Our biggest lessons can come from the smallest of things.
It might come from a smile, the stars in the night sky, a grain of sand at the beach, a sentence in a book, a scene in a movie, a word from a friend, a lyric in a song, a collective piece of art. For me today, it came from having coffee with two gentlemen - one i have grown to see as my mentor/friend and another i was meeting for the very first time.
We often think that to learn a BIG lesson we must go through a BIG trial however my experience leads me to believe that it's quite the opposite. Many of the biggest lessons that we can learn from are hidden in the smaller things of life. This past weekend i learnt some lessons from simply listening to how i speak - about myself, about others, about God, about life. It was interesting to see that although i noticed what i could be doing better, others didn't. It's not that they were bad friends but rather it was a method which i could learn things.
If we want to learn patience we might learn it in a traffic jam or by withholding the urge to jump the queue whilst waiting for our coffee. If we want to learn how to serve we might learn it by assisting that pregnant woman that doesn't have a seat or seeing the need for a pen whilst in a meeting. If we want to learn right-thinking we might learn it by speaking something positive about the person everyone chooses to bag out or by stepping back for a moment in a situation where personally adjusting your perspective will make a difference.
Whilst having coffee today, the gentlemen i had never met before challenged me in a few areas. One of them being the area of accountability. He said "Sex, money and power are three temptations every man (woman) should stay accountable for". He then went on to explain how each of these three areas can affect us all and be detrimental to our field of work (like Bill Clinton or Tiger Woods). When we choose to stay honest and accountable in these three areas, we then begin to prosper.
Private victories always precede public victories.
The other lesson i learnt was about failing. Once again this man i had just met challenged me in this area. He said "It's okay to fail as long as we understand the why. Learning to fail differently every day would look like progress on a chart. It's only when we fail in the same area again and again that the problems arise". We will all fail at some point in our lives, even if you try not to. But fact is some failure will always precede success. Learn from your mistakes, apply it to your life and choose to move forward with this new understanding.
So today, this week, this month, this year look for the BIG lessons that lie in the small opportunities.
ps bazz
Monday, March 15, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Awaken.
I'm sitting here, thinking of things to write but my mind just seems to be blank.
We can learn so much from moments like these. Where our minds are still but our world is still in motion. All around us people are doing life. All around us people are living their dream. All around us people are making choices - good and bad ones.
A few days ago i watched the movie "Wall-E". I know, it's a kids movie and yes, it's quite old BUT none the less i watched it with a few friends of mine. It was an interesting watch from which i could learn so many lessons from. The biggest thing that struck me was the fact that these people thought they were 'living the life' but essentially they had all been so misguided and blinded by this false ideal life. In one of the scenes the captain responds with the statement "I DON'T WANT TO JUST SURVIVE, I WANT TO LIVE".
Wow. What a statement. How many times have we settled for the 'ideal life' only to come to a place where we are discontent with our current state and don't want to just survive, but want to live. I think it's moments like these (no, we dont need minties) that can become a defining moment for us. It can be a catalyst for change and growth. It can become an opportunity of a lifetime. It can be a lesson we can learn from firsthand.
You definitely would've heard people say "You only live once". What do you take away from that statement? Are your dreams becoming reality or is reality robbing your dream. Are your relationships flourishing or are they dying. Are you constantly growing, learning and producing good fruit or are you lacking in growth, become more immature and producing little.
Our life was not meant to be locked in a "Survival Mode"; we were all called to truly live.
Awaken your soul.
ps bazz
We can learn so much from moments like these. Where our minds are still but our world is still in motion. All around us people are doing life. All around us people are living their dream. All around us people are making choices - good and bad ones.
A few days ago i watched the movie "Wall-E". I know, it's a kids movie and yes, it's quite old BUT none the less i watched it with a few friends of mine. It was an interesting watch from which i could learn so many lessons from. The biggest thing that struck me was the fact that these people thought they were 'living the life' but essentially they had all been so misguided and blinded by this false ideal life. In one of the scenes the captain responds with the statement "I DON'T WANT TO JUST SURVIVE, I WANT TO LIVE".
Wow. What a statement. How many times have we settled for the 'ideal life' only to come to a place where we are discontent with our current state and don't want to just survive, but want to live. I think it's moments like these (no, we dont need minties) that can become a defining moment for us. It can be a catalyst for change and growth. It can become an opportunity of a lifetime. It can be a lesson we can learn from firsthand.
You definitely would've heard people say "You only live once". What do you take away from that statement? Are your dreams becoming reality or is reality robbing your dream. Are your relationships flourishing or are they dying. Are you constantly growing, learning and producing good fruit or are you lacking in growth, become more immature and producing little.
Our life was not meant to be locked in a "Survival Mode"; we were all called to truly live.
Awaken your soul.
ps bazz
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sixty.
It has been sixty days since 2010 begun.
It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a new season.
When you look back on the last sixty days of your life, what do you see?
How does it make you feel?
What thoughts, images, emotions come to mind?
For me the last sixty days of my life have been amazing. Three of my friends have either proposed or been proposed to, my first dog passed away, I began a new career, I have gained new mentors, I have celebrated four parties, I have attended my friends fathers funeral, I have been single for valentines day, I became a part of a youth committee, I made brand new friends, I joined twitter and I started a blog.
Although it may seem like a small number of days, each of them for me have been significant, especially the last 21. It had been almost eight months since i had really spoken or even hung out with one of my closest friends (so close that i call him my brother). You might find it strange that if his one of my closest friends why would it be eight months since we last met; I find it strange too.
However, from day 1 to day 21 i have seen this young man's life totally changed and transformed. We began with an individual who literally believed they were nothing but ended with an individual that discovered purpose. We began with an individual who was discouraged, unhappy, discontent and unsatisfied but ended with an individual who was encouraged, happy, content and satisfied.
When we give someone time, it means so much to them.
When we give someone words, it means so much to them.
When we give someone love, it means so much to them.
Let's never discredit or discount what ONE day can do for someone. Everyone has a story to tell which longs to be told but unfortunately more often than not it lands on deaf ears. People want someone to understand them, someone to listen and say nothing, someone to believe in them, someone to be by their side, someone to laugh with and someone to cry with, everyONE needs someONE.
Sixty days may not seem like heaps but there are plenty of lessons to learn in the midst.
It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a new season. Don't despise the opportunity.
ps bazz
It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a new season.
When you look back on the last sixty days of your life, what do you see?
How does it make you feel?
What thoughts, images, emotions come to mind?
For me the last sixty days of my life have been amazing. Three of my friends have either proposed or been proposed to, my first dog passed away, I began a new career, I have gained new mentors, I have celebrated four parties, I have attended my friends fathers funeral, I have been single for valentines day, I became a part of a youth committee, I made brand new friends, I joined twitter and I started a blog.
Although it may seem like a small number of days, each of them for me have been significant, especially the last 21. It had been almost eight months since i had really spoken or even hung out with one of my closest friends (so close that i call him my brother). You might find it strange that if his one of my closest friends why would it be eight months since we last met; I find it strange too.
However, from day 1 to day 21 i have seen this young man's life totally changed and transformed. We began with an individual who literally believed they were nothing but ended with an individual that discovered purpose. We began with an individual who was discouraged, unhappy, discontent and unsatisfied but ended with an individual who was encouraged, happy, content and satisfied.
When we give someone time, it means so much to them.
When we give someone words, it means so much to them.
When we give someone love, it means so much to them.
Let's never discredit or discount what ONE day can do for someone. Everyone has a story to tell which longs to be told but unfortunately more often than not it lands on deaf ears. People want someone to understand them, someone to listen and say nothing, someone to believe in them, someone to be by their side, someone to laugh with and someone to cry with, everyONE needs someONE.
Sixty days may not seem like heaps but there are plenty of lessons to learn in the midst.
It's a new day. It's a new month. It's a new season. Don't despise the opportunity.
ps bazz
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Lasting Impression.
In my life so far I've come across so many different types of people. From those who are significantly important to those who are barely known somebodies however in most cases I always seem to encounter that one individual who stands out from the crowd and leaves a lasting impression.
Here are 4 lessons we can learn from an individual who leaves a lasting impression:
1. They remember your name
Whenever you are introduced to a person, the first question you might ask is 'what is your name?'. Isn't interesting that of all the questions to ask, that is the first. To me that leads me to believe that there is something in a name that gives people a sense of identity, significance and importance. Remembering someones name gives that person permission to be themselves around you, it makes the conversation much more personal and it leaves a mark. As author Dale Carnegie states "remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language".
2. They find something to compliment you about
When I used to catch the train to and from school I always noticed a sign that said 'if you see something, say something'. It was obviously a project being undertaken to let people know how they can be involved in the fight against terrorism threats, however i think we can apply this same principle to our own lives. If you see something positive about a person, say something! It's not going to hurt to say something positive about someone, be it complimenting they're fashion sense, facial features, accomplishments etc. We often stop ourselves from saying such things but what we fail to realize is that it's the little things that no one notices that can make a persons day.
3. They show genuine interest in what you're saying
I know we've all had an experience in a conversation where we seem to be doing okay for the first half but there comes a point where we just don't know what to talk about anymore. It can be awkward, embarrassing and even damaging to the flow of conversation. The next time that happens, why not let the other person talk about what their passionate about and become genuinely interested. Quit trying to think of ways to talk about yourself and give your whole attention to them. There are a multitude of lessons you can learn from those experiences and you might even discover some new passions that you both can relate to.
4. They make it a priority to say 'bye'
In a recent conversation I had with a friend who just became a leader in youth ministry I wanted to know what that role exactly involved. It began with the usual expectations of being punctual, attending meetings and living a life of example however he then mentioned one thing to me that i was surprised about. He said that one of the expectations from his leader was that they were not allowed to leave the program/meeting without first saying bye to him. This honestly was something new to me but as i began to think about it, it made sense. When someone says bye to you it shows that they respect and honor you as a leader and that you play a significant role in their life. Saying bye shouldn't be based merely on favoritism, popularity or position but should be an area in which we treat everyone equally despite of that. Our bye should become for us a priority, not just an option.
So when it comes to your life and encountering new people for the first time, are you a person that they will forget or are you a person that will leave a lasting impression.
ps bazz
Here are 4 lessons we can learn from an individual who leaves a lasting impression:
1. They remember your name
Whenever you are introduced to a person, the first question you might ask is 'what is your name?'. Isn't interesting that of all the questions to ask, that is the first. To me that leads me to believe that there is something in a name that gives people a sense of identity, significance and importance. Remembering someones name gives that person permission to be themselves around you, it makes the conversation much more personal and it leaves a mark. As author Dale Carnegie states "remember that a person's name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language".
2. They find something to compliment you about
When I used to catch the train to and from school I always noticed a sign that said 'if you see something, say something'. It was obviously a project being undertaken to let people know how they can be involved in the fight against terrorism threats, however i think we can apply this same principle to our own lives. If you see something positive about a person, say something! It's not going to hurt to say something positive about someone, be it complimenting they're fashion sense, facial features, accomplishments etc. We often stop ourselves from saying such things but what we fail to realize is that it's the little things that no one notices that can make a persons day.
3. They show genuine interest in what you're saying
I know we've all had an experience in a conversation where we seem to be doing okay for the first half but there comes a point where we just don't know what to talk about anymore. It can be awkward, embarrassing and even damaging to the flow of conversation. The next time that happens, why not let the other person talk about what their passionate about and become genuinely interested. Quit trying to think of ways to talk about yourself and give your whole attention to them. There are a multitude of lessons you can learn from those experiences and you might even discover some new passions that you both can relate to.
4. They make it a priority to say 'bye'
In a recent conversation I had with a friend who just became a leader in youth ministry I wanted to know what that role exactly involved. It began with the usual expectations of being punctual, attending meetings and living a life of example however he then mentioned one thing to me that i was surprised about. He said that one of the expectations from his leader was that they were not allowed to leave the program/meeting without first saying bye to him. This honestly was something new to me but as i began to think about it, it made sense. When someone says bye to you it shows that they respect and honor you as a leader and that you play a significant role in their life. Saying bye shouldn't be based merely on favoritism, popularity or position but should be an area in which we treat everyone equally despite of that. Our bye should become for us a priority, not just an option.
So when it comes to your life and encountering new people for the first time, are you a person that they will forget or are you a person that will leave a lasting impression.
ps bazz
Friday, February 19, 2010
A Plane In The Sky.
SCRIPTURE //and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
1 John 1:9 (NIV)
OBSERVATION //
Who HE is always comes before what He's done. For example in the Old Testament time and time again we hear God say "I am the Lord your God (who He is) who bought you out of Egypt (what He's done)."
Who HE is always comes before what He's done. For example in the Old Testament time and time again we hear God say "I am the Lord your God (who He is) who bought you out of Egypt (what He's done)."
This is what i see in action:
LAW = what you do will define who you are
however
GRACE = who you are will define what you do
LAW = what you do will define who you are
however
GRACE = who you are will define what you do
There is a process happening here. An individual who comes to God as a repentant sinner will confess their sins. The moment that occurs they encounter a faithful and just God, which because of His character produces forgiveness and purity which apart from Him we cannot receive.
APPLICATION //
Understanding that who we are defines what we do is significantly important in learning more about God. The more of God, the less of me which consequently produces a more Christ-like character in our lives. If we can come to the place of identity, which is who we are in Him, He then has the place to come in and produce His character in us.
PRAYER //
Father, we confess that we have sinned. We thank you that because You are faithful and just we are now forgiven from our sin and have been made righteous because of what Christ has done. We love You Lord. In Jesus' name we pray AMEN.
ps bazz
APPLICATION //
Understanding that who we are defines what we do is significantly important in learning more about God. The more of God, the less of me which consequently produces a more Christ-like character in our lives. If we can come to the place of identity, which is who we are in Him, He then has the place to come in and produce His character in us.
PRAYER //
Father, we confess that we have sinned. We thank you that because You are faithful and just we are now forgiven from our sin and have been made righteous because of what Christ has done. We love You Lord. In Jesus' name we pray AMEN.
ps bazz
Monday, February 15, 2010
A Blank Canvas.
If your life were a blank canvas what would you begin to create?
What images would come into mind? What colours would you begin to use? Would you use splatters or smooth strokes? Would you paint a happy scene or sad scene?
You see, our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. No matter what we may have faced in the past, are facing in the present and will face in the future, if we can come to understand WHO we are then WHAT we do will begin to change.
Isn't it interesting that between the ages of 0-7 we begin to develop our core beliefs. Another word for core beliefs = perspective. From such a young age we begin to develop these views that may not necessarily be right, but we believe it anyways. It is then between the ages of 8-14 that we look for confirmation/denial of the core beliefs. We look for it in our peers, family, friends etc.
However it is between the ages of 15-30 where once we've developed our core beliefs and had them confrimed/denied, that we begin to decide on a lifestyle. For some of us this might mean that because of a healthy family life and positive influences/experiences we have a determination to do our best in life and flourish.
Unfortunately, that isn't the case for most people. It has become more frequent in this generation that people have had negative influences/experiences throughout those critical ages of 0-14, be it through family breakdown, abuse (physical, mental, sexual, emotional), alcoholism, drugs, self-harm etc.
Your core belief has to mirror the world you live in. For example if you see yourself as dirty you will be attracted to those that don't treat you well. The people you hang with will mirror the way you treat yourself and have taught them to treat you.
Belief systems that you have been taught aren't always necessarily true. Some beliefs that you currently own may not be working for you and instead of bringing progress to your life, all it's doing is bringing you down. You have the choice to challenge your core beliefs with the 'facts' or the truth - which is the word of God and what He says about you.
So again I ask this question - If your life were a blank canvas what would you begin to create?
ps bazz
(don't forget to checkout my other blog entries @ thegenerationculture.blogspot.com)
What images would come into mind? What colours would you begin to use? Would you use splatters or smooth strokes? Would you paint a happy scene or sad scene?
You see, our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. No matter what we may have faced in the past, are facing in the present and will face in the future, if we can come to understand WHO we are then WHAT we do will begin to change.
Isn't it interesting that between the ages of 0-7 we begin to develop our core beliefs. Another word for core beliefs = perspective. From such a young age we begin to develop these views that may not necessarily be right, but we believe it anyways. It is then between the ages of 8-14 that we look for confirmation/denial of the core beliefs. We look for it in our peers, family, friends etc.
However it is between the ages of 15-30 where once we've developed our core beliefs and had them confrimed/denied, that we begin to decide on a lifestyle. For some of us this might mean that because of a healthy family life and positive influences/experiences we have a determination to do our best in life and flourish.
Unfortunately, that isn't the case for most people. It has become more frequent in this generation that people have had negative influences/experiences throughout those critical ages of 0-14, be it through family breakdown, abuse (physical, mental, sexual, emotional), alcoholism, drugs, self-harm etc.
Your core belief has to mirror the world you live in. For example if you see yourself as dirty you will be attracted to those that don't treat you well. The people you hang with will mirror the way you treat yourself and have taught them to treat you.
Belief systems that you have been taught aren't always necessarily true. Some beliefs that you currently own may not be working for you and instead of bringing progress to your life, all it's doing is bringing you down. You have the choice to challenge your core beliefs with the 'facts' or the truth - which is the word of God and what He says about you.
So again I ask this question - If your life were a blank canvas what would you begin to create?
ps bazz
(don't forget to checkout my other blog entries @ thegenerationculture.blogspot.com)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Identity Of Purpose
Have you ever come across someone who doesn't have a purpose? Or an individual who just goes about their daily life without really knowing where their heading and why? Or maybe you have experienced that sense of being purposeless, be it taking a wrong turn or being in a new country or just confused about the future.
Purpose is such a powerful tool that can become a catalyst in an individuals life. It drives people to do things they once may have never imagined. It confounds one's mind and leads them through failure into success. A man with purpose is a man that cannot be stopped.
Here are a few things I've noticed about purpose...
1/ PURPOSE PROVOKES PERSECUTION.
Have you ever noticed that people encourage you when doing wrong and persecute you when doing good. It's a funny thing isn't it? You would think that people would be behind you all the way but more often than not that is not the case. I believe everyone has a purpose however life is the journey to discovering it. Let's endeavor to see persecution as an indicator that we are living out our purpose (and i mean this in the positive sense).
2/ PURPOSE OVER PLEASURE.
If we desire to fulfill our purpose there will be a few 'pleasures' we may have to lay aside. What brings us some pleasure may not always bring us fulfillment. When we are driven by pleasure - what makes you feel good - it will only last a while, it will always leave you empty and most probably broke (financially or emotionally) however when we are driven by purpose - what is right - it outlast us, it leaves us full and overflowing and most probably satisfied. Convenience should no longer exist in our vocabulary.
3/ PURPOSE FUELS PASSION.
I'm not necessarily a fan of the Superbowl but after viewing a few sports report on it the other day you cannot deny that there are serious fans of the Superbowl whose passion for their team is written literally ALL over their body. I feel sorry for the wife and kids of some relatively large, hairy husband/father whose covered head to toe in their teams colours embarrassing them on national TV. You see that when someone is passionate it's easily noticed and it's contagious. This team has a purpose = to win and their fans are fueled by that purpose which is demonstrated through their passion. When you come to understand your purpose nothing can stop you; it changes the whole atmosphere.
4/ PURPOSE BRINGS PROMOTION.
There is nothing more appealing to an employer than an employee who knows what their doing, how to do it well and why. When we live with purpose even others will recognise it and want to invest into it. No matter how big or small your purpose may be, when we live on purpose it positions us in the right place, at the right time, with the right people to fulfill it.
When you dream you will discover purpose; with purpose you will develop dreams.
ps. bazz
Purpose is such a powerful tool that can become a catalyst in an individuals life. It drives people to do things they once may have never imagined. It confounds one's mind and leads them through failure into success. A man with purpose is a man that cannot be stopped.
Here are a few things I've noticed about purpose...
1/ PURPOSE PROVOKES PERSECUTION.
Have you ever noticed that people encourage you when doing wrong and persecute you when doing good. It's a funny thing isn't it? You would think that people would be behind you all the way but more often than not that is not the case. I believe everyone has a purpose however life is the journey to discovering it. Let's endeavor to see persecution as an indicator that we are living out our purpose (and i mean this in the positive sense).
2/ PURPOSE OVER PLEASURE.
If we desire to fulfill our purpose there will be a few 'pleasures' we may have to lay aside. What brings us some pleasure may not always bring us fulfillment. When we are driven by pleasure - what makes you feel good - it will only last a while, it will always leave you empty and most probably broke (financially or emotionally) however when we are driven by purpose - what is right - it outlast us, it leaves us full and overflowing and most probably satisfied. Convenience should no longer exist in our vocabulary.
3/ PURPOSE FUELS PASSION.
I'm not necessarily a fan of the Superbowl but after viewing a few sports report on it the other day you cannot deny that there are serious fans of the Superbowl whose passion for their team is written literally ALL over their body. I feel sorry for the wife and kids of some relatively large, hairy husband/father whose covered head to toe in their teams colours embarrassing them on national TV. You see that when someone is passionate it's easily noticed and it's contagious. This team has a purpose = to win and their fans are fueled by that purpose which is demonstrated through their passion. When you come to understand your purpose nothing can stop you; it changes the whole atmosphere.
4/ PURPOSE BRINGS PROMOTION.
There is nothing more appealing to an employer than an employee who knows what their doing, how to do it well and why. When we live with purpose even others will recognise it and want to invest into it. No matter how big or small your purpose may be, when we live on purpose it positions us in the right place, at the right time, with the right people to fulfill it.
When you dream you will discover purpose; with purpose you will develop dreams.
ps. bazz
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Story To Tell.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light..."
1 Peter 2:9
It all started with three words - Chosen Generation Stand. As i continued on in my everyday life these words kept on resonating within my mind over and over again. I could not quiet it down. I could not drain it out with other thoughts. I could not resist the urge to discover what these words meant. Little did i know that these three words would change the rest of my life.
So often when we ask God to speak to us we expect something BIG, like a thunderous voice from heaven that makes the whole earth tremble or an angel to spontaneously appear in a bright aurora of light. However more often than not God speaks to us in the simple. In the mundane. In the small things that otherwise we would consider insignificant. For me, it was in three words by which God would spark a dream in my heart.
This verse (1 Peter 2:9) was what confirmed that still small voice in my mind and heart. As each day, month and year has gone by my dream has grown bigger. It now has become of somewhat importance to me which i cannot ignore nor delay.
As I've gotten closer to the year which i am convinced God has planned to launch this dream the thought of impossibility has arisen, however, at the very same time the truth that what God promises, He will deliver has been continually reinforced. Each day it seems as though the dream gets bigger and bigger and the possibilities get smaller but i know God is faithful.
My dream is not one to be dreamt alone. It's a dream that stretches across many generations, cultures, ages, religions and the like. It is a dream like no other. A dream that will eradicate the misconception of grace and begin to transform lives through the promises of God.
We all have a story to tell and i want the world to hear it.
ps. bazz
So often when we ask God to speak to us we expect something BIG, like a thunderous voice from heaven that makes the whole earth tremble or an angel to spontaneously appear in a bright aurora of light. However more often than not God speaks to us in the simple. In the mundane. In the small things that otherwise we would consider insignificant. For me, it was in three words by which God would spark a dream in my heart.
This verse (1 Peter 2:9) was what confirmed that still small voice in my mind and heart. As each day, month and year has gone by my dream has grown bigger. It now has become of somewhat importance to me which i cannot ignore nor delay.
As I've gotten closer to the year which i am convinced God has planned to launch this dream the thought of impossibility has arisen, however, at the very same time the truth that what God promises, He will deliver has been continually reinforced. Each day it seems as though the dream gets bigger and bigger and the possibilities get smaller but i know God is faithful.
My dream is not one to be dreamt alone. It's a dream that stretches across many generations, cultures, ages, religions and the like. It is a dream like no other. A dream that will eradicate the misconception of grace and begin to transform lives through the promises of God.
We all have a story to tell and i want the world to hear it.
ps. bazz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
