DO MORE OF THAT

What lights you up inside?

Hobbies?
Church?
Volunteering?
Singing?
Writing?
Working with your hands?
Acting?
Being active outside?
The list could go on and on.

Again, what lights YOU up inside?

DO MORE OF THAT!

When talking with people that I coached, I would ask them them to "fill in the blank" to this statement:
"If I weren't so afraid, I would _________________."

Is there something that you have buried deep in you that you would love to "LET LOOSE" but you don't feel you can?  Or you are too scared to give it a try?

There is a good chance...no, a GREAT CHANCE, what you have inside of you is what you should pursue.

It doesn't have to be a career change...but it could mean that.

For some, it just might be to do the list we looked at above:

• Go buy a table saw
• Take singing lessons
• Start a blog 
• Try out for the community theatre
• Plan a trip to hike that "14er"
• Swim with the dolphins
• Rock babies at church
• Change careers and do that thing you have always wanted to do

Whatever it is that lights you up inside, DO MORE OF THAT!

Life is TOO short to just walk through it to arrive at death's door safely.

LIVE LIFE BY YOUR DESIGN AND NOT BY DEFAULT!

BEST YEAR YET?  DO MORE OF THAT!

THE COMEBACK

I've been thinking a lot lately about struggles....challenges that people go through.

These could be with a job, or a relationship, your health, or many other things.

I had an opportunity to tell the story about my journey again today.  Each time I talk about how 2015 was my BEST YEAR YET, and to follow it up in 2016 with challenges, struggles, and setbacks, it makes me thankful for THE COMEBACK.

I was listening to the Danny Gokey song, THE COMEBACK, and it starts out,

"After a season of night falls and push backs
After the heartache of wrong turns and sidetracks
Just when they think they've got you game-set-match
Here comes THE COMEBACK!"

The saying, "Every setback is a setup for a COMEBACK" is true.

I constantly remind myself that what I'm going through is temporary.  What YOU are going through is TEMPORARY.  Storms my come, but they will not stay.

When I was telling my story today, I was reminded that THE COMEBACK is not isolated to me.  I see people everyday that are "in line" for their COMEBACK.

Whatever you might be going through, realize that you got what it takes to fight on.  You, too, will have a COMEBACK platform to speak from.

"This is your time, your moment
The fire, the fight, you're golden
You've come so far, keep going
Oh, here comes THE COMEBACK

There is no mountain you can't face
There is no giant you can't take
All of your tears were not a waste
You're one step away

Just when they think they've got you game-set-match
Oh, here comes THE COMEBACK!"

As we all go through our BEST YEAR YET, let's be on the lookout for THE COMEBACK.

THE COMEBACK in our lives, and it the lives of others that we can rally around and celebrate with!

DREAM BIG

Today's blog is the 214th consecutive post I have done in 2017.  

I started writing the BEST YEAR YET blog on January 28th and have written something every day since.

If you have been following this journey, you know that I write a lot about dreams, goals, and visions you have for your life.  I believe that a couple things that I do really well is to encourage others and communicate in a way that is easily understood.

Today, I had a few friends who's kids went to an American Idol audition here in Omaha. They didn't make it through....BUT they went for it.  I.LOVE.IT!  I love when people go for something that looks almost impossible.  Remember, you don't want to every say, "I wish I would have."  Instead, it is great to say, "I'm glad I did."

DREAM BIG!

Years ago I heard someone say, "It doesn't cost any more to DREAM BIG!"

Some will do a great exercise and put together a DREAM board.  They don't just "visualize" in their head what they want, but they will put it down on paper...or they will get pictures of what it is they are DREAMING about, put it on a board or something to keep that vision in front of them.

The CHEERLEADER and I did that about 10 years ago.  We started to think about living in a new house.  We found a house that we liked....one that was a stretch for us to believe for. We took a picture of that house, went to a "quick print" store and made a copy of it and put it on our refrigerator.  I figured that we would be at the fridge multiple times and each time we'd see what we were DREAMING ABOUT.  

If you're going to DREAM, you might as well DREAM the BIGGEST DREAM you can.  

I believe that the key lies in the next step:  after you DREAM the BIGGEST DREAM you can, you need to go after it with everything you have...but you need a plan!

What is your plan?

DREAMS are great...but without an action plan, they are, well.....just DREAMS.

With an action plan that you can implement on, DREAMS become REALITIES!

So, what can you DREAM BIG about in this BEST YEAR YET journey that you are on?

Whatever it is, let me encourage you:  YOU.CAN.DO.THIS!

Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't....FIND A WAY and make it happen!

Now.....time to START and put that BIG DREAM into REALITY!

TIME TO GO

Today, the daughter of a friend of mine started her first day of kindergarten.

My friend and his wife took pictures with their little girl with all the hope and promise that awaits her.

TODAY IS HER DAY!

Today, my youngest son started the first day of his Senior Year of college.

There were no pictures taken, unless he did so randomly...but still, all the hope and promise that awaits him.

TODAY IS HIS DAY!

I was thinking that we don't have to be at the beginning of our educational journey, or at what looks like the end of it (believe me, you'll always be learning) to be going after GREAT PLACES...GREAT ADVENTURES...GREAT MOUNTAINS TO CONQUER....it's time to GET ON YOUR WAY!

TODAY IS YOUR DAY!

The CHEERLEADER and I were having conversation with a friend.  We were talking about dreams and aspirations.  What would be a dream job or even a dream adventure to go after.  

Maybe you can't just quit everything right now and go to a foreign country to live and make an impact.  BUT...maybe you could do something on a short term basis.  Maybe you could take your dream and begin to share it with others.  

Put "voice" to your visions and dreams.

Put a plan together that gets you closer to seeing those visions and dreams become a reality.

TODAY...for you...YOUR MOUNTAIN IS WAITING....GET ON YOUR WAY!

It's TIME TO GO!  

HOW DID I GET HERE

Have you ever asked yourself this question?

HOW DID I GET HERE?

Was it by my own doing, accident, or whatever?

And really....where is "HERE" anyway?

A while back, I was thinking about all the twists and turns in life that have lead me to where I'm at today.

The journey has be full of ups and not so ups!

I love the CHEERLEADER's illustration.  She told me once that all that I have done is like a big tool box.  At each "stop" I just get new/additional "tools" to put in the box for the next stop.

Recently, I was reading my Bible in the book of Esther.  It's an Old Testament story of a young girl who became queen....NOT because of her status, bloodline or anything like that. She became queen, because that is what was suppose to happen.

I'm not going to go through the full story ( I would encourage you to check it out.  Actually, click this link, The book of Esther and begin to read the story), but one of the most famous parts of the story is when Queen Esther's uncle makes this statement, "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"

In our BEST YEAR YET, let's look at our life and realize that we are not here by accident. But instead, realize that we are right where we are for such a time as this.

The "HERE" that you are at, it's not just for you, but for others that you have an opportunity to make an impact on.

So when you ask yourself the question, "HOW DID I GET HERE,"  remember, it's the "tools" in your tool box that got you here, FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS!

SAYING GOODBYE TO SUMMER

How did that happen?

How did the last 3 months go so quickly?

I realize that technically, September 22nd is the official end of Summer, but here are a few things that let us know we are changing seasons:

• The daylight is getting shorter
• One of my least favorite things about moving into Fall and then into Winter.  I like the long days.
• The activity and sounds of the neighborhood aren't as much anymore
• School has started
• We just sent our youngest off to finish his Senior Year in college.  Classes start tomorrow
• In our area, the elementary and secondary schools have started
• Friday Night Lights are underway
• Yesterday marked the first Friday of High School Football in our area
• College Football is underway
• Turned on the TV this afternoon to find College Football on
• The Huskers first game is in 7 days!
• Labor Day is in 8 days
• To me, this is the end of Summer
• NFL Football is right around the corner
• The nights are beginning to be cooler

It's been a good 3 months of grilling (actually that is a 4 season activity!); sitting on the porch; storms; sounds of the neighborhood kids playing; fireworks; walking the dog; running in the cool of the day; baseball; golf; moves; and many other activities.

Summer, I'm going to take in this year's memories over the next week as we say goodbye for now and we welcome in the FALL!

Now.....ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!

TAKE A BREATH

So, the CHEERLEADER and I were out tonight after work.

There were, at the table next to us, 3 people.  A couple and a "3rd wheel on a two wheeled bike."

You know the type.

The "3rd Wheel" was dominating the conversation.

TAKE A BREATH!

Have you ever heard the saying, "God gave us two ears and one mouth?"  

There's a reason for that.

So much can be learned by listening.

If we were to stop and let others talk, we could learn something.

That is how I learn.  I am an audio/visual learner.  I do best when I can hear it and see it demonstrated.  Oh, I ask questions, but then I close my mouth and listen.

It used to not be like that when I was growing up.

I believe I shared it here (my Mom, who I know is reading this, can confirm this) that when I was in elementary school, I would get the writing on my report card, "Tim is a joy to have in class, he just needs to do a better job of listening."  WHY?  BECAUSE I WAS SO BUSY TALKING!

If we would get quiet, think of all that we would hear.  Think of all that we would learn. 

I've learned this in the 31 years - 1 month  - and 14 days the CHEERLEADER and I have been married.

TAKE A BREATH.

When talking to your spouse, don't let it be just a monologue.  Have a dialogue.

Having a dialogue means conversation going both ways.

Talk and listen.  Listen and talk.

So as you are continuing on your BEST YEAR YET journey, don't be like "Mr. 3rd Wheel." Take time to listen.  It is in the listening that you will grow!

THERE SHE STANDS

"Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

In 1917, the CHEERLEADER'S Great-Grandparents arrived at Ellis Island, from Walter, Russia, with one young daughter (they had another daughter, the oldest, who passed away in Russia before coming to America).  They also came with dreams of a better life, and each other (they eventually had 6 more daughters born in the United States).

What it must have been like to reach the New York Harbor and see Her.

THERE SHE STANDS.

So much promise.

I remember the first time that I saw Her live.  WOW!

What that Statue represents.  I was moved, emotionally.

I have had the opportunity to see Her multiple times over the last decade, and each time, I feel moved.

Today, we would like to think those ideals of a promise for a better life are still present.  

The Land of Opportunity!  Or is it?

I think it is....but I also think we have work to do.

Today, I was at a luncheon of business and church leaders discussing the topic of diversity. 

If we continue to live with a "mono-ethnic" mindset, we are going to miss out on the beauty that our Creator intended.  

Take the picture above.  Not sure if you have ever been to New York City, but it is truly a "melting pot" of diversity.  Just go one city block and you'll hear multiple languages being spoken.  You can get any type of food not named HOTDOG, HAMBURGER or PIZZA, and many times from a vendor or a food truck right on the street.  To me, NYC is an earthly picture or what Heaven must look like.

Revelation 7:9-10 [NLT] says, "After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.  The were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.  And they were shouting with a great roar, Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the Lamb."

So, get uncomfortable and get intentional with others, whether it is with those who legally immigrate to this country or those who are born here but might not look like you.

Like the CHEERLEADER, there's a good chance that someone from your family saw Lady Liberty and the hope for a brighter future.  In your BEST YEAR YET, look to be that same beacon of help and hope to others.

THIRSTY

thirst·y

ˈTHərstē/

1. feeling a need to drink something.
2. 
   
3.       having or showing a strong desire for something.

So, when my boys were really young, we'd play a little game.  Ok, it was just me playing. They would comment, "Dad, I'm THIRSTY."   Any my reply would be, "Hi THIRSTY!"  "No, my name is not THIRSTY....."

We'd go round and round until I would relent and give them something to drink.

Today, I was out in the yard getting some much needed yard work done.  Boy was I THIRSTY.

I'm more aware of the need to stay hydrated, due to running the miles that I do.

When doing any run beyond an hour, I always make sure I have water or some type of electrolyte replenishing fluid.  In endurance races, "they" say to make sure you are constantly drinking...because if you wait until you "feel" THIRSTY, it's usually too late.

Proverbs 25:25 [NLT] says, "Good news from far away is like cold water to the THIRSTY."

That is the encouragement others give to you.  Think about a time when someone spoke a word of encouragement to you.  What did that do for you?  What "boost" did that give to you?

I also had one of those "cold water to the THIRSTY" experiences today.  A friend I haven't talked to in a while called and gave me a "cup of cold water" right over the phone.  I didn't know I was THIRSTY until after the call ended, but boy did that GOOD NEWS satisfy me.

How about you?  Do you need a word of good news, that is like cold water to the THIRSTY?

Maybe you don't need the "cold water" but could you be a "dispenser" of cold water/good news (encouragement) to someone else?

In our BEST YEAR YET, let don't just always be THIRSTY, but let us also look for ways to be the "dispenser of cold water" for someone else!

KEEP IT SIMPLE

I had a "motive check" today.

So, here's how this started:  I was looking at my Twitter page and I noticed that the number of those following me has been getting smaller.

My first thought: "WHY?  I believe the content on my blog is good, encouraging, etc. Maybe I don't tweet enough?  Maybe I'm just not OUT THERE enough so that others can't get a true read on who I am and follow me."

THAT is when it hit me.....

Am I just writing this blog for followers? 

NO!  

Don't get me wrong. I would LOVE to have thousands of people read this blog daily and find encouragement, motivation, inspiration and even a challenge or two.  I started this to share with those who would listen that "everyday Joe's and Jane's" can overcome obstacles and challenges and find their definition of success in their BEST YEAR YET.

KEEP IT SIMPLE.

I realized that I need to let my words be few.  By that, I mean that I don't want what others think or even know about me come from just my words.  Whether those words come from this Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or just hearing me talk.

I know....that sounds kinda strange coming from someone who writes words, everyday, for people to read.

For me, to KEEP IT SIMPLE, means that I want MY LIFE....MY ACTIONS...to demonstrate who I am.  I want my actions to SHOUT my character...my integrity.

I'm going to keep writing and encouraging others (really, it's an encouragement to me) but I'm also going to let my actions be many and my words be few to KEEP IT SIMPLE in my BEST YEAR YET.

BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT

Most diamonds have them.

You usually can't see them with the naked eye.

Unless you look at the stone under a microscope, you wouldn't know they were there.

INCLUSIONS.

INCLUSIONS present themselves as "chips" or "black specks" or maybe even a "cloudy" look to the diamond.

NOT perfect....but also, not FLAWED.

BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT.

26 years ago, this month, I started working at a jewelry store when we moved to Tulsa, OK so that I could attend Bible College.

I learned all about the "4 C's" of diamonds:

• CUT
• COLOR
• CLARITY
• CARAT WEIGHT

All 4 of these play a factor into the cost of the diamond.  Now VALUE is another thing.

Just because something costs a lot, doesn't necessarily mean it has equal or greater VALUE.

VALUE is what YOU give it.

How do you VALUE others?

How do you VALUE your relationship with your spouse; your kids; your extended family?

How do you VALUE yourself?

So, although a diamond that you purchase for that special someone might be full of "INCLUSIONS," its VALUE can be GREAT.

Same with the people we see around us everyday.

There are many that some would say are "flawed."  They have "chips" or "black spots" in their lives.  They might even be a bit "cloudy."  

NOT perfect...but also not FLAWED.

BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT.

REMEMBER, there are NO THROW-AWAY people.  

EVERYONE is of VALUE.  It's all in how you choose to look at them.

In our BEST YEAR YET, let's take a look at everyone, "INCLUSIONS" and all....and realize that we are all BEAUTIFULLY IMPERFECT!

HATS

HATS.

If you have seen me, you know that HATS are an all too important accessory for me...especially when the sun is out!

I got to thinking about the many HATS people wear:

• ball cap style hats
• cowboy hats
• stocking hats
• fedora style hats
• plain hats
• colored hats
• hats with logos
• booney hats
• hard hats
• many, many types of hats

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "at my job, or at home, I wear many "hats" with all that I have to do."  At your job or home, how many "HATS" do you wear?

• "player" hat
• "referee" hat
• "worker" hat
• "cleaner" hat
• "counselor" hat
• "boss" hat
• "leader" hat
• many, many types of "hats"

Every HAT we wear is significant.

Every HAT others wear is significant.

Never diminish the "HAT" you or others wear.

In all of these, I believe that the "FAITHFUL HAT" is the most important.  Whatever you do, wherever you are, always strive to wear the "FAITHFUL HAT."

"The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.  You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together.'  Matthew 25:21 [NLT]

In your BEST YEAR YET, keep your head covered with that FAITHFUL HAT at all times. You never know when PROMOTION is right around the corner.

FINAL NOTE:
In the picture above, that white hat has been with me on some of my most memorable marathons.  It's a bit discolored and beat up and I believe it is going to be retired from "marathon competition," but boy the memories.  Now, time to find a new HAT!

ONE MORE

"Please Lord, help me get ONE MORE."  Desmond Doss

Last night, the CHEERLEADER and I watched the movie, HACKSAW RIDGE, which told the true story of an American Hero, Desmond Doss.  If you haven't seen it yet, it's worth the watch...very "war graphic" but worth it.

As a medic, Doss helped 75 men, who were wounded during battle, to get to safety and a chance for medical attention to help save their lives.  In one scene, it was at night, and Doss spent that night going behind enemy lines to get those wounded.  As the night went on, and Doss obviously hurt, tired and sore, you hear him say over and over again, "Please Lord, help me get ONE MORE."

What a picture of drive and determination.  

It got me thinking about ONE MORE.  

What if we...I lived out each day with a "ONE MORE" mentality?  What would the impact be each day?

ONE MORE smile.
ONE MORE hug.
ONE MORE kiss.
ONE MORE bedtime story.
ONE MORE step.
ONE MORE mile.
ONE MORE football game with your boys.
ONE MORE tea party with your girls.
ONE MORE laugh.
ONE MORE cry.
ONE MORE tear to wipe dry.
ONE MORE opportunity to right a wrong.
ONE MORE time to say I LOVE YOU.
ONE MORE encouraging word.
ONE MORE story about your family history.
ONE MORE song.
ONE MORE dance.
ONE MORE dinner with family and/or friends.

Since we are not assured of tomorrow, these are just a few things we all can do, beginning today, to make ONE MORE impact on lives around us.

So here is your BEST YEAR YET challenge:  say, "Please Lord, help me do ONE MORE."

Drop me a line and tell me about your ONE MORE.  And if you come up with a different ONE MORE than is on this list above, include it and we'll add to the list!

POPCORN

I just wanted POPCORN.

Have you ever gone to Costco or some other "membership" type warehouse looking for just ONE item?

That was me tonight.

I just wanted POPCORN.

How many times have you gone to the store with the intention of ONE thing and you walk out with a cart full of things you didn't plan for?

The person working the register always...ALWAYS asks, "Did you find everything OK?"

Me:  "Ummm...yes....AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS IN MY CART THAT I DIDN'T COME HERE FOR!"

I just wanted POPCORN.

Life can be like that.  We have our ideas about the specific life WE want.  

We want an education...reliable transportation...a spouse...2.3 kids....a dog....a house with a white picket fence.

And in our pursuit to keep it simple (like just wanting only POPCORN), LIFE gets in the way.

We hear things like:

• "I'm sorry, you can't have kids"
• "You're fired"
• "The diagnosis is cancer"
• "The dishwasher is broken...oh, and I can't get the garage door opener to work"
• "You are not accepted into the program"
• "Pregnant....again?"

There's loss.

There's regret.

There's death.

There's LIFE!

Whether you are just going after the "POPCORN" in your life or you find out that your "cart" is FULL (and you didn't plan for it).....EMBRACE LIFE!

I just wanted "POPCORN" but my life has been and continues to be so full and I wouldn't trade it or put anything "back!"

STAND

"You feel like a candle in a hurricane.  Just like a picture with a broken frame.  Alone and helpless, like you've lost your fight.  But you'll be alright...."

Those are the beginning lyrics from the song "STAND" by The Rascal Flatts.

This is exactly how I felt a year ago (except for the "alone" part...I had and continue to have a GREAT support team around me).  

I remember asking the CHEERLEADER to just tell me that "it will be alright."  I needed to be assured by her words.

Through it all, I had to learn what it meant to STAND.

To STAND in the "fight"....to STAND when doesn't appear to be going they way you designed it....this is exactly the time to STAND!

The song goes on to say, in the chorus, " Cause when push comes to shove, you taste what you're made of......on your knees you look up...."

The Bible tells us, "....and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore...." Ephesians 6:13-14

What do you need to STAND up to?

• A negative health diagnosis
• The loss of a loved one
• The loss of a job
• Ridicule
• Bullying
• Words spoken ("you're not good enough; you're not smart enough; you're not cute enough; you're not enough....")

"On your knees you look up....decide you've had enough.  You get mad, you get strong, wipe your hands, shake it off. THEN you STAND."

It might look "dark" today...but in this BEST YEAR YET, I'm telling you that it will get better...you will get through this....YOU.GOT.THIS!

Time to STAND!

Know this.....I'm STANDING with you.

Who will STAND with me?

RED ROVER 2.0

How many remember playing RED ROVER while growing up?  (If not, click this RED ROVER link to find out how)

In short, there are 2 teams of people standing about 10 yards apart from each other.  Each team forms a line, hand in hand.  One team would call out, "RED ROVER, RED ROVER, SEND ________ (name of a person on other team) RIGHT OVER."  It was then the person who was called out to try to run and break through the "chain" being formed by the other team.

Simple games that people played.

I was reminded of this game in an illustration earlier this week.  But in this "game" the one breaking through was the enemy of racism...the enemy of bigotry.....the enemy of good.

Each time there is a "breaking" of the chain of good, the weaker the "team" becomes.

What if, in this new game...RED ROVER 2.0...we didn't just grab hands, but we LOCKED ARMS?  

What if we go so close to each other that the enemy trying to "break through" our wall wasn't able to, because of the strength of the wall?

We are truly BETTER TOGETHER.  RED - YELLOW - BLACK - BROWN - WHITE....standing side by side...arms linked together.....STRONGER TOGETHER.

In the Bible, in Acts 4:32, the Bible says, "All the believers were united in heart and mind...."  

It starts with me.  

RED ROVER 2.0.....who wants to "PLAY?"

"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."

Helen Keller

vision

[vizh-uh n] 

   - the act or power of anticipating that which will or may come to be

Today, I was in a room with a group of LEADERS.  

Each from varied backgrounds of upbringing; gender; ethnicity; vocation.  One thing in common:  VISION.

VISION that "looks" beyond what can only be seen by the natural eye.

Habakkuk 2:2 [NKJV] in the Bible says, "Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."

What VISION are you "running" with?  Is it BIG or small? Is it plain and easily understood or is it difficult to understand?

Habakkuk 2 verse 3 goes on to say [NLT], "This vision is for a future time.  It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled.  If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place.  It will not be delayed."

One thing to note about VISION, if you don't have a plan or actions steps to accomplish the VISION, all you have is a DREAM.

DREAMS are good...but it is action that makes them become a reality.

How to turn your DREAMS into VISION REALITIES:

• DREAM the biggest dream you can
• Have a specific plan of action steps that will position you to achieve the goal
• Share the plan with others that believe in you, who can help to keep you accountable
• When you want to quit (and you will) DON'T.GIVE.UP!
• Have "check in" points at different time frame intervals
• BE PATIENT......and
• DON'T.GIVE.UP

Remember, don't be like those who have sight, but no VISION!