Do not conform! Be a Rebel.

Hard to believe almost 3 months have passed since my last blog entry. Funny how one can get caught up in the daily grind and let the little things slide. Since Christmas, my family and I have experienced the flu bug, multiple snow days, and I find myself busier than usual. Between my normal job and doing work on the side, I often find myself overwhelmed with many responsibilities, more stress than usual, and burning the candle from both ends quite frequently.

Today's my wife's 46th birthday, but unfortunately, she didn't enjoy it much because she's sick, again. Seems the last couple years, and especially this year, she gets sick quite frequently. So todays milestone passed with little fanfare, although Deonna pulled a fast one on mom. She switched the candles around on the birthday cake to show 64 instead of 46, which I didn't realize, even while lighting the candles and presenting the cake to Tina. Funny.

I did sit and watch a movie though titled "Second Chance" which starred the Christian vocalist Michael W. Smith. A very good movie which I recommend. It stirs up many thoughts of where I stand even in my own walk in life and the prejudices we need to overcome to reach out to those close to home. I know my own Christian walk has been many shades less than perfect. I know I've not been walking close to Him, reading the Word, or going to church. I'm a sinner, but I seek His council in prayer for forgiveness for my sin and find some sanity in the rat race I sometimes live.

The one thing that continually rings familiar is we're not called to be comfortable. This message of the movie I just mentioned made that clear to me, which I've always known. This same thread of thought has been a constant reminder in my own life. We are but strangers in this world. Drifters. Nomads. Aliens if you will. But we are called to a higher purpose to go where He leads and directs. I admit I've been complacent, comfortable, gotten lacy and have gained a few pounds, and tend to enjoy the easy road. However, I know we are called to rise up, stand fast, and strike out to make an impact in this world, especially to those within our circle of influence, be it at home, with our famililes, with our co-workers, friends, peers, and more.

In my own life I believe God has called me out to rise up as a leader. In my profession, I've been promoted in my career to a position of leadership. I've coached baseball, basketball, softball, and teach the Martial arts. Continually I find myself facing the task of rising up beyond my comfort level and assuming the risk of leadership, and if I don't, somehow or the other, I've been maneuvered into that position by those that have influenced my decisions or career. Funny how God puts people in our paths to direct us, mentor, and influence us.

Not sure what'll happen next. I pray God gives me the courage to walk in His strength and gives me the wisdom to make sound decisions in whatever circumstance or task I face. I pray He influences me to be the best father, husband, friend, brother, uncle, co-worker, or leader that I can be to further the kingdom of God and impact the world around me.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.