Warranty Not Required

Don’t you wish things lasted forever?

Have you ever had something fail right after the warranty expired?

Last week, our water heater had to be replaced.  We’ve been in our house for just over 9 years which is hard to believe.  When we moved into the house everything was brand new.  It was nice knowing everything would last for a while.  Nine years later, we are starting to see things fail.  Our dishwasher has been hanging on now for over a year, and our refrigerator makes loud noises from time to time.  Nothing last forever, but I was hoping some of these appliances would last a bit longer.  The warranty has run out on these household items.

If you read my Ice Breaker post a couple of days ago, you will remember that one of my goals is to dunk a basketball again before the end of the year.  I thought this was a “stretch” goal, but I also was pretty sure it was something I could achieve.  Sunday night at the end of youth group, I was talking to one of my friends who is also a leader.  He knew about my goal, and he encouraged me to give it a try on one of the basketball hoops in our church’s gym/auditorium.  I knew dunking was out of the possibility, but I figured it would be interesting to see how high I could jump.  I stretched out for a few minutes, and I moved to the far side of the court so I could get a running approach.  I took off towards the hoop, and I took off a few feet from the basket.  As I launched myself “upward”, I struggled just to touch the rim.

As someone who could dunk fairly easily four years ago, this was quite a discouragement.  It was also a reminder that my body is wearing out.  The muscles in my legs have weakened.  My limbs and ligaments have lost some of their flexibility.  My knees are a bit sore.  And my hours spend running over the past several years have greatly impaired my ability to explode vertically.  What happened to the warranty on my body?

This week, I’ve been reminded that things wear out and people get old.  It’s a fact of life.  It’s easy to get discouraged when things wear out.  I want to stay young, and I want my things to last forever.  If we dwell on the deterioration of our things and ourselves, we will sink deeper into depression.

There is an answer!

I can take care of things to help them last as long as possible, but they will ultimately break down.  I can take care of myself to keep myself strong and able, but I will eventually wear out.  This goes for you and all your things too.

The answer lies in putting our trust in God and His love.

The book of Lamentations reminds us:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  Lamentations 3:22-23

God’s love for us never wears out.  His mercies upon us never break down or run out.  In fact, they are new every single morning.  If you’re looking for encouragement, lean into God, His love, and His Word.  Start your day with Him.

With God, we have no need for extended warranties.

What is wearing out in your life right now?  How do you stay positive when everything around you seems to be crumbling?

What Happened To Your Childhood Dreams?

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.

What happened to your childhood dreams?

When I was a kid, I was an entrepreneur and a salesperson.  I sold all kinds of things door to door in my neighborhood – greeting cards, gift wrap, newspapers, and hoagies.  I made money providing lawn and snow removal service up and down my street.  I had dreams of starting a company that did this or that.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped selling, and I stopped dreaming these dreams.  Part of it was my perceived responsibility to provide for my family.  And part of it was a fear of failure.  My first job out of college left me somewhat sour to the path of the entrepreneur.  I worked long hours and saw promises broken when one of the business partners decided to make decisions apart from the other partner that led to the destruction of the company.

Ever since, I have been content to work for a large company.  I have grown in my career and even flourished over time.  I am happy with my job, and it seems to be the right fit at least for now.

More recently, I have had the desire to create something.  Writing and speaking has become a way to fulfill this desire.  I create almost daily here on the blog through my writing, and I am in the midst of creating with my voice through speaking opportunities at my local Toastmasters International club and beyond.

It’s good to have dreams, and it’s good to find ways to be creative.  Don’t let the pressures and pulls of life take you away from dreaming.

What dreams did you have when you were a kid?  What happened to those dreams?  Are any of these dreams still alive?

Made For A Purpose

Dear Isaac,

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you!  Cody has successfully completed his training at the Seeing Eye.  He has been placed with a man from Virgina.  The man travels extensively for his job and he came to the Seeing Eye for his fourth dog.  I did not have a chance to train them together but I was able to observe the team work and grow together.  The man was thrilled with Cody and was impressed with his calm demeanor, no-nonsense attitude, and his strong work ethic.  He was very thankful for the effort you put forth in raising him.

Cody was a great dog to train and I enjoyed the four months we spent together.  From the moment I met Cody I knew there was something special about him.  He always wanted to do the right thing and enjoyed putting the harness on to go to work.  I remember the trips to NYC and how the city was no big deal for him.  He loved Times Square and riding the subways.  His laid back attitude and his cautious work ethic made him a great dog to train.  I will always remember Cody and how he used to wait for me every morning in the kennel.  I will miss him.

I would like to thank you for the time and effort you put forth in raising Cody.  You did an excellent job.  It is your continued help and steadfast dedication that continue to make the Seeing Eye such a successful organization.  You have made a positive impact in someone’s life.  Cody is taking his first steps of an incredible journey with his new partner in travel.

Sincere thanks,

Jim Kessler

Leanne and I had the privilege of going up to the Seeing Eye in October to observe Cody’s town walk.  This is kind of like a final exam for Cody.  We couldn’t get close to Cody, but we were able to watch him from across the street and a distance behind him as he navigated the sidewalks of Morristown, NJ.  When we spoke with Jim, Cody’s trainer, he commented on how much Cody likes to work.  He essentially said that Cody was made for this.  He relishes in his purpose.  We could see this as we watched Cody from afar.

I know Cody is only a dog, but he provided great lessons for our family.  We learned patience and endurance as a result of having him in our house for his first year of life.  And we were reminded about the importance of pursuing our purpose for life.

My wife, Leanne, recently launched her life coaching business.  Her primary focus is helping women discover their purpose and to help them take the next steps in pursuing their purpose.  If you need helping discovering your purpose or you need some help discerning your next steps in pursuing this purpose, you should touch base with my wife.  For more information about Leanne and life coaching, visit her site by clicking here.

What is your purpose?  What are you doing about it?

Legacy of Love – Thoughts on Chef (the Movie)

Over the holiday weekend, I rented the movie, Chef, from our local Redbox.  My wife and I saw the movie over the summer on one of our weekly date nights, and it was a movie that brought a smile to my face.  In fact, I remember smiling throughout most of the movie.  I knew back in the summer this was a movie I had to see again.  When it came out on DVD, I knew it was time for another viewing.

(Let me warn you though, Chef is rated ‘R’ for the use of profanity.)

There was a scene in the movie that really made me think as I watched it again last week.  In the scene, Chef Casper’s son just burnt his first Cuban sandwich.  He was getting ready to feed it to some nonpaying customers when his dad quickly pulled him aside to have this conversation (there is no profanity in this scene).

There was humility, passion, and a desire to leave a legacy rolled up in this scene, and I think it flowed throughout the movie.  In this particular scene, I was reminded that we don’t always get it right.  In fact, we screw up more than most of us would like to admit.  Despite this, we still have a desire, passion, and even a responsibility to leave a legacy by doing the things we love.

Chef Casper could make a mean Cuban sandwich along with the rest of his culinary creations.  This was the love of his life, and he wanted to share it with others – especially with his son.

I want my kids and others to enjoy the things that make my heart beat.  I want them to be passionate about the things they love to do.  For my daughter right now, it’s running.  For my son, it’s making music.  These are gifts to them and to those around them.  I hope they will share these passions with the world around them.  And I hope I can make the most of the opportunity to share my passions with them.  This is a legacy worth leaving.

What do you love to do?  How are you sharing your passion with others?

Get In The Game

On the night we arrived in Santo Domingo Xenacoj in Guatemala this summer, our family took a walk to the Central Park in the middle of the village.  There was a basketball game going on when we arrived.  We watched for a few minutes before our daughter was swept up by some young girls into a game of duck, duck, goose (in Spanish – of course).

Isaac started talking to a few of the boys who were hanging out in the park.  Within minutes, he was invited to jump into a game of soccer with boys who were about his age and two-thirds his size.  As I looked on, I was amazed at our kids ability to adapt and to join right in with whatever was happening.  Isaac’s Spanish isn’t all that advanced, but that didn’t stop him from communicating with the other boys.  He didn’t seem to be afraid.  In fact, he seemed to relish the opportunity to get into the game.

He could have sat on the side of the park (with me) and spectated as the boys kicked the ball back and forth.

Spectating is nothing like being right on the field in the game.  It’s so much better to be a part of the game.

Unfortunately, many of us are content to spectate.  We are invited onto the field, but we sit in the stands clapping our hands, cheering loudly, and waving our terrible towels.

Life isn’t meant to be a spectator sport.

Life is meant to be played on the field.

Maybe you’ve been sitting on the sidelines for too long.

It’s time for you to get in the game!

What’s holding you back?  In what area of your life do you need to move from spectator to active participant?

(Note:  My church kicked off a 4-week series this past Sunday called Not A Fan based on the book by Kyle Idleman.  I don’t know where the series is going, but I’m guessing the series will be used to get people to move from spectators to being part of the “game.”  If you live in the northwest suburbs of Philadelphia, come check out my church the next three weeks.  Click here for more information.  And if you live too far away, consider watching the weekly videos which will be featured on the website to see where this series goes.  The first week was pretty challenging (in a good way).)

A Healthy Balance

In Guatemala, the mornings begin as the sky starts to lighten and the roosters calls echo throughout the village.  “Chicken” buses move into position near central park ready to transport students and workers to larger towns and cities.  Women slowly emerge from their homes where they sweep the streets clean of trash and animal waste from the day and night before.  Men start to move around the streets on their way to work in the fields.  Smoke wafts over the town as women light the fires which will warm up the meals for the day.

The morning streets begin to fill with young children on their way to school.  And sweatshops start making jeans, pants, and shirts which will be sold in the United States at stores like Old Navy, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Finch.  Shop owners open their doors for business and the day is fully underway in Santo Domingo Xenacoj.

Around one o’clock, there is a new buzz in the streets as people head home for lunch and a time of rest – a siesta.  Younger children are finished with school for the day, and older children head to school for their daily time of learning.  (The school year starts in January and goes until early October.)

At six o’clock, the bell at the top of the Catholic church in the center of town rings repeatedly marking the end of the school day (and work day for many).  And the streets buzz with action again as people return home or walk to the center of town.

“Buenos Dias” turns into “Buenos Tardes” which turns into “Buenos Noches.”  The morning coolness turns into afternoon heat which finally gives way to an evening chill.  The village quietly goes to sleep.

And it begins again the next day.  There’s a healthy rhythm of life in Guatemala.  There is not a lot of racing around.  There is not a lot of urgency.  I don’t expect life in America to fully go to this, but I think we could learn a lot from the balance which seems to exist in Xenacoj.

Coming back home is an adjustment and a challenge.  I desire the sense of community we felt in Xenacoj last week.  I long after a healthy balance.  What will I take from this?  How will I change?  How will my life be different as a result of last week in Guatemala?  I’m not sure.  It’s stretching me as I ponder these questions – and it’s a good stretch.

What does your typical day look like?  What changes do you need to make to rediscover a healthy balance?

Finding A New Normal – 5 Keys For Adapting To Change

What’s normal anyway?  For those of you who know me, you probably know I’m not a big fan of change.  I like things the way they are.  This can be a problem though.  Life requires us to stretch and grow.  Change is inevitable.  Kari Scare provides some great insights today to help you adapt to life’s changes.  After you read the post and answer her questions in the comments, I hope you’ll head over to her blog and see more great writing.  For more information about Kari including her blog link, see her bio at the end of the post.

Finding A New Normal

A while back right after an uneventful 3-mile run, I experienced sudden and severe pain in my hip accompanied by a knotted muscle and a limp.

In response, I did what I normally do (and what usually works) when experiencing pain and discomfort after exercise… rested, iced, medicated and stretched. Unfortunately, my normal approach didn’t work. Several months later, I finally admitted I needed to try a new approach.

After consulting my doctor and doing some research, I added the use of a foam roller to my normal routine. While more uncomfortable than stretching (it was somewhat painful, actually), the foam roller got directly at and finally resolved the knot. Hip pain no longer plagues me.

Only when I got outside of my normal routine, when I decided to try something new, did I not only find resolution to the cause of my pain, but also discovered a new and improved normal.

When Normal Fails to Work

Ever find yourself in a place where what normally works fails to work? It’s that place where usual patterns of thinking and approaches to working through life’s struggles simply no longer produce expected results.

All of a sudden, effectiveness becomes illusive. You may still move through normal routines, but they feel flat, maybe even pointless and possibly painful.

I’ve been to this place physically, mentally and spiritually on more than one occasion and each time found the only way out existed only through finding a new normal.

How to Find a New Normal

The frustration of hip pain only resolved after pushing through the limits of my normal routine to discover a new normal. Using a foam roller now exists as a regular part of my exercise routine and also provides a constant reminder of the need to adapt to life’s changing seasons, even if doing so involves pain and discomfort.

If we always do what we’ve always done even though the circumstances around us change, we’ll eventually fail to experience effectiveness. Instead, we must continually look at what’s working and not working and be willing to find a new normal allowing us to operate at our best.

Finding a new normal requires adapting to life’s changing seasons, and this means…

1. Admitting the need. Refuse to get stuck in a normal routine. Realize and then admit when normal no longer works in order to open the door for stretching that leads to growth.
2. Getting outside help. Avoid getting so ingrained in habits and routines that seeing needed changes is impossible. Talk to others, objectively getting ideas for change, and receive the input required for future effectiveness.
3. Being teachable. Realizing the need for change and knowing what needs changed remains useless when a person remains unwilling to change. Being teachable involves a willingness to find a new normal and to adapt to life’s inevitable changing seasons.
4. Getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. All too often, we know we need to change and we even know what needs changed, but we still fail to make the changes. Why? We’re too comfortable in our habits. Be willing to let go of the old normal to find a more effective one.
5. Staying aware of changing seasons. Find ways to continually stay aware of what’s not working and what is working. Look for ways to stay challenged and to confront any ineffective normals preventing effectiveness.

At first I resisted changing my normal routine, even when it wasn’t working, but chronic pain forced me to see my need for a new normal. Unfortunately, only after months of my body screaming desperately for change did I become teachable and willing to change.

Discomfort does sometimes indicate a need to pull back and rest. Sometimes, though, it indicates a need to seek a new normal, to adjust to the changing seasons of life. As we push through the discomfort (and sometimes pain) of finding this new normal, we will discover the benefits of increased effectiveness and productivity too.

How do you adjust to life’s changing seasons? How do you stay aware of those changing seasons?

Kari Scare blogs about ways to live in victory while still struggling on this side of Heaven.  Her blog, Struggle to Victory, will challenge you and inspire you to make small changes which will lead to a big difference, to be perfected through Biblical principles, to live life with determination, curiosity, intentionality, simplicity, and balance.  She has a story worth reading and sharing with others.  Go check it out!

7 Keys To Getting Rid Of Distraction So You Can Accomplish Great Things

I think when things linger, that’s when they become a distraction. I don’t want any distractions.

Derek Jeter

We all have hopes and dreams.  We all want to accomplish great things in our lifetime.  We all have important things to attend to on a daily basis.

And we all get distracted.

Distractions sidetrack us from achieving our hopes and dreams.  Distractions derail us from the things in life that really need our attention.

The world is full of distraction, and I am guilty of falling into the traps of distraction.  This is not my intention, but it is the predicament I find myself in more often than I care to admit.

What can I do to get rid of distractions in my life?

It’s time we make a change.  It’s time we deal with the distractions that derail us from doing great things.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

7 Keys To Getting Rid Of Distraction So You Can Accomplish Great Things

1. Step away from the phone.  Let’s be honest.  The latest smartphones are pretty amazing.  They send and receive e-mails.  They send and receive text messages.  They give you access to the internet.  They let keep you busy with stupid games (I just have to get to the next level of this game!).  And oh yes, they even take phone calls.  They are great, but smartphones are a major distraction.  In order to get a handle on this, we must learn to put boundaries on our phone time.  Maybe this simply starts by having a “No Phone At The Table” rule during mealtimes.  But maybe you need more phone related boundaries, so you can concentrate on what needs to be accomplished next.
2. Turn off the television.  It’s easy to get sucked into the next show or series.  And perhaps a little TV isn’t a bad thing.  But what happens when you HAVE to get home on time to watch this show, or you put off something with great importance because you are glued to the television?  I don’t know the statistics, but I know the average American watches way too much television.  Imagine if what we could accomplish if we used those hours more productively.
3. Make a to-do list.  I’m a huge list guy.  Lists help me keep track of what I need to accomplish, and it also shows me what I’ve completed so far.  When we have so many things to accomplish, we sometimes don’t know where to start.  We suffer from a type of paralysis, because we can’t clearing define what needs to be done.  Taking time to write down the things you need to do is a great way to clarify what really needs your attention.
4. Learn to prioritize.  You’ve made your to-do list.  Now you need to prioritize.  What things need your attention first?  What is urgent and important?  This is probably where you should start.  What is important but not urgent?  This should probably be next.  What is urgent but not important?  Maybe this shouldn’t even be on your list.  What is not important and not urgent?  This would definitely be something to consider removing from you list.  Dealing effectively with distractions improves dramatically when you learn to prioritize.
5. Focus on one thing at a time.  Sometimes we have to multitask.  I get it.  Moms are especially good at multitasking.  The reality though is we aren’t as effective when we are focusing on more than one thing at a time.  Taking time to focus on one thing produces a better product, and it helps to alleviate the distractions that come from focusing on too many things at the same time.
6. Ask for help.  Get someone to hold you accountable to staying focused.  The power of accountability is underrated.  If you are easily distracted, tell someone about it.  Tell them what you are trying to accomplish.  Ask them to hold your feet to the fire as you work towards this goal.
7. Pray.  Prayer is often overlooked as a solution to anything.  I believe there is tremendous power in prayer.  If you are struggling with distractions in your life, start by praying about it.  God cares for you, and I’m confident He can help you deal with your distractions.  In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells His followers to ask and they would receive:  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”  Matthew 7:7-8

What distracts you?  How do you deal with distractions in your life?  What is one thing you can do today to eliminate distraction from your life?

In the Middle of Crisis – Find Your Way to God’s Heart

Four years ago, our family faced a significant health crisis which resulted in my wife’s hospitalization.  This was a time which rocked our family’s world.

I remember going through all kinds of thoughts and feelings during this time.  I wondered how this crisis would impact our family and our marriage.  I questioned God – why would he let this happen.  I felt loneliness even as family members and friends wrapped their arms around our family.  There were times of hopelessness, but there were also moments and days of hope.

I recall praying that Leanne would know my love and commitment for her as she struggled to find wellness, and I prayed that she would look to God’s heart for clarity and comfort when everything around her didn’t seem to make sense.  (In a way, this was a prayer I needed as well through this time, and I’m thankful for many who were lifting me up during this crazy time.)  I had a strong feeling God would work the rest of the healing process out.

There are times in our lives when we will face times of crisis.  There will be many times when life doesn’t make sense.

It’s times like this when we need to remember God is simply calling us to find a way to His heart.  He is there for us during the peaks and valleys of life.  He’s with us in the mundane middle.  He is our Rock, our Fortress, our Refuge, and our Redeemer.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  Psalm 18:2

I have no idea what you may be going through.  You may be riding high on the good waves of life, or you may be trudging through the muddy trenches.  I pray you would look to God’s heart for clarity and comfort.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

This song by Phil Collins spoke to me as I contemplated this post.  It’s not a “Christian” song in itself, and the theology may not line up exactly, but it reminded me how God wants us to be connected to Him through the ups and downs of life.

How have you handled a crisis in your life?  What helped you get through the crisis?  If you are in the middle of a crisis right now, what gives you hope?

3 Reasons to Practice the Discipline of Unplugging

Over the weekend, I unplugged when I traveled to the Poconos to go camping with a group of friends from New Jersey.  For the most part, I left my phone in the car.  I didn’t have access to the internet, to my blog, or to e-mail.

There was something amazingly refreshing about unplugging.  I spent time with great friends.  I fished.  I read.  I enjoyed great food.  And I relaxed.

The time away reminded me three important things about unplugging.

3 Reasons to Practice the Discipline of Unplugging

1. Unplugging provides a necessary break.  I’ve been going a million miles a minute.  I work hard at work, and I do a lot of things outside of work.  I run.  I write.  And I keep up with a busy family.  I stay connected to a world of emails, blog posts, and social media connections.  I don’t give me self a chance to rest, and I’m guessing I’m not alone.  We all need the opportunity to rest.  Sometimes this means disconnecting from the world – even if it’s just for a day.
2. Unplugging provides an opportunity for new inspiration.  While we are racing from one thing to the next, we are missing out on the beautiful world God gave us.  There’s inspiration right in front of our eyes.  We just need to stop and look from time to time.  I was inspired by the beauty of a quiet lake, a rushing river, and face to face conversation with friends.  I would have missed this opportunity if I didn’t unplug for the weekend.
3. Unplugging provides time to reconnect with what is important.  The rush of life can sometimes take us away from what is important.  The computer world and the world of television can become consuming.  We need to put it in perspective.  My time away unplugged gave me a fresh and renewed perspective on my faith, my family, and my friends.

I challenge you to unplug.  It may seem hard at first, but you can start small.  Start with a minute each hour.  Then try an hour each day.  When you have this down, unplug for a day each week.  Finally, unplug for a weekend or even a week.  I guarantee you’ll be refreshed, inspired, and reconnected.

When was the last time you unplugged?  What did you learn from unplugging?