"Your comfort is not God's priority, your perfection is."
To strengthen our faith, to push us to a higher level level, to become Christ-like - we need to be stretched, challenged. Status quo can be comfortable, but where is the reward?
I need to remind myself that when it seems uncomfortable to take that next step, God has something better in mind, something to teach me.
No Regrets
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The Road
It is dark and quite - this road I am on.
I am alone, there are no others - this road I am on.
It faces me each morning, it haunts me every night - this road I am on.
I can't complete the journey without taking the first step - this road I am on.
This captured my emotions as I woke up at 5 am to start another 4 mile run/walk - my fourth in a row. For others it may be depression, addiction, or a particular season in their life.
We are, in fact, never alone. Take the first step, start the journey.
No Regrets
I am alone, there are no others - this road I am on.
It faces me each morning, it haunts me every night - this road I am on.
I can't complete the journey without taking the first step - this road I am on.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
I'm Baaaaaack.
It has been over a year since my last post and it would be impossible to list the events over that time. The highlights? Back in banking where I have advanced to Senior Staff. Started my own business (VincereTech.com) - which is more fun and rewarding than I imagined. Even had surgery! It may sound politically incorrect, buy I refer to myself as a "Cancer Scare Survivor." What color is that ribbon?
Tonight I find myself in Fayettville, Arkansas, to kick off "college week." In the morning Emily and I will tour U of A, and then depart for Oxford, Mississippi, to tour Ole Miss - our second visit.
Hard to believe my baby will be off to college in a few months.
Amazing times.
No Regrets.
Tonight I find myself in Fayettville, Arkansas, to kick off "college week." In the morning Emily and I will tour U of A, and then depart for Oxford, Mississippi, to tour Ole Miss - our second visit.
Hard to believe my baby will be off to college in a few months.
Amazing times.
No Regrets.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Choices
Do you ever hear something that just sticks in your brain? Today I heard the following:
"Your life should be pulled by a vision, not dictated by circumstances."
I have been thinking about that comment most of the day and decided it is a perfect sentiment to begin 2011. In the past, when faced with a big decision I have become paralyzed by analysis, what if I make the wrong choice? Then I realized - sometimes there is not a wrong choice! Maybe one path would have been easier, but in the end the destination will be the same.
Put another way, sometimes God give us MORE THAN ONE GOOD CHOICE!
Our life is the sum total of our decisions. And those decisions should be driven by a vision.
No Regret.
"Your life should be pulled by a vision, not dictated by circumstances."
I have been thinking about that comment most of the day and decided it is a perfect sentiment to begin 2011. In the past, when faced with a big decision I have become paralyzed by analysis, what if I make the wrong choice? Then I realized - sometimes there is not a wrong choice! Maybe one path would have been easier, but in the end the destination will be the same.
Put another way, sometimes God give us MORE THAN ONE GOOD CHOICE!
Our life is the sum total of our decisions. And those decisions should be driven by a vision.
No Regret.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
It's Not About Me
I was recently asked the question, "How does God appear to you?"
Without a second thought my reply was that I find God in other people. Some people "talk" to God - they claim to hear an audible voice. I have never had that experience, but I don't doubt their experience. I yet to talk to anyone that has seen a burning bush...
For me, it has always been through people. For example, in a time when I need nothing more than encouragement, someone that I have not seen or spoken to in weeks will call out of the blue. Coincidence? Some may think that, but I belive it is God at work. I have been in conversations with people and the subject would divert down a rabbit hole and we would end up discussing an unspoken need.
If our commandment is to love one another - then it stands to reason that God would be at work in our relationships. Coming to us at the level of our need through other people.
Sitting in Sunday School class this past week the leader said the following - "I have to remember daily that it is NOT about me." I too have struggled with looking at self first - putting my needs above others.
His lessong centered around four teaching points:
1. Look for the good in other people.
2. Learn to build other people up. 1 Thes. 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
3. Be a reflection of God's love, foregiveness and grace. Eph 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
4. Guard the value of YOUR reflection. It is what others see.
No Regrets.
Without a second thought my reply was that I find God in other people. Some people "talk" to God - they claim to hear an audible voice. I have never had that experience, but I don't doubt their experience. I yet to talk to anyone that has seen a burning bush...
For me, it has always been through people. For example, in a time when I need nothing more than encouragement, someone that I have not seen or spoken to in weeks will call out of the blue. Coincidence? Some may think that, but I belive it is God at work. I have been in conversations with people and the subject would divert down a rabbit hole and we would end up discussing an unspoken need.
If our commandment is to love one another - then it stands to reason that God would be at work in our relationships. Coming to us at the level of our need through other people.
Sitting in Sunday School class this past week the leader said the following - "I have to remember daily that it is NOT about me." I too have struggled with looking at self first - putting my needs above others.
His lessong centered around four teaching points:
1. Look for the good in other people.
2. Learn to build other people up. 1 Thes. 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
3. Be a reflection of God's love, foregiveness and grace. Eph 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
4. Guard the value of YOUR reflection. It is what others see.
No Regrets.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Air Bear
Air Bear is the affectionate nickname for my youngest daughter Erin.
Air Bear is the greatest volleyball player that ever has or ever will live. At least to me. Watching her mature and gain confidence in the game has been enjoyable. I'll admit, I have pushed her hard at times, but not because she lacks ability. Instead, it was because I know she CAN do better.
She has the ability, now it is a matter of her gaining self confidence - becoming a leader on the court.
Watching her "high-five" teammates, hearing other parents yell "Go Erin!", listening to coaches tell her how much she has improved are all satisfying. However, watching her slowly evolve into a leader on the court has been the most rewarding.
Erin, you have so much potential and a love for the game. Take it to the next level and see how far you can go.
No Regrets.
Air Bear is the greatest volleyball player that ever has or ever will live. At least to me. Watching her mature and gain confidence in the game has been enjoyable. I'll admit, I have pushed her hard at times, but not because she lacks ability. Instead, it was because I know she CAN do better.
She has the ability, now it is a matter of her gaining self confidence - becoming a leader on the court.
Watching her "high-five" teammates, hearing other parents yell "Go Erin!", listening to coaches tell her how much she has improved are all satisfying. However, watching her slowly evolve into a leader on the court has been the most rewarding.
Erin, you have so much potential and a love for the game. Take it to the next level and see how far you can go.
No Regrets.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Good, Bad and the Yummy
It's getting sad that my trips are becoming memorable based on the food. For example, when I think of my trip to New Braunfels it will be - Onion Rings!
The Good:
Edna, Texas - Maekers Sausage
Amarillo, Texas - Pecan pie with ice cream
Egypt, Texas - Sweet Potato casserole
Memphis, Tennessee - EVERYTHING
Gruene, Texas - Cold Beer
St. Louis, Missouri - Ballpark nachos
The Bad:
Stoneville, Mississippi - Pulled Pork
Forrest City, Arkansas - Meat Loaf (I still can't get past the name)
Columbus, Ohio - Pulled Pork (See the pattern - no pulled pork!)
No Regrets.
The Good:
Edna, Texas - Maekers Sausage
Amarillo, Texas - Pecan pie with ice cream
Egypt, Texas - Sweet Potato casserole
Memphis, Tennessee - EVERYTHING
Gruene, Texas - Cold Beer
St. Louis, Missouri - Ballpark nachos
The Bad:
Stoneville, Mississippi - Pulled Pork
Forrest City, Arkansas - Meat Loaf (I still can't get past the name)
Columbus, Ohio - Pulled Pork (See the pattern - no pulled pork!)
No Regrets.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Mipple
It is done. The Mid-South swing is over and here is the scorecard:
Drive Time: 26 hours
Miles: 1,498
Days: 3.5
States: 5
As with any trip of an extended duration, opportunities abound to learn more about yourself, the people you are with and the places you see.
What I learned.....
Arkansas is incredibly beautiful in the Fall.
Mississippi doesn’t have any Tejano music stations.
Texas has the best looking women.
My James Bond trivia is not as good as I imagined.
Did I really even watch the Lord of the Rings?
I spent too much time watching Blazing Saddles and not enough time reading CS Lewis.
Life can change in a moment.
Meat Loaf needs a new name.
Communication is better than silence.
Brooke may know every song – EVERY SONG.
You can eat too much Bar-B-Q.
Yellow lines mean two-way traffic.
You CAN win at slots.
I have no fear of public speaking.
Mississippi tea comes in two flavors – Sweet and Real Sweet.
Louisiana spends very little on roads.
Memphis has good food.
I love bridges.
People in Mississippi need to know that you can eat animals other than catfish.
I would miss Mexican food if I left Texas.
No Regrets.
Drive Time: 26 hours
Miles: 1,498
Days: 3.5
States: 5
As with any trip of an extended duration, opportunities abound to learn more about yourself, the people you are with and the places you see.
What I learned.....
Arkansas is incredibly beautiful in the Fall.
Mississippi doesn’t have any Tejano music stations.
Texas has the best looking women.
My James Bond trivia is not as good as I imagined.
Did I really even watch the Lord of the Rings?
I spent too much time watching Blazing Saddles and not enough time reading CS Lewis.
Life can change in a moment.
Meat Loaf needs a new name.
Communication is better than silence.
Brooke may know every song – EVERY SONG.
You can eat too much Bar-B-Q.
Yellow lines mean two-way traffic.
You CAN win at slots.
I have no fear of public speaking.
Mississippi tea comes in two flavors – Sweet and Real Sweet.
Louisiana spends very little on roads.
Memphis has good food.
I love bridges.
People in Mississippi need to know that you can eat animals other than catfish.
I would miss Mexican food if I left Texas.
No Regrets.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Embug
Innocent, trusting, little, adorable, loving, cuddly, sweet, dainty, chubby, wide-eyed, beautiful. The newborn girl that slept with pacifiers on her eyes.
Time stole my baby.
Kindhearted, funny, inspiring, dazzling, animated, sneaky, temperamental, spirited, timid, beautiful. The little girl that loved dinosaurs and dogs.
Time stole my child.
Sassy, sincere, organized, smart, tough, stubborn, determined, spoiled, inquisitive, energetic, independent, beautiful. The teenage girl with stars in her eyes.
Time is stealing my young lady.
No Regrets.
Time stole my baby.
Kindhearted, funny, inspiring, dazzling, animated, sneaky, temperamental, spirited, timid, beautiful. The little girl that loved dinosaurs and dogs.
Time stole my child.
Sassy, sincere, organized, smart, tough, stubborn, determined, spoiled, inquisitive, energetic, independent, beautiful. The teenage girl with stars in her eyes.
Time is stealing my young lady.
No Regrets.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Lap Dance
Jack is not an animal lover. He has no pets. In fact, the only photo that exists of me with an animal is from 1972 - little Jack and a duck. Yes, a duck.
So with that preface, let me vent......
I am a proponent of personal choice. Your passions, fetishes and idiosyncrasies are just that - yours. Who am I to judge?
But for heaven's sake, why does a grown man choose to drive around with a little dog on his lap?
I'm not sure if it is DRIVING with a dog on your lap or driving with a DOG on your lap that bothers me. Most likely it is because a GROWN MAN was DRIVING with a DOG on his lap!
I guess it could be worse - it could have been a duck.
No Regrets.
So with that preface, let me vent......
I am a proponent of personal choice. Your passions, fetishes and idiosyncrasies are just that - yours. Who am I to judge?
But for heaven's sake, why does a grown man choose to drive around with a little dog on his lap?
I'm not sure if it is DRIVING with a dog on your lap or driving with a DOG on your lap that bothers me. Most likely it is because a GROWN MAN was DRIVING with a DOG on his lap!
I guess it could be worse - it could have been a duck.
No Regrets.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Bible Agrees
2 Corinthians 7:10
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
No Regret.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
No Regret.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Boating Lesson II
I have been thinking about my last post lately. True, I can't change the way the wind blows, but who says I can't change the body of water? If I simply adjust my sails in the current lake with the same wind pattern, the result will be a circle - at best.
Quit trying to change the wind. Quit trying to adjust the sails in a hurricane. Move the boat.
Captain Jack - No Regrets.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Boating Lessons
My favorite bit of wisdom goes like this, "I can't change the way the wind blows, I can only adjust my sails."
It reminds me that so much of my day (and my life) is outside my control. Therefore, focus on what I can control - my thoughts and actions. Today presented the perfect opportunity to exercise this wisdom. An adverse wind was blowing today and I had a choice - become pounded against the reef or adjust my sails and find a safe harbor.
Thankfully, I have loaded my boat with good co-captains.
Maybe I should get a tattoo of a sailboat?
No Regrets.
It reminds me that so much of my day (and my life) is outside my control. Therefore, focus on what I can control - my thoughts and actions. Today presented the perfect opportunity to exercise this wisdom. An adverse wind was blowing today and I had a choice - become pounded against the reef or adjust my sails and find a safe harbor.
Thankfully, I have loaded my boat with good co-captains.
Maybe I should get a tattoo of a sailboat?
No Regrets.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Quality Customer Service
This is Kara who was kind enough to participate in the making of a funny slideshow. The service was outstanding. I will not name the hotel chain as to protect her identity. Thanks for playing Kara!
No Regrets.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Who Needs A Plane?
Another week, another trip. This week was Amarillo - marking the official start of 2011 for the company. A new start, a fresh beginning. Every year starts with optimism, but this year feels different.
Reflecting on the success of the meeting, I determined the outcome of the meeting had a direct correlation to the effort put into it. Is life any different? The more you pour into life, the more you can expect out of it.
What about friendships? Relationships? Love? You can't expect a positive outcome without putting in effort.
Flying high after the meeting - could have made it back to Waco without a plane.
Challenge to myself: Pour everything I have into every day.
No Regrets.
By the way....Jack is Back. I was sitting in the Starbucks line in Amarillo while talking on the phone with Carla. In a moment of confusion, I told Carla "Thank you, have a good day." At the same time telling the Starbucks lady, "I love you. See you tonight." Jack may have a restraining order against him.
Don't even get Jack started on the Sonic girl.....
Reflecting on the success of the meeting, I determined the outcome of the meeting had a direct correlation to the effort put into it. Is life any different? The more you pour into life, the more you can expect out of it.
What about friendships? Relationships? Love? You can't expect a positive outcome without putting in effort.
Flying high after the meeting - could have made it back to Waco without a plane.
Challenge to myself: Pour everything I have into every day.
No Regrets.
By the way....Jack is Back. I was sitting in the Starbucks line in Amarillo while talking on the phone with Carla. In a moment of confusion, I told Carla "Thank you, have a good day." At the same time telling the Starbucks lady, "I love you. See you tonight." Jack may have a restraining order against him.
Don't even get Jack started on the Sonic girl.....
Monday, August 23, 2010
What I Want
I was recently asked to participate in an exercise to develop a compensation package. The form was simple in design – “What do you want? Rank from “A” to “C.”
At first, the thought of filling out the form was exciting - "tabula rasa.” But it soon became difficult – then impossible. What can start as compensation can quickly become handcuffs.
After I submitted the document, I begin to formulate a list of what I REALLY want.
I want to be the husband my wife deserves.
I want to be the father my children need.
I want to be the son my mother has earned.
I want Christian men for my two daughters when they are ready to date.
I want to earn the respect of my co-workers.
I want to control my free-will.
I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” when my journey is done.
I want patience.
I want to listen with my heart when a friend talks.
I want to not be quick to judge.
I want the ability to forgive as easily as I ask for forgiveness.
No Regrets.
At first, the thought of filling out the form was exciting - "tabula rasa.” But it soon became difficult – then impossible. What can start as compensation can quickly become handcuffs.
After I submitted the document, I begin to formulate a list of what I REALLY want.
I want to be the husband my wife deserves.
I want to be the father my children need.
I want to be the son my mother has earned.
I want Christian men for my two daughters when they are ready to date.
I want to earn the respect of my co-workers.
I want to control my free-will.
I want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant” when my journey is done.
I want patience.
I want to listen with my heart when a friend talks.
I want to not be quick to judge.
I want the ability to forgive as easily as I ask for forgiveness.
No Regrets.
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Secret to My Success
No particular order....
My Dad who taught me the work day begins at 6 am and ends at 8 pm.
My Wife who forgives and forgets.
Jesus who died for my sins.
Mr. Bostick who taught be attitude and ability will lead to success.
Brooke who shared the wisdom "If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen."
Mr. Mathis who told me "Money is a pacifer, the job is the satisfier."
My kids who remind me what is really important.
David Byrd who affirms my Spititual Walk.
God who has already set my path.
My Mom who taught discipline and love with the same hands.
To be continued.....
My Dad who taught me the work day begins at 6 am and ends at 8 pm.
My Wife who forgives and forgets.
Jesus who died for my sins.
Mr. Bostick who taught be attitude and ability will lead to success.
Brooke who shared the wisdom "If you work really hard and are kind, amazing things will happen."
Mr. Mathis who told me "Money is a pacifer, the job is the satisfier."
My kids who remind me what is really important.
David Byrd who affirms my Spititual Walk.
God who has already set my path.
My Mom who taught discipline and love with the same hands.
To be continued.....
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