Wednesday, September 24, 2008

your decisions cost you...

I've always heard that your decisions determine your destiny. That is, what you do will ultimately determine the direction and outcome of your life.

I always thought it'd be interesting to see what a dumb decision would financially cost. I mean if we could quantify the value of a mistake what would it be.

Well, I came across this article that answers the question. Super Bowl star Plaxico Burresswas suspended for one game by the New York Giants. He made a mistake (we all have, I'm not picking on him) and it cost him. The exact details - Burress will lose two paychecks under the suspension. He will not be with the team during the bye week and won't be allowed to practice with the team next week. His base salary under the new contract is $2 million. His suspension will cost him $235,294.

Say that outloud - $235,294! Maybe one more time - $235,294.

Even if you are making $2 million a year that's still a lot of cheddar.

Today's Walkaway: This football players mistake cost him a lot of money. We are able to see exactly what it cost. He'll pay the fine and live to play another down. But what about you and me?

When we make a mistake/sin, we can't just write a check and restore a relationship or say "I'm sorry" and repair a reputation.

Our decisions really do cost us...how much...I'm not sure...but remember that our decisions really do determine our destiny.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Holding Pattern


Have you ever been in an airplane and you're ready for takeoff but you're stuck in on the ground. Most likely, you're experiencing what is known in the airplane world as a 'holding pattern.'

Holding Pattern: Def. A state of waiting or delay;

I currently find myself in that situation. I'm ready for a change, I'm not sure when or where that change will occur and I feel like in stuck in pause.

As I prepare for takeoff I'm realizing that the preparation to fly is just as important as the flight itself.


My ability to "fly" will be determined by the disciplines I develop while on the ground.

Disciplines are tough to stay dedicated to.

We all want to - get in shape, eat healthy, make good choices, etc. But the want to and the will to are in direct conflict.

So I'm challenging myself to make the most of the holding pattern and learn what I need to while I'm circling the runway.

Today's Walkaway: Life is full of delays. We don't always get what we want when we want it. I've seen people lose their cool in their holding pattern and forfeit what could (should) have been theirs. My prayer (for me) is that we'll learn all we need to learn in this process of patience.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

No Power

During the Windstorm of 2008 (Hurricane Ike) we lost power BUT the Warren5 made the most of it.

With candles burning and a great attiude our family had a great experience of making the most of a difficult situation.

And estimated half million are out of power in the Dayton area.

During this experience it's been incredible to see God's favor.

Our neighbor sent her kids down and informed us she had breakfast ready for her family and invited us to join them. Bacon, Eggs, Pancakes on the grill! We had a great time of hanging out. Then my other neighbor let me borrow his lawnmower (my has an attitude) while I got my yard cleaned up.

We had to cancel our small groups and youth service for the week so I'm spending time at a local coffee shop that has free wi-fi.

Today's Walkaway: Psalms 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice IN IT and be glad.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Thursday, September 4, 2008

facebook updated

My facebook page with pictures has been updated!

laugh

Last night at dinner the Warren5 sat down to dinner and had a great time of being together as a family.

School & soccer have started, our busy life at church, and my kids 'new social life,' all add to a schedule that can easily become overwhelming.

Beth and I really try to make sure that we eat dinner (at the table) as a family as often as we can during the week.

Last night we laugh (a lot)! It felt great.

Spending 30 minutes at a dinner table might seem like such a small thing right now but I know as the years move on the memories and conversations we have as a family will have huge benefits.

Today's Walkaway: Be intentional. Whatever you do, whatever you say, wherever you are, have a goal of what you what to accomplish and work at it with all your ability. My goal last night wasn't to laugh a lot and have this great memory. The goal was to spend time as a family and the byproduct of that goal was the laughter and memory. I know I can't make those things happen but I can be very intentional about making time with my family happen.

What's an area in your life you need to be more intentional about?

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Two Goals

Soccer Update:

I have three children all in three different soccer leagues. It's going to be a fun season.

Well, I am helping coach Gabe's 8-9 year old league.

The other night he got hurt early in the game but shook it off and kept playing. I am so glad he did.

He played the best game of his life (OK - he's only been playing three years). But he scored TWO GOALS, had an assist and played some incredible defense. I was so proud as a dad (I have to admit I teared up a bit).

It was amazing experience for Gabe and I to share together and one that is now an incredible memory for us to have.

Today's Walkaway: Life Experiences (good & bad) give us a better understanding of who we are and what we are made of.

Reminding ourselves that we ARE created in the image of God shoots peace and confidence into our lives. We should be quick to remember that when we experience life.