I took a bit of a break from this experiment to listen.  I know I talk too much.  Everyone knows I talk too much.  This was a respite and a way for me to absorb other peoples thoughts.  It was nice and I learned some things.

#listen #speak #listensomemore

When I was 18 I met Jesus.  Not like in person or anything, I guess just, in my heart.  I have no way of explaining what I went through.  I wasn't on mushrooms or anything and yet, it happened and when it did it gave me purpose.

#jesus #christian #endofmyrope

I've always hid my weaknesses because I have always wanted people to like me.  This created a growing blackness inside of me.  Secrets that festered.  Now, I am sharing my weaknesses openly and I have been amazed at the responses.  People are reaching out to me and sharing their stories of struggle.  Now, I have a closer relationship with those guys and it helps me understand them better.

#struggle #weakness #strength

Gah!  I've had so many good mental health days in a row I can't even count them all.  Then, boom, a bad one hits.  Yesterday was one of those bad ones.  Even with my practices in place.  BUT today is a new day.  I have my daily practices in place and I am determined to do what I can to make today brighter than yesterday.

My world view is admittedly pretty limited.  I live in the midwest, have my small family and group of friends.  Is something terrible going on in another part of the country or world?  It doesn't matter to me because it doesn't concern me AND here in is the problem.  I have got to make a real effort to broaden my world view and care about other people.  People who don't speak the same language I do or dress like I do or worship the way I do.

So, this is my commitment to doing/being better.

Humans suck.  We do.  We are full of counteractions and hypocrisy.  We lie and get angry too much.  We talk behind each others backs and the real dirtbags have affairs and punch people in the face.  AND THESE ARE JUST THE CHRISTIANS. 

Jesus said "he who is without sin, cast the first stone."  These 9 words should be the filter in which we see others through.

I was born to be a dad but sometimes, it's the toughest thing I have ever done.  The last thing Leah and I want to do is raise selfish kids but that is easier said than done.

Most people that know me would say I am extroverted.  I talk too much.  I take over a room with stories.  I want to be the center of attention.  The truth is that those times drain me.  An introvert gets energized by being alone and an extrovert experiences that same energy boost in a crowd.  I am the first one.  I love to be alone.  I love silence and peace but most people wouldn't know that about me because I am also a people pleaser.

Some people believe the church just wants your money.  Why they believe that might be more about unintentional miss management of the money the Church does have and less about greed.  I think the church should think more about meeting the community IN the community.  They have a responsibility to become the community through the marketplace.