Into the Trenches Podcast

The first 10-40min of our day can be critical to how we set the rest of the day. We are in the season of Lent and we dig deep into how we are trying to use this time to shape our family by establishing good habits and how a powerful the start to our day can be a difference maker. Morning liturgies can be key to our ability to see and live out the challenging subversive practices we are called to.

Huge shout out to Justin Early and his book Habits of the Household

Me: Of course they know I appreciate them. They know they are doing a great job and on track.

Interviewer: When was that last time you told them that?

Me: ....

We often think people are clearly aware of the thoughts in our head. Or we think people just want to be recognized with cash and not some cheesy gesture. When actually a non-financial reward or recognition is the most meaningful of all. This is the same in our families and communities.

Quote from: The Advantage by Patrick Lencioni

One would think it would be hard to find yourself lonely in your Marriage, but I think it's actually the opposite. I think we feel lonely a lot more than we would like to admit. We are in no way relational experts but thought it would be good to be open and honest about how we have to work to not silo ourselves in our marriage. This was a fun, honest conversation about how Sarah and I are working to rid the feeling of being on an island. Are you sharing your desires? How are you and your significant other getting immersed into creation?

I think I am convinced that for the most part email makes us miserable. It for sure has given me stress and anxiety and at times killed my productivity. What workflows do you or should you change so that you don't have the constant feeling of running and getting nowhere.

This is a quote from a book that has become one of my favorites.

A World Without Email by Cal Newport

Being in the trench will cost. But if you can do it I think you'll find a new reverence for one another that will give you a new definition of abundance and life. I am feeling the pull and need a strong community to keep me moving in the right direction.

If you continue to interrupt all of your available time with email, social media, calls, or solving problems you are robbing your directed attention. One of the best ways to enhance your critical thinking or concentration to make sure you are letting yourself the freedom to have downtime - preferably time that is immersed in nature.

It was just a simple shirt that said "you belong here" that instantly made me want to come back. The best leaders can connect with us after our worst moments and make us 10 times stronger than we ever were before. They do this by connecting and making us feel like we belong. Isn't that a strong desire in all of us?

Here is a safe place for you to give you absolute best effort and it feels like home.

This is a quote from The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle

If you want to do something more stick it in the middle of your living room. I love what James Clear says. B= f(P,E) Behavior is a function of people and environment. Having trouble sticking with a behavior or habit you strongly desire? Having trouble getting rid of a bad habit? Maybe you should take a hard look at your environment. This has a Huge impact on whether your setting yourself up for success or failure.

This quote is from Atomic Habits by James Clear

Sometimes we are blessed with people in our lives that continue to show us heaven on earth. I get the joy of sitting down with a dear friend of mine Oscar Gomez to talk about this thing called life. I continue to be blown away by his incredible journey and if you stay till the end I think you'll see your creative juices flowing. I love that I can pick on him and laugh without concern. If nothing else I hope you start seeing the world as seen from above - without lines.

God can come dwell in you - in us - is that not just blowing your mind right now?

I can't even being to understand the level of mental and physical power Rubin "Hurricane" Carte had when he was given three life sentences for something he didn't do. He made every moment count and refused to be label by a bunch of lies and non-truths. I think we can learn a lot from this story and the road bumps we face both professionally and at home.

This quote comes from the book: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday