spoutin' off

Recently, Brian asked my opinion about something and I told him what I thought. Later, he told me that he had taken my advice and was in the process of implementing some sort of change. What?!

I was just spouting off! I didn't know that change was hinging on my thoughts or suggestions! Our words can be so powerful, and our suggestions more influential than we realize. I am challenged to be prayed up before I "spout off" my thoughts. I want to give advice that comes from something higher than my emotion. I want God's wisdom in my life and my words, don't you? God tells us in James chapter one that when we ask for wisdom, God will give it to us!



"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." Proverbs 31:26

turning our hearts outward

We have been talking a lot lately about turning our hearts outward. What exactly does that mean? It means focusing on other people and their needs. It means loving people and leading them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. The opposite of outward focus, is obviously inward focus. Strangely enough, inward focus is often disguised as maturity. Inward focus emphasizes one's self, where as outward focus gives one's self away.

Jesus is the perfect example of focusing outward. He loved people. He loved more than just their souls. He loved them for them, and he gives us the ability through the Holy Spirit to do the same thing.

Take a chance. Get out of our comfort zones. Live intentionally. Love people. Go on a mission trip. Serve. Share. Be friends with people who are different from us. Make yourself uncomfortable. Give until it costs you something. Focus outward!!

futures

Is your future uncertain? Actually all of us can say "Yes" to that question. None of us know our future. Sometimes we have a lot to worry about. Many people are concerned about the economy, being able to make it through the holidays on little resources. So many are dealing with health issues, wayward children, divorce, grief and loss. Uncertainty looms around us at every stage of life; even our children often worry about their grades, their friends, their weight, their security, their acceptance and their future.

Hebrews 11:20 talks about Isaac blessing his sons. In spite of all the disfunction in Isaac's family, (the deception, favoritism, naivety, distance and impulsiveness) the verse says, "He had confidence in what God was going to do in the future."

Because God has always kept his promises, we can continue to trust him for our future. "For you have been my hope, O sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth." Psalm 71:5

Maybe you are worried and uncertain. Throw your worries on to God. He has been in the business of "futures" for a long, long time; and like Isaac, we can trust him with ours.

Just love 'em!

Last week, Brian and I went to a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet. It was a very nice evening. The speaker that night was a comedian. He made us laugh out loud with impersonations and funny faces! He was making fun of relatives, in light of the upcoming holidays and, in his humorous way, left me with something of a more serious note. He said, with a ridiculous face, "Just love 'em!" When your son in law does yada yada yada that you hate, just love 'im. When your sister just sits there like she always has instead of helping mom, just love 'er!

There are so many people that get in such a wad over little things. The holidays magnify that, you know? Just let it go. Life is too short to be mad at every coach, teacher, boss, neighbor, in-law. My gosh! Choose to be happy and "Just love 'em!"

guest blogger: my brother Dave!!

My brother Dave is a guest writer on my blog today! Check him out:

Everyman's Everest
My favorite thing about Ironman triathlons is the simple fact that anybody can do one...seriously. It doesn't take a unique skill or ability like throwing a 95 mph fastball or being able to dunk a basketball. You don't have to be strong, tall, fast, smart, or even very coordinated. All it really takes is an attitude that says, "I will not quit." Let's face it, none of us are going to get called up to the major leagues. We'll never play in the Super Bowl, or get drafted into the NBA. But there's almost nothing keeping you from becoming an Ironman! I've personally seen a blind man, a woman in a wheelchair, an amputee, and a 74 year old man cross the Ironman finish line! It's a larger-than-life moment that anyone can accomplish.
Last Sunday I crossed the Ironman finish line for my second time. It was a completely different experience in many ways from the first Ironman I completed in 2009. This time around there wasn't any curiosity or sense of wonderment. I knew exactly how long and difficult the day would be. This time it wasn't a question of "Can I do this?". It was now a question of "Can I do this faster?". And I knew that finishing the bike ride didn't really mean that I was almost done. Being my second-time around didn't make it any easier. My feet cramped up on the bike, my legs tried to quit on me during the run, and at times it took everything I had just to keep from throwing up.
But as I swam, biked, and ran through Louisville this year, the biggest and best difference was the fact that my wife, Kerry and our two sons were there to cheer me on. When I first became an Ironman in 2009 we lived in Okinawa, Japan, and they weren't able to travel with me to Louisville for the race. They were such a huge part of my training and support that I knew something was missing as I crossed the finish line 9,000 miles away from them. This year was different though; they were right there with me! Yelling and ringing those signature Ironman cowbells, my family encouraged and fueled me throughout the race with their cheers. The road trip, the race, and the room service brought us closer together as a family. I doubt that my kids will forget staying up way beyond their bedtime to stand in the streets with the cheering crowd and hear the announcer declare their dad an Ironman. But more importantly, I hope they learned that they don't have to be the fastest, or the tallest, or become all-star athletes to accomplish something great. All they really have to do is never give up.

David Mills is author of The Distance: An Average Joe's Path to Balancing Family, Work, & Triathlon available now on Amazon. To find out more visit www.TheDistanceBook.com

in a bind, up a creek, and worth the risk!

I'm in a bind! I've been there before, and I bet you have too! I am in so deep that if God does not come through, I will be in trouble. It's funny. I felt this way when I had kids, when we started West Ridge Church. It's uncomfortable and risky and bigger than me, so much so that I know when I get out of it, I would be crazy stupid to take the glory for any success. Aah. That sounds like where God likes us to be.

When we get in deep, we have to trust God, take a deep breath, and ask Him to guide us. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6.

I'm counting on that. Life is risky but it's worth the risk because at the end of the day, we can say that God brought us through and we can give him all the glory if it turns out ok--if your marriage succeeds, if your kids love God, if your business survives, if you pass the class, if your church grows and thrives, if your neighbors come to know the Lord, if your team wins, if people approve, if you inspire or encourage. It all comes from God who likes risk, who likes it when we have to depend on him, who loves it when we need him, call on him and give all the glory to him!! He will bring us through!

How do I know that God is real?

How do I know that God is real? I've never seen him. I've never heard his voice, yet I know.
Having never seen the air, somehow we have experienced it, breathed it in; and it has given us life.
I have seen the air move things, the trees blowing in the gentle breeze. And powerful gusts that require our respect.
I have observed a balloon take on a new shape, a new identity when filled with an invisible air.
I have exercised my faith in scientists I've never met that tell me about the molecules in the air I cannot see.
Certainly they are right in their beliefs.
If I were to deny that air exists, I would still breathe it and require it to survive.
In fact, the more I do, the faster my pace, the more I gasp for air and am reminded of my need for it.
I have seen God move, fill and satisfy.

My eyes have been witness to things that only God can do. People that he has drawn to himself, Secret wishes that only he and I knew about, fulfilled to overflow. Coincidences that no one could orchestrate.

Peace in the storms of my life, Calm in my panic and rest in my weariness. Joy in the midst of trouble, and perseverance during darkest times. God has given understanding during times that lack human explanation. My soul had a God-shaped void that no man, job, status or wealth could fill. A perfect Savior for an imperfect me. A sure future. A heavenly home because of a cross I have never seen, an empty tomb that filled my emptiness. A non-wavering, never-changing God that engages my ever-changing life and fills it, satisfies it, loves it and has always kept every promise.

The ocean, the mountains, the spinning solar system. Someone out there is bigger than me. He is not tired or impatient when I do not believe him. He will never cease to exist and his love will never end. I have seen too much!