SeizingMyDay

Leaving Footprints of Faith with Other Men of God

I just finished leading the combined men's retreat for the Westlake United Methodist and Westlake Lutheran congregations. You could feel the Lord's presence and the power of the Spirit working as we explored Ephesians 6:13-18--"Putting on the Full Armor of God--A Christian's Guide for Dressing for Success." God is so good. Men may not always be the first to want to get away for dialogue about faith issues, but when they do, mighty things can happen. I's love to say it was the stimulating presentations, but there was even more power in the small group discussions of Bible verses that expanded our appreciation for truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, the Word, prayer and the cloud of witnesses that have nurtured and sustained us in the family of God. I learned as they did--God is full of surprises when you are open to His message.

It's easy for men to think about being warriors, but warriors for God are driven by love and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is a blessed assurance that the war is already won, and that when we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, we can lift each other up when we fall. We can encourage, tell the truth in love and serve with strength. There were some great men of God I value and trust from our church--Lou Fiore, John Bell, Kevin Barry and Joe Bulock. We grew closer and probably had more conversations than we have had in a year of after-service goodie times.

I think we realized together that a spiritual life on autopilot is not what we are called to live. Like the disciples, we should feel compelled to take a stand for our faith. We are Christians and as John Wooden said, "If I were ever persecuted for my religion, I truly hope their would be enough evidence to convict me." It's time to leave evidence, trails of testimony, shared spiritual wisdom, claimed verses and prayers for those we love. Many took time to write journal notes affirming their faith.

We ended with an appreciation for the great cloud of witnesses--the teachers, parents, pastors, faith mentors, and saints that have witnessed and nurtured our faith. These men and women believed in our faith when we had not yet believed what we were capable to do in the Lord. They deserve our appreciation and our prayers. They will be applauding as we finish the race. May we never forget to thank God and thank them for the gift of grace we are now blessed to receive. I think of Lou and Mary Ann Fiore, Lew Smedes, Lee Travis, my dad and mom, Bob Lawson, Pastor Craig Beeker, Mr. Bosco my youth Sunday School teacher, Mark Sanborn, Naomi Rhode and Glenna Salsbury, my son Sean and, of course, Lorie, my companion in life, love and faith. I thank God for their witness, their prayers and encouragement.

There was great food, even better conversation and a new sense of renewal. I think the men of God will soon have a revitalized men's group meeting on Saturdays from 8:00-9:30. It's time to put our calendars where our priorities are. Join us. Join a men's group at your church, and know that together we are the men of God.

I end with the admonition of Paul in I Corinthians 16:13--"Be on your guard; stand firm; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." And with a chorus of heavenly hosts, they all said AMEN!

Being a President for God Means a Lot

I've been President of both the National Speakers Association and the International Federation for Professional Speakers, but, this month, I became council president for Westlake Lutheran Church, my home congregation in Westlake Village, CA. Today I ran my first congregational meeting.

A good leader values the past, acknowledges the present and builds hope for the future. We took time to take a look back, giving acknowledgment for those who were there in the beginning. We talked about how we were one vote away from being Love Lutheran Church, but today being a loving family of God powered by Christ is central to who we are. We didn't vote for it, but we try to live it.

The biggest difference between a vision and a hallucination is the number of people who can see it. With the two building blocks of a vibrant small group ministry and youth ministry programs, we will be building the base to take us on the final step towards having our own church home. God willing and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will be moving toward a vision we have had for over ten years.

I look forward to leading. Why? These people are my church family, the people of God who know and love us. We could live in any community close to a major airport, but the older you get, the more you realize people are more important than places. It will be fun to lead. I'll keep you posted.

I'm Richer than I Thought

This summer, I have had more than my share of humbling experiences listening to successful people talk about their achievements. Somehow starting big companies, becoming rich with fantastic homes, and making a difference for thousands, can be humbling to listen to. It brings doubts--did I settle for small dreams? Do I need to drive myself to do more, earn more, purchase more...to die with the most toys and awards? Even though I have been successful in the eyes of those who know and love me and I have all the possessions I need, it is too easy to compare yourself with someone else who has done more.

And then I realize that I am truly rich! I'm rich in having a job I love doing, a job that makes a difference to others. I'm rich in relationships with a family that has loved me, a wife I love who is my best friend and a son who is being used by God as a pastor. I'm rich in faith with a God who died for me and has promised me eternal life. I'm rich in joy with an optimistic attitude and a great sense of humor that makes life's journey fun. I'm rich in health, friends and memories. I'm rich in ways the world doesn't count on a spreadsheet, and that makes me rich indeed! May I never forget and never cease thanking God for the blessings I have been given over and over again!

Footprints of Faith

I just started another blog. I do have a tendency to get carried away don't I? I have business and self-help blogs. I have a political blog. But to really reflect what makes my life tick, I need to have a blog that values my faith.

I remember when Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager, was once asked at a presentation to executives at the Los Angeles Times, "You've been so effective in motivating others. What do you do to motivate yourself?" His answer was a strong statement of faith in action. He said to the stunned audience, "I'm so glad you asked. Every day, I get up early and study the Word of God and take time for prayer. That centers me on what is really important and provides all the motivation I need to make a difference."

A month later, when I was to speak to the same group, it was not Ken's presentation that they were talking about. It was his faith-based answer to an important question. Ken might have liked one of my favorite verses from the Old Testament: Psalm 118:24--"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." Amen.

I decided that our faith community at Westlake Lutheran needed a blog to create community--a community dedicated to leaving Footprints of Faith for a future generation of believers at our church and our extended Christian community. We can capture interviews, pictures and stories that define us.

The name of the blog, FootprintsofFaith, comes from an article of the same name. It shared the story of a Jewish convert, Wendy Walton. Wendy had become a Christian and thought she was alone in her family. But as Wendy looked through an old water-stained pasteboard box of faded family photographs, a brittle piece of faded paper dropped to the floor. The script was faint, but the handwritten prayer was still visible. It read, "This day, July 10, 1912, I hereby sign and give my son Robert over to the Lord, for the Lord to redeem his soul from sin and to make him an earnest Christian."

Suddenly, a shared faith connected Wendy to a great-grandmother she had never met. She had found a Footprint of Faith in a family that to her had seemed godless. God had honored her grandmother's prayer in a way she could never have known. Just as the Jews of the scriptures recalled God's faithfulness from father to son, her family's story reminded her that the Lord renews His covenant with each generation.

I look forward to having many authors share their input and members give their comments to this new blog. Don't hesitate to join in yourself! For now, just know that it reflects something important about me--may faith is what grounds me and gives me a sense of purpose. To not share that would somehow not be honest. So I guess I'm just leaving a few footprints here....

When You Rest, You Rust!

I just read that more and more Baby Boomers are looking to retire; some are retiring early. In case anyone in my family or life has any question in their mind regarding my vision for the future, it is not retirement.

Sure, I'd love to travel and cruise a bit more, see Micah and Jeremiah frequently on our way to our vacation home in Lake Tahoe, and not feel a pressure to have to work. But I would rather be used up than rest myself away! I think Luther said it well, "When you rest, you rust!" I love writing my columns, blogs and e-books. I still love making a difference as a speaker; I love the people I meet on my journey.

I also feel that God isn't done with his work on me! He's going to find some ways to use me, and I am ready for the doors He opens.

In short, I love not being done! I can't even figure out why it would be appealing to retire. Now, keep reading and maybe I'll change my mind in ten years! 

Visiting Our Piece of Paradise-Lake Tahoe (2-25-06)

For years we have enjoyed our home away from home in Lake Tahoe. When my father's cousin Carl Bostrom decided to form a unique time share in order to keep his home at the lake, we eagerly joined in. Now, we are one of ten families that own our lovely home in paradise. We can open the curtains and look beyond the balcony through the pine trees to our view of the lake. Over the past twenty plus years we have walked parts of the Tahoe Rim Trail, we've canoed some of the streams and the lakes, and we've seen most of what you "have to see" in Tahoe. Now, we can rest and just enjoy the solitude and the change of pace. We no longer have to ski every day there is snow. We settle for the pretty days; the ones that have good snow but are not too cold. We don't even torture our bodies to get in every run; we settle for half-day tickets. Are we old or what?

We had a wonderful trip up to the lake. We stopped in Visalia where I presented to the annual Tulare Country Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. I got to speak to Republicans in a Republican county about a Republican President I have grown to respect more and more. I love Lincoln and the lessons he can teach us about political issues and life. I shared with the 200 people gathered some of the lessons I have valued the most-messages about smaller government, sustaining the American Dream, keeping a sense of humor, seeking God's wisdom and strength, and valuing the men and women who serve in our military. The positive response from the politicians and supporters there was very gratifying.

For awhile I had thought of running for office, but the more I did my due diligence I realized that it was not the best use of my gifts. If I won, I'm not sure I would like it. Using my speaking skills to help further the Republican values I treasure is my calling. I do it well, and it is appreciated.

To keep the American Dream alive for someone, we also stopped at the Folsom Premier Outlets to invest some of our hard-earned money. Both Lorie and I separate for a shopping jaunt! I seem to buy more; things fit well without having to try things on.

One sad note, this is our first trip to Lake Tahoe in 13 years that we have not brought our dog Sunshine. Our aging Dalmatian is no longer up for the journey. Her arthritic body and occasional leaks makes it hard on her and us. It was the right decision not to bring her, but we miss her. I miss having her in the car in the morning as I go to the 7 Eleven for coffee and a paper. I miss taking her on walks through the wilderness area near the lake. I even miss the fact that we have to watch our food in the kitchen for fear she will leap up and eat it off the counter. Soon she will be gone. I will miss her even more.

From Success to Significance (2-12-06

I just returned from the winter workshop for the National Speakers Associations in Washington, DC. With over 400 speakers searching for that next idea to take their business to the next level, you can imagine people are franticly attending sessions, collecting handouts, buying books and taking notes. After recently turning 60, I'm a little less impressed with quantity of notes. I try to focus on the things that are worth actually doing.

I've decided to focus on the Internet as an alternative delivery system for sharing insights and value. This and other blogs that I'm beginning are a step to putting that into practice. I love writing. This allows me to write with a sense of purpose. Like with speaking, sometimes magic happens and I just may write something that is profound. You can let me know if I do.

On a personal level, the Internet doesn't excite me. I would like to be successful, but, at this stage in my life, I'm more interested in getting beyond success to living a life of significance.

Naomi Rhode, a friend, colleague, fellow Christian and downright great speaker, closed the workshop with a powerful reminder of that truth. She took us back to what it was like to play Monopoly as a child. You'd work hard to horde your money under the board. You pray to land on Boardwalk and Park Place. You'd build your houses and hotels and wait for an unsuspecting visitor. Can you remember when you were ahead and so close to winning, and then your father comes and says it's time for bed! You complain, but the board is picked up and all the money and hotels are stuffed in the box for another day.

She observed that it is the same with life. At the end of our life, our Father comes to us and says it is our time. He takes all those possessions and signs of success and pours them back into the box. It is then that you realize that it is not what your signs of success or your toys that matter, it's the things you've given away-your love, your donations, your wisdom, your hugs….

It had snowed in DC and the planes were grounded. Many of the speakers were unable to get home. I was spending an extra night before going to Chicago for a program. Instead of returning to my room to process notes, I took the metro from the Crystal City Marriott and headed for the Foggy Bottom Metro stop. I walked down 23rd street with my destination in sight. As with every trip to Washington, I love to take some time at the Lincoln Memorial. Seeing it surrounded with snow was to be a special, new treat, and it was. 

I read the Gettysburg Address and his second Inaugural as I stood near his seated statue. It was cold, but his words were so warm. Not settling for giving a great long speech, but instead honoring the men who had given their lives for their country. Instead of celebrating victory over the Confederacy, he talked of healing wounds. He never settled for success. He lived a life of significance. May we never forget!

Every Blog Journal Has a Start

There is something important about capturing the experiences of one's life and mining them for the lessons learned. This is my life as lived and shared in this SeizingMyDay Blog. I will provide the moments of love, laughter and insight that strike me as significant. As a professional speaker, I most often find the stories and the humor that I use in my programs from my own life. Hopefully, you'll benefit from my search for new material. Some have the eye of the tiger; I have the eye of the loon! I love to laugh and learn from stories that find their way into my life. I hope you do as well.

Journaling and talking to friends are the two "traveling therapists" we have to help us get through the tough times and to celebrate the victories. Writing things down and talking with friends is therapeutic.

Unlike my other blogs, I'm not inviting comments on this one. I do hope that my experiences will connect with your own life and you'll resonate with some of my insights shared.

I believe that there is no such thing as an insignificant day. One of my favorite verses from the Bible is Psalm 118:24: "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." I try to claim that promise every day. I hope is shoes in my comments. In all honesty, I won't be making entries every day, but I sure will try to journal often.

This is my life, and this blog will help me capture it. By the way, don't expect grammatical perfection-when I die and my relatives read this, I don't think they will care. I just hope this encourages you to begin journaling yourself! Don't make it perfect; just start doing it!