Have you read any of these? Can you comment?
The art of thinking
The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life
by: John Hunt
Quit your job
Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur
by: Pamela Slim
Eating the Big Fish: How Challenger Brands Can Compete Against Brand Leaders
Crucial Conversations: Tools for talking when the stakes are high.
Crucial Confrontations: Tools for resolving broken promises, violated expectations, and bad behaviour.
The Republic of Tea
Good to Great
Atlas Shrugged
Ayn Rand
On Advertising
David Ogilivy
Crossing the Chasm by Geoffery Moore Positioning by Trout and Ries In Pursuit of Wow! and The Tom Peters Seminar by Tom Peters Blink by Malcolm Galdwell Selling the Dream by Guy Kawasaki The Republic of Tea by Bill Rosenzweig and Mel Ziegler (out of print) Don't Think Of An Elephant!/How Democrats And Progressives Can Win by George Lakoff Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar Why We Buy by Paco Underhill Creating Customer Evangelists by Ben McConnell and Jackie Huba Emotional Design by Donald Norman The Moral Economy of the Peasant by James Scott Creative Company: How St. Luke's Became "the Ad Agency to End All Ad Agencies" by Andy Law
Physical Fitness
Unleash the Warrior Within by Ricard Machowicz
Spiritual Growth
Dallas Willard - Hearing God
Lessons From San Quenting: Everything I Needed to Know About Life, I Learned in Prison - Bill Dallas
Personal Development
John Miller - Question behind the question
Rhinoceros Success
The Go Getter
Business
The Monk and the Merchant
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Task Priority GPP
**Rough Draft**
If you are reading this, I appreciate your comments. I'd like to keep working on this one.
the 300 rep task priority FGB
vs
the scale the WOD to meet the time domain position
task priority GPP preparation trumps time priority GPP, or just as important. At the least, it is just as important to train the body to do the 'total work' (define total work and compare contrast with average work or power output)
in construction, you stay until the work is done, you don't leave early. the crews that alwyas left at t=8 start doing less and less. the crew that does 10,000 lbs of work starts doing it faster and faster.
Life rewards total work. Scale as little as possible. Scale to achieve time domains sparingly as part of a constantly varied fitness regime - not as the rule.
The broken set is a part of life.
review, dutch's comments from
http://www.dutchlowy.com/2009/06/24/re-scaling/
review buddings comments from:
http://www.dutchlowy.com/2009/06/19/punish-them/#comments
If you are reading this, I appreciate your comments. I'd like to keep working on this one.
the 300 rep task priority FGB
vs
the scale the WOD to meet the time domain position
task priority GPP preparation trumps time priority GPP, or just as important. At the least, it is just as important to train the body to do the 'total work' (define total work and compare contrast with average work or power output)
in construction, you stay until the work is done, you don't leave early. the crews that alwyas left at t=8 start doing less and less. the crew that does 10,000 lbs of work starts doing it faster and faster.
Life rewards total work. Scale as little as possible. Scale to achieve time domains sparingly as part of a constantly varied fitness regime - not as the rule.
The broken set is a part of life.
review, dutch's comments from
http://www.dutchlowy.com/2009/06/24/re-scaling/
review buddings comments from:
http://www.dutchlowy.com/2009/06/19/punish-them/#comments
The Little Voice in Your Head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEMEBBwO6J8
What will life be like when the little voice in your head that says, "Quit", starts saying, "You can do this! Better, Faster, Stronger!"
It will be good.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Ther is something about walkinh!
Get oug of the car
Dont just sit there on abench
We wefe made fpe movement
I dare you to move...
Dont just sit there on abench
We wefe made fpe movement
I dare you to move...
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Dangerous Men
The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
All men dream: but not equally.
Those who dream by nidht in the dusty
recesses of their minds wake in the day
to find that is was vanity: but the dreamers
of the day are dangerous men, for they may
act their dreams with open eys, to make it
possible.
-T.E. Lawrence
All men dream: but not equally.
Those who dream by nidht in the dusty
recesses of their minds wake in the day
to find that is was vanity: but the dreamers
of the day are dangerous men, for they may
act their dreams with open eys, to make it
possible.
-T.E. Lawrence
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Stalwart
Stalwart - Strongly and stoutly built; sturdy and robust.
Would someone who just met you use words like strongly and stoutly built; sturdy and robust to describe you?
Don't let your connotation slip to the physical. This isn't a post about working out. For that go here www.crossfitplacer.com.
This is a post about the depth of your beliefs. The purpose in your life. Is the line of purpose in your life kept taut by the future hope of your purpose realized?
To have extreme sturdiness in the face of insurmountable odds, like Robert Falcon Scott. Could it be, that still today exploration is the physical expression of intellectual passion.
Have you ever met someone whose courage and determination in some instances were so extreme as to seem eerie and peculiar rather thann heroic?
Resorceful courage is a sterling human quality
Would someone who just met you use words like strongly and stoutly built; sturdy and robust to describe you?
Don't let your connotation slip to the physical. This isn't a post about working out. For that go here www.crossfitplacer.com.
This is a post about the depth of your beliefs. The purpose in your life. Is the line of purpose in your life kept taut by the future hope of your purpose realized?
To have extreme sturdiness in the face of insurmountable odds, like Robert Falcon Scott. Could it be, that still today exploration is the physical expression of intellectual passion.
Have you ever met someone whose courage and determination in some instances were so extreme as to seem eerie and peculiar rather thann heroic?
Resorceful courage is a sterling human quality
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Fear Caused by Negtive Influences
Seeds of failure grow abundantly in the soil of susceptibility to negative influences. Recognize your own will power and learn to use it build a wall against negative influences in your mind.
Seek the company of people who encourage you to think and act for yourself.
Seek the company of people who encourage you to think and act for yourself.
Fear - A Spiritual Teacher
What is fear?
Fear is an emotion. Fear is a perspective from your comofort zone.
You can challenge any fear.
...
Fear is a spiritual teacher.
An opportunity for you to expand as a human being. An opportunity to expand rather then contract.
From Tony Blauer - " "
Fear is an emotion. Fear is a perspective from your comofort zone.
You can challenge any fear.
...
Fear is a spiritual teacher.
An opportunity for you to expand as a human being. An opportunity to expand rather then contract.
From Tony Blauer - " "
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
3 Reasons for Dry Practice
1. Repetitive Dry Practice engrains the proper gross neuromuscular pathways so you become smoother and faster in your gun handling skills such as Presentation from the Holster, Malfunction Clearances, Reloading etc.
2. Repetitive Dry Practice engrains the proper fine neuromuscular pathways needed for perfect Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, and Trigger Control.
3. Repetitive Dry Practice replaces the natural reflex to anticipate muzzle blast and recoil when the weapon fires, with a perfect surprise trigger break, thus preventing Pre-ignition Push, Heeling, Trigger Mash, Flinch, etc. and helps you develop the consistency and precision of a well oiled, shooting machine!
2. Repetitive Dry Practice engrains the proper fine neuromuscular pathways needed for perfect Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, and Trigger Control.
3. Repetitive Dry Practice replaces the natural reflex to anticipate muzzle blast and recoil when the weapon fires, with a perfect surprise trigger break, thus preventing Pre-ignition Push, Heeling, Trigger Mash, Flinch, etc. and helps you develop the consistency and precision of a well oiled, shooting machine!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Anythin Less than Success is Simply not an Option
Julius Ceasar led the Roman armies in a conquest of Britain.
After landing, Ceasar led the troops to the top of the Chalk Cliffs of Dover. Below them, the soldiers saw the ships that had just carried them across the English Channel had all been set on fire.
There was now no turning back.
The message was clear:
Anything less than success is simply not an option.
There is no turning back. There is no alternative.
Burn your ships! Remove the safety net! Cut up your credit cards!
After landing, Ceasar led the troops to the top of the Chalk Cliffs of Dover. Below them, the soldiers saw the ships that had just carried them across the English Channel had all been set on fire.
There was now no turning back.
The message was clear:
Anything less than success is simply not an option.
There is no turning back. There is no alternative.
Burn your ships! Remove the safety net! Cut up your credit cards!
Today's Health
Are your priorities in line?
"Today's health gives me strength." ~ John Maxwell in Today Matters
Rarely exercising is a sure path to an undesired outcome.
"Today's health gives me strength." ~ John Maxwell in Today Matters
Rarely exercising is a sure path to an undesired outcome.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Operation Cheat Day I
I went 2 weeks without sugar (trying to get off of the 'crack'). Then went out of town to celebrate a birthday. I wrestled with the idea of having a cheat day. It sure sounded like a good idea, but I didn't want to be mad at myself on the day after for 'relapsing'. I decided it would be okay to go forward with the plan of one cheat day, but I sure wasn't going to blow 2 weeks of top fuel diet for some crap (like the cheap a** spumoni ice cream my family was eating at the restaurant). If I was going to cheat, it would have to be righteous. So I started plotting and planning my cheat. While at a restaurant waiting for people to show up before going out, my wife and I even scanned the dessert menu to see if this fancy restaurant could offer up an appetizer and dessert tempting enough to initiate Operation Cheat Day. What they had wasn't good enough. Long story short, we had to postopone iniatiating the operation until returning to an old favorite once back in our neighborhood - Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ. After the meal at Lucille's, we planned for a major ice cream run on the way home.At Lucille's, the baby rack ribs smothered in full of sugar BBQ sauce initiated Operation Cheat Day. The operation concluded on the couch watching Seinfeld re-runs while killing, with extreme enjoyment, a man size serving (1 pint) of the #1 cheat product - Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream. For me, it is all about "Smore's" and "Marsha Marsha Marshmallow".The operation was successful. Even though the next several days saw a return of some cravings for sweets, it was well worth it. And just knowing that another cheat day is out there, on the horizon, makes the top fuel discipline much more bearable. I have to earn the right to cheat by being disciplined all week. A fair trade for sure!!
Friday, March 6, 2009
A little fanaticism may be what you need....
"There is no strong performance without a little fanaticism in the performer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Taken - It may not be true, but www.ijm.org is.
Good movie with Good action. I like Liam Neeson, I think he's a good actor. This movie was almost as good as one of the Bourne movies.
3.5 stars out of 5
About he story line, is it true? Read no further if you are planning on seeing this movie and don't want details about the story line.
Is it true? Does the sex trafficking trade operate so blatantly and are young tourists prime suspects for abduction and foul play? Probably not, and nothing I could easily and quickly find with some internet searching would say it is a major problem or common occurrence. However, it would be foolish to think it couldn't happen and it probably is happening.
Tourists are easy targets, especially when they don't speak the language, stand out like a sore thumb, are obviously clueless, and might appear to have limited ability to defend themselves.
It is true...different from the story line of the movie, but much more atrocious. Their is a sex trade industry throughout Asia, parts of Latin America, and Africa that is atrocious and horrible. Anyone who participates in this activity, supports its function, or profits from it's operation is not fit to live on this earth. I would not hesitate to end their life by personally putting a bullet in their head. Some crimes are just to heinous, your right to exist forfeited immediately upon participation.
If every American spent as much money on fighting sex slavery, child sex abuse, and sex trafficking as they do on their lattes and mochas, perhaps this world would not be such a dark place where insidious corruption and vile deeds proliferate and profit. Do you think because you bury your head in the sand and pretend to "not know" what is really going on you won't be held accountable for doing nothing? Would that be justice?
Do something, anything, even a little is better then nothing, even once is bettern then never. Educate yourself. A visit to the web page of International Justice Mission www.ijm.org could be a good place to start and while you are there, why not give small gift of $$? It wouldn't kill you. You probably wouldn't even notice $20 or $30.
I have researched and given to this organization. They are legitimate. The real deal. It's a great way to help. Would one month's worth of lattes be worth keeping a child from having to go through hell on earth? Would you be willing to sacrifice one month's worth of Starbucks so you could make a one time gift to International Justice Mission?
3.5 stars out of 5
About he story line, is it true? Read no further if you are planning on seeing this movie and don't want details about the story line.
Is it true? Does the sex trafficking trade operate so blatantly and are young tourists prime suspects for abduction and foul play? Probably not, and nothing I could easily and quickly find with some internet searching would say it is a major problem or common occurrence. However, it would be foolish to think it couldn't happen and it probably is happening.
Tourists are easy targets, especially when they don't speak the language, stand out like a sore thumb, are obviously clueless, and might appear to have limited ability to defend themselves.
It is true...different from the story line of the movie, but much more atrocious. Their is a sex trade industry throughout Asia, parts of Latin America, and Africa that is atrocious and horrible. Anyone who participates in this activity, supports its function, or profits from it's operation is not fit to live on this earth. I would not hesitate to end their life by personally putting a bullet in their head. Some crimes are just to heinous, your right to exist forfeited immediately upon participation.
If every American spent as much money on fighting sex slavery, child sex abuse, and sex trafficking as they do on their lattes and mochas, perhaps this world would not be such a dark place where insidious corruption and vile deeds proliferate and profit. Do you think because you bury your head in the sand and pretend to "not know" what is really going on you won't be held accountable for doing nothing? Would that be justice?
Do something, anything, even a little is better then nothing, even once is bettern then never. Educate yourself. A visit to the web page of International Justice Mission www.ijm.org could be a good place to start and while you are there, why not give small gift of $$? It wouldn't kill you. You probably wouldn't even notice $20 or $30.
I have researched and given to this organization. They are legitimate. The real deal. It's a great way to help. Would one month's worth of lattes be worth keeping a child from having to go through hell on earth? Would you be willing to sacrifice one month's worth of Starbucks so you could make a one time gift to International Justice Mission?
Successfull Cheating
I get very very frustrated when a cheat day item is not all I want it to be. It can be so disappointing.
I will take it upon myself to start a list the best of the cheat day items. Kind of a "Best of the Worst" list of culinary trouble ranked in order. I'm sure several varieties of ice cream, shakes, and sundaes will be in the top 10....I will go start the research portion right now.
I will take it upon myself to start a list the best of the cheat day items. Kind of a "Best of the Worst" list of culinary trouble ranked in order. I'm sure several varieties of ice cream, shakes, and sundaes will be in the top 10....I will go start the research portion right now.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Excellence
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
~Aristotle
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.
~Vince Lombardi
~Aristotle
The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.
~Vince Lombardi
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thou Shall Prosper - Book Summary
Thou Shall Prosper, Ten Commandments for Making Money
by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
I really enjoyed this book. It is something I will read again. The book is much deeper then the subtitle. It examines the root of many myths and false ideas that have been perpetuated. There is something very moral and very right about providing a service to humanity and being compensated for that service.
I would highly recommend this book. It's strong case for ethical capitalism is a timely message needed now more then ever as America edges closer to socializing (nationalizing) banks/industries and as the welfare state continues to grows on the backs of hard working Americans.
Summary:
1. Believe in the Dignity and Morality of Business - Making money is much harder to do if, deep down, you suspect it to be a morally reprehensible activity.
2. Extend the Network of Your Connectedness to Many People - Befriend many people who are a rung or two above and below your financial level, then find ways to help them achieve their desires. You will have discovered the secret of Partnership Power.
3. Get to Know Yourself - To change the way others see you, first you have to learn to see yourself as others see you.
4. Do Not Pursue Perfection - Neither neglect the imperfect nor expend yourself on futile pursuit of perfection, while failing to make the most of less perfect circumstances.
5. Lead Consistently and Constantly - Learning to lead is important, but it may not be what you think it is. Leadership is not a noun; it is a verb. It is not an identity; it is an action. Don't try to become a leader, just do it. Just lead.
6. Constantly Change the Changeable, While Steadfastly Clinging to the Unchangeable - Convert change from enemy to ally by understanding when to enjoy the exhilaration of change and when to fight it and steadfastly defend the unchangeable.
7. Learn to Foretell the Future - Who is wise? One who can tell what will be hatched from the egg that has been laid. Not he who can see the future - that is a prophet. Wisdom is seeing tomorrow's consequences of today's events.
8. Know Your Money - Your money is a quantifiable analog for your life force - the aggregate of your time, skills, experience, persistence, and relationships.
9. Act Rich: Give Away 10 Percent of Your After-Tax Income - Through the mystical alchemy of money, giving charity jump-starts wealth creation.
10. Never Retire - Integrate your vocation and your identity by thinking of life as a journey rather than a destination.
by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
I really enjoyed this book. It is something I will read again. The book is much deeper then the subtitle. It examines the root of many myths and false ideas that have been perpetuated. There is something very moral and very right about providing a service to humanity and being compensated for that service.
I would highly recommend this book. It's strong case for ethical capitalism is a timely message needed now more then ever as America edges closer to socializing (nationalizing) banks/industries and as the welfare state continues to grows on the backs of hard working Americans.
Summary:
1. Believe in the Dignity and Morality of Business - Making money is much harder to do if, deep down, you suspect it to be a morally reprehensible activity.
2. Extend the Network of Your Connectedness to Many People - Befriend many people who are a rung or two above and below your financial level, then find ways to help them achieve their desires. You will have discovered the secret of Partnership Power.
3. Get to Know Yourself - To change the way others see you, first you have to learn to see yourself as others see you.
4. Do Not Pursue Perfection - Neither neglect the imperfect nor expend yourself on futile pursuit of perfection, while failing to make the most of less perfect circumstances.
5. Lead Consistently and Constantly - Learning to lead is important, but it may not be what you think it is. Leadership is not a noun; it is a verb. It is not an identity; it is an action. Don't try to become a leader, just do it. Just lead.
6. Constantly Change the Changeable, While Steadfastly Clinging to the Unchangeable - Convert change from enemy to ally by understanding when to enjoy the exhilaration of change and when to fight it and steadfastly defend the unchangeable.
7. Learn to Foretell the Future - Who is wise? One who can tell what will be hatched from the egg that has been laid. Not he who can see the future - that is a prophet. Wisdom is seeing tomorrow's consequences of today's events.
8. Know Your Money - Your money is a quantifiable analog for your life force - the aggregate of your time, skills, experience, persistence, and relationships.
9. Act Rich: Give Away 10 Percent of Your After-Tax Income - Through the mystical alchemy of money, giving charity jump-starts wealth creation.
10. Never Retire - Integrate your vocation and your identity by thinking of life as a journey rather than a destination.
Documentaries to Watch
Has anyone seen any of these? Can you recommend or comment on any of them?
Unlocking the Mystery of Life
http://www.illustramedia.com/umolinfo.htm
This remarkable documentary examines the scientific case for intelligent design -- an idea with the power to revolutionize our understanding of life…and to unlock the mystery of its origin.
Unlocking the Mystery of Life
http://www.illustramedia.com/umolinfo.htm
This remarkable documentary examines the scientific case for intelligent design -- an idea with the power to revolutionize our understanding of life…and to unlock the mystery of its origin.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Relativism of Gravity
You can not escape the law of gravity. Mankind flies only through the release of mass quantities of energy (jet fuel). Just as our universe is bound by physical laws, like the law of gravity, it is also bound by spiritual laws that are inescapable. Accepting that there is an absolute truth and that there are spiritual laws to be understood and followed to is a step forward on the path of life.
Relativism is the philosophy/religion that lets each individual determine there own truth - the philosophical and spiritual laws they want to govern their life.
Instead of floating in a nebulous cloud of relativism, accept the fact that there is an absolute truth and that there are spiritual laws that rule the universe just as there are physical laws like gravity. Learn these spiritual principles and start navigating your way through life instead of floating. One of the first spiritual laws to learn is sowing and reaping...
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Relativism is the philosophy/religion that lets each individual determine there own truth - the philosophical and spiritual laws they want to govern their life.
Instead of floating in a nebulous cloud of relativism, accept the fact that there is an absolute truth and that there are spiritual laws that rule the universe just as there are physical laws like gravity. Learn these spiritual principles and start navigating your way through life instead of floating. One of the first spiritual laws to learn is sowing and reaping...
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Money in the Hands of a Fool
Of what use is money in the hands of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? (Proverbs 17:18)
Spend your hard earned money wisely. Here are some guidelines from 2 different sources for use of your Total After Tax Income. I prefer Dave Ramseys allocations
From Dave Ramsey:
10-15% Giving and Charity
5-10% Savings
25-35% Housing
5-10% Utilities
5-15% Food
10-15% Transportation
2-7% Clothing
5-10% Medical/Health
5-10% Personal
5-10% Recreation
5-10% Debts
From Managing Your Money:
?% Giving and Charity
15% Savings
0-10% Debt
25-36% Housing (includes Utilities)
15-20% Transportation
5% Insurance
15-25% Household/Personal (includes Groceries)
5-10% Entertainment
5-15% Prof. Services
2-3% Misc Cash
Spend your hard earned money wisely. Here are some guidelines from 2 different sources for use of your Total After Tax Income. I prefer Dave Ramseys allocations
From Dave Ramsey:
10-15% Giving and Charity
5-10% Savings
25-35% Housing
5-10% Utilities
5-15% Food
10-15% Transportation
2-7% Clothing
5-10% Medical/Health
5-10% Personal
5-10% Recreation
5-10% Debts
From Managing Your Money:
?% Giving and Charity
15% Savings
0-10% Debt
25-36% Housing (includes Utilities)
15-20% Transportation
5% Insurance
15-25% Household/Personal (includes Groceries)
5-10% Entertainment
5-15% Prof. Services
2-3% Misc Cash
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Two Types of Debt
There are two types of debt:
Depreciating
and
Appreciating
If you have to take on debt, the worst kind of debt would be debt on an asset that will depreciate. Debt on an asset that will appreciate is better.
For instance, the debt on a house which will appreciate in value is a completely different kind of debt then the debt on a car which will depreciate.
Most consumer or credit card debt is on a depreciable asset like a car, tv, computer, recreational equipment, etc.
Depreciating
and
Appreciating
If you have to take on debt, the worst kind of debt would be debt on an asset that will depreciate. Debt on an asset that will appreciate is better.
For instance, the debt on a house which will appreciate in value is a completely different kind of debt then the debt on a car which will depreciate.
Most consumer or credit card debt is on a depreciable asset like a car, tv, computer, recreational equipment, etc.
Animals, Birds, Earth - They Know
But ask the animals, and they will teach you,
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:7-10
or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,
or let the fish of the sea inform you.
Which of all these does not know
that the hand of the LORD has done this?
In his hand is the life of every creature
and the breath of all mankind.
Job 12:7-10
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Nut Burger's Pugetopolis
When I was visiting Seattle during the week leading up to New Year's Day, I grabbed this book at a local bookstore because it was a compilation of several op-ed pieces from a local journalist.
Initially it provided great reading during the stay in Seattle because it allowed me to kind of get a sense of the "lay of the land" with the descriptions of the geographical uniqueness and character that is the Seattle/Puget Sound area.
But when I returned to Sacramento, the book started to move from a introduction to the area to a manifesto of political, cultural, and social criticism.
His name is Knute Berger, but I think the name "Nut Burger" is apropos.
I stuck it out and finished the book, because just when I neared the point of having enough, one of the pieces would be pretty though provoking, clever, or entertaining.
Out of the 60 writings, 6-10 were pretty good. The rest were pretty standard liberal ranting and criticism with no real solution or productive thought offered.
I am a little disappointed I gave this gentleman my $$$ by buying his book. It wasn't worth the $20 and I would prefer not to help him earn a living for this.
Initially it provided great reading during the stay in Seattle because it allowed me to kind of get a sense of the "lay of the land" with the descriptions of the geographical uniqueness and character that is the Seattle/Puget Sound area.
But when I returned to Sacramento, the book started to move from a introduction to the area to a manifesto of political, cultural, and social criticism.
His name is Knute Berger, but I think the name "Nut Burger" is apropos.
I stuck it out and finished the book, because just when I neared the point of having enough, one of the pieces would be pretty though provoking, clever, or entertaining.
Out of the 60 writings, 6-10 were pretty good. The rest were pretty standard liberal ranting and criticism with no real solution or productive thought offered.
I am a little disappointed I gave this gentleman my $$$ by buying his book. It wasn't worth the $20 and I would prefer not to help him earn a living for this.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Book - Passion of Command
The Passion of Command
The Moral Imperative of Leadership
by Colonel B.P. McCoy
This is a great little book. It has a,unique "from the front" perspective of some battles in Iraq. Col McCoy clearly shows why America needs professional soldiers who have made the understanding and successful application of warfare the focus of their career.
This book contains some amazing insights from the corps of the Corps.
I found several of the principles to be useful in my professional and personal life.
A good book for police, fireman, soldiers, military enthusiasts, and anyone who easily finds parallels between the military/war and other areas of life.
The Moral Imperative of Leadership
by Colonel B.P. McCoy
This is a great little book. It has a,unique "from the front" perspective of some battles in Iraq. Col McCoy clearly shows why America needs professional soldiers who have made the understanding and successful application of warfare the focus of their career.
This book contains some amazing insights from the corps of the Corps.
I found several of the principles to be useful in my professional and personal life.
A good book for police, fireman, soldiers, military enthusiasts, and anyone who easily finds parallels between the military/war and other areas of life.
Are You Satisfied?
Are you satisfied with the state of your spiritual, mental, and physical fitness?
You shouldn't be satsified; there is always room for improvement.
Satisfaction should come when you are pleased with the consistent progress and personal growth you are experiencing in these areas.
Forward momentum in the pursuit of spiritual, mental, and physical wholeness and health is satisfying.
Stagnation and doing the "same-o same-o" will lead to sickness, dysfunction, confusion, and frustration.
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you will keep on getting what you've always got."
You shouldn't be satsified; there is always room for improvement.
Satisfaction should come when you are pleased with the consistent progress and personal growth you are experiencing in these areas.
Forward momentum in the pursuit of spiritual, mental, and physical wholeness and health is satisfying.
Stagnation and doing the "same-o same-o" will lead to sickness, dysfunction, confusion, and frustration.
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, you will keep on getting what you've always got."
Monday, January 26, 2009
Walking With God
Walking With God by John Eldridge
This is a pretty good book by an author who has had more impact on me then probably any other author to date. Really, it is almost a devotional book, which is how I ended up reading it most of the time.
I would read a chapter a day and think about throughout the day. The chapters are short, usually 1-3 pages with a few longer chapters so it lent itself nicely to this kind of approach. I also used the workbook, but usually just jotted down a few quick notes per question.
It was great doing the book study with Kirill V., Ty H., and John S.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who believes in God. If you don't believe in God, this book would be pretty much pointless for you, since it is not evangelical in nature or trying to argue and defend the existence of God or his purposes.
But if you do believe in God, this book is presents a real life practical example of how a life can be lived in close fellowship and dynamic communication with God.
If you are a man and have not read Wild at Heart by John Eldridge, read that one first!!!
This is a pretty good book by an author who has had more impact on me then probably any other author to date. Really, it is almost a devotional book, which is how I ended up reading it most of the time.
I would read a chapter a day and think about throughout the day. The chapters are short, usually 1-3 pages with a few longer chapters so it lent itself nicely to this kind of approach. I also used the workbook, but usually just jotted down a few quick notes per question.
It was great doing the book study with Kirill V., Ty H., and John S.
I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who believes in God. If you don't believe in God, this book would be pretty much pointless for you, since it is not evangelical in nature or trying to argue and defend the existence of God or his purposes.
But if you do believe in God, this book is presents a real life practical example of how a life can be lived in close fellowship and dynamic communication with God.
If you are a man and have not read Wild at Heart by John Eldridge, read that one first!!!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
The Shack
The Shack by William P Young.
I am glad I read this book. I was able to take a lot away with me. However, I did not think it was a lot like Pilgrim's Progress, which it has been compared to on the book cover. And at one point, I almost put it down around 1/2 way through. But because a good friend, Ken C., said it was really good ,I stuck it out. And it did get really good.
So would I recommend this book? To some people.
http://theshackbook.com/index.html
I am glad I read this book. I was able to take a lot away with me. However, I did not think it was a lot like Pilgrim's Progress, which it has been compared to on the book cover. And at one point, I almost put it down around 1/2 way through. But because a good friend, Ken C., said it was really good ,I stuck it out. And it did get really good.
So would I recommend this book? To some people.
http://theshackbook.com/index.html
Giving to God and Charity - Quotes
J.D. Rockefeller -
"I would never have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $1.50 a week."
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/john_d_rockefeller.html
J.L. Kraft -
"The only money I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord."
Billy Graham -
"A checkbook is a theological document. It tells who and what you worship."
"I would never have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $1.50 a week."
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/j/john_d_rockefeller.html
J.L. Kraft -
"The only money I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord."
Billy Graham -
"A checkbook is a theological document. It tells who and what you worship."
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wisdom and Revelation
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better" (Ephesians 1:17)
A balanced approach of both wisdom and revelation is needed.
Living with neither would obviously be disatrous. To much revelation without wisdom isn't good either. And just wisdom without revelation can lead to rules, regulations, and perhaps "staying in the boat. Revelation doesn't always make sense. It may require risk and trust.
A balanced approach of both wisdom and revelation is needed.
Living with neither would obviously be disatrous. To much revelation without wisdom isn't good either. And just wisdom without revelation can lead to rules, regulations, and perhaps "staying in the boat. Revelation doesn't always make sense. It may require risk and trust.
The Ability to Produce Wealth
But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,...
Dueteronomy 8:18 (NIV)
Dueteronomy 8:18 (NIV)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
4 Ways to Develope a Confident Faith
1. Recharge by Living in Gods Presence
2. Rely by Living with Gods Power
3. Refocus by Living with Gods Perspective; God Cares, God is in Control, God's Ways are Best
4. Rest by Living with God's Peace
"We would all want what God wants if we knew what God knows." - Dr. Frank Pollard
"Confident Living - Shaken World" - Ray Johnston, Bayside Church Granite Bay, January 17, 2009
2. Rely by Living with Gods Power
3. Refocus by Living with Gods Perspective; God Cares, God is in Control, God's Ways are Best
4. Rest by Living with God's Peace
"We would all want what God wants if we knew what God knows." - Dr. Frank Pollard
"Confident Living - Shaken World" - Ray Johnston, Bayside Church Granite Bay, January 17, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
7 Faith/Confidence Killers
7 Faith/Confidence Killers
1. Fears - Fear is an emotion that has to be mastered or it can rule your life and sabotage any good thing God wants to do.
2. Foes and Overwhelming Odds - There is never going to be an "easy way". You have to expect resistance, it's just part of life. Don't let resistance, challenges, and overwhelming odds discourage you.
3. Fights or Attacks - A direct attack or confrontation is a major distraction, steals your energy and tries to take the wind out of your sails. Deal with the situation by seeking resolution, and then keep sailing.
4. Failures - We are all going to blow it, all going to get knocked down, we are all going to miss a shot now and then. When it happens, get up, dust yourself off, and try again.
5. Forsaken - There are 2 types of people, fire lighters and fire fighters. Don't let fire fighters extinguish your flame with their negativity.
6. False Statements - Another type of attack that can slow you down and distract you. Let false accusations roll of your back like rain rolls of the thick hide of a rhinoceros and keep on charging.
7. Frustration - Have patience. It's not all going to go according to plan but stay positive, have faith, and remain confident that you are moving forward toward a God given goal.
"Confident Living - Shaken World" - Ray Johnston, Bayside Church Granite Bay, January 17, 2009
1. Fears - Fear is an emotion that has to be mastered or it can rule your life and sabotage any good thing God wants to do.
2. Foes and Overwhelming Odds - There is never going to be an "easy way". You have to expect resistance, it's just part of life. Don't let resistance, challenges, and overwhelming odds discourage you.
3. Fights or Attacks - A direct attack or confrontation is a major distraction, steals your energy and tries to take the wind out of your sails. Deal with the situation by seeking resolution, and then keep sailing.
4. Failures - We are all going to blow it, all going to get knocked down, we are all going to miss a shot now and then. When it happens, get up, dust yourself off, and try again.
5. Forsaken - There are 2 types of people, fire lighters and fire fighters. Don't let fire fighters extinguish your flame with their negativity.
6. False Statements - Another type of attack that can slow you down and distract you. Let false accusations roll of your back like rain rolls of the thick hide of a rhinoceros and keep on charging.
7. Frustration - Have patience. It's not all going to go according to plan but stay positive, have faith, and remain confident that you are moving forward toward a God given goal.
"Confident Living - Shaken World" - Ray Johnston, Bayside Church Granite Bay, January 17, 2009
Truth - Jesus Said He Was Telling It
In the words of Jesus recorded in the Bible:
75 times Jesus said, "I tell you the truth."
25 times Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you."
In John 18:37 (the book of John, chapter 18, verse 37),
Jesus answered, "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth."
75 times Jesus said, "I tell you the truth."
25 times Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you."
In John 18:37 (the book of John, chapter 18, verse 37),
Jesus answered, "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth."
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Money That is Earned
Think of money you earn in terms of "service to humanity". The more you provide a service that humanity finds useful, the more you will be compensated for that service.
Thus a high salary should equate to one's ability to provide an important service to humanity.
If you have little to offer humanity, you will not earn much money.
The more useful you are, the more people are willing to pay you for your services.
When you stop being useful, people will stop paying you.
If you want to earn more money, make yourself more useful.
Thus a high salary should equate to one's ability to provide an important service to humanity.
If you have little to offer humanity, you will not earn much money.
The more useful you are, the more people are willing to pay you for your services.
When you stop being useful, people will stop paying you.
If you want to earn more money, make yourself more useful.
Everyday Unfolds a Chapter in My Story
Everyday, I can't wait to see what God is going to do. Who am I going to cross paths with? What opportunities to encourage others will I have? What opportunities in business will present themselves? Will I see God doing a might work today right in front of me? Will I be challenged, opposed, and threatened, or maybe, supported, embraced, and inspired?
Will there be sorrow, pain, loss? How long will it last?
Will there be success, victory, celebration and joy? How long will it last?
Will I stumble, will I overcome, will I go somewhere new, will I meet someone new?
Will their be a fork in the road, an open door, will I choose the right one?
Will today be a day of waiting, patience, and preparation?
Will today be the day it all comes together into a critical moment of do or die?
I love the adventure, mystery, and unknown story waiting behind every day.
Thank you for this day, Lord. Make me ready.
Will there be sorrow, pain, loss? How long will it last?
Will there be success, victory, celebration and joy? How long will it last?
Will I stumble, will I overcome, will I go somewhere new, will I meet someone new?
Will their be a fork in the road, an open door, will I choose the right one?
Will today be a day of waiting, patience, and preparation?
Will today be the day it all comes together into a critical moment of do or die?
I love the adventure, mystery, and unknown story waiting behind every day.
Thank you for this day, Lord. Make me ready.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Four Facts About Discouragement
The Disease of Discouragement is:
1. Repeating
2. Contagious
3. Universal
4. Deadly
Everyone get's discouraged. The key is being able to bounce back. Rebounding from discouragement is essential to succeed.
Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.
Resiliency - The ability to bounce back.
1. Repeating
2. Contagious
3. Universal
4. Deadly
Everyone get's discouraged. The key is being able to bounce back. Rebounding from discouragement is essential to succeed.
Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.
Resiliency - The ability to bounce back.
Royal Gorge - Sat 01/10/09
Royal Gorge is great. The best. Give it a try.
AM Route: (12 km +/-)
Summit Station-Little Dipper - Palisade - Short Cut - Killy's Cruise - Lyle's Lookout - Crosscut - Palisade - Wilderness Warming Hut - Yuba - Summit Station
PM Route: (3 km +/-)
James Joys-Reindeer-Ice Lake Lodge Overlook-Big Ben-Summit Station
AM Route: (12 km +/-)
Summit Station-Little Dipper - Palisade - Short Cut - Killy's Cruise - Lyle's Lookout - Crosscut - Palisade - Wilderness Warming Hut - Yuba - Summit Station
PM Route: (3 km +/-)
James Joys-Reindeer-Ice Lake Lodge Overlook-Big Ben-Summit Station
Friday, January 9, 2009
Living a Life That Counts
A Life That Counts Is Determined By:
1. The Relationships That I Form
Relationship Rules;
- Get along with yourself: The one relationship you will have until you die is yourself.
- Value people: You cannot make another person feel important if you secretly feel that he or she is a nobody.
- Make the effort to form relationships: The result of a person who has never served others? Loneliness.
- Understand the Reciprocity Rule: Over time, people come to share reciprocal, similar attitudes toward each other.
- Follow the Golden Rule: The timeless principle: treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. The Decisions That I Make
Good Decisions - Daily Discipline = A Plan without Payoff
Daily Discipline - Good Decisions = Regimentation without Reward
Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Success
3. The Experiences That I Encounter
- Evaluate experience: Experience isn't the best teacher. Evaluated experience is the best teacher. Learn from mistakes and victories alike. Draw upon experiences to grow and gain wisdom.
- Manage the emotional aspects of experience: Pivotal moments come with a flood of emotions - at times positive, and at times negative. Teach yourself to counteract negative feelings and learn to harness the momentum of positive emotions.
- Share them through storytelling: Experiences are my richest repositories of teaching material. Make a habit of sharing the lessons learned from the experiences that have shaped your life and your leadership.
-from John Maxwell
1. The Relationships That I Form
Relationship Rules;
- Get along with yourself: The one relationship you will have until you die is yourself.
- Value people: You cannot make another person feel important if you secretly feel that he or she is a nobody.
- Make the effort to form relationships: The result of a person who has never served others? Loneliness.
- Understand the Reciprocity Rule: Over time, people come to share reciprocal, similar attitudes toward each other.
- Follow the Golden Rule: The timeless principle: treat others the way you want to be treated.
2. The Decisions That I Make
Good Decisions - Daily Discipline = A Plan without Payoff
Daily Discipline - Good Decisions = Regimentation without Reward
Good Decisions + Daily Discipline = A Masterpiece of Success
3. The Experiences That I Encounter
- Evaluate experience: Experience isn't the best teacher. Evaluated experience is the best teacher. Learn from mistakes and victories alike. Draw upon experiences to grow and gain wisdom.
- Manage the emotional aspects of experience: Pivotal moments come with a flood of emotions - at times positive, and at times negative. Teach yourself to counteract negative feelings and learn to harness the momentum of positive emotions.
- Share them through storytelling: Experiences are my richest repositories of teaching material. Make a habit of sharing the lessons learned from the experiences that have shaped your life and your leadership.
-from John Maxwell
Perseverance
Perseverance is not an issue of talent. It is not an issue of time. It is about finishing. Talent provides hope for accomplishment, but perseverance guarantees it.
Only when a person matches talent with perseverance do opportunities become avenues of success.
Perseverance means succeeding because you are determined to, not destined to.
Perseverance means stopping, not because you're tired, but because the task is done.
--from John Maxwell
Only when a person matches talent with perseverance do opportunities become avenues of success.
Perseverance means succeeding because you are determined to, not destined to.
Perseverance means stopping, not because you're tired, but because the task is done.
--from John Maxwell
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Three Stages of Truth
"All truth passes through three stages.
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
-Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 - 1860)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer
First, it is ridiculed.
Second, it is violently opposed.
Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
-Arthur Schopenhauer (1788 - 1860)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Schopenhauer
Movie Review - Australia
4 out 5.
Great story, lots of sub-plots, frontier outback setting, a little bit of humor; everything you need to make good movie.
My only minuses are for cinematography and audio. A lot of the scenes look and sound like they were shot in a studio in LA instead of in the "outback".
All in all, a great movie that I could watch several more times.
Great story, lots of sub-plots, frontier outback setting, a little bit of humor; everything you need to make good movie.
My only minuses are for cinematography and audio. A lot of the scenes look and sound like they were shot in a studio in LA instead of in the "outback".
All in all, a great movie that I could watch several more times.
Friday, January 2, 2009
John Stuart Mill
"But war, in a good cause, is not the greatest evil which a nation can suffer. War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things: the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is worth a war, is worse. When a people are used as mere human instruments for firing cannon or thrusting bayonets, in the service and for the selfish purposes of a master, such war degrades a people. A war to protect other human beings against tyrannical injustice – a war to give victory to their own ideas of right and good, and which is their own war, carried on for an honest purpose by their free choice – is often the means of their regeneration. A man who has nothing which he is willing to fight for, nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. As long as justice and injustice have not terminated their ever-renewing fight for ascendancy in the affairs of mankind, human beings must be willing, when need is, to do battle for the one against the other."
-John Stuart Mill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stuart_Mill
-John Stuart Mill
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Stuart_Mill
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Crossfit Seattle - HQ of the North
Every once in a while when I am traveling, I find something that I wish I could find a way to enjoy for longer then what usually circumstances will allow. Dave Werner and Crossfit Seattle are one of those places.
This affiliate has the real Kool-Aid. The good stuff. Dave Werner is one of those people, who when you meet them, you know that this is someone you could learn a lot from. I hope those who are lucky enough to train at his gym regularly appreciate this and take advantage of his knowledge. Dave's affiliate was one of the first, it used to be called Crossfit North. One of the most useful resources I have found, the Athletic Skill Level Chart http://www.crossfitseattle.com/athletic_skill.html , came out of this affiliate. It is the significance behind the alternate name - Level 4 Crossfit.
If you are in the area and want a superior affiliate to workout at, this is the one. It would be hard to believe that any affiliate could match or surpass what Crossfit Seattle has to offer. Crossfit Seattle is the HQ of the Northwest.
Location - 5/5: About 10 minutes from downtown located off of major arterials. Easy to find.
Facility - 5/5: Dedicated facility, dedicated parking lot, plenty of room, organized, clean, climate controlled, and even a shower.
Equipment - 4/5: Extra plenty of everything. All the essentials and several weight poundages to choose from. I did not notice a rope or rings. I am sure they were there, I just did not notice them. I did notice a pommel horse in the corner. That must be for the advanced and elite!
Programming - 5/5: Clearly, by observing the benchmark tracking board, the various items on the walls, and the skill level chart, Crossfit Seattle has a program designed to train all 10 of the basic fitness elements.
Trainers - 5/5: Dave is top notch. His warm up was comprehensive, thorough, and challenging. By his own words, Dave is "very particular" about who he will allow to be a trainer. I believe he would be.
Community - 4/5
Contribtion - 5/5: The Athletic Skill Level Chart for which the club is named 'Level 4'.
Overall Score - 33/35
This affiliate has the real Kool-Aid. The good stuff. Dave Werner is one of those people, who when you meet them, you know that this is someone you could learn a lot from. I hope those who are lucky enough to train at his gym regularly appreciate this and take advantage of his knowledge. Dave's affiliate was one of the first, it used to be called Crossfit North. One of the most useful resources I have found, the Athletic Skill Level Chart http://www.crossfitseattle.com/athletic_skill.html , came out of this affiliate. It is the significance behind the alternate name - Level 4 Crossfit.
If you are in the area and want a superior affiliate to workout at, this is the one. It would be hard to believe that any affiliate could match or surpass what Crossfit Seattle has to offer. Crossfit Seattle is the HQ of the Northwest.
Location - 5/5: About 10 minutes from downtown located off of major arterials. Easy to find.
Facility - 5/5: Dedicated facility, dedicated parking lot, plenty of room, organized, clean, climate controlled, and even a shower.
Equipment - 4/5: Extra plenty of everything. All the essentials and several weight poundages to choose from. I did not notice a rope or rings. I am sure they were there, I just did not notice them. I did notice a pommel horse in the corner. That must be for the advanced and elite!
Programming - 5/5: Clearly, by observing the benchmark tracking board, the various items on the walls, and the skill level chart, Crossfit Seattle has a program designed to train all 10 of the basic fitness elements.
Trainers - 5/5: Dave is top notch. His warm up was comprehensive, thorough, and challenging. By his own words, Dave is "very particular" about who he will allow to be a trainer. I believe he would be.
Community - 4/5
Contribtion - 5/5: The Athletic Skill Level Chart for which the club is named 'Level 4'.
Overall Score - 33/35
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Being Nice
You don't have to be so nice all the time. So what if someone gets offended.
You don't have to hold back from debating a topic or calling them as you see them. If you have a disagreement, or a position on an issue, or a complaint - you don't have to let it go. Throw the political correctness chain of slavery in the trash.
You don't have to be rude about it. Just be yourself. You can be polite and respectful without pretending to like something or be interested. You can very politely say, "I whole heartedly and completely disagree with you." Said in the right tone, it isn't threatening. It might not make you a "nice person" in everyone's eye's, especially if in their eyes "nice" means agreeable and accepting. We can't agree about everything and you don't have to accept everything.
Would it really be so bad to be thought of as "not nice?" Do you really care if somebody who you do not respect or care what they think doesn't "like" you or think you are "nice".
How about the saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Why? Is it a sin to say something has faults. Of course it would not be productive to complain just for the sake of complaining, but it might be very productive to disagree.
Here is a good test - do you have a problem saying "no"? Do you find yourself saying things like, "Let me think about it," or, "I'll get back to you."
When did, "No" become a bad word?
Have you ever heard someone say something like, "Skip's a nice guy, but he's wack-a-doodle-do?" Why the preamble? It is just like saying, "I don't want to offend you, but...." What's the point? Obviously what you are about to say is going to offend me and you don't think he's a nice guy you think he's a wack job. So cut the fake "niceness" and just say it.
Passive-aggressive tendencies and dysfunctional conflict aversion really are not all that nice. They are kind of pathetic.
How do you want to be remembered? As a nice guy or as someone who wasn't afraid to take a stand and let you know what they really think?
But this doesn't mean you should run around shouting what you think about everyone and everything. That would be foolish, because if they didn't ask you for advice or what you thought, then chances are they are not listening so you might as well save you breath.
But if they do ask and if they are listening, then by all means, don't worry about being nice. Just be yourself and let them deal with it.
You don't have to hold back from debating a topic or calling them as you see them. If you have a disagreement, or a position on an issue, or a complaint - you don't have to let it go. Throw the political correctness chain of slavery in the trash.
You don't have to be rude about it. Just be yourself. You can be polite and respectful without pretending to like something or be interested. You can very politely say, "I whole heartedly and completely disagree with you." Said in the right tone, it isn't threatening. It might not make you a "nice person" in everyone's eye's, especially if in their eyes "nice" means agreeable and accepting. We can't agree about everything and you don't have to accept everything.
Would it really be so bad to be thought of as "not nice?" Do you really care if somebody who you do not respect or care what they think doesn't "like" you or think you are "nice".
How about the saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." Why? Is it a sin to say something has faults. Of course it would not be productive to complain just for the sake of complaining, but it might be very productive to disagree.
Here is a good test - do you have a problem saying "no"? Do you find yourself saying things like, "Let me think about it," or, "I'll get back to you."
When did, "No" become a bad word?
Have you ever heard someone say something like, "Skip's a nice guy, but he's wack-a-doodle-do?" Why the preamble? It is just like saying, "I don't want to offend you, but...." What's the point? Obviously what you are about to say is going to offend me and you don't think he's a nice guy you think he's a wack job. So cut the fake "niceness" and just say it.
Passive-aggressive tendencies and dysfunctional conflict aversion really are not all that nice. They are kind of pathetic.
How do you want to be remembered? As a nice guy or as someone who wasn't afraid to take a stand and let you know what they really think?
But this doesn't mean you should run around shouting what you think about everyone and everything. That would be foolish, because if they didn't ask you for advice or what you thought, then chances are they are not listening so you might as well save you breath.
But if they do ask and if they are listening, then by all means, don't worry about being nice. Just be yourself and let them deal with it.
Northwest Crossfit
While I am appreciative to working out at Northwest Crossfit the last 2 mornings, this gym's Kool-Aid was a little watery. Not the pure high quality Kool Aid I must be used to.
The best thing about the place was the location - about 10 minutes from downtown.
Lacking, albeit from my very limited perspective, was any sense of the camaraderie which typically permeates most Crossfit gyms and participants. I noticed very little if any chit chat, banter, conversations, or encouragement between participants.
Two different trainers, one on each morning, were barely adequate at explaining the WOD.
I did not want to workout there two days in a row, but a scheduling challenge forced me to choose between this affiliate and my hotel gym.
In there defense, perhaps a steady influx of new people who don't stay long has inhibited the communal development. Or perhaps that is just how Seattle people are?
With so many affiliate choices in the Greater Puget Sound area, save this one as a backup!
Location: 3/5
Facility: 3/5
Equipment: 3/5
Programming: 2/5
Trainers: 2/5
Community: 1/5
Overall Score - 12/30
The best thing about the place was the location - about 10 minutes from downtown.
Lacking, albeit from my very limited perspective, was any sense of the camaraderie which typically permeates most Crossfit gyms and participants. I noticed very little if any chit chat, banter, conversations, or encouragement between participants.
Two different trainers, one on each morning, were barely adequate at explaining the WOD.
I did not want to workout there two days in a row, but a scheduling challenge forced me to choose between this affiliate and my hotel gym.
In there defense, perhaps a steady influx of new people who don't stay long has inhibited the communal development. Or perhaps that is just how Seattle people are?
With so many affiliate choices in the Greater Puget Sound area, save this one as a backup!
Location: 3/5
Facility: 3/5
Equipment: 3/5
Programming: 2/5
Trainers: 2/5
Community: 1/5
Overall Score - 12/30
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Book Review - The Devil in the White City
The Devil in the White City
Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
By Erik Larson
“Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson’s spell-binding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men – the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World’s Fair, striving to secure America’s place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Erik Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of \newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.” – From the back cover.
What a great story. It reads like a fiction novel, yet, like they say, truth is often stranger then fiction.
The world’s fair, awarded to Chicago, had to be built in less then 2 years. America was counting on Chicago to one-up Paris, who in the previous World’s Fair had wowed the world. One of the world’s most famous landmarks was unveiled at that Paris fair – the Eiffel Tower. Chicago did surpass Paris. With an amazing burst of resources, manpower, architectural/engineering and civic force, Chicago built an amazing expo in record time.
Against time, weather, political infighting, artistic collisions, and a nationwide depression, Chicago did it. On Monday October 9, 1893, 751,026 people were admitted into Jackson Park, where the fair was held. More people assembled at this fair in one day then had ever assembled together before - excepting for the amassing of Xerxes army to invade Greece centuries earlier. The previous record was 397,000 set by Paris.
The fair was the first public uses of the electric light bulb – on AC current no less. Wild Bill’s Wild West Show set up next door to the fair. It was a showcase of un-paralleled architectural phenomenon. Buildings encompassing over 20 acres of floor space. The largest trusses ever built in the history of engineering. Drinking water piped in from springs over 20 miles away ran freely from drinking fountains dispersed throughout the park (the first time ever)!
It was called the “White City”.
A young structural engineer envisioned and built, against immeasurable resistance and taunts of lunacy from the fairs committees, a 264 diameter wheel with cars of people suspended in mid-air. What is now standard issue at all fairs – the Ferris Wheel. The original Ferris wheel was of such a grand scale that one rotation of the wheel took 1 hour and would take you higher then the Stature of Liberty. The 36 cars held 60 people each and were nearly as big as a city bus. Near the end of the fair, more then 20,000 people a day rode the Ferris Wheel.
As America was preparing to enter the 20th century and experience the industrial revolution, a new type of evil emerged in a neighborhood not far from world expo. The first reported and documented case of an American serial killer. An expert at charm and a master of deception, indebtedness, insurance fraud, fake identities, multiple marriages, selling of articulated skeletons (made from victims), and a killer who constructed a hotel of death (which only rented rooms to young women and had gas pipe to every room which were air tight); this first American killer recorded in his memoirs while under captivity that his transformation into the devil had been completed. The strange circumstances surrounding the deaths of those involved with his conviction and death sentence only adds to the strangeness of the evil happenings surrounding this lunatic.
Amazing as well was the story of Detective Frank Geyer who uncovered the depths of H. H. Holmes crimes as he pieced together, clue by clue, city by city including Toronto, Philadelphia, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and others; personally canvassing and interviewing owners and managers of hundreds of hotels and boarding houses in each city; over a period of 12 months; in a time with no automobiles to go from place to place. Geyer's search was to find Holmes' last 3 victims, who were children.
It is an amazing tale! The Devil in the White City is not only an entertaining read, but because of it's historicity at such an amazing time in America's history, it provides a unique perspective on a snapshot of our developing American culture.
Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
By Erik Larson
“Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson’s spell-binding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men – the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World’s Fair, striving to secure America’s place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Erik Larson has crafted a narrative with all the wonder of \newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.” – From the back cover.
What a great story. It reads like a fiction novel, yet, like they say, truth is often stranger then fiction.
The world’s fair, awarded to Chicago, had to be built in less then 2 years. America was counting on Chicago to one-up Paris, who in the previous World’s Fair had wowed the world. One of the world’s most famous landmarks was unveiled at that Paris fair – the Eiffel Tower. Chicago did surpass Paris. With an amazing burst of resources, manpower, architectural/engineering and civic force, Chicago built an amazing expo in record time.
Against time, weather, political infighting, artistic collisions, and a nationwide depression, Chicago did it. On Monday October 9, 1893, 751,026 people were admitted into Jackson Park, where the fair was held. More people assembled at this fair in one day then had ever assembled together before - excepting for the amassing of Xerxes army to invade Greece centuries earlier. The previous record was 397,000 set by Paris.
The fair was the first public uses of the electric light bulb – on AC current no less. Wild Bill’s Wild West Show set up next door to the fair. It was a showcase of un-paralleled architectural phenomenon. Buildings encompassing over 20 acres of floor space. The largest trusses ever built in the history of engineering. Drinking water piped in from springs over 20 miles away ran freely from drinking fountains dispersed throughout the park (the first time ever)!
It was called the “White City”.
A young structural engineer envisioned and built, against immeasurable resistance and taunts of lunacy from the fairs committees, a 264 diameter wheel with cars of people suspended in mid-air. What is now standard issue at all fairs – the Ferris Wheel. The original Ferris wheel was of such a grand scale that one rotation of the wheel took 1 hour and would take you higher then the Stature of Liberty. The 36 cars held 60 people each and were nearly as big as a city bus. Near the end of the fair, more then 20,000 people a day rode the Ferris Wheel.
As America was preparing to enter the 20th century and experience the industrial revolution, a new type of evil emerged in a neighborhood not far from world expo. The first reported and documented case of an American serial killer. An expert at charm and a master of deception, indebtedness, insurance fraud, fake identities, multiple marriages, selling of articulated skeletons (made from victims), and a killer who constructed a hotel of death (which only rented rooms to young women and had gas pipe to every room which were air tight); this first American killer recorded in his memoirs while under captivity that his transformation into the devil had been completed. The strange circumstances surrounding the deaths of those involved with his conviction and death sentence only adds to the strangeness of the evil happenings surrounding this lunatic.
Amazing as well was the story of Detective Frank Geyer who uncovered the depths of H. H. Holmes crimes as he pieced together, clue by clue, city by city including Toronto, Philadelphia, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit and others; personally canvassing and interviewing owners and managers of hundreds of hotels and boarding houses in each city; over a period of 12 months; in a time with no automobiles to go from place to place. Geyer's search was to find Holmes' last 3 victims, who were children.
It is an amazing tale! The Devil in the White City is not only an entertaining read, but because of it's historicity at such an amazing time in America's history, it provides a unique perspective on a snapshot of our developing American culture.
Seattle - Pike Place Bar and Grill
This place was fun!
The wild Salmon pot pie hit the spot.
The Dungennes crab chowder was a winner.
Big restaurant with lively atmoshphere.
4 out of 5
1 - Avoid at All Costs, 2 - Did Not Like It, 3-All Right, 4-Good Place, 5-Excellent!!
The wild Salmon pot pie hit the spot.
The Dungennes crab chowder was a winner.
Big restaurant with lively atmoshphere.
4 out of 5
1 - Avoid at All Costs, 2 - Did Not Like It, 3-All Right, 4-Good Place, 5-Excellent!!
Seattle - Belle Epicurean
Oh yeah, what a way to start the day. Fresh, hot, well brewed cup of coffee and a freshly baked on the premises ham and cheese stuffed croissant.
This place has it figured out!
5 out of 5
1 - Avoid at All Costs, 2 - Did Not Like It, 3-All Right, 4-Good Place, 5-Excellent!!
Belle Epicurean
1206 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
www.belleepicurean.com
This place has it figured out!
5 out of 5
1 - Avoid at All Costs, 2 - Did Not Like It, 3-All Right, 4-Good Place, 5-Excellent!!
Belle Epicurean
1206 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
www.belleepicurean.com
Seattle - Glo's
Easy to find, interesting part of town. Strange shops surrounding - reminded me of San Francisco's Haight Ashbury neighborhood.
This small, and I mean small and packed in restaurant delivered a great breakfast. The menu is solid with egg scrambles, poached eggs, and all the normal breakfast staples.
The coffee was excellent. Of course, in Seattle if a restaurant had anything but excellent coffee, it would probably be burned down!
My scramble - "The Scramble" - was excellent. Lilia's smoked salmon benedict was perfect as well.
The time from order to plate on the table was excessive and a minus.
This restaurant appears to be a favorite among the local gay community.
What is it about gays? They seem to have some damn good breakfast restaurants!
4 out of 5
1 - Avoid at All Costs, 2 - Did Not Like It, 3-All Right, 4-Good Place, 5-Excellent!!
This small, and I mean small and packed in restaurant delivered a great breakfast. The menu is solid with egg scrambles, poached eggs, and all the normal breakfast staples.
The coffee was excellent. Of course, in Seattle if a restaurant had anything but excellent coffee, it would probably be burned down!
My scramble - "The Scramble" - was excellent. Lilia's smoked salmon benedict was perfect as well.
The time from order to plate on the table was excessive and a minus.
This restaurant appears to be a favorite among the local gay community.
What is it about gays? They seem to have some damn good breakfast restaurants!
4 out of 5
1 - Avoid at All Costs, 2 - Did Not Like It, 3-All Right, 4-Good Place, 5-Excellent!!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Workouts Defined
Body Tribe's Blog from Dec 9 referenced a Spectrum of Strength and had a great statement.
http://physicalsubculture.com/2008/12/09/may-the-force-be-with-you/
The statement - “Exercise is force development.” blends very nicely with the definition of CrossFit. The CrossFit definition is, "High intensity, constantly varied, functional movements."
Blending these two together makes a nice working definition (and goal) for an exercise and fitness plan.
"High intensity, constantly varied, functional movements that develop one’s ability to apply force at various levels for various lengths of time."
http://physicalsubculture.com/2008/12/09/may-the-force-be-with-you/
The statement - “Exercise is force development.” blends very nicely with the definition of CrossFit. The CrossFit definition is, "High intensity, constantly varied, functional movements."
Blending these two together makes a nice working definition (and goal) for an exercise and fitness plan.
"High intensity, constantly varied, functional movements that develop one’s ability to apply force at various levels for various lengths of time."
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Change
Life moves fast. Change is going to hit you out of the blue. When blindsided, the best thing you can do is not to respond immediately and in the moment when shock, stress, and emotion cloud your thinking. The book 'Thou Shall Prosper' by Rabbi Daniel Lapin suggests a phrase like this - "Well, you have obviously had a few days (or hours, if appropriate) to think about how you were going to tell me this. I must now take the same period to consider my response to what you have just told me."
Staying alert to the signs can help you avoid being blindsided by change. There will be clues. Change happens, you just have to hone your ability to see cause and effect.
Change is a part of life. You will be much more open to and able to profit from change when you have a value system that doesn't change woven through your life.
Change can bring opportunity and should be expected and planned for.
"...success depends on change and on readiness to embrace change. However, and this is a great big, gigantic 'however,' one can only feel truly free to embrace change and one will only succeed in dealing with change if one is solidly anchored to a set of almost Cartesian-like coordinates that never change."
"Above all, clinging resolutely to the unchanging fundamentals allows the freedom to innovate without limit."
Excerpts from "Thou Shall Prosper" by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Staying alert to the signs can help you avoid being blindsided by change. There will be clues. Change happens, you just have to hone your ability to see cause and effect.
Change is a part of life. You will be much more open to and able to profit from change when you have a value system that doesn't change woven through your life.
Change can bring opportunity and should be expected and planned for.
"...success depends on change and on readiness to embrace change. However, and this is a great big, gigantic 'however,' one can only feel truly free to embrace change and one will only succeed in dealing with change if one is solidly anchored to a set of almost Cartesian-like coordinates that never change."
"Above all, clinging resolutely to the unchanging fundamentals allows the freedom to innovate without limit."
Excerpts from "Thou Shall Prosper" by Rabbi Daniel Lapin
Fitness in 100 Words
Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: Deadlift, squat, presses, clean, jerk, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstand, pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hard and fast. Five or six days per week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports.
-Greg Glassman CrossFit Founder
-Greg Glassman CrossFit Founder
Monday, December 15, 2008
Is it helping you or hurting you?
“We forge the chains we wear in life.” - Charles Dickens
Grab hold of, pick up, and hold on tight to the things in your life that drive you to achieve. Let go off, drop, and leave behind the things that hold you back.
It could be a person, an activity, anything. It is either helping you or hurting you. How much is really neutral?
It could be a big decision or a little, seemingly insignificant, choice. Is it moving you toward your goal or not? There is an awareness, an ability to see 'down the road', that can be cultivated.
Focus on the little things you like to get you through those tough times. Sometimes a vacation can be great motivator. Telling yourself, "Just a couple more months and I'll be in Maui," can sure make those long and stressful days more bearable.
Dale Carnegie suggests the following:
Fill your mind with thoughts of peace, courage, hope, and health
Never try to get even with your enemies
Expect ingratitude
Count your blessings, not your troubles
Try not to imitate others
Create happiness for others
Grab hold of, pick up, and hold on tight to the things in your life that drive you to achieve. Let go off, drop, and leave behind the things that hold you back.
It could be a person, an activity, anything. It is either helping you or hurting you. How much is really neutral?
It could be a big decision or a little, seemingly insignificant, choice. Is it moving you toward your goal or not? There is an awareness, an ability to see 'down the road', that can be cultivated.
Focus on the little things you like to get you through those tough times. Sometimes a vacation can be great motivator. Telling yourself, "Just a couple more months and I'll be in Maui," can sure make those long and stressful days more bearable.
Dale Carnegie suggests the following:
Fill your mind with thoughts of peace, courage, hope, and health
Never try to get even with your enemies
Expect ingratitude
Count your blessings, not your troubles
Try not to imitate others
Create happiness for others
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Snapshot
"If, in the middle of your workout, someone took a snapshot and judged the quality of your effort and movement, based on that representative piece of time, what would they say? ...So next time you find yourself loafing a little, take a snapshot."
Ouch! That’s too convicting, I would like to move on and forget I read that. The height of my burpee jumps would definately be one area I need to diligently disallow myself from compromising on. I appreciate the boost Crossfit Genesis has given to help me string together longer runs of high-effort performances then I was able to string together on my own. My goal is 100% of my workouts getting 100% effort. I guess I can do this one rep, one set, one wod at a time.
Ouch! That’s too convicting, I would like to move on and forget I read that. The height of my burpee jumps would definately be one area I need to diligently disallow myself from compromising on. I appreciate the boost Crossfit Genesis has given to help me string together longer runs of high-effort performances then I was able to string together on my own. My goal is 100% of my workouts getting 100% effort. I guess I can do this one rep, one set, one wod at a time.
Spirit of Discipline Part 8 - Summary
To sum it up...
You are ready for the next level. Everything in your life has prepared you for where you are and what it is to come. Stand in the face of the storm and let it blow away the unnecessary and ineffective, the detrimental and distracting, the careless and costly pieces of your life. Replace them with disciplined, purposeful, and effective elements of powerful living. Anticipate the fruits of a disciplined life.....
What about you? Where are you at in these elements - Career, Financial, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Family, Social? Are you building your house on the solid rock foundations of disciplined and purposeful living?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
You are ready for the next level. Everything in your life has prepared you for where you are and what it is to come. Stand in the face of the storm and let it blow away the unnecessary and ineffective, the detrimental and distracting, the careless and costly pieces of your life. Replace them with disciplined, purposeful, and effective elements of powerful living. Anticipate the fruits of a disciplined life.....
What about you? Where are you at in these elements - Career, Financial, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Family, Social? Are you building your house on the solid rock foundations of disciplined and purposeful living?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Treat people how they deserve...
Everyone doesn't deserve to be treated the same.
Nobody would treat a thief like a trusted friend and give him a key to your house. Of course not. So why treat a foolish, rude, arrogant, selfish person the same as a wise, considerate, caring, and compassionate person?
Even Jesus treated people differently, based on the attitude of their heart. He could see their heart. He knew their motives; sometimes even when the person was unaware of their own motives. But, unfortunately, we don't have the gift of understanding someones motives. So we have no choice but to judge people based on their actions.
Have you ever had to deal with someone whose words did not match their actions? Imagine how differently they would appear if you dealt with them solely on the basis of the actions and ignored the words coming out of their mouth. Talk truly is cheap. And so many people can talk a good game, can say all the right words, and even say what we want to hear. But there is no arguing with actions. Especially repeated actions.
Nobody would treat a thief like a trusted friend and give him a key to your house. Of course not. So why treat a foolish, rude, arrogant, selfish person the same as a wise, considerate, caring, and compassionate person?
Even Jesus treated people differently, based on the attitude of their heart. He could see their heart. He knew their motives; sometimes even when the person was unaware of their own motives. But, unfortunately, we don't have the gift of understanding someones motives. So we have no choice but to judge people based on their actions.
Have you ever had to deal with someone whose words did not match their actions? Imagine how differently they would appear if you dealt with them solely on the basis of the actions and ignored the words coming out of their mouth. Talk truly is cheap. And so many people can talk a good game, can say all the right words, and even say what we want to hear. But there is no arguing with actions. Especially repeated actions.
Spirit of Discipline Part 7 - Social
Social - Do I have the time management discipline to continue investing in existing and new friendships in a way that is productive for both me and my friends?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Friday, December 12, 2008
Spirit of Discipline Part 6 - Intellectual
Intellectual - America, and the world, is on the verge of an era unlike anything anyone could have imagined. Will we have the disciplined ability to learn and participate in the movement while staying alert, aware, and discerning?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Movie - Marriage Message in Jerry McGuire
Jerry, we need to talk. I though it was really funny when you learned the family motto - "Show me the Money!" But what kind of crap message about marriage are you pushing?
This theme about marriage being a way to find completion, capped off by one of the most quotable scenes in the movie - "You complete me." - it's wrong. Hold up Jerry.
You need a spouse to complete you? Bad idea. I hope you have your act together and are a whole and healthy person before you get married, otherwise you are destined for a hard road that is going in a wrong direction.
Jerry, if you think a spouse is what you need to be fixed, then you still have some work to do. Saying, "I'll be happy when I get married." shows an immature approach to marriage coming from the completely wrong direction.
Yes, Jerry, a spouse can be a miraculous blessing and can make you and your life better, but it is up to you to be "complete" and "happy".
If you expect your spouse to make you happy, complete you, fix you, etc., you and your spouse will be unsatisfied and frustrated. You because your not getting what you need. Your spouse because they can't figure out how to make you "happy". Years of one spouse pleasing the other slides right into "Co-Dependency". This downward spiral just gets worse.
This theme about marriage being a way to find completion, capped off by one of the most quotable scenes in the movie - "You complete me." - it's wrong. Hold up Jerry.
You need a spouse to complete you? Bad idea. I hope you have your act together and are a whole and healthy person before you get married, otherwise you are destined for a hard road that is going in a wrong direction.
Jerry, if you think a spouse is what you need to be fixed, then you still have some work to do. Saying, "I'll be happy when I get married." shows an immature approach to marriage coming from the completely wrong direction.
Yes, Jerry, a spouse can be a miraculous blessing and can make you and your life better, but it is up to you to be "complete" and "happy".
If you expect your spouse to make you happy, complete you, fix you, etc., you and your spouse will be unsatisfied and frustrated. You because your not getting what you need. Your spouse because they can't figure out how to make you "happy". Years of one spouse pleasing the other slides right into "Co-Dependency". This downward spiral just gets worse.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Spirit of Discipline Part 5 - Career
Career - The discipline to be productive and provide a superior level of service and ability as competition is increasing due to less work being out there and more people being available to do it. Disciplined ability is required in order to stay abreast of the latest technologies, methods, and needs of clients.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Cornerstones of Success - Hard Work and Enthusiasm
Wooden's Pyramid of Success has as its cornerstones, as the two most important elements,
Hard Work
and
Enthusiasm
You have to be willing to work hard, and you have to like what you are doing.
Hard Work
and
Enthusiasm
You have to be willing to work hard, and you have to like what you are doing.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Spirit of Discipline Part 4 - Relational
Most of our life is relationships. Relationship with our God, ourselves, spouse, family, friends, co-workers, clients, employers, acquaintances, and strangers.
Relational Discipline is a must. It is the ability to relate to the people in your life using a guiding system of values and principles. Sometimes manifesting itself as an ability to love toughly (aka "tough love"). Do you know how to defend and put in place appropriate boundaries necessary for dealing with emotional bullies, juveniles, needy, and dysfunctional people? Are you easily influenced by others? Do you spend your time reacting to situations instead of pro-actively happening to them?
One idea is to make time in your schedule for growing and learning how to cultivate your relationships.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Relational Discipline is a must. It is the ability to relate to the people in your life using a guiding system of values and principles. Sometimes manifesting itself as an ability to love toughly (aka "tough love"). Do you know how to defend and put in place appropriate boundaries necessary for dealing with emotional bullies, juveniles, needy, and dysfunctional people? Are you easily influenced by others? Do you spend your time reacting to situations instead of pro-actively happening to them?
One idea is to make time in your schedule for growing and learning how to cultivate your relationships.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
There is nothing wrong with making money.
There is nothing wrong with making money in an honest and moral fashion.
Just because someone made a profit, or made some money, it does not necessarily mean that it was at another persons expense. In fact, both parties can come away having profited. One party may profit financially, but the other party may be just as happy to profit by receiving the service rendered for the money.
You should never, ever, feel guilty about making money. That is, as long as the other person had a choice whether to give you the money.
You should feel very guilty when, and it is very wrong when, you make money by purposely causing others harm or loss, acting immorally, being deceitful, practicing dishonesty, misrepresenting, and of course by using any means of force.
If you are making money the wrong way, or by working for a company that does it the wrong way, your soul will not find peace.
Is your employer, your company, your profession, a force for good or a force for evil in this world? If you ever feel even a twinge of shame or regret or uncomfortableness when you tell someone who you work for, listen to your heart, it may be trying to tell you something.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Spirit of Discipline Part 3 - Physical
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
When all the areas of your life are functioning at a high level of discipline, it's like a finely tuned Ferrari when all 8 cylinders are firing on high grade fuel and working together like there supposed to. Your life can take off like a Ferrari.
One of these cylinders is your physical body:
Physical - Don't wait until stuff goes wrong to care for you body. Cultivate the true grit it takes to show up for a workout and control eating. Learn the technical discipline required to exercise effectively and efficiently. For me, that means following a program called Crossfit. Crossfit is an exercise regime based on constantly varied, high intensity, functional movements. www.crossfit.com I joined a gym that has the development of an individual'sfitness as their goal, not making money. I am learning to lift correctly and having correct form enforced by fitness trainers. www.crossfitgenesis.com
It used to be, not so many generations ago, that life demanded high intensity functionalmovements, read as "work", as a part of day to day life. Now to replace it, we need home gyms and/or gym memberships.
Along with exercise, dietary discipline is needed now more then ever to reach any level of personal discipline and self-control. If you eat as much as you want of whatever you want whenever you want. You will likely get fat or have other major health issues. Eat what you need. Educate yourself about your body's dietary requirements. If you need to lose weight - do it!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Don't Spectate - Participate
A lot of people will go to an event just to observe, to be a spectator. Often they say something like, "I'm just checking it out." And after "checking it out" they might say, "It's just not for me." Next time you are in a crowd, at a concert, a rally, a service, anything like that, see if you kind find the spectators. They are usually just standing there, cold, unmoving and unemotional regardless of what is happening around them.
This is no way to live. Don't' just stand there thinking of all the reasons why you shouldn't and why it wouldn't work for you. Just do it! Participate! What have you got to lose? It doesn't really matter what it is either - singing at a church service, playing a game at a party, working a program as prescribed. We will learn a lot more about the subject, and about ourselves, if we participate rather then spectate!
This is no way to live. Don't' just stand there thinking of all the reasons why you shouldn't and why it wouldn't work for you. Just do it! Participate! What have you got to lose? It doesn't really matter what it is either - singing at a church service, playing a game at a party, working a program as prescribed. We will learn a lot more about the subject, and about ourselves, if we participate rather then spectate!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Spirit of Discipline Part 2 - Financial
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
How disciplined we are with our "resources" is so important. One of our most powerful resources, and also the most telling of where our true devotions are, is our money.
2. Financial - Are you personally feeling any of the effects of carefree 'I want it now' living during this time of a slowing economy? Many people are experiencing reduced income and the inability to be responsible for their debts. What about you, do you have a plan for getting out and staying out of debt? Will you be able to take care of yourself when you age or if you were to suddenly become disabled? Or will you hold a hand out to the government or your family asking them to take care of you like a little child since you refused to make a plan for your future?
If you could go back 1, 2, 5, 10, or more years, knowing then what you know now, what would you have done differently in the management of your personal finances?
Post to comments what you would have done differently and what you are doing differently now.
What advice would you give to yourself 20 years ago?
What is your opinion regarding the 3 generation shift from buying with cash to financing everything?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
How disciplined we are with our "resources" is so important. One of our most powerful resources, and also the most telling of where our true devotions are, is our money.
2. Financial - Are you personally feeling any of the effects of carefree 'I want it now' living during this time of a slowing economy? Many people are experiencing reduced income and the inability to be responsible for their debts. What about you, do you have a plan for getting out and staying out of debt? Will you be able to take care of yourself when you age or if you were to suddenly become disabled? Or will you hold a hand out to the government or your family asking them to take care of you like a little child since you refused to make a plan for your future?
If you could go back 1, 2, 5, 10, or more years, knowing then what you know now, what would you have done differently in the management of your personal finances?
Post to comments what you would have done differently and what you are doing differently now.
What advice would you give to yourself 20 years ago?
What is your opinion regarding the 3 generation shift from buying with cash to financing everything?
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Spirit of Discipline Part 1 - Spiritual
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7 - NIV
Sometimes, several elements of your life will swirl together into a type of 'perfect storm' that is exponentially more powerful then any one element could be on its own. In order to thrive through the storm, focused living and a new awareness of, and hunger for, increased self-discipline will be required. This is part 1 of 7 posts about specific elements requiring discipline.
1. Spiritual
Are you developing the spiritual discipline necessary to stay pure in a world increasingly filling with greed, lying, debauchery, decadence, lusts of the flesh, and idol worship? You must resist stagnation in your personal pursuit of God. Stagnation can only lead to disengagement with God and susceptibility to be at the mercy of the spiritual forces of this world.
Do you make time to read, listen, search, attend church, and meet with people more spiritually mature then you? Are you as hungry for spiritual pursuits as you are for money and pleasure?
What kinds of spiritual disciplines have produced the most positive results in your life?
Post your thoughts to comments.
Perhaps you think there is only the material and there is no spiritual side to our lives. This assumption would sure make it easy to close the door and never have to look at what lives in that room. But, can you honestly look deep inside your heart and think there is no spiritual side to your life -- that we are all just a collection of chemicals bubbling together like a mixture in a test tube in a chemistry lab? I seriously doubt it. Could it be that fear is driving you to live in self-denial so you won't have to deal with it? If this is you, how has the denial of a spiritual element to life effected you? How do you approach moral issues?
Sometimes, several elements of your life will swirl together into a type of 'perfect storm' that is exponentially more powerful then any one element could be on its own. In order to thrive through the storm, focused living and a new awareness of, and hunger for, increased self-discipline will be required. This is part 1 of 7 posts about specific elements requiring discipline.
1. Spiritual
Are you developing the spiritual discipline necessary to stay pure in a world increasingly filling with greed, lying, debauchery, decadence, lusts of the flesh, and idol worship? You must resist stagnation in your personal pursuit of God. Stagnation can only lead to disengagement with God and susceptibility to be at the mercy of the spiritual forces of this world.
Do you make time to read, listen, search, attend church, and meet with people more spiritually mature then you? Are you as hungry for spiritual pursuits as you are for money and pleasure?
What kinds of spiritual disciplines have produced the most positive results in your life?
Post your thoughts to comments.
Perhaps you think there is only the material and there is no spiritual side to our lives. This assumption would sure make it easy to close the door and never have to look at what lives in that room. But, can you honestly look deep inside your heart and think there is no spiritual side to your life -- that we are all just a collection of chemicals bubbling together like a mixture in a test tube in a chemistry lab? I seriously doubt it. Could it be that fear is driving you to live in self-denial so you won't have to deal with it? If this is you, how has the denial of a spiritual element to life effected you? How do you approach moral issues?
Monday, November 17, 2008
True Discipline
True discipline extends not from knowledge but from habit.
You can have the best intentions and have a head full of knowledge. But if you are unable to convert your knowledge into actions, consistently, then you will not be able to form a discipline life. How long does it take to turn something into a habit? I heard once it takes 40 days. How many times do you have to repeat a task before it becomes ingrained? How many "bad" habits do you have that could be causing you to live a an undisciplined life?
Selectively eliminate your bad habits one at a time. Here's the secret...You can't just remove something creating a vacuum, you have to replace the bad habit with a good habit.
Imagine what your life would look like if you replaced all of your bad habits with good ones.
Bad Habit vs. Good Habit
TV vs Reading
Couch vs Exercise
Speeding vs Obeying the law
Smoking vs Walking
Blurting Out vs Thinking Before you Speak
Gossiping vs Speaking Good and Encouraging Words
Procrastination vs Pro activity
Tardiness vs Punctuality/Planning
You can have the best intentions and have a head full of knowledge. But if you are unable to convert your knowledge into actions, consistently, then you will not be able to form a discipline life. How long does it take to turn something into a habit? I heard once it takes 40 days. How many times do you have to repeat a task before it becomes ingrained? How many "bad" habits do you have that could be causing you to live a an undisciplined life?
Selectively eliminate your bad habits one at a time. Here's the secret...You can't just remove something creating a vacuum, you have to replace the bad habit with a good habit.
Imagine what your life would look like if you replaced all of your bad habits with good ones.
Bad Habit vs. Good Habit
TV vs Reading
Couch vs Exercise
Speeding vs Obeying the law
Smoking vs Walking
Blurting Out vs Thinking Before you Speak
Gossiping vs Speaking Good and Encouraging Words
Procrastination vs Pro activity
Tardiness vs Punctuality/Planning
Sunday, November 16, 2008
There is no explaining it.
He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matthew 5:45)
Sometimes, it will not make sense to our eyes. The evil, lying, snake gets ahead, gets a big blessing. The diligent, hard working, honest man gets one hardship after another.
Don't try to explain it. Accept that the sun and rain fall on both the evil and the good. However, in the end, all debts get settled and all rewards get distributed.
When you are the good getting the rain, think of it as building your resume for the next life.
Sometimes, it will not make sense to our eyes. The evil, lying, snake gets ahead, gets a big blessing. The diligent, hard working, honest man gets one hardship after another.
Don't try to explain it. Accept that the sun and rain fall on both the evil and the good. However, in the end, all debts get settled and all rewards get distributed.
When you are the good getting the rain, think of it as building your resume for the next life.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Diligence
The Bible has a proverb that reads: "...diligent hands bring wealth."
If diligence is working hard to accomplish a task, then as a rule, we have to finish what we start if we want wealth.
We can not be afraid to 'work hard' - there is no way around it.
Consistently practice working hard and completing the tasks set before you and you will be on your way to accumulating wealth. What you do with it after you get, now that is another story...
The Bible also has a proverb that reads: "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor."
If diligence is working hard to accomplish a task, then as a rule, we have to finish what we start if we want wealth.
We can not be afraid to 'work hard' - there is no way around it.
Consistently practice working hard and completing the tasks set before you and you will be on your way to accumulating wealth. What you do with it after you get, now that is another story...
The Bible also has a proverb that reads: "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor."
Friday, November 14, 2008
Don't Judge
Don't judge others.
When they reap the consequences of their choices, don't judge them.
You never know what you might have done or will do...
It might be you there someday. Pride comes before the fall
First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
(Proverbs 16:18 The Message)
Instead of judging and condemnign, extend fairness, grace, mercy. Treat them how you would want to be treated. Within boundaries, of course. Dismissing, minimilizing, or enabling them wont help them and will drag you down.
Never ever ever kick someone when they are down - unless it's a fight.
When they reap the consequences of their choices, don't judge them.
You never know what you might have done or will do...
It might be you there someday. Pride comes before the fall
First pride, then the crash— the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
(Proverbs 16:18 The Message)
Instead of judging and condemnign, extend fairness, grace, mercy. Treat them how you would want to be treated. Within boundaries, of course. Dismissing, minimilizing, or enabling them wont help them and will drag you down.
Never ever ever kick someone when they are down - unless it's a fight.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Feed Opportunity....Starve Problems
Look for opportunities. Do whatever it takes to feed opportunity through preparation, networking.
Then don't hesitate. Seize the moment. Maximize the potential of each specific opportunity.
Be organized, be pro-active. Deal with an issue when it is a little bump way before it becomes a mountain. The issues will not have time to grow and eat if you eliminate them ASAP. Stop doing something that is not working.
Then don't hesitate. Seize the moment. Maximize the potential of each specific opportunity.
Be organized, be pro-active. Deal with an issue when it is a little bump way before it becomes a mountain. The issues will not have time to grow and eat if you eliminate them ASAP. Stop doing something that is not working.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Love Discipline ?
Do you?...Do you love discipline?
Do you want knowledge?
If you want knowledge, then you better learn to love discipline.
Why?
Because discipline is a form of correction. And if you aren't ready to correct yourself, consistently and intentionally with purpose then you are not ready for knowledge and wisdom.
If are sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, you better be ready to correct your course even by 1 degree or you will end up very far away from your planned destination.
That would be stupid. So if you want to be stupid, then don't bother with discipline and see where you end up.
We can learn it the hard way or the easy way. The hard way is letting Experience be your teacher. The problem with that is Experience can be a mercilessly harsh yet extremely patient teacher. Some of experience's lessons will not show up for years or decades and some of them can carry a life crushing weight.
There is an easier way to learn. Listen to Wisdom. Listen to those who have been there and done that. Don't just listen for what you want to hear from people you really don't respect anyway. Find the people you respect, who have real success, real wealth, real balance, and real relationships. What do they say? Will you listen to them, or will you have to find out for yourself the hard way.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Do you want knowledge?
If you want knowledge, then you better learn to love discipline.
Why?
Because discipline is a form of correction. And if you aren't ready to correct yourself, consistently and intentionally with purpose then you are not ready for knowledge and wisdom.
If are sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, you better be ready to correct your course even by 1 degree or you will end up very far away from your planned destination.
That would be stupid. So if you want to be stupid, then don't bother with discipline and see where you end up.
We can learn it the hard way or the easy way. The hard way is letting Experience be your teacher. The problem with that is Experience can be a mercilessly harsh yet extremely patient teacher. Some of experience's lessons will not show up for years or decades and some of them can carry a life crushing weight.
There is an easier way to learn. Listen to Wisdom. Listen to those who have been there and done that. Don't just listen for what you want to hear from people you really don't respect anyway. Find the people you respect, who have real success, real wealth, real balance, and real relationships. What do they say? Will you listen to them, or will you have to find out for yourself the hard way.
Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline, loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Life on Life's Terms
There is something truly satisfying about standing and facing life on life's terms, with the tools God gave you, to the best of your ability.
It could be a workout, a tense confrontation, or even the death of a spouse. When did running to performance enhancers and anti-depressants become the norm?
Stand, and you may fall. Fall and you will likely find the strength to rise again. It may take time, it may be uncomfortable, it may scar you.
But to avoid the fall, the pain, the suffering, the loss, the reality, is to avoid a part of life that is necessary.
It could be a workout, a tense confrontation, or even the death of a spouse. When did running to performance enhancers and anti-depressants become the norm?
Stand, and you may fall. Fall and you will likely find the strength to rise again. It may take time, it may be uncomfortable, it may scar you.
But to avoid the fall, the pain, the suffering, the loss, the reality, is to avoid a part of life that is necessary.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Building Blocks
2 Basic Building Blocks of "Self-Discipline"
Rising Early - There is something about rising early. Forcing yourself to get up before your body wants to. It will make you strong. If you have a snooze button addiction.....get off it, quick.
"Children do what feels good. Adults make a plan and stick to it". The ability to withhold a 'want' or 'desire' until the proper time - that is delayed gratification. Without it, you will get in to trouble GUARANTEED. With it, you become mature.
Rising Early - There is something about rising early. Forcing yourself to get up before your body wants to. It will make you strong. If you have a snooze button addiction.....get off it, quick.
"Children do what feels good. Adults make a plan and stick to it". The ability to withhold a 'want' or 'desire' until the proper time - that is delayed gratification. Without it, you will get in to trouble GUARANTEED. With it, you become mature.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Total Money Makeover
Lilia and I had a great weekend in Portland attending 2 seminars by Dave Ramsey.
The Total Money Makeover presentation was awesome! Over 8,000 people packed out the Rose Quarter Colleseum.
The presentation was not "religious" in tone or word, but the spirit of life was strong with the power to set people free from the bondage of debt.
We have to remember - "the borrower becomes the lender's slave".
If you are not familiar with Dave Ramsey, or his "7 Baby Steps" to financial freedom, you can check him out here:
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/baby_steps_2867.htmlc
http://www.daveramsey.com/media/pdf/fpu_babysteps.pdf
The Total Money Makeover presentation was awesome! Over 8,000 people packed out the Rose Quarter Colleseum.
The presentation was not "religious" in tone or word, but the spirit of life was strong with the power to set people free from the bondage of debt.
We have to remember - "the borrower becomes the lender's slave".
If you are not familiar with Dave Ramsey, or his "7 Baby Steps" to financial freedom, you can check him out here:
http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/cms/baby_steps_2867.htmlc
http://www.daveramsey.com/media/pdf/fpu_babysteps.pdf
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