Annoyed?

Quote of the Day: "You are no bigger than the things that annoy you." :: Jerry Bundsen

I read this quote and was hit right between the eyes. What annoys me? Oh this ... and that ... and definitely that! Honestly, pride in others annoys me cause I hate that about myself. Another is not taking responsibility ... which is one of my indicators of personal maturity (not age).

Here is a little something that will keep you honest about yourself.
______________________
Hal's Take: "Whenever I am tempted to think highly of myself, my parenting, or even my own growth, I think of this quote. It's hard to put yourself on a pedestal when you find yourself extremely annoyed by your children, your spouse, or the woman in front of you in the grocery store line talking on her hands free cell phone instead of paying attention to the cashier. We all have our list of pet peeves. Bet you can probably think of a few right now, can't you?

If you're anything like the rest of us, you've sometimes allowed these little annoyances to get in the way of a good conversation or a meaningful exchange with your children. The next time you find yourself gritting your teeth at something insignificant, let this quote sink in and have a good laugh at your own expense. Then, consider it a reminder that it's time to stretch, because as long as there is even the smallest amount of pettiness in our lives, there is room for growth." Hal Runkel, LMFT, author of ScreamFree Parenting: Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool.

What is annoying to you?

Bulletin Board Material

Day 1 of 16 week Marathon Training.

Any bulletin board material?

What's your weak link?

I had a great conversation with a friend yesterday about the expectation of who we want to be ... and who we really are. The disparity is the thing that either drives us to be better or discourages us to say, "forget it, I will never attain that pipe dream!"

How many times have we wanted to improve only to be pulled down to the reality that you "ain't all that!" - excuse the bad grammar. This whole scene sounds like the scene given in Romans 7. We want to do right, but don't.

I like how the chapter ends: 25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.

Chapter 8: 1-2With the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, that fateful dilemma is resolved. Those who enter into Christ's being-here-for-us no longer have to live under a continuous, low-lying black cloud. A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death.

3-4God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. The law code, weakened as it always was by fractured human nature, could never have done that.

Bottom line: I need Jesus and his power in my life...daily...each moment! "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." - I Thes. 15:57

What's your weak link in your life?

LifeShare - Day 7

Today is the last day of the week long focus of LifeShare. After today, no more sharing life! (haha) I've been thinking of listing a few things I want develop in my life. A couple of dudes beat me to the punch listing theirs examining comparison trap (which I relate to) and the "That Guy" syndrome (which I related to as well).

My rhetorical questions to deal with: (answering any one of these may open a can of emotional worms for me).
:: Why do I stay up late thinking I will get it done.
:: Why do I worry what others will think of me, if I really tell them how I feel about stuff.
:: How come do I over commit and under deliver.
:: I don't always pay attention to my kids when they are talking to me. Their talking to me IS a treasured moment. They are inviting me into their world. Do I want them to think I enjoy the computer, TV, Phone, ______ more than what they have to say.
:: Why do I try to work so much at home.
:: Why is it hard to trust others completely.
:: When did having a blog start to make me feel important. Why does it now.
:: What keeps me from being more direct.
:: Why don't I pray more than I do.
:: Why do I think I am better than what I really am.
:: How come I try to impress others with who I've met or what I've accomplished.
:: Why don't others follow.
:: I don't like my head shaved or with hair (not a question but had to get that in there).
:: Is God's Word as important to me than what I live out.
:: Do I believe the songs I sing.

Honestly, I have a few more ... but feel this list will keep me busy. Just a guy trying to work it out...trying to live it out...trying to love it out.

Answer your hearts most pressing question(s) ...

If you want a place for where others are sharing what's really in their heart....
visit PostSecret.com (warning: some of these are explicit but mostly ... sad)

(note: the questions were not meant to have question marks. I saw them as statements).

LifeShare - Prayer day 2

I know some were not able to leave a request yesterday, but if you have one you can share, I would like to pray for you today as well.

Hit comment and leave a message or email me at emaildlake@gmail.com

I will be praying for you at 10 pm (PST). Spread the word.

LifeShare: Let me pray for you today!

SWEET FREEZE FRAME FACE below...



For the next two days ... any request submitted here on FWIW will be prayed for. You can either submit a comment or email me at emaildlake@gmail.com

Thanks for taking time to share your life today.

LifeShare - Announcement

2002 Stats ...
Where: Long Beach International (California)
Age: 32
Motivation: personal goal helped by Melissa (special thanks to JG/MM)
Goal: to finish and not walk ... check and check
Time: 26.2 in 3 hrs. 58 min.

2008 Stats...
Where: PF Chang - Rock N' Roll (Arizona)
Age: 39
Motivation: Personal, Cause TBA
Goal: to finish and not walk ... and deep down want to beat my time.
Time: 6 am (time of my run tomorrow!)


"The best inspiration is not to outdo others, but to outdo yourself!" - Gatorade "Will to Win" Shirt.

Anyone want to tell me I can't do this ... and mean it! Bring it on ...

LifeShare - Day 3 / 4

LifeShare continues tonight ... check out ragamuffinsoul.com at 6 pm (PST) or LifeShare Blog.

See you there!

Links to check out:
mogulus.com

LifeShare - Day 2

LifeShare (LifeShare.TV)
Ragamuffinsoul.com
The Offsite by Robert Thompson
1 John 1:9

What is it you do not want to be found out about? Why?

PC image control and Polarization

Watching the new "PC" commercials with Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld, you can see Microsoft is really trying to reinvent themselves. I saw the newer commercial (here's an inside look) last night that showed celebrities and others confidently declared - "I'm a PC!"

While I applaud them for trying to reinvent ... am reminded of a quote I heard Steve Jobs say, "If you can't innovate, you have to imitate." It seems like Microsoft really wants a piece of the cool pie that Apple easily corners the market in technology.

It got me to think that there are many things that are polarizing in our society. What are you ...
- Mac or PC
- Conservative or Liberal
- Traditional or Progressive
- this or that .... fill in the blank

Just reading those words probably put an immediate image in your mind - either a person or personal bias.

Just thought it was interesting. Any other polarizing topics that come to your mind?
By they way, this blog was typed on a MacBook - I've been called a Mac Snob. It is what it is....

LifeShare - Day 1

Check out these links ... join in the online communities here too.
LifeShare - LifeChurch.TV
Ragamuffinsoul.com

Baby Palin Name

Sarah Palin has picked out an All-American set of names for her children. There's Track, Trig, Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

Ever wonder, What would your name would be if Sarah Palin was your mother? Well now you can find out! (first names are only needed)

Mine is Claw Washout Palin

What is yours?

[ht: @loswhit via Twitter]

Quote of the Day

"Becoming obsessed with what people think about you is the quickest way to forget what God thinks about you." -C. Groeschel

Living in the moment ... kid style

I read Hal Runkle's Scream Free Parenting Tip of the Day. More and more I see in my own life that balance is such a key to maintain spiritual, physical, emotional, health.

Here is Hal's Take today:

For a child, doing nothing is often much more valuable than doing something. They learn to entertain themselves, to find joy in simplicity, to problem solve, to be content. So, why is it that we spend our energy either pushing our children towards adulthood or holding them back from it?

These are two very dangerous extremes and the worst part is, many of us fluctuate between them! On one hand, we push our kids when we structure their every activity and send them for SAT tutoring before they even get into high school. Then we shake our heads when they seem to lack joy and have trouble maintaining relationships in adulthood. On the other hand, we hold them back when we overprotect them, intervene for them, and problem solve on their behalf. Then we complain when they are immature adults who don't seem to have initiative or drive. In both cases, we overmanage our kids because of our own anxiety.

One of the best ways to truly prepare your child for a successful adulthood is to neither overprotect nor rush their childhood. Relax and teach them to live in the moment. That is a skill that very few of their peers will possess and you'll be amazed at how they will flourish because of it.

Hal Runkel, LMFT, author of ScreamFree Parenting:
Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool.

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Collection of Thoughts

There is a lot running through my head these days: 

// At The Crossroads, two people who've been battling terminal illnesses for a while now have passed within the last three weeks.  Jen McGrew and Mike Smith will be missed.

// I visited Bob and Nancy Thornton last night.  Bob has been battling many different ailments the last two years.  Seeing him on his death bed last night brought a lot of different emotions.  I am praying with Nancy that Bob will pass peacefully in his sleep.

// Watched House last night ... why is he the only one who can diagnose a patient correctly.  

// Temporarily misplaced my Man Card and watched Baby Mama last night.  I am glad my wife liked it.

// I have a love/hate relationship with golf.  One good shot will keep you coming back for more.  

// I've been running a bit lately.  Trying to put in about three/four times a week. I really like the idea of exercising every day ... being in shape.  Getting the idea into my action, that's the challenge!

// One of my new favorite, thought provoking blogs these days is John Burke's Soul Revolution ... check it out.

// Will post more about LifeShare ... may be a day behind on this.

// We are hosting our first 2|42 Growth Group tonight for the fall 2008.  We get meet and share life with four new families.  

Blog thoughts

I don't consider myself a writer. I work for one, who is outstanding. The thing about a blog to me is all about clearing what's in my head. If people read it, great! If not ... that's OK, a least it should be if the motive is right. I had my doubts about it in the beginning, somewhat.

Granted, I check to see how many have visited ... to my detriment. I am not sure what I am trying to prove to myself by checking. Part of me could care less of how many read FWIW and another part of me cares why people don't leave comments. Am I not asking the right questions? Are my readers too busy? Are they computer illiterate as to know how to leave a comment? No offense ... just letting you in my head.

The thing that bugs me is why I care about these things. Do I blog cause I want to be a cool kid in the neighborhood? Cause I think I have something to say ... and you should read it? At my core ... no.

Just want to continually keep my motives right and pure. That is my thoughts, before I lay me down to sleep. Feels good to get that out of my head!

Video Thrill Ride

Ever thought about what it would be like to to the luge, especially on the street?... here's your cyber chance. Crazy dudes ... it's about 3 min. but to get the full ride (10 minutes click here!)



[ht: double3]

LifeShare

Links referenced in video:
Lifechurch.tv
ragamuffinsoul.com
twitter.com

Anyone interested...(I know you may need more info...me too) let me know by a comment!

Col. Sanders @ In-N-Out

The Colonel Sanders in all his chicken glory ... hangin' out at In-N-Out Phoenix, AZ - in a tricked out Microbus!

Being Present: What a gift!

In watching the 911 memorial stuff this morning on CSPAN (yes, I watched CSPAN), I remembered how Melissa woke me up to tell me of the attacks that horrific morning in 2001. My heart still goes out to those who lost loved ones that day. I can't imagine the emotions they experience on this day.

In watching the Pentagon Memorial this morning, I saw President Bush and his wife take time to talk with the families. It wasn't rushed. And they took time to look people in the eyes as they listened.

It made me remember how important it is to be present when we talk or encounter people throughout our day. How many times have we been doing something only to experience an interruption by someone - maybe a coworker or a child or a customer - beckoning for our attention. I understand not every encounter weighs as heavy as talking to someone who's lost a loved one ... the point is how can we make that person feel valued in that moment?

I am going to work on that today. And tomorrow. And the next day ...

What can you do to help someone feel valued today?

NOTE: As I typed this my two of my kids came into talk to me. I stopped my thought process and acknowledged their request. Having A D D is no excuse not to be present.

Introduce yourself...

You're reading this and you know a bit about me. I would like to know a bit about you. COME OUT FROM BEHIND YOUR SCREEN!

Please hit comment or email me at emaildlake@gmail.com (it should take one minute).

1. Name:
2. From:
3. Pimp your blog/site:
4. What interests you about this blog (FWIW):
5. Any fun fact about yourself:

Thanks!

Fantasy Football - week 1

Now I will not post about my FF team every week but I thought I would share my team and week one.

Short story shorter ... I lost week one. I was up by 15 points going into the last game and Stinking Jay Cutler of the Broncos had an 18 point game.

Here is my team. Any suggestions?

Baby Swim Safety

I heard of a baby drowning here in Phoenix this weekend. So sad. So preventable.

Saw this on cyber-friend Brad's blog this morning. If you have infant/toddlers or have kids who can't swim, please look into this. (if you are in a reader: Click Here)

It's about 6 min. segment


Here is another example ... (sound comes in and out)


What do you think of this technique?

Bucketball

This little game is easy, fun and ... addicting.

I warned you!

(ht: double3 the Friday game guru)

Fantasy Football

I've started my second season playing FF with a group of dudes from the church. Last year I really didn't know what I was doing. This year I kind of do ... but we will see.

Football season makes for a fun fall/winter (college on Saturdays, pro on Sundays). My pick to win it all as of today .... College USC, Pro.... my heart says SD Chargers, my head says the NY Jets (Brett Farve sticking it to the PACK).

BTW - I finished in last place last year!

Who do you pick to win the Super Bowl? (say it now ... we will see)

Sleep and go seek!

When ever a story about a missing child is on the news, as a parent, I try to make mental note of being more aware of my kids (without being overbearing or paranoid) especially in public. My heart goes out to families who've experienced this tragedy.

Well this morning after waking up and saying hi, our four year old daughter, went missing. In the midst of getting coffee, putting load of wash in, and picking up around the house Gigi had disappeared and we didn't know where.

We have a pool and our first though was to check there! Not there (thank God). After checking usual and unusual spots, my wife glanced in a wicker basket used for floor pillows / blankets .... and there she was. She went back to sleep in the basket of cozies!

Whew!

Rhythms of Grace

I recently visited this passage again after feeling a little ... out of rhythm. For a drummer, that's not good. My tempo has been reset by these words.

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matt.11:28-30 - The Message

What do you do to reset your life tempo?

Lessons learned from Shawshank Redemption

Now I know this movie came out in 1994 and really didn't do very well in the box office. Since, it's gained a great following and has become one of the all-time greats - go figure!

I have it on DVD and have been meaning to re watch it for some time. I don't analyze films much, if at all ... but in review, there was some really cool themes in the movie. If you haven't watched the movie these may not make sense (I don't want to give too much away - No Spoilers!)

Lesson 1: HOPE - (see this too)
"Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." We all need it, and it sustains even the weakest of hearts.

Lesson 2: Persistence
It's a main Hollywood theme. Tell somebody can't do something and you have a movie character people pull for. Rocky Balboa and Rudi - the little Notre Dame walk on - are two off the top of my head.

You feel that way with Andy, the lead character. Wanting to expand the prison library with no available funds, Andy writes a letter a week until given a little money and a few books. Not satisfied, he writes two letters a week and finally gets adequate help.

Lesson 3: Live in the Moment
One of my favorite lines in the movies goes, "Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying." How many times do we truly enjoy the moments in our lives? If we don't do the things in our life that make us happy allowing us to truly live, then we are simply working on dying.

Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that goes: "You're either working on recovery or you're working on a relapse." Enjoy the moments, the relationships, the process before one day we look back and the moments are gone. (Boy aren't I reflective!)

Spend more time with family and friends. Tell loved ones how much!

The movie is rated R by the MPAA - language and prison violence

iTunes Top Five

Open your iTunes Library. Click on Play Count button. This will arrange all our songs by the amount of times you've played a song.

My top five:
1. Makes me wonder - Maroon 5 (24)
2. Happy Day - Steve Fee (20)
3. Mighty to Save - Hillsong (19)
4. Wake up call - Maroon 5 (19)
5. How could you do this? - The Great Fiction - (18)
Disclaimer: I like Maroon 5 but my wife likes them more than I, hence the double appearance in the Top five.

What is on your iTunes top five?

Lincoln got it right.

Any thoughts? (ht: Longbrake)