Dump your trash somewhere else.

I have a friend who owns a few acres on land that once was the site of many civil war battles. One day he arrived home to find a guy in his front yard with a metal detector and shovel looking for souveniers. Unamused, he asked for the man's address so he could return the favor.

That story reminded me of the lack of respect we sometimes have for others, or they have for us. I compare it to your neighbor coming over and dumping their garbage in your front yard. Most of us would never allow this kind of behavior to our well cropped lawns and gardens, but we let it go on every day in our lives.

We live in a time when there seems to be a total lack of personal accountability in our society. At work people blame their failures on a co-worker (dumping their trash in someone elses yard). In our  homes we blame a sibling or spouse for what is going on in our life. At church we blame the preacher or church leaders for something we don't like, or something we find offensive.

Grow Up! If you want to be successful. If you want to get the most out of each and every day. Here are two simple rules that might help.

1. Take responsibility for your own life. Quit blaming someone else for your circumstances, your unhappiness or your failures. You can't change what happened in your past (even the garbage others have dumped in your life), but you can impact your future.
2. Don't let people dump their garbage in your front yard. A simple, "I'm sorry, I won't accept that kind of behavior" or "You are not going to treat me that way," goes a long way. If it continues take the necessary actions to stop the unwanted behaviors.

If all else fails - go buy them a trash can.

Bound & Loosed

Are we free in Christ, or bound by law?

Are we liberated in Christ, or slaves to righteousness?

Do we live by a code of thou shalt not, or by the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus?

Be careful before you answer too quickly. For those who are all law and no grace, Christianity isn't just a checklist of items to get us to heaven. We need to be cautious that we are not like the Pharisee who says, "'God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." (Luke 18:11, 12). Remember, this was not the man who left the temple justified that day.

On the other side of the equation,  our umbrella of grace shouldn't be so large that we disregard our obligation to follow the commands of God. "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (Romans 6:1, 2). Disregard for the commands of God should be a fearful thing.

We live in an interesting era when old standards are being questioned and a new generation of believers are trying to find God in a biblical context. I hear a lot of my peers chastising this next generation because they don't automatically accept everything they hear from the pulpit. That is not a bad thing if their questions are raised from a biblical context. "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true." (Acts 17:11)

I can see the positive and negatives of this "seeker" generation. They don't want to play by the old rules, some have issues with authority (a personal struggle of mine), and there are always those who just want change for change sakes. BUT, let's look at the upside for just a minute. Like any body of believers, we can cling to our traditions so tightly that we begin to bind them as law. We protect them like a lioness guards her newborn cub.

Challenges to our long held beliefs is a good thing. 1) It forces us to study and re-examine what we believe. While my core beliefs have not changed, I have had some significant paradigm shifts over the past decade. 2) We are strengthed when our faith is exercised. Resistance builds spiritual muscle mass.  3) We come to understand that some of our traditions are just that - traditions!!! That revelation and "AHA" moment allows us to move past archaic ideas that fail to reach the next generation.

I Thirst

I can only imagine the anguish and struggle Jesus faced as he hung on that Roman cross in Golgotha. Spat upon, betrayed and beaten he struggled as each breath grew weaker. At one point he cried out, "I Thirst," an expression of fleshly agony, but it also serves as a metaphor for the longing and desire we have for life's simplest and most essential element - water.

When Jesus sat with the woman at the well (John 4:4-26) we learn a great deal about role and importance of water. A community well was a social center where people would come, gather their essential water for cooking and cleaning, but they would also share their knowledge of community news and world events. As travelers passed through they would communicate the happenings of a world most would never see.

When Jesus sat with the woman at the well he told her about the "living water," and she was eager to know more about the commondity that would forever quench her thirst and provide for her needs. Jesus used water, essential to the body, to the life of individuals and communities as a metaphor for eternal life. While we take water for granted, most of the world understands the precious nature of pure, potable, sanitary water. Consider a few of these facts:

• Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation causes 80% of all disease and kills more people than all forms of violence, including war, combined.
• 90% of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week are to children under the age of 5 and are a direct result of preventable disease.
• Today over 1.1 billion people do not have access to safe, clean drinking water (1 out of 8 people).
• IN Africa, 40 billion hours are spent every year walking for water (most of this work is done by women and children). Even though most of those water sources are not safe for drinking. During their walk they are at greater risk of harrassment, sexual assault, theft and violence.
• The overall economic loss in Africa because of a lack of safe water is $28 billion, about 5% of GNP.

Those are just a few of the troubling statistics concerning the lack of safe water around the globe. Imagine for just a minute the impact that a well planned water ministry can have on the world population.

• Again the well becomes the social center of a community. A place where life giving water can be delivered for both the body and soul.
• The well becomes a place for sanitary and spiritual education. Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within  him" (John 7:38).
• The walk for water is reduced from hours to minutes.
• The availbility of water and the time saved in water delivery allows for agricultural development, irrigation, sanitation and economic growth of the village. (The average daily income where water is NOT present is less than $2.50 per day).
• Children spend more time in school and education and the community advances as the next generation become teachers, hygiene workers and business owners.

"Living Water," our Lord wasn't kidding. Everyday I go and get cold, filtered glass of water from my refridgerator door and never stop to think about the 4 children who die every minute because of a lack of potable water. We can change the world, save the lives of millions, but most importantly we can provide a center in villages around the world where we can tell others about the "living water" that comes only through Christ.

Dealing with mean people.

I read a great blog from a friend entitled, "I quit." In it, he discusses all the foolishness and thoughtless that ministers face. As I have contemplated his post a few thoughts came to mind. So bear with me while I share my thoughts about dealing with mean people.

• It only takes a couple of jerks to make your life miserable. Most of the  headaches, criticisms and complaints come from a small majority of people. Jesus even warned us, "beware when all men speak well of you..." (Luke 6:26). We have to work hard not to let mean people ruin our day.
• Don't put up with foolishness! When you allow people to behave badly, it empowers them. You are not the only person they treat that way. I am tired of hearing people say, I have to be more diplomatic in my job, or if I say something it might be perceived wrong. Too often we disguise weakness as diplomacy.
• Stand up for someone else. If you see a co-worker being treated badly, stand up for them. If your preacher is being skewered for a courageous sermon, speak out in support. Enough of this wimpy, mealy-mouth Christianity that so many would have us embrace.
• Stop whining and act! "Life is so hard, people treat me badly, I want to give up." Wallowing in our own self-pity doesn't do anything but enable bullies and tyrants. If you are not willing to stand up for yourself or on principle then don't expect others to stand up for you.

I have found two approaches to mean people that seems to work: 1) To my critics who have little influence or ability to hurt me I simply laugh or pity them; 2) To those with intent to malign my character, hurt my family or damage my influence I choose to stand up, speak up and if possible have them shut up.

To the rest of you who make up my wonderful circle of friends (about 98% of you out there), thank you. You have been my rock and my strength when I have struggled. You have picked me up when I was fallen and you prayed for me and cared for me when I was weak. I will never allow the other 2% to diminish the good you have brought to my life.

Pick your battles

A lot of my posts don't sit well with some people. I have had to come to terms with the fact that if I speak my mind, some people are not going to like what comes out. I can live with that! There were times (especially when I was in full-time ministry), I was too eager to please others. I realized I actually did people a disservice by not speaking out on some issues.

How do you reach a point where you can throw caution to the wind and say what you believe? In some jobs and some circumstances it is very difficult to be true to what you believe. For example:

• Is it a sin for a Christian to have a glass of wine at dinner?
• Is Sunday night service a tradition that needs to be reviewed, perhaps even changed?
• Is it wrong for a Christian to be pierced, tattoed or dress in an alternative (yet modest) way?

Now the fun begins. I believe these questions can be answered through some of the following observations. How do we draw our conclusions and how do we impose them on others?

1. Is the topic one that has a clear biblical teaching. Is there a "thou shalt, or thou shalt not...?"
2. Is it a topic that is a "principle" teaching. In other words do certain principles of godly living apply that help us determine an appropriate action or behavior?
3. Is it a matter of judgment and opinion? If so, is there more than one right answer?

How we view topics such as these are important, not only to determine what we believe in relationship to our Christian walk, but also in how we tend to judge other people. I know those who judge others for homeschooling, or not homeschooling; for letting their kids get pierced or tattoed; for choosing a family outing over attending a gospel meeting (I know, I have gone to meddling).

I still have to pick my battles. Some topics are not worth the division and pain they will cause if the questions are raised. Sometimes I choose to fight because others are being judged and criticized for topics that are clearly matters of opinion.

Now, I would truly love to hear what you think?

Break the Rules

On the occasion of my son graduating high school, and again college, I gave  him writing journals (a passion I share with all four of my children). On page one of those journals are "rules for life." I think it is rule #6 or #7 that says, "sometimes you have to break the rules, wisdom is knowing which rules to break."

I hate rules, policies, guidelines, ordinances and laws. I am also not too fond of suggestions, input, oversight or guidance. I would make a great Libertarian if it wasn't for my longstanding religious and moral convictions.

That being said, I was reading Seth Godin's blog today and I was inspired by this simple conclusion, "If the only alternative is slow and painful failure, the way to get unstuck is to blow up a constraint, deal with the pain and then run forward. Fast."

That is not a very popular view among rule-mongers and law-makers. It strikes at the heart of legalists and Pharisees, but I love it. Sometimes you have to turn over the apple cart, shake up the status quo, or do something to stop the slow painful descent into apathy and complanceny.

I get lots of criticisms for my blogs (yes, I also get more praise than I deserve), because I say what is on my mind. Totally unfiltered, unrestrained, untethered remarks of where I am in that moment of time. I am happiest when my thoughts stir others to thought or action. If I encroached on your comfort zone all I can say is Hallelujah and Amen. Maybe, just maybe you will come back tomorrow to see whose buttons I am pushing.

Just for today - break a rule, just for the fun of it.

Manhood

I used to grumble and complain about my father. He was  hard, tough and didn't put up with much foolishness. If you talked back, disobeyed, or crossed him, he didn't put you in the quiet chair, give you time out, or stop to listen to the exigent circumstances - he simply knocked you into next week. If the boys in our home (and there were 5 of us) had a dispute, we were sent downstairs to settle it on the wrestling mats, or with some boxing gloves. Being the youngest I found that profoundly unfair.

But now, as I look around at a world that doesn't know what genuine manhood is about, I'm grateful. Seeing men talking about their feminine side, or courts sending men to sensitivity and anger management counseling for defending their families, or standing up for what they believe in - I'm thankful I was raised "old school."

I am glad my father taught me to handle a gun before I was 10. I appreciate my brothers who pushed me out the door and threatened bodily harm if I didn't stand up to bullies and jerks. A young man needs to learn to be able to take a punch and get back on his feet, better yet he needs to learn how to throw a punch that his opponent won't soon forget.

I like to hunt, I eat meat, I wear animal skins (love my leather biker jacket) and I believe cholesteral is what makes food taste great. I believe God placed the mantel of leadership on men and He must be awfully irritated that so many have abdicated their responsibility.

I won't apologize for enjoying ESPN,  going to Ultimate Fight Competitions, or watching old John Wayne movies. I think football should be played without pads (like Rugby), and that motorcycles are better therapy than yoga, or walks in the park with a toy poodle.

Somehow our culture has come to the conclusion that leadership, courage, power, might and strength are the antithesis of love, compassion and tenderness, but nothing is further from the truth. The man who loves his wife and family is the man who will fight for them, defend them, stand up for them and have the courage to be the leader God designed him to be.

Enabler or Legalist

I had to run by Sam's club at lunch today and on my way into the store there was a heavily tattoed young man soliciting assistance in the parking lot. I tried to sum him up quickly while I pretended not to see him. He seemed strong, healthy and able to work - so I headed into the store without hearing his story. That is the cold, calculating side of my personality and quite frankly I don't always like it.

Put a group of suffering kids in front of me in Haiti, Zimbabwe or some other developing country and I will take the shoes off my feet and the shirt off my back (though you really don't want to visual that). How do we go about effectively helping those who need help and telling lazy, deadbeats to get a job? Here are few lessons I learned along the way:

1. Don't be afraid to ask a few relevant questions. Someone who is in need, emotionally or financially won't have a problem with answering a few questions. My primary purpose in asking questions is to watch body language and see if they lie to me. If I can't believe their answers to simple questions, how can I believe their story of need.

2. Err on the side of compassion. If I am going to make a mistake in reference to the character of an individual, then I can at least give them the benefit of the doubt. So what is the harm if the guy soaks me for a couple of burgers and a coke.

3. When you do help - try to deal with the problem and not contribute to the source (don't enable bad behavior). I have driven folks to McDonald's and bought them dinner (especially if they have kids), but I am very, very careful about giving money that will be used for smokes or brews.

When it comes to life challenges that go deeper than the immediate needs mentioned above, it is more difficult. If my spouse has an alcohol problem I don't help the situation by overlooking her addiction. I have to confront the problem head on. I can be compassionate, but firm in my approach.

On the other hand we need to be careful not to jump to conclusion, or become so cold that write everyone off. For example: John has been sober for 20 years and falls off the wagon and someone says, "I don't know why we help that guy, he is nothing but a drunk." So much for getting any credit for 20 years of sobriety.

How do we know if we are helping, enabling, or just being a cold-hearted jerk? Time will usually tell. If you err on the side of compassion, but see the same behavior being repeated, then you are drifting towards enabling that behavior. Ah the pendulum continues to flow back and forth.

I have learned that life is a dance and I haven't learned all the steps yet (hey that may be the next blog).

;-)

P.S. Remember the Millview presentation tonight - see the map below.

My greatest gift

I still recall walking down that peaceful backround in Honduras when I wandered on the little girl in the picture to your right. She lived in a run down little shack and you can see how her eyes lit up when we gave her a hand made doll, sandwich and a few crackers.  As Paul Harvey would say, "and now for the rest of the story."

When we came back from our trek down to a small village, she was waiting for us at the gate. She wasn't waiting for more food or gifts, but had two small bags of fruit she had gathered to give back to us. It was one of the most humbling moments in my life. I gave out of abundance and she gave out of her poverty and want.

Through the years I have learned that my greatest gifts also come through my own poverty and want. Sometimes that has been financial (streching myself to help someone else), other times it is out of the emotional poverty that exists because of tragedy, heartache or struggles in my own life. Somehow those gifts seem to have a deeper purpose and meaning.

My personal challenges in life are not secret to those who regularly read my blogs. They have included a divorce, financial struggles at times and bouts with discouragement and depression. I used to look back on those times and see the scars and failures, but strangely they turned into blessings. Not blessings for me, but others.

We laugh at the comic renditions of "I feel your pain," but there is real value in sincere empathy towards others who have struggled. The greatest gifts I have to give are the hope and promise that come in those shared experiences. Having been through the fire of affliction, I can assure others there is so much good on the other side.

So, what do you have to give? What is your greatest gift to others?

Harnessing Stress

After I went through my divorce in 2003, I lost 25 lbs. in 30 days. It was one of the few good things I remember during that year. My waistline was as small as it had been in a decade. There was a lot of stress, fear and foolishness that followed that period of my life, but looking back (and now forward) I can see some positive things I gained from those trying times. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Use negative energy as a motivation. I have had my share of struggles in relationships, business dealings and finances. When things get rough, some people give up, others get motivated. I am tired of being overweight, underpaid, and out of work. If you are tired of feeling that way, then get off your butt and get busy, its never too late to make improvements.
2. Exercise! One of he single best things you can do to counter stress, depression and other emotional challenges is to exercise. Physical exertion floods your body with positive endorphins. The physical exertion reduces stress and the chemical affect on  your body stimulates a positive emotional response (i.e. you effectively treat mind and body).
3. Quit the blame game. You can't change other people. It doesn't matter if it is a boss, a co-worker, or your spouse, you are expending valuable energy that could be used for self-improvement. Start asking what do I need to do for me.

All that pent up energy and emotion we call stress can find a positive release. I didn't realize it when I was younger, but when I was angry I would go shoot some hoops. After about an hour I felt so much better. I often couldn't remember why I was so angry.

You may think this is all a bunch of psycho-babel (and maybe it is), but do me a favor. Try making this one change for a week. Take the negative energy you feel this week and direct it towards something positive (try to include excercise in that process). Come back in a week and tell me how it went.

The Name Game

Are you a racists, bigot, right-wing radical, or left-wing nut job? An ad hominem argument (attacking the source rather than addressing the issue) can be a powerful tool in the right hands, and is often used to prejudice masses of people against a particular group or individual. The problem is in the fallacy of that type of argument. John may be a right-wing radical, but his philosophy of economic recovery could be perfectly logical and reasonable.  Cindy could very well be a left-wing nut job, but her proposal for public safety could be right on the mark.

When politics, or personal relationships denegrate down to the level of name calling; it derails people from the real issues at hand. Our government needs to have real, open discussions on the economy, job creation, immigration and national security without the name calling. I want to know if one person's ideas are better than the other. I am not a fan of our current adminstration, or most of their policies, but I will listen if they will stand up, be transparent and defend their ideas. How will another trillion dollars bring about recovery? What did you do wrong the first time? What are your specific, detailed plans to fix it? (btw, I am not in favor of more stimulus money being spent - I am simply saying I will listen if politicians will actually address their ideas in more detail).

We have two serious problems in politics and government administrations today:

1. The first is name calling when you find yourself on the hot seat. It is much easier to deflect attention if you can "blame the current woes on the last eight years." Stop the blame game and tell me what you are going to do.
2. Platitudes: We get a lot of glowing, glittering language of how some government program is going to save the world, improve National Defense, or jump start the economy. I want details! I am not a rocket scientist, but I'm not a moron either. Tell me exactly how you plan to get from point A to point B.

When I make a new proposal to my board of directors, they have lots of questions. Why should we spend this money on a new initiative? How will it work? What gaurantees can you offer for its success? What are the specific outcomes we can expect?

Isn't it interesting that the idea that led to the capping of the oil well in the Gulf may have come from an anonymous plumber.  We are not mindless masses of Lemmings who don't know anything. Listen to the people who sent you to office - we know what is best for America.

P.S. check out the "Contract from America" while you are at it.

Standing up for our principles

Two items came to my attention today that made me wince and decide that I need to do more than sit on the sidelines and cry foul. The first was a newsletter from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. I have been a member for over a decade and watched as the organization has grown more and more progressive in their agenda. There are certainly perks to membership (training, professional designations, and networking), but I had to decide if I was comfortable with my dues going to pay for social engineering that violates my value system. The answer is a resounding NO! Their promotion of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender agenda is not something I want to be even remotely connected with.

The second item was a news article a friend posted on Facebook. It seems that despite all the promises that no Federal dollars would be used to fund abortion, our government is sending $160 million to PA for a high risk insurance pool that will include Federal Funding of abortion. I am not surprised by the lies and deciet, but I also realize it is time to do something. Before the end of the day tomorrow, I will make calls, send emails and insure that my voice is heard. I will put it on my Twitter account, Facebook and help spread the word.

So who will join me and stand up for what they believe in? Let's restore order, decency and godly principles to our nation.

Who you trying to impress?

I hate to admit it, but there are times I still go out of my way to impress people. What is that old saying, "I buy things I don't need, with money I don't have to impress people I don't like." After 25 years of working in circles where your reputation can often determine your job security - it is hard to break out of that mold.

We have all heard people say, "I don't care what you think," when what they really mean is "I care deeply about what you think or I wouldn't be so upset with you right now." In many areas of my life I have done a pretty good job in learning to be true to myself and to God. It took a lot of years to realize that no matter what decisions you make in life, you are going to tick somebody off. So if some element of my friends, family and fellow Christians are going to be unhappy with me anyway - at least I can look in the mirror with a clear conscience.

We put a lot of unnecessary pessure on ourselves by worrying about what other people think. A friend had a post of Facebook that cracked me up. It said something to the affect of, "Don't come to my house and complain about my pets. 1.) It's my house - there is a reason they live here and you don't; 2) I love my pets, they are part of our family; 3) If you don't want pet hair on your cloths, don't sit on the furniture, that is why they call it  FUR - niture."

Now that is all tongue in cheek, but it makes a good point. For the most part, we are guests in other people's lives. We are put there to encourage them, strengthen them and lift them up. I'm not saying there aren't times we need "intercessions" when self-destructive behavior is going on, but that is the exception. Why do we feel the need to FIX everyone but ourselves?

I like motorcycles. If you don't like them great - don't ride, but you don't need to feel obligated to tell me how foolish, or dangerous, or irresponsible my behavior is. I know the risks. I like dangerous, exciting, mind-bending experiences. They make me feel alive. Do you really think you are the first person to reveal the dangers to me?

I have friends from all walks of life. Some of them may not always be the most desireable characters (yes, that could be you), but they are my friends. They don't all speak the same language, or live the same way, but they are my friends. I know I Cor. 15:33 says, "bad company corrupts good charcater." I also know Jesus ate with publicans and sinners, and that we are called to be light, salt and leaven to those around us.

I know I am an example to others, that is the very reason I have attempted to take off my mask and be real and genuine. For the most part, you get to see the real me - warts, blemishes and wrinkles. You may not like what you see sometimes, but you know what you are getting is the real deal.

I can take it (most of the time). If you want to take your mask off and liberate yourself from silly people who may be well-meaning, but misguided, there is a price to pay. People will criticize you, be offended by your openness and make all kinds of crazy assumptions. That is the price of freedom and liberty - taking responsibility for the decisions we make.

Clay Pots

I am reminded today of just how fragile life is and how fragile I am. Paul reminds us that God placed his most valuable treasure in jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7). Why would God entrust his message of hope, security and salvation into the hands of someone broken, fragile and weak? What logic is there in placing immeasurable riches in such unsecure vessels. Did not Jesus warn us "do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs" (Matt. 7:6)

It has taken me 51 years, but I am starting to get it. Our real ability to change the world, to transform the lives of others, to live a full and purposeful life comes through weakness. Consider a few of the things God tells us about our weaknesses.

• "If I must boast, I will boast in the things that show my weakness" (2 Cor. 11:30).
• "For my power is made perfect in weakness. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:9, 10).
• "These who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength..." (Heb. 13:33, 34).

Early in life I couldn't relate very well to people who struggled with divorce, discouragement and depression. I took the opinion they didn't have enough faith, or better yet - just get over it. Then my life began to crash and burn like so many I tried to counsel with years earlier. I asked all the WHY questions. Why is this happening to me? Why would God abandon me? Why can't I just die and this all be over?

The answer, I was being shaped, formed and perfected in weakness. Now I share my broken past with others who are hurting. I am open about the sins of my past and failures of the present. I am no longer ashamed that I am weak, imperfect or flawed. In fact I glory in all the warts and blemishes of my twisted personality. I glory in these things because I am not alone. If I can hold my head up tall and say, my life has been really messed up in places, but God loved me through it - others gain hope in my weakness.

God's treasures are in jars of clay because we can relate to them. I know - I am a cracked pot that often can't hold water, but God still trusts me to be His ambassador of  hope. He uses my weakness, teaches through my failures and inspires others through the tragedies of my life. I haven't always enjoyed the path my life has taken, but God still finds a way to use it to his glory.

I Win

"I didn't lose, I just ran out of time at the end of the game."

I laughed the first time I saw this quote on the back of a T-shirt. I figured they are either in denial, or they had a real grasp of what life is always about. Never giving up on your dreams. The teams that lose a championship one year and come back to win it the next - those are the organizations I really have respect for.

I believe there are two keys to living an untethered life.

1. Never give up on your dreams. It is never too late to do great things. At 62 Tolkien published the first of his Lord of the Rings stories. At 71 Katsusuke Yanagisawa became the oldest man to climb Mt. Everest. At 89 Albert Schweitzer ran a hospital in Africa. At 95 Nola Ochs became the oldest person ever to earn a college degree.
2. Embrace the journey. If I am going to be 95 when I get my diploma, or 71 when I reach the top of Everest, I am going to enjoy the journey along the way. I would love to see all my dreams and aspirations come to fruition tomorrow, but it's just not going to happen. I have a series of successes and failures ahead of me, so I will revel in the victories and learn from my defeats, but I will continue to cherish this path God has set me on till I finish the course.

So win or lose, victory or defeat - I win at life. I embrace the journey, cherish the moments along the way and at the end of the day, maybe I will be remembered for something exceptional, but if not, rest assured that it was a great ride.

No Where to Run

For most people it was a day like any other. The sun was shining brightly, the wheels of commerce were moving at a torrid pace, people where going about their daily rituals, but I could feel the walls closing in. I felt trapped and helpless to do anything about my current situation.

It was more than just a bad day, I felt as though I was living in my own self-imposed prison. I couldn't run off and disappear, there were people who depended on me. I didn't want to work, but someone had to put bread on the table. The fatal blow to my psyche was a feeling that all my dreams and hopes had been swept away  - I had lost belief in myself, hope for the future and confidence in my ability to accomplish anything worthwhile.

That may sound like a great big pity party, or crying in my soup, but it was real and nearly fatal. No, I wasn't thinking of taking my life, but emotionally I felt dead inside. I can't identify the date and time, but somewhere while I was wallowing in the muck and mire of my own self-pity something wonderful happened. (Just as the lost son came to himself, so did I).  I took a little self-inventory and realized I have something really valuable to contribute to the world.

Slowly, I began to remove the shackles of depression, failure and discouragement and replace them with hope, confidence and sheer will. Once little successes started to come my way I began to feel as though I could do anything. Today I still have good days and bad. There are times I want to throw in the towel and days I can take on the world. In short - life happens to me every day.

I choose today to share a little of my struggle because I have a number of friends going through some hard times. When it feels the world is closing in on you and there is no where to turn it is hard to take that next breath. When you feel shackled and bound by bad decisions, the careless acts of others, or just a bad run of luck you have the urge to give up.

DON'T! Never Surrender! Never Give Up! Life has lots of good things for you still - I promise. Life can be a little overwhelming at times, but you have what it takes to take on the day, to overcome the obstacles, to beat down the opposition. If no one else in the world believes in you - there are two people who do.

1. I believe in you, because I have been in that deep dark place and I know there is path that leads you safely back to a fulfilled life.
2. God believes in you. You may not seem Him, or hear His voice. You may feel abandoned by Him - but He is there and He cares for you.

Foundations of Freedom

As the celebration of our independence draws near I think it is important for us to remember why our founding fathers threw caution to the wind, "pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor," to this cause we call Liberty.

The American Revolution centered around one key principle, "throwing off the yoke of an oppressive government." The growth and prosperity of this new Republic was being threatened by a strong central government that imposed oppressive taxes and sought to control the freedoms and liberties of the people. We often forget that the threat these new colonies faced was from their own government (the primary reason we have the 2nd amendment - to protect us from our own government, not invading armies).

Today we are faced with the same threats. A strong central government that is taxing the life out of the citizenry, laying the burden of their own excesses on the backs of our children, while failing miserable with the most important mandate given to federal powers - protecting the citizens they serve. Terrorists and illegals flood across our borders, almost every month we hear of a new attempt by terrorists on our own soil and many of our leaders talk about the "rights" of our enemies.

Most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence did sacrifice their lives, their fortunes, but never their sacred honor. They fought and died for freedom. The spent their fortunes in defense of liberty. They honored their commitments to the greater good and the chorus of freedom and liberty spread across the globe.

As the sun was rising over Lexington, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775 the first shots of the revolution were fired. "The shots heard round the world." Our founding fathers were willing to fight and die for freedom from an oppressive government, they made personal sacrifices for the cause of liberty, they were committted to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

As our national day of independence rapidly approachs, the question is what will we sacrifice to fend off an oppressive government? What actions will we take to insure that the financial burdens of our nation are not thrust on the backs of our children? Who will join me in pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor in defense of freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?