Wisdom Bucket

Encouragement barista, evernote junkie, and family man living the dream life in Anderson, South Carolina. I value the Bible, my family, and Church.

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Moving

Although Tumblr has been a great place to write my thoughts, I've decided to get a more advanced platform. I moved to Wisdombucket.com. Come visit me there! 

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Could you imagine being there that day when God said these poetic words to his son? I bet that made Jesus so happy! 

If you’ve given your life to Jesus, then you know God sees past your sin because of the cross. The love of the father is yours because of Jesus! It doesn't get much better waking up on a Monday morning knowing that!  

I’m so grateful I serve a loving God like this! What about you? 

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Love how comedian, Ricky Garvails shares his process for creativity. Honesty sells. 

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I'm one of those people that is constantly asking questions. This can be a good thing. Great leaders inspire action by asking the right questions. All the great inspiring leaders think, act, and function in this way. From Martin Luther King to Apple founder Steve Jobs, these guys asked questions that changed the world. Asking questions can help us understand more about who we are and why we do what we do. But I think sometimes asking so many questions can cause us to miss out on the great things God has for us. 

As I was reading the Bible, I saw something that Solomon makes a statement about in Proverbs 20:24. He says, "The Lord directs our steps." Every step I take today is proof that He cares about me. I get that. When I get up out of bed, when I help my kids get ready for school, when I walk into my office, when I meet with clients, when I coach my kid's soccer games, when I take my daughter on daddy-daughter dates, when I wrestle with the challenges that come in life, all these steps are directed by the Lord. David, Solomon's dad, knew this too. He said, "He makes me lie down in green pastures." Solomon and David knew that God led them along the way. They were living on purpose and for a purpose. Based on the promises I see in the word of God, I believe God cares more about me than I will ever know! 

I get the first statement of this verse. It's easy for me to believe that. What I wrestle with is the second statement. "Why try and understand everything along the way?" This makes sense but also challenges me. Maybe if I enjoyed life more I would understand that statement more. I think so much and ask so many questions that sometimes I miss out on the joy of just living. Maybe I should just relax a bit and not worry so much about where He is directing me. He promises to never leave me nor forsake me, so maybe resting in that for a season is what He's trying to teach me right now.

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Sometimes you just need a good reminder!

What kind of reminders do you have in your life that cause you to pause and reflect on God? 

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We all have questions regarding the economic shutdown that's happening across the nation. What should we do when it seems like all hope is lost? Who should we believe? What's the wisest thing we can do in this season of change?

Bishop Walter S. Thomas, Sr., Pastor of New Psalmist Church in Baltimore, shared a video with his congregation yesterday that encouraged me, and I think will encourage you as well.

Here are a couple of leadership quotes from that video: 

1. God has promised to be with us. God has promised to take care of us. God has promised to provide for us and open doors. We got to believe that and hold on to that and trust that.

2. I need you to believe that word. Not to have just heard sermons, but to believe the word of God-- the promise God gave you. He did not bring you this far to leave you now.

3. Keep the spirit of generosity alive.

4. We don't know how long this is going to last(#shutdown), but what we do know-- our God will outlast it and we will outlast the storm.

In light of this economic shutdown remember that 

Prayer + Promise = Perspective. The wise thing to do is not give up but trust the promises of God! 

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The hardest part about trusting Jesus with your life is letting Him have complete control. When we give up control to Jesus it’s not a bad thing. Surrender can be so hard, but when you stand in awe of a God who has all things in His control, you can have peace letting Him take care of the details. He has a better plan for our lives. 

God loves us more than we could ever know. His love is not measurable which is why it’s so hard to believe He has our best interest at heart. What’s on the other side of your pain is a loving God that wants you to see blessing! This truth is the foundation that we must rest on. This is the greatest thing we could ever know. This is how The Lord displays His holiness!

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Over the weekend I got outside and hiked some miles by myself. It’s a different world when you’re all alone. I didn't see a soul for the first day and a half. When you’re all by yourself with no human interaction it’s really weird, especially if your a people person like me.

While hiking, I couldn't help but think about Abram's trek with Sarai, Moses and the burning bush, and David as he spent so many quite nights being a shepherd. I imagined Jesus as he was tested in the wilderness for 40 days and Paul's first missionary journey. If anything, all the walking created a lot of gratitude for those who have gone before me in the faith!  

I hiked about 25 miles from Raven Cliff Falls, which is 1 mile from Caesars Head State Park, to Table Rock State Park. All in all, it took me 2 1/2 days. This trail is part of the 77 mile Foot Hills trail that starts in Oconee State Park and ends at Table Rock State Park.

Great to be back in the woods and get away from all the busyness that life brings. The woods are such a peaceful and relaxing place to me.

Do you take time to get away from the normal day to day things and just reflect? If so, what do you like to do? 

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The other day I was looking at this picture of my middle child, Finn, and it made me think about how awesome this accomplishment was. He spent an entire week attending Clemson’s soccer camp. He worked hard and played hard, and I know that at the end of the day he learned a ton. 

As I stared at the picture my eyes focused on what he’d written on his soccer ball. It says “I love Riley.” Riley’s his oldest brother.

It dawned on me for a moment that the accomplishments we have in life are great, but that isn’t what our Father in heaven is most concerned with. The way we treat others can move God's heart in a way that our accomplishments can't. 1 Corinthians 13 is great example of someone doing a bunch of great things, but if love isn't attached, then there useless. I'm a proud father. Twenty years from now soccer camp won't matter, but the way he loves his brother will. 

As a father when I look back on the life that I’ve lived do I want the Lord to remember me for the accomplishments that I’ve made and the work that I’ve done, or do I want him to see the way I’ve loved others? I'm grateful for Finn, who’s sharpening me to think differently about that. 

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Cherish every moment you have with you little people! They grow up way too fast! 

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Today's the day you could change history! Everything you say from here on out could change someone's world. People are trusting you to be the leader you claim to be. Don't stop giving everything you have to being honest. By doing so you create a trail that people will begin follow!

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If I've learned anything about being a dad its that you can't take yourself so seriously. If you really want to enjoy life, you have to loosen up a little. 

  Dad life can have its challenges. One day you're on your honeymoon and the next you're carpooling to soccer games. Those of us dads who go all out and love our families with everything we have, know that it's hard work being kind, patient, and flexible with our spouse and kids. Let's face it, we want to be the hero, but it's really hard to do that when you're a dad. 

  Mixing things up can help. Wearing a Batman mask and calling yourself Batdad might not be your thing, but it sure is fun to watch. Fun is always the best approach to take with your family. Fun dads make for great memories. Dads who make their kids smile are just more fun to be around. Fun dads are heroes in their home. 

  So, to all my dad friends, let's unite and change the world! Let's go all out, stop by the store, and bring some fun on our way home today! Let's salute Batdad for being an inspiration to us! Lets go be a hero in our home!

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Sometimes you just need to get outside!

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Humbled by a Paper Plate

I've got this deal with my wife that if she creates the food, I'll clean up the kitchen. Unfortunately for me, a couple days ago my dishwasher broke. It was an unexpected challenge and for a family of five I didn't really value the mechanical device until it was broken. Because it takes longer to hand wash and dry dishes I've had to be more strategic with my time. I've had to adapt. The one thing I've learned about adapting to change is that it can be laborious, expensive, and tiring.  After several days of cleaning dishes the old fashioned way, my wife had this amazing idea. She bought us paper plates. This idea saved me massive time and met a need that I hadn't even thought of.  After years in ministry, I know that leaders are facing challenging circumstances all the time. It is easy to get used to doing something the same way again and again, only to realize if we are truly going to reach people far from God, we must remove barriers by creating solutions that actually make a difference.  As I maneuver though change I find that if I: 1. Ask for help  and 2. Am willing to listen to those around me for suggestions  I experience the "ah ha" moment similar to when my wife got me paper plates after the dishwasher broke. When I do these things, I not only save more time, but those who I rely on for help see how valuable they are. 

When was the last time you asked someone to help you? 

When was the last time you celebrated someone else's success? 

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Dad, I got carrots!

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My poker face

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Love this kid!