Always a Winner

I heard this quote last Sunday.  The obvious point of it is that Job, having apparently lost everything, still understood he hadn't lost more than he had been given.  He still praised God.  Yet, if you can see that life isn't about temporal gain at all...you will understand that even in the worst suffering...he never stopped gaining.  It's all about attitude.  Adversity will shape you or break you.  If you can be grateful even in the most difficult of times, you grow.  You effectively take ownership of the life God gave you.  You no longer are affected by what you gain or lose...what happens for you or against you.  You praise God and celebrate the good times.  You grow and shape into greatness during the times of adversity.  With gratitude and seeing the big picture, you never lose.  Christ in all his suffering of the sins of the world sought only that the Father's will be done.  Thusly, he withstood it all...even things that were not his doing, and glorified his father.  He owned it...all of it, and His perfect love never wavered.  What an example.  To see Job emulate this concept even on a small, human level is also a tremendous example.  In your life...consider the pain and sorrow, or loss of temporal gain you bear.  Is it going to break you?  Or is it simply opportunity?  Opportunity to look to God, to give thanks, to realize even with the experience gained you have much more than you ever had when you entered this life.  That even if you are to enter your grave having lost every possession...you have still gained richly the things which you take with you.  Experience, love, and character gained along the way.  God has made you richer than you could ever imagine.  Be grateful in all circumstances.  "Blessed be the name of the Lord"

Leadership

Life's a Beach

It's so ironic how many view themselves as being better than others simply because they have status of some kind.  Money, intelligence, title, occupation, education, popularity...the list goes on.  Yet, if we could see just how perfectly flawed all of us are in comparison with God, we would all be humbled in a split second.  We are all like grains of sand.  We may, in the opinion of others, be a fine example of a grain of sand.  But God is the beach...and if we are to aspire, we should do it with the understanding that it must be done collectively.  Seek greatness not for yourself, but for all...and remember where credit is due.

Faith in Humanity

How did it get this far?

When did the old outside world turn in?

The perceptual wonder of the yesteryears...

A world that was always in bloom...

Slowly decaying by those who have forgotten.

Hope is my seed of preservation...

Remembrance the fertile ground, 

God the blessed moisture.

Growth is inevitable but not outwardly evident.

My heart begins to sprout.

Joy swells inside but I anticipate a judging eye,

The plant of growth reaches beyond my capacity,

A testament to the seeds endless destiny.

The fruit so exquisite it beckons to be shared.

I pluck off the branches the best I have to give,

Hoping to witness the joy which has so consumed me.

No longer seeing the world as decay,

But full of truth...of meaning...of passion.

Reaching forth hesitantly to give,

I am startled to find with each hand that receives,

My offering is replaced with exquisite fruit from another.

Entirely new to the taste...

My mind overrun with emotion,

And thought from whence it came.

Shades of hope, remembrance, and the creator...

But grown in such a way that is entirely new.

Cultivated in another heart,

From another place,

An entirely new point of view...

Inspiring once again the youthful eye...

Revealing to me truth as I have never seen.

I intend to give, but receive all the more.

The world was never desolate,

The decay was in my eyes...

The truth evident in all its fruits,

Shared from the hearts of courage.

Love in Vain

The more you have to convince someone to love you, the less it exists.  Don't waste your energy on people that drain you of it. Surround yourself with people who renew and energize your heart.

My Testimony of the Existence of God

I know that God lives.  I couldn't always say that, however.  Ever since I can remember, my parents taught me the important things in life.  I was raised in a home that had its challenges (as do all homes) but my parents were unwavering in always trying to teach us right from wrong, to love others, to make good choices, to prepare for a mission, ultimately get married for time and all eternity, and be a good husband and father.  I always felt comfortable inside as they would share their views on why these things were important.

That said, I reached a point during my teen years where I started to question the existence of God.  I struggled to tell this to my parents, because I felt it would break their heart to think that I was struggling.  Looking back, I believe this was a very pivotal time in my life.  It's something I think every person needs to go through to break free from believing only out of tradition or intellectual laziness.  People need to reach a point where they discover God for themselves.

Because of the foundation my parents built, I didn't question God and then simply abandon the ideal.  I questioned and felt it extremely important to get the answer.  Is God there?  For months I continued to attend church, and I prayed on a regular basis intently wanting to get an answer to that simple question.  Nothing.  I. Got. Nothing.

The only thing that kept me going was that I couldn't stand the thought of one day passing on...and meeting God face to face, knowing that I hadn't done everything I could.  I continued despite the numbness I felt.  The loneliness and disappointment became a regular part of my struggle.  I continued trying.

Finally, the numbness had become the new norm.  One night, I was feeling particularly disappointed.  I felt abandoned...if there was a God.  I felt like I had done everything I could.  Why couldn't he give me just a little something?  I was convinced that perhaps there was no God.  As I pondered that thought, I felt I should give it one last chance just for good measure.

I drove out that night to say my last prayer.  I found somewhere quiet, and I began to pray.  I didn't say anything fancy.  I just asked God if he was there.  At that very moment, my mind opened...and answers to the questions I had pondered for months came surging into my mind.  This was all accompanied by what up to that moment in my life was the most definite presence I had ever experienced.  I knew that it was God.  I felt it not only as if he were there, but also as if the love that he had for me was transmitted directly to my heart and mind.  I was overwhelmed and moved to tears.

The spiritual withdrawal I had proved to be what I needed.  Perhaps it's easier for God to get through to others...but for me, it took a long drought and a lot of persistence to earn that very distinct knowledge that God lives.  Ever since then, I have never once felt the need to question the existence of God...because I know he lives like I know my own name.  That knowledge has always stuck with me.  I have no regrets or shame that I questioned.  Had I not, I would be operating on borrowed light to this day...if I had any at all.

If you are feeling hopeless, alone, abandoned.  I ask you to continue forward.  It's part of the process.  It's worth the struggle.  Don't give up on God.  Give God your heart and mind...all of it. Most of all, give God your patience.  Your mind is not prepared for everything.  God knows what you need and when you need it.  Everything will be made clear when it needs to be.

This was the beginning of a very distinct pattern that God has used several times to teach me truth.  I would like to share more of these experiences where this pattern has been utilized in hopes that others who struggle similarly will find hope.

Life's a Zoo

Sulking that he lost his job and his mother had passed away, he bitterly questioned in his heart "God, I've done everything I can do.  I am loving and respectful towards others, I donate my services to charity, I spend time with my children, I pray, and I'm honest with others.  Why would you allow this to happen?"

He spent weeks letting the anger and frustration build.  He felt forgotten and unloved.  He began to lose a desire to do anything.  He quit looking for work as everything just seemed to be working against him.  Each morning, he found it increasingly more difficult just to make it out of bed.

His wife became very concerned.  She knew in due time the family couldn't survive without another paycheck coming in.  She was yet even more concerned that her husband appeared to be broken.  There was no light left in him.  She loved him dearly, and wanted to see the person she fell in love with be the best version of himself.  Distraught, she prayed with all the love and hope she had in her.  As she prayed, she felt a feeling of comfort come over her.  She felt impressed to ask her husband to spend the day with the kids.

She entered the room, and pulled the cash out of her purse which she had gotten recently for her birthday.  She asked her husband to take the children to the zoo.  "What's the point?" he said in a defeated manner.  She was a little shocked at his answer...as she knew it's what The Lord wanted.  She felt a warmth in her heart encouraging her to continue.  "You need this.  Our children need this.  Being a good father has nothing to do with your employment status.   It has everything to do with providing for your family.  Right now what your family needs is love."

"But how can I give that if I can't even put food on the table?" he said.

"You've been putting food on the table since the day we married" she replied.  "Maybe God is trying to help you learn to provide in ways you never have before."

He looked into his wife's eyes.  Although he still felt bitter toward God he saw she sincerely wanted to make the situation better.  To appease her, he reluctantly decided to go.  She handed him the cash.  He was humbled at the gesture.

He loaded his children into the car.  They were so excited at the thought of spending the day with dad and seeing all the animals at the zoo.  Seeing the smiles on their faces he began to tear up.

They arrived at the zoo.  As he paid for the tickets, he felt guilt in his heart...thinking that he wished his wife would have joined.  He was reminded of several other trips previously where he never gave a second thought as to how much it had cost.  It pained him to think things had gotten so bad that something so small was now paid at what was seemingly such a high price.

As they entered through the gate, he saw the look on his children's faces.  They were so happy.  So innocent.  Not a care in the world except to experience what was in front of them.

He wanted that.  He felt a calming sensation come over him...as he thought of how nice it would be to carry the optimism his children had.  To be happy regardless of circumstance would be a luxury indeed.

After a couple hours of seeing various sights and animals, his children began to complain of hunger.  He hadn't even thought about it.  He only had a few dollars left.  He took them to order some food.  Looking at the prices, he realized he could only afford to purchase an order of fries to share.  He handed the money and secured a small lunch to share with the kids.

Looking around, he noticed all the other families had plenty to eat.  He felt terrible inside.  He looked once again at his children's faces which were full of joy.  They didn't care that others had more.  They were just enjoying the moment.

Hoping to ensure they had a good time at lunch without taking notice of what everyone else had, he told them several jokes he had enjoyed when he was a kid. As they laughed together, he felt full in his heart.  He hadn't felt that kind of joy in so long it seemed almost overwhelming.  How did the little things he had in the past all of the sudden become so much more meaningful?

He was reminded of what his wife had said that morning: "Maybe God is trying to help you learn to provide in ways you never have before."  He realized his children were teaching him.  They were an example of pure love, focused not on their living circumstance...but just living in the moment and making the best if it.

His youngest child saw a child with a snow cone.  He asked for one.  Unfortunately, there was not enough money for all the kids to have a snow cone.  He tried to explain to the three year old that he couldn't have it...and to finish his fries so he wouldn't be hungry.

The three year old got upset and began to scream.  He tried to calm him down.  He did said everything he could to try to explain that he just needs to eat his fries.  He was fully capable of getting him the snow cone but didn't feel it would be fair to the other children.  His child continued to scream.

Frustrated, he pondered what he should do.  They had been having such a good day up to that point.  He prayed in his heart.  He felt he should save some of the fries and take his son to see the tigers.  He picked him up, and walked the children to the tiger cage.  Still crying and screaming, his son was not being cooperative.

He looked at his son...made some claws, and began to growl.  "Rawr..."  His boy laughed.  He started making growling noises as well.  He completely forgot about the snow cone and was once again focused on enjoying the moment.

When everyone was back to having a good time, he reached down to his three year old and gave him some more fries to ensure he would make it for another couple hours before it was time to leave.  As he fed his son the fries, he realized he had acted much the same way.

In his current circumstance, his mother gone...unemployed, he wasn't seeing things in the right perspective.  Just as his son was so focused on getting a snow cone, he was also focused on getting what he wanted when he wanted it.  Just as his son couldn't see he didn't really need the snow cone and needed to focus on making the best of the moment, so did he.  He chuckled at the thought of how childish it must look to God staying in bed and feeling sorry for himself when he should be making the best of the moment.

Later when they returned home he walked up to his wife, kissed her, and tearfully thanked her.  She saw the light had returned to his countenance.  He was renewed.  He appreciated what he had more than ever before.

As he knelt down to pray with his wife that evening, he thought of his mother.  He thought of how special she was to him, and how thankful he was that she had made such great sacrifices to give him a good childhood.  He resolved to give the same to his wife and children.  He resolved to respect that his ways are not always Gods ways.  He resolved to be a student in every trial rather than a victim.  And they really did...live happily ever after.

Heaven and Hell

In life, heaven and hell is a state of mind...and you are the one who chooses whether or not to be there.

Live

Stuck in traffic, pretend you found your destination.

A fools paradise, logic's elimination.

Blinded from life's purpose but you got it figured out...

No doubt in your mind, thinking the end is what it's about.

God help you, cuz you don't need a map,

Sighted only on the destination, life's over in a snap.

Missing every turnoff, not stopping for the view...

Failing to learn the lessons, that you'll wanna take with you.

You've got to live...

You've got to grow...

Find joy in the journey,

And let the blessings flow...

...right now.

Called up to the challenge, and you've got work to do,

Created in His image, it's time to change your view.

A tree bearing the fruit of His love, you've got so much to give.

Let everyone come partake, by the way you choose to live.

Finding and retaining truth, ridding confusion and strife,

Emulating the example...The Way, The Truth, and The Life...

Set forth for the now, not just for the end...

If it was only about being without sin, why did life begin?

You've got to live...

You've got to grow...

Find joy in the journey,

And let the blessings flow...

...right now.

Perfect in His nature, has no selfish thing to do...

Endless power and love, and He offers it all to you.

Are you going to just take daddy's car, or you gonna earn the keys?

It would be so much clearer, if you could see what he sees.

Soak up all the sunshine, splash and play in the rain.

Tell him about all you learned...when you see him again.

Thank Him for His example, and how you tried to emulate,

Gaining character along the way, rewarded by more than fate.

You've got to live...

You've got to grow...

Find joy in the journey,

And let the blessings flow...

...right now.

"Stay Classy"

You can't buy class, but you could pay a dear price for not having it.

Blind Faith?

"Lean not unto thine own understanding" does not mean you accept everything on blind faith.  It simply means to look to God to help you to find truth.  To exclude your God given mind from the process prohibits you from growth and converts you to a process or script as opposed to God.  To seek, to think, to question, to ponder, to learn and challenge, to experience, to become wise.  All the while asking for guidance, inspiration, thanking, and crediting God...this is leaning not on your own understanding.  You know the source by which you gain truth.  You build a working relationship with God.  You see the value in that relationship, harness it, and respect that you know so little but can learn so much.

The Power of Love

A judgmental, anti moral society historically leads to persecution and murder.  A judgmentally moral society historically leads to persecution and murder.  Love, not judgment, is the only answer.  It requires no force.  It shines as an example that naturally draws positive, moral influence.  It "seeks not it's own."

The Means to the End

When you have been met with a difficult challenge, and things seem unfair...look at the end result you want and work backward.  You'll be surprised to find that more often than not there is not a moment during that period where fairness by your definition is attained.  What you will find is that along the way forgetting yourself and immersing into the cause will not only yield positive results for your cause, but your sacrifice will shape your character ten fold.  Our ways are not God's ways.  We naturally want fairness...and we want the balance to happen in our time frame.  I believe that God, seeing the bigger picture has no interest in fair.  He wants to give us more than an appeasement of our senses.  He wants to humble, develop, challenge, and help us achieve far beyond what we are capable of.  Find the end, forget yourself, work selflessly, and let God be the means.  There will not be balance in your life.  There will be more growth than you could ever have imagined.

A New Pair of Shoes

No one will see the world or make sense of its meaning exactly as you do.  If you cannot place yourself in anothers shoes...and attempt to see things in another light, you will witness nothing but chaos.  Meet on a positive common ground, and enjoy the reward of peace while gaining new perspective from anothers life traveled.

Be You For a Better World

Sometimes the world doesn't make sense, and everything seems to be a mess.  But on the inside, you find peace and solace in knowing you have control over who you are and what you can do.  Be the best version of yourself.  Fulfill the purpose of your unique design, and know God is good with that.  You will feel a close connection to your maker simply by being who you are...and developing it in a positive way.  The more people fulfill this charge, the more diverse and beautified society becomes because it is in harmony with its intended purpose.

Positively Insane

If you're going to be a nutbar...be a positive one.  A good rule of thumb from a fellow crazy.  Better to end up in a circus than in solitary with a straight jacket.

Character Through Inspiration

One day, my daughter was working on her math homework.  She had really been struggling in the subject...making guesses as to the best way of going about finding the answers.  She had done the same in a recent quiz that she did not do well on.  As I saw her struggling, I sat down and assessed the situation.  I recognized she was trying, and although her teacher had shown the process to the class, she needed to see it a little differently in order for her to develop the skill necessary to find the answer.

As I sat down with her, I knew how I could help her because I know the way she thinks.  At first she was a little stubborn, telling me "I know how to do it...I know dad."  I explained to her she wasn't getting the concept just yet, but that she was certainly capable once she just listened.  The problem was "order of operations."  She had been correct in the basic math, but kept arriving at the wrong answer because she didn't know in what order she should perform the mathematical functions.

I then explained the process in a way that I knew would make sense to her.  I showed her there was a specific order to keep, and when everything is organized correctly...you will arrive at the answer every time.  I never once gave her the answer, but I gave her just enough information to figure her way there.

In life, we have struggles.  Some are so difficult we just get overwhelmed and don't know what to do.  Sometimes we can even become stubborn and think we know exactly what to do when we don't.  And sometimes, we just want help.

Life is meant to be that way.  We are capable of so much.  Our potential is just waiting to be unleashed, and it's such challenges that open the door for it to happen.  If someone were to just give us the answers we would not learn to think.  Just like my daughter, we would not learn the processes which help us arrive at the answers.

Too often when we struggle we just want the answer.  We want someone to step in and do things for us.  Some even lose faith in God for abandoning them during their times of struggle.  Things couldn't be much more the opposite.  God wants to be there for you.  God wants to inspire you the best way of going about things.  Both through your mind, and through other people who are a positive influence in your life.

Don't ever mistake God not giving you the answers for abandoning you.  God is interested in developing your character.  He knows exactly how you think, and can present things to you in such a way that will allow you to develop and grow using the powerful mind and heart He blessed you with.

When you are overwhelmed by challenges and looking for answers, drop your pride and ask for inspiration.  You don't have all the answers, and you don't need to be given the answers.  You just need to be inspired as to the best process of arriving at the answers.  Ask for inspiration and the awareness necessary in order to recognize and work toward a solution.  People will enter your life that can help you.  You will be given inspiration as to how you can overcome your challenge.  Act upon this inspiration.

In my life, I have felt God's interest in my development.  However, he has seemingly been very much "hands off" when it comes to just dropping blessings in my lap.  Although challenging, I'm thankful for this.  It has taught me to use the mind I've been given, and to see the bigger picture.  Life isn't just about me.  It's a team effort.  Just as people can be my inspiration, I can be that inspiration to others as well.  I'm thankful to have reached the point in my life where I recognize the basics of the bigger picture.  God expects us to seek inspiration, think, and act in order to develop our character and assist others who are in need of the same.

God utilized my daughter to show me truth in a way I needed to see it.  It later inspired me to write this.  She did listen, gained confidence, and now knows she can arrive at the answers on her own.  All it takes is a little patience, awareness, persistence, perceptive eyes, and listening ears.  

Creating Positive Change

Identifying a problem alone is not noble.  The nobility lies in being able to identify a solution with a sincere desire to create a positive outcome.  You will become a creature of growth rather than one of stagnancy or digression.  You will learn to overcome challenges, and elevate others with you. 

Independence Day

The best way to celebrate independence is by being independent.  Own your life.  Learn to provide for yourself and your family so you are able to help others.  No matter how much your freedom is defended home or abroad by America's greatest...you waste it's effectiveness in your life if you enslave yourself with dependence while you are able. Fight for independence in your own life to secure your personal liberty.

Sweet Hot Freedom

Freedom is like sex:  Those who don't have it wish they did, those who have it but don't appreciate it can lose it, and those who value it enough to do what's necessary to keep it continue to enjoy it. :)

Central Planning

You can be part of the problem, or part of the solution.  Or you can work in Washington DC doing both.

Self Pitty

 Any time you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself or your situation, don't.  Because it's at that pivotal moment you are going to prove to yourself and the world a lesson that will be permanently written into your character.

The Manliest of Men

He was by the measure of many the manliest man in existence.

He feared nothing,

Felt no pain,

Courted many women,

Was a bachelor for life.

He gave no attention to the weak.

If something didn't go his way he forced it to.

He was never wrong.

He didn't waste his time talking about feelings.

Spent his time proving his strength,

Impressing his friends,

And could handle the strongest of drinks.

He was accountable to no one.

He let women know their place.

Yes, the manliest of men...

By the standard of fools.

Because he did have fears,

But didn't have courage to admit and face them.

He did feel pain,

But cowardly feared he would be judged for feeling it.

He did court many women,

But didn't ever respect one enough to see her value.

He was a bachelor for life,

But was always having to cover his miserable loneliness.

He did feel strong by looking down on the weak,

But missed the opportunity to learn compassion.

He imposed his will on others,

But only because he was too mentally weak to win support.

He was never wrong,

Because everyone around him had decided he wasn't worth arguing with.

He was too cool to share his feelings,

Because he suppressed his true self and had fake friends to maintain.

He proved his physical strength at every opportunity,

To cover up his puny little heart.

He impressed his friends,

...the ones that liked the false image he created of himself.

And he could handle the strongest of drinks,

Because a man is apparently defined by a beverage.

He was accountable to no one...

Because not being himself he really had nothing to contribute anyway.

He did let women know their place,

And any self respecting woman knew that place was far from him.

He was a fraud as he never let himself out...

And although his "friends" would say otherwise,

The manliest man wasn't a man at all.

 

Know Your Path

Greatness is taking the path you know you need to take despite being misunderstood, judged, even mocked.  Life is about fulfilling your unique purpose to play your role in advancing the bigger picture.  To complacently adopt the life mankind would have you fulfil isn't fulfilment at all. It is cowardice. Strive to know your path.  Be true to your character.  Fulfil your design regardless of social consequence. If you stand out too much it's all the more important because that's evidence there aren't enough people doing it.

Psalm of Resolve

When my world begins to implode,

When my dreams seem to have passed,

Help me to see the clearer view,

Strengthen me for the task.

Help me see the light of the Sun,

Even when it seems to be down.

Inspire memories of stronger days,

Where weeping had no ground.

Help me put a smile on the face of need,

Please make their trials known.

Help me heal the ones cut deep,

Let me forget about my own.

Give me strength to stand,

Even when on shaky ground,

Reveal for me the gifts deeply covered,

Let my mind be cleared and sound.

Distinguish my friends from my enemies,

Let the love swell for them both...

Feeling the sorrow of those who cause hurt,

But keeping those who matter close.

Help me to keep my eyes toward truth,

And distinguish it with resolve,

That my will be the same as yours,

And my troubles begin to dissolve.

Keep me patient and humble,

So my lessons will be learned.

To commit to and be true to them,

All thanks from my soul returned. 

Growth Through Love

Sincere love is irrefutable and self evident,

It is truth in its purest form.

When at the forefront of the human mind,

Godlike attributes are born.

To live life in service to others,

To serve outward instead of in,

To lighten the burden of another,

Is where meaning of life begins.

Knowledge and power has it's place,

But one only needs so much,

For even God the omnipotent has all,

But finds fulfillment in lives touched.

If life ever seems stagnant,

Or that you've been dealt a sour hand,

Stop feeling sorry for yourself and serve,

Help the weak have the strength to stand.

You will find fulfillment on your darkest days,

You will see things much more clear,

You will feel the joy swell inside you,

With the presence of God so near.

There is an end in so many things,

But there is no end to love,

Investing in it there is no end of growth,

It continues even beyond death above. 

Self Awareness

A flower gathers the sun, and drinks the rain.  In its simplicity, it beautifies the world by being exactly what it is.  So it is with everything that surrounds us.  Everything seen and unseen…plays it’s part with perfection, all coming together to create an environment rich with example of what can be accomplished simply by doing what it was created to do.

Humankind is the odd exception.  Our reasoning minds are much more complex.  We are much more apt to alter our behaviors away from or to enhance further the purpose of our existence.  We don’t just survive on instinct, but strive to create meaning out of what surrounds…and of our interactions with one another.  We contemplate purpose and meaning in love, sorrow, success, fear, and life in general.  But this is by design…

Just as a flower fulfills its purpose by gathering sunlight, and drinking rain…we have certain necessities in order to achieve the maximum fulfillment for what we are designed to be.  If achieved, we also beautify and bring order to everything around us.

Each person born into this world has been given gifts and talents…whether they be spiritual, or temporal.  Some are written directly into their soul, and some are developed.  Ultimately, a person’s level of happiness relies heavily on their ability to achieve self awareness, fulfill their purpose, and grow their talents.

There are many things that numb us from achieving self awareness.  I would like to go over 4 of them.  They are lack of time and effort in developing self awareness, a premature desire to feel resolve, substance abuse, and invalid traditions/peer pressure.

Lack of time and effort in developing self awareness:  Life gets busy.  The society we have built around ourselves is complex and takes a lot of time and effort just to survive in.  In the process of survival, it’s easy to get into routines, and to become overwhelmed to the point you no longer introspect and contemplate the greater things.  We numb ourselves of taking the time to unlock our real talents.

It stands to reason that to discover your talents you need to try a lot of different things.  You can't learn the inner workings of a car only by driving.  You can't learn to cook only by eating.  A person needs to continuously expand the mind by exposing it to new things.  We weren't meant to be in the same routine day after day...never experiencing anything new.  Our happiness relies on growth.  Our very nature is one of progress...and without it, joy simply does not exist.

Many of us don't have the luxury of setting aside much time outside of our routines.  Meeting the demands of survival is a necessity.  However, ask yourself: "Is staying within my routine necessary for the survival of myself and those that depend on me? What adjustments could be made in my routine, or when I get to break from my routine? What can I do to set aside the time necessary to create new experiences for myself and others?"

Many people don't realize the reason for their unhappiness is nothing more than that they have not learned that human nature is not stagnant...we either progress or digress.  Progression is our sunshine, our water.  Without it our design is not being fulfilled, and we cannot effectively emulate to the rest of the world the love of the God that created us.  Without taking the time to open ourselves to new experiences and interacting with our environment and those around us...we lose sight of our role.

Further, once we experience new things...even still we sometimes forget to identify how we can utilize those experiences to identify how to improve our character.  Not every interaction is positive...we need to stop and assess how we can turn the negatives into learning experiences.  Everything around us is a lesson in life just waiting to teach us patience, love, compassion, bravery, etc.  To let it work within us, we need to proactively identify it.  Take time out to assess your experiences and how to best use them to grow.

As you try new things, you will find your niche and improve your quality of life.  I truly believe God reveals an awareness of the purpose of life of each individual who seeks it.  We all have something special to contribute to make life fulfilling for ourselves and those we share in this life experience with.

A premature desire to feel resolve: We fear the unknown.  Sometimes we fear it so much we feel the need to comfort ourselves by drawing up premature conclusions about things.  It makes us feel content.  Well, at least temporarily until truth surfaces.

How does this numb us from self awareness?  Think of a child.  Every child has that phase they go through where they want to prove they are getting "big"...and they will ignore experienced advice saying "I know! I want to do it! I already know how!" They have closed themselves off from advice and information that could assist them in the learning process.  The good news is most kids learn even if they do things the hard way...and this phase ends rather quickly.  The bad news is adults are more stubborn and difficult to change that children.

Many adults develop a sense of pride and set of values which prohibit them from seeing things differently.  With life experience under your belt, there are certain values which you know need to be a part of your life because you developed them, tested them, and adopted them into your lifestyle on a permanent basis.  It helps make you who you are.  But we can also draw invalid conclusions that we refuse to revisit.  Why? Because we assume we already "know." To think otherwise might require us to change, or to feel like maybe we were wrong.  That's not easy.

We need to swallow our pride and open our minds and hearts.  God can't reveal our inner selves when we think we already have it all figured out.  We all do it...so much so that we often don't even realize it.  We jump to conclusions all the time.  This can severely set back in our personal growth.

God doesn't typically give us a complete understanding of things all at once.  Shaping our character is a slow moving process.  Little by little a foundation of who we are is unfolded in a series of experiences, and the time we take to process them.  There are some things your mind is simply not prepared to understand until you reach certain events in your life.  One of my favorite writers is Ralph Waldo Emerson.  He once wrote "Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience."

Just as the Grand Canyon took millions of years to earn its majestic views...we also need to have the patience to shape ourselves into the beautiful work of art God intended us to be.  Accept that you don't have things all figured out.  Be open to change.  Enjoy new truths that are revealed to you in every walk of life.  Do more observing, more listening.  Don't ever feel you have arrived at "The Truth" as if you have already achieved it, because you will cut yourself off from further growth.

If you make mistakes, don't be afraid.  It is experience which brings you closer to finding additional truths.  Shed off every inclination that you must appear to be infallible, and open yourself to the limitless possibilities God will lay before you.  Life and fulfillment only ends when you stop learning.  Drop your pride and tackle life with eyes wide open.  The confidence and joy you find as you shape your character will astound you.

Substance Abuse:  A healthy mind is vital in deciphering the mysteries of life.  "Life is short." This is a view which encourages many choose to experiment with substances (drugs, alcohol, etc).  They want to make the most of these moments by experiencing laughter, a temporary escape from problems, or simply to enjoy the company of friends.  Everyone needs an outlet of some sort.  Laughter and friendships are a vital part of life.  But substances including many mind altering prescribed drugs can yield and even destroy your mind's ability to process.

Addiction is the obvious side affect most people associate with substance abuse.  Dependency draws your attention away from the more important things in life, and causes you to focus too much on your habit.  It can affect you financially, destroy your senses, your minds ability to function, and destroy your relationships with loved ones who would normally be vital in helping you get the most out of life.

When your mind is directed too much on what you need and that perceived need is a fallacy, your life begins to become a fallacy.  Everything you do is just not quite right.  You justify your addiction as you gradually let it settle into your way of life.  The addicted begin to have ulterior motives even when trying to be kind and generous.  They begin using people to the point they are willing to risk valuable relationships.  They lose touch with seeking to better others lives, and begin to lead life solely to fulfill what they need.  Then when hopelessly addicted, they no longer have ownership over their life...it is yielded to the substance.  Many completely lose their minds, can no longer function in a job, and have burned so many bridges with their loved ones they have no way to survive.  Any ability to achieve self awareness is lost...often permanently due to the destructive nature of some substances.

So what about some of the lesser known issues with substance abuse?  I believe our minds are God given.  They process everything around us, decoding all of the meaning of His other creations.  Interactions with other people, nature, even just losing yourself in contemplation of everything you have seen and experienced can be life changing.  I believe we have a tremendous responsibility to keep our eyes open and minds clear to gain any and all information that may help us advance our understanding.

Sobriety is the key.  Yielding your mind to a substance even for a short time may alter your ability to advance your understanding in ways you may have never considered.  The smallest things can be life changing.  How many people have done or said things while drunk or on a substance that they regret.  Jobs lost due to actions at a company party, friendships lost, lovers cheated on...these are some of the more obvious examples.

But what about the person that chose to drink instead of working out a simple quarrel with their spouse?  Maybe that very moment, a simple discussion may have been the one that to sober minds would have had that would alter the way they looked at things forever.

What about the person who was given a prescription drug that was irresponsibly recommended prior to working through the issues that were at the root of the problem?  Maybe that problem was there specifically to help that person learn to cope and view things differently...lost to a mind alteration.  There are, of course, appropriate times for medication.  But it should be taken much more seriously than we do.

A person who is alert at all times may not make all the right decisions, or be able to build their character with every interaction...but they will never be allowing a substance to take the drivers seat of their duty and responsibility to discover the more important things about themselves.  Their interactions are real.  None of it is brought on with assistance of a substance.  The senses are not dulled, but always ready.  Never yield your mind to substances if at all possible.

Invalid traditions and peer pressure: I remember as a child that every time I walked outside at night...I would see the stars lighting up the sky bold and brightly.  As I looked up, I heard an accompanying sound which happened to be crickets.  Before I knew it was the crickets, my perception was that it was the "twinkling" of the stars making the sound.  Although it was imaginative for a young child, it was not reality.  In fact, I didn't even think to question it...because it was an assumption so early in life.  The first time it even crossed my mind to question I had matured well beyond those younger years, and laughed at the thought of how long I went without even thinking about it.  I carried the intellectual knowledge to understand the truth, but just hadn't thought to question.

Tradition can be our friend, or our enemy.  Traditions can create memories with our loved ones.  They can be a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle.  They can assist in passing on a legacy for generations to come.  They can also keep us from thinking.  They can also make us feel obligated toward a certain way of life and fail to become aware of truths, and our purpose.

One example is the perceived gender roles of manhood.  In general, many men feel sharing their feelings or being expressive is something that is contrary to what they should do.  This is an invalid tradition.  Some are taught at a very young age to suppress themselves so as not to look weak.  In reality, they are being taught the exact opposite.

Men should actively pursue being their true selves no matter what traditional society has to say about it.  It takes a much braver man to boldly express himself than it takes to coward away his feelings under the mask of emotionless strength.  For man or woman to acknowledge and express their true selves the way God intended...this is greatness.  This is being self aware.

Religion is another example of a tradition that can help or hinder ones ability to discover purpose.  It can be a means for passing on a tradition of a very healthy way of life.  It can facilitate the discussion of life's truths between individuals, and fuel a very positive experience that will help uplift everyone involved.  Some of the most fulfilling and deepest truths I have had have been revealed in such a setting.  If it weren't for seeing things from the perspective of others, there are a lot of things I would never have considered.

I also enjoy the ideal that my children benefit from a healthy way of living.  They understand very well how to communicate with God, love others, and how to make good decisions.  If this tradition is kept, it very well may benefit future generations.

Religion has been used throughout history in order to establish a moral code.  In some parts of history, the understanding that there would be consequences in the hereafter was instrumental in respecting the value of life.  Religion has also been used to take advantage of people.  A lot of money has been gained, blood spilt, livelihood threatened, truth lost, and self awareness lost due to replacing God with unquestioned loyalty toward man.

The root of the problem in this example lies in not understanding the difference between religion, and God. Many who claim a religion do so because they enjoy the social aspect of it.  They want to be a part of something.  They want to feel they have a claim that alas the truth has been found.  This desire for belonging and resolve is normal.  However, if they detach from their natural God given senses, and immerse only in what is placed before them by man...it can become extremely dangerous.  Terrorist networks are grown in this fashion.  An ideal is created, and not to be questioned.  Those who do are looked upon as being weak and uncommitted.  Peers will attack the sincere truth seeker like a wounded animal.  Most religions don't require a person to blow themselves up for God, but many do glorify those who believe without question.

But is this what God would intend?  Just as you can't learn the inner workings of a car by driving alone...you can't learn about yourself and your purpose simply by it being given to you on a platter.  We are meant to seek truth boldly.  We are meant to dip in to the inner workings of our souls, our minds, and see what we are made of.  We are meant to look at the world that surrounds us, and contemplate the greater things of life.  We are meant to interact with others in meaningful ways.  We are meant to soak up all the information, process it, listen to our hearts, and show thanks for our God given minds by retaining the truths received.

Religion should be viewed as a tool, not a replacement for God.  It is mans attempt at organizing truths obtained.  When effectively utilized, it can be very fulfilling.  I love going to church.  It is a place where truth seekers can share what they have found, and everyone can benefit.  It is a treasure trove of shared knowledge, truths, and wisdom.  When all are interested in building a relationship with God rather than simply an affinity for the organization, great things are accomplished.

We should be limitless in where we find truth.  Those who do it only at church are missing their purpose entirely.  No matter where we are, we are living in God's creation...His masterpiece.  He expresses Himself through it just as any artist does in their work.  Everywhere you go, there is something to appreciate, something to learn.  Learn from other people, cultures, religions.  Learn from your observance of nature.  Learn in your quiet moments while you contemplate your purpose.  Learn from books.  Purge falsehoods, retain truths.  Slowly but surely you will become aware of the role you play, and what your potential is.

To conclude, keep an open mind.  Be patient as you gain truth.  Accept that you don't know everything, celebrate the truths you find, share them, and be open to more.  Keep your mind prepared at all times to appreciate life and the beautiful world that surrounds you.  Love others in a way that emulates God's love for you.  Pray that you will be able to unlock your potential and see in yourself what God sees in you.  Be true to yourself.  Trust the ability of your mind and senses as long as they are firmly planted in seeking the truths God is ready to reveal.  If you live in this manner, you will gain self awareness...and just as the flower gathers sunshine and drinks the rain, be exactly what God intended you to be.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation

The human soul is widely misunderstood,
And equally misunderstanding.
It's purpose is to connect,
But the mind often segregates.
Fearful of what it doesn't know...
And a disdain for that which is different.
The pride swells from the mind to the soul,
Seeking to reconcile self inadequacies.
Wanting to write off the unexplainable,
Intellectual laziness to comfort ones self.
But individualism is not meant to purge...
But to supplement the whole.
The vast complexities that reside within all,
Hold the keys to the great design.
Our flaws do not destroy us,
But give us something to live for.
We strive to make them better...
Rather than view them as dross.
Character forming...purpose provident.
Our flaws are not sinful, but misunderstood.
Seek them out, and serve them for the better.
Accept them, love them, strengthen around them.
Thus it is with humanity...
We are not many, but one body.
That which is perceived as weak is great,
As it provides for growth through understanding.
Embrace what you are tempted to write off...
Serve and love whom you feel disconnected.
As you reconcile to others, you reconcile to yourself.
As you reconcile to yourself, you reconcile to God.

~ Erik Gumbrecht

The "Nature" of God

The "Nature" of God

Nature surrounds...the canvas of the maker.
Untouched by his hand, but artfully organized.
The great mystery of his perfection on display,
Where only the eyes of the pure can see.
Gods character evident in every whit...
From the vast universe down to the smallest particle.
Virtually silent in voice, but loudly expressive.
Even that which appears to be unsightly,
Is His love clothed in plainness.
Down to its smallest building blocks,
Beauty sets forth it's humble beginnings.
Particles of energy attract to their proper order.
Naturally drawn together, they form to His liking.
An evidence and likeness of his perfect love.
Nearly all things instinctively following His will,
Growing, transforming, or expiring at His pace.
Offering itself forth as a witness to His grandeur.
An inheritance set up for His children to enjoy,
A responsibility to be entrusted with...
A reminder of all His grace and omnipotence.
Yet we often fail to stop and take it in...
Blinded by the meaningless duties of the day,
Oft a judging eye and doubtful mind.
Attention drawn in vanity and selfishness,
Failing to look closer at the world He created...
All of which is entirely manipulatable...
So as to offer forth the tools of his trade,
And the keys to the development of mankind,
Those who truly see are sanctified and refreshed,
And feel the mantle placed upon them,
To take care of that which their father created.
Others mindlessly and thanklessly abuse,
And see "things" rather than His omnipresence.
As the final touches of his masterpiece,
His children attract to their proper order,
A macrocosm of his less complicated creations.
Positive energies drawn together,
Beautifying in ways even angels are in awe.
The negative segregate together...
Losing the purpose of their design.
In the grand scheme all things are balanced.
Everything the perfect hue.
Those who enhance his art become inspired,
Contemplating the beginning of their own.
No longer looking at the world with haste.
Stopping to breath it in.
Gazing upon it with resolve and direction...
Beautifying in action with the brushstrokes of His love.

~ Erik Gumbrecht