"The Rut"

It's a very general term that could apply to a number of things in life. To some it may mean its soon time for hunting season, the Buck or male dear get into a frenzy. Ok we'll stop there, this is after all a G rated website. There is also the rut that you could get your bicycle or motorcycle tire stuck in which usually leads to disaster as the rut will lead you just where you don't want to go. Then there's "the rut" that I'm referring too with this story.

Now, the older I get the more certain I become that this particular rut will lead to disaster. I am approaching another birthday and my youngest asked me the other day "just how old are you going to be daddy" (yes, she still calls me daddy) and like always I had to stop and think. I don't believe they've ever accepted the 12 year old angle I throw at them every year, but then on the other hand, maybe they do.

Now to most I know that the number really isn't important however the thing that struck home was the fact that I'm approaching the halfway point in life and that is only if the Lord blesses me greatly. We started talking about how long I've been doing a particular thing and that's when it hit me. man dude you're stuck in a rut.

Now don't get me wrong, I could be doing something a whole lot worse with my life. I mean I get to do something I'm passionate about. I get to uplift others while I do it and I get to do it seven days a week and anywhere from 8 to 15 hours a day. Oh - maybe that's it, the rut causer. Aren't you supposed to be happier the more you get to do something you love? Well I guess that depends entirely on the circumstances now doesn't it.


So here's the awakening I had last week.

Yes I enjoy what I do (except for the part where I never get to spend time with my family)

Yes I make OK money (except for the fact that its only a little more than what I was making 10 years ago and the cost of everything else has tripled)

Yes, I could be unemployed or doing something I hate ( I believe that in our rich society one can have whatever one puts their mind too)

Yes its better than it used to be (the most I work in any given day is only about 15 hours)

Stop!! There is a better way.

Isn't it funny how we can have the golden egg sitting right in front of us but we're afraid to crack the shell and see whats inside.

God created us all for greatness, not to live in a rut. Don't believe that things can't get any better and don't be afraid to change and find out.

I'm guilty, but not anymore. Follow me, I'll show you how.  The Golden Egg

 Am I the only one or does anyone else feel like they're caught in a rut?

Happy Independence Day

What does it mean to you?

Is it hot dogs and fireworks? Is it an extra paid day off work? Maybe a party at your Aunt Dee's house?

Have you ever really thought about it and even scarier yet do our children know it as anything other than the 4th of July?

To me it means freedom, the right to choose, a day to celebrate all those that have fought and died for our country. I'm not in favor of illegal immigrants coming to our country, but have you ever thought about it this way? I heard this recently on an audio I listened too and it made me really think.

What is it that we have here that a person would be willing to float in shark infested waters on a rubber raft for, or risk getting shot by climbing a security fence. Maybe crawl into a ships hold with 100's of others and risk death and disease just to get to this country?

I would guess in today's political society that those folks have even more incentive. Obviously the tilt today is in entitlements and helping outsiders before our own. But what about 25 or 50 years ago, why did they flock to this great place we call America?

The even bigger question is, why do we as Americans take it for granted? Our society has gotten so far away from its roots and foundings that its just natural for us to assume we will be taken care of. We complain when others take our jobs because they will work for less, we allow our government to tax us to death yet we won't go out to the voting booth to make a difference, we wonder how criminals could ever commit these horrific acts of violence, yet we have removed God from all our teachings and we sit at home and watch TV because we don't feel we can make a difference.

I know many of you want to make a difference, I know I do. Sometimes I believe however that we just don't know how. What if you could make a difference - would you want to?

What if there was a way that you could get involved and make a real impact in our country's direction? It won't happen overnight, but there is a solution.

I challenge you on this firework watching, hamburg eating, day off celebration to really think about the future, about your kids and grand kids future, about what the next 250 years will bring.

Have fun, be safe and enjoy your day off work and if you really want to make a difference, let me know.

Happy 4th Everybody.

Living With Focus

I recently heard that we will not get what we want out of life, only what we focus on.

These days there are so many negative influences in our life that we can't help but be lead astray. We set goals and visions but in today's fast pace lifestyle we need to be careful that we don't get derailed.

You need to stay razor focused on the things you want out of your life. An example would be:

A better life for our children, I know that's a goal of mine.

What we don't realize though is that mainstream society has other plans. They try and influence us through the news, through the TV programs we watch and the music our kids listen too. All I can say is be very careful what and who you listen too.

Recently my wife and I went out on a focus or dream building mission. Please know that the below images are material things only and take a back seat to things like our faith in God, health and prosperity for our family and helping others.

It sure is fun though to take a look at the bigger picture of life and just dream.

Whether it be eating well, living in the home of your dreams or driving the vehicle that you always wanted I urge you to get out there and dream.

Maybe helping others is your thing or giving to charities. I say go out there and volunteer or visit the places or people you'd like to help.

I say spend some time with your family and find out what makes them tick and what will move them to greatness?

God surely has a plan for all of us - dig in and find out your path.