I can’t shake how captivated I am by this song.

It’s a call to remember how important it is to be mindful how needy we as: as individuals and as a society.

This visualization of Pray Where You Are uploaded to YouTube by Bill Peterson really captures the song’s themes well.

As our country prepares for our election I feel it’s even more important to pray for our nation than I do most days.

Pray Where You Are by Lost Dogs

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just six days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

Intelligence

I want you to believe I’m smart.

I know it sounds so shallow, but it’s true.

I’ve never cared much about how my reputation is affected by opinions about my clothing, vehicles or income.

On the other hand, I hope you think I’m smart.

It’s good discipline to be a lifelong learner.

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just seven days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

I Love Science

As far back as I can remember I’ve loved science.

Scotty the Scientist they called me.  My curiosity has reigned big in my life since I was little. 

Excursus – Let me express my thanks to my sister Kristie for all the great digital pictures of me she’s providing this week.  Thanks Kristie!

What is INTEGRITY?

Integrity, according to dictionary.com means, “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.”

I following through consistently on true beliefs and healthy values.

I cannot begin to think through what a mangled mess “integrity” can be.

Who decides what’s true/truth?
What value are beliefs? How about facts?
And, for that matter, whose beliefs?
Who determines what and whose values are healthy?
And, what value are values?
Do some values have precedence over other values?

We watch the presidential debates.
We try to make wise decisions who we choose as leaders.

We watch him.
We watch her.
We try to make wise decisions who we date and marry.

We wonder, “Who are you?”
And, “Are you the right one?”

People are asking the same things about us.

Who Are You?

Jesus Christ answered that question for anyone who would listen and learn, “You, beloved, are the salt of the earth…and you, beloved, are the light of the world. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.” 1

When I was a teen I had a conversation with my dad about my future career choices.

Since I was a little boy I was known as “Scotty the Scientist”, so clearly a career in the sciences made sense for me. So it was a surprise to my dad when I mentioned that I thought about becoming a police officer.

That dream was more based on my fantasies about being a hero than understanding the what the job would entail.

Right Up Your Alley - What You Do Reveals Who You Are Becoming 

This week I’m responding to Ken Davis’ call to be “fully alive.” Fully alive people are characterized by many things including meaningful friendships, courageously overcoming fear, and a determination to course corrections when they fail.

We all fail.  Failure is painful.

Pain is part of the price of living.
– Love is painful.
– Relationships are painful.
– Failing is painful.

If we choose to move forward in our quest to live fully alive, we will fall, it will hurt . . . and it will be worth it.

Be prepared to pay the price. Change costs.  Progress can be painful.

Yesterday I posted my review of Fully Alive by Ken Davis.

Davis’ book challenges us to step out of our comfort zones to build deep friendships.

Today is the first day of school for millions of children; it’s an ideal opportunity to build on old friendships or to start building new ones.

How Can I Build Friendships?

Davis explains, “Making friends is like exercise; it requires discipline and vigilance.”  1
– It takes time
– It takes patience
– It takes graciousness.

Graciousness?

Yesterday, I exposed a few reasons why we procrastinate including:

We feel overwhelmed.
We overestimate the amount of time needed.
We would rather be doing something else.
We think if we wait long, the task will go away.
We fear failure.
We fear success.
We enjoy the last-minute adrenaline rush.

What’s beneath those reasons?

There are many factors, here are a few:

Christopher procrastinates signing up for football because he’s afraid to have all the lies he’s told about his abilities exposed.

On behalf of my son Josh, and all students starting school this week and next, allow me to remind you of these excellent suggestions:

Ask questions, it will help you in the long run. 

Be yourself, you will be more popular that way.

Check for toilet paper when you enter the stall.

Don’t procrastinate; there won’t be time later.

Get good sleep, each night, it makes school easier.

If you fall asleep in class, expect your teacher to embarrass you.