Keepers of the Aquarium
We have drifted away from being fishers of men to being keepers of the aquarium. -Paul Harvey Your thoughts??? Continue reading Keepers of the Aquarium
Tag: Quotes
Where is your joy?
I’ve been struggling with joy lately. It would seem the daily grind, growing older, stress, situations and, well, “life” have made it feel like jumping into a roller coaster of emotions. Up and down, round and round. The hills are great, the valleys are not. In my devotional time this morning, I was reminded of a quote by John Ortberg from his book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” regarding our need to find a “Joy Mentor”. We need to identify a few people who play this role in our lives-especially if we tend to be joy-challenged. Make a joy appointment … Continue reading Where is your joy?
More McManus
This book (“Wide Awake“) is becomming one big book of life changing quotes. Love this book! “Take time to invest in the people who are in your life. Slow down if you have to, and bring them with you. It is better to adjust your pace than to walk alone. A life well lived isn’t about who walks the fastest but about who has the most people walking with them. You can’t make time for everyone, but you can make time for someone. So invest well.” -Erwin McManus from the book ” Wide Awake“ Continue reading More McManus
“Wide Awake” Quotes
I have been reading the book “Wide Awake” by Erwin McManus recently. This is a great book. I have folded the corner of at least every other page (a signal that I liked something on that page) and underlined a majority of it. As an added bonus, I found out this week that Erwin graduated from none other than The University of North Carolina! I will be sharing many of his quotes but here are just a few so far: The unknown with God is better than the known without him I think a lot of us are not on … Continue reading “Wide Awake” Quotes
"Wide Awake" Quotes
I have been reading the book “Wide Awake” by Erwin McManus recently. This is a great book. I have folded the corner of at least every other page (a signal that I liked something on that page) and underlined a majority of it. As an added bonus, I found out this week that Erwin graduated from none other than The University of North Carolina! I will be sharing many of his quotes but here are just a few so far: The unknown with God is better than the known without him I think a lot of us are not on … Continue reading "Wide Awake" Quotes
Wisdom of Benjamin Button
Tonight we watched “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (thanks Redbox). Every now and then I sit down with a pen and pad because I just know that a movie is going to provide great quotes. This one didn’t disappoint. It was a film of reflection on both life and death. Below are just a few that I wrote down. “Life can only be understood backward, it must be lived forward” “We’re meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us” “Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we … Continue reading Wisdom of Benjamin Button
Quotable
“What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.” -George Levinger From the All Pro Dad Play of the Day. Continue reading Quotable
Resolutions
Love God more then you fear hell. Once a week, let a child take you on a walk. When no one is watching, live as if someone is. Succeed at home first. Don’t spend tomorrows money today. Pray twice as much as you fret. Listen twice as much as you speak. Only harbor a grudge when God does. Never outgrow your love of sunsets. God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same. When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart. The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number. Never let the … Continue reading Resolutions
Quotables
Sorry friends, really busy week this week. In the meantime, I thought I would post some more quick quotes from “Cast of Characters” by Max Lucado. I’ll have a full review before the end of the week (the short version is that it’s awesome!). “Changing Direction in life is not tragic. Losing passion in life is.” “Behind every avalanche is a snowflake Behind every rock slide is a pebble An atomic explosion begins with one atom And a revival can begin with one sermon.” “Getting even is only natural. Which, incidentally, is precisely the problem. Revenge is natural, not spiritual. … Continue reading Quotables
Which Are You?
A long travel day helped me get through rougly 87 pages of “Cast of Characters” by Max Lucado yesterday. I have to save my complete review for when it is all done. I will tell you that this book could not have come at a better time. If it is any indication of how good it is, I am folding corners like crazy with great quotes and insight. One I had to share today was from John 12: 1-9. I am sure that many have heard the comparisons to Martha being a “worker” and Mary being a “Worshiper”. Max also … Continue reading Which Are You?
The Foundation
There was one other quote that I had to commit to memory from the book “The Difference A Father Makes” by Ed Tandy McGlasson. When I read it, it practically jumped out off of the page and tapped me one the shoulder. I think it hit a fear that many of us have as parents. As my son has gotten older and we can communicate further why we do things like discipline, I have taken a new approach. I have recently let him on to the secret that “this is my first time at this too” and “I’ve never been … Continue reading The Foundation
Quotable
Give me a revelation, Show me what to do Cause I’ve been trying to find my way, I haven’t got a clue Tell me should I stay here, Or do I need to move Give me a revelation I’ve got nothing without You I’ve got nothing without You From the song “Revelation” by Third Day. Continue reading Quotable
Charlotte Update
I’m sitting at the airport in Detroit on my way to Norfolk and was reminded on my flight that it was probably time for a Charlotte Update. To be honest there is not a whole lot to update at this point. While we continue to wait on an offer on the house, we also continue to try to figure out what the time between “now and then” will look like. We’ve had visits but almost each one was someone that gave great feedback but needed to sell their house first. The kids start school this week, so it is another … Continue reading Charlotte Update
Parental Wisdom
I just told my 7 year old the following: “If you want to do what you want to do today, then I suggest that you do what you know you should”. -me What? No sooner did it come out of my mouth then I realized that I’m not sure I even understood what I meant. Did I mention the little person I said it to was 7 years old?? I think I know what I meant and he didn’t really react so maybe he did too. Or not… Continue reading Parental Wisdom
Quotable:
The other day we were driving with the kiddies in the car. The soundtrack of the moment was 80’s music (I’ll give you one guess who picked that..and it wasn’t Heather). This song came on. While I was having flashbacks to the days of my “sweet mullet“, I did note the chorus. Inspiration in the most unlikely of places…. “Now I believe there comes a time when everything just falls in line We live and learn from our mistakes The deepest cuts are healed by faith” – Pat Benatar (All Fired Up) Continue reading Quotable:
Way To Live
I brought “Velvet Elvis” with me on this trip to re-read. It’s been about a year or so since I read it, so I thought I would run through it again. It only took a few pages to remind me why it is one of my favorite books. Check this out: “I’m convinced being generous is a better way to live. I’m convinced forgiving people and not carrying around bitterness is a better way to live. I’m convinced having compassion is a better way to live. I’m convinced pursuing peace in every situation is a better way to live. I’m … Continue reading Way To Live
Where The Locals Eat
I once heard a principle that when you are out of town you should “eat where the locals eat”. That might mean passing the “known” places to get to a small hole-in-the-wall place. I generally go to my hotel and don’t come out until the next morning, but when I do go out, I try to follow that principle. Tonight happened to be one of those nights. The venue turned out to be a local place called the “Red Ox Bar and Grill”. Lack of seating meant finding a place at the bar (in front of the 100 something inch … Continue reading Where The Locals Eat
Quotable
I can’t remember the last time I watched a movie with a notepad, but for some reason I did just that with “The Bucket List“. For some reason I just thought there would be great quotes in this film. Here are a few of my scratch notes from the movie: At one point Carter (Morgan Freeman) and Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) are discussing their belief, or lack thereof in God. Morgan Freeman referred to it as faith. Edward Cole: You see that is the point. Everytime I try to understand it, I just can’t get my head around it. Carter: … Continue reading Quotable
God is a DJ
I will admit that I draw inspiration from the most unlikely of places. Today’s wisdom comes from the artist known as “Pink”. Pretty interesting analogy. I can’t help but wonder what it means if you’re like me and have two left feet??? If God is a DJ Life is a dance floor Love is the rhythm You are the music If God is a DJ Life is a dance floor You get what you’re given It’s all how you use it… Continue reading God is a DJ
Spidey Wisdom
“Whatever comes our way, whatever battle we have raging inside us, we always have a choice. It’s the choices that make us who we are, and we can always choose to do what’s right.” – Peter Parker from Spiderman 3 Continue reading Spidey Wisdom
Loose Lips
With only 4 days left in the school year, I scheduled to have lunch with “the boy” at school today. He enjoys having me come in (I think it’s the fast food I bring) and I enjoy stepping into his world for 30 minutes. I get the opportunity to observe his circles of influence and see what the other kids at his school are like. I took the opportunity today to ask about several people in the cafeteria. One of the men I inquired about was the guy in charge of keeping the cafeteria and lunch hour running like a … Continue reading Loose Lips
Seen and Heard
While leaving a Chipotle today, a guy walked by with his buddy. He was explaining how full he felt and said something which caused me to laugh out loud. Due to its perfect description of what I too was feeling, I post it for you as well. “Dude…I feel like I just ate a football“. Continue reading Seen and Heard
Folded Corners
My good friend Denny taught me a trick a few years ago of folding the corner on the pages I wanted to remember. I let my fingers do the walking through those page folds tonight and below are the quotes that I found. Interesting that they mean as much to me now (maybe more) as they did when I read Chasing Daylight by Erwin McManus a year ago. “We all want miracles and then spend our lives avoiding the context in which miracles happen” (pg 71) “Most of life’s challenges are a test of first-dimension faith – trusting God with … Continue reading Folded Corners
Live Forward…
You have got to love the timing of Gmail’s “Web Clips”. This one appeared today when I logged in: “Life can only be understood backwards, but must be lived forwards”. – Soren Kierkegaard Continue reading Live Forward…
We’re Off to “Top Gun”
In the morning my wife and I are boarding a plane to Palm Springs to attend the “Top Gun” event for our organization. It should be a great couple of days. I’m glad my wife gets to spend 4 days being pampered the way that she so richly deserves. I’ll be sitting in meetings, and giving presentations in the morning, but the afternoons are ours to do what we wish. There’s even a black tie affair on Friday evening. I don’t even own a tie, let alone a black one. Luckily I was able to rent one. I had to … Continue reading We’re Off to “Top Gun”
We’re Off to “Top Gun”
In the morning my wife and I are boarding a plane to Palm Springs to attend the “Top Gun” event for our organization. It should be a great couple of days. I’m glad my wife gets to spend 4 days being pampered the way that she so richly deserves. I’ll be sitting in meetings, and giving presentations in the morning, but the afternoons are ours to do what we wish. There’s even a black tie affair on Friday evening. I don’t even own a tie, let alone a black one. Luckily I was able to rent one. I had to … Continue reading We’re Off to “Top Gun”
Please Be Patient…
When I was growing up, I had a small cross stitch picture in my room that my mom made. It was a picture of a little cowboy with the words “Please be patient, God’s not through with me yet“. I couldn’t help but think of how prophetic that little picture was..and still is today. While I write this and ask for each of your patience with me…I think I write it to remind myself as well. God is not through with me yet. I think so often I beat myself up over what I don’t do when it comes to … Continue reading Please Be Patient…
Please Be Patient…
When I was growing up, I had a small cross stitch picture in my room that my mom made. It was a picture of a little cowboy with the words “Please be patient, God’s not through with me yet“. I couldn’t help but think of how prophetic that little picture was..and still is today. While I write this and ask for each of your patience with me…I think I write it to remind myself as well. God is not through with me yet. I think so often I beat myself up over what I don’t do when it comes to … Continue reading Please Be Patient…
Quotable
“Today there are thousands of people sitting in church pews every Sunday who look like they’ve got it together on the outside but are broken on the inside. People who want to grab a Christian brother or sister by the shoulders and shout, “I’m not together! I’m in trouble! My relationship with God is terrible! I feel like a fake!” Instead, they pass out another bulletin or stack another chair, afraid to reach out, because everyone else looks like they have life’s problems whipped” –Michael English from the book “The Prodigal Comes Home“ “Stained Glass Masquerade” by Casting Crowns Continue reading Quotable
Passport Thoughts
My Passport finally arrived today. I’m only a year late in getting it. I can now visit my teams in Canada, which is also a year overdue. As I was looking through my new treasure, I had the following random thoughts: The whole new electronic passport thing sort of weirds me out. Something about having RFID chips embeded in things has a whole lot of Revelation, end times, sci-fi movie theme to it. By the time this passport expires, I will be nearing the half century mark in age and my son will be an adult. It says a lot … Continue reading Passport Thoughts
More 80’s Wisdom
“So I got that going for me….which is nice” Continue reading More 80’s Wisdom
More 80's Wisdom
“So I got that going for me….which is nice” Continue reading More 80's Wisdom
Yep…it's like that.
“Value this time in your life kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you’re a teenager you think you can do anything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur. Your thirties, you raise your family, you make a little money and you think to yourself, “What happened to my twenties?” Your forties, you grow a little pot belly you grow another chin. The music starts to get too loud and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. Your fifties you … Continue reading Yep…it's like that.
Yep…it’s like that.
“Value this time in your life kids, because this is the time in your life when you still have your choices, and it goes by so quickly. When you’re a teenager you think you can do anything, and you do. Your twenties are a blur. Your thirties, you raise your family, you make a little money and you think to yourself, “What happened to my twenties?” Your forties, you grow a little pot belly you grow another chin. The music starts to get too loud and one of your old girlfriends from high school becomes a grandmother. Your fifties you … Continue reading Yep…it’s like that.
Sanctification
A few weeks ago, I heard an analogy regarding sanctification. Pastor Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church Seattle stated that sanctification is something like pedals on a bicycle. He stated that “God initiates and we respond“. In other words, God pushes the pedal down on one side and our act is to react to his initiation by responding. He initiates the changes in our life, it is our job to then respond to those changes. We react by pushing the pedal down on our side so he can again initiate another change in our lives. I’ve often heard it called … Continue reading Sanctification
Food for thought
“Your standard of beauty is your spouse” – Mark Driscoll Hear the entire sermon (HERE) Continue reading Food for thought
80's Wisdom
After listening to the song in the post below several times, I hit the satellite radio to re-live some 80’s memories. Talk about memory lane. The lyric below struck me as interesting and makes for today’s “Wisdom from the 80’s”. “I can promise you tomorrow, but I can’t buy back yesterday” – Bon Jovi Continue reading 80's Wisdom
80’s Wisdom
After listening to the song in the post below several times, I hit the satellite radio to re-live some 80’s memories. Talk about memory lane. The lyric below struck me as interesting and makes for today’s “Wisdom from the 80’s”. “I can promise you tomorrow, but I can’t buy back yesterday” – Bon Jovi Continue reading 80’s Wisdom
Food for thought
You have to love Gmail. When I opened my inbox this morning, the web clips at the top had the following quote – “Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well” – Josh Billings Continue reading Food for thought
More Quiet Strength
I’m still on the road and now about 3/4 of the way through “Quiet Strength”. Below are a few more quotes that really stood out to me as I read them tonight: “How would your business do if you spent the amount of time on it that you spend on your wife and family?” “What will people remember us for? Are other people’s lives better because we lived? Did we make a difference? Did we use to the fullest the gifts and abilities God gave us? Did we give our best effort, and did we do it for the right … Continue reading More Quiet Strength
Camelot
Last night, my wife and I sat down to watch the 1995 movie “First Knight”. I had seen it before, but I must have been in a much different place spiritually at that point. I found so much truth and connection in it this time around. I was wishing I had a notebook to record some of the many quotes that are so relevant to our faith. Sure, the “body count” and violence in the battles was high, but beyond that, this is such a good movie. Some of the “Pearls of Wisdom” included: King Arthur (Sean Connery) – “This … Continue reading Camelot
Time Tested
Somewhere in my jedi training, I stumbled across a list of “life” things to remember. I can’t remember where I found it, but it was sometime around my senior year in college. I printed it off and made it somewhat of a creed for myself. Since then, it has hung in my cubicle at my first job, in the bathroom of my apartment (when I was single 🙂 ) and most recently on our treadmill. It’s worn and tattered, but the words are still so true. Thought I would share it with you all as well. I didn’t write it, … Continue reading Time Tested
Wisdom From the 80s' (IV)
Dr. Egon Spengler: There’s something very important I forgot to tell you. Dr. Peter Venkman: What? Dr. Egon Spengler: Don’t cross the streams. Dr. Peter Venkman: Why? Dr. Egon Spengler: It would be bad. Dr. Peter Venkman: I’m fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing. What do you mean, “bad”? Dr. Egon Spengler: Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light. Dr Ray Stantz: Total protonic reversal. Dr. Peter Venkman: Right. That’s bad. Okay. All right. Important safety tip. Thanks, Egon. Continue reading Wisdom From the 80s' (IV)
Wisdom From the 80s’ (IV)
Dr. Egon Spengler: There’s something very important I forgot to tell you. Dr. Peter Venkman: What? Dr. Egon Spengler: Don’t cross the streams. Dr. Peter Venkman: Why? Dr. Egon Spengler: It would be bad. Dr. Peter Venkman: I’m fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing. What do you mean, “bad”? Dr. Egon Spengler: Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light. Dr Ray Stantz: Total protonic reversal. Dr. Peter Venkman: Right. That’s bad. Okay. All right. Important safety tip. Thanks, Egon. Continue reading Wisdom From the 80s’ (IV)
Wisdom from The 80’s (III)
“You have to spend the thirty million, but after thirty days you’re not allowed to own any assets. No houses, no cars, no jewelry. Nothing but the clothes on your back! Now, you can hire anybody you want, but you have to get value for their services. You can donate five percent to charity and you can gamble another five percent away, but you can’t give this money away, and that includes buying the Hope Diamond as a birthday present.” -Brewster’s Millions Continue reading Wisdom from The 80’s (III)
Wisdom from The 80's (III)
“You have to spend the thirty million, but after thirty days you’re not allowed to own any assets. No houses, no cars, no jewelry. Nothing but the clothes on your back! Now, you can hire anybody you want, but you have to get value for their services. You can donate five percent to charity and you can gamble another five percent away, but you can’t give this money away, and that includes buying the Hope Diamond as a birthday present.” -Brewster’s Millions Continue reading Wisdom from The 80's (III)
Wisdom from the 80’s (II)
The key to faking out the parents is the clammy hands. It’s a good non-specific symptom; I’m a big believer in it. A lot of people will tell you that a good phony fever is a dead lock, but, uh… you get a nervous mother, you could wind up in a doctor’s office. That’s worse than school. You fake a stomach cramp, and when you’re bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. It’s a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school. -Ferris Bueller Continue reading Wisdom from the 80’s (II)
Wisdom from the 80's (II)
The key to faking out the parents is the clammy hands. It’s a good non-specific symptom; I’m a big believer in it. A lot of people will tell you that a good phony fever is a dead lock, but, uh… you get a nervous mother, you could wind up in a doctor’s office. That’s worse than school. You fake a stomach cramp, and when you’re bent over, moaning and wailing, you lick your palms. It’s a little childish and stupid, but then, so is high school. -Ferris Bueller Continue reading Wisdom from the 80's (II)
