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2007 - Top Ten

It's December 31 and want to review some of the top ten things that happened throughout this year. (Not in any order)

1. A visit from our friend/family - The Kitchen's. We enjoy our time with them and they enrich our lives deeply.

2. I kept my only resolution this year. To blog more than I did last year (35 entries total 2007). I cranked it up in December finishing strong with double digits. I plan to blog at least once a week this next year!

3. Joining the vision of The Crossroads. This time last year I was jobless and seeking God's direction. I learned much in the transition from CCV to The Crossroads one of which God's timing and direction really it best. We may think we have together. Ever so true: "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." - Prov. 16:9

God provided for us in such unexpected ways. Our house, a newer car given to us, various household furniture items, peaceful sleep were just a few of the many blessings.

4. I read many books. Two favorites were "It came from within" - A. Stanley and "Made to Stick" - C. Heath and D. Heath

5. Going to New Orleans on a short-term missions trip. Really put the need there in perspective.

6. 13 years being married to Melissa. She's the best thing that has happened to me. My love for her grows each year . . . I am grateful.

7. I don't like to admit it but . . . I am a MacSnob (as my wife calls me). I love my MacBook!

8. Our visit with the Cinfios. Gianna and Mikayla are cute together.

9. Going to the John Mayer concert at Glendale Arena with my bro! Good times, Good Music!

10. Playing in the worship band at with Joey, Andy, David, Gary, Steve, Mary J. and the rest. It stretched me once again . . . Good times to remember fondly. My favorite worship LP . . . (The only one I bought) my buddy Ricardo and His team rock!\

11. I recognized growth (physically, mentally, spiritually) in my boys this year. They are becoming great young men of God. Their personalities have really developed. Dangerous Boys Club, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Football in the rain, Our trip to Guitar Center, and the Rocket Launch this past Christmas were major highlights!

OK - that's it. I actually had 11. 2007 was a redefining year for me. I trust God deeper, appreciating my family members more and want others to know they matter to God!

Better late than never . . .

Not sure who the "better late than never" quote is attributed to but I could imagine them to be a procrastinator. It's defined as one who delays or puts off action or to postpone doing something (I am into definitions these days). When you think about how God answers most of our prayers . . . "He' never early or never late, He's always . . . . wait for it . . . . . wait for it . . . . . not yet . . . . hang in there . . . . wait . . . . . RIGHT-ON-TIME!" I am grateful either way he decides (early or on time). I am just glad He answers!

I meant to post this pictorial a while back. It's of Gianna and her cribmate from the orphanage in China (who was also adopted), Mikeyla. They had a good time when the Cinfio's came to Phoenix to visit.

Transactions or Relationships

I am reading a book to my boys (bedtime reading) called "You don't need a title to be a leader" by Mark Sanborn. They seem to like it although they drift to sleep rather fast. In the book Mark discusses the imporatance of the daily exchanges we have with others. Here is a condensed thought that was rather provoking:

"Differences between Transactions and Relationships

Much of what we do each day as businesspeople and speakers is transactional. We focus on our interactions with others to achieve specific outcomes. In many exchanges there simply isn’t the need for relationship beyond common courtesy. But for those people we value, in business and life, we need to distinguish between the transactional and the relational.

If you value the person, don’t ever waste his or her time

Ultimately, time, the raw resource of life, is all we have. That’s why purposeful interactions prove we value the other person. In a time-compressed world, most of us can’t devote time to those who are simply “staying in touch.” I prefer “keeping in relationship” as a philosophy. That means I don’t need to engage in mindless contact to keep myself in someone’s awareness. Instead, I can devote time to meaningful exchange."

I struggle with this. I want my exchanges to have some meaning. I really would like to add to others more than I take. I'd rather have my relationship be mutual instead of a lopsided self interest. I'd rather inform rather than keeping in touch. I don't want transactions I want relationships. I think God is say the same to me.

To read the full length version of Mark's article, here's the link: http://www.marksanborn.com/store/Leadership_Lessons_01-04-07.asp