Living Beyond The Ego

I am constantly struck by how many of us operate out of the ego rather than what we think we're doing... we think its out of love, friendship, civic duty or even religious conviction at times.

I challenge you to do this. Evaluate every action you make today, every word you say and thought that you think. See how many of those are really about "YOU". Maybe it's not the blatant egostitical behavior that we've al seen in others but I bet you'll see the subtle ways we try to get our way or "work" it to our benefit.

I'm in no way saying I've got this area handled in my life...but I'm trying. And.... that's what we're supposed to do...live everyday becoming a better person.

Live beyond your ego and see God move in your life in unexpected ways!

Airline Recession?

Okay, here's the deal....

I have been sitting in the Miami airport trying to get home all day....and I mean ALL day. It's interesting to see just how many people are flying to Dallas especially since it isn't a big tourist spot.

So if this many people are flying...and the airlines are overselling EVERY flight..what the heck is going on with the economy?

If I write a book about President Obama do ya think he'll talk to me too?

:)

Sorry, Pres...

First Church of the Front Porch

I was in Haiti.

Not in the bustling city of Port au Prince but far outside any normal civilization that we would recognize. The land is barren, the temperature is hot and humid and the sky is darker than anything you’ve ever seen at night.

While I was there I had the chance to slow down and chat with new friends I had made on the front porch of the building we were staying in. Some brilliant soul had brought rocking chairs from America. There’s something about a rocking chair that says “Chill…sit down for a spell. Let go for a few minutes. Relax.” So we did that. We sat. We rocked. And we talked.

Over the next few hours we talked about our life experiences, our triumphs, our tragedies and our dreams. We got to know each other. We encouraged each other and we laughed at each other.

It’s been a few days since we all left and went back to our individual lives in different parts of the States. But I realized something. Out there on that porch in between swatting mosquitoes and trading stories we had experienced something that brought us all closer together. We had church on the front porch. We didn’t sing songs, have announcements or even take up an offering. But nevertheless we did indeed have church. Confessing your faults to one another, encouraging each other, and having good relationships with those around you. Isn’t that what church is supposed to be? Maybe we didn’t crack a bible open but we did more “church” in that time than I’ve experienced in some 4 hour “church” services. Didn’t He say He’d be there in the midst of 2 or 3 that are gathered in His name?

Maybe we ought to return to the front porch concept for church. Put down all your religion and all your pre-conceived ideas of church and just be real. Let God use you in the most “real” way He can. Get to know new people…make friends. After all, it’s not about you is it?

Funny how I had to go to Haiti to have good fellowship… Maybe I just slowed down long enough to recognize it when it came “rocking”.

So here are my new 4 Steps to Success for a Happy Life:
Sit. Rock. Relax. Share.

The First Church of the Front Porch…come on... pull up a rocking chair…

Recession Confessions

Before you get all weird on me and think I've gone overboard again...listen up!

What is inside you WILL expand into your life. This is a fundamental truth! If you are thinking you are getting sick...guess what? You'll get sick! If you think the economy is bad and you might lose your house, your job, your cars, etc... you will!

I am in no way minimalizing real life issues many of us are going through in this present economy. BUT... what I am saying is do not let those thoughts dictate your outlook on life!

Did you ever notice how you don't want to hang around a negative person too long? Why is that you ask? SIMPLE...we don't like to be around negative input....it only brings you down. Pretty soon you'll be thinking about your own negative issues. What's fun about that?!

So... cheer up! And as my Dad always says: "Look up! You'll see more!"