that.  Instead, with a world of information at their fingertips, these people would rather post/look at pictures, videos, MEMEs, and the like.  The rest of the world isn't just passing us...it's about to lap us.

So, what do you do if you know someone like this?  Well, heaven help the poor sap that is brave (or stupid) enough to confront one of these individuals about their problem.  They tend to get very defensive, and may even 'unfriend' or 'unfollow' the offending party.

My fear is that my the younger generations will eventually lose their ability to communicate and interact socially...face to face...with real people.

I think this video sums it up the best:



How do we reverse this?  I really have no definite answer.  I have been toying with the idea of having phones turned off in the house at night...or turning off our WiFi...or even getting a cell phone blocker (not sure that's legal, though).  Whatever I end up doing, I'm going to have to do in steps...because I'd HATE to see what would happen (especially to me) if my household had give up their life-lines cold turkey.  I don't think it would be a pretty sight.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...so why should it end?

A very good friend of mine said something recently that really stuck with me.  I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions...but this is a personal goal that I definitely want to strive to achieve...and I apologize in advance, but I know I won't get his words 100% correct...

As the Christmas season passes and we begin a new year, I pray that I can make the focus and reason for the season a reality in each and every day for me, my family, my friends, and everyone I cross paths with.

Dear Lord...I will definitely need Your help...just like always...

Thanksgiving...

Thanksgiving Day...a day when most of us will eat way too much, nap on the couch and spend the rest of our time watching football on TV (after the Macy's parade, of course...).  This is the time of year when many will reflect on their lives and give thanks for all the blessings that they enjoy...their family, friends, homes, jobs, health, etc.  This is truly a heartwarming time of year.

But...and there's always a but...

The question that I have is this...Why only this time of year?  Why do we only focus on our blessings, on what we are thankful for, now?  Imagine if we acknowledged our blessings and were truly thankful each and every day of the year...not just one month a year...instead of taking our blessings for granted, and dwelling on the negative aspects, conditions and situations we face every day.

Thanksgiving shouldn't just be a day, it should be a complete attitude and way of life.  This is something that I definitely need to work on myself.

Vengeance is mine...

Today, for Americans, is a special day of remembrance and reflection.  Today, we remember not one, but two horrific attacks on Americans.

We can all remember where we were that morning on 9/11/2001...as the twin towers fell, the Pentagon was attacked, and as Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, PA before it could hit it's intended target.  We remember the fear, we remember the hurt, we remember shock, we remember the anger, we remember the hatred, and we remember wanting to make those responsible pay for what they had done.  We wanted vengeance...

Eleven years later, we as Americans experienced yet another terrorist attack.  This attack wasn't on our own soil, but rather on "American" soil at the Benghazi consulate in Libya.  At approximately 4 p.m. EST, 10 p.m. local time, our consulate was attacked.  The attack lasted for approximately 7 hours and resulted in 4 Americans killed...including the U.S. Ambassador.  After the Benghazi attack, many Americans felt, and continue to feel, fear, hurt, shock anger and hatred.  Once again, many Americans want vengeance...but this time, these feelings are not reserved for those who perpetrated the attack, but also for our leaders who lied to us about the attack, who refused to send help to those who were under attack, who have trivialized the attack, and who continue to try cover up the attack.

I was...or rather am...one of these.  I want so bad to see these people punished.  And I would LOVE to be able to do it myself.  How unfair is it to see these people getting away with what they have done...so smug...so cocky...so full of themselves...looking down on us like they are untouchable.  Oh how I wish they could be brought down a notch or two...hundred.  And done so publicly...with everyone laughing at them.  How rewarding would it be to watch the have their whole word ruined on the grandest of scales...to feel the pain and suffering that they have caused so many.

This is where I fall short.  This is where I struggle.  This is not what I should be wishing for.  I should not be fighting the fight AGAINST them, I should be fighting the fight FOR them. As Paul wrote to the church in Rome:

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil.  Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord.  On the contrary:  'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.'  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  (Romans 12: 17-21)

Now, if that ain't a wake-up...a good old fashioned kick in the pants...I don't know what is.  I can easily say that I am good at doing...well...none of that.  Man, do I have some work ahead of me...that is NOT going to be easy.  And I need to do this not only for me, but to be the example for my wife and daughter.  How better to show them the way than to teach by example?

As far as the vengeance...there will be times that I will still want to take matters into my own hands.  It will be very hard at times to get past those feelings.  But one thing will make it a bit easier...and that's knowing that no matter what I could possibly do or wish upon these people, it could never compare even a fraction to what God has in store for them.  It may not seem fair now, but in the end, God will more than break even.

I have a lot to work on in the "loving my enemy" category, and although vengeance may not be mine, I'm sure glad it's His...