We’ve all had moments when what you intend to do, doesn’t quite match up with what you actually do.

Whether it’s a simple comment we wish we could take back or a chosen action that obviously was the wrong choice. Mistakes are a part of everyone’s journey. From BIG mistakes to small ones …what we do in the moments that follow them – really matters…

We may desire to be people who do the ‘right thing’, but it’s often the thought of embarrassment, guilt or shame that might hinder us from carrying it out. Fear tends to tell us to flee. You’ve had those feelings well up within you. I have too.

As a parent: I try and model, teach and have my kids ‘make it right’ when they have been in the wrong.

For example: we’ve made it a point to have our kids look each other in the eye balls, when apologizing to one another. They don’t like this. It is typically a yelling of ‘I’m sorry’ as one storms out of the room. Only to have them return within seconds to have to apologize while looking them in the eye. Whatever occurred, we want them to ‘own it’ and ‘make it right’.

So, back to the parking lot story…

She places her drink (that doesn’t have a lid?) onto the hood of her car with haste. It spills over – of course, which brings obvious and expressed frustration. Fumbling for the keys within her purse, she hits the clicker. The familiar sound signals the car is unlocked and the headlights flash in unison. The problem was – the car that performed those functions wasn’t the one that she was now trying to enter. A look of shock and embarrassment shoots across her face as she glances up to see “her” car performing these announcements, two spaces over.

Then it was the quick glance at the spill rolling down the hood as she walked away and toward her car. She settled into her vehicle. And as the car began to position itself to rush on with it’s agenda of getting Ms. Late to her appointment, she stopped it. Ms. Late emerged from the car with a couple napkins, back toward the spill and took a moment to ‘make it right’…

It literally took her an additional 53 seconds to ‘make it right’.

A short interruption.

Which led me to ask this question: How many times do I STOP and take the extra time to ‘make it right’?

It might take longer than 53 seconds in some moments, but really – in the end: isn’t it less time to do the repair work relationally in the immediate moment – versus – waiting for the bill of accumulative damage to be delivered down the road?

Making it right – might not be our instinctive response. We may want to run or flee.

But choosing to do the right thing always helps us grow into the right kind of people.

It inspires others. As I attest, through writing these words. I am the man who watched this unfold behind the store window.

Is there anyone in your life right now – that you need to go and “make it right” ?

Do you have a story to share? (something you did, or was done for you?)

Maybe you’ve played it.

Then I grew up. I’ve had the opportunity to travel around the world. And I realized the game never did justice to its name.

Every time I travel – the world gets bigger. My understanding and view of God expands.

I saw this video – a beautiful time lapse video from all Around the World. I’m moved to pray as I watch it unfold. To pray for the people in these countries that their awareness of God’s love break into their ‘world’ in fresh ways. It reminds me that the ‘world’ is much BIGGER than ‘my world.’ It excites me. It humbles me.

Before you watch: remember this -

¹ The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
² for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters. ~Psalm 24:1

Now – pause…

Let the beauty and magnitude of what you just watched sink in.

The God who created all that. Created you. He loves you.

He loves people. Those that know him and those searching to know him…

He went to extreme lengths and the ultimate end to proclaim His love for you.

He now desires us to echo that love so all may know.

People around your world.

People in your country.

People around the corner.

Pause again…

Pray.

The Adventure of Parenting can cause us to pace at times…

Maybe it’s the nerves of watching your child perform at a recital or during their sporting events as you sit in the bleachers with nerves turning on the inside. It might be the anxiety that can creep into those nights where they’re driving behind the wheel and you’re not there any more with “vehicular corrective coaching.” It’s these moments and hundreds of others.

Pacing, at times, comes with the parental territory.

We pace because we love. We pace because we care.

There is another pacing that is important to keep in mind. It’s the pace we carry out while parenting…I’m going to suggest 3 parental paces we should be using as we raise children and invest in our grandchildren.

There will be times of:

• Running – those moments as a parent where you’re encouraging and helping your child stretch and challenge themselves. For example: I remember when my kids began walking and we’re having them step toward us, only to take a step back so they have to push themselves a bit. But it expands to those times where you’re having them stretch in what they can accomplish, relational tensions and difficulties they must navigate and even those struggles they have to muddle through. You’re “running” with them, helping them push themselves and stretch in order to grow stronger. In those moments you might not be able to be right there with them or solve their problems, but your watching them run, stretch and grow…praying and cheering them forward…

• Walking – these are those moments where you’re alongside them. Your shadow is intertwined with theirs as you’re a companion in their journey. Moments of partnering together to accomplish or achieve. It’s everything from creating memories to parental nurturing of their character. It’s everything from problem solving situations to a strategy session for current relationships, events or future life decisions. We “walk” alongside so they know they’re not alone. We desire them to know and to feel secure as we become a processing partner and provider of wisdom.

• Pausing – these are the moments of stopping and being still. Those moments where grief, trauma, challenge or hurts have overwhelmed our kids. Sometimes the boo-boo can be covered up with a band-aid, sometimes it takes much more resources and time. As a parent, you’ve “paused” to come alongside to provide comfort. We care. We cry with them. We carry them if needed. We champion their resolve through listening first and coaching second. Sometimes it involves “pausing” to fully savor the joy of a moment. It involves a celebration that stops the blur of life for a few minutes so to enjoy the wedding, the accomplishment, the graduation, the promotion, the achievement, the birth, etc. Pausing to celebrate, enjoy a meal and to savor the relationship and that moment of joy, is just as important as pausing to comfort amidst a painful struggle. Both are needed. (Romans 12:15)

I came across this poem that Rylee had made me for a Father’s Day as I was cleaning my office – it highlights the beauty of Parental Pacing. May you and I be given the wisdom to recognize what pace is needed…

Some things go unnoticed. Some things you see and they resonate.

The other night, driving home – Amy and I witnessed something from the sky that reminded me of a simple lesson. We live in Arizona, known for its astronomy rich night sky, but I’d never seen something like this. It lasted about 6-8 seconds. A meteor burning up through the atmosphere as it descended toward the earth a few miles in front of us.

This brilliant green light streaking across the sky.

At first I thought it might be a plane, helicopter, maybe even a firework? But the brighter it burned and its strikingly fast acceleration eliminated those options. Then it was gone. Nothing left to see.

It’s a simple leadership thought that struck me: Atmosphere & Altitude make a difference.

Leaders that spend too much time, too close to the trenches – burn up and burn out. Leaders must recruit, train, encourage, vision cast and then release others to make things happen. Main leaders must raise up others. They must spend more time in an upper atmosphere – keeping a view on creating correct culture/systems, developing other leaders and encouraging the teams. Here’s a quick post about raising up more ‘staff’ with no budget from Ron Edmondson.

Now, don’t miss understand me: leaders must serve! They aren’t the ones who are to be served – they are to model serving. They should fly lower at times and be “in the trenches”. I love the show ‘Undercover Boss’ because it allows leaders to be put on the front lines to recognize new leaders, assess culture and see the good, bad and ugly within their created systems.

But even more than modeling service, leaders must motivate others to carry out the actions of the organization. One leader can make a difference. But a leader that establishes and builds others, accomplishes more. Leaders can NOT do all they need their entire teams to do.

Good leaders spend some time in the trenches – but also maintain a strategic altitude.

Fly too low for too long and you’ll burn up. Altitude for leaders matters.

It was a simple lesson – a reminder from the sky.

Q) How have you ever experienced a boss/leader flying too low, too long? Or found yourself there…

As this new year launches you might have some resolutions you’re laying out. I’ve thought of some. But I’m trying something new this year – I’m approaching it not with resolution, but rather with a 3 word lens. I got some advise from an online friend Chris Brogan, who tried this the last few years. You sum up some resolutions and goals into 3 words and you let those 3 words frame out and give you a lens in which to see your world this next year. So, I’ve been thinking and praying through what 3 words I’d choose that will help direct some of my actions this 2012.

Give it a try. Here’s my 3 words fleshed out a bit.

Creation

This year is all about creation and creativity; creation in writing projects. I’m wanting to blog more and begin work on a book I’ve had circling around within me for the last year. Creation of an excellent “culture” within guest services and effective systems/tools within communications at Casas. It’s also continued goal to stay creative within sermon and lesson development. I want to create some more ‘memory marker moments’ within my family – moments that will build their character and give them found memories of growing up a Schull.

Consistency

I desire to become more consistent/disciplined in a healthy lifestyle, self-care, marriage care and deepening my relationships with friends. I want to establish a consistent structure of leadership development for myself and those I lead. Also, continuing to initiate  consistent patterns of study and writing [*producing at least 2 blogs a week, an eBook by Spring of '12 and my first full book by the end of 2012 (this based off my study of the book of Haggai)]

Call

I’m finishing up a book (recommend it) by Mark Batterson entitled The Circle Maker. It has resurfaced a desire to grow in my prayer life this year. So this year is more about the CALL – calling out in prayer to the Mighty One on behalf of myself, my family, our church and friends. I want to create an increased prayer and conversation with God through scripture and solitude.

So – that’s my 3 words for 2012. Here’s to God directing, dreaming and growing me within this focus. Now, it is a bit intimidating to put this out there, but I hope it might stir something within you. Dream Big – we follow a Big God who wants to do Big things in you and through you. Perfection isn’t the goal. Progress is.

What might your 3 words be?

Sometimes words can’t capture the beauty, the magnitude, the splendor of a moment or a reality.

This new year approaches, but I hope to walk into it with a greater clarity, deeper appreciation and with more wonder.

I’d like to remind you of a truth that we just celebrated, but maybe we’ve failed to fully grasp. This past Christmas – we remembered words spoken through the prophet Isaiah. He writes in Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

These words speak of a reality that would come true some 700 years later, as the gospel of Matthew records these words in Matthew 1:20-23.

What’s fascinating – is the words Isaiah goes on to say a couple chapters later; words I’d love to walk more securely in this next year. Maybe you’d like to join me…

Isaiah 9:

 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Look at one of the additional adjectives/titles that Isaiah points out about Jesus: Wonderful Counselor 

I’m convinced, that if we fully began to grasp all that this means, it could transform how we walk through 2012. The Hebrew words for Wonderful Counselor are: (Pele Yo’ez)

Pele – simply means that it’s indescribably wonderful. Too much to actually be captured in description and understood by mere words. He’s too wonderful, magnificent, good and beautiful to be limited or confined by words…his description is simply beyond them.

Yo’ez – means to counsel, advise, guide or provide guidance in an active form.

Now stop. Think about that. God has gifted you and I not only with a forgiveness we couldn’t earn or achieve on our own. He’s come alongside as Immanuel (God with us). But He is also this ‘beyond words, giver of wisdom & guidance, all knowing Counselor.’

Jesus said, that the Holy Spirit would be our Counselor – the one who comes alongside – he would remind us of what he said and teach and guide us. It’s not this magical or mystical phenomenon, but rather this truth/reality we could walk in and walk with… (read Jn 14)

To get the most out of walking with God as a Wonderful Counselor – I’d like to suggest 2 simple principles for us to exercise.

1) Get Honest.

To get the fullest help out of wise counsel – we must be fully honest with our counselor. That’s true in human counseling situations and also true spiritually. This year, make it a practice to be open & honest with God. Let him know your truest intentions, thoughts and motives, fears, struggles and disappointments. Don’t try to mask over and hide them. Let’s be honest – He sees them anyway. The only person you’re trying to fake out is yourself – and that just makes you the fool. We struggle with honesty because it means we have to be transparent. Transparency takes trust. There is fear involved when trust is involved. Many struggle to be honest with others, even more struggle to be honest with themselves. But to gain the most out of a relationship with the Wonderful Counselor – honesty is necessary. Go ahead – He already loves you. Christmas and the Cross proof that. Have HONEST dialogue, discussion, prayers and conversations with your Wonderful Counselor who is the same God who is With you and For you. Honesty truly is the best policy. Honest conversations with God and yourself will lead to break-throughs and growth. Cover ups and camouflage only keep you hidden from experiencing God’s healing, hope and help.

2) Follow Him

Jesus had one simple invitation that he echoed over and over: Follow Me

As your Wonderful Counselor – as you’re honest with him – God will lead you forward, but he won’t push you forward. God goes on ahead of us and calls to us, but he will never shove us. As we hear his counsel (through the Scriptures, godly people, writings, nature, etc.) it’s up to us to follow.

I love the words Jesus says about following him in John 10

The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” … ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.    ~John 10:3-5 & 27-28

Get to know His voice. Listen for it. Seek it. There is this constant calling – coming from our Good Shepherd. The Wonderful Counselor goes out ahead and calls for us to follow. He desires to lead you forward this year in adventure, healing and growth. But none of that happens if our feet and our heart stand still. Follow Him.

This year – lean into the beauty and strength of your Wonderful Counselor (Pele Yo’ez) – who is with you, who is for you. Be honest with Him in all things and as He calls to you – follow. See if you don’t look back on 2012 with a greater sense of wonder…

But here is a quick recap of our Christmas Eve Services at Casas Church this past weekend. If you were there, this might be fun to see. If you were out traveling, it will give you a taste of how it went. It was fabulous to see so many folks celebrating with us. The 3pm and 5pm services were bursting at the seams. The 7pm service (where this video was taken) had some room, but was full of energy as we worshipped together.

Without further delay – here’s the recap: (via my iPhone)

As this Christmas approaches – a CALL is echoing out for those with ears to hear…

It’s simply a call of availability – a reminder that needs echoed, heeded and embraced.

I was at a big-box store the other day, on a mission for some additional Christmas lights. After searching the shelves, I came across the empty spot that once held the treasure I sought. Unavailable. Out of stock. Unaccessible.

Sure, the other 3 stores had some on the shelves. 53 here at this one across town, 24 at another a few miles away. You’ve probably stood in a similar scenario a time or two. The realization that it’s not available here – where I’m standing is a frustrating feeling.

I wonder how many folks may sense that same feeling as it comes to their understanding of themselves. Right where they’re standing in life – is there an availability of life with God? Is it possible for someone with such a checkered past? Is a relationship with the Almighty accessible to one so tainted and broken? Would the Creator even recognize this marred creation, worse yet – would He even want them?

The Call of Christmas echoes still. It began with an Angelic announcement that was then repeated by some lowly shepherds who probably felt the same way…life with God was NOT attainable or available to them…

But amazingly – the Call of Christmas changed their understanding, their perspective and ultimately their reality. Life with God WAS now available. It was in stock. It was accessible – even to people like them.

Even to people like you – like me.

The call of Christmas says God’s love isn’t limited to a select few who get there first. It’s never out of stock. His love has echoed forth since that first Christmas night as a love available to ANY & ALL.

The Call of Christmas says, “you’ve got an all-access pass to life with God” through the coming of a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. He is Emmanuel – God with us. The God who is for us!

May your ears hear again the Call of Christmas – maybe for the first time.

May it ring loud for all time. His love. Life with God is now and forever available to ANY & ALL…

Here’s the real Christmas Story – the Call of Christmas if you will:

²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”). ~Matthew 1:20-22

It’s vital to be able to ‘bounce back’

As parents – as leaders, it’s vital to demonstrate and also nurture resiliency.

It’s the ability to ‘bounce back’ after facing set backs. Imagine taking a rubber ball and squeezing pressure upon it, so it deforms out of its original shape. As you release the pressure, it actually stretches back to its original form.

Resiliency – ‘bouncing back’ from the hardship, heartaches and difficulties in life is vital to continue toward having healthy relationships and moving forward in life. Every parent I know, hopes their child can have this character quality. Every leader hopes those around them can exhibit this quality. Every one of us hopes we have it too. Why?

Because we know that we’ll need it.

In talking with a friend and the hardships that one of his son’s is facing in a post-college career – the challenges of teaching and the set backs he’s had to handle this year, he mentioned to me: “he’s resilient, he’ll bounce back”. It’s a comfort all parents desire to have, but probably wonder at times if it will be there. We can not manufacture resilience on behalf of someone, we can only help nurture it – we can help encourage it.

We can do things to foster the ‘bounce back’ mentality within our kids and friends. Here’s a few simple suggestions:

“He gives strength to those who are tired & more power to those who are weak” -Isaiah 40:29

We live in a world that gladly offers definitions:

1. it’s having enough financial security
2. it’s being connected in the right social circles
3. it’s gaining the respect and praise of your peers
4. ___fill in the blank____, etc…

I was reading in Mark Batterson’s new book: The Circle Maker a time where he sat down, wrestled through his own answer and crafted a definition. Here’s what he came up with:

1. Do the best you can with what you have where you are. Success is not circumstantial. We usually focus on what we’re doing or where we’re going, but God’s primary concern is who we’re becoming in the process. We talk about “doing” the will of God, but the will of God has much more to do with “being” than “doing.” It’s not about being in the right place at the right time; it’s about being the right person, even if you find yourself in the wrong circumstances. Success has nothing to do with how gifted or how resourced you are; it has everything to do with glorifying God in any and every situation by making the most of it. Success is spelled stewardship, and stewardship is spelled success. The second definition I wrote down captures my calling. Whether I’m writing or preaching or parenting, this is the driving passion of my life:

2. Help people maximize their God-given potential. Potential is God’s gift to us; what we do with it is our gift back to God. Helping people maximize their God-given potential is why God put me on this planet. That is what gets me up early and keeps me up late. Nothing is more exhilarating to me than seeing people grow into their God-given giftedness. The third definition reveals the deepest desire of my heart:

3. My desire is that the people who know me the best respect me the most. Success is not measured by how many people I pastor or how many books I sell; success is living life with such authentic integrity that those who know me best actually respect me most. I couldn’t care less about fame or fortune. I want to be famous in my home.

It hit me like a load of bricks. I was deeply moved – more moved than I expected to be. Why? Because deep down, we desire to be successful and we know that the definitions offered in society are hollow. We desire more significance. More substance. The truth is: success is either decided upon and chosen by you — or it becomes chosen for you. It is so easy to begin to define what success is according to so many other people or according to culture – than what it should be in your own mind or what it is to God…

True success is custom crafted and created by God. To each of us – there is a tailored calling and contribution to make. One that ultimately brings about the combination of our God given gifting, calling and uniqueness. Maybe we’ve defined success too corporately and not enough individually.

So, as we’re nearing the end of the year, I’m wrestling with my definition – there’s a lot I like about Mark’s take, but I’m praying about what God desires my answer to be…

I’ll let you know, but you might want to consider your own – spend some time seeking with God what success is supposed to look like in your life. You choose, before it’s chosen for you.

chime in: What does a successful life include?

When you receive one from a teammate, co-worker or friend – it lifts your spirits. You are instantly rewarded with a sense of contribution, that you made an impact.

Often it’s a way we look to pass along an “Great Job” or “Way to go” to someone around us.

It seems to warm our heart giving one, as much as receiving one.

I recently got a text message that was the equivalent – I text back, thanks for the Verbal High Five.

I hit send and it hit me…that’s what that text was. A Verbal High Five!

It stirred this thought: with a few days remaining in this year – who could use a Verbal High Five from me? From you?

Why not make it a point in the next couple weeks to jot down some names of folks who have done a “Great Job” or made a “Way to go” contribution to your organization or your life. Send them a text with some specifics and tell them it’s a #VerbalHighFive

Let it begin…

Earlier today I left my huddle. And I left better for having been there.

I’m thankful for it – for them.

A huddle is simply a small group of folks that are lovingly challenging you.

Every month I get the opportunity to “huddle” with other leaders here in Tucson. It’s a gathering of kindred souls looking to sharpen and grow as leaders. Typing this – I’m grateful for their investment, encouragement, friendship and the wisdom they bring into my life.

I’ve been a part of sports all my life – the huddle is the opportunity and space for the gathered group to recommit to what the task in front of them presents, to refocus on what matters and to renew a pledge toward each persons best.  That those in this circle are all for the others. My hunch is that your experience is similar. There is just something about a group gathered/huddled up. The 3 Musketeers type mantra: “All for one, one for All.”

So maybe as you’re winding down your 2011 calendar year.

Take a moment to consider 3 things:

1. Do you have a huddle that you’re a part of? A group at church or of friends that are for your best?
2. Is there someone in that group that could use a special reminder of how much they matter to you?
3. If you don’t have a group – why not make a commitment for 2012?  (Find a huddle. Start one)

One of the things I love about the Church – is our quest to follow the modeling of Jesus, who huddled – taught the importance and vitality of living life within community. All for one, one for All kind of living.

Is it easy all the time? No. Does it take  effort? Yes. Most of the best things in life do take work…

Strength, endurance, wisdom, encouragement, creativity, perseverance, enrichment, vision and hope all exist within good huddles. Last I checked, I need those.

You do too.

Huddle Up.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another…  ~Hebrews 10:24-25a

Q) How has being a part of a group/huddle impacted you?

this is crazy:

I Believe I can Fly ( flight of the frenchies). Trailer from sebastien montaz-rosset on Vimeo.

Almost everywhere we go, there is a soundtrack playing. Music is all around us. It sets an atmosphere and helps create an experience. Music is a fantastic thing…

Think of your favorite movie – there was music playing. Remember walking down Disneyland Main Street – there was music. As I sip my latte, music is playing…

We crave good tunes…they add to life.

The other day I came across a thought about how the craving of a tune over the words of wise correction can short-circuit a life.

I enjoy Twitter – it’s Facebook without all the fluff – think strictly status updates, thoughts to ponder or links.

I came across this thought from @lecrae

Better to hear the correction of the wise than to hear the song of fools. 

Read that again…

We love music – a song sung is a beautiful thing that can move the heart. We crave to hear a song.

Correction spoken to us – face to face – not so much… Some become so pre-occupied seeking out hearing songs of approval and acceptance – that they will listen to anyone singing, even the unwise. If we get caught up hearing the songs of fools and shut-out those words of correction that the wise offer, we’re the ones who lose in the end.

Correction might be difficult to hear in the moment, but correction can be life-giving. It can become a soundtrack that enables our steps to become more secure and solid moving forward. As we journey through life, craving and listening to our songs – don’t let them drown out the healthy words of wise correction.

Who are some of the ‘wise’ that God has placed around you? What’s some wisdom they’ve given?

Are you listening to their words – are you tuned into their loving correction?

To those that will open their lives & hearts to correct-correction from the wise  - they will benefit, prosper and grow.

Proverbs 15:31
Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.

Proverbs 12:15
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.

I thought this was a touching moment at pregame as both teams assembled at mid-field for what is needed. May we always stand up for those that can’t stand up for themselves.

May we remember that what gets swept under the rug, will eventually trip you up.

Our prayers are with the victims – may God watch over them and begin the healing process.