Chris Vonada's Blog, page 9

The Keen Skills Of An Influential Noticer

Andy Andrews describes a noticer as someone who picks up on little things. Andy says: “Many people ignore ‘small stuff,’ claiming to have an eye on the bigger picture, never understanding the bigger picture is composed entirely of small stuff.”

Andy is a noticer, as is the drifter, sage of a wise man named Jones, the protagonist of Andy’s book, “The Noticer,” and it’s sequel. Jones is a bit of a healer who notices little things about people and creatively finds a way to help them. It’s an inspiring story of love and putting everything into its proper perspective.

I must say there are times when I wish I didn’t notice things. I recall an abrasive co-worker from many years ago who I tried to help out and it just turned into an adversarial situation. Bummer. First and foremost, people have to want to recognize their own shortcomings and want to change before we can really help them. This usually goes back to the condition of our heart.

Like a compass always points to the north, the course of action of a helpful servant guides a path toward positive change and improvement. (Click To Tweet)

The compass always aligns with the earth’s magnetic field.

 

How do I use this ability to help other people? It’s a gift to be able to pick up on something, and it takes a master noticer to figure out how to be able to use the knowledge to influence and bring someone to a better place through forward motion. I have found 3 keys that have been helpful to mastering the skill:

- It involves putting everything into its proper perspective. I write a lot about perspective. One of my favorite recent pieces has been “God, Politics, America and Morality: Why I Remain So Encouraged.” Our world can seem pretty crazy at times… until we are able to put things into perspective. In Andy’s books, Jones touches the lives of a struggling married couple, teenagers, businesspeople facing bankruptcy, and many other people struggling through the obstacles of life. Jones teaches that no matter how bad things look, it’s all in how you look at things that helps to keep life’s many challenges in perspective. Perspective always goes back to one key facet: our way of thinking, the same as cultural change always focuses us back to individuals, and to their thinking. How do we create positive change? It all starts with noticing, and effectively fostering change… consider how we think, instead of what we think.

“Every human has four endowments – self-awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom… the power to choose, to respond, to change.” Stephen Covey

Waiting on the world to change? Hmmm….

- An influential noticer works through the opportune season of connection. Even a comment in passing to a stranger comes through a brief interlude of connection.

Disciple groups at church are a great place to connect. We also connect with lots of different people at work. All of our friends count as connections, and opportunities to influence as well. From a warm smile that is shared with the passing stranger on the street to the deep purposeful process of engagement with a spouse or coworker, the bigger picture of hope is developing with every day spent serving the needs of other people.

Please don’t confuse being a noticer with being a gossiper. Living as a noticer calls us to help other people. Gossip is never that way – it only says something about you and literally nothing at all about the person that you’re talking about. It defines your heart and not theirs. That’s just the truth that I overheard from God. In order to help someone out you have to talk with them, not about them. Whatever handicap we’re looking at, whether it’s a biggie like Tiger Woods’ or simply a smoldering blemish from the past, it’s all going to be OK when we’re connected in God’s dysfunctional family… and with a keen noticer intent on doing good in the name of Jesus.

- The influence of a noticer happens in the right time.

We know there is season for everything under the sun…

“There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

I’ve also found, in life, there are experiences that occurred that I can’t really “tie back” to anything definite until years later… then, when the “ahhh haaa” moment shows up, I can put the pieces of the puzzle together and everything fits together just right. That’s everything coming full circle.

It’s funny how God’s timing is often very different from mine. Being a noticer is often the same way… sometimes it is evident we can interject constructive input in the here and now, other times it may be years later that we’re most effective. That can be a heavy weight to carry when you’re trying to help your kids. It comes with the territory but another given in finding contentment whatever the circumstances. Plus, there is always a feeling of joy when you can help someone else move forward in their journey. Praise the Lord for that and for the gift!

Do you think of yourself as a noticer? What do you find to be most effective in ministering to other people?

Image courtesy of “Vero Villa” on flickr.com

The Scandalous Misadventures Of Bradley Cooper

Caught in the act… of going commando.

So I’ve got a bit of a man crush on Bradley. It’s been going on for quite some time. Before you get any wild ideas be sure to read my thoughts on gay guys, guys hitting on each other and that sort of thing.

So you know that I helped lead Jay Z to God. True for a Win. Furthermore, if Jon Acuff can dig on rap music, I’m guessing the good Lord is ok with me liking on BC just a wee bit.

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” Jonah 2:8

Easy there hoss my thing for Cooper isn’t anything like that…

The media surrounding Hollywood feeds off the scandalous behavior of people. The ironic thing is that many people in Hollywood are no different from the rest of society, they are just in the public limelight and therefore… fatal attraction – the scuttlebutt of the rich and famous is “newsworthy.”

Back to Cooper. Why, you may ask, do you like this guy? How is he a renegade in a land filled with immorality and debauchery?

- It all started with The Hangover. I thought it was funny. The second one was sort of ho-hum. Never saw Part III. Since I’m not homophobic I can admit that I think he’s an attractive guy. So I noticed he had a good-looking booty. I asked some of my female friends and they concur. That got me to thinking… since my booty is nothing special, well, it got me thinking more and more about my own appearance. This turned into a silly sort of joke that I wrote about. What’s that got to do with BC’s scandalous life? Well, from afar it does not appear that he is gay…

- He got mixed up with Jennifer Lawrence. They started out just making movies together. Now they look kind of chummy in the limelight. Well that’s kind of immoral, right? Let’s see, Bradley is in his late 30′s and Jennifer in her early 20′s. Yep, that would fit the formula for scandalous anywhere except maybe… Hollywood. Or Anytown, USA? Hey, it’s not my style but it does happen. In fact, some of my girly friends say it’s quite common and acceptable in certain circles for men to date women decades younger. So what’s the knee-slapper with this?? Bradley says there’s nothing going on with Jennifer. Remember, this is Hollywood…

- Next item: He lives with him mom. Come on, really? Yep, it’s a fact. Pretty crazy, right? Totally off the chain! He even describes his mom as a cool chick. Really? Mom? Right on, high fives for this man!!

- He’s been known to go commando. No, not geo-commando, but still. Geo-commando?? Yep, just wait it’s coming… So Bradley went commando at a State Dinner in Washington, D.C. honoring French President Francois Hollande. He got himself into this pickle after gaining some elbows for an upcoming movie. So the old tux was scary-town tight. Yikes! That’s about as crazy as going commando at church. Do they? Please… just don’t say!

- BC doesn’t shed a lot of deets. That’s a style to keep. Forget the rag doll Bieber and all that nonsense. The peeps of Hollywood deserve the privacy they make for themselves. I guess that’s the takeaway. Cooper says he’s a family man. I like that. Judgment call on that one alone? Worthy.

Ok, so what’s the scandalous part? We’re waiting for something juicy like bonefishermen trolling the shallows in The Bahamas. the scandalous part of Bradley Cooper’s story is in Hollywood the aforementioned behavior patterns are considered misadventure. They’re thought of as unexpected. Not the norm? That’s what our culture would like to believe. Is it true? Is Carrie Underwood really an outcast there in the land of plenty? So Jay Z is thanking God for his awards… and what will they think of him now? So scandalous…

Slowly… slowly… slowly… the transformation to resembling Jesus takes place…

And Carrie sings on “How Great Thou Art”… great voice. Glorious song!

Image courtesy of usmagazine.com

Q and A with author TC Avey about her new book, “The Precipice”

TC Avey is one of my favorite writer friends and is a Christian devoted to God, family and friends. She is passionate about encouraging Christians to live a life dedicated to Christ as well as helping them understand the importance of preserving our national freedoms through knowledge and love. She blogs at Wisdom of a Fool. You can also follow her on Twitter. Her book, The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends, is available on Amazon today, April 7th.

I asked her to answer and few questions about the book:

1. Tell us a little about your book.

The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends is a compilation of three short stories that revolve around an out-of-control government seeking to maintain order no matter the cost. Each story paints a vivid picture of how this will affect Christians.

Each story is combined with Modern Events shaping our world and also Discussion Questions to help readers reflect upon what they’ve read and analyze what they would do in similar situations.

2. What do you hope people will take away from reading your stories?

I hope they take away that people need to have a healthy fear of an ever-expanding government combined with a reverent fear of God.

I pray this book will encourage people to go deeper in their walk with God. That they will know Him better and therefore won’t fear as the world gets crazier and crazier the closer to His return.

What I hope they DON’T take away from my book is fear the world is ending.

No one knows the hour Christ will return. But we are all called to the Great Commission.

People are dying without knowledge of Christ.

How can we be His hands and feet, His voice and heart, if we don’t KNOW Him? If we don’t follow Him?

Being a Christian is more than a title we wear. It’s supposed to be ACTION.

3. Once informed, how do we encourage people to take action, repent and turn toward the Lord?

Excellent question, Chris!

I believe the step-by-step answer is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (Emphasis mine)

Turning this world around begins with each individual Christian taking personal responsibility for his/her life and then being intentional about seeking God’s will and OBEYING whatever it is He commands—even if it’s uncomfortable or doesn’t “make sense”.

No one person can change the entire world, but we are all responsible for the place God has us.

The Great Commission begins in one’s own neighborhood, work, and family.  And when we allow God to use us, HE can change the world.

But we must realize how vital it is to be plugged into the Vine.

4. What was the most challenging thing for you in writing this book?

Ironically, fear. Fear of what people, especially Christians, will think of this book. Fear of rejection.

But God is not the author of fear. He is perfect love and perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

Satan wants people distracted from God’s calling in their lives and he will use any means possible to accomplish his goal.

It took (and is taking) a great deal of prayer and faith to get this book into others hands.

I am simply trying to obey, no matter how uncomfortable it makes me.

“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 NIV

5. What surprised you in your launch?

The encouragement and support from my family and friends. I think satan often builds fear inside us, but it isn’t until we step out of that fear, in faith, that we find the assurance we need to keep going.

I feel truly blessed to be Christ’s servant, to be used by Him.

6. Will you ever publish another book?

I don’t know. I’ve written two other books that aren’t published. I’m not sure they are meant to be. I will have to continue to seek God. He will let me know. Then it will be up to me to obey.

 

Do you have any additional questions for TC about the book or her writing?

 

Reading TC’s book opened my eyes to a world of possibilities. It makes me think of how we take so many things for granted here in the USA as there are people who face religious persecution in the world today. Our religious freedom is valuable and we should always follow Jesus as a model to love everyone and respect their beliefs.

TC shares 3 short stories about future possibilities that are not far-fetched. This book reminds me in parts of Andy Andrews’ “How Do You Kill 11 Million People”

Loved the discussions questions at the end of each chapter. Must read – easy to process and sticks with you!

One last item for today – TC is offering a BONUS PACKAGE to those who purchase her book through April 14th. This includes 2 free books, Dave Arnold’s “”The Drop Zone Pre-Project Devotional” and Michael Kimball’s “Portals.” Please use my contact link for additional information on this and I’ll help you get squared away!

 

What Do We Find On The Other Side Of Fear?

Always let your faith be bigger than your fear.

When I first started writing it was super scary. Some good friends encouraged me to do it, saying they thought it was a spiritual gift. I thought they were joshing with me as I never was very good at writing growing up. Plus, my memory of writing as a student was not a good one – writing was about as painful as pulling teeth.

What am I going to write about?

What if no one reads my writing? Man, that would make me look really foolish, right?

What happens if or when I run out of ideas?

The wall of fear with my writing dilemma was one of acceptance. I was establishing barriers to success before I even started. I had to overcome the vulnerability thing. This was scary. On the first day that I hit the publish button on my blog I felt about as exposed as a streaker running buck naked through Florida Field on a fall Saturday. “Have you no sense of decency, you silly joke of a man?” – these were the hateful words that went through my mind. Where do they come from? Need I say more…

“Fear is a manipulative emotion that can trick us into living a boring life.” Donald Miller

One thing is for sure: whenever we fold due to fear we fail. Success is only an option when we convince ourselves to try. In that regard fear can be like a formidable brick wall.

I’ve faced other brick walls, but here’s the humdinger for me, always, for the big ideas of life that lie beyond the other side of fear:

There is one fear that helps me get through the brick walls that I face in life – it’s the fear of not knowing. Fear is temporary. Regret lasts forever. (Click To Tweet)

If I hadn’t written I would never know the joy it brings when someone tells me they loved my material.

If I hadn’t started my own business I would have been very disappointed in myself, never knowing if I could do it or not.

If I hadn’t stepped out in faith and turned it all over to God a few years ago, I would have never known the refreshing feeling of living every day as a portion of eternity.

If I hadn’t wrestled with and overcome my own vulnerabilities I never would have known the feeling of self-confidence and freedom I find in just being myself, and living in my own skin.

These have been my big ideas. I’ve heard that voice of invoked fear echoing in the background every time. It will always be there when we strive to do good. It remains as we go through the barrier, and then rise above the crowd. In fact, it’s not going away as long as we live in the conflict of the two ages. Pay no attention to the idle chatter of the evil one and his minions.

Always let your faith be bigger than your fear.

Do you have a brick wall of fear that you’re facing now? How have you been able to overcome fear in the past?

Image courtesy of “tomylees” on flickr.com

The Difficulty Of Staying True To The Path

Image courtesy of dentedup on flickr.com

I was listening to an Andy Andrews podcast the other day, he was talking about how every choice that we make is a product of our thinking. So I got to thinking – what to do when challenges threaten to take us off the path?

We all have challenges in our day-to-day lives. I’m no exception, but I do make a choice in how I manage them and how that choice as well as my manner of thinking affects me as a person. The perspective we glean from our challenges shows up in how it shapes us, and our heart. It helps to define our character.

What to do when adversity appears? How can we overcome the difficulty of staying true to the path? The apostle Paul comes to mind…

- Paul knew what his calling was. This is the first step. He connected with the Holy Spirit. We can as well. So we don’t have to write the majority of the New Testament to enjoy a connection the Holy Spirit. Have you ever felt connected? This is essential to finding our calling, and God’s will for us. Granted, Jesus paid Paul a personal visit to deliver “the message.” That may never happen in our lives but we can connect with the Holy Spirit, and discern God’s will for us. Here’s a post that I wrote a while ago about finding God’ s will. I continually read about how people are troubled by not being able to identify their calling. We don’t have to all go to work at the church to fulfill our calling – God needs us out and about. He needs us to be everywhere.

- Paul was determined to stay on the path. This is a conscious decision; a recurring theme as we follow Paul on the journey through the book of Acts. Continually under attack by religious people who claimed him to be at fault or charged him with this or that crime, Paul repeatedly listened to the voice of God: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18: 9-10). In fact, even when they became abusive to Paul in this chapter, he “shook out his clothes,” making the statement that he had done all he could for them. Then what? Trifling snag or extreme hiccup, keep on, keeping on…

- Paul was a smart man and influential leader. He knew when and how to call people out that were intent on diverting him from the path God had clearly laid out for him. He knew when to stand up for himself, and when to just preach the Gospel. I admire that about Paul. We shouldn’t be afraid to take a stand for the sake of doing what is right, and doing what God has called us to do. We have better things to do with our time… think about it this way: Gump didn’t know diddly about shrimping (aside from what Bubba had told him), let alone piloting a boat. God showed up and the rest is history…

Sometimes Paul’s way didn’t make a lot of sense to the people around him, but that’s just the point of sticking to our calling and the path: It’s all about obedience. Paul transformed many lives though his influence and imagination. That’s it. If we’re obedient everything else falls into place.

How can you use your influence this week to draw people closer to the Lord?

The Wellspring Of Life: The After The Book Is Published Party

My weekend wasn’t quite so dramatic… ;-)

If you’ve ever been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans you may know at midnight on Fat Tuesday the police come through on horses, commanding “Mardi Gras is over, clear the streets!” On my two visits to NOLA for the event many years ago my casual observation was that everybody listened. The police seemed pretty serious about this; even the businesses shut down. And so rang in Lent with Ash Wednesday, a time to repent and turn our focus intently toward God.

Writing a book seems more like going to the Oscars… once the book is published my first inclination is to head to the after party. However, for many writers to whom crafting their work comes naturally, selling books is where the real sweat equity resides.

Marketing a book must seem like a prideful activity to non-writers. We talk it up all about ourselves and our book. It must seem like Vanity Fair has engaged us to throw out tidbits of self-promotion at every turn like the boozy evening of celebrities that revel through Vanity’s Oscar party. Whether you hire a seasoned PR firm, are old hat at self-marketing, or just winging it, here’s the truth:

You are the single most valuable asset to market your work, and the real work of being a successful author has just begun.

This seems to be true whether you’re published by a major house or doing it on your own; for many, the fun is done; now it’s time to bust a move. Lent is sort of like the after party for newly published writers, a turning point for so many as we focus on Jesus and His journey to the cross.

I’m going to share with you just 2 Big To-Do’s for this after party (i.e., some helpful stuff on selling books):

Implement well. The adage goes something like 80% of our results are accomplished with just 20% of our effort. Identify the 20% and stick with that stuff. So I had a publishing guru send me this book with a bajillion good ideas on marketing a book. It remains the single best resource that I’ve found. “Guerrilla Marketing For Writers.” Here’s one essential morsel about “implement” – write a bad to the bone press release. Include it in a media kit package on your website. The ultimate compliment here is to have the press copy your release verbatim. Jubilation accompanied by 3-second handstands will be the reaction.


Engage. Your best customers are the ones who will tell their friends or social network about what you’ve written, or recommend your book. You want to identify with the people who think of you as one of their favorite authors. So the Vanity Fair party is a one-night event. Go to it. Have fun. Then, get to work getting to know and networking with the people who are going to help you promote your work. Do this the rest of your days. In many ways this is a natural fit for the expressive and nurturing “NF’s” – the visionary and magnetic personality type that fits most authors.

For me personally, I am excited about transitioning to marketing “The Wellspring Of Life.” I love being around people and interacting, it’s a natural part of my personality. Also, I am excited about writing my next book, a vade mecum of my spiritual journey. Yep, one of them, but with a different twist as you will see…

What good advice can you share about marketing a book?

The Big Picture Of Unity: Why The Deets Are Insignificant

Image courtesy of Collin Anderson on flickr.com

The more I learn about unity the more I realize it’s a big picture type of concept. The drive of unity focuses us on what we have in common as opposed to our differences, which tend to separate us. (Click To Tweet)

Abram and Lot shed the light of God on our idea back in the book of Genesis. The two men were herders of livestock and traveled together from Egypt to Negev and then Bethel in Chapter 13. Well, the land there couldn’t support them both. Quarrels broke out amongst their herdsmen. Yikes. Abram, being Lot’s uncle, could have just taken up and resolved the matter however he saw fit. However, he offered Lot first choice, saying “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go left, I’ll go right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”

Abram, being a sound leader, took the initiative to resolve the conflict. He took the higher road for the sake of unity. This all took place in the midst of hostile neighbors. Even today believers allow the evil one to dwell in their midst when they gossip, point fingers and focus on differences instead of the amazing grace and the love that brings us together.

Unity demands we recognize that everyone will never agree on everything, and that we accept this. The  devil is in the details. According to usingenglish.com, the idiom means “When people say that the devil is in the detail, they mean that small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on.”

Details are to unity as gossip, rivalries and disagreements are tools of the devil – a mechanism to bad news.

Through the example of Abram and Lot, we find unity moves forward through the following initiatives:

- Having an attitude of goodwill, the spirit of cooperation and love, is the greatest unifying force. Abram put others first for the sake of unity.

- We’re able to unite for the sake of conquering common goals when we set our minor differences and personal agenda’s aside, and focus on the big picture.

- Jesus prayed for future believers in John 18: 20-21, “My prayer is not for them alone, I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message that all of them may be one.”

Though Abram and Lot had to part company, they did so remaining as one body of believers. We can rest assured that as believers in Jesus we can always unify as one.

So God made an intricate design in each of us. His design is for us to fit together, perfectly, and complimentary. Like a puzzle, each piece fits together in just the right place. Together, they make a beautiful picture of unity in our world today.

When It Rains It Pours (Gettin’ Good And Salty With Gracedrops!)

Remember when it rains… there will be gracedrops.

“When it rains it pours.” Know it? Yep, the Morton Salt weather idiom that says when things go wrong, it seems a lot of things go wrong at the same time. Yuk how it works out that way sometimes.

Here’s my positive silver lining spin for today on getting drenched:

Jesus said, “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” Mark 9:50

Believers are thought of as the salt of the earth, the covenant leaders who help advance God’s kingdom here. Why salt? Well, it’s symbolic of the presence of God in our lives because salt penetrates and preserves. It’s also a healing agent. That’s what He did with His awesome showers of gracedrops.

Gracedrops, what’s that all about?

So you know I wrote a book about the water. It’s “The Wellspring Of Life,” set to be released on March 15th. Super soaked and stoked about it! Gracedrops are flavor that I tossed out while writing The Wellspring, they’re the cleansing shower of love that God provides. Gracedrops are in the chapter with kerplunk and pitter patter. There are scientific formulas that go along with my theories on the heart… here’s a very brief excerpt:

Flavor + Favor + Gracedrops = The Perfect Storm!

Remember, what goes up must come down – what are you sending up and out of your heart? Look around and see what you’re receiving in return…

Did you know that…

kerplunk + pitter-patter = ker-thump?

Confused? Please don’t be.

Just remember…

- Showers are a good thing because they bless us with puddles of gracedrops.

- When it rains it pours… salt that is.

- One can never get too drippy juicy wet.

- March 15th is the day to pick up “The Wellspring Of Life”

When it rains it pours.

Gettin’ good and salty with gracedrops.

Thankful.

Image courtesy of nitsrik on flickr.com

Paul If By Land. Jacques If By Sea.

Meet me at the end of the dock?

Our church has spent the past year and a half wading through the Book of Acts. Verse by verse, our pastors have taken us through the story of the birth, growth and expansion of the Christian church. Luke penned the story as a sequel to his Gospel. It follows Peter’s establishment of the church, and the journey of Paul and others out to the ends of the earth with one mission: spread the Gospel. Solid as a rock.

Enter the co-inventor of the Aqua Lung. I guess if the apostle Paul was the ambassador to all men throughout the land, Jacques Cousteau was the pioneer that brought us the sea. I grew up watching documentaries by Jacques Cousteau on TV. They were fascinating. Cousteau was a filmmaker and self-taught oceanographer who is by far the most well-known undersea explorer of all time.

“Sometimes we are lucky enough to know our lives have been changed, to discard the old and embrace the new and run headlong down an immutable course. It happened to me… on that summer’s day when my eyes were opened to the sea.” Jacques Cousteau

When I read that quote, it makes me think of Jesus. You know, he who has eyes let him see. I understand that may not be what Jacques was thinking about when he wrote it. Remember, Paul’s eyes were opened to the love of Jesus on the day his Maker showed up. Paul already knew the Bible, being a well-educated man and Pharisee who thought “The Way,” or Christian movement, was bad news for Judaism. Paul was blinded for 3 days when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Then, Ananias placed his hands on Paul, and his eyes were opened again, he was baptized and received the Holy Spirit, and Paul became the chosen instrument to spread the Good Word.

“When one man, for whatever reason, has the opportunity to lead an extraordinary life, he has no right to keep it to himself.” Jacques

Jacques calling was inherent in his nature to share his story, one that opened our eyes to see a whole new world under the sea. Cousteau was a remarkable man with specific gifts that unveiled a new world for us in a way that no one else ever has. For that, I’m very thankful.

The truth be told we each have an opportunity to lead an extraordinary life. Likewise, part of that quest is our calling to share:

Jesus told His apostles, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Witnessing is sharing what God has done for us. Paul waited for God to cut him loose in Acts before heading out on his missionary journeys. Jacques probably could have made a great movie before his eyes were opened to the sea, but with what result? Only when he had the eyes to see was he able to accomplish the extraordinary feats of his calling, and only then was Cousteau christened to share his remarkable story.

Paul if by land. Jacques if by sea. The fishers of men.

Meet me at the dock?

Photo by tonydude919 on flickr.com

How To Reach The Calling Of Your Rock Star Life

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The 1964 US World’s Fair.
The theme was “Peace Through Understanding”

So you know I’m a huge fan of Brene Brown. She writes this message about vulnerability, and how it’s ok. She’s spent a career focused on figuring out how this one word, vulnerability, will fix humanity. She found her calling and poured her heart out in a TED video. It went viral, and so did her popularity. So she’s a rock star in my book.

The coolest thing about Dr. Brene Brown and her vulnerability message is how liberating it is to just be yourself. I think of it as a rock star’s message for leading a rock star life. So I’ve been reading more and more about how the up and comers are different. Did they already figure out the secret sauce to being rock star? Maybe we can learn from them too. Iron sharpens iron. This is all quite fascinating to me.

The Barna Group says that:

- 75% of U.S. adults say they are looking for ways to lead a more meaningful life.

- 48% of Christian Millennials say God is calling them to different work, yet they haven’t made the transition.

- Only 40% of practicing Christians say that they have a clear sense of God’s calling for their lives.

So our church’s disciple groups are going through the Compass program for managing finances God’s way. What’s this got to do with being a rock star? Well, blending faith, work and finding my calling are all a big part of just being me. That’s what the Lord is calling each of us to do, to blend. That defines your rock start life.

This idea of calling – I’ve discovered that it usually has something to do with two factors:

- What are our spiritual gifts? These become evident some time after we believe and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. For me, it took several years after the act of acceptance, and only when I finally turned it all over to Him before I figured it out, and only then with the help of some other believers. Pretty cool how that works!

- How can we best apply our experiences. Again, mine are a unique blend of my education and life experiences, both good and bad, that have led me to the calling of including the theme of “Peace, Love and Unity” here in my community. Can you put your arms around applying yours?

This all boils down to how much we can accomplish with the time we have available.

When God made each of us with unique gifts and talents He didn’t anticipate that we would all end up working at the church. We’re called to ministry every day, just where we are. He needs our presence to be seen everywhere, and on every day of the week.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Just thinking out loud, these trends and desires are leading to a bit of a dilemma between the stage that has been set by our culture and society, and what our future is shaping up to look like.

The landscape has changed, from a traditional career path that once included a narrow, well-defined profession working for a handful of employers over a lifetime, to a freelance trail that may include multiple part-time gigs at the same time. The quest for meaning still remains the same – we’re all appointed to do it with the purpose of serving each other, and serving the Lord. Enter Generation Y.

Who are the Generation Y’ers? Interestingly, there was another generation not too long ago that resembles them in many ways. Check out this writeup.

Both the Millennials and the youth of the 60′s twerked off establishment. So did Elvis. Come to think of it I guess Jesus did in many ways, too. These newbies are rebellious hipsters. Neon beatnicks. The cause? The 60′s Rock Stars were called to end segregation, their modern-day equivalents are called to end homophobia. Jesus was called to unchain us from the shackles of living up to an unachievable standard. And Elvis, well, I’m guessing he was called to just shake, rattle and roll. Oh My… Emos.

The calling of your rock star life – it’s like a 60′s come as you are party… whatever it is that you may look like at the moment, don’t be embarrassed, just show up! Indeed, and in the olden days we couldn’t even journey to the grocery store without applying a thin veneer of makeup! Never smoked pot, or drove a Lamborghini? That’s OK, drag in the streets is still a crime in most states, Mr. Bieber. btw, I’m guessing that Mr. B’s success as a rock star maybe lead him down the wrong path. Sometimes success can do that to us. That’s Ok too, there’s still hope. We’re working on rapper Jay Z, right?

Why DO I relate to the Millennials? I think because my personality matches up with the creative freelance style, and it seems they also have a strong sense of community.

So, what to do with the freebirds? Accept these Millennials just as they are. So the cool similarity of the Y’ers and hippies is that both are comfortable in their own skin. Remember what Brene Brown is selling:

“You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability” BB

Liberating Rock Star that we can all reach our calling just being our selfies.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia