Thanksgiving 2017

As I was trying to think of my next blog, I thought that a Thanksgiving post would be in order.  Timing and a thankful heart  guiding me.  In Colossians 4:2, we are told, "Devote yourselves to prayer, be watchful and thankful." The first thing about this is the fact that it is not formed in a request but more so a demand.  Devote ourselves in prayer, then be watchful and thankful for the blessings that we are given in life.

So, where to start with so many things to be thankful for.  First and foremost, I am thankful to God for the walk of faith that he guided me on this year.  Travelling half way around the world to serve Him has been a life-changing experience for me.  And also thankful for all of the people that helped me get there through donations, prayers, and guidance.

I am also very thankful for the family that I have.  I know many men say, but I have truly been blessed with the best wife and children for me.  Even as I recover from a surgery, the giving heart of my wife is seen on a daily basis.  She is relentless in making sure my needs are met even when I try to maintain my independence.  And my children, the decisions that they are making and progress in life that they make are very encouraging.

But, in my family, the term family extends past the people of my home.  My father, with his ever-giving heart, showing his heart to everyone he meets.  For a mother, that no longer with us on earth, still guides many of the steps I take daily.  My sister, though a single mother, working endless hours to provide for her four children, inspires me daily.  Tami's parents and brother always being there when things are needed.  And my niece and all of those nephews, each in their own way, striving to be their best at what they are doing.  And  that doesn't even get into the best group of aunts, uncles, and cousins that I have.

The friends that I have.  Two families that I consider family pushing me to be my best, but all of the other friends that that I have acquired.  Awesome memories with all my friends that in their own way have helped me become the person that I am today.

So many other things to be thankful for.....

My dog, for her unconditional love that she teaches all of us everyday

My job, for allowing me to provide for my family and give us the home and vehicles that we have.

A team of young men that I have the pleasure of coaching and guiding.  Looking forward to another great season with them.

A community where I live and where I work.

This list could continue for ever.  I am so thankful and grateful for all the things that I have in my life.  I am thankful for the breakthroughs that I have had this year and am encouraged by the many that are yet to come.

Happy Thanksgiving 2017

#MO1

A few years back, I went to a clinic of baseball coaches and while there, I listened to a coach talk about the Magnitude of One.  The coach used it as reference to improve every minute at whatever you are doing at that moment.  He went on to elaborate that this mantra didn't just follow them in baseball but should carry over to all aspects of their life.

Since that time, I have adopted this as our own team motto but expanded a little with some help from other coaches and research that I have done.  #MO1 isn't just something that we use when we participate in baseball activities but it is something that we try to carry over into our lives.  Magnitude can be defined as of great size.  I like to think of it as of great meaning or the impact that one can make.

We took a team trip and had a coach talk to us.  He also used one but in a different realm.  He tries to get his wrestlers to improve one percent every day.  I got thinking, "Hmmm, what other ways does one effect us?  What really is the Magnitude of one?"

Another way that we can use One is to make it a personal goal to positively impact one life every day.  It can be something intentional or unintentional.  It can be anonymous or worthy of credit.  When we consider the impact that could be made if each of us set out each day to impact one person's life, think about the changes.  It reminds me of the movie Pay it Forward, but instead it is just the Magnitude of One.  This could be the greatest influence in society.

If we think in Biblical contexts, it brings me back to John 14:6, "Jesus answered, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"  You see, there is only one way, one truth, and one life.  Jesus is the one way for us to get to the Father. 

As you can see, improvement in your life, and the impact you have on others comes down to the number ONE.  The number one can change you life and the lives of the people around you.  Strive to improve daily and impact one other life, and things can change.