A SuperNatural Force

One of my favorite is by playwright George Bernard Shaw:

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."

I like the idea of being a force of Nature. Something to be reckoned with. An influence. But I'm even more intrigued by being a SuperNatural Force. Supernatural means above nature. In other words, in the realm of the spiritual.

Going back to physics class, which I sucked at, force equals mass times acceleration, or f=ma. Breaking this down a bit, force = mass (a measurement of matter, or substance) X acceleration (change in velocity or direction over a period of time). Further looking at acceleration, we could explain it as your movement, or growth, in a particular direction, over a period of time. We can also explain, mass, or rather substance, as your character. The substance of who you are, what you are made of.

So, your personal Force is equivalent to your character X growth in a positive direction over time.

In looking at growth, let's think of the idea of continuous improvement. The Japanese industrialists, after World War II, developed a growth strategy that was based on making incremental steps of progress that build on each previous success. They called this strategy/philosophy Kaizen, which translates to Continuous Improvement. Our idea of growth should be of starting with small steps, and growing into larger steps over time, improving every step of the way.

Also, acceleration is a vector quality. Which means it is in a specific direction. A lot of people are moving in the wrong direction in life. Their life is characterized by, "a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy."
Self absorbed, self important, selfish people. There needs to be a change in direction from that kind of attitude. This change in direction is characterized by a change of attitude, a change of mind, a change of heart. In a word, this change means repentance. I have a previous blog post on that subject matter, you can review that. But this turning from sin and self, and turning to something else, or rather Someone else, that is, Jesus Christ, changes the entire nature of this force. The substance and character becomes that of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control.

In essence, you become a SuperNatural Force rather than just a force of nature, as powerful as that may be. You are then well equipped to be used for a Purpose recognized by yourself as being a mighty one.

That's much better than being a clod...I don't know what a clod is, anyway.

Enchant 'em...

Two weeks ago, (oops!) I wrote about 'dem purple cows. And how it might be a good idea to become one. So exactly how do you go about doing that?

I think one of the ways you become remarkable, the essence of a purple cow, is that you learn how to enchant people. No, I'm not talking about witchcraft or the occult. I'm speaking of being able to engage your audience or customer or interviewer in such a way that they become positively in-tuned with you. It's part of the bedrock of influence and persuasion.

Guy Kawasaki writes in most recent book, Enchantment, speaks of two necessary qualities needed to enchant others. Likability and Trustworthiness. Said another way, Personality and Character. Style and Substance. Carnegie and Covey. (For you book lovers out there, that's a nod to How to Win Friends and Influence People, and The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.) I mean, let's face it, shady jerks aren't in the enchantment business. Any remarks they gather aren't of the positive sort.

Next post I'll write a little bit about Likability. Maybe I'll learn something about it and be able to engage my zombie customers at the World of Wally in such a way that they won't eat me for dinner...

Grape Flavored Moo Juice

Greetings, Space Fans, or Space Fan, whomever you are!

Recently I read an extraordinary book by a marketing expert by the name of Seth Godin, Purple Cow. The premise of the book is this: If you're driving through the countryside, and come across fields full of various cows, you know, brown cows, black and white cows, etc., at first you might think, 'Cool, cows!"...this would last about, let's say, 5 minutes. Then the invasion of cows would quickly lose your interest.

But, what happens if you come across a Purple Cow strategically placed within the throng...



Undoubtedly, you would have to make a remark.

"Wow, do you see that! How cool!"

"How did that cow change his color like that?"

"I want one!"

Someone might take out their cell phone and take a picture, and send it to a friend. Someone else might call a friend and say, "You won't believe what I am looking at while we speak..." Your kids might jump out of the car, jump the fence, and touch the cow. You would then have them pose for a family picture with this celebrity cow.

This cow would truly be REMARKable.

Seth says that to compete in today's market of mass produced products sold to the masses, it is a must that you design your product as a Purple Cow from the get go. Beginning in the design phase, not as an afterthought.

I could elaborate on this for hours, but here's my take away, and my send away...How can you make your life a purple cow? What can you do in your life that would make you REMARKable?
How could you stand out, be enchanting to others that you meet, in such a way that you are genuine and authentic, yet dynamic at the same time? I think this idea is especially helpful for those who are job hunting, or considering a career change. As well as those designing their personal brand.

This is my random pondering for this week. Until we meet again, next week...

Pax...

Resurfacing

I've been gone for quite some time, I know. Part of the price I pay of not having internet at my apartment. You should see a regular post from me on Wednesday evenings or very early Thursday mornings.

I've been doing some serious research on a possible career change. I'm at the point to where I can barely tolerate the environment at my current place of employment. I know I possibly put myself at risk by making that public, but so be it. It's not like I'm being disloyal, or involved in under-handed dealings. Just being honest with where I'm at.

This career change could also be tied in with a move to another location as well. I think I need a change all around. Anyway, time will tell over the next few months.

Also a change, possibly , of where I worship. Some of you Parksiders might not like to hear that. Sorry. Nothing personal. But the distance is starting to take a toll financially.

Tune in next week....

Miracles in the Rain, part 2

It was the first day of class, the spring semester of 1991. My business calculus class just let out, and I immediately had a business law class on the other side of the Texas A&M campus. Again, just as I departed the building, the sky pours down torrents of rain. I hesitate and go back in the building. Not good for the first day of class. Of course, I was without an umbrella.

Because of my most unfortunate dilemma, I did what most umbrella-less students would do in a downpour. I began to negotiate with God. And it went a little something like this…

“Okay, God, I uh, well, if you stop the rain, well then, I’ll go to church this Sunday…”

Now keep in mind, the ”going to church” ritual was not part of my routine at that part of my life. And I was not yet aware that bargaining with God was not the most mature of Christian practices.

The rain stopped, within seconds.

Oh-oh.

So, I trotted along to my class, and just moments before I got inside the entrance, it began to rain again. Just a few drops was all that I encountered.

I sat through my class, thinking, “What did I get myself into?” I had no intention of breaking my end of the deal, even though it was hastily made. Class ended, and I left the building, amongst a clamor of excited Corps men. “We just invaded Iraq! We’re at war!” (This was news that excited the average corpsman. It terrified me, for my best friend, Dwight, had just enlisted in the army, and had completed basic training. There was a good chance he might be shipped off to fight in the first Gulf war.)

The following Sunday, I went to church with my friend, Jeff Fitzhugh. Went to Sunday School and worship. I don’t remember much, other than it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience. The Sunday school lesson and the pastor’s sermon were very encouraging and comforting, considering the state of war that America was in. I’m sure there were folks attending because of the fear and uncertainty that they were experiencing because of the current events. I can rest in knowing that I was present because of my encounter with our God, who was making Himself more and more personal to me.

It would be nice to say that I was at church next Sunday, and the Sunday after that, and that I became a devout follower of Christ from that point on. I did not. It would be another two years before I started on that point of my journey. But, I consider this experience one of many bricks that my Lord used to build the foundation He was laying. A foolish seeker says a prayer, and God answered. Some would say coincidence, I say it was a divine encounter of the most subtle of sorts. It seems to be those small, insignificant encounters He uses to change hearts of the foolish.

Miracles in the Rain, Part 1 (New Material!!!!)

On an early afternoon in the fall of 1990, I was about to leave the cafeteria at the commons on the Texas A&M campus. It was a fairly long walk to my dorm, then across campus to my next class. As soon as I stepped outside, the clouds sent forth a flood, comparable to the days of Noah. We didn’t stand a chance, instant drenching. Running for cover would do no good, for there was no cover that could protect us from the magnitude of this kind of deluge. So I kept walking. Five seconds latter, I could not get any wetter if I were fish food. Totally drenched.

About 5 minutes latter, a car pulled up next to me, the driver rolling down the passenger window and shouting, “Hey, do you need a ride?!”

How do you respond to that? I mean, what’s the point. I’m soaked, dude. A ride is not going to help at this point. One second after the flood started, maybe, but now, you’re a bit too late.

But, after a moments hesitation, something within led me to accept his kind but misguided offer. I got in, adding much moisture to the interior of his Monte Carlo. After he inquired to my destination, we were on our way.

I noticed he had a cross hanging from his rear view mirror, and a sticker of some sort with a pithy Christian saying on the dashboard. (Odd place for a sticker, but, oh well.) He also had one of those HUGE bibles on the seat next to him. He asked me, “Do you know who Michael W. Smith is? That’s him on the radio.” Oh, thanks dude. Haven’t a clue.

He didn’t say another word on the 2 minute drive.

We pulled up to my dorm, I got out and thanked him, He said goodbye, and that’s it. Never saw him again.

The rain let up. Great timing. I went inside my dorm and climbed 4 flights of stairs to the 4th floor. For a big boy, this takes some effort, and I’m winded after the third. As I was ascending, my thoughts started to gel. The cross, the sticker, the Bible. That guy was a Christian. And surprisingly, he was not a jerk. (Keep in mind, at this time in my life, I am in rebel mode. All things Christian were “the enemy” to my lifestyle.) In fact, he didn’t preach to me one bit. He served me. Hmmm. That’s what Christians do. They serve. Or at least they’re supposed to. This one got it right.

It was a God moment. At that point in time, my perspective on what Christians were all about did a 180. I began to see Christians and the church in a more positive light. It was a paradigm shift of the highest order.

I never saw that guy again. But I will see him again. One glorious day, I will have the opportunity to find him, and say, “Hey, do you remember that ride you gave to that random guy during the rain? Well, I’m Here because of you.”

His random act of kindness laid a major brick on the foundation of my faith.

So, never doubt your act of kindness. It may send someone on a new path.



2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2

Part Tres, Becoming a Member of Something Bigger than Myself

Original MySpace blog posted February 21, 2008

That evening, at work, I "heard" God speak again. "Go to church on Sunday, Steve's church, Parkside, and join. Be baptized." I didn't wrestle with it at all, I was there the next Sunday, two days latter, and went forward during the invitation at the end of the sermon. Couldn't tell you what the sermon was about. But I knew what God was speaking to me. I said I didn't wrestle with it, maybe I did. For a moment, the Enemy was doing all he could to keep me back. There was a small civil war going on in my mind. But God won. I don't remember the walk forward to the altar, but I remember shaking Pastor Dennis' hand.

The following Sunday, I was baptized. And two weeks later, Steve was transferred to Peoria, Illinois through his job, so he could be closer to his daughter. His work here as a servant of God was done. He has since remarried and has two more kids. But I praise God because of the huge impact Steve had in my life.

I immediately got involved in the life of the church. Discipleship was very important to me. I wanted to learn how to be a disciple, or student, of Christ. I got involved in a bible study called Experiencing God, which taught me how to listen for God's voice more closely. Mike Dickson met with me one on one for about six months, encouraging and teaching me. I tried out different ministry roles, such as teaching 9th grade boys, or helping out in the boy's Royal Ambassador missions program. I was and still am involved in the Single's ministry. I also learned I had a knack for drama, and was involved in many parts and roles in our drama ministry. I even directed 2 Christmas pageants, no small thing for our church. But I was given the opportunity to try many things, and fail at many things, in order to find my place.

To back up a little bit, on March 20, 1994, I discerned God's call on my life to do something more for His Kingdom. I've never like the distinction between the laity and the clergy, because I feel we are all ministers, and the pastors are there to equip us for the work of the ministry. Nonetheless, I felt God was calling me to be involved at a pastoral level. To what extent, I did not, and still do not know. I feel a burden to plant churches, and neither of the traditional nor contemporary type. 1st century churches met in homes, without buildings, budgets, or huge staffs. The church was God's called out ones, gathering together to build each other up and to encourage one another in ministry. We are so far removed from that today, but that is a slice of the vision of what I discern God is calling me to do, to get back to a simpler model of being and doing church. I love Parkside, and that is where I am for now. But God has called me to keep my ear to His mouth and to be prepared to follow His lead.

There is much more I could write about "my" story. I hope my little story points to His story. It is that story that has the potential to turn a world upside down to being right-side up again. I hope my story might encourage your story to point to his story as well. God Bless.

My Story, Part 2

Original MySpace Post on Thursday, February 21, 2008

I was AWOL from church for 7 years after that. But God found me on the campus of Texas A&M. That was a place where I found myself to be very insignificant. God had a mouthpiece by the name of Jeff Fitzhugh, a guy who lived in the room next to mine in my dorm. It was through Jeff that I began to see what a Christian looked like. One day Jeff used a phrase like, "I'm just trying to find out what God's will for my life is." That phrase got me thinking. God having a will for our life, or even my life? That was a concept that was just too big for my pagan mind to wrap itself around. But it got the ball rolling. Jeff was a wonderful example of a Christian servant, for whom I am very thankful I met. He had a profound impact on my life.

This would be the section that I would include the two "miracles in the rain" in my testimony, but because of space concerns, I will include them in my next blog.

I failed miserably at Texas A&M. Environmental Design was my major, which is the Aggie way of saying architecture. Since I was a little boy, I always wanted to be an architect. But at A&M, I discovered that I didn't cut the mustard when it came to the artistic side of design. I was very dejected when I saw my hopes go down the drain. Because of financial problems, I returned home feeling like a failure.

Upon returning home, I rekindled a friendship with a former co-worker, Steve Iafelice. He, too, just returned home, having gone through a divorce. But, he was rekindling his relationship with Jesus Christ. And that's what I saw, and that's what I wanted. I saw that he had every reason to feel like a failure and be dejected and depressed, despondent. But it was just the opposite. He had a peace while in the middle of the storm. He had joy and purpose, and that's what I wanted.

Over the next few months, Steve began to invest his life into mine. He asked me questions, and he answered mine. We studied the bible together. He shared the good news of Jesus Christ repeatedly with me, or at least, he shared the Christian life with me that was relevant to my everyday problems. We went to church a few times together. He was a member of Parkside Baptist Church. All of this took place between the months of August of 1991 to November of 1992.

On December 18, 1992, at !:40 pm, I was taking a walk in my neighborhood. And God began to talk to me. Now when I say God talked, I am not speaking of an audible voice. I am talking about a level of conviction of the heart and mind. But what I discerned God asking me was this: "Will you die for me?"

Some folks would interpret this as a physical death that He was asking of me. And maybe that is part of the request. But what I know He was asking me at that time was, "Would you deny yourself, take up your own cross, and follow me?" (Luke 9:23) I didn't even know of the verse at the time. But I knew the essence of it. God was asking me to crucify my Self, my sinful nature, (the beast within) by receiving His gift of forgiveness, and identifying with Him in His death. His death became my own. I no longer lived, but Christ would begin to live through me. It was a onetime event that led to a daily commitment of dying and surrendering to his life.

So, I said yes.

God was also asking, "Will you start doing things My way?" Would I turn from myself and selfishness, and turn to Him? Would I start living in His Kingdom, according to His purposes and ways? Again, I said yes. I said yes to everything God had to offer, because essentially I had nothing, and could do nothing apart from Him.

So, in the jargon of the church, that was the moment I was saved. The little prayer I said when I was 11 years old suddenly took on flesh. Or maybe, it was given life.

Next Week, Membership

My Story, Part One

Original MySpace post on February 21, 2008

Sorry so late, about 3 months.
Ah, yes, where to begin .. .

When I was growing up, on Sundays my mom used to take me to Sunday School. For the most part, I hated it. I was a shy kid, and didn't have too many friends in my Sunday School classes. Hardly any , if none, of the kids in my Sunday School classes attended the elementary schools I went to. So I just didn't enjoy the Church thing because I was an outsider. I would go and participate in the activities, and somewhat learned the Bible stories, but even at a young age the idea of "love one another" didn't come across as too important, especially when you didn't feel the love from your classmates.

Looking back, my feelings now, and my perspective, is that I don't feel ill will toward any of them. Many of them have grown up to be fine, Godly Christian men and women, many of whom are my friends now. When we're teenagers, we can all be punks. We lived in a hormonal, peer-pressured jungle. It's a battleground for the mind when one is a teen, and sometimes, God's Kingdom loses out on that round. (All the more importance for an engaged children's and youth ministry, in my opinion.)

I digress. At the age of 11, my Sunday School teacher at the time, an older gentleman, of whose name at the moment eludes me, gathered all of us boys together, and asked a very important question. "How many of you boys want to go to Heaven?" ……. Well, duh, we all raised our hand. I knew there was a Heaven, and I knew there was a Hell, and I definitely didn't want to be roasting in eternity after I died. Our teacher then proceeded to tell us a very child friendly version of the Cross. When he wrapped it up he then said something along the lines of, "Now, bow your heads and repeat after me. Say this prayer, and mean it in your hearts." He then proceeded to lead us in a sinners prayer, something like this:
'Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, I believe that you died on the cross for my sins, please come into my heart and forgive my sins…Amen."

I really didn't understand the significance of what was happening to me at the moment. And no explanation of repentance was given. But, I do know that at that time I understood that Heaven was all about Jesus and the Cross. I knew that Jesus' death was very important, and central to getting our butts into heaven.

A few years passes, and I still disliked going to Sunday School. Mom took me to "Big" church a few times, and I thought that was kinda cool, but long and drawn out, and the preacher was boring. My understanding of the things of God were getting clearer, but I just didn't understand some of the stuff of the Bible. It just seemed so upside down.

My freshman year in high school was one of those fork in the road moments for me. I had a Sunday school teacher who seemed to give a darn about me, I remember he invited me to a few Sunday School events. I thought he was cool because of that, and I remember him to this day. (Thanks, Lee Terrell.) But for the most part I still didn't fit in. So, one Sunday I begged mom to not take me to Church. And she gave in. And the next Sunday, and the next, and the next. Soon, church was a thing of the past. Mom stopped going altogether, too. And I feel guilty about that to this day.

I do remember one guy, named Michael Howell, who tried to get me back to Sunday School. He made an effort to invite me back, told me that I was missed. That has forever made a mark on me. He was the only one, other than Mr. Terrell, who stepped to the plate and noticed that someone was missing. I'll always have an immense amount of respect for him because of that. We never became close friends or anything like that, probably never spoke another word after that for 4 years. But the memory remains.

Next Post, The College Years

Not Just a Ticket to Ride

Original MySpace blog posted on Thursday, November 8, 2007


Hello!


So, did you think about the question I asked you two weeks ago? If you were to die tonight, and were standing before God Almighty, and He asked you, "Why should I allow you into my heaven?" how would you respond?

Some folks answer, "Well, I'm a good person. I've never done any really bad things, like stealing, or committed adultery. I've never killed anybody, like Jeffery Dahlmer."

Well, that's all fine and good, but the bible says in Isaiah 64:6 "We are all infected and impure with sin. They are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall ,and our sins sweep us away like the wind."

Maybe you would say, "Hey, I've done all these good things, like give to the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity. I mow old widow Jones yard every week. And I help out every Thanksgiving with the homeless dinner."

Again, that's a good list of things, and you're to be commended. But God's Word says, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Ephesians 2:8-9

Maybe you'll answer, "I've lived my life on my own terms. It's my life." Bold statement to be telling the Almighty. But the Almighty say's in His Word, "There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12

I say boldly, and with no apology, there is only one correct answer this question, (although its truth can be expressed in many ways.) The answer is simply, "My faith is in Christ alone. Because of Jesus Christ and what He has done for me, may I enter your Heaven."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Have you had this experience in your life? Maybe as a young child or teenager? Or even an adult, but you've walked away from it, because you didn't understand, or wavered in your belief? Has there been a moment in your life where you were one on one with God, and you had that heart to heart talk with Him, recognizing that you were a sinner and you needed His forgiveness?

If you have, great! You can rest in our Fathers grace and continue to seek his direction in your life..

If not, do you want to. I'm here to help. Message me. I'll respond, as long as you're seriously seeking.

Next time, my story….