How I'm Built

 Christian men are not built behind closed doors.  We are built in the rough and sometimes sad times.  Leaning in on our faith is what drives us.  

What am I doing wrong?

 This question was posed on a recent video I watched and it has me pondering what am I doing wrong?  I'm still delving into it and will get back with you on this same post.

Update:  I’m doing a few things wrong IMO.  I’m self centered, and do not give grace when I should.  I’m not good at taking advice when I don’t ask for it. Perhaps I’m stuck in my logical mind and I think that’s because I’ve been burned one time too many. Am I too broken to be vulnerable again?  I’m very wary of what I say to those close to me for fear what I say will be a weapon later on. It’s a Mexican standoff between my heart and mind. 

Servant Leadership

 I've recently taken on a role in my community out of a sense of duty.  I've always been one that has sought to serve others.  This is very much different than when I served in the Navy.  While on active duty it was expected/demanded that each perform their duties as prescribed.  There was recourse when a link in that process failed.  

In this community role, there are voices of those with a financial stake that have a right to voice opinions and vote on the outcome of desired actions.  As with all things in life there will be triumphs and defeats on both the individual and the collective.  

It is my goal to let those know that think they have been defeated in an outcome to know they have been heard and to allow them time to be upset and process their feelings.  Hopefully I can be part of a team that lets the community know that our positions in these roles is that of support for the entire community since we are also subject to the process.

I have been praying for guidance and this morning I received an email, to which I subscribe, reminding me about servant leadership.  

Wake up call

 Recently I had a health scare and at first I brushed it off to an oddity.  Even though it only happens to 3 in 100,000 people (all about my age) I eventually took it seriously.  With my sedentary job and retirement form the workforce approaching I had to take control of my health.  It started with a very easy fitness regimen and I have been adding to it.  I finally had the foresight to know that I can't immediately bench 325 and do 100 pushups on day 1.  Will I get there?  Time will tell.  What I do know is that even the smallest of steps gets me closer to my goal.  A goal without a plan is just a wish.  Today I encourage you to make a goal, figure out a plan (whether it takes you 6 months or 2 years) and then hold yourself to your plan.  Happy
goal hunting!

New Year new challenges

 I suppose it could be said about every day.  A new day full of it's own challenges. Certainly we must have a plan for the future but we cannot get to the future without first getting through today.  Sometimes when life feels overburdened, it's all some can do to get through the next hour or even the next minute.  Personally, I have been in that position on more than one occasion. When I get in these doldrums I end up being embarrassed to think that I'm in that position. I have the innate ability to focus on things that are wrong, or that I don't like instead of focusing on the areas in my life that are rich and full of joy.  Today, I focus on the good. 

God answers prayers

 I've been praying for a certain outcome over a situation to be resolved by my birthday.  When I checked the situation yesterday morning (my birthday), no resolution.  I thought, it's okay because God doesn't work on my timings.  

This morning I checked on the situation again and lo and behold, I got the positive outcome I desired and the update to the situation was yesterday.  God answered my prayer and was generous enough with his grace to influence the outcome when I asked this of Him.

I feel that through obedience to His word and doing what He asks of me I get favor.  I'm not bragging by any means.  I just want you to know that if you're praying for something it will be answered. 

I heed my own advice.

 Just sayin', get over yourself.