Today, I got fired.

Today, I got fired.

Actually, a more accurate way to put it would be: Today, I fired myself. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to do this…and it probably won’t be the last.

I continually find myself employed by this thing called pride…hired on to manage peoples perceptions of me. It’s never ending, grueling work with a horrible salary and zero benefits. Yet I can’t seem to avoid its allure.
Being a people-pleaser has been, for most of my life, a part-time job. I can’t believe how many precious minutes of my life have been spent trying to please others, trying to fit in, and trying to be seen as someone who “gets it”…whatever “it” is.

The truth is, the harder I try to constantly maintain my image to the people around me…the more I’m really just slaving away in a dead-end job.
The more time I spend trying to manage the perception that others have of me…the more I stay stuck.

-Stuck in old habits.
-Stuck in old patterns.
-Stuck in the same routines.

Why? Well, because they work.
How do I know? Well, people seem to like me, accept me, and look up to me. Why would I want to change that?

Well, if my purpose was to merely appease and pacify people, then there would be no reason to change…no reason to fire myself.

But I know and am convinced that 1) I ultimately CAN’T please people and 2) I wasn’t CALLED to. My calling in this life is fixed in pleasing God, which only through Christ is possible, and leaves zilch room for my “pride factory” and people-pleasing tendencies. Living out this calling has implications.

It means:
-Saying the hard thing to someone, even if it puts our friendship at odds.
-Doing the hard, unpopular thing because it’s right.

It also means:
-Being willing to receive admonishing words from a mentor, even if it hurts.
-Being vulnerable and allow people I trust to speak into my life, even if it’s uncomfortable.

Living out the Christ-centered calling God has placed on my life won’t always bring comfort and popularity, but will always produce completeness and fulfillment.

Stop slaving away for your pride. Stop living your life to merely keep people liking you. You were called for something greater than yourself!

Pride doesn’t pay. Fire yourself.

The Internet...not so long ago

It's amazing to see how far technology has come:



It's also interesting to hear the comments about a persons longing and desire for "connectivity"...and "community". I couldn't agree more! The Internet has been so successful BECAUSE everyone identifies with the need for relationships!

Guess what?!?! That's HOW we were created! Yes, CREATED! We were made for relationship...with GOD and with others.

That's why I love the Church! And THAT'S why being connected to a church HAS to be our priority!

Is it for you? Why or why not?

Star Wars: retold by someone who has never seen it.

First off, I LOVE Star Wars! This was funny to watch...especially with the animation.

It made me think of the way people seem to view the Jesus, the Bible and Christianity. From the outside, it all kinda sounds like Dark Side of the Force, Luke Skywalker, and Ewoks all over again. Weird ingredients to an even weirder story.

I mean, when all you hear is the strange stories about a God who kills thousands of people for disobeying him but really LOVES you...
That he has a son whose mom was a virgin...
That this son walked on water, and supposedly is now living inside of people who believe in him...

Without understanding the plot and context of all those things, I can see why some people have a skewed view of God and His Church. The Bible is full of weird, crazy, and mysterious things!

But, pick up the Bible, read it and soon discover...from COVER to COVER, God's Story makes sense! HIS PLOT to create the Human Race, reveal Himself, rescue us, restore us, and redeem us is clearly seen!

Nothings disconnected. Every character, every story, every victory, and every defeat is a part of HIS PLAN!!!

In the same way you wouldn't watch this video and think you've seen Star Wars...You probably wouldn't want to say you know God if you haven't spent the time to read what He says.

Get to know God by feasting on His words and His thoughts found in the Bible.

How Rich Are You?

This is a site a came across a while ago and possibly even posted about, but it's a good reminder.

If you're like me, you've probably spent an absurd amount of time wishing you had more money to buy more stuff...never content with what you already have...salivating as you think of your next "purchase"...that next "thing" that supposedly will make your life more complete...

Yes. I confess. I've been there...and probably will again.

But, the truth is...I AM blessed. I have ALL I need in Christ. He ALONE completes me and quenches my thirst. He ALWAYS provides. This world has NOTHING for me...except a grave.

My Prayer: Proverbs 30:7-9

Sunday Night Thoughts and...Tilt-Shift Action

I love Sunday nights. Especially tonight. I'm just hanging out with my amazing wife, who is currently serenading me on her guitar and "playing for kisses." That's a currency I'll never run out of!

Also, I'm just plain STOKED about the season of life God has us in right now. One of the biggest blessings of our life is our church, Seacoast. We don't just work at Seacoast or attend there on Sundays...WE BELONG to the family there!

Mentors, spiritual shepherds, and true God-centered community has permeated our life and ministry here. I don't know how I survived life a few years back when 'going' to church was just that...going. I didn't have a clue what it meant to 'BE' a part of Christ's Body at a local church!

I was merely a "Sunday Night Spectator"...And I wondered why I felt alone.

I was isolated.


Well, all that to say...Praise Jesus for the Church!

On a totally different topic, I'm obsessed with tilt shift photography! I couldn't stop thinking about it all week! I'll have to post some pics soon!

A New Day

I read this blog this morning and thought I'd pass it on. What is YOUR mindset as We the People transition into this new era?

"Today is a new day. It’s a new era. Regardless of who you voted for or why, it’s time to switch gears. It’s time to pray for Obama as he transitions to become the President of the United States.
And furthermore, you need to know this is not a surprise to God. Before the billions of dollars were spent on this campaign, God already knew the outcome. He wasn’t sitting around the television last night ringing his hands like you were.
He doesn’t need a Republican or a Democrat, an electoral vote, or a state. He’s not red or blue. He’s God.
He’s God and I’m not. You’re Not. Obama is not. McCain is not.
So if your candidate lost. I’m sorry. If you’re worried your issues aren’t going to be being addressed. I’m sorry. But God is still God and He’s still sitting on His throne.
Let’s move on."