shut up and color

I hate when someone is having a bad day and it seems like their goal is to let everyone know it.

This past Sunday was a very tough day but I purposely tried to guard reacting differently to people. I didn't want to take it out on other people just because I was bummin. It wasn't anyone's fault so why should they have to take the brunt of my pain or grief.

I had a couple situations where I wanted to discuss some things with some people but chose not too just because I wanted to make sure I didn't come off like a jerk (I mean - any more than normal)

I don't always do this, but I was able to do it on the toughest day of the year because I was aware of the possibility of overreacting. If we guard it we can avoid hurting people just because we are hurting.

My point: know yourself well enough to know when you should or shouldn't talk. If you are not sure - pause and run it by someone not involved. It's always better to wait and respond then to react and bite someone's head off.

Sometimes you should just shut up and color, it helps relieve stress...

if love was measured by balloons

Megan Renae Fowler Nov 8, 2004 - Nov 12, 2004

Today I celebrated 4 of the best days of my life. My Megan was born 5 years ago today. She died 4 days later but I choose to focus on the life of love she lived. That child knew nothing but love her entire life.

It is a family tradition to buy a balloon for each person. We then write a personal note on ours and when ready, we release the balloon to the sky.

Tonight I did something a little different. I didn't plan it, it just sorta happened this way.

Normally I write a ton of stuff and fill the entire balloon with words but tonight I was crying really hard and my balloon got soaked. Since it was so wet, it made it difficult to write on. I started thinking about it and I really liked the idea of speaking the words to her out loud and sending my balloon up with my tears. I managed to write her name and "I love you little girl" on my balloon before sending it off to the great unknown.

As I watch the balloons get further and further away, to the point they disappear, I seem to find some peace - I feel very close to Megan during this little ceremony. The whole family sent up their own balloon with a special message, including Raegan. It was precious.

My point: I will never forget my Megan, so I choose to celebrate her life. I want my family to have a healthy outlet for pain. We all need that...

If my love was measured by balloons, the entire sky would've been filled.

I love you little girl!

you say it's your birthday...

Well another year has passed for my beautiful wife. She turned thirty something yesterday and I just wanted to say that I am thankful for the day she was born.

I think birthdays are a lot more fun for kids but it does make ya stop to reflect on life when you realize a year has past.

Birthdays are a good time to look back and evaluate and a better time to look ahead and dream. I love that we have a lot to look forward to. Not only are we getting ready to move into a new house, but we will also be finishing up the new sanctuary at C3. We will also see some pretty amazing things happen in lives of our girls. They never cease to amaze me with how fast time seems to go...

My point: It is pretty cool to be in love. I love my wife and I look forward to another year together. I hope all your dreams come true babe.

This is a pic from our honeymoon cruise.

I know this post was a little sappy but I will return next week with my common wit and sarcasm soon...

Yes is the new No

I watched the movie - yes man* starring Jim Carrey the other night. I absolutely love the concept of this movie.

What would happen if you tried saying Yes instead of No. What would be different in your life. What skills would you have that you don't currently have. What would happen if you took a chance on something instead of defaulting to the answer - No!

Would you spend your money differently, would you have more real friends, would you get a raise at work, would you get out of an unhealthy relationship...

We need to say Yes to the things that will bless other people. We need to say Yes to making ourselves better. We should say Yes to things that will help other people feel better about themselves.

Sometimes saying Yes to people is inconvenient, but wow, isn't that what makes the reward so much greater. Isn't it worth more when it cost you something.

I am not saying to go out and say Yes to stuff that will harm you. Use wisdom - not your mood as the filter and watch what happens.

My point: Say Yes to the things if it will bless others, make yourself better, teach you something, or help you get a different perspective.

Does anyone want to help us move on Saturday Nov 21st**... Go ahead, try saying Yes and see what happens...

Disclaimers:

*There are a few scenes that are inappropriate so I will not recommend this movie...

**The buckeyes play michigan that day...

motivation

Why do I blog?

I have been asking myself that for quite awhile now. I can't come up with a real good reason so I guess I keep doing it for my faithful fan (yes that is singular).

I started thinking about why people do what they do. What's their motivation. As I have been thinking about it, I began watching people try to flex their brain muscle, "one up" someone, make sure everyone knows how smart they are, complain, try to make someone look foolish, manipulate others... there were so many more.

The ones I appreciated were the ones who did things with the right heart. I would see someone pick up a piece of trash when they didn't think anyone was looking, take out trash for no other reason than it was full, fix a toilet because it was overflowing, grab a mop, help someone find a seat, volunteer to watch children, move chairs... there were so many more.

What's your motivation? Why do you do what you do when you do it?

My point: Even when you don't think anyone is watching, someone may be. When you hope someone is watching so you get credit for what you are doing, you may end up looking worse.

Take a look at the things you do, if you dare to be brutally honest with yourself, ask what is the REAL motivation, you may surprise yourself with how selfish you are...

that guy

Today, I will give you some observations from the gym.

You are "that guy" at the gym if you:

//walk around stark naked

//don't flush

//vomit in the shower

//tell the trainers how to do it better

//hit on people while on the stairclimber

//wear clothes you have no business wearing

//scream or grunt loudly while working out

//take the elevator upstairs to run on a treadmill

//wear your bluetooth while working out

//talk really loud because you are listening to your ipod

//hock a loogie in the sink and let it get hard

//take off your shirt and pose in the mirrors

//talk on your cell phone while on the machines

//don't wipe off the machine when you are done

//carry on a conversation while drying your "area"

//spend more time talking than working out

//watch the aerobic classes thru the window

//change the channel in the locker room (without asking) while people are in there

//pull up next to me at the urinal and rip one really loud and then you don't laugh

//come into the sauna and sit really close to me when there is plenty of room

//drive around the parking lot more than twice to get a spot close to the front, only to go in and exercise

//stand there and stare at me while I am using the machine just to let me know you want to use it next

//keep a list of things that put you on "that guy" list

My point: don't be that guy, I will notice

feel free to add your own...

Jamaica bound

My friend Becky is gonna be leaving the good ol' USA to answer the call God has on her life.

She had such a great time on our missions trip to Jamaica that she decided to devote a season of her life to those amazing kids. She inspires me. Becky, who I affectionately refer to as "silly little freak" is an amazing woman of God and her faith is HUGE!

I have the pleasure of calling her friend and I cannot wait to see what God does in her life while she pours from her big heart and soul into some very blessed children. Although the children don't live with their parents, they will now have the privilege of living with Becky.

My point: Are you doing what God called you to do? Are you allowing your fear to stop you from doing something amazing?

Her feet may be small but she is taking a HUGE step of faith.

If you would like to invest into Becky's mission, please email me gary@myC3church.com

Becky, you are an inspiration to everyone who knows you. I am honored to know you.