Raina and I having fun taking crazy pictures. Too often we let the precious moments of life slip away without notice. We take them for granted and don’t take the time to ’smell the flowers’. Do something crazy and fun today. Life is precious.
Yesterday I had lunch with a good friend from Elementary School, James Peyton (that is him trying to look tough). We put together a comic book back in the day called the ‘Protectors’, something like the X-men or the Avengers. The characters were us, and we got a chance to choose our own powers. I am not sure who my character was named or what my powers were, but I was the self appointed leader. We loved Voltron (the Lion version, not the cars), and Transformers (Neither one of us liked the movie that just came out). We had a great time then, and a great time yesterday. What is really a trip is that happened over 20 YEARS AGO. You know you are getting older when you can remember stuff that happened 20 years ago, and you weren’t a baby. And what is even more strange is you can’t believe that it happened so long ago. Life truly is something.
Erwin McManus, Pastor of Mosaic in Los Angeles says, “the most powerful leaders are those that often remain invisible. People may not remember their names, but lives are forever changed by their actions.”
In a conversation he had with the National Leadership Forum, Erwin referenced the story of a poor man in Eccl. Chapter 9, where when the city was in trouble faced with an invading army. But by the wisdom of the poor man, the city was saved. His name was never remembered. There was no record taken of his deed.
In the present day, it would have probably would have been on CNN, E!, FOX, and Court TV. We live in a paparazzi culture where people make a living on scavenging on the lives of others, people make their own reality TV shows, and stage inteviews and write books so they can be recognized. This mentality impacts those that follow Jesus Christ as well. We look to be remembered, honored, celebrated, acknowledged. Now don’t get me wrong, honoring those that deserve honor is right and biblical. But seeking affirmation from people rather than affirmation from God robs us of the reward that He would like to give us. When we seek and settle for the praise of humans, we sell ourselves far short of what God would intend for our lives.
Though his name could not be recalled by the townspeople, and Solomon did not mention it either, he was not forgotten. You see, we are reading his story, and talking about him right now.
These are some pictures I took of the girls a little while back while Mom was trying on some clothes in the store. I just figured out how to get them off my Treo. Aren’t they cool?
” Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Tommorrow August 25th, FC2 is going to do it’s own version of ‘Extreme Home Makeover’. We are rennovating the North Roseville Recretion Center and doing everything we can to inspire and invest in the lives of our youth. The Roseville Rec Center is a place where kids come after school to read, study, play, and make friends. Some of the young people come from challenging home situations, and the ‘Center’ is an atmosphere that represents refuge and safety. Though it provides such an important role in the community much of the equipment and facilities are outdated or not up to code.
Well, starting this Saturday we are going to do everything we can to change that. We are rallying different businesses, groups, and organizations to partner with us to give these students something that communicates just how much they are loved. Whether you are skilled in building stuff (I am not) or a little less than that, we could still use your help. And if you can’t make it, you can give to the project so we can make this the very best it can be. Saturday is our ‘Demo’ day where we are tearing things up to prepare for the construction that will be happening this week. And on Sunday September 2nd, we are going to ‘cut the ribbon’ and yell, “Move that Bus!” celebrating what God has done through us. We will post pictures of the project here online, and if you can be there with us this week, we would love to see you.
Today, Tiffany and I hung out with our ‘Prime-Timers’ at FC2 and had a great time. We went to the ‘Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibit’ here in Sacramento at the Air Force Museum, to witness the genius of this historical figure. Wow. This guy was amazing. From art, literature, engineering, archeology, military weapons design, science, and a host of other things, this man had an almost unthinkable array of talent and insight. He designed, sketched, and dreamed things up that would not be invented in mass for over 500 years in some cases. 500 Years! Can you imagine that? Having ideas that are 5 centuries before their time?
As I was walking through the museum today, I thought ‘what is God showing us that is going to shape the future generations from now?’. After seeing all of this, I feel challenged. Challenged to dream bigger and press harder. To believe more and doubt less. I think my vision is too small. And the need is too great. Eternity is hanging in the balance. I have heard it said before that it is important for God’s leaders and innovators (that’s you and me) to not wait for the future, but to create it.
If ‘Leo’ can do it (one of the museum guides called him that. Like they hung out and went to Jamba Juice together!), then why can’t we?
So often we are so busy doing ’stuff’, that we don’t pay attention to what is most important. We need to take the time to smile, hug those we love (and maybe those we don’t!), count our blessings, and enjoy the journey.
In 1994, after retiring from the National Basketball Association after winning a 3rd straight World Championship, Michael Jordan returned to the profesional sports stage as a baseball player. Dedicating his baseball dream to the memory of his late father, he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox, reported to spring training and was assigned to the team’s minor league system. That summer he batted .202 with the Birmingham Barons, a class AA affiliate of the White Sox. Later in the year he batted .252 with the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.
Jordan ended his retirement from professional basketball by rejoining the Bulls near the end of the 1994-1995 NBA regular season. In the 1995-1996 season he enjoyed another great year, leading the NBA in scoring with 30.4 points per game and being named league MVP. The Bulls also became the first NBA team to win 70 games in a season, finishing with 72 victories, and they went on to win the NBA championship title. Jordan was named MVP of the NBA finals, becoming the first player to earn the honor four times.
One athlete. Two games. Similar passion and dedication, two different outcomes. Whether he was on the baseball diamond or on the basketball court, people flocked to see him play. But while the flashbulbs flashed whether he stood in the outfield waiting for a fly ball or soaring for a dunk, they flashed for different reasons. When striding to the batter’s box, with a bat in his hand, he was a novelty, a side show of sorts. A hard-worker and a ‘grinder’, but average at the very best. Conversely, with a basketball in his grasp, he was the best in the world. Amazing, spectacular, a sight to see and remember (I was able to see him play 3 0r 4 times live. Once in Chicago.).
The difference was not found in the man, but in the instrument. With the bat, he was confined to mediocrity, but with a basketball he seemed to be at times superhuman. Same person. Different talents being used. Vastly different results. To further prove this point, when Jordan returned to the hardwood, we won championships, awards, while regaining his position as the world’s pound for pound best.
When it comes to our lives, our leadership, and our destiny, are we holding a baseball bat, or a basketball? Are we investing in areas where we could be the ‘pound for pound’ best, or just mediocre? To be everything we were intended to be we have to discover what makes us soar, and what holds us back. What our strength ‘zone’ is, and what isn’t. What brings joy and energy to you? What are you passionate about? What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? The answers to some of these questions are clues to whether you have a basketball or a baseball bat in your hand. So what is in your hand: A basketball or baseball bat?
Who can I run to,
To share this empty space?
Who can I run to,
When I need love?
Who can I run to,
To fill this empty space with laughter?
Who can I run to,
When I need love?
-From ‘Who can I run to?’ by Xscape
As a kid, I can remember playing ‘freeze tag’. ‘Freeze Tag’ was a game where one person was ‘IT’ while everyone else ran free. The object of the game was for the person who was ‘IT’ to tag the other players, and when they did, the tagged person had to ‘freeze’ where they were standing. The ‘unfrozen’ players would try to swoop in and ‘unfreeze’ their frozen comrades by touching them with the ‘IT’ person unawares. It was a fun game. In some variations, there would also be a homebase or a ’safe zone’, where a runner could go and be unaffected by the ‘IT’ person that was trying to ‘freeze’ them. You could go to home base and laugh while the person who was ‘IT’ frowned in frustration, while they were powerless to do anything about it. Because you were safe.
When we are in the tough times, in the middle of a challenge or a fight, where we run for safety, rest, or fulfillment is very key. The pressures of life and leadership can at times paralyze us. Whether it is fear, indecision, fatigue, or physical illness, stress that accompanies the human experience affects us all. How we respond when we are stressed and stretched, goes a long way whether we will be frozen, or we will be free. Most of us know someone who has been ‘frozen’. Away from their destiny, away from their purpose, away from their calling. In fact, we have all been there in our lives.
At the start of Jesus’ ministry He was in the wilderness and hungry because He had been fasting. When in this weakened state, Satan came to offer Him counterfeits, and substitutes to God’s plan. Jesus refused the shortcuts and stayed the course.
When we are in the wilderness and hungry, where do we run?
Hey Dreamers. Our weekly talks are online now. After downloading Itunes (if you don’t already have it on your computer) click the red ‘Get Podcast’ icon on the lower left of the ‘Diary of a Dreamer Blog Homepage’. It should take you to the Podcast directly, where you can listen at your computer, on your mp3 player, and/or subscribe to the podcast, so new episodes automatically are downloaded to your computer when they are added. So if you are away for the weekend, traveling, or across the country or on the other side of the world, you can keep up (We should have have our last 2 series, ‘the Hero and the Hulk’ and ‘SpeakLife’ up and completely current in the next couple of days). Log on. And Dream. Send me an email (or comment on this page) and let me know what you think, and if the technology is working.
The Podcast is up. So now you will be over the next few weeks and months you will be able to listen online to the weekly teachings as well as other zany stuff we have in store. Soon you will be able to link to the podcast from the blog home page. Right now all you need to download itunes from www.apple.com, then subscribe to the podcast (Diary of a Dreamer: Podcast). We will be adding new episodes soon. And as soon as they are in, they will automatically download to your mp3 player or computer.
Raina and I having fun taking crazy pictures. Too often we let the precious moments of life slip away without notice. We take them for granted and don’t take the time to ’smell the flowers’. Do something crazy and fun today. Life is precious.
Posted in Relationships, Family | 3 Comments »
Yesterday I had lunch with a good friend from Elementary School, James Peyton (that is him trying to look tough). We put together a comic book back in the day called the ‘Protectors’, something like the X-men or the Avengers. The characters were us, and we got a chance to choose our own powers. I am not sure who my character was named or what my powers were, but I was the self appointed leader. We loved Voltron (the Lion version, not the cars), and Transformers (Neither one of us liked the movie that just came out).
We had a great time then, and a great time yesterday. What is really a trip is that happened over 20 YEARS AGO. You know you are getting older when you can remember stuff that happened 20 years ago, and you weren’t a baby. And what is even more strange is you can’t believe that it happened so long ago. Life truly is something.
Posted in Relationships | No Comments »
Erwin McManus, Pastor of Mosaic in Los Angeles says, “the most powerful leaders are those that often remain invisible. People may not remember their names, but lives are forever changed by their actions.”
In a conversation he had with the National Leadership Forum, Erwin referenced the story of a poor man in Eccl. Chapter 9, where when the city was in trouble faced with an invading army. But by the wisdom of the poor man, the city was saved. His name was never remembered. There was no record taken of his deed.
In the present day, it would have probably would have been on CNN, E!, FOX, and Court TV. We live in a paparazzi culture where people make a living on scavenging on the lives of others, people make their own reality TV shows, and stage inteviews and write books so they can be recognized. This mentality impacts those that follow Jesus Christ as well. We look to be remembered, honored, celebrated, acknowledged. Now don’t get me wrong, honoring those that deserve honor is right and biblical. But seeking affirmation from people rather than affirmation from God robs us of the reward that He would like to give us. When we seek and settle for the praise of humans, we sell ourselves far short of what God would intend for our lives.
Though his name could not be recalled by the townspeople, and Solomon did not mention it either, he was not forgotten. You see, we are reading his story, and talking about him right now.
God didn’t forget.
Posted in Leadership | No Comments »
Posted in Family | 2 Comments »
” Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
Tommorrow August 25th, FC2 is going to do it’s own version of ‘Extreme Home Makeover’. We are rennovating the North Roseville Recretion Center and doing everything we can to inspire and invest in the lives of our youth. The Roseville Rec Center is a place where kids come after school to read, study, play, and make friends. Some of the young people come from challenging home situations, and the ‘Center’ is an atmosphere that represents refuge and safety. Though it provides such an important role in the community much of the equipment and facilities are outdated or not up to code.
Well, starting this Saturday we are going to do everything we can to change that. We are rallying different businesses, groups, and organizations to partner with us to give these students something that communicates just how much they are loved. Whether you are skilled in building stuff (I am not) or a little less than that, we could still use your help. And if you can’t make it, you can give to the project so we can make this the very best it can be. Saturday is our ‘Demo’ day where we are tearing things up to prepare for the construction that will be happening this week. And on Sunday September 2nd, we are going to ‘cut the ribbon’ and yell, “Move that Bus!” celebrating what God has done through us. We will post pictures of the project here online, and if you can be there with us this week, we would love to see you.
Live the Mission.
Posted in Uncategorized, The Church, Dream Awake, Transformation | No Comments »
Today, Tiffany and I hung out with our ‘Prime-Timers’ at FC2 and had a great time. We went to the ‘Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibit’ here in Sacramento at the Air Force Museum, to witness the genius of this historical figure. Wow. This guy was amazing. From art, literature, engineering, archeology, military weapons design, science, and a host of other things, this man had an almost unthinkable array of talent and insight. He designed, sketched, and dreamed things up that would not be invented in mass for over 500 years in some cases. 500 Years! Can you imagine that? Having ideas that are 5 centuries before their time?
As I was walking through the museum today, I thought ‘what is God showing us that is going to shape the future generations from now?’. After seeing all of this, I feel challenged. Challenged to dream bigger and press harder. To believe more and doubt less. I think my vision is too small. And the need is too great. Eternity is hanging in the balance. I have heard it said before that it is important for God’s leaders and innovators (that’s you and me) to not wait for the future, but to create it.
If ‘Leo’ can do it (one of the museum guides called him that. Like they hung out and went to Jamba Juice together!), then why can’t we?
Posted in The Church, The Future, Leadership, Creativity/Innovation, Dream Awake | 1 Comment »
So often we are so busy doing ’stuff’, that we don’t pay attention to what is most important. We need to take the time to smile, hug those we love (and maybe those we don’t!), count our blessings, and enjoy the journey.
Enjoy.
Posted in Relationships, Dream Awake | 1 Comment »
In 1994, after retiring from the National Basketball Association after winning a 3rd straight World Championship, Michael Jordan returned to the profesional sports stage as a baseball player. Dedicating his baseball dream to the memory of his late father, he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox, reported to spring training and was assigned to the team’s minor league system. That summer he batted .202 with the Birmingham Barons, a class AA affiliate of the White Sox. Later in the year he batted .252 with the Scottsdale Scorpions in the Arizona Fall League.
Jordan ended his retirement from professional basketball by rejoining the Bulls near the end of the 1994-1995 NBA regular season. In the 1995-1996 season he enjoyed another great year, leading the NBA in scoring with 30.4 points per game and being named league MVP. The Bulls also became the first NBA team to win 70 games in a season, finishing with 72 victories, and they went on to win the NBA championship title. Jordan was named MVP of the NBA finals, becoming the first player to earn the honor four times.
One athlete. Two games. Similar passion and dedication, two different outcomes. Whether he was on the baseball diamond or on the basketball court, people flocked to see him play. But while the flashbulbs flashed whether he stood in the outfield waiting for a fly ball or soaring for a dunk, they flashed for different reasons. When striding to the batter’s box, with a bat in his hand, he was a novelty, a side show of sorts. A hard-worker and a ‘grinder’, but average at the very best. Conversely, with a basketball in his grasp, he was the best in the world. Amazing, spectacular, a sight to see and remember (I was able to see him play 3 0r 4 times live. Once in Chicago.).
The difference was not found in the man, but in the instrument. With the bat, he was confined to mediocrity, but with a basketball he seemed to be at times superhuman. Same person. Different talents being used. Vastly different results. To further prove this point, when Jordan returned to the hardwood, we won championships, awards, while regaining his position as the world’s pound for pound best.
When it comes to our lives, our leadership, and our destiny, are we holding a baseball bat, or a basketball? Are we investing in areas where we could be the ‘pound for pound’ best, or just mediocre? To be everything we were intended to be we have to discover what makes us soar, and what holds us back. What our strength ‘zone’ is, and what isn’t. What brings joy and energy to you? What are you passionate about? What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? The answers to some of these questions are clues to whether you have a basketball or a baseball bat in your hand. So what is in your hand: A basketball or baseball bat?
Posted in Media/Culture, The Future, Leadership | No Comments »
Who can I run to,
To share this empty space?
Who can I run to,
When I need love?
Who can I run to,
To fill this empty space with laughter?
Who can I run to,
When I need love?
-From ‘Who can I run to?’ by Xscape
As a kid, I can remember playing ‘freeze tag’. ‘Freeze Tag’ was a game where one person was ‘IT’ while everyone else ran free. The object of the game was for the person who was ‘IT’ to tag the other players, and when they did, the tagged person had to ‘freeze’ where they were standing. The ‘unfrozen’ players would try to swoop in and ‘unfreeze’ their frozen comrades by touching them with the ‘IT’ person unawares. It was a fun game. In some variations, there would also be a homebase or a ’safe zone’, where a runner could go and be unaffected by the ‘IT’ person that was trying to ‘freeze’ them. You could go to home base and laugh while the person who was ‘IT’ frowned in frustration, while they were powerless to do anything about it. Because you were safe.
When we are in the tough times, in the middle of a challenge or a fight, where we run for safety, rest, or fulfillment is very key. The pressures of life and leadership can at times paralyze us. Whether it is fear, indecision, fatigue, or physical illness, stress that accompanies the human experience affects us all. How we respond when we are stressed and stretched, goes a long way whether we will be frozen, or we will be free. Most of us know someone who has been ‘frozen’. Away from their destiny, away from their purpose, away from their calling. In fact, we have all been there in our lives.
At the start of Jesus’ ministry He was in the wilderness and hungry because He had been fasting. When in this weakened state, Satan came to offer Him counterfeits, and substitutes to God’s plan. Jesus refused the shortcuts and stayed the course.
When we are in the wilderness and hungry, where do we run?
Posted in The Church, Transformation | No Comments »
Hey Dreamers. Our weekly talks are online now. After downloading Itunes (if you don’t already have it on your computer) click the red ‘Get Podcast’ icon on the lower left of the ‘Diary of a Dreamer Blog Homepage’. It should take you to the Podcast directly, where you can listen at your computer, on your mp3 player, and/or subscribe to the podcast, so new episodes automatically are downloaded to your computer when they are added. So if you are away for the weekend, traveling, or across the country or on the other side of the world, you can keep up (We should have have our last 2 series, ‘the Hero and the Hulk’ and ‘SpeakLife’ up and completely current in the next couple of days). Log on. And Dream. Send me an email (or comment on this page) and let me know what you think, and if the technology is working.
Posted in The Future, Creativity/Innovation, Dream Awake | No Comments »
The Podcast is up. So now you will be over the next few weeks and months you will be able to listen online to the weekly teachings as well as other zany stuff we have in store. Soon you will be able to link to the podcast from the blog home page. Right now all you need to download itunes from www.apple.com, then subscribe to the podcast (Diary of a Dreamer: Podcast). We will be adding new episodes soon. And as soon as they are in, they will automatically download to your mp3 player or computer.
Posted in Uncategorized, Creativity/Innovation, Dream Awake | No Comments »