Growin' Up Gregory

No, I didn't let one of the kids title this post.  That's "Happy Thanksgiving!" backwards, unless I made a mistake that obviously spellcheck couldn't pick up on.  If you grew up in church, and possibly even if you didn't, you have likely heard these few verses numerous times throughout the year and especially around Thanksgiving: "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 While I truly believe that our actions (outside) come from our heart (inside), sometimes we have to train our heart how to feel and subsequently act.  If we simply turn these verses around and work from 18 to 16, would that have a different impact?  Let's see... Give thanks in everything . This does not mean that we are thankful for everything, rather that we are thankful in everything.  As children (immature beings), most of us were taught to express thanks for items we...

This morning was one of the more emotional worship services I've been a part of in recent memory.  It's hard to quietly explain to a newly turned 6 year old that sometimes, everything's okay when people are crying.  I could venture guesses as to why this day was special, but really want to share the thoughts that came to mind as many different things seemed to come together today. Our Sunday school lesson was on Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  I'll keep drawing on this story so if you want more depth, read John 11.  If not, the super short cliff notes version is this:  Lazarus's sisters sent word to Jesus that their brother was sick.  Jesus eventually made his way to their home, but He was too late.  Lazarus was dead.  Then Jesus did what the Son of God does, He raised the dead! I was super excited about this lesson for several reasons.  One, it was good lesson with a lot more to it than I had previously noticed.  Two, I heard ...

By no means am I an expert in this field.  Though, if you would like the name of someone who is, I can give you the info for someone who has taught me a lot over the years and I still learn something new every time she speaks...10+ years later.  She's a true professional and could write a book (or three) on personal and professional etiquette.  These are merely my 'dumb country boy' thoughts from interactions and observations I've had over the years in no particular order. Appointments Everyone that I work with has heard me talk about how much I absolutely love appointments.  Think about it, we make them all the time - for a haircut, the dentist, the groomer, a fancy restaurant, or any other number of activities.  Appointments help give our schedules some sense of structure.  Yes, emergencies happen, like when Britt had to cancel the kids' dentist appointment when her water broke.  But that's not the norm.  However, when we are able to schedule...

"We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle Are your habits driving you towards excellence or mediocrity?  Our habits can be defined as the things that we have the knowledge, skill, and desire to do. Since I don't know how to sew, I can't have the habit of knitting scarves or clothes.  I can attempt to learn about it and develop a knowledge of sewing.  But that requires gaining new knowledge and developing a new habit. If I don't have the skill to throw a football like Tom Brady or hit a golf ball like Brooks Koepka, then throwing a football or playing golf are not a habits of mine.  I may have enough skill to consider them hobbies, but not habits. If I don't have the desire to fold clothes or wash dishes, it's not a habit either.  These may be tasks that I do regularly and become routines.  But they are born out of a desire to have an orderly home, not to perform the act itself. Ask yourself tod...