Life As We Know It

2012-02-29T09:28:00.001-06:00

Begging God for healing? You don't have to convince God to heal you. He decided that when Jesus was nailed on the cross for YOU.

2012-02-28T08:28:00.001-06:00

And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?My only hope is in You.
-Psalms 39:7 (NLT)

2012-02-23T20:47:00.001-06:00

It's what you do when no one is looking that defines you.

2012-02-23T11:55:00.001-06:00

If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. (Proverbs 13:18 NLT)

2012-02-21T08:11:00.001-06:00

Don’t sin by letting anger control you.Think about it overnight and remain silent. -Psalms 4:4 (NLT)

2012-02-20T09:17:00.001-06:00

Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. (Proverbs 4:7 NLT)

2012-02-13T23:02:00.001-06:00

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
-Mark 12:30-31 (NLT)

2012-02-10T18:12:00.001-06:00

Pride compares itself to others,
Poverty compares itself to others,
Gratitude compares itself to God.

2012-02-09T14:51:00.001-06:00

These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
-Matthew 6:32 (NLT)

2012-01-01T09:41:00.001-06:00

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Cor 9:8 (NLT)

2011-12-28T09:36:00.001-06:00

And though you started with little, you will end with much. -Job 8:7 (NLT)

Authentic Grace and Real Faith

2011-10-07T23:33:00.002-05:00

It is amazing to me the battle I still see about grace and faith. Church leaders across the globe will almost come to blows defending their stance on Bible Faith and Greasy Grace. Well, I am glad the bible is quite clear about all this.

I have the answer:

Look at Ephesians 2:8

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God" NKJV

Or in a different version:

"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God." NLT

There it is, plain and simple. You can't get there without the other. It was "by Grace THROUGH Faith" that we received the gift of salvation from God. Anything or anyone that points you to anything that you have to work for is simply in error. IT is through Faith!

Grace was God's part; faith is our part.

Done. Any questions?

2011-10-03T11:59:00.001-05:00

Livin' Large on Tulsa Time.

2011-09-11T00:28:00.001-05:00

Better to have the right spirit and the wrong facts than the right facts and wrong spirit. One is easily corrected but the other isn't!

2011-08-27T15:52:00.001-05:00

The main difference between a rut and the grave is the depth...! 

2011-08-26T23:17:00.001-05:00

Reach your full potential & maximize your life, by chasing after the giver of every good & perfect gift.

2011-08-23T23:10:00.001-05:00

"Never let your memories be greater than your dreams." - Doug Ivester

2011-08-17T07:36:00.001-05:00

If you try to be all things to all people you'll end up being a nobody to everybody.

2011-08-03T23:58:00.001-05:00

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
-Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)

2011-08-03T15:04:00.001-05:00

112' here in Oklahoma right now. Woohoo !!

2011-07-28T08:47:00.001-05:00

"You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain

2011-06-27T10:51:00.001-05:00

"A hotdog at the ballpark is better than steak at the Ritz." ~ Humphrey Bogart

2011-05-25T08:46:00.001-05:00

Over the past 8 years I have driven almost 60,000 miles between Dallas and Tulsa!

2011-05-16T09:44:00.001-05:00

When in doubt, tell the truth. - Mark Twain

2011-05-16T06:05:00.001-05:00

You have to get the man right to get the plan right.

2011-05-16T00:30:00.001-05:00

If you are not the lead sled dog, the world looks pretty much the same every day. - Unknown

2011-05-13T20:44:00.001-05:00

Hanging out tonight with Robert Morris and John Maxwell. And oh yeah a couple thousand other guys. thealphasummit

2011-05-10T10:01:00.001-05:00

Interesting times we live in. So LIVE!

YOU Belong HERE

2011-05-05T19:20:00.002-05:00

I think it's odd how our human nature has an insatiable desire to belong...to fit in, to feel a part of something. Maybe it's that part of us that needs to believe in something that's bigger than "us".

In my early adulthood I used to drive down to the beach on the weekends when I lived in Charlotte, NC. No matter how stressful my week had been it just felt good to be in the presence of a huge ocean and all its magnificence. Inevitably I'd leave refreshed and much more at peace...ready to attack another week.

Much of what I do now is educating people to step beyond their own preconceived notion of themselves...to "step into their greatness" to quote my friend Les Brown. How can you "belong" and at the same time "step out"?

It's simple really. Who you are and how you fit into this great symphony of human existence is only fully realized when you meet your full potential. In other words, you're already a member of the club...but you gotta be who you "really are" in order to belong!

After all...you might as well be yourself. Everyone else is taken!

Mountaintops

2011-03-14T00:22:00.001-05:00

Everyone wants to be on the mountaintop. King of the hill. The only problem with most people is that when you get there... you're alone!

A true leader brings people with him to the top! But, how??

For one thing, when you're at the bottom or the valley...notice this:

"You plant seed in the valleys not on the mountaintop. Typically nothing will grow there on the top!" Valleys are the hard times...when you need others around you just to make it another day.

Keep pressing to the top! Just bring your "valley friends" with you!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New Technology Update

2011-03-08T23:05:00.002-06:00

I admit it. Geekness resides in me. But..lately I've noticed more than ever our lack of connectivity with each other the more "connected" technology makes us.

When is the last time you wrote and mailed a letter and instead of an email? I was going to write a dear friend of mine an email tonight...but I think I'm going to mail a note instead. Sure..it's slower and takes more time to accomplish the desired task than an email, text or tweet. But that's just the point isn't it? Remember the movie "Book of Eli"?

Take some time and write someone a note and mail it. They'll be more appreciative of the fact you took the time than you know.

And besides...it keeps our government workers employed. :-)

Hurry up?

2011-03-04T12:18:00.001-06:00

Why do people rush out of the gate at the airport? They sure take their time getting off the airplane only moments before.

Now I understand connecting gate rushing... But really..everyone else?

I mean you just flew 500mph to get here and now you're gonna hurry up?

:-)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:TUL airport

Trusted Companion

2011-02-27T09:29:00.001-06:00

Sitting here waiting on my flight has caused me to reflect once again on those things we hold dear...

The truth is...everything I need is in the bag. Laptop, crackers and advil. And a few notepads to write on.

It's amazing the amount of carry-on luggage people cling to...That they really don't need.

Its the same when you let go in your emotional life... You're much more mobile...more free.

So come on...ditch the luggage.

Now where's that Starbucks...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:DFW Airport

Mind virus outbreak for the New Year?

2010-12-20T21:20:00.003-06:00

Hey...it's coming.... 2011.

Don't let the mind viruses begin to creep in and tell you that you don't measure up and you won't keep those new year's resolutions. Make a conscious effort to rid yourself of those thought patterns in your life right now...and rid yourself of those friends that keep telling you that you're not gonna make it.

I remember when I began losing weight almost 8 years ago. I had 55 lbs to lose. But I was amazed at how many friends and even some people really close to me told me it wouldn't happen or even tried to derail me reaching my goal!

Well I did reach my weight loss goal and all of those negative people are out of my life these days. Strange how I don't miss them!

Get ready! 2011 is going to be great!

EGO life

2010-11-28T18:57:00.002-06:00

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 egotistical behavior that we've all 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 your life change in unexpected ways. Remember, this won't happen all at once. It's a journey you're on.

Live well.

Gene Bailey - Speaker

2010-11-20T20:02:00.000-06:00

Definition of Commitment

2010-11-13T11:04:00.002-06:00

Over the years I've heard a lot of people describe what commitment is. I think this sums it up best:

The next time you sit down to breakfast and look at your eggs and bacon remember this... The chicken was involved but the pig was committed!

I bet you'll post this one!

Live well.

Gene

Authenticity

2010-09-28T17:40:00.002-05:00

Well....I had to take a break from writing the book. After some real soul searching on a few topics I am ready to proceed again! Here's just part:

There are 4 areas or "Authenticity Gaps" that we all must deal with in life:

1. Finances
2. Relationships
3. Character
4. Spirituality

You could actually blend #1 and #3 but character goes so much deeper than just money related issues. Think about these 4 areas. Are you really being authentic or "real" in each of these 4 areas?

I'm excited to see what the future holds with this piece of my life on paper...or ebook.

I welcome your thoughts. Post them here or email me at gene@genebailey.com.

Live well.

Do I want to do this?

2010-06-16T10:26:00.002-05:00

What started out as a book project on teaching authenticity has now turned into an autobiography. You can't get much more authentic than that. Of course if I don't tell the truth...then it will be in vain.

I'm telling it all. Marriage, divorce, sickness, pain, ministries...you name it. While this isn't going to be a tell-all book on ministries...I will bring out stuff no one ever heard. Besides, if I really told everything...you wouldn't believe it!

YIKES!

2010-05-24T09:55:00.003-05:00

Ever have a time when someone you weren't expecting somehow got a little too close to finding out who you really are on the inside?

Making a decision to write the next book on authenticity has been more challenging of a journey than I expected. I know I've come a long way in being more transparent in my own life...but then I realize there's another door...another closet.

So here's today's realization... it's a journey not a destination.

The important thing in life is to always becoming a better listener, a better parent, friend, spouse...etc. The minute you've got it licked...Guess what? Now you gotta deal with your ego!

Enjoy your life journey today and everyday...

And oh yeah...I'll tell you later. =)

2010

2010-01-01T08:13:00.002-06:00

Well... it's the new year. A time of resolutions. Can you feel the breeze? It's all that "turning over a new leaf" that's happening today. Don't worry...the breeze will calm down soon.

I've done it and so have you. This wanting to be a better person is actually a good thing! Don't ever stop trying to better yourself...accomplish new goals and overcome shortcomings in your own life. That's a part of living!

On the other hand... don't beat yourself up over not losing that 30lbs in the month of january that it took you 20 years to put on. Sometimes those resolutions are the right ones to make but they have their own timeframe. Just roll with it...do it TODAY. After all, you don't know what will happen tomorrow!

I've done some studying on the brain over the past few years. Interestingly enough the human mind takes what you say or believe as fact and your body follows.

So guess what? The book of Proverbs really was right when it says: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Decide today that this is going to be a great year. Then no matter what comes your way...it will be.

Living Beyond The Ego

2009-12-11T09:07:00.002-06:00

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?

2009-04-19T16:51:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-12T21:52:00.000-05:00

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

2009-04-12T21:39:00.002-05:00

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!"

Best-Seller

2008-08-29T00:08:00.002-05:00

What is it about a book that can change your way of thinking? Maybe even your way of life? Books have been around a long time.... even the most primitive writings are the earliest forms of communication we've seen.

Don't believe it? Look at the number 1 best selling book of all time: the Bible. This single book, no matter what version it sells...continues to blow away all the competition.

It's truly a book about changing lives. I've only written one book and am working on the second. It's a long arduous process yet rewarding at the same time. Not that I will ever compete with the Bible mind you!

Just like this blog....writing releases what's inside you and gets it "out". I encourage you to write. Even if no one sees it. It does you more good than you could ever know.

Drama Finds Me

2008-08-17T20:29:00.004-05:00

The last few years for me have been one bizarre personal episode after another. After awhile I started thinking I was crazy but then...I realized three things:

1) Sometimes I did things that brought on issues and problems. In other words, I made mistakes. I hate to admit it...but it's true.

2) Sometimes other people make mistakes too. Unfortunately, those mistakes have fallout...and you have no control who is in the fallout zone. It stinks, but it's true.

3) When your destiny you decide to pursue there will be many people who are intimidated you are ready to step out in faith and do something you never did before. It reminds them of their own failures and their acceptance of mediocrity. Unfortunately these people are usually the closest ones to you.

I heard someone say a long time ago: "If you are going to stick your head above the crowd, expect a few tomatoes!" I never realized how true that is!

What's my point? Well let me sum it up with something I heard someone say a long time ago; "When you are in a barn and there is activity there, you're going to have to deal with the crap."

If nothing was happening there would be no need to muck the stalls. There would be no crap!

So here's to activity...and the part that comes with it. Why? Because something is happening! There is activity, there is progress!

Lighten up. We all deal with crap in life.

Interesting quotes I found...

2007-03-02T22:48:00.000-06:00

If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.~Benjamin Franklin

If I have been able to see farther, it was only because I stood on the shoulders of giants.~Sir Issac Newton

This is courage … to bear unflinchingly what heaven sends.~Euripides

Unbreakable

2007-03-01T23:01:00.000-06:00

When you say the word "unbreakable" the first thing that comes to my mind.... my first black plastic comb I got when I was a kid.

It was cheap and you could do anything with it. As a kid seeing that word molded into the comb meant one thing: I had to try to break it! I would twist it, bend it, fold it and contort it every way I could to see if I could somehow break the unbreakable. But... just as it was labeled, it never broke!

One thing I didn't expect was with all that contorting to my comb it didn't go back to perfect shape. It didn't break but it sure wasn't the same. Never could get all the kinks out.. the teeth were bent beyond repair. But it still worked. It wasn't broken just beat up a little. If I had never put my comb through all that torture it would have remained the same indefinitely.

We can learn something from my little black unbreakable comb. People most of the time don't break. We're pretty resilient but not perfect, we may be bent up in a few places and show a lot of wear..but we're not broken.

In our relationships with our spouse, our family, friends and colleagues we need to be cognizant of how we interact with each other. A little more tenderness will go a long way. Our words can bend and bruise each other. Even when we don't mean it and we try to put things back in place...sometimes it just isn't the same.

Take a look around you. We're all bent up and bruised a little...but unbreakable.

2007 - Year of Open Doors

2007-02-01T10:50:00.000-06:00

2006 was a brutal year for me. A 23 year marriage ended and a lot of introspection obviously followed. Hurt feelings over things said and done led to the realization of how fragile life's friendships and relationships really are. It was a hard lesson to learn.

A new year always brings hope for change and resolutions abound in our personal lives and career goals. Me? I'm happy to be here...everyday. A counselor told me once "You can't hurt a dead man." While that may seem morbid, depressing and self-loathing the reality is we can't carry all of life's hurts around. When I finally realized I couldn't change people's opinion of me even if they were right or wrong... I became free to be who I am. Warts and all!

I have made many mistakes the past several years and I'm sure more will come. But I do know this one thing: God is faithful. When I don't deserve the mercy He gives it. When I really shouldn't receive grace He bestows it.

So here's to 2007... a new year full of change and promise. Hope to see you around.....

Sleep When the Wind Blows

2006-06-01T12:54:00.000-05:00

Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.

As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received A steady stream of refusals.

Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him.

"Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.

Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, Hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk,? and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.

Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up!? A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"

The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."

Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.

To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured.? Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.

When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?

The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.

We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms.

I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.

Rhythm of Nature

2006-05-01T22:22:00.000-05:00

Okay....at the risk of sounding like I've totally snapped here goes:

Did you ever notice how many normal everyday events have rhythm or frequency? When you're stopped at a traffic light istening to the radio....do you notice the people crossing the street in front of you seem to walk with the beat of the song playing in your car? Weird, huh?

Birds flap their wings in rhythm, a cat has a built in pace when it walks or runs...otherwise it would trip over itself. The seasons have a cycle...or a frequency to them... all in sync with the climate. The rain blows through and the sun comes out... the daytime follows the nighttime. And so on...

What about your personal life? The human body has a frequency or rhythm. Any husband can attest to this dynamic! What about relationships? Ooooo... really getting spooky now, huh?

Who could deny a higher power with all this rhythm in our world. And more importantly....why is it that some people just...can't....dance?

Lighting Up

2006-04-29T22:38:00.000-05:00

Recently I was at the Las Vegas Airport where there were many signs notifying the public of the fines associated with taking lighters and/or matches on the plane. Even checked baggage was to not have lighters, etc.

Big boxes were strategically placed in the security lane to allow those last minute smokers to dump their arson making materials before a hefty fine would be imposed...

The only trouble with all that was....

Once I got on the other side of security and made it all the way to my gate I noticed 2 smoking areas with dozens of people in there. I thought nothing of it...then it hit me. How could they light up?
Guess what? They had lighters! and matches!

Where did they get them? I shudder to think of the possibilities....

The Little Things

2006-04-07T22:18:00.000-05:00

Listening. Smiling.

Holding. Loving. Sharing, caring and laughing.

Saying "thank you". Holding the door for someone. Allowing that car to cut in front of you and have that coveted parking place.

All of these things are free but mean a lot to those you come in contact with. Maybe we should live today and "pay it forward".

See what happens.

Friends

2006-03-30T22:04:00.000-06:00

At the risk of sounding too sappy I must admit one thing: Thank God for real friends. We need them. Last year I spoke at several seminars across the country that dealt with health. My part was on the mind...or the spiritual side.

All day people heard about the physical issues and answers we face from time to time. When I spoke the atmosphere always changed a little. Start talking about emotional issues and watch what happens. People turn on and get riveted to any hope you may share about how to feel more accepted, more likable, and obviously more loved.

Friends are one avenue that do that for us. Sometime you just need to vent a little. Your friend who really could care less about your situation cares about YOU. So they endure the ramblings to allow you some quality time. Odds are they might need it next week.

Getting divorced after 23 years is quite a shock to the emotional part of your life. Friends have allowed me to vent, ask questions, and even get emotional about it all. Just like the human body needs touch...so does the human psyche need friendship.

Somehow it makes us all feel a little more acceptable in this world we live in.

Fear of Discovery

2006-03-28T21:22:00.000-06:00

One thing that has struck me as intersting on this whole blog thing is how people respond. Those of you out there who have a blog know what I'm talking about. Many people cruise by but not many will actually respond on the site with a comment.

Why? Fear.

We have become so concerned with others viewpoints about us that we have become a society of politically correct humanoids. No one wants to go on record for fear they might be discovered for not agreeing with someone else. Then again maybe it's just fear that somehow a hacker will magically derive your social security number from your posting and clean out your bank account! Whatever the reason people are hesitant. It's okay with me though... I understand. Your opinion may cost you something.

Take me for instance. Stand up for what you believe and many won't stand with you. In fact...some stay away for good!

Gone in 60 Seconds

2006-03-21T23:13:00.000-06:00

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.

You will have your heart broken probably more than
once and it's harder every time.

You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.

You'll fight with your best friend.

You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.

You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose
someone you love.

So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of
happiness you'll never get back.

DaVinci Code Round 2

2006-03-18T00:45:00.000-06:00

Well, the movie is finally coming out in May with Tom Hanks and an all-star cast based on the best-seller by Dan Brown.

There was a lot of complaining and rumblings in the church when the book came out months ago. I was in several church services and never did hear convincing truth about the book or it's pretenses one way or the other. Now don't get me wrong. Much of the book is pure fiction with bits and pieces of facts thrown together with clever novelist writings. But not all of it bogus.

The fact is the church better get ready for another round. The church needs to be ready not only as to explain the book or its bogus claims but mainly to point people to Code Master of all time: Jesus Christ. Pastors, be ready for the harvest. They are coming to your doors in May.

Parking Places

2006-03-11T01:13:00.000-06:00

This is an excerpt from one of my new books. I thought it seemed appropriate to include today in the blog.... Tell me what you think!
-Gene

Someone once wrote, “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.” While most people tend to lose heart and surrender their dreams during life's horrible times, top performers learn these universal principles:

 You must discern the difference between temporary setbacks and permanent losses.
 Obstacles are there to strengthen you.
 Obstacles offer progressive measurements of your growing strength.

Difficulties actually accelerate your success, especially when you understand the value of opposition. Muscles never got stronger from inaction; much to the contrary, unused brawn tends to atrophy.

One of the most amazing stories of sheer courage in the face of tremendous odds is that of Nancy Merkl. Stricken with polio at ten, she was condemned to wear heavy braces and later crutches. Yet in four years, she became a swimming champion who, when asked by Franklin Roosevelt how she overcame such odds, said, “I just kept trying, Mister President!”
Her parents had taken her to a man named Jack Cody, swimming coach at an athletic club in Portland, Oregon. It took a year to teach her to swim the length of the pool. But she was determined. Finally, the coach realized that this young girl was not only interested in swimming as a mean of restoring her health and the use of her limbs, she also wanted to be a champion.
Four years from the time she was stricken with paralysis, she came in third at a meet in Santa Barbara, California. At the age of nineteen, she changed her style of swimming and emerged as the national champion.
Nancy Merkl kept on trying. So can you!

Old Cars

2006-03-05T22:06:00.000-06:00

I borrowed an old classic car today to drive for a few hours. It was great..nothing like a car made from real metal and cloth. Not a sign of plastic anywhere.

I had to stop and put air in the tires since it had not been driven in so long. As I was wrapping it all up a man walked over and wanted to look inside. Took him back to his high school days he said. Then he made a remark about a girlfriend and something that happened in that car. Almost immediately he snapped out of it and told me he had to get back to his wife in the car.

I am obviously leaving out a few details here. My point is here we were 2 strangers talking about a car and high school like we were long lost childhood friends. Kinda cool what an old car will do!

Maybe if we all dwelt on what we have in common with each other more we might enjoy our lives more as well! I felt as if I made a friend all because he wanted to talk about a car from his youth.

It would've never happened if I was driving a Toyota Camry ya know....

Season of Change

2006-03-01T00:48:00.000-06:00

Wow...It's been a long time. So much has happened in my life since the last post. I never thought i would be at this place personally...

After 23 years of marriage my wife filed for divorce. I was stunned to say the least. Somehow there are NO words that sum up my feelings during this time. So here I am now...alone in an apartment starting over again. At 45 years old.

Let me make this clear.... I am at fault for many mistakes in my marriage and I don't want you to think my wife did "this" to me. We both did. It takes two to screw up a relationship.

Funny.... the theme of most of my seminars I spoke at in 2005 was "rejection". I guess I am experiencing it again first hand! I think I'll change in 2006 and speak on "living with millions of dollars in the bank". :)

Thanks for coming back to my blog. I promise to update every week again. It is actually therapeutic!

Evangelist Bon Jovi

2005-10-12T23:12:00.000-05:00

"Welcome to Wherever You Are" is one of the latest tunes released by Bon Jovi on his new album "Have a Nice Day". As I listened to the album I was particularly struck by this song. I was thinking how I put pressure on myself to be something else from time to time and even try to be someone other than I really am. Y'know what I mean?

I'm not saying we shouldn't try to be better husbands, wives, friends, etc. But I am saying we ought to take the time out to enjoy where we are right now. Be who you are and have a good time. That's the way God made you.

Kind of a diferent spin on Paul's writing on wherever I am to find myself content.

Enjoy life.

Life as a Cat

2005-08-26T01:26:00.000-05:00

I want to be my cat.

Recently my family left for several days on a trip back east to visit family. I was home working, traveling, and getting the mail and taking care of the cat. I mean cat(s). We have two.

After a few days of being the sole caretaker of these animals I discovered how much effort they take. I mean you got a litter box, food and water. (Well…I did discover a cat can go awhile with out food…!) I have to buy a special food so they eat properly. I need to give them fresh water everyday and buy cat litter. When I was growing up we threw the cat in the backyard and they ate what varmints they could find and we would supplement that with some cat food (whatever was cheapest).They got their water from the garden hose in an upside down hubcap. And if it rained they drank that water. It wa a simpler pet era… but then again our cats never lasted very long either…

Back to present day…

One cat wants to go outside then come back inside at his discretion. Several times a day or night. The other cat wants to snuggle up and let you pet her….just don’t pick her up. The other cat has decided he will continue to let us live with him. Time to get more food and fresh water.

I discovered these animals really do what they want and have no care in the world for what they are going to eat or drink. They totally expect me or my family to take care of the details. They just go through life. And for the most part without concern. Although being chased and dressed up in a dress by my seven year old daughter has got to be somewhat stressful. (I do take some joy in watching this happen…)

Did you ever notice that that is exactly how God built us? Not like cats but without the concern for what they need or want…they just go through their day living life… one day at a time. Ask any doctor or health professional and they’ll tell you our bodies were not designed to handle the stress we live under today. I know! I’ve had physical issues that are directly related to stress including high blood pressure and digestive problems. Of course I’m sure that extra 45 pounds had a little to do with it.

The point? Stress is always going to be around. Take life one day at a time and enjoy the journey. You’ll be in a better mood, people will like being around you more, and you’ll be healthier.

I gotta go. I need to let the cat out and change the litter box.

Mistake Makers

2005-08-18T23:24:00.000-05:00

Do you ever get frustrated with your computer? Does it take forever to boot up? Does it ever lose your documents when you were so close to finishing them? What about software conflicts? Viruses? Hard drive problems? Interestingly enough we expect our computers to operate flawlessly when these very machines were created by human minds. Sure they get more powerful, faster and look better. But they always have issues…and don’t even throw out the “MAC vs. PC” issue. They all break…period.

It’s funny how we humans have the same idea we should operate socially like a piece of machinery. We expect perfection from human minds when everything we create is flawed!

When I was 19 the world was black and white…right and wrong were easy to determine. But as I got older some of those issues became “gray”. Experience with others and mainly dissatisfaction with myself has taught me we’re all one decision away from a mistake. Maybe it’ll cost us a little pain or maybe it will cost us our life. But one thing is for sure: I’m going to make another mistake. No matter how much I want my friends and family to think I’m God’s gift to Man…I keep proving I’m not. I think I understand the Apostle Paul in the New Testament when he is frustrated that “I do the things I don’t want to do and I don’t do the things I want to do”. Sounds like a mistake maker to me. In fact every person we read about in the Bible is quite human. In other words, they all screwed up at one time or another! Guess what… we’re all in that same club: The Mistake Makers.

When I was growing up my father had a statement he would say right after I had made some stupid mistake: “Well, did you learn anything?” I hated that statement. It never made me feel any better. In fact I usually felt like more of a failure! But the premise of it wasn’t bad. I made a mistake, learn from it, and go on from here. Not bad advice to a kid that almost set the house on fire in the kitchen. But that’s another story…

I used to think that one day I would get it all together and be smarter and the mistakes would be fewer. I’m not sure I’ve done any of that. Sometimes I feel like I’m going backwards! But I keep going…

So what’s my point? You are going to make mistakes. You’re going to regret them, be embarrassed by them and want to stick your head in the sand until the pain goes away. But when you eventually pull your head out of the sand you will still be stuck with the same problem: you.

So give yourself a break. Forgive yourself and move on. If God decided to include others mistakes in the Bible then there must be something to be gained from making them. Mistakes are a part of life and hopefully along the way others will learn from what we do wrong. Just remember what Dad said: “Well, did ya learn anything?”

I've been gone awhile...

2005-07-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

The month of June was a hard month. July has been strange as well. We all go through times in our lives that are hard. Whether it's health issues or emotional issues or work issues...they all come. And all of them came in the past 60 days for me.
Thanks to all of you who have supported me....and you know who you are.

Friends...we all need 'em!

Pride in Beverly Hills

2005-06-06T00:59:00.000-05:00

Well here I was driving in Los Angeles on my way to meet some very important people in the entertainment capital of the world: Beverly Hills, California. I felt good. I had rented a new 2005 Mustang Convertible and tried to shed any notion I lived in Dallas, Texas.

As I turned into the Beverly Wilshire Hotel I was immediately shocked when I saw about 10 willing valets and belhops ready to attend to my every need. Now I must tell you I was looking good. No, I was looking very good. I had a hip blue shirt on with the french cuffs unbuttoned and new striped slacks that Rod Stewart would appreciate. Then it happened...

I pulled to a stop at the door. I put the top back up on the car and got out. And there she was. A beautiful young woman was standing there smiling at me. Now I could have been her dad. You know what I mean? So don't get any screwy ideas rolling around in your head. She expressed: "Wow, cool outfit. You look very nice!" Okay, I admit it. I was flattered and my ego was stroked. This young lady had made my day! Maybe I could have been her father... or maybe I still had "it"!! Regardless, it was a great feeling.

So I took my ticket and strutted a little more (now that I had been complimented so...) over to the front door. I was feeling pretty cool right up to the point I tripped up the 2 steps to the door.

And then the moment was gone. Back to reality...

I couldn't help but laugh...and no, I didn't turn around to see who was laughing with me. Suddenly that old familiar bible verse came to mind..."Pride goeth before a fall."

Next week I'm in Tulsa.....I'm not worried....

First Church of the Front Porch

2005-05-04T22:18:00.000-05:00

The Four Seasons

2005-05-02T00:26:00.000-05:00

I’ve had the opportunity to live in several places here in the good ole USA. From Georgia to North Carolina to Texas to Florida then on to California and back to Texas again. All of them had their pluses and minuses.

Every place had its own unique version of the four seasons (for you city slickers I’m not referring to the hotel chain). North Carolina had a spectacular Fall and Winter. If you blinked in Texas you’d miss Fall completely but you’d cherish the bluebonnets when they were blooming in the Spring. And who doesn’t like an eternal summer in California with snow skiing as a bonus…in the same day? How about those laid-back beautiful beaches found only in the summers of Florida?

We humans do the same thing. We have our own versions of the seasons. I’ve noticed as I’ve grown older a lot of things have changed. Time is more precious. I try to let things go quicker and take risks more. Laugh more with friends and most of all try to not act like I have all the answers. Surprisingly enough I discovered I don’t!

Sometimes I catch myself longing for a time in the past when I knew all the answers and life was simpler. But back then I wanted more wisdom…the kind that only comes from experience. Now…I think I’m done with the whole wisdom thing…you can keep it. Life is too hard sometimes to learn from it!

It’s so easy to let our lives get so cluttered with stuff that we miss the seasons changing right before our eyes. We may not even like the changes but they come anyway. Instead of kicking and screaming that we don’t want a “summer” to end maybe we ought to look at what God is doing and just embrace it. Sound like a total surrender? Absolutely.

Funny thing is…when you surrender you don’t care about the battle anymore. It’s just over. And you move on.

Embrace the changes in your life when they come. You might see something you overlooked earlier…after all “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens.”

Trust Airways

2005-04-22T00:24:00.000-05:00

I was chatting with a colleague the other day. We both fly a lot for business and we've had our share of mishaps on the airlines. Lost baggage, 1 hour trips that turned into 8 hour trips, screaming kids....you name it.

Did you ever notice our airline system is totally set up "one way"? The airlines ask us to prove who we are several times. And don't think of going by your middle name on the ticket. It's gotta be the whole name. And what about those people at the security line? Some of them still don't know English. I'm not sure they should even be here. We disrobe to go through security. God forbid you set off the metal detector. At that point your carry-on goes one way and you go the other for some "friendly frisking." Hopefully you and your luggage will re-unite. By the way I need to see your boarding pass.

They ask us questions about what is in our luggage. They rummage through our luggage at will. Did you ever see one of those cards in your bag when you arrived at your destination? It's supposed to make us feel more secure they rooted around in our bag somewhere in the bowels of the airport when you weren't looking. (Another reason Mom was right..always have clean underwear.) Somehow I just feel violated.

I know it's just a sign of our times. But why do we have to do all the trusting? I don't know these people checking me or my luggage. Much less the neanderthal downstairs putting his grubby hands all over my clothes checking for a rogue fingernail clipper, and a can of hairspray.

But if I'm going to fly..... this is my walk to work everyday!`We live by this system everyday day-in and day-out simply place all my earthly gathrings togetheer; and let a stange person runmmage through them.

Sometimes it's just plain easier to drive.

Cat Scratch Fever

2005-04-14T23:08:00.000-05:00

We have two cats. One is quite the lover existing to jump in your lap and spend quality time; the other bristles at the notion we are in charge and not him. He lets us live with him.

My seven-year-old daughter just can’t help herself. She is on a life-quest to make the disinterested cat her friend and playmate. Of course, he isn’t interested. In fact, when he hears her coming he panics and runs to his best hiding place possible.

Not too long ago while I was away on business, my daughter screamed out one of those earth-shattering screams. She came running to my wife, Faith, with her hand dripping in blood. As Faith cleaned the wound she noticed it was quite deep. When asked how the cut occured a brief explanation was given about how she had cut it on the corner of a piece of furniture. Hours later I returned home. She replayed the dramatic events of the day the way only a drama queen daughter can to her father. I was attentive and tried to console her that it would heal and leave no lasting scar.

Then I asked how the cut had become to be. Sheepishly she confessed the cat had bit her while she was trying to play with him. Realizing she had told me another story than her mother eight hours before…her conscience began to bother her. Time for damage control! She immediately confessed to the lie admitting she knew she wasn’t supposed to hold the cat hostage in her room.

The next morning after church Faith discovered the cut was looking very bad…Red, inflamed and quite painful. A very bad infection had set in. So off to the minor emergency “you’re really going to pay for this” center. A shot in the hip and an aggressive round of antibiotics was given. More pain, more drama, more tears. If she had only confessed the truth to her mother; Faith would have aggressively cleaned out the wound much more thoroughly. A little hydrogen peroxide would have probably made the difference. This was going to take much longer.

We do the same thing. I make mistakes all the time. We hide them from the Father thinking we can take care of it all ourselves. We don’t want to admit we knew we were doing wrong in the first place. Why? It’s not as if we’re getting away with it. That’s for sure. Pulling the wool over God’s eyes never works.

So what happens? We carry it around for days, weeks, months or years letting it fester into some sort of spiritual infection. The pain of carrying it around is harder and more painful than the wound itself. The fever has set in.

It’s so much easier to take it to the cross, admit we screwed up, and ask for forgiveness right away. Then the healing can begin. But not until we do so and let God’s healing salve remove all the infectious properties.

We were not concerned with our daughter making a mistake as much as not coming to us in truth so we could make sure her wound was properly cleansed. Forgiveness from the Father is always available and it’s not contingent on what we do. It just is.

By the way, my daughter survived but the cat is still nervous and very disinterested. Cat scratch fever has passed.

Mysteries Among Us

2005-04-12T00:50:00.000-05:00

Recently I was discussing childhoods with a family friend. There was a group of us and we were discussing different things about where we grew up, our families, how goofy we looked (okay maybe how goofy I looked) etc... It was in the middle of this conversation I found out startling information about one of our group.

She was from a broken home. Not one that split amicably either. In fact it escalated to the point her mother kidnapped the children and lived on the run. They would dye their hair and change their names. The father would get close and then they were off to another state to live another life. Wow, I was stunned. I never expected to hear that coming from her. She was the last person I would have suspected to have lived such a life. But here she was in my kitchen re-telling her story.

For days I could not get her story out of my head. Not just the details of a life on-the-run but how I really didn't know her at all. Somehow I think we are all closer now. Sharing your life experiences can do that.

How well do you know those people you see everyday? Your friends? Your spouse? I bet there are a lot more stories that haven't been told than we'll ever know. And they're playing out right before our eyes...just behind a thin veil of secrecy. Those walls that we build mentally and emotionally for protection keep us from those who love us best knowing us completely.

And that's what we all really want isn't it? Acceptance...friendship...love. C'mon, tear down those walls and let somone know you better. You probably won't end up on the Jerry Springer Show!

Get to know those people God has put in your life... they might just be a mystery among us.

The Paper Chase

2005-04-08T23:56:00.000-05:00

I don't get it.

In my high school there were no such things as calculators. Computers were the size of mobile homes. And vinyl was the only real form of music...an album. I was pretty forward thinking with the addition of new technology in my car: an 8-track. Very cool. Those days are gone.

I asked one of my kids the other day to figure out how many miles per gallon we got on our last tank of gasoline. We were on a short vacation and I wanted to know the mileage my SUV was getting. It was the "Dad" kind of thing to do. In fact, I remember my dad pulling out a piece of paper and figuring up how many miles per gallon we were getting in his new 1966 Chevy pickup. Did you get that? P.A.P.E.R. Unheard of nowadays...

Well, my brilliant child instantly whipped out a cell phone to access the calculator feature. I was stunned. "That's cheating" I said. "Figure it out on paper, this will be a good life-lesson for you". Groans ensued we had a nice little chat about it. He finally figured it out and I was satisfied. But it got me thinking...

8-track - cassette - CD - mp3 - Ipod - cell phone - camera phone, etc. I was part of them all. In fact, I was tech junkie. I love the stuff. We neeeed the stuff. But it's driving me crazy.

I had an organizer, I had a Palm Pilot. What do I use now? A notebook.
I have one of the latest camera phones. My complaint? It's not loud enough...I'd trade it for a phone I can hear in a restaurant.
I can afford to buy a new luxury car. I paid the one I had off instead.
I could buy a bigger house. All I want to do is pay this one off before I'm 65.
Email on a Blackberry? Nah, too fat to carry in my pocket.
and the list goes on...

Gee...I sound like my father. I remember when designer jeans first came out several decades ago. My dad commented: "If I'm going to pay that much for a pair of jeans, It's going to have MY name on them, not Calvin Klein's."

I laughed then. Now, I agree. Incredibly insightful.

Enjoy all the new things we have in life... but never lose sight of common sense, spending too much money on things you didn't know you needed, and paper.

Sometimes simpler is just plain better. No matter how cool it is.

Does anyone know where my tablet PC is? Forget it...I'll just use the original version.

Runaway Jury

2005-04-08T23:46:00.000-05:00

Okay, I admit it.When I received a summons for jury duty I groaned. This was not working into my busy schedule. In fact, it could not have come at a worse time. Reluctantly I appeared downtown at the courthouse at the appointed time to try and not get picked.Out of several hundred people present I thought I had a great chance of getting out before noon and back to my own schedule. But I got called.Then about 35 of us left for the courtroom to be grilled by lawyers for the case to see who would be eliminated. This was my chance! Great ideas came to me as to what I could say to eliminate myself from the running. But...they were lies and I couldn't bring myself to do it. I still had a good chance to be passed over. I was juror number 22. Hey, they only needed 12!You know what happened..I was selected as juror #8 on the panel of 12. I was about to go ballistic when I realized the honor I had to be able to serve on a jury...after all that's the essence of America's judicial system. It's what we were all about.... I still didn't want to be there.Three days later we were done. Twelve citizens had appropriately passed a verdict on a case. I met some great people and left almost a little sad it was all over. It felt good to have been a part of our judicial system. And yes, I did feel pretty guilty I wanted out of it so badly.So when you're called the next time for jury duty I encourage you to buck up and do your civic duty. It beats the heck out of living in a country where there is no democracy run by a Saddam Hussein-type leader.Hey, I'm $6 a day richer too.

A Day Late

2005-02-24T23:08:00.000-06:00

I have had the opportunity over my life to meet incredible people from all walks of life in countries with cultures unique to my western way of thinking. One such person was Madame Glacidia in the mountains of Haiti.

I didn’t travel there to meet her specifically but she was there waiting on me when I arrived with a medical team one day. The group I was working with, Love A Child, holds medical clinics in small villages in Haiti away from the mass population of Port-au-Prince. Here, medical supplies were nonexistent and the hope of seeing a doctor or nurse was only a dream. Yet, nonetheless, we were here.

When you hold a medical clinic in these villages the power of “word-of-mouth” advertising is seen in it’s most powerful and efficient form. While the village may only have a few dozen residents, there are always hundreds present to receive medical care. They come from neighboring villages. Some close and some far. Some travel through the night to just have the opportunity to possibly see a doctor or nurse. There’s no HMOs, PPOs, or Assisted Living here. It’s just life…in its most primitive form.

Barely able to walk, Madame Glacidia approached the clinic. It was clear this woman was in excrutiating pain. She was delirious. She had a blood disease and it was bad. It had progressed so much in her body that her skin even had the stench of death. She was literally a dead woman walking. Unless a miracle happened…she would die. With her was her 6 month-old baby, her son and her husband. They were obviously very concerned. Sherry Burnette and the medical team did every thing they could that day to help her.

Two weeks later she was dead.

It’s overwhelming to witness such a needless death when all that was needed was proper nutrition and hygiene in the first place. But so many more die each day here in a country that is so close to the coast of Florida. We might as well have been on another planet.

What seemed to be a day late for Madame Glacidia was a day in the nick-of-time for so many others that day. From children suffering from malnutrition to worm infestations in almost every person the team encountered... medical miracles and wonders were wrought that hot summer afternoon. Lives were changed.

I don’t think I’ll forget Madame Glacidia. To me she represents how fragile every life is and how fleeting our time on this planet can be. And I don’t think I’ll forget the children I met that day either. They’re alive because a medical team came to their remote village one day in the mountains of Haiti.

For them, this was truly a life-defining moment. I think it was for me too.

Orange Coke

2005-02-17T14:29:00.000-06:00

There’s nothing as special for a first time father as the time when his child is able to talk and to carry on a conversation. It’s our first glimpse into who they really are and what is rolling around in that little head of theirs...

I remember when my oldest son began to really talk. But one day is especially memorable. We were in my little red Nissan pickup heading off on a Saturday morning to do errands. Now remember Seth was only a little over a year old and just beginning to talk.

On this day I was driving down the back roads of North Carolina to pick up grass seed for our yard that I was determined to grow correctly into the showplace of our neighborhood. It’s a rite of passage in manhood you know. That fine balance of water, sun, fertilizer and weed killer to obtain the perfect yard. True American male. The only problem was I was failing miserably. I couldn’t afford the sprinkler system, in fact, in those days it was almost unheard of to have such a contraption buried in your yard unless you were a golf course. And the blazing North Carolina sun wasn’t helping me out much. Everything I planted seemed to burn up overnight. I was a man on a mission...gotta get that yard right. Maybe more nitrogen and water it a little longer every other day...hmmm.

Anyway, as we’re cruising down the road, Seth blurts out; “Hey Dad, know what?” “What son?” I replied. “I love you.” he responded.

Whoa! An arrow straight to the heart! I about swerved the truck off the road. Three little words from a toddler had just re-inserted me into the here and now from my venture into HGTV unconsciousness. Wow, my son told me he loved me! This was incredible! I didn’t even coax him or make him repeat those words after me. I was beaming, glowing, grinning and purely enjoying the moment. And then it hit…

“Dad?” Seth asked. “Yeah buddy, what’s up?” Here it comes I thought... another wonderful phrase of affirmation of me as a father from my son. “Can I get an orange Coke?” This was his term for the drink “Orange Crush”. And if you’re not from the south you probably won’t understand that everything carbonated falls into the “Coke” heading.

Suddenly, I realized I had probably been slyly manipulated. Outwitted by someone less than two years old. You know what? It didn’t matter. We stopped and bought that “orange coke” at the very next store.

That day has long passed and my son is off in college now making his own way, learning the ropes of everyday life. I don’t know why but I still remember that moment in the truck vividly. Maybe because it was unexpected. Maybe because it touched my heart so deeply. Or perhaps it was the first time I was manipulated and really didn’t care. Either way that day was a defining moment for me. Three little words that I still hold onto from a little boy barely able to talk.

God wants that same relationship with us. Just a little one-on-one time from us lights him up. Conversation, heart felt words… a relationship. Sure, he knows when we’re asking for something what our motivation is. But then again I think he just wants us to spend time with him, to let him into our lives. I wonder what would happen if we spent less time trying to figure out the latest doctrine, pondering and cracking the DaVinci code, or scouring scriptures only to prove our position on some theological argument and just spend time with our father. A relationship. I’m sure we’ll discover who he really is.

And we might just get an occasional “orange coke” along the way.

The Cost

2005-02-08T13:29:00.000-06:00

When we’re young we really don’t think much about life altering decisions. In fact, most of the time we are consumed with our careers, promotions, future mates, family and so forth. Mainly, it’s all about ourselves.

But decisions do come and they come in all sizes. Who you marry, what job you take and where you live are all big decisions. But sometimes it’s the decisions we didn’t see coming that affect our lives the most. And sometimes we didn’t even know it was coming when it happened.

Take George Mifflin for example. Most people have never heard of the man these days. But at one time he was present on the lips of most Americans. Politics always incite heated debates and opinions from all of us. The most polarizing is the presidency and who will be the next leader of the free world. George Mifflin was in line to be that man.

That’s right. In fact George Mifflin was already the Vice-President of the United States. His political history could not have been better. He came from a respected Philadelphia family, graduated from Princeton, mayor of Philadelphia, US District Attorney, US Senator and now in 1848 he was Vice President. President James K. Polk had announced he would not seek a second term. Absolutely nothing was in his path to keep him from winning the Democratic presidential nomination.

What happened next determined the future for George. There was split vote over a tax bill that was prominent in the nation’s attention: 27 for and 27 against. As presiding officer of the Senate, George would be the deciding vote.

Here was his dilemma. If he voted in accordance with the current administration’s policy, he would lose the support of the states he needed to win the presidential nomination. George Mifflin’s defining moment. Whether to do what he knew was right in his own heart and risk losing the political position of a lifetime or succumb to popular opinion and do what was the most beneficial for George Mifflin. What would you do? Sure we all like to think we’d make the right decision and take the high road. But when it’s you, that decision isn’t always easily reached. But George did know what he was doing and he voted the way he felt was right anyway, regardless what it might cost him. Well, you guessed it. One day he was the favorite son and the next he was bottom of the barrel. His own state, Pennsylvania, turned against him. The response in his hometown was so violent the state Sergeant at Arms had to be dispatched to rescue George’s family.

At the Democratic convention in 1848, he received three votes. Did you get that? THREE votes! I don’t know but I bet George thought often about his decision on that vote.

George Mifflin is long forgotten by most but his name is not. Surprised? George had become vice-president the same year the great state of Texas had joined the Union. The following year a handful of Texans got together and decided to name a village after George. It was so small that by the time George had died people were just beginning to call it a town.

And that town grew. And now when you travel by air across the country chances are you pass through that little village named after George. That’s George Mifflin Dallas.

Defining moments come in all forms and they don’t always end they way we think they ought to. But, they come anyway. Until you’ve faced a defining moment like George did you never can quite appreciate the quote: “To thine ownself be true”.

Good job, George. Thanks for the example you left us.

"Who wants to be BALANCED?"

2005-02-07T18:57:00.001-06:00

"True Balance is in the Body of Christ"by Don Nori
Web: http://www.radicalgrace.org/ http://www.mercyplace.com/

I hate balance. There is nothing more boring than listening to a balanced person. He spends so much time building walls around what he says that he says nothing at all. People who say they are balanced are too concerned about being acceptable. I am not concerned about being acceptable. My concern is yielding enough to the One who possesses me from within that He can do through me whatever He wants to do. I hate balance. Folks who are balanced never change the world. They never affect society. They live safely within the boundaries of the status quo, never challenging the forces that control society, the culture, or the church system. They believe that by reinforcing what is, they will encourage folks to move on. Fact is, balance is the bane of progress. It leads us to believe everything is as it should be, when in reality we are desperate for change, anxious to see and hear from the Lord concerning the things still locked in the heavens. Though the heavens are pregnant with His purposes and eternity dips into time and space, balanced folk explain away the restlessness within. Balanced folk redirect our focus to what has always been. They have the uncanny ability to make the hungry feel guilty for their hunger and the restless feel rebellious for their questions. Balanced people are what everybody likes to have under their control. Balanced people don't ever rock the boat. But the Reformation never would have happened without imbalance. The Renaissance never would have happened without imbalance. The great revivals never would have happened without imbalance.
Imbalance is the key to our growth. It questions what we have done, why we are doing it, and where we are going.

An Adventure Waiting to Happen
Balance tries to convince us there is nothing new under the sun - when in fact everything is new under the sun. Balanced folk love to quote a frustrated and depressed old man who cries out in his depression, "There is nothing new under the sun!" But to our tiny masses of gray matter, everything is absolutely new. God may know everything, but I sure don't. For me, every day is an adventure waiting to happen. Every day is an irreplaceable opportunity to see, hear, and do things I have never even imagined could happen. Each day holds the possibility...no, the probability...no, the certainty that the heavens will open above me, and His Presence will flow within me creating an atmosphere of wonder and awe that will most certainly change me and the world around me. To be sure, there is nothing new to the Lord, but for us there are new mercies, new hopes, new possibilities opened to us every day if we are unbalanced enough to be open to them.

God Talks to Us Outside of the Box
God always talks to us outside the box we have constructed for ourselves. You know that box. It keeps you safe and assured that you are fine just as you are. Our nature is to always define circumstances, feelings, dreams, hopes, and possibilities within the parameters of what has always given us contentment. This box assures us that we are, well, balanced. But this thought is not new. Humans have always tried to re-box what God has un-boxed. Jesus warned us not to put new wine into old wineskins. Yes, the most boring person in the universe is a balanced person.

Church as We Know It is Over
The true pastor must minister from two perspectives. He will always be a pastor, looking out for the well-being of the people. But he will also be open to the new things God will speak to the people, even if what God says is out of the pastor's experience. His concern is for the safety of the flock, but his concern is also for the Church coming into the dream God has dreamed for each individual. He understands that heaven is our destination, but it is not our destiny. The Lord will send many to him to train, equip, and send off to who-knows-where. Not everyone God sends to him is there to expand his ministry. Believers should mostly come to go. They come to be trained and go to fulfill their destiny. The pastor must be sure of who he is and where he is, without feeling threatened when God sends someone with a greater gift than his own. He must always be secure and free enough to equip, train, and then release. He will most certainly have a base of permanent folks whose ministry it is to care for the needs and train those whom God sends. The Church becomes what God intended it to be - a school for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry. The five-fold ministry are not the ones that travel the world. They equip and send out those whom they have trained.

Spiritual Specialists?
Why is it that when doctors study a specified medical area they are called specialists, but when Christians give themselves to a specialized area they are called unbalanced? Doctors must rely on their relationships with other doctors whose specializations are different from their own, thereby having experts in areas they know little or nothing about. Specialists in the medical profession build relationships with other doctors whose opinions they not only trust, but rely upon. This is a normal and expected practice. A doctor who tries to be individually thorough in his understanding of the intricate workings of the entire human body is, ironically, considered ineffective. He dismisses himself from the treasure of information and technique available to those who accept their own personal and professional limitations. The day of the general practitioner is quickly coming to an end. The day of the church system's one-man-show is too.

God Sounds Outrageous
God speaks to us outside of our paragons. Everything He says to us sounds outrageous. Our tendency is to dismiss those things that are risky. But when we dismiss the outrageous, we too often dismiss God. When God says something to us that we have never heard before, it often sounds exciting, even though it may bring fear to our hearts. Sometimes that fear turns to exhilaration at the thought of doing something so different. Subconsciously, however, we take a familiar course of action. In our minds, we visit all the people who are important to us to determine how they will react to this outrageous thing we have just heard. Once the votes are cast, most of the time we dismiss this outrageous, albeit exhilarating, thing we have heard, simply because most of the people we care about and who are important to us dismiss it. Even though we believe it, even though it made our heart sing and burn within us, we reject it because our friends have too. That is why so many end up doing what has always been done. Too many people fear the outrageous. They fear anything that God says outside the box they have created for themselves, which, by the way, they have secretly learned to despise. We all like to think of ourselves as so open-minded, so charismatic, so Spirit-filled, when in fact we have created a box in which everything we believe is locked. It keeps us balanced.
Balanced people never change the world. They put you to sleep.
Balance is not in the person.
Balance is in the Body of Christ.

Go Fly a Kite
When I was a kid, I loved to fly kites. My mom would often say to my twin brother, Ron, and I, "Boys, why don't you guys go fly a kite?" So we would. We spent hours in the golden meadows and fossil beds next to our rural Pennsylvania home. A kite is an awesome thing. Even in a shallow wind, it is determined to fly. As the wind grows stronger, the kite's paper panels stretch out as it soars for the heavens, as though never to return. Did you ever notice that a kite never seems to be content as it responds to the wind? As it pulls the string from the one holding it on the ground, the kite goes up as though on some secret mission. The kite has no concept that there is a limit as to how far the string will allow it to go. I was often the one holding the roll of string as the kite pulled away from us on its quest to go higher. The roll burned my fingers as we heard the whiz of the string chasing the kite heavenward. The wind often carried the kite until all the string was off the roll. We could barely see the kite, now only a dot against the sun-lit sky. I always hated when I was out of string, for it created a dilemma. It is never the kite that limits its own flight. The string is always the bad guy. When the string was out, I either had to run with the kite or pull it back down. The kite usually pulled so hard that I feared for the kite. I never really was certain how much stress the string could take before it snapped. So I would run with the kite. I would run until there was some sort of danger. Power lines, a tree, another kite, a highway...all were hindrances to the kite's ability to soar with the wind or my ability to give it what it really wanted: more string.

The Kite is Completely Sold Out to the Wind
All that kite wanted to do was fly, and there was no convincing it that imminent danger was ahead. The kite had captured the wind and wanted nothing more than to go with it, to yield to it, to go as far and as high and as fast as the wind dare take it. But when the string was gone, tension would mount and the exhilaration of the day quickly turned into stress as the battle to pull it back in ensued. I had to somehow work the string so as to gently bring the kite safely back to the ground. As many of you know, this is not an easy assignment. The kite is completely sold out to the wind and has no intentions of responding to someone earthbound and unable to experience the exhilaration of this kind of flight. I can still almost hear the kite as it battled for its life, "What are you doing? I thought you loved to fly! Let me go!" So the tension on the string grew as I called the kite back to earth. In my desire to give it string and yet protect it to fly another day, I found myself taking risks I would normally not take. I wanted it to soar on, but I did not want to lose the kite. Although I knew the string was essential to the kite's survival, it seemed the kite was begging to be released from what it perceived as unnecessary bondage. It was as though the kite wanted to cut its only connection to the ground. The irony is amazing. As soon as the kite gets its way, is freed from the string, it is doomed to crash, usually broken beyond repair.

Who Wants to be a Kite?
God-breathed friendships are like boys flying a kite. Sometimes you are the kite and sometimes you are the guy on the ground holding the string. I am free to be Spirit-blown into whatever God is calling me to be. I am free to catch the highest wind and go to places in the Spirit that I have never explored. But this is because I am in relationship with one or two who I know have my best interest at heart. Their only desire is for my well-being. I am convinced they have no personal agenda, no secret desires, or need to profit from any success I may have. I never have to be concerned that they will become jealous or envious of how I am used of the Lord. I am at peace with the knowledge that their prayer for me is pure and their desire for my success is genuine. The counsel I get is intended to bless and encourage, not to dominate or control. Their motivation is not jealousy or envy. It is love. As in any true covenant relationship, their hands are open, willing either to release or be wrong. Their love, prayers, and support do not waver by my decisions. Conversely, they carry in their heart the same understanding and confidence about my intentions toward them. This kind of relationship cannot be legislated or assigned. It cannot be determined by geographic region or personality test. It is determined by a heart-to-heart covenant that is tested and proven in the crucible of trial and fire. It develops over time as men and women make a daily conscious decision to respond to others as they themselves want to be loved and cared for. This place of trust in the heart of another can never be imposed; it can only be earned. To these folks, prayer is more than laying on of hands. To them, genuine relationship is in the laying on of the heart. The relationship that allows you to be everything you can be is born out of mutual respect, mutual honor, and of course, genuine love. These individuals believe in the calling that is on one another's life. They love, pray, trust, and give room to fly even when the skies are not so clear.
The balance is in the Body. It is not in me.

Out of String
Yes, there are times when the person on the ground is out of string. He feels the pressure of the kite pulling on his better judgment as it flies into uncharted skies. Sometimes it takes all his strength and faith to hold onto that relationship. Sometimes he will run down the street so the kite has more room to fly. When he runs out of street, he runs across the field, holding onto that kite string and praying that soon the kite will catch a smooth wind and settle in. Sometimes the way comes to an end and the strength of the string is tested to an extreme measure. But this situation is exactly why they have been forging a strong bond of covenant all this time. The relationship can stand the test of love and commitment when the mutual sense of covenant has been seared into their hearts. A broken string benefits no one. Without its tension, the kite falls to the ground. The very thing it wanted and desired becomes its downfall - its destruction. Instead of soaring higher and higher, it finds itself broken on the ground or torn by the limbs of a tree. The thing that gave it the power to soar is the one and same relationship that ultimately keeps it in touch with time and space. But the kite is not the only one affected. The one on the ground never would have looked up had the kite not been flying. He never would have been challenged to peer into things he has never before seen. If he were not looking up to the kite, he would never see the world as his friend sees it. He would have missed an essential element of God's heart for the nations. Because he is holding the kite, he cannot help but be affected by the wind that carries the kite heavenward.

We All Need Someone
Of course, this example will work in nearly every relationship in which we find ourselves engaged. I need the ones God puts in my life, and they need me. The prophetic slobbering of a prophet alone will drown the hearer in mystical saliva. The dusty words of a didactic teacher will choke even the most fervent believer. But when the prophet's slobber is mixed with the teacher's dusty words, they form a salve that will always open the eyes of the blind. We must let the ones we love fly. For we will never be satisfied until we ourselves are freed to fly. So we bathe one another in prayer with full confidence in the One who sends the wind and blows it under our wings. This is the freedom to soar. The balance is in the Body. Not in me.
by Don Nori

Story of Two Frenchmen

2005-02-03T15:14:00.000-06:00

Several years ago I visited Egypt. It was incredible! The site of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids was absolutely stunning. You can’t help but be overtaken by the sheer genius of the projects. Without modern machinery men had left an indelible mark on the world with creations that have lasted for thousands of years.

When you see such great accomplishments that have been made so many years ago, we are often encouraged and motivated to do something ourselves that we’ve never done before. To leave a mark on the world. Two Frenchmen had that very same feeling when they visited Egypt in 1856. While they didn’t know each other before their journey they were on a course of destiny to meet each other in a country so far from their home.

Both men shared how the sight of the marvels of Egypt had moved them. One of the men, Ferdinand, shared his own dream of a modern day marvel that he could leave behind. Shipping lanes that traversed the oceans had to travel around the southern coast of Africa to travel east to west. The voyage took thousands of miles to complete. If there was a way to connect the Mediterranean with the Red Sea through a man-made canal the trip would be reduced to a startling 105 miles! Most considered Ferdinand’s plan somewhat entertaining but it wasn’t taken very seriously.

But here in Egypt, another Frenchman had taken his plan quite serious and suggested a contribution of his own. He would design a lighthouse that would be twice the size of the sphinx. It would stand at the entrance of the canal welcoming travelers traveling eastward as a beacon of western civilization. Both men agreed their dreams deserved to come true.

In 1859, Ferdinand won the approval of the authorities and began the project that lasted ten years. Now we know it as the Suez Canal. On the other hand the Frenchman that Ferdinand had befriended in Egypt spent years designing his lighthouse for the canal. Countless sketches and models were constructed until at last a design was satisfactory.
The design was quite original but he had one problem. The one thing he needed most for his lighthouse to be completed was the funds to build it. And they simply weren’t there.

Two dreamers. One with a fulfilled dream and one so close but so far from ever being realized. I’m sure he was devastated. To have come this far and not acquire the funding would’ve been be disastrous. Embarrassing to say the least.

But things did change. Several years later another country inquired about the need for a design from the Frenchman. He accepted and was finally able to deliver his dream lighthouse for the world to see. It wasn’t where it was designed to be but then again it was a good place to be. Today, you would agree this was a much better place for such a lighthouse.

That lighthouse, twice the size of the Sphinx, that was supposed to be a beacon of western civilization welcoming voyagers as they traveled through the Suez canal would find another home instead. The designer was Auguste Bartholdi and the lighthouse stands in New York Harbor and is a sign of freedom for all that travel there from around the world, The Statue of Liberty.

Defining moments. Sometimes they land where we didn’t plan them to.

Welcome!

2005-02-03T13:58:00.000-06:00

Well, here it is!

Years in the making, I've stepped "over the line" and I'm posting some of my writings that I've accumulated over the years. I hope you'll find them interesting, thought provoking and encouraging.

We all have a tendency to plod our way through life oblivious to "life opportunities" around us everyday. This is a chance to read something that might just be about someone you've heard of, someone you never heard of or something that makes you think about your life and the life of those around you.

I hope you enjoy the blog and I appreciate your comments!

-Gene