I ran this morning.

I don’t run anymore.

In 2004, I actually ran the Disney Marathon. Since then, I have changed my workouts and running has slowly become a low, low level of exercise. It hurts too much afterwards.

Yet, when I go to the beach, something draws me to run at sunrise. I actually got up and was going to walk. Which I did for the first song. But then, I had to jog the next one. Then, I walked a song. Then I ran the next one. By the time I was 15 minutes into this routine, I was smiling so big. It was fun. Then, the sun came up over the horizon and it was “game on.” I went over four miles, sweating like oil slick, huffing like a locomotive and smiling.

It must have been quite a sight for all those I passed along the way. Like the following people:

– Power walking lady – total power walk stride, water bottle in hand and determined look on her face.

– Two Grannies – these ladies gave the biggest wave and smiles while looking for shells, great encouragers!

– Middle aged runner…wait that is me.

– Older than me, middle aged runner – cool, collected, not a drop of sweat on him, short wave, grim smile. Makes me chuckle.

– 40 something male walking with his mom – sounds weird in writing it, but I think, how cool it is that he gets to see and be with his mom. Mine is in Tennessee this am – miss her. (She would be actually running faster than me)

– Jogging mom – step aside, she looks like she could and can run me over. She is faster, stronger and ready to plow right through me.

– Old guy who isn’t taking much ground and who really cares – love watching older people excercise. This guy wasn’t taking 5 steps for my one stride but he was out there. I am impressed.

– Couple out for a walk. – I will never know what a sunrise walk looks like because Kristin and I are on the “night and day” plan. Yet, I love going for walks with her at other times – usually one of the highlight of my trip to the beach.

– Finally, My shadow. I am amazed to see my shadow when I run. (Sounds goofy, but try it sometime.) My shadow doesn’t show age, aching bones or even graying hair – it still looks like an athlete to me. (Gotta laugh at that one.)

When I crossed the imaginary finish line at the life guard stand, I smiled once more because of what happens next. I love running on the beach because there is always a moment (it happens every time) when I stop and I look at the ocean with this beautiful sun cresting. I am reminded how little I am, a new day always comes and how BIG God really is. I prayed over all the situations and challenges in my life and laid them all at God’s glorious feet. I recognized all that I could do and how much God can do beyond my imagination or dreams. I walked towards the condo at peace.

God is on the throne again!

 

 

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” I Thessalonians 5:24

How many of you recognize that you are on a journey with God? Like many of your natural journeys, it has tasks, challenges, joys and wins. Just the word “journey” denotes a length of time and commitment. And all journey’s have at least one thing in common: you have to take the first step.

Isn’t that an amazing part? All the anticipation, excitement, preparation and expectation comes to fruition and you begin. You are full of energy and passion and you begin down a new road with great hope that all that you have done to accomplish your goal will be successful.

I was sitting with a friend in an airport recently and we were discussing our journey with Christ. We were both far from the beginning. We were far into our journey and had the bumps, bruises and scars to prove it. We shared some amazing highs and some challenging lows. And we both gave each other that knowing smile, “It was totally worth it.” I wondered out loud,”How does one keep going when the journey seems too long and has too many obstacles in the way?”
I heard a minister share the initial verse. Let me break it down for you…

“The one” – there is on who calls you whose name is above all names, everything falls under His authority. There is no one higher or greater than Him.

“Who calls you” – He calls us. By name, by relationship and by purpose…he continues to call.

“Is faithful” – This always makes me smile. The Creator of heaven and earth constrains himself by his word that He will be faithful. He will not slack off or miss it. He consistently, lovingly draws us to relationship.

“and he will do it” – We may not see it today, tomorrow or next day but if we stay on the journey, he will accomplish his will in us.

So, you have a choice. Stay where you are or take the next step. Go ahead…he’s got this.

 

Father’s Day comes every Sunday for me.  My family is far from perfect. (I am the leader and I am far from perfect so they are just following suit.)  Yet, I am so blessed.  I sit every Sunday after church and get to hang out with some of the most amazing people to me.  Often, I am pretty tired after services.  (I know I don’t preach but I do greet a lot of folks at the stairs – I love it!)  Kristin makes these “over the top” meals that feeds the whole crew and creates an atmosphere of sharing, stories and love.

When asked “How do you spend Father’s Day,” this is a snapshot of our after church table this Father’s Day.

– Honorable absentee mention to my parents (who I called the day before and shared the love), Kristin’s parents (who are regulars at the table and amazing), Tyler Brooks and Bryan Singleton (adopted sons- humbled to have them in the family who celebrated with their own families).

– “Doc” – visiting his family who we adopted.  A great guy who loves dialoguing about the Judaic and Christianity faiths.  Love talking to him and his journey.

– “Blue” – I never knew how much joy one of my daughter’s would bring me each day.  She makes me smile and laugh so often. (She posted Mr. Incredible video on her Instagram about me – C’mon!)

– ChloGo and Chug – my niece and her husband.  These two are the epitome of servant’s hearts. I watch them and know their journey will impact many – yep, they are that good.

– Sunshine and Katy Katy – my son and his wife.  These two tell great stories and are capturing all the good out of life.  For Father’s Day, Sunshine wrote a poem for me.  Tears flowed before the first word spoken…

– The Dobsons, Sr.  – My son in law’s parents.  I love these two – I am so blessed that my daughter’s family has such great wisdom, fun and love for the Lord in the grand parent role.  They are top shelf amazing.

– Cleveland Clan – Adopted this family and I am so glad we did.  They welcomed a new addition to the family last week. The impact each of them are going to have will astound many.  Pronk and I are doing the daily verse challenge and we are growing.

– The Skater and Tater – The most creative couple at the table. So proud of all they are accomplishing in life and the parents they are already. If I ever need to know what “relevant” is, I ask them.

– JaxMan – He get’s so excited to pray for the food, closes his eyes and smiles really big. (I hope I do that when I pray.)  He is getting bigger, louder and loves to explore.  Loves using a fork and spoon, or at least, try!

– Big Momma. – Hard to believe we started this journey 27 yrs ago.  I still love it when she laughs, shares her great insights and wisdom and knows just how to make someone feel special. And…she creates an awesome Sunday table.

That was my Father’s Day table.  As I looked around the table, I remember how blessed I am every day.  I get to do life with these folks…what a life!

 

I recently sat with a great young leader – we were talking about fatherhood, business, family and “the grind.”  You know what the grind is – the routine of life.

Ironically, I have written how I enjoy routine and how it keeps me centered.  Routine also can lull us into boredome because we do the same things each day. Get up, spend time with God, workout, go to work, make dinner,  talk with Kristin, watch a ballgame, read, go to bed.  Now, I am not complaining – there is a lot of good things in between but still, it becomes a grind because you can literally “sleep walk” through it.

As I was talking with this guy, I told him about a principle that I realized is probably true for all of us.  Humans like to have “chaos” in their lives – it gives us something to “conquer.”  Some have chaos thrust upon them with extreme life situations – birth, death, divorce, moving, job changes – those are intense.  When you are in the grind, life doesn’t throw as many curve balls and we get “bored.”

So we create chaos.

There are two types of chaos.  You can allow there to be bad chaos – the destructive type where you say, think or do things that is going to cause pain your life.  This is where sin has a field day.  The wounds in your life that you haven’t truly healed begin to say to you, “It’s ok, you deserve to do this, you are entitled to…”  Before you know it, you are going down a path that is going to bring hurt and a bigger wound to you and those you truly love.

Or there is good chaos.

Is there another kind?  You bet there is.  Good chaos comes from giving yourself one challenge that you can “shock” your grind by putting something in it that will cause you positive “uncomfortableness.”  Starting a workout, a bible study, a book reading or going to a small group, taking a class, or attending an event you would never think of before (the ballet or opera) – all these are “good chaos.”  For example, two years ago, I took up golf with an earnest.  I took lessons, bought golf clothes and now, I play once a week vs once  month.  Am I a great golfer – no way.  Have I improved – yes.  Have I developed a new skill and community – yes.  It helps me to break up the routine and get out of my comfort zone.

Are you going through the grind?  It is time for some chaos…bring it on!

 

 

 

My last post was about my flight at 5:2o am.  That was Tuesday.  It is 5:20am and it is Thursday…and I am in an airport again.

Yesterday, I had the worst experience ever flying.  After an amazing day and a half with a growing church that is really poised to take off, I was dropped off at the airport at a flight that was already delayed once around 3pm.  A series of delay, mechanical failures, reassignments, more delays we finally got on the plane 8:30.  With the time change, it was going to be close to make my connection.  Then, we went through another hour and twenty minutes of waiting for fuel, checking the manifest, filing a new flight plan.  It actually got hilarious to watch how we sat there.  My connecting flight  long gone, I made it to the hotel at 1 am so I could get back up at 4am to get back to the airport this am.

Here is the amazing thing.  I wrote last time about how God can work when we make ourselves available.  I wish I could say I was smiling and joyful about the unplanned stay over.  Yet, God continued to show me how He works when we make ourselves available.  I met a young man who attended an camp for kids without parents.  I met a 30 year navy veteran who was flying to Africa.  I met a golfer from Orlando.  I met a railroad representative who loves Pittsburgh.  All of them have their own stories, challenges and life that needs God.  Some conversations were deep, some polite and short.  As I sit here with my brain buzzing, I can say “God used me to touch their lives.”  No, not an emotional response, on their knees, radically accepting of Christ.  Instead, it was a kind word, a quick prayer, and a renewed sense of how we all need each other.  And they encouraged me too.  We all needed a little boost.

Ministry is people.  I know, I need to get back to Tampa, I have ministry to do.  Who knew that ministry can happen at midnight…in an abandoned airport…on frayed nerves…with little sleep…when I really didn’t want to be there.  Ministry is people – they’re worth it.

 

I just got off my 5:20 am flight. Since I am an early morning person, you would think I would be in my element.  Honestly, I was.  (It was difficult after staying up to cheer on my Bolts – tough loss but so proud of their grit and desire.)  What can you learn on a 5:20 flight…believe me, a lot.  Random observations before 7:18am:

• There are a lot of police officers tending to automobile accidents at 3:30am. (3 in 10 miles)
• You CAN find a parking spot in long-term parking at 3:50am.
• No, they don’t let you go over to the terminal before 4am.
• Yes, they will send you back if you accidentally go over because there was no one to check ID’s in the main hub.
• Yes, there are actually families with 6 kids who will actually get up at this time of day to fly somewhere.
• Yes, those same 6 kids will find the play area and play on every square inch of it until they have to board. (And question why they have to leave such a great playground?)
• This flight will definitely be overbooked and run out of overhead space.
• No terminal stores are open except for Starbucks and General goods place – quiet is so eerie and cool at the same time.
• Everyone (including the hip grandma) and I mean everyone is using headphones this morning.  Parents of the 6 kids – not.
• Yes, God can move on a 5:20am flight.  Most amazing conversation with a businessman about his journey in business and life.
• Yes, I continue to learn more about leadership, management and overall team building as a pastor.
• Yes, I see the power of a story…wow!
• Yes, we all can make an impact if we stay available.

Ok, its 7:18am…I am ready for a nap!

 

Find your voice and inspire others to find theirs.

Stephen Covey

I posted this quote recently and it just pumps me.  This has been one of my biggest “mantras” for the last few years.  Too many people don’t know have the confidence, security and courage to use their voice.  Or they don’t know how.  And what about encouraging others to use their voice…what would that look like.  Let’s dive in.

What is “your voice?”  Simply, it is your beliefs and the ability to communicate them. If you believe it, then you should be able to express it in a way for others to clearly understand it.  It can be as simple as “I believe it is going to rain.”  Simple, easy to understand,  and not much weight.  Yet, as you drill down deeper – relationships, faith, family, money and politics – you get a different sense of gravity.  This is where most people become quiet.

You need to use your voice.

You need to tell whatever is stopping you from expressing your beliefs to “Shut it’s yapper!”  This is one of the coolest gifts that God gives us – a sound mind to think, be logical, solve problems and find a way to share that with others.  Many times, it is that “other voice” that stops us. “You are going to look stupid,”  “No one wants to hear what you have to say,” “They are smarter than you,” and my favorite, “What if you are wrong?”

Let me address “what if you are wrong?”

You have a 50% chance of being wrong.  If you take the stance that I am constantly growing and learning, then you will use your voice with the intent of growing.  I share things but I also listen to the response and feedback.  I work through all that to evaluate what I believe.  If I need to change it, I acknowledge my lack of understanding and work on what I now believe.  The need to be perfect or the expert can stymie growth.  

You need to use your voice and be an encourager of others using theirs.  Imagine a relationship or an organization where there can be honest, true and clear communication without all the incumbrances of fear and insecurity.  Could there be pain – you bet?  Yet, the pain is exposed and it can be dealt with together.  A pain that is out in the open has so little power compared to the one that is hidden in the dark.

Use your voice today!  Better yet, encourage those around you to use their as well.  The results will astound you.

 

 

 

The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is, not to frighten them, but to challenge them.

My grandson, Jax, was at the beach with my wife, Kristin and some of our kids.  She came home and told be a really cool story.

Jax, at the wonderful age of 16 months is learning all the joys of the beach.  He doesn’t really want to get into the water. Yet, he learned if he walks down the beach, he can meet everybody…he gets “oohs,” “aahs, and sometimes he just helps them eat their food.   As “the mayor” (one of my nicknames for him) was on his walk, he saw two boys who would start at the water’s edge and run into the water, throwing them into the water with a splash.  Then, they would get up and run back out to the edge.  They would do this over and over again.

Jax was mesmerized by this.  He found himself wanting to run into the water.  He would run in and stop at the water’s edge. Then, he would go back and do it again but get all the way to his ankles.  Then, his shins. Then higher up the shins.  As he did this, the mom of the two boys looked at Kristin and said, “Sometimes, they need each other to be brave.”

Wow!  That is an amazing observation.   We get brave when we someone else is involved. Maybe you have an obstacle than is staring you in the face.  It is challenging you and you are stuck.  I encourage you to find someone who is “ahead of you” in the journey who has faced it.  Ask questions – how did they beat it? Find out what did or didn’t work for them. Become a student of those who are “pioneers” in that situation.  In other words, few challenges are unique.  Others have faced them and their journey can give you the wisdom and experience you are looking for to launch yours.

Finally, there is a great song by Amanda Cook, Bethel Music called “You Make Me Brave.” Beyond other’s experience, God will make you brave.  Just knowing that He is with you and that you do not go alone can give you the courage you need to take the next step.  The chorus of this song is:

You make me brave
You make me brave
You call me out beyond the shore into the waves
You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the promises you made
You make me brave
You make me brave
No fear can hinder now the love that made a way

Great words.  Great Challenge.  Be Brave!

 

 

 

Happy Birthday David Bonham!  My Dad…

My dad is a pretty amazing guy.  He turns 74 today and we still talk once or twice a week.  He is active – raising cows, chickens and bees. (He is nailing the beekeeping – teaches other how to do it as well.)   I honor him today for all that he has poured into my life…more than even he knows.  So, here are some random thoughts about my dad.

–  We both talk the same way.  We use our hands a lot and we are soft-spoken.

–  We both cry when we laugh.  I especially love it when we laugh together…we usually see the other one laughing and crying and it prompts us to do it more.

– We both think common sense is foundational to almost everything.

– We both like conversations we have during the day that are genuine and cause us to think.

– We both like to write.  Like the letter he wrote to me on my first day of college that was waiting in my mailbox when I got there.  (You thought I forgot – tell more people about those words than you can imagine.)

– We both like to have fun when we work.

– Now…we both have an age spot on our hand. (Inside story)

– We both fiercely love our families.

– Finally, I recognize the role my dad and mom played in me accepting Christ.  They went to church for a long time without a relationship with Christ.  When they made their profession of faith, they ultimately changed the trajectory for my sister and brothers.  Over time, we all accepted Christ.  I am the first minister in my family that I know of.  And now, Casey is following that similar path.

So, the last thing to say is that “we both make an impact.”

You really do!  Happy Birthday!

 

 

 

I was recently asked to speak to GFC’s Next Level Leaders – adults who feel that God has called them to be more than a volunteer at Grace.  These amazing people are leaders who truly impact the growth and ministry of the church.  They help our staff lead ministry at a very high level and demonstrate God’s love in a great way!

I was asked to speak on “How do You Lead Yourself Well?”  Great question and here are the nuts and bolts from my talk.

1.  Have a consistent devotion time with the Lord.  

This is a must for me.  Whereas my devotions have changed over the years, my commitment to it has not.  I am presently using the “choose between bible reading, worship, prayer or solitude” method.  I have to do one of those Mon. – Thurs. and Saturday. I am using the “Jesus Calling” devotion and it is amazing how God is drawing me into His presence during this time.

The consistency is the most important thing in my devotions.  It isn’t exciting and a thrill to see.  It just works.  Like in any relationship – regular, quality time brings life, growth and maturity.  I am happy with that.

 

2.  Have a “Personal Board.”  

     If a business can reap the benefits of having multiple advisors to navigate the challenges of business, why don’t we employ the same concept in our desire to navigate life.  I have been using this strategy for years and seen huge benefits.  I have “board members” for my spiritual, financial, business, life application, relationship and fitness aspects of my life.  When I am challenged (it happens a lot,) I go to my board for wisdom, insights and direction about what steps to take or to avoid.

The wisdom that has gone before me has saved me from a lot of pitfalls and bad judgements.  One of the best decisions I made was to submit myself to a personal board.

 

3.  Commit to Continual Learning.

    I will never stop being a student and growing.  My grandfather taught me the importance of questions and I have made that a lifelong commitment.  There is so much we can learn from situations, people and just observing everyday life.  I find more value in people when I realize that I can learn something from them.  I am amazed by God and situations when I realize how finite I am and how infinite He is.  I can walk in sincere humility when I can realize the greatness of someone else or how a situation has changed the trajectory of a life.

Commitment to learning doesn’t mean you aren’t smart.  Actually, it recognizes the genius of knowing that there is so much more than we can comprehend or imagine.  Tapping into that propels us forward!

 

4.  Commit to Find Ways to Lead.

 How does a pastor lead when he doesn’t get to preach from the pulpit?  When this happened to me, I was pretty discouraged at first.  Yet, I made this commitment that I would continue to lead.  I learned how to lead from the “back of the room.”  I began to realize influence had more power than words from the front.  I continue to grow in character and integrity because of this principle.  Influence can be positive or negative.  If I want to be a positive influence, then character, integrity and honesty are the foundation.

I also found outlets to leverage my leadership – two recent ones are social media and my blog.  I will usually post a scripture and a quote each day.  I am amazed how people enjoy reading those daily.  But it is gratifying to know that it impacts someone’s life.  This blog has become my version of “preaching.”  I love sharing stories and insights from life.  Life is hard and hopefully these “nuggets” are helpful in drawing close to God.

 

5.  Commit to Live in the Moment.

     Life changes by the hour, the day and in a moment.  One of my newest and most powerful tools is learning to live in the moment.  I used to prepared and strategize to the point of  “controlling” everything I possibly could.  Now, I realize that is futile.  If I truly want to let God control my direction and steps, than I must yield the reigns to Him.  I prepare what is needed, strategize for a period of time and lay out steps that I see fit. I do this with an open palm, allowing the Lord to do with it as He will.  Sounds easy – been one of the hardest things for me to do.  Yet, it has also been one of the most fruitful things I do in leading myself.

Living in the moment takes the burden off of me to “make things happen.”  I do my part and yield the results to an amazing God whose will and direction is better than I can imagine.

 

Today, this is how I am leading myself well.  What are you doing to ensure that you stay on the course the Lord has for you?