My boss spoke this phrase yesterday. I wrote it down in my BuJo and have been contemplating it. As a person with the identity of Ambassador of Hope and Beauty, it’s important for me to remember this. I need to not overpromise in the hope that I speak; and I need to strive for clarity when I speak strategically as I point toward vision.

I wrote this commitment in my Commitments page (pg. 2 right after my Vision/Values page) of my Bullet Journal last summer. I have held to this discipline on a daily basis now for more than half a year straight. The fruit of such has indeed been experienced.

What are "measurements" that we can use to determine what "good" design (or etc.) is?

Attendance? Giving? What else? Certainly engagement - with those who interact with the design…

We’re thinking about next calendar year and what series topics we might schedule. One of our thoughts is the Sermon on the Mount. I really like the idea. I have had this card at my desk for years. It’s a great reminder of what is worth upholding

I went to the Story Conference the other week. I was just reflecting on my journaling from the conference. This section of scribbles jumped out at me today and I thought I would share what I’m contemplating.

This summer, I’ve done some reflecting on my life since coming to faith and learning to practice it these past 27 years. I grew up in an agnostic family that for my story was really great to never be pressured into attending. When I finally went (with the idea that I’d meet kids my age and get a donut) I remember hearing a compelling teaching about the wide road and the narrow gate. The more I learned about this Jesus of Nazareth, the more I was fascinated with his teaching. The fruit of how I was so authentically loved by people who professed faith, the more I was convinced that I was believing too. When I was shared the passion of his love with the story of the cross, I committed my life to Jesus. I've had the privilege of learning and walking with some amazing mentors and friends over the years. I want to follow Jesus like them and the saints I’ve studied. Every new day I continue to be grateful for the joys in this life that I get to experience as I aim to love God and other with all that I am.

I wrote the following paragraph to a friend who shared a eulogy for someone they knew that lived a good life. My friend finished by writing, "...I keep thinking of all the phenomenal people in the world who never make the news, never make a scene, but just faithfully live their lives with Jesus making the world a better place…"

This is really beautiful to read and contemplate what a faithful life looks like. Thank you. Your final sentences remind me of the verse in 1 Timothy that I’ve been prayer breathing the past week: "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." I’ve witnessed a few funerals where we got to remember a life well lived; and I’ve also spent time thinking about some of the people that are and have been heroes and mentors to me. It reminds me of what such men as Bob Maravelli (youth leader in Pittsburgh - who shared Jesus teaching of the narrow path being preferable to the wide road) and a young Brett Ray shared in the first year of my barely decided faith. More so than what they shared, but the sincerity that they shared it with and the chance to have seen them live over the years since... I want to live my life like such as you and them.

Scarcity can lead to clarity

Love supersedes laws

Let grace win

If they’re ever in battle, let Love win!

The mystery of Jesus is beautiful to me!!

My "ministry" should be about other people’s dreams.

Prophecy - seeing what God sees and sharing what He would share

"Artists" are willing to take risks

Be willing to change "uniforms" and wear the one that fits your identity best

Be you. Be free!

Life sometimes still holds the necessary mundane. But it is a mobis that is also flying on Aslan’s back...

The best words cannot capture the greatest experience. Jesus’ revelation!

Forgot the past; He is writing a new book.

Here is the exercise I did in trying to outline talking points to tell my story in 10 minutes. (It took closer to 20 than 10, but…) the exercise in having it written was really good for me!

Additional thoughts:

In PR - With my family and/or me in the tree

Building blocks in PR

The Scouts - Philmont?

Breakaway

Baseball pic with me the Allstar SS next to my huge Catcher

Houseboat waterskiing

Ceramics - realizing that there’s something to art - beauty in asymmetry

My dad dying

Realizing

Juarez

Crossroads -

Wedding

Part of the team going into the building (video, learning from some great men)

Launching Genesis

Traveling?

Learning what the Work of God is

End of Genesis

Strengths and becoming even more truly me when no longer responsible for doing everything on my own

The boys!! - Our adoption story

Coaching and revealing beauty to enhance story