False Starter

It has become plain as day that I have a history of false starting ministries/ideas. "False Starting" is a term used in many racing sports. In track an athlete will "jump the gun" and start running before the gun goes off. 

Many of you will probably remember when Usain Bolt (fastest human ever) false started on the 100 meter dash during the 2008 Olympic Games (see attached pic). It was devastating. The one false start rule eliminated him from the race he was favored to win. 

It wasn't just devastating for Usain, but for all the people who support him and give a lot of their time and energy to his success. There's a coaching/training/admin staff that are dedicated to him, not to mention his fans, that at the very least would like him to run the race. A false start is the worst case scenario. 

 

My personality inclines me towards starting and developing things. My impatience causes a false start. This area of my life is so humbling, because I struggle with it the most: getting excited, planning, false starting, doing damage assessment, and apologizing. 

I'm so very glad that I have a gracious God and gracious friends. I'm the dude with an idea a minute and can't seem to sit still. Ugh. God loves me. 

Is there an area if life where you keep repeating the same mistake? I feel ya. 

Jay

Dates with My Girls

One of the best ideas I ever came across, was to take my girls on dates, individually. We forget that spending time as a family, which is awesome, is not one-on-one attention. 

Here are some examples of how a child can be neglected, even in family-time events:

1. The child is naturally quieter/more reserved.

2. A child's sibling can hog all the attention, because they're naturally more energetic and social.

3. A parent's attention is divided amongst all the others, or they are preoccupied by something else that keeps them from engaging with their child: noises, TV, smart phones, laptops, tablets, etc...

4. Parent is so tired from the work week, or managing the house, that they just checkout and don't want to do anything. 

That's a big enough list, so how do we focus-in on each child? Here are a few ideas that have served me extremely well:

1. Approach your time with your child like a date. All attention is on that child and genuine hearing is in place. 

2. Ask your child to be thinking of something they'd like to do with you. 

3. Let them think on it, as it always leads to a better build-up of excitement for them. 

4. When they tell you what they'd like to, be excited for them and be thinking in the back of your mind about time and cost of date. I gently guide them towards where I'm at with regards to the budget. 

5. I get with Mindy and look at our family calendar. Pick a date and time, then let my girls know, so they can have a plan in their mind. 

6. The dates have included meals, movies, books, parks, sports, etc...

You ready to take your child(ren) on an individual date?

Do what fits for your family, and I challenge you to start doing this; you won't be sorry. This type of undivided attention will create strong and trusting relationships. Let love be the anchor. 

Jay

Peace Stealers

For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:30 NLT)

This post comes on the heels of another attempt by the enemy to get me off track doing things that are not mine to do at this time. 

How did I know it was an attempt to sidetrack me? My burden became heavy and my peace was gradually stolen. The enemy is truly trying to derail us from our missions in life. 

How does the enemy sidetrack us? He uses lies, exaggeration, self-entitlement, self-promotion, false identities, dysfunctional relationships, insecurities, and the list goes on and on. In summation, he uses deception, as he is the father of lies. 

Peace does not mean lack of discomfort or difficulty. Peace comes from knowing exactly what The Lord has made us to do  in general and in season. 

Practical indicators of your peace being stolen: agitation, frustration, strife, making things happen on your own accord, forcing yourself into things, lack of patience, prematurely attempting to persuade others, and so on. 

Can you think of anything that may be stealing your peace?

Jay

The Performance Trap

Have you ever noticed that many Christians are still attempting to earn God's grace? The head-knowledge isn't moving/being realized in the heart: "I know God saved me through His Son, but I keep trying to seek approval, affirmation, fulfillment by proving that I'm good/worthy of being saved."

Objectively observed, this behavior communicates some deficiencies in us knowing our worth/value/position/standing (Identity in Christ). You can easily identify them, because they are identifying with a false identity, and that shows up in so many ways: striving to always have to do more, always have to be perfect, always need man's approval, exhausted, stretched-thin, irritable, jockeying for positional leadership, et al.

Read the first chapter of Ephesians. Know that this chapter defines your identity. Pray that the true identity gets realized in your heart.

I have personally struggled with this one.

I highly recommend that you purchase the book listed below, as it is a game-changer. Dispels lies that create false identities and helps get you on the track to your true identity. You won't be disappointed.

Freedom From The Performance Trip
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0896939863/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360960914&sr=8-1&pi=SL75

Cease Fire

His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers! (Psalms 55:21 NLT)

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NLT)

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. (Ephesians 4:3 NLT)

Enough said.

Jay

Humble Thyself

The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11, 12 NLT)

The proud will insist on their understanding, ways, views, dogma, to the point of hurting/destroying a relationship.

The humble will bring peace, healing, reconciliation with them wherever they go. The focus is not being "right", but being in union/harmony/love above all else.

May we ask for humility every day we wake up.

Jay

Nurturer

May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nurtured plants. May our daughters be like graceful pillars, carved to beautify a palace. (Psalms 144:12 NLT)

May we constantly remind ourselves to nurture our children/family/friends.

Word,
Jay