10 Lessons From 10 Years As Christian Leaders

if I was starting all over again in if I was starting all over again in Christian leadership these are the Christian leadership these are the Christian leadership these are the lessons I would want my younger self to lessons I would want my younger self to lessons I would want my younger self to know because we all make mistakes we know because we all make mistakes we know because we all make mistakes we have seasons where we doubt ourselves have seasons where we doubt ourselves have seasons where we doubt ourselves and people say things about us that hurt and people say things about us that hurt and people say things about us that hurt sometimes we question ourselves you know sometimes we question ourselves you know sometimes we question ourselves you know God should I even be doing this in the God should I even be doing this in the God should I even be doing this in the first place for us these are some of the first place for us these are some of the first place for us these are some of the best things we've learned from some of best things we've learned from some of best things we've learned from some of our worst times in Ministry 10 lessons our worst times in Ministry 10 lessons our worst times in Ministry 10 lessons from 10 years as Christian leaders from 10 years as Christian leaders from 10 years as Christian leaders well hey there and welcome to the pro well hey there and welcome to the pro well hey there and welcome to the pro Church tools show we're here to help you Church tools show we're here to help you Church tools show we're here to help you in your church navigate the biggest in your church navigate the biggest in your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years I'm communication shift in 500 years I'm communication shift in 500 years I'm Brady sheer your host I'm joined as Brady sheer your host I'm joined as Brady sheer your host I'm joined as always by my co-host he's caffeinated always by my co-host he's caffeinated always by my co-host he's caffeinated he's collared it's Alexander Mills hell he's collared it's Alexander Mills hell he's collared it's Alexander Mills hell hello you can subscribe to the pro hello you can subscribe to the pro hello you can subscribe to the pro Church tool show wherever you get your Church tool show wherever you get your Church tool show wherever you get your podcast and of course also watch podcast and of course also watch podcast and of course also watch fulllength episodes including this one fulllength episodes including this one fulllength episodes including this one on YouTube we're going to go back and on YouTube we're going to go back and on YouTube we're going to go back and forth with our uh lessons from a decade forth with our uh lessons from a decade forth with our uh lessons from a decade each as Christian leaders I'm going to each as Christian leaders I'm going to each as Christian leaders I'm going to go first my first lesson that I have go first my first lesson that I have go first my first lesson that I have written down is plenty never lasts and written down is plenty never lasts and written down is plenty never lasts and we're starting on a positive note we're starting on a positive note we're starting on a positive note because this is rooted in because this is rooted in because this is rooted in Ecclesiastes just wait till we get to Ecclesiastes just wait till we get to Ecclesiastes just wait till we get to Alex's I read them this morning no no I Alex's I read them this morning no no I Alex's I read them this morning no no I read the first three and I was like I'm read the first three and I was like I'm read the first three and I was like I'm done I can't read anymore so so some of done I can't read anymore so so some of done I can't read anymore so so some of mine are positive but but this one not mine are positive but but this one not mine are positive but but this one not so much Ecclesiastes 3 uh the lesson so much Ecclesiastes 3 uh the lesson so much Ecclesiastes 3 uh the lesson here plenty never lasts and this was here plenty never lasts and this was here plenty never lasts and this was really crystallized for me when I was really crystallized for me when I was really crystallized for me when I was listening to 50 cents autobiography you got to stop it's too autobiography you got to stop it's too early for this I know and he says quote

early for this I know and he says quote early for this I know and he says quote you won't always be on top the public you won't always be on top the public you won't always be on top the public moves on identify that and accept it moves on identify that and accept it moves on identify that and accept it when it comes don't fight it diversify when it comes don't fight it diversify when it comes don't fight it diversify so this is in respect to 50 is like the so this is in respect to 50 is like the so this is in respect to 50 is like the biggest performer in the world basically biggest performer in the world basically biggest performer in the world basically my sisters just actually saw him a my sisters just actually saw him a my sisters just actually saw him a couple weeks ago in South Carolina uh couple weeks ago in South Carolina uh couple weeks ago in South Carolina uh praise God for that we were it was the praise God for that we were it was the praise God for that we were it was the day we were leaving Rebecca and I were day we were leaving Rebecca and I were day we were leaving Rebecca and I were visiting and somehow this concert came visiting and somehow this concert came visiting and somehow this concert came across one of their phones and one of across one of their phones and one of across one of their phones and one of one of them looked at the other one and one of them looked at the other one and one of them looked at the other one and said 50 cents in Charlotte tonight like said 50 cents in Charlotte tonight like said 50 cents in Charlotte tonight like are we going and the other one's like are we going and the other one's like are we going and the other one's like yeah absolutely so they saw 50 Cent in yeah absolutely so they saw 50 Cent in yeah absolutely so they saw 50 Cent in concert amazing yeah and he did the concert amazing yeah and he did the concert amazing yeah and he did the Super Bowl not too long ago and really Super Bowl not too long ago and really Super Bowl not too long ago and really that's kind of to the point of this this that's kind of to the point of this this that's kind of to the point of this this quote of course is in the context of quote of course is in the context of quote of course is in the context of okay I'm the biggest performer in the okay I'm the biggest performer in the okay I'm the biggest performer in the world and famously 50 said I will retire world and famously 50 said I will retire world and famously 50 said I will retire from rapping if I don't sell more from rapping if I don't sell more from rapping if I don't sell more records in the first week than Kane does records in the first week than Kane does records in the first week than Kane does because they had a release date on the because they had a release date on the because they had a release date on the same day I think it was it was like 13 same day I think it was it was like 13 same day I think it was it was like 13 or 16 years ago now and Kanye outsold or 16 years ago now and Kanye outsold or 16 years ago now and Kanye outsold him and that wasn't the last record that him and that wasn't the last record that him and that wasn't the last record that 50 ever made but it was like a stain on 50 ever made but it was like a stain on 50 ever made but it was like a stain on his Public Image because clearly he had his Public Image because clearly he had his Public Image because clearly he had been usurped and this happens in you been usurped and this happens in you been usurped and this happens in you know actors it happens in uh music of know actors it happens in uh music of know actors it happens in uh music of course it happens in fashion it happens course it happens in fashion it happens course it happens in fashion it happens in in pretty much everything where no in in pretty much everything where no in in pretty much everything where no one stays on top forever and what unless one stays on top forever and what unless one stays on top forever and what unless you're Taylor Swift or Drake apparently you're Taylor Swift or Drake apparently you're Taylor Swift or Drake apparently because these two have kind of like because these two have kind of like because these two have kind of like bucked the trend and have really been on bucked the trend and have really been on bucked the trend and have really been on unprecedented runs of being on top so I unprecedented runs of being on top so I unprecedented runs of being on top so I guess aside from those outliers but even

guess aside from those outliers but even guess aside from those outliers but even with them they've had to reinvent with them they've had to reinvent with them they've had to reinvent themselves so many times but what 50y themselves so many times but what 50y themselves so many times but what 50y did is he eventually became a producer did is he eventually became a producer did is he eventually became a producer and you know he was behind the and you know he was behind the and you know he was behind the phenomenon of power and then he signs phenomenon of power and then he signs phenomenon of power and then he signs this like giant deal with uh with that this like giant deal with uh with that this like giant deal with uh with that Network and he kind of like enters into Network and he kind of like enters into Network and he kind of like enters into this new thing and I always just think this new thing and I always just think this new thing and I always just think about this from the context of about this from the context of about this from the context of like how weird must it feel to be like like how weird must it feel to be like like how weird must it feel to be like the biggest in the world on something the biggest in the world on something the biggest in the world on something and then and then and then by no fault of your own almost ever just by no fault of your own almost ever just by no fault of your own almost ever just you got a bit older so you're not you got a bit older so you're not you got a bit older so you're not resonating with young culture as much resonating with young culture as much resonating with young culture as much and young culture is driven so much like and young culture is driven so much like and young culture is driven so much like in the creative world and and people in the creative world and and people in the creative world and and people just don't care about you anymore and just don't care about you anymore and just don't care about you anymore and you're like I think I'm making just as you're like I think I'm making just as you're like I think I'm making just as good music or I'm just as inspired by good music or I'm just as inspired by good music or I'm just as inspired by what I'm making I think qualitatively what I'm making I think qualitatively what I'm making I think qualitatively I've never been as good at this but I've never been as good at this but I've never been as good at this but people don't seem to be resonating with people don't seem to be resonating with people don't seem to be resonating with it as much and it just the the lesson it as much and it just the the lesson it as much and it just the the lesson here is that plenty never lasts in the here is that plenty never lasts in the here is that plenty never lasts in the same way that the seasons change and we same way that the seasons change and we same way that the seasons change and we love reflecting on the seasons because love reflecting on the seasons because love reflecting on the seasons because we think it's such a good picture of we think it's such a good picture of we think it's such a good picture of like The rhythms of life and that that's like The rhythms of life and that that's like The rhythms of life and that that's baked into creation by God and if the 50 baked into creation by God and if the 50 baked into creation by God and if the 50 Cent analogy isn't resonating you give Cent analogy isn't resonating you give Cent analogy isn't resonating you give us give us a Christian lyric to back us give us a Christian lyric to back us give us a Christian lyric to back this up okay so this is from my favorite this up okay so this is from my favorite this up okay so this is from my favorite song by Hill song Seasons quote like the song by Hill song Seasons quote like the song by Hill song Seasons quote like the frost on a rose winter comes from us all frost on a rose winter comes from us all frost on a rose winter comes from us all yeah you thought I was going to make it yeah you thought I was going to make it yeah you thought I was going to make it Christian Jon Snow Game of Thrones Christian Jon Snow Game of Thrones Christian Jon Snow Game of Thrones winter is coming that's why we got the winter is coming that's why we got the winter is coming that's why we got the pastor over here so the point being is pastor over here so the point being is pastor over here so the point being is that whatever you have going on no that whatever you have going on no that whatever you have going on no matter how good it is eventually things matter how good it is eventually things matter how good it is eventually things are going to be getting difficult again

are going to be getting difficult again are going to be getting difficult again inversely no matter how difficult things inversely no matter how difficult things inversely no matter how difficult things are now things on the horizon are going are now things on the horizon are going are now things on the horizon are going to be better also plenty never lasts I to be better also plenty never lasts I to be better also plenty never lasts I have this uh permanently on my body in have this uh permanently on my body in have this uh permanently on my body in the shape of a tattoo it is it's quite the shape of a tattoo it is it's quite the shape of a tattoo it is it's quite up high on the on the upper leg uh it's up high on the on the upper leg uh it's up high on the on the upper leg uh it's uh a slot machine yeah and and the point uh a slot machine yeah and and the point uh a slot machine yeah and and the point is is that like you know no fault of is is that like you know no fault of is is that like you know no fault of your own every day you're pulling that your own every day you're pulling that your own every day you're pulling that slot Mach and you just don't know what slot Mach and you just don't know what slot Mach and you just don't know what and can your values and can your values and can your values youo take care of whatever is in your youo take care of whatever is in your youo take care of whatever is in your control but so much is out of your control but so much is out of your control but so much is out of your control plenty never lasts I was control plenty never lasts I was control plenty never lasts I was thinking a little bit about this concept thinking a little bit about this concept thinking a little bit about this concept just internally the other day appr propo just internally the other day appr propo just internally the other day appr propo of nothing not related to this and I was of nothing not related to this and I was of nothing not related to this and I was thinking about how sometimes in church thinking about how sometimes in church thinking about how sometimes in church culture when things are going really culture when things are going really culture when things are going really well there's this sense of like well there's this sense of like well there's this sense of like impending doom that like oh things have impending doom that like oh things have impending doom that like oh things have been going well for me for too long like been going well for me for too long like been going well for me for too long like some something is about to go wrong and some something is about to go wrong and some something is about to go wrong and then inversely if something if a lot of then inversely if something if a lot of then inversely if something if a lot of things are going wrong in your life you things are going wrong in your life you things are going wrong in your life you have this hope of like sometimes things have this hope of like sometimes things have this hope of like sometimes things they've got to turn like the scales have they've got to turn like the scales have they've got to turn like the scales have to balance the cosmic scales have to to balance the cosmic scales have to to balance the cosmic scales have to balance and sometimes I don't know I balance and sometimes I don't know I balance and sometimes I don't know I think I think we believe that that those think I think we believe that that those think I think we believe that that those rhythms are like I don't know dictated rhythms are like I don't know dictated rhythms are like I don't know dictated or imposed by The Cosmic Creator like oh or imposed by The Cosmic Creator like oh or imposed by The Cosmic Creator like oh things have been going too well for you things have been going too well for you things have been going too well for you for too long like something bad has got for too long like something bad has got for too long like something bad has got to happen or same is true for the to happen or same is true for the to happen or same is true for the inverse but I think it's more just like inverse but I think it's more just like inverse but I think it's more just like this the seasonality of life like this the seasonality of life like this the seasonality of life like everything is season nothing is designed everything is season nothing is designed everything is season nothing is designed to last forever we've talked about it in to last forever we've talked about it in to last forever we've talked about it in so many different contexts on this show so many different contexts on this show so many different contexts on this show like the trajectory of Our Lives is not like the trajectory of Our Lives is not like the trajectory of Our Lives is not intended to be up and to the right at at

intended to be up and to the right at at intended to be up and to the right at at all times um and that is if we can all times um and that is if we can all times um and that is if we can acknowledge it and lean into it in in in acknowledge it and lean into it in in in acknowledge it and lean into it in in in a way it becomes beautiful in the way a way it becomes beautiful in the way a way it becomes beautiful in the way that like right now in Niagara the that like right now in Niagara the that like right now in Niagara the leaves are turning and it's it's leaves are turning and it's it's leaves are turning and it's it's physically beautiful to look at but it physically beautiful to look at but it physically beautiful to look at but it is a sign that they're about to fall and is a sign that they're about to fall and is a sign that they're about to fall and it's about to be like really cold and it's about to be like really cold and it's about to be like really cold and really Barren for a long time but know really Barren for a long time but know really Barren for a long time but know that spring will come again and that the that spring will come again and that the that spring will come again and that the winter does serve a purpose like winter winter does serve a purpose like winter winter does serve a purpose like winter lets the soil rest so um can you take a lets the soil rest so um can you take a lets the soil rest so um can you take a picture of your tattoo so I can I can picture of your tattoo so I can I can picture of your tattoo so I can I can put it on the on the screen here yeah we put it on the on the screen here yeah we put it on the on the screen here yeah we can do that that's not the first time can do that that's not the first time can do that that's not the first time that I mention I have a tattoo that that I mention I have a tattoo that that I mention I have a tattoo that stamps one of these values on me but stamps one of these values on me but stamps one of these values on me but what you said reminded me of one more what you said reminded me of one more what you said reminded me of one more thing I wanted to add because I've thing I wanted to add because I've thing I wanted to add because I've talked about this exact life lesson with talked about this exact life lesson with talked about this exact life lesson with uh with my pastor and he said something uh with my pastor and he said something uh with my pastor and he said something similar about like his church he's like similar about like his church he's like similar about like his church he's like hey like or about our church about his hey like or about our church about his hey like or about our church about his journey at that church is like hey we journey at that church is like hey we journey at that church is like hey we have kind of these like sevene Cycles in have kind of these like sevene Cycles in have kind of these like sevene Cycles in church this is how he's contextualized church this is how he's contextualized church this is how he's contextualized he's like we were like in like building he's like we were like in like building he's like we were like in like building this new building for a long time he's this new building for a long time he's this new building for a long time he's like and it was just like a seven-year like and it was just like a seven-year like and it was just like a seven-year drag he's like when we got in that drag he's like when we got in that drag he's like when we got in that building everything changed and now it's building everything changed and now it's building everything changed and now it's like no matter what we do it just works like no matter what we do it just works like no matter what we do it just works everyone is like positive no matter what everyone is like positive no matter what everyone is like positive no matter what Ministry we want to try it's just like Ministry we want to try it's just like Ministry we want to try it's just like producing fruit it's just like Harvest producing fruit it's just like Harvest producing fruit it's just like Harvest Harvest Harvest Harvest and he's like Harvest Harvest Harvest and he's like Harvest Harvest Harvest and he's like that's probably going to be like the that's probably going to be like the that's probably going to be like the next seven years where like things are next seven years where like things are next seven years where like things are going really well and he's been at this going really well and he's been at this going really well and he's been at this church for decades and his lead Pastor church for decades and his lead Pastor church for decades and his lead Pastor has been there for even longer and has been there for even longer and has been there for even longer and they've seen kind of this cycle and so I they've seen kind of this cycle and so I they've seen kind of this cycle and so I think it's true of ministry just as it's think it's true of ministry just as it's think it's true of ministry just as it's true in I suppose virtually every Arena true in I suppose virtually every Arena true in I suppose virtually every Arena of Life yeah okay so my first lesson of Life yeah okay so my first lesson of Life yeah okay so my first lesson I've called to die a thousand little

I've called to die a thousand little I've called to die a thousand little deaths so starting starting on an deaths so starting starting on an deaths so starting starting on an ecclesiastical ecclesiastical note of ecclesiastical ecclesiastical note of ecclesiastical ecclesiastical note of sorts um I read a book in Bible College sorts um I read a book in Bible College sorts um I read a book in Bible College called the celebration of discipline by called the celebration of discipline by called the celebration of discipline by Richard Foster and this phrase this Richard Foster and this phrase this Richard Foster and this phrase this phrase leapt out off the page to me in phrase leapt out off the page to me in phrase leapt out off the page to me in not not not in a way that not too many phrases have in a way that not too many phrases have in a way that not too many phrases have before I've read a lot of books I before I've read a lot of books I before I've read a lot of books I underline I have underlined a lot of underline I have underlined a lot of underline I have underlined a lot of things but this one bra the way it leapt things but this one bra the way it leapt things but this one bra the way it leapt off the page to me I can I can see what off the page to me I can I can see what off the page to me I can I can see what area of the page I know it's on the left area of the page I know it's on the left area of the page I know it's on the left side of the page I know it's on the side of the page I know it's on the side of the page I know it's on the bottom third I can see where it is to to bottom third I can see where it is to to bottom third I can see where it is to to the the extent that just a few weeks ago the the extent that just a few weeks ago the the extent that just a few weeks ago I was thinking about this and I wanted I was thinking about this and I wanted I was thinking about this and I wanted to read it in more context I haven't to read it in more context I haven't to read it in more context I haven't touched this book in 5 years I picked it touched this book in 5 years I picked it touched this book in 5 years I picked it off my shelf and I was able to find off my shelf and I was able to find off my shelf and I was able to find where it was in the book because I could where it was in the book because I could where it was in the book because I could see it that's how formative it was like see it that's how formative it was like see it that's how formative it was like you just opened the book and it was like you just opened the book and it was like you just opened the book and it was like oh page 126 not to the exact page but oh page 126 not to the exact page but oh page 126 not to the exact page but but I roughly to the yes I I I scrolled but I roughly to the yes I I I scrolled but I roughly to the yes I I I scrolled I knew it was in a chapter about service I knew it was in a chapter about service I knew it was in a chapter about service so I scrolled to service and I just knew so I scrolled to service and I just knew so I scrolled to service and I just knew I actually hadn't underlined it in that I actually hadn't underlined it in that I actually hadn't underlined it in that book or maybe I had but anyways I knew book or maybe I had but anyways I knew book or maybe I had but anyways I knew it was on the left side bottom bottom it was on the left side bottom bottom it was on the left side bottom bottom third M and I found it and and he's the third M and I found it and and he's the third M and I found it and and he's the chapter is about service he's talking chapter is about service he's talking chapter is about service he's talking about the disciplines of being a about the disciplines of being a about the disciplines of being a Christian and and one of those Christian and and one of those Christian and and one of those disciplines being uh devoted being disciplines being uh devoted being disciplines being uh devoted being devoted to a lifetime of service and he devoted to a lifetime of service and he devoted to a lifetime of service and he defined service this way by saying like defined service this way by saying like defined service this way by saying like in many ways it feels like dying a

in many ways it feels like dying a in many ways it feels like dying a thousand little deaths and that has been thousand little deaths and that has been thousand little deaths and that has been my experience in not just in active my experience in not just in active my experience in not just in active Ministry in serving a church in many Ministry in serving a church in many Ministry in serving a church in many different respects now leading a church different respects now leading a church different respects now leading a church but just in Christian Life as a whole uh but just in Christian Life as a whole uh but just in Christian Life as a whole uh being a husband a father a friend a being a husband a father a friend a being a husband a father a friend a son the Christian Life devoted to a life son the Christian Life devoted to a life son the Christian Life devoted to a life of service often feels like dying a of service often feels like dying a of service often feels like dying a thousand little deaths and similar to to thousand little deaths and similar to to thousand little deaths and similar to to what we were just talking about um in what we were just talking about um in what we were just talking about um in the sense of like plenty neverlasting if the sense of like plenty neverlasting if the sense of like plenty neverlasting if we cannot identify that and acknowledge we cannot identify that and acknowledge we cannot identify that and acknowledge that it feels like almost an assault that it feels like almost an assault that it feels like almost an assault like like this is not the way I feel like like this is not the way I feel like like this is not the way I feel like I'm dying you know this is not the like I'm dying you know this is not the like I'm dying you know this is not the way that this should be um but if we can way that this should be um but if we can way that this should be um but if we can identify it and acknowledge it and and identify it and acknowledge it and and identify it and acknowledge it and and hear the words of Jesus calling us to to hear the words of Jesus calling us to to hear the words of Jesus calling us to to pick up our cross and identify with him pick up our cross and identify with him pick up our cross and identify with him in death and all the other things that in death and all the other things that in death and all the other things that he said about in that vein um about he said about in that vein um about he said about in that vein um about laying our lives down about uh the last laying our lives down about uh the last laying our lives down about uh the last becoming first if we can embrace it it becoming first if we can embrace it it becoming first if we can embrace it it it's a it's a cultivated skill it's it it's a it's a cultivated skill it's it it's a it's a cultivated skill it's it it's made easier by practice it dying a it's made easier by practice it dying a it's made easier by practice it dying a thousand little deaths doesn't feel good thousand little deaths doesn't feel good thousand little deaths doesn't feel good or easy at first but when I learned to or easy at first but when I learned to or easy at first but when I learned to embrace it I have found new um I don't embrace it I have found new um I don't embrace it I have found new um I don't know Liberation in my life of service to know Liberation in my life of service to know Liberation in my life of service to Jesus and service of others it has made Jesus and service of others it has made Jesus and service of others it has made um the cross- carrying posture of being

um the cross- carrying posture of being um the cross- carrying posture of being a Christian so much more tolerable a Christian so much more tolerable a Christian so much more tolerable frankly and uh it's funny you brought up frankly and uh it's funny you brought up frankly and uh it's funny you brought up a song lyric in your first lesson so a song lyric in your first lesson so a song lyric in your first lesson so I'll do the same oh nice I'll do the same oh nice I'll do the same oh nice um and the lyric goes like this it's um and the lyric goes like this it's um and the lyric goes like this it's it's from a Indie band called The it's from a Indie band called The it's from a Indie band called The Collection they say um you pray for Collection they say um you pray for Collection they say um you pray for Resurrection but you're too scared to Resurrection but you're too scared to Resurrection but you're too scared to die and isn't that the truth that like die and isn't that the truth that like die and isn't that the truth that like we are always looking for new life we are always looking for new life we are always looking for new life always looking for for Resurrection in always looking for for Resurrection in always looking for for Resurrection in some way shape or form without some way shape or form without some way shape or form without acknowledging or admitting admitting or acknowledging or admitting admitting or acknowledging or admitting admitting or embracing that for something to be embracing that for something to be embracing that for something to be resurrected it first has to die and so resurrected it first has to die and so resurrected it first has to die and so Christian Life often feels like dying a Christian Life often feels like dying a Christian Life often feels like dying a thousand little deaths and Richard thousand little deaths and Richard thousand little deaths and Richard Foster helped me see that that is not a Foster helped me see that that is not a Foster helped me see that that is not a bad thing in fact it is the way of Jesus bad thing in fact it is the way of Jesus bad thing in fact it is the way of Jesus and when we submit Our Lives to that we and when we submit Our Lives to that we and when we submit Our Lives to that we have the promise of of you you will not have the promise of of you you will not have the promise of of you you will not lose your life you will you will in fact lose your life you will you will in fact lose your life you will you will in fact you will retain your soul and gain you will retain your soul and gain you will retain your soul and gain eternal life we both went to the same eternal life we both went to the same eternal life we both went to the same postsecondary institution and I also postsecondary institution and I also postsecondary institution and I also remember reading that book yeah and uh remember reading that book yeah and uh remember reading that book yeah and uh liked it a lot too one of the standouts liked it a lot too one of the standouts liked it a lot too one of the standouts from uh from the degree I have another from uh from the degree I have another from uh from the degree I have another tattoo and it is on my shin it is the tattoo and it is on my shin it is the tattoo and it is on my shin it is the shape of a lightning bolt and inside the shape of a lightning bolt and inside the shape of a lightning bolt and inside the lightning bolt is a skull it's one of my lightning bolt is a skull it's one of my lightning bolt is a skull it's one of my favorites of yours I know it's one of favorites of yours I know it's one of favorites of yours I know it's one of your favorites I remember when you were your favorites I remember when you were your favorites I remember when you were like what the heck is that though and like what the heck is that though and like what the heck is that though and the and the entire idea is you know the and the entire idea is you know the and the entire idea is you know Jesus saying you want to find your life Jesus saying you want to find your life Jesus saying you want to find your life lose it you know I'm going to elevate lose it you know I'm going to elevate lose it you know I'm going to elevate the weak and that that's like the the weak and that that's like the the weak and that that's like the Paradox of the kingdom of God when you Paradox of the kingdom of God when you Paradox of the kingdom of God when you lay your own life down that's when your lay your own life down that's when your lay your own life down that's when your ministry becomes the most powerful ministry becomes the most powerful ministry becomes the most powerful that's when you're at your most that's when you're at your most that's when you're at your most effective that's when you're at the most effective that's when you're at the most effective that's when you're at the most faithful to Jesus uh get to my second

faithful to Jesus uh get to my second faithful to Jesus uh get to my second lesson here the compounding power of lesson here the compounding power of lesson here the compounding power of consistency my scripture reference for consistency my scripture reference for consistency my scripture reference for this one is Galatians 69 spoiler alert I this one is Galatians 69 spoiler alert I this one is Galatians 69 spoiler alert I got a tattoo about this one and you know got a tattoo about this one and you know got a tattoo about this one and you know what isn't it great we're entering into what isn't it great we're entering into what isn't it great we're entering into the into Autumn that means what it's the into Autumn that means what it's the into Autumn that means what it's tattoo season folks and I've got a blank tattoo season folks and I've got a blank tattoo season folks and I've got a blank torso and we are going nuts on him and torso and we are going nuts on him and torso and we are going nuts on him and you won't even know cuz I got long you won't even know cuz I got long you won't even know cuz I got long sleeves on now what's happening oh oh sleeves on now what's happening oh oh sleeves on now what's happening oh oh hey starts creeping up out of your hey starts creeping up out of your hey starts creeping up out of your neckline well I am planning on getting neckline well I am planning on getting neckline well I am planning on getting uh I don't wear a wedding ring but I am uh I don't wear a wedding ring but I am uh I don't wear a wedding ring but I am planning on getting uh letter B for my planning on getting uh letter B for my planning on getting uh letter B for my wife Britney on my finger so they'll see wife Britney on my finger so they'll see wife Britney on my finger so they'll see that one yeah um so the tattoo that I that one yeah um so the tattoo that I that one yeah um so the tattoo that I have is kind of on the outer knee and have is kind of on the outer knee and have is kind of on the outer knee and it's of a potted plant and it's just it's of a potted plant and it's just it's of a potted plant and it's just this little spray Sprout little little this little spray Sprout little little this little spray Sprout little little baby Sprout and then the potted plant is baby Sprout and then the potted plant is baby Sprout and then the potted plant is casting a shadow and in the shadow is casting a shadow and in the shadow is casting a shadow and in the shadow is the plant grown to its full uh size and the plant grown to its full uh size and the plant grown to its full uh size and and the idea is that everything has this and the idea is that everything has this and the idea is that everything has this humble beginning uh great quote that humble beginning uh great quote that humble beginning uh great quote that clarifies this for me that I've repeated clarifies this for me that I've repeated clarifies this for me that I've repeated many times and will continue most people many times and will continue most people many times and will continue most people overestimate what they can do in one overestimate what they can do in one overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do year and underestimate what they can do year and underestimate what they can do in 10 years and the idea of of in 10 years and the idea of of in 10 years and the idea of of compounding is traditionally talked compounding is traditionally talked compounding is traditionally talked about in the form of Economics right hey about in the form of Economics right hey about in the form of Economics right hey if you start saving when you're a young if you start saving when you're a young if you start saving when you're a young person is going to Compound on top of person is going to Compound on top of person is going to Compound on top of itself and then when you retire you'll itself and then when you retire you'll itself and then when you retire you'll have all this money even though you only have all this money even though you only have all this money even though you only put in relatively a small amount put in relatively a small amount put in relatively a small amount compared to what's there but compounding compared to what's there but compounding compared to what's there but compounding exists across every discipline in life exists across every discipline in life exists across every discipline in life the important consideration is that it the important consideration is that it the important consideration is that it exists in both directions and so if you exists in both directions and so if you exists in both directions and so if you if I am continuing to make bad choices

if I am continuing to make bad choices if I am continuing to make bad choices those are also going to stack up on top those are also going to stack up on top those are also going to stack up on top of each other and I always like to think of each other and I always like to think of each other and I always like to think of it as because I'm a Canadian a of it as because I'm a Canadian a of it as because I'm a Canadian a snowball rolling down a hill and it can snowball rolling down a hill and it can snowball rolling down a hill and it can roll down the hill in a positive roll down the hill in a positive roll down the hill in a positive direction and it can roll down the hill direction and it can roll down the hill direction and it can roll down the hill in a negative Direction and and we've in a negative Direction and and we've in a negative Direction and and we've seen this you can think of this in your seen this you can think of this in your seen this you can think of this in your Liv like that person that just no matter Liv like that person that just no matter Liv like that person that just no matter just things just keep going well for just things just keep going well for just things just keep going well for them and perhaps that's luck perhaps them and perhaps that's luck perhaps them and perhaps that's luck perhaps there's something greater there which is there's something greater there which is there's something greater there which is they just keep making the right small they just keep making the right small they just keep making the right small decisions every single day and and decisions every single day and and decisions every single day and and Excellence begets better opportunities Excellence begets better opportunities Excellence begets better opportunities which begets better outcomes and it just which begets better outcomes and it just which begets better outcomes and it just becomes this this cycle or that person becomes this this cycle or that person becomes this this cycle or that person that just like they just can't seem to that just like they just can't seem to that just like they just can't seem to dig themselves out of that hole because dig themselves out of that hole because dig themselves out of that hole because they keep making decisions that are they keep making decisions that are they keep making decisions that are hurting themselves and that snowball is hurting themselves and that snowball is hurting themselves and that snowball is going down this slope at a pace that going down this slope at a pace that going down this slope at a pace that like how do you even stop that it like how do you even stop that it like how do you even stop that it becomes that much more difficult the becomes that much more difficult the becomes that much more difficult the more and more it compounds because it's more and more it compounds because it's more and more it compounds because it's not even the latest decision that's not even the latest decision that's not even the latest decision that's compounding it's the outcomes of past compounding it's the outcomes of past compounding it's the outcomes of past decisions that's the way the economics decisions that's the way the economics decisions that's the way the economics work it's not the deposits that you've work it's not the deposits that you've work it's not the deposits that you've made 20 years in it's the interest on made 20 years in it's the interest on made 20 years in it's the interest on the interest on the interest of the the interest on the interest of the the interest on the interest of the first deposit that is becoming more and first deposit that is becoming more and first deposit that is becoming more and more and more and so the the the more and more and so the the the more and more and so the the the relieving part of this as well is that relieving part of this as well is that relieving part of this as well is that hey everything that's worth doing in hey everything that's worth doing in hey everything that's worth doing in life is hard before it becomes easy and life is hard before it becomes easy and life is hard before it becomes easy and anything that's worth doing in life is anything that's worth doing in life is anything that's worth doing in life is probably going to take a long long time probably going to take a long long time probably going to take a long long time and you probably won't be able to do it and you probably won't be able to do it and you probably won't be able to do it in one year but you likely underestimate in one year but you likely underestimate in one year but you likely underestimate what you can accomplish in a decade and what you can accomplish in a decade and what you can accomplish in a decade and What's the title of this episode 10 What's the title of this episode 10 What's the title of this episode 10 Leadership Lessons in 10 years we've Leadership Lessons in 10 years we've Leadership Lessons in 10 years we've only been at this for a decade each and only been at this for a decade each and only been at this for a decade each and I always say when we do these episodes I always say when we do these episodes I always say when we do these episodes it's really nice to talk about these it's really nice to talk about these it's really nice to talk about these things not because we have everything things not because we have everything things not because we have everything figured out we've been at for a decade figured out we've been at for a decade figured out we've been at for a decade we we know relatively nothing but after

we we know relatively nothing but after we we know relatively nothing but after a decade you can know some things and a decade you can know some things and a decade you can know some things and the way you perceive those things a the way you perceive those things a the way you perceive those things a decade in is going to be different than decade in is going to be different than decade in is going to be different than how you perceive them in two three and how you perceive them in two three and how you perceive them in two three and four decades yeah that's so good um my four decades yeah that's so good um my four decades yeah that's so good um my next lesson is actually kind of related next lesson is actually kind of related next lesson is actually kind of related to a show we did recently we were to a show we did recently we were to a show we did recently we were talking about um three of the most talking about um three of the most talking about um three of the most influential books on our on our influential books on our on our influential books on our on our Christian leadership and one that you Christian leadership and one that you Christian leadership and one that you brought up which is uh it's called brought up which is uh it's called brought up which is uh it's called outlive right and there's this I should outlive right and there's this I should outlive right and there's this I should say the the lesson the lesson is say the the lesson the lesson is say the the lesson the lesson is learning to die well learning to die learning to die well learning to die learning to die well learning to die well I don't think that was the takeaway well I don't think that was the takeaway well I don't think that was the takeaway from that book no but the takeaway from from that book no but the takeaway from from that book no but the takeaway from this book is what that that we all are this book is what that that we all are this book is what that that we all are going to die tou and we all hope that going to die tou and we all hope that going to die tou and we all hope that we're going to get this 70 80 90 100 we're going to get this 70 80 90 100 we're going to get this 70 80 90 100 years that we think we're afforded and years that we think we're afforded and years that we think we're afforded and the goal of this book in in learning to the goal of this book in in learning to the goal of this book in in learning to live well and cultivating um eating live well and cultivating um eating live well and cultivating um eating habits and activity habits now is to habits and activity habits now is to habits and activity habits now is to ensure that in the final decade of our ensure that in the final decade of our ensure that in the final decade of our life we can do things that we want to do life we can do things that we want to do life we can do things that we want to do we can live well at the end and one of we can live well at the end and one of we can live well at the end and one of the most influential Pastors in my life the most influential Pastors in my life the most influential Pastors in my life in describing his or distilling his in describing his or distilling his in describing his or distilling his pastoral Ministry what is to say that he pastoral Ministry what is to say that he pastoral Ministry what is to say that he believes his work is you know you could believes his work is you know you could believes his work is you know you could answer that question in so many answer that question in so many answer that question in so many different ways what is the work of of a different ways what is the work of of a different ways what is the work of of a pastor is it to make disciples is it to pastor is it to make disciples is it to pastor is it to make disciples is it to build a church is it to this that and build a church is it to this that and build a church is it to this that and the other and he says well I think that the other and he says well I think that the other and he says well I think that that my primary function as a pastor is that my primary function as a pastor is that my primary function as a pastor is to teach people how to die well and I to teach people how to die well and I to teach people how to die well and I thought that was so profound because it thought that was so profound because it thought that was so profound because it is in Truth where we're all headed and is in Truth where we're all headed and is in Truth where we're all headed and there are lots of things that we want to there are lots of things that we want to there are lots of things that we want to accomplish Here and Now for ourselves

accomplish Here and Now for ourselves accomplish Here and Now for ourselves and and for the Lord and for our and and for the Lord and for our and and for the Lord and for our Ministries for our families um but in Ministries for our families um but in Ministries for our families um but in the end what matters and what we're all the end what matters and what we're all the end what matters and what we're all headed towards is is is the end of our headed towards is is is the end of our headed towards is is is the end of our experience the end of our life and he he experience the end of our life and he he experience the end of our life and he he in his estimation all of his pastoral in his estimation all of his pastoral in his estimation all of his pastoral work is distilled down to that which is work is distilled down to that which is work is distilled down to that which is teaching people how to die well how to teaching people how to die well how to teaching people how to die well how to finish well you know to use the Apostle finish well you know to use the Apostle finish well you know to use the Apostle Paul's language like we're all running a Paul's language like we're all running a Paul's language like we're all running a race and and there are signposts and and race and and there are signposts and and race and and there are signposts and and mile markers that we will pass as we run mile markers that we will pass as we run mile markers that we will pass as we run but like the goal is the finish line and but like the goal is the finish line and but like the goal is the finish line and the Apostle Paul finished well this the Apostle Paul finished well this the Apostle Paul finished well this pastor I'm referring to he has finished pastor I'm referring to he has finished pastor I'm referring to he has finished well and and that was his goal in well and and that was his goal in well and and that was his goal in pastoral Ministry and forming the people pastoral Ministry and forming the people pastoral Ministry and forming the people that he was responsible for and to me that he was responsible for and to me that he was responsible for and to me that is that's been something that I've that is that's been something that I've that is that's been something that I've internalized personally um in my value internalized personally um in my value internalized personally um in my value systems and the decisions I make on a systems and the decisions I make on a systems and the decisions I make on a momentto moment basis month to month momentto moment basis month to month momentto moment basis month to month dayto day um how are these decisions I'm dayto day um how are these decisions I'm dayto day um how are these decisions I'm making as a Christian as a father as a making as a Christian as a father as a making as a Christian as a father as a friend as a leader contributing to friend as a leader contributing to friend as a leader contributing to setting me up to die well and then in setting me up to die well and then in setting me up to die well and then in turn as a Christian leader in the folks turn as a Christian leader in the folks turn as a Christian leader in the folks that I'm responsible for in our church that I'm responsible for in our church that I'm responsible for in our church in my friendships in my family how am I in my friendships in my family how am I in my friendships in my family how am I building up people to not just succeed building up people to not just succeed building up people to not just succeed in what they're doing today but and to in what they're doing today but and to in what they're doing today but and to what you're saying about making deposits what you're saying about making deposits what you're saying about making deposits compounding interest how am I setting compounding interest how am I setting compounding interest how am I setting them up to run the race to the end and them up to run the race to the end and them up to run the race to the end and finish well and and die well before I finish well and and die well before I finish well and and die well before I move on to my uh third lesson our fifth move on to my uh third lesson our fifth move on to my uh third lesson our fifth overall halfway through uh there was one overall halfway through uh there was one overall halfway through uh there was one program you know I didn't get to earlier

program you know I didn't get to earlier program you know I didn't get to earlier and uh it's related to we have an and uh it's related to we have an and uh it's related to we have an upcoming social sermons public upcoming social sermons public upcoming social sermons public enrollment period and Okay the reason I enrollment period and Okay the reason I enrollment period and Okay the reason I wanted to mention this is because I very wanted to mention this is because I very wanted to mention this is because I very rarely like to do promotion before rarely like to do promotion before rarely like to do promotion before something is available we'll wait till something is available we'll wait till something is available we'll wait till it is available and then we will be very it is available and then we will be very it is available and then we will be very vocal about it for like let's say a week vocal about it for like let's say a week vocal about it for like let's say a week and then we move on so usually we like and then we move on so usually we like and then we move on so usually we like you know have two big enrollment or you know have two big enrollment or you know have two big enrollment or launch periods in a year so like 50 launch periods in a year so like 50 launch periods in a year so like 50 weeks of just normal stuff and then weeks of just normal stuff and then weeks of just normal stuff and then there's two weeks where it's like hey there's two weeks where it's like hey there's two weeks where it's like hey there's this thing if you want it come there's this thing if you want it come there's this thing if you want it come and get it the problem with that is that and get it the problem with that is that and get it the problem with that is that there are some folks that are like hey I there are some folks that are like hey I there are some folks that are like hey I work at a church and there is certain uh work at a church and there is certain uh work at a church and there is certain uh Logistics that we have to go through to Logistics that we have to go through to Logistics that we have to go through to get approval on things and so in respect get approval on things and so in respect get approval on things and so in respect to that I wanted everyone to know that to that I wanted everyone to know that to that I wanted everyone to know that we have a public enrollment period for we have a public enrollment period for we have a public enrollment period for social sermons coming in October that is social sermons coming in October that is social sermons coming in October that is the plan right now the original plan was the plan right now the original plan was the plan right now the original plan was to launch again open again in January of to launch again open again in January of to launch again open again in January of 2024 but I have a very heav heavy travel 2024 but I have a very heav heavy travel 2024 but I have a very heav heavy travel season in January February and March and season in January February and March and season in January February and March and it just didn't seem uh smart to open it just didn't seem uh smart to open it just didn't seem uh smart to open public enrollment then uh especially public enrollment then uh especially public enrollment then uh especially because we have new packages we've we've because we have new packages we've we've because we have new packages we've we've been building the new website too it's been building the new website too it's been building the new website too it's gorgeous yeah well absolutely yeah can gorgeous yeah well absolutely yeah can gorgeous yeah well absolutely yeah can go check the new website social go check the new website social go check the new website social sermons.com you can see the new packages sermons.com you can see the new packages sermons.com you can see the new packages and the new pricing there the the lowest and the new pricing there the the lowest and the new pricing there the the lowest package now has a lower entry point package now has a lower entry point package now has a lower entry point that's more accessible to churches that's more accessible to churches that's more accessible to churches because we wanted it to be accessible to because we wanted it to be accessible to because we wanted it to be accessible to as many folks as possible but we also as many folks as possible but we also as many folks as possible but we also are doing a lot more in respect to are doing a lot more in respect to are doing a lot more in respect to social media before we were just kind of social media before we were just kind of social media before we were just kind of doing vertical videos now we're doing doing vertical videos now we're doing doing vertical videos now we're doing text threads and quote posts and text threads and quote posts and text threads and quote posts and Carousel posts we're doing fulllength

Carousel posts we're doing fulllength Carousel posts we're doing fulllength blog posts fulllength YouTube videos blog posts fulllength YouTube videos blog posts fulllength YouTube videos even uh like coffee table books that we even uh like coffee table books that we even uh like coffee table books that we like design and make for your church like design and make for your church like design and make for your church kind you even talking about well well so kind you even talking about well well so kind you even talking about well well so okay so just casually drop yeah we're okay so just casually drop yeah we're okay so just casually drop yeah we're making coffee table books yeah so um you making coffee table books yeah so um you making coffee table books yeah so um you have to tell me about that yeah it's have to tell me about that yeah it's have to tell me about that yeah it's true you don't really spend too much true you don't really spend too much true you don't really spend too much time on this so you don't really know time on this so you don't really know time on this so you don't really know this is not a bit what's that Al so um this is not a bit what's that Al so um this is not a bit what's that Al so um what we're doing is we're taking like what we're doing is we're taking like what we're doing is we're taking like longer segments of Church's sermons so longer segments of Church's sermons so longer segments of Church's sermons so let's say a pastor has three points you let's say a pastor has three points you let's say a pastor has three points you know this you're P so you might have know this you're P so you might have know this you're P so you might have three points three points on three points three points on three points three points on dying we got three points on so usually dying we got three points on so usually dying we got three points on so usually each of those points let's say makes for each of those points let's say makes for each of those points let's say makes for a great Standalone video because it's a a great Standalone video because it's a a great Standalone video because it's a standalone thought and so what we're standalone thought and so what we're standalone thought and so what we're doing is we're taking you know six to 20 doing is we're taking you know six to 20 doing is we're taking you know six to 20 minute portions of messages depending on minute portions of messages depending on minute portions of messages depending on the overall length timestamping those the overall length timestamping those the overall length timestamping those and then turning those into YouTube and then turning those into YouTube and then turning those into YouTube videos those represent the ideal length videos those represent the ideal length videos those represent the ideal length of a first page YouTube video which is of a first page YouTube video which is of a first page YouTube video which is roughly 15 minutes we make this ey roughly 15 minutes we make this ey roughly 15 minutes we make this ey grabbing thumbnail we edit a compelling grabbing thumbnail we edit a compelling grabbing thumbnail we edit a compelling intro kind of similar to the way that intro kind of similar to the way that intro kind of similar to the way that our podcasts have intros um and then we our podcasts have intros um and then we our podcasts have intros um and then we publish that with a search indexed title publish that with a search indexed title publish that with a search indexed title optimized search title so you know maybe optimized search title so you know maybe optimized search title so you know maybe the the title of the sermon I was the the title of the sermon I was the the title of the sermon I was working on one recently and it was um working on one recently and it was um working on one recently and it was um the title was like oh you know uh your the title was like oh you know uh your the title was like oh you know uh your questions answered foot washing questions answered foot washing questions answered foot washing September 23rd 2023 and I was like yeah September 23rd 2023 and I was like yeah September 23rd 2023 and I was like yeah that's like a typical you know sermon that's like a typical you know sermon that's like a typical you know sermon video on YouTube it's it wasn't even on video on YouTube it's it wasn't even on video on YouTube it's it wasn't even on the main Channel it was in the live tab the main Channel it was in the live tab the main Channel it was in the live tab so like nobody ever sees it so we took a so like nobody ever sees it so we took a so like nobody ever sees it so we took a six uh I think it was a 10-minute

six uh I think it was a 10-minute six uh I think it was a 10-minute portion of that video retitled it how to portion of that video retitled it how to portion of that video retitled it how to handle betrayal made this awesome handle betrayal made this awesome handle betrayal made this awesome thumbnail and that became the YouTube thumbnail and that became the YouTube thumbnail and that became the YouTube video that was step one then we take video that was step one then we take video that was step one then we take that and we turn that YouTube video into that and we turn that YouTube video into that and we turn that YouTube video into a full length blog post we expound on a full length blog post we expound on a full length blog post we expound on that you do that for a year and you have that you do that for a year and you have that you do that for a year and you have these 52 essays that are basically these 52 essays that are basically these 52 essays that are basically capturing the journey that your church capturing the journey that your church capturing the journey that your church has been on in the past 12 months so has been on in the past 12 months so has been on in the past 12 months so then we design that into a book and the then we design that into a book and the then we design that into a book and the the style of book is like if you think the style of book is like if you think the style of book is like if you think about like those like Chanel Louis about like those like Chanel Louis about like those like Chanel Louis Vuitton like beautiful like coffee table Vuitton like beautiful like coffee table Vuitton like beautiful like coffee table books like the big they're like half a books like the big they're like half a books like the big they're like half a decoration half a book that's kind of decoration half a book that's kind of decoration half a book that's kind of the style and then you can either uh you the style and then you can either uh you the style and then you can either uh you know sell it in your church to recoup know sell it in your church to recoup know sell it in your church to recoup the printing cost you can give it away the printing cost you can give it away the printing cost you can give it away but either way it makes for this like but either way it makes for this like but either way it makes for this like beautiful embodiment that was a tangent beautiful embodiment that was a tangent beautiful embodiment that was a tangent that was that's amazing yeah I'm really that was that's amazing yeah I'm really that was that's amazing yeah I'm really excited you you got me hyped up about excited you you got me hyped up about excited you you got me hyped up about that yeah so so we we're doing a lot that yeah so so we we're doing a lot that yeah so so we we're doing a lot more things and we only had space for more things and we only had space for more things and we only had space for 100 churches when we launched we have 100 churches when we launched we have 100 churches when we launched we have expanded our capacity we have space for expanded our capacity we have space for expanded our capacity we have space for 50 more okay when we launched in January 50 more okay when we launched in January 50 more okay when we launched in January of this year those 100 spots were taken of this year those 100 spots were taken of this year those 100 spots were taken in the first week so I anticipate the 50 in the first week so I anticipate the 50 in the first week so I anticipate the 50 spots being taken as well which is why I spots being taken as well which is why I spots being taken as well which is why I want everyone to know hey it's happening want everyone to know hey it's happening want everyone to know hey it's happening in October make sure you're on the email in October make sure you're on the email in October make sure you're on the email list and you will get notified cuz we list and you will get notified cuz we list and you will get notified cuz we always let the waiting list and the uh always let the waiting list and the uh always let the waiting list and the uh email list know first when public email list know first when public email list know first when public enrollment happens okay I'll put a link enrollment happens okay I'll put a link enrollment happens okay I'll put a link in the description in the show notes for in the description in the show notes for in the description in the show notes for this to social sermons so people can get this to social sermons so people can get this to social sermons so people can get on the waiting list there yeah you can on the waiting list there yeah you can on the waiting list there yeah you can go to social sermons.com you can see all go to social sermons.com you can see all go to social sermons.com you can see all this stuff we we made these beautiful this stuff we we made these beautiful this stuff we we made these beautiful like recent work um slideshows you can like recent work um slideshows you can like recent work um slideshows you can click through to see examples of click through to see examples of click through to see examples of everything I'm talking about what do you everything I'm talking about what do you everything I'm talking about what do you mean by this you can see examples of all mean by this you can see examples of all mean by this you can see examples of all that and join the waiting list there that and join the waiting list there that and join the waiting list there okay my third lesson reassess problems

okay my third lesson reassess problems okay my third lesson reassess problems from altitude so if the first it sounds from altitude so if the first it sounds from altitude so if the first it sounds like a bunch of lessons we've talked like a bunch of lessons we've talked like a bunch of lessons we've talked about so far are very like philosophical about so far are very like philosophical about so far are very like philosophical and mindset focused this is about really and mindset focused this is about really and mindset focused this is about really practical so I you know maybe we should practical so I you know maybe we should practical so I you know maybe we should have provided context for this earlier have provided context for this earlier have provided context for this earlier if you're listening or watching this if you're listening or watching this if you're listening or watching this episode For the First Time Alex is a episode For the First Time Alex is a episode For the First Time Alex is a pastor bivocational he works at our pastor bivocational he works at our pastor bivocational he works at our company our company is a Church media company our company is a Church media company our company is a Church media company and we have roughly 20 employees company and we have roughly 20 employees company and we have roughly 20 employees and we have contractors beyond that and and we have contractors beyond that and and we have contractors beyond that and we have multiple locations in multiple we have multiple locations in multiple we have multiple locations in multiple countries and so there are many accounts countries and so there are many accounts countries and so there are many accounts anyways there are a lot of things anyways there are a lot of things anyways there are a lot of things happening and I am you know like the top happening and I am you know like the top happening and I am you know like the top of the the tree and things happen and of the the tree and things happen and of the the tree and things happen and you see them and you feel anxiety and you see them and you feel anxiety and you see them and you feel anxiety and you feel like this this jolt of negative you feel like this this jolt of negative you feel like this this jolt of negative energy inside of you and the best way energy inside of you and the best way energy inside of you and the best way I've come to to dealing with these I've come to to dealing with these I've come to to dealing with these problems is reassessing problems from problems is reassessing problems from problems is reassessing problems from altitude so if you are in the weeds if altitude so if you are in the weeds if altitude so if you are in the weeds if you are in the moments finding ways to you are in the moments finding ways to you are in the moments finding ways to step aside that can be like sometimes step aside that can be like sometimes step aside that can be like sometimes like I get a message like oh this this like I get a message like oh this this like I get a message like oh this this guy sucks on his phone on my phone I get guy sucks on his phone on my phone I get guy sucks on his phone on my phone I get comments like that I I just remember one comments like that I I just remember one comments like that I I just remember one that was exactly that this guy sucks and that was exactly that this guy sucks and that was exactly that this guy sucks and I thought to myself I can't even do I thought to myself I can't even do I thought to myself I can't even do anything with this maybe I do suck like anything with this maybe I do suck like anything with this maybe I do suck like what does he think is it my countenance what does he think is it my countenance what does he think is it my countenance is it how I talk is it the message is it is it how I talk is it the message is it is it how I talk is it the message is it what I'm saying is it how I'm saying I what I'm saying is it how I'm saying I what I'm saying is it how I'm saying I don't know this guy s so like something don't know this guy s so like something don't know this guy s so like something like that like okay I could respond and like that like okay I could respond and like that like okay I could respond and be like no you be like no you be like no you do or reassess the problem from altitude do or reassess the problem from altitude do or reassess the problem from altitude in that specific instance okay this in that specific instance okay this in that specific instance okay this person isn't giving valuable feedback person isn't giving valuable feedback person isn't giving valuable feedback they don't need to get a response it's

they don't need to get a response it's they don't need to get a response it's not going to profit me or them not going to profit me or them not going to profit me or them whatsoever when you reassess that in whatsoever when you reassess that in whatsoever when you reassess that in almost a sober mind right like when you almost a sober mind right like when you almost a sober mind right like when you wake up and you're tired and you have wake up and you're tired and you have wake up and you're tired and you have not had a good not had a good not had a good sleep I have heard it described as sleep I have heard it described as sleep I have heard it described as similar to when you are like under the similar to when you are like under the similar to when you are like under the influence of a substance in the same way influence of a substance in the same way influence of a substance in the same way when you have like this jolt of negative when you have like this jolt of negative when you have like this jolt of negative energy from like like this cortisol it's energy from like like this cortisol it's energy from like like this cortisol it's just rushing through you when you see just rushing through you when you see just rushing through you when you see something like that like you're not of something like that like you're not of something like that like you're not of sober mind reassess from altitude get sober mind reassess from altitude get sober mind reassess from altitude get out of the weeds get out of the dirt and out of the weeds get out of the dirt and out of the weeds get out of the dirt and uh I don't have a tattoo for this yet so uh I don't have a tattoo for this yet so uh I don't have a tattoo for this yet so maybe I'll get one so the thing that maybe I'll get one so the thing that maybe I'll get one so the thing that comes to mind now we're workshopping comes to mind now we're workshopping comes to mind now we're workshopping tattoo ideas the thing that comes to tattoo ideas the thing that comes to tattoo ideas the thing that comes to mind is um you know when you get like mind is um you know when you get like mind is um you know when you get like I'm going to use the t word but like you I'm going to use the t word but like you I'm going to use the t word but like you know when you get triggered in the sense know when you get triggered in the sense know when you get triggered in the sense that something sets you off and your that something sets you off and your that something sets you off and your amydala gets activated true and it your amydala gets activated true and it your amydala gets activated true and it your brain becomes yeah activated to the brain becomes yeah activated to the brain becomes yeah activated to the point where you are you are disconnected point where you are you are disconnected point where you are you are disconnected from your logical brain from your free from your logical brain from your free from your logical brain from your free prefrontal cortex yes and the idea in a prefrontal cortex yes and the idea in a prefrontal cortex yes and the idea in a moment like that is to get your brain moment like that is to get your brain moment like that is to get your brain back online MH and so yeah this this back online MH and so yeah this this back online MH and so yeah this this tattoos got to have like a like a like a tattoos got to have like a like a like a tattoos got to have like a like a like a brain and like something going on there brain and like something going on there brain and like something going on there but this happens not just in running a but this happens not just in running a but this happens not just in running a business but like this experience of business but like this experience of business but like this experience of amydala activated brain amydala activated brain amydala activated brain offline offline offline um that that's a universal experience um that that's a universal experience um that that's a universal experience for like anyone who's alive we have a 2 for like anyone who's alive we have a 2 for like anyone who's alive we have a 2 and a half-year-old this is his almost and a half-year-old this is his almost and a half-year-old this is his almost entire existence right now you know like entire existence right now you know like entire existence right now you know like just being set off by something I'm was just being set off by something I'm was just being set off by something I'm was saying no to and so the way we help him saying no to and so the way we help him saying no to and so the way we help him get back online is like some embodied

get back online is like some embodied get back online is like some embodied practice like whether it's like a big practice like whether it's like a big practice like whether it's like a big long hug um deep breathing he's really long hug um deep breathing he's really long hug um deep breathing he's really good at regulating with deep breathing good at regulating with deep breathing good at regulating with deep breathing but like for adults we got to figure out but like for adults we got to figure out but like for adults we got to figure out how to because that was going to be my how to because that was going to be my how to because that was going to be my question to you is like how do you question to you is like how do you question to you is like how do you evaluate something from altitude when evaluate something from altitude when evaluate something from altitude when you are in the weeds like physically you are in the weeds like physically you are in the weeds like physically you're in the weeds how do you get up you're in the weeds how do you get up you're in the weeds how do you get up and out like as adults we have to have and out like as adults we have to have and out like as adults we have to have means to accomplish this and so for me means to accomplish this and so for me means to accomplish this and so for me it's like for me it's it's getting my it's like for me it's it's getting my it's like for me it's it's getting my feet like in nature so if if the Rhythm feet like in nature so if if the Rhythm feet like in nature so if if the Rhythm of Life or something is like really of Life or something is like really of Life or something is like really causing me to be activated and and my causing me to be activated and and my causing me to be activated and and my brain to be disconnected and like brain to be disconnected and like brain to be disconnected and like offline for my prefrontal cortex all I offline for my prefrontal cortex all I offline for my prefrontal cortex all I need is like some time like an hour or need is like some time like an hour or need is like some time like an hour or two or more but like sometime in a two or more but like sometime in a two or more but like sometime in a forest or like looking at a mushroom or forest or like looking at a mushroom or forest or like looking at a mushroom or with my like feet in the grass that's with my like feet in the grass that's with my like feet in the grass that's one way for me to get myself back online one way for me to get myself back online one way for me to get myself back online so I just want to ask you like when you so I just want to ask you like when you so I just want to ask you like when you are in the weeds and you know you need are in the weeds and you know you need are in the weeds and you know you need to get out to see something objectively to get out to see something objectively to get out to see something objectively and more rationally and evaluate and more rationally and evaluate and more rationally and evaluate something with your with facts and not something with your with facts and not something with your with facts and not feelings how how do you get there what feelings how how do you get there what feelings how how do you get there what do you do yeah so two things and what do you do yeah so two things and what do you do yeah so two things and what you just mentioned is one that I'll you just mentioned is one that I'll you just mentioned is one that I'll often do uh mushrooms not included but I often do uh mushrooms not included but I often do uh mushrooms not included but I think those aren't always accessible to think those aren't always accessible to think those aren't always accessible to me right and so there are even two me right and so there are even two me right and so there are even two easier things and the first one is just easier things and the first one is just easier things and the first one is just whatever has like kind of activated that whatever has like kind of activated that whatever has like kind of activated that within me is just focusing on something within me is just focusing on something within me is just focusing on something else so what I will tend to do and what else so what I will tend to do and what else so what I will tend to do and what my wife will also tend to do and this is my wife will also tend to do and this is my wife will also tend to do and this is my why maybe we're not so great at it my why maybe we're not so great at it my why maybe we're not so great at it because we both do it so we don't have because we both do it so we don't have because we both do it so we don't have the other person to be like you handle

the other person to be like you handle the other person to be like you handle this better than me no no we're both this better than me no no we're both this better than me no no we're both sickos so like I'll just stare at the sickos so like I'll just stare at the sickos so like I'll just stare at the phone and I'll stare at it and I'll phone and I'll stare at it and I'll phone and I'll stare at it and I'll stare at and I'll look and I'll look at stare at and I'll look and I'll look at stare at and I'll look and I'll look at a creative problem and I if I look at a creative problem and I if I look at a creative problem and I if I look at this enough I can solve it because often this enough I can solve it because often this enough I can solve it because often I that that's what works but sometimes I that that's what works but sometimes I that that's what works but sometimes you realize you're like ah this has you realize you're like ah this has you realize you're like ah this has become uh not helpful and so what I'll become uh not helpful and so what I'll become uh not helpful and so what I'll have to do is just focus on something have to do is just focus on something have to do is just focus on something entirely else okay I need to start entirely else okay I need to start entirely else okay I need to start cooking dinner I need to go pick up my cooking dinner I need to go pick up my cooking dinner I need to go pick up my kid give them a hug I need to go start kid give them a hug I need to go start kid give them a hug I need to go start cleaning up somewhere oh I got to like cleaning up somewhere oh I got to like cleaning up somewhere oh I got to like wipe down the table or whatever and the wipe down the table or whatever and the wipe down the table or whatever and the same is true for like when you really same is true for like when you really same is true for like when you really don't want to do something just like don't want to do something just like don't want to do something just like taking the first step towards it there's taking the first step towards it there's taking the first step towards it there's a reason why like productivity experts a reason why like productivity experts a reason why like productivity experts will be like anything that takes 5 will be like anything that takes 5 will be like anything that takes 5 minutes or less to do always just do it minutes or less to do always just do it minutes or less to do always just do it right away because you can start to kind right away because you can start to kind right away because you can start to kind of build momentum and if you're stuck on of build momentum and if you're stuck on of build momentum and if you're stuck on something negative you can build something negative you can build something negative you can build momentum by like focusing on something momentum by like focusing on something momentum by like focusing on something else and just removing yourself else and just removing yourself else and just removing yourself physically and mentally from that physically and mentally from that physically and mentally from that situation and it doesn't need to be as situation and it doesn't need to be as situation and it doesn't need to be as like robust as like I need to get out to like robust as like I need to get out to like robust as like I need to get out to a different place because maybe that's a different place because maybe that's a different place because maybe that's not possible for you putting on music is not possible for you putting on music is not possible for you putting on music is a great one just listen to a song that a great one just listen to a song that a great one just listen to a song that gets in a different mood what I found is gets in a different mood what I found is gets in a different mood what I found is like I used to think this was like not like I used to think this was like not like I used to think this was like not effective like I couldn't do it like no effective like I couldn't do it like no effective like I couldn't do it like no no I'm locked in on this I actually no I'm locked in on this I actually no I'm locked in on this I actually can't change like no I'm actually I'm can't change like no I'm actually I'm can't change like no I'm actually I'm really easy to be distracted I'm not really easy to be distracted I'm not really easy to be distracted I'm not nearly as like Intense or firm on nearly as like Intense or firm on nearly as like Intense or firm on something as I thought like my brain's something as I thought like my brain's something as I thought like my brain's like oh cool funny music oh that's a fun like oh cool funny music oh that's a fun like oh cool funny music oh that's a fun beat and and so it's it can be as simple beat and and so it's it can be as simple beat and and so it's it can be as simple as that and it's amazing how fast you'll as that and it's amazing how fast you'll as that and it's amazing how fast you'll respond yeah totally okay uh my third respond yeah totally okay uh my third respond yeah totally okay uh my third lesson our sixth this is the third and lesson our sixth this is the third and lesson our sixth this is the third and final point in my three-point sermon on final point in my three-point sermon on final point in my three-point sermon on death so he death so he death so he says uh but this one in the title

says uh but this one in the title says uh but this one in the title doesn't have anything to do with death doesn't have anything to do with death doesn't have anything to do with death uh I I called it be where your feet are uh I I called it be where your feet are uh I I called it be where your feet are which is um kind of actually related to which is um kind of actually related to which is um kind of actually related to to what we're talking about here about to what we're talking about here about to what we're talking about here about um just needing to maybe change um just needing to maybe change um just needing to maybe change environments and places and paces to get environments and places and paces to get environments and places and paces to get grounded again um I call this be where grounded again um I call this be where grounded again um I call this be where your feet are and it is related to is your feet are and it is related to is your feet are and it is related to is related to death it is related to to related to death it is related to to related to death it is related to to dying well in a sense that what I'm dying well in a sense that what I'm dying well in a sense that what I'm trying to say is is um pretty much trying to say is is um pretty much trying to say is is um pretty much reframe or summarizing what Jesus had to reframe or summarizing what Jesus had to reframe or summarizing what Jesus had to say about not being anxious about say about not being anxious about say about not being anxious about anything um and he says explicitly he anything um and he says explicitly he anything um and he says explicitly he says tomorrow is going to come will have says tomorrow is going to come will have says tomorrow is going to come will have its own anxieties and will be worth like its own anxieties and will be worth like its own anxieties and will be worth like maybe being anxious about tomorrow but maybe being anxious about tomorrow but maybe being anxious about tomorrow but for today like you don't have to worry for today like you don't have to worry for today like you don't have to worry about tomorrow today be be where your about tomorrow today be be where your about tomorrow today be be where your feet are um because I've said it this feet are um because I've said it this feet are um because I've said it this way in in a lot of um relationships that way in in a lot of um relationships that way in in a lot of um relationships that I share and I may have said it on the I share and I may have said it on the I share and I may have said it on the show before but but I'm I'm a firm show before but but I'm I'm a firm show before but but I'm I'm a firm believer that like yesterday happened believer that like yesterday happened believer that like yesterday happened and was real tomorrow hopefully will and was real tomorrow hopefully will and was real tomorrow hopefully will happen we know we're not guaranteed happen we know we're not guaranteed happen we know we're not guaranteed tomorrow but hopefully it will happen tomorrow but hopefully it will happen tomorrow but hopefully it will happen and when it does happen it will be real and when it does happen it will be real and when it does happen it will be real but as for but as for but as for today this moment the only thing that's today this moment the only thing that's today this moment the only thing that's like actually real is the moment you and like actually real is the moment you and like actually real is the moment you and I are sharing right now right like this I are sharing right now right like this I are sharing right now right like this morning when you got to the office and I morning when you got to the office and I morning when you got to the office and I was working on my computer and you were was working on my computer and you were was working on my computer and you were looking at your mail like that moment looking at your mail like that moment looking at your mail like that moment was real and it was happening but it is was real and it was happening but it is was real and it was happening but it is no longer happening tomorrow when you

no longer happening tomorrow when you no longer happening tomorrow when you come to the office again we will share come to the office again we will share come to the office again we will share another moment and it will happen another moment and it will happen another moment and it will happen hopefully but neither of those moments hopefully but neither of those moments hopefully but neither of those moments are happening yeah if you think I'm are happening yeah if you think I'm are happening yeah if you think I'm coming to the coming to the coming to the office but today this moment is is is office but today this moment is is is office but today this moment is is is what we're sharing and so said another what we're sharing and so said another what we're sharing and so said another way like yesterday the tragedy or the way like yesterday the tragedy or the way like yesterday the tragedy or the stress or the discomfort that happened stress or the discomfort that happened stress or the discomfort that happened the thing that you are regretting or the thing that you are regretting or the thing that you are regretting or feel guilty about that happened and feel guilty about that happened and feel guilty about that happened and tomorrow the worries that we have about tomorrow the worries that we have about tomorrow the worries that we have about what tomorrow is going to hold will what tomorrow is going to hold will what tomorrow is going to hold will Brady come to the office or not no will Brady come to the office or not no will Brady come to the office or not no will I be able to pay my electricity bill I be able to pay my electricity bill I be able to pay my electricity bill tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow or is my child going to survive the or is my child going to survive the or is my child going to survive the night like that is something that will night like that is something that will night like that is something that will hopefully happen tomorrow but today this hopefully happen tomorrow but today this hopefully happen tomorrow but today this is all there is and so the the principle is all there is and so the the principle is all there is and so the the principle here is be where your feet are be here is be where your feet are be here is be where your feet are be responsible for what is happening in responsible for what is happening in responsible for what is happening in this moment because as we've talked this moment because as we've talked this moment because as we've talked about with compounding interest how we about with compounding interest how we about with compounding interest how we carry ourselves how we act in this carry ourselves how we act in this carry ourselves how we act in this moment really does have a lot to do moment really does have a lot to do moment really does have a lot to do possibly with what does happen tomorrow possibly with what does happen tomorrow possibly with what does happen tomorrow and so if we remain where we feet are we and so if we remain where we feet are we and so if we remain where we feet are we actually Shield ourselves from regret actually Shield ourselves from regret actually Shield ourselves from regret and guilt things that have happened in and guilt things that have happened in and guilt things that have happened in the past shame and we also Shield the past shame and we also Shield the past shame and we also Shield ourselves from anxiety and worry things ourselves from anxiety and worry things ourselves from anxiety and worry things that are going to happen but here we are that are going to happen but here we are that are going to happen but here we are and we can face this moment together um and we can face this moment together um and we can face this moment together um in the grace of God resting in the fact in the grace of God resting in the fact in the grace of God resting in the fact that um that the scripture says like that um that the scripture says like that um that the scripture says like like he gives us our daily bread like like he gives us our daily bread like like he gives us our daily bread like there's enough for today and we know there's enough for today and we know there's enough for today and we know that if tomorrow comes there will be that if tomorrow comes there will be that if tomorrow comes there will be enough for tomorrow um but the present

enough for tomorrow um but the present enough for tomorrow um but the present in my estimation is the only thing that in my estimation is the only thing that in my estimation is the only thing that is currently real and so what am I going is currently real and so what am I going is currently real and so what am I going to do with it be where your feet are so to do with it be where your feet are so to do with it be where your feet are so how do you square this with like how do you square this with like how do you square this with like stewarding what you have wisely for the stewarding what you have wisely for the stewarding what you have wisely for the future and not and like planning for the future and not and like planning for the future and not and like planning for the future yeah is your argument that Living future yeah is your argument that Living future yeah is your argument that Living Well now is the best way to plan for the Well now is the best way to plan for the Well now is the best way to plan for the future kind of seems like a cop out if future kind of seems like a cop out if future kind of seems like a cop out if I'm being honest yeah it's it's it is I'm being honest yeah it's it's it is I'm being honest yeah it's it's it is something that I wrestle with like something that I wrestle with like something that I wrestle with like intention actually ironically with the intention actually ironically with the intention actually ironically with the Book of Ecclesiastes which is like well Book of Ecclesiastes which is like well Book of Ecclesiastes which is like well everything's Vain and like you're not everything's Vain and like you're not everything's Vain and like you're not taking anything with you so and so that taking anything with you so and so that taking anything with you so and so that is not to say whatever you have today is not to say whatever you have today is not to say whatever you have today just like spend it all today because we just like spend it all today because we just like spend it all today because we know that's not good stewardship and so know that's not good stewardship and so know that's not good stewardship and so I do like I am putting money away for I do like I am putting money away for I do like I am putting money away for retirement you know I we are putting retirement you know I we are putting retirement you know I we are putting money away for Asher's um education Fund money away for Asher's um education Fund money away for Asher's um education Fund in hopes that that he will go to school in hopes that that he will go to school in hopes that that he will go to school and that we will live to retirement age and that we will live to retirement age and that we will live to retirement age and honestly BR like sometimes I and honestly BR like sometimes I and honestly BR like sometimes I actually wrestle with that it's like how actually wrestle with that it's like how actually wrestle with that it's like how much am I putting away today for much am I putting away today for much am I putting away today for tomorrow when tomorrow's not even tomorrow when tomorrow's not even tomorrow when tomorrow's not even guaranteed so I'm I'm internally and now guaranteed so I'm I'm internally and now guaranteed so I'm I'm internally and now outwardly on on the Internet working outwardly on on the Internet working outwardly on on the Internet working through that um but I I think for me through that um but I I think for me through that um but I I think for me it's like when the sun comes up and as it's like when the sun comes up and as it's like when the sun comes up and as it goes down what am I responsible for it goes down what am I responsible for it goes down what am I responsible for today and what am I stewarding today and today and what am I stewarding today and today and what am I stewarding today and am I stewarding it well um while also am I stewarding it well um while also am I stewarding it well um while also acknowledging that like preparing for acknowledging that like preparing for acknowledging that like preparing for the future in Hope is is a good thing to the future in Hope is is a good thing to the future in Hope is is a good thing to an extent um yeah I'm I wrestle with an extent um yeah I'm I wrestle with an extent um yeah I'm I wrestle with that well and all of these lessons are that well and all of these lessons are that well and all of these lessons are representative of things that we representative of things that we representative of things that we continually wrestle with that's what continually wrestle with that's what continually wrestle with that's what makes the lesson profound is that it's

makes the lesson profound is that it's makes the lesson profound is that it's helping us navigate attention that helping us navigate attention that helping us navigate attention that assuredly doesn't have a clean solution assuredly doesn't have a clean solution assuredly doesn't have a clean solution sure so I think that's uh in keeping sure so I think that's uh in keeping sure so I think that's uh in keeping with the yeah with the themes here okay with the yeah with the themes here okay with the yeah with the themes here okay lesson number four another real lesson number four another real lesson number four another real practical one for you say the quiet part practical one for you say the quiet part practical one for you say the quiet part out loud this is a quote directly from out loud this is a quote directly from out loud this is a quote directly from the values that we have here at Pro the values that we have here at Pro the values that we have here at Pro Church tools I'll read it quote we value Church tools I'll read it quote we value Church tools I'll read it quote we value speaking plainly this could mean talking speaking plainly this could mean talking speaking plainly this could mean talking openly in difficult situations not openly in difficult situations not openly in difficult situations not shortcutting conflict resolution or shortcutting conflict resolution or shortcutting conflict resolution or simply refusing to let bitterness simmer simply refusing to let bitterness simmer simply refusing to let bitterness simmer by letting things go unsaid by letting things go unsaid by letting things go unsaid fundamentally we don't believe in trying fundamentally we don't believe in trying fundamentally we don't believe in trying to hide the real thing we are trying to to hide the real thing we are trying to to hide the real thing we are trying to say and we enacted this as a value in say and we enacted this as a value in say and we enacted this as a value in the company uh because we realized that the company uh because we realized that the company uh because we realized that if our goal was if our goal was if our goal was longevity and to be clear we're not longevity and to be clear we're not longevity and to be clear we're not really we don't operate like many other really we don't operate like many other really we don't operate like many other companies so like the employees that we companies so like the employees that we companies so like the employees that we have are like the only employees we've have are like the only employees we've have are like the only employees we've ever had everyone's been here since day ever had everyone's been here since day ever had everyone's been here since day one and we're like hey we hope we are one and we're like hey we hope we are one and we're like hey we hope we are here until day you know the last day and here until day you know the last day and here until day you know the last day and what we've realized is like if we are what we've realized is like if we are what we've realized is like if we are going to be in our CH be in each other's going to be in our CH be in each other's going to be in our CH be in each other's lives for that long with money involved lives for that long with money involved lives for that long with money involved with work involved with like hey you with work involved with like hey you with work involved with like hey you didn't come through on your didn't come through on your didn't come through on your responsibility involved we had to enact responsibility involved we had to enact responsibility involved we had to enact this aspirational value of saying the this aspirational value of saying the this aspirational value of saying the quiet part out loud because if we didn't quiet part out loud because if we didn't quiet part out loud because if we didn't we were creating an environment where we were creating an environment where we were creating an environment where things would be simmering below the things would be simmering below the things would be simmering below the surface creating an environment for surface creating an environment for surface creating an environment for bitterness to form and that is the bitterness to form and that is the bitterness to form and that is the that's like rust to longevity bitterness

that's like rust to longevity bitterness that's like rust to longevity bitterness would just completely undercut that and would just completely undercut that and would just completely undercut that and destroy that that goal and destroy that that goal and destroy that that goal and so now we've had to have all these so now we've had to have all these so now we've had to have all these difficult difficult difficult conversations uh curiously so I was conversations uh curiously so I was conversations uh curiously so I was talking with with one of our social talking with with one of our social talking with with one of our social sermons employees and they work remote sermons employees and they work remote sermons employees and they work remote so they're kind of distinct from our so they're kind of distinct from our so they're kind of distinct from our imperson employees and and they're like imperson employees and and they're like imperson employees and and they're like hey Bra like we're launching these new hey Bra like we're launching these new hey Bra like we're launching these new things like here's some questions have things like here's some questions have things like here's some questions have about the new products and they were about the new products and they were about the new products and they were having some new they were having a having some new they were having a having some new they were having a little skepticism and they're listening little skepticism and they're listening little skepticism and they're listening to this to this to this podcast and and so this employee who podcast and and so this employee who podcast and and so this employee who will go will go will go unnamed although he did encourage me to unnamed although he did encourage me to unnamed although he did encourage me to use a moniker for him that I will use a moniker for him that I will use a moniker for him that I will not he said he said you know like what not he said he said you know like what not he said he said you know like what do you what do you think about this I do you what do you think about this I do you what do you think about this I don't really know if I I don't really know if I I don't really know if I I agree and then we had a church like sign agree and then we had a church like sign agree and then we had a church like sign up for that package and as soon as it up for that package and as soon as it up for that package and as soon as it came in I just screenshotted it and I came in I just screenshotted it and I came in I just screenshotted it and I said suck it said suck it said suck it in the general slide and everyone was in the general slide and everyone was in the general slide and everyone was like like like yeah and then and then like a week later yeah and then and then like a week later yeah and then and then like a week later uh first that church registered interest uh first that church registered interest uh first that church registered interest and then I booked a call with them and and then I booked a call with them and and then I booked a call with them and uh and they they signed up cuz we always uh and they they signed up cuz we always uh and they they signed up cuz we always have like two or three open spots so have like two or three open spots so have like two or three open spots so there's a good fit for someone we can there's a good fit for someone we can there's a good fit for someone we can bring them on and and then like it was a bring them on and and then like it was a bring them on and and then like it was a week later and they signed up and I was week later and they signed up and I was week later and they signed up and I was like in your face again and he was like like in your face again and he was like like in your face again and he was like I thought speaking the quiet part out I thought speaking the quiet part out I thought speaking the quiet part out loud was I thought that was a good thing loud was I thought that was a good thing loud was I thought that was a good thing and I was like it was good thing and now and I was like it was good thing and now and I was like it was good thing and now I'm speaking it out loud you are my op I'm speaking it out loud you are my op I'm speaking it out loud you are my op and I have manufactured controversy and and I have manufactured controversy and and I have manufactured controversy and difficulty and I will overcome you and

difficulty and I will overcome you and difficulty and I will overcome you and every was every was every was like and I was like H I might not Bebe like and I was like H I might not Bebe like and I was like H I might not Bebe not the spirit of maybe not the spirit not the spirit of maybe not the spirit not the spirit of maybe not the spirit you know the these are kind of two you know the these are kind of two you know the these are kind of two different I don't even know how to different I don't even know how to different I don't even know how to reconcile these two things this is reconcile these two things this is reconcile these two things this is probably my flesh and then the spirit probably my flesh and then the spirit probably my flesh and then the spirit man that needs to overcome it but like man that needs to overcome it but like man that needs to overcome it but like my most toxic trait is every day I hear my most toxic trait is every day I hear my most toxic trait is every day I hear a Drake lyric that I'm like I'm going to a Drake lyric that I'm like I'm going to a Drake lyric that I'm like I'm going to I'm going to post this and they're I'm going to post this and they're I'm going to post this and they're always like you know you didn't believe always like you know you didn't believe always like you know you didn't believe in me and now I'm going to like show you in me and now I'm going to like show you in me and now I'm going to like show you except written you know in a nice poetic except written you know in a nice poetic except written you know in a nice poetic way and every day I go I don't know if way and every day I go I don't know if way and every day I go I don't know if that's coming from a good that's coming from a good that's coming from a good place but I'm just going to blindly like place but I'm just going to blindly like place but I'm just going to blindly like move past that and and keep going so move past that and and keep going so move past that and and keep going so saying the quiet part uh out loud and saying the quiet part uh out loud and saying the quiet part uh out loud and sorry to uh to imp he's like is this sorry to uh to imp he's like is this sorry to uh to imp he's like is this ever going to end I said well you know ever going to end I said well you know ever going to end I said well you know six years ago one of our inperson six years ago one of our inperson six years ago one of our inperson employees um was uh played a big factor employees um was uh played a big factor employees um was uh played a big factor in me spraining my ankle quite poorly in me spraining my ankle quite poorly in me spraining my ankle quite poorly before our first employee got married before our first employee got married before our first employee got married the next day and you know I was all the next day and you know I was all the next day and you know I was all wrapped up on the dance floor and wrapped up on the dance floor and wrapped up on the dance floor and multiple braces and like you know ate multiple braces and like you know ate multiple braces and like you know ate Tylen all deep and I was dancing too Tylen all deep and I was dancing too Tylen all deep and I was dancing too much and my ankle was like just ruined much and my ankle was like just ruined much and my ankle was like just ruined and that comes up how often about once a and that comes up how often about once a and that comes up how often about once a week yeah about once a week so I was week yeah about once a week so I was week yeah about once a week so I was like look sometimes I most time I'll like look sometimes I most time I'll like look sometimes I most time I'll move past something and forget it ever move past something and forget it ever move past something and forget it ever happened but unfortunately there are one happened but unfortunately there are one happened but unfortunately there are one or two occasions where something will or two occasions where something will or two occasions where something will forever be marked and uh you know forever be marked and uh you know forever be marked and uh you know perhaps pray for me on that still room perhaps pray for me on that still room perhaps pray for me on that still room to grow okay wa we do embody this value to grow okay wa we do embody this value to grow okay wa we do embody this value at work and but we do we know that like at work and but we do we know that like at work and but we do we know that like in our most treasured interpersonal in our most treasured interpersonal in our most treasured interpersonal relationships our marriages gez we work relationships our marriages gez we work relationships our marriages gez we work this out in our our marriage right this out in our our marriage right this out in our our marriage right because unspoken expectations is really because unspoken expectations is really because unspoken expectations is really where you get into trouble not just in where you get into trouble not just in where you get into trouble not just in your marriage but um in any in any

your marriage but um in any in any your marriage but um in any in any position of leadership talking about position of leadership talking about position of leadership talking about church as well it's not it's not wrong church as well it's not it's not wrong church as well it's not it's not wrong to have expectations of people or or of to have expectations of people or or of to have expectations of people or or of teams and such but when they are teams and such but when they are teams and such but when they are unspoken expectations when you don't say unspoken expectations when you don't say unspoken expectations when you don't say that out loud then you'll be that out loud then you'll be that out loud then you'll be disappointed by the person who never had disappointed by the person who never had disappointed by the person who never had the chance to to meet your expectation the chance to to meet your expectation the chance to to meet your expectation because you didn't have the courage to because you didn't have the courage to because you didn't have the courage to say it out loud and so you know Rebecca say it out loud and so you know Rebecca say it out loud and so you know Rebecca and I are seven years into marriage and and I are seven years into marriage and and I are seven years into marriage and that's that's we've found some real that's that's we've found some real that's that's we've found some real Liberation in that which is like it's Liberation in that which is like it's Liberation in that which is like it's okay to have expectations of each other okay to have expectations of each other okay to have expectations of each other but it's imperative that we do speak out but it's imperative that we do speak out but it's imperative that we do speak out loud even when they're hard so that loud even when they're hard so that loud even when they're hard so that we're on the same page and you're not we're on the same page and you're not we're on the same page and you're not I'm not feeling disappointment by I'm not feeling disappointment by I'm not feeling disappointment by something that I never let you into um something that I never let you into um something that I never let you into um so we worked that out in in all so we worked that out in in all so we worked that out in in all different ways and forms and Fashions different ways and forms and Fashions different ways and forms and Fashions you mentioned prayer I did yeah you did you mentioned prayer I did yeah you did you mentioned prayer I did yeah you did you said pray for me it's something you you said pray for me it's something you you said pray for me it's something you might need to work oh nice and uh I'm might need to work oh nice and uh I'm might need to work oh nice and uh I'm done with death I got I've got two more done with death I got I've got two more done with death I got I've got two more values here and uh this one is uh I values here and uh this one is uh I values here and uh this one is uh I called pray without ceasing and this called pray without ceasing and this called pray without ceasing and this comes from the Apostle Paul famously comes from the Apostle Paul famously comes from the Apostle Paul famously says um defines himself as a as a man of says um defines himself as a as a man of says um defines himself as a as a man of prayer and encourages his his listeners prayer and encourages his his listeners prayer and encourages his his listeners in the letters that he writes to be in the letters that he writes to be in the letters that he writes to be people who pray without ceasing which people who pray without ceasing which people who pray without ceasing which seems oh the Apostle Paul podcast yes seems oh the Apostle Paul podcast yes seems oh the Apostle Paul podcast yes his listeners yes yeah uh no he would his listeners yes yeah uh no he would his listeners yes yeah uh no he would write letters and then they would be write letters and then they would be write letters and then they would be read and they would they would listen to read and they would they would listen to read and they would they would listen to the letters oh I guess I never thought the letters oh I guess I never thought the letters oh I guess I never thought of it that way dear listeners listeners of it that way dear listeners listeners of it that way dear listeners listeners at at at Ephesus and so like And subscribe leave Ephesus and so like And subscribe leave Ephesus and so like And subscribe leave me a five star rating I'm trying to get me a five star rating I'm trying to get me a five star rating I'm trying to get out of this prison it's real really need out of this prison it's real really need out of this prison it's real really need some help here know what he was he he some help here know what he was he he some help here know what he was he he was himself and encouraged his followers was himself and encouraged his followers was himself and encouraged his followers is uh his disciples his readers um to be

is uh his disciples his readers um to be is uh his disciples his readers um to be people who pray without ceasing and he people who pray without ceasing and he people who pray without ceasing and he embodies this in all of his letters he embodies this in all of his letters he embodies this in all of his letters he says and more often than not when he says and more often than not when he says and more often than not when he opens the letters he says I've been opens the letters he says I've been opens the letters he says I've been praying for you I pray this for you I praying for you I pray this for you I praying for you I pray this for you I thank God for you every day and that thank God for you every day and that thank God for you every day and that seems like a tall task to be a person seems like a tall task to be a person seems like a tall task to be a person who prays without ceasing what does that who prays without ceasing what does that who prays without ceasing what does that mean to like to literally be praying mean to like to literally be praying mean to like to literally be praying always like under my breath or like always like under my breath or like always like under my breath or like praying in tongues all the time I don't praying in tongues all the time I don't praying in tongues all the time I don't know for any of our listeners who grew know for any of our listeners who grew know for any of our listeners who grew up in Pentecostal or charismatic circles up in Pentecostal or charismatic circles up in Pentecostal or charismatic circles like maybe you know that person who is like maybe you know that person who is like maybe you know that person who is like often muttering in tongues under like often muttering in tongues under like often muttering in tongues under their breath and it's like what like their breath and it's like what like their breath and it's like what like what's happening here um what's happening here um what's happening here um but Eugene Peterson I haven't mentioned but Eugene Peterson I haven't mentioned but Eugene Peterson I haven't mentioned him yet on the show so I got hey Mark him yet on the show so I got hey Mark him yet on the show so I got hey Mark this he made it all the way to this this he made it all the way to this this he made it all the way to this point and it's fair to bring him up here point and it's fair to bring him up here point and it's fair to bring him up here because his book on prayer is renowned because his book on prayer is renowned because his book on prayer is renowned as like one of the best modern books on as like one of the best modern books on as like one of the best modern books on prayer it's called answering God and he prayer it's called answering God and he prayer it's called answering God and he talks about prayer um he talks about talks about prayer um he talks about talks about prayer um he talks about prayer in the context of language so he prayer in the context of language so he prayer in the context of language so he says there are three languages first says there are three languages first says there are three languages first language is like intimacy it's the language is like intimacy it's the language is like intimacy it's the language that you share with your language that you share with your language that you share with your parents as a child often it's it's baby parents as a child often it's it's baby parents as a child often it's it's baby talk it's sounds that aren't even words talk it's sounds that aren't even words talk it's sounds that aren't even words it's it's language that builds it's it's language that builds it's it's language that builds relationship and then there's um relationship and then there's um relationship and then there's um productive language that follows um a productive language that follows um a productive language that follows um a descriptive language and then there's descriptive language and then there's descriptive language and then there's motivational language getting somebody motivational language getting somebody motivational language getting somebody to do something with your words but he to do something with your words but he to do something with your words but he talks about prayer and he says prayer is talks about prayer and he says prayer is talks about prayer and he says prayer is language one prayer is is intimacy built language one prayer is is intimacy built language one prayer is is intimacy built um with God and his book on prayer is um with God and his book on prayer is um with God and his book on prayer is called answering God because his thesis called answering God because his thesis called answering God because his thesis is prayer all all of prayer is just a is prayer all all of prayer is just a is prayer all all of prayer is just a response to what's already been said God response to what's already been said God response to what's already been said God created the world with a word and he is created the world with a word and he is created the world with a word and he is always speaking always working our always speaking always working our always speaking always working our prayer is just simply a response and so prayer is just simply a response and so prayer is just simply a response and so I say all of this to say that I've

I say all of this to say that I've I say all of this to say that I've learned in my and I've learned this from learned in my and I've learned this from learned in my and I've learned this from my dad and now um you know kind of being my dad and now um you know kind of being my dad and now um you know kind of being bolstered by by Eugene Peterson's bolstered by by Eugene Peterson's bolstered by by Eugene Peterson's guidance that as a pastor as a Christian guidance that as a pastor as a Christian guidance that as a pastor as a Christian leader as a person of Faith who shares leader as a person of Faith who shares leader as a person of Faith who shares the ins and outs of life with with the ins and outs of life with with the ins and outs of life with with people prayer is like being a person of people prayer is like being a person of people prayer is like being a person of prayer as Paul would say being a person prayer as Paul would say being a person prayer as Paul would say being a person who prays without ceasing is is the who prays without ceasing is is the who prays without ceasing is is the thing Eugene Peterson argues that when thing Eugene Peterson argues that when thing Eugene Peterson argues that when people come to your church they don't people come to your church they don't people come to your church they don't want to be lectured they don't want to want to be lectured they don't want to want to be lectured they don't want to be entertained what they want is to be be entertained what they want is to be be entertained what they want is to be prayed for and to learn how to pray and prayed for and to learn how to pray and prayed for and to learn how to pray and so prayer being language one this this so prayer being language one this this so prayer being language one this this language of intimacy this language of language of intimacy this language of language of intimacy this language of and and we know how we if you're a and and we know how we if you're a and and we know how we if you're a parent or even if you're not a parent parent or even if you're not a parent parent or even if you're not a parent you've been a child we know how we talk you've been a child we know how we talk you've been a child we know how we talk to our parents in infancy parents we to our parents in infancy parents we to our parents in infancy parents we know how we talk to our kids in infancy know how we talk to our kids in infancy know how we talk to our kids in infancy it's this unreserved very um casual it's this unreserved very um casual it's this unreserved very um casual intimate relationship building intimate relationship building intimate relationship building attachment building conversation and attachment building conversation and attachment building conversation and Eugene Peterson says like that's what Eugene Peterson says like that's what Eugene Peterson says like that's what prayer is and that's what it always prayer is and that's what it always prayer is and that's what it always should be it shouldn't ever really should be it shouldn't ever really should be it shouldn't ever really mature beyond that and so as a pastor as mature beyond that and so as a pastor as mature beyond that and so as a pastor as a person of Faith it's been my journey a person of Faith it's been my journey a person of Faith it's been my journey to be known by my friends and by the to be known by my friends and by the to be known by my friends and by the people in our church as a person of people in our church as a person of people in our church as a person of prayer someone who is praying for you prayer someone who is praying for you prayer someone who is praying for you whenever you come to mind someone who whenever you come to mind someone who whenever you come to mind someone who will pray with you when you come and ask will pray with you when you come and ask will pray with you when you come and ask for prayer and someone who will teach for prayer and someone who will teach for prayer and someone who will teach you how to pray if you need help you how to pray if you need help you how to pray if you need help learning how to pray um and so this is learning how to pray um and so this is learning how to pray um and so this is this is an awfully like like spiritual this is an awfully like like spiritual this is an awfully like like spiritual one this is uh this is less one this is uh this is less one this is uh this is less philosophical you're the past that's philosophical you're the past that's philosophical you're the past that's you're here to bring this yeah but like you're here to bring this yeah but like you're here to bring this yeah but like um yeah pray without ceasing be a person

um yeah pray without ceasing be a person um yeah pray without ceasing be a person who who is always praying not in the who who is always praying not in the who who is always praying not in the sense of of you know like door closed on sense of of you know like door closed on sense of of you know like door closed on your knees hands clasp but like life as your knees hands clasp but like life as your knees hands clasp but like life as a prayer and being in communion with God a prayer and being in communion with God a prayer and being in communion with God and helping people Along on that same and helping people Along on that same and helping people Along on that same Journey as well okay so important Journey as well okay so important Journey as well okay so important question for you you know question for you you know question for you you know how people that love Beyonce it's like how people that love Beyonce it's like how people that love Beyonce it's like what's that the Beehive The Hive okay what's that the Beehive The Hive okay what's that the Beehive The Hive okay and then Taylor Swift you have the and then Taylor Swift you have the and then Taylor Swift you have the swifties yeah right any other like names swifties yeah right any other like names swifties yeah right any other like names for fans come to mind those are the for fans come to mind those are the for fans come to mind those are the first two when I thought of them yeah first two when I thought of them yeah first two when I thought of them yeah those those are the those are the those those are the those are the those those are the those are the immediate ones that come to mind too immediate ones that come to mind too immediate ones that come to mind too okay okay okay so like if you are in New okay okay okay so like if you are in New okay okay okay so like if you are in New Testament times big fan of Testament times big fan of Testament times big fan of Paul couple options for you okay okay Paul couple options for you okay okay Paul couple options for you okay okay okay so you know how like you know the okay so you know how like you know the okay so you know how like you know the hive okay so you know Paul's in prison hive okay so you know Paul's in prison hive okay so you know Paul's in prison okay so his his followers they're they okay so his his followers they're they okay so his his followers they're they call themselves they self-identify like call themselves they self-identify like call themselves they self-identify like we're the we're the we're the inmates okay that's option one okay inmates okay that's option one okay inmates okay that's option one okay second one little alliteration just second one little alliteration just second one little alliteration just Pauline people yeah I love that we're Pauline people yeah I love that we're Pauline people yeah I love that we're we're Pauline people now third option we're Pauline people now third option we're Pauline people now third option this is for the folks that they don't this is for the folks that they don't this is for the folks that they don't really like the direction that Paul went really like the direction that Paul went really like the direction that Paul went okay okay they're kind of like let's go okay okay they're kind of like let's go okay okay they're kind of like let's go back to how it was so they're Saul's back to how it was so they're Saul's back to how it was so they're Saul's soldiers right they want to break out soldiers right they want to break out soldiers right they want to break out the swords again they want to get back the swords again they want to get back the swords again they want to get back to the dirty business that they were to the dirty business that they were to the dirty business that they were doing I think maybe we could work in doing I think maybe we could work in doing I think maybe we could work in something with Damascus um scales something with Damascus um scales something with Damascus um scales falling off like I think there's more we falling off like I think there's more we falling off like I think there's more we can Workshop but you of those three if can Workshop but you of those three if can Workshop but you of those three if you had to choose you know I'm I can I interest you choose you know I'm I can I interest you in Paul's prisoners Paul okay Paul's

in Paul's prisoners Paul okay Paul's in Paul's prisoners Paul okay Paul's prisoners take that how you will yeah prisoners take that how you will yeah prisoners take that how you will yeah that combines the alliteration of the that combines the alliteration of the that combines the alliteration of the paulan people with the inmates into one paulan people with the inmates into one paulan people with the inmates into one and maybe that's more you know holistic and maybe that's more you know holistic and maybe that's more you know holistic capturing the essence yes of uh of the capturing the essence yes of uh of the capturing the essence yes of uh of the inmates the Pauline people of Saul's inmates the Pauline people of Saul's inmates the Pauline people of Saul's sold sold sold I'm not I'm not going with Sol soldiers I'm not I'm not going with Sol soldiers I'm not I'm not going with Sol soldiers shockingly that wasn't one that you shockingly that wasn't one that you shockingly that wasn't one that you liked for okay final lesson here uh and liked for okay final lesson here uh and liked for okay final lesson here uh and this one was really this one was this this one was really this one was this this one was really this one was this came out of uh being being a dad and came out of uh being being a dad and came out of uh being being a dad and every day I dropped my daughter off at every day I dropped my daughter off at every day I dropped my daughter off at school she's in third grade now and I school she's in third grade now and I school she's in third grade now and I walk her to the the fence and Say walk her to the the fence and Say walk her to the the fence and Say Goodbye she gives me a hug and a kiss Goodbye she gives me a hug and a kiss Goodbye she gives me a hug and a kiss and she and she goes in and you know we and she and she goes in and you know we and she and she goes in and you know we have these moments to talk and we'll have these moments to talk and we'll have these moments to talk and we'll we'll try to tackle problems and and we'll try to tackle problems and and we'll try to tackle problems and and over time time I realized like every over time time I realized like every over time time I realized like every time that she leaves me there's like a time that she leaves me there's like a time that she leaves me there's like a moment where she'll like remember these moment where she'll like remember these moment where she'll like remember these times and I'm like okay what what are times and I'm like okay what what are times and I'm like okay what what are the things that I want to stick in her the things that I want to stick in her the things that I want to stick in her head and and I maybe I shouldn't think head and and I maybe I shouldn't think head and and I maybe I shouldn't think about this as much as I do because it's about this as much as I do because it's about this as much as I do because it's weird what our brains choose to remember weird what our brains choose to remember weird what our brains choose to remember it's like oh that was the thing for my it's like oh that was the thing for my it's like oh that was the thing for my childhood that I chose to remember I'm childhood that I chose to remember I'm childhood that I chose to remember I'm sure my parents would be very very sure my parents would be very very sure my parents would be very very unsettled that that was the thing that unsettled that that was the thing that unsettled that that was the thing that sticks in your head so I'm like fine sticks in your head so I'm like fine sticks in your head so I'm like fine then I have to be intentional about what then I have to be intentional about what then I have to be intentional about what I say over and over again and I can't I say over and over again and I can't I say over and over again and I can't say too many things so that I've been say too many things so that I've been say too many things so that I've been saying a lot recently is hey before it saying a lot recently is hey before it saying a lot recently is hey before it becomes easy it first has to be hard so becomes easy it first has to be hard so becomes easy it first has to be hard so she started clarinet this week and it's she started clarinet this week and it's she started clarinet this week and it's been great for me actually uh because I been great for me actually uh because I been great for me actually uh because I do my writing at home in the morning and do my writing at home in the morning and do my writing at home in the morning and she's not allowed to play clarinet while she's not allowed to play clarinet while she's not allowed to play clarinet while her sister who's 14 months is sleeping

her sister who's 14 months is sleeping her sister who's 14 months is sleeping but as soon as her sister wakes up at but as soon as her sister wakes up at but as soon as her sister wakes up at 7:00 a.m. that means the clarinet comes 7:00 a.m. that means the clarinet comes 7:00 a.m. that means the clarinet comes out and she's great cuz she can make the out and she's great cuz she can make the out and she's great cuz she can make the sounds and they're awful so it's yeah sounds and they're awful so it's yeah sounds and they're awful so it's yeah and she she realized how she could like and she she realized how she could like and she she realized how she could like hit one of the clar not she's hit one of the clar not she's hit one of the clar not she's like it's great I'm getting more done like it's great I'm getting more done like it's great I'm getting more done than ever than ever than ever why why did I bring that up I got to re why why did I bring that up I got to re why why did I bring that up I got to re reassess that from altitude so uh that reassess that from altitude so uh that reassess that from altitude so uh that was the you know it has to be hard was the you know it has to be hard was the you know it has to be hard before it comes easy dad am I going to before it comes easy dad am I going to before it comes easy dad am I going to be good at clarinet I was like no what be good at clarinet I was like no what be good at clarinet I was like no what you've never done it before you can be you've never done it before you can be you've never done it before you can be good but it will be hard before it is good but it will be hard before it is good but it will be hard before it is easy and that gets back to setting easy and that gets back to setting easy and that gets back to setting expectations which you said you know expectations which you said you know expectations which you said you know dying a million times maybe I need to dying a million times maybe I need to dying a million times maybe I need to tell my daughter that hey you're going tell my daughter that hey you're going tell my daughter that hey you're going to die a million times doing this to die a million times doing this to die a million times doing this clarinet expectations that things are clarinet expectations that things are clarinet expectations that things are going to be challenging make sure make going to be challenging make sure make going to be challenging make sure make sure to use that language too yeah sure to use that language too yeah sure to use that language too yeah that's useful yeah I think she's at the that's useful yeah I think she's at the that's useful yeah I think she's at the age where her prefrontal cortex is very age where her prefrontal cortex is very age where her prefrontal cortex is very able to contextualize that the first able to contextualize that the first able to contextualize that the first lesson though before we got to that that lesson though before we got to that that lesson though before we got to that that I've been saying every time that I have I've been saying every time that I have I've been saying every time that I have an opportunity dropping her off at an opportunity dropping her off at an opportunity dropping her off at school is hey there's only two things school is hey there's only two things school is hey there's only two things you need to worry about don't there's you need to worry about don't there's you need to worry about don't there's lots of questions you have just only lots of questions you have just only lots of questions you have just only focus on two things just keep trying and focus on two things just keep trying and focus on two things just keep trying and be a good friend just keep trying and be be a good friend just keep trying and be be a good friend just keep trying and be a good friend that inspired by Finding a good friend that inspired by Finding a good friend that inspired by Finding Nemo at all uh no I don't I don't think Nemo at all uh no I don't I don't think Nemo at all uh no I don't I don't think so I it resp it reminds me of just keep so I it resp it reminds me of just keep so I it resp it reminds me of just keep swimming which of course is is dory's uh swimming which of course is is dory's uh swimming which of course is is dory's uh common refrain and she was a good friend common refrain and she was a good friend common refrain and she was a good friend from the beginning to the end that's not from the beginning to the end that's not from the beginning to the end that's not bad hey let's say subconsciously it was bad hey let's say subconsciously it was bad hey let's say subconsciously it was a Pixar inspiration originally I wanted a Pixar inspiration originally I wanted a Pixar inspiration originally I wanted it to be three things and I was like it to be three things and I was like it to be three things and I was like wait I don't need to manufacture a third wait I don't need to manufacture a third wait I don't need to manufacture a third cuz I was trying to remember my time in

cuz I was trying to remember my time in cuz I was trying to remember my time in school and like school is tough for many school and like school is tough for many school and like school is tough for many different reasons it's amazing for some different reasons it's amazing for some different reasons it's amazing for some it was amazing for me but that doesn't it was amazing for me but that doesn't it was amazing for me but that doesn't mean it's not challenging I was like if mean it's not challenging I was like if mean it's not challenging I was like if if I could just like distill my entire if I could just like distill my entire if I could just like distill my entire experience in school like how do you experience in school like how do you experience in school like how do you successfully navigate this Jungle of successfully navigate this Jungle of successfully navigate this Jungle of like learning and socializing just keep like learning and socializing just keep like learning and socializing just keep trying and be a good friend that's all trying and be a good friend that's all trying and be a good friend that's all you contr control that's all that you contr control that's all that you contr control that's all that matters and so I got a tattoo for this matters and so I got a tattoo for this matters and so I got a tattoo for this and it's really high up on the thigh cuz and it's really high up on the thigh cuz and it's really high up on the thigh cuz I was running out of space on the leg I was running out of space on the leg I was running out of space on the leg sleeve and it's a little smiley face sleeve and it's a little smiley face sleeve and it's a little smiley face emoji going down a slide and the reason emoji going down a slide and the reason emoji going down a slide and the reason is because I always see her go off to is because I always see her go off to is because I always see her go off to the playground when I tell her this the playground when I tell her this the playground when I tell her this and I tell it to myself like yeah you and I tell it to myself like yeah you and I tell it to myself like yeah you don't grow out of that no it's not and I don't grow out of that no it's not and I don't grow out of that no it's not and I thought it was just for school at first thought it was just for school at first thought it was just for school at first and then I realized wait it was and then I realized wait it was and then I realized wait it was ministering to me just as much as ministering to me just as much as ministering to me just as much as hopefully it's ministering to her her hopefully it's ministering to her her hopefully it's ministering to her her and and crystallizing in her mind that and and crystallizing in her mind that and and crystallizing in her mind that when she's 23 and dad's not there when she's 23 and dad's not there when she's 23 and dad's not there anymore she okay just whatever it is anymore she okay just whatever it is anymore she okay just whatever it is just keep trying and be a good friend just keep trying and be a good friend just keep trying and be a good friend one put in the effort work hard but also one put in the effort work hard but also one put in the effort work hard but also like care for the people around you like care for the people around you like care for the people around you because at the end of the day like I because at the end of the day like I because at the end of the day like I want to just keep trying at the work want to just keep trying at the work want to just keep trying at the work we're doing in this business to build it we're doing in this business to build it we're doing in this business to build it and to to reach people and to influence and to to reach people and to influence and to to reach people and to influence and impact the world but also I just and impact the world but also I just and impact the world but also I just want to make good things with my friends want to make good things with my friends want to make good things with my friends and if I ever prioritize like one over and if I ever prioritize like one over and if I ever prioritize like one over the other I've missed something they the other I've missed something they the other I've missed something they both kind of like need to as much as both kind of like need to as much as both kind of like need to as much as possible live in tandem because I don't possible live in tandem because I don't possible live in tandem because I don't want to just like just be a good friend want to just like just be a good friend want to just like just be a good friend let's just like slack off not doing let's just like slack off not doing let's just like slack off not doing anything it's like no no no like I want anything it's like no no no like I want anything it's like no no no like I want to work hard I want to do stuff that to work hard I want to do stuff that to work hard I want to do stuff that really matters and uh balancing really matters and uh balancing really matters and uh balancing balancing the two that's so good and I balancing the two that's so good and I balancing the two that's so good and I hope that when she reflex in this time hope that when she reflex in this time hope that when she reflex in this time as an adult that is what she remembers I as an adult that is what she remembers I as an adult that is what she remembers I have a sneaky suspicion that she's going have a sneaky suspicion that she's going have a sneaky suspicion that she's going to remember listening to Skater Boy on to remember listening to Skater Boy on to remember listening to Skater Boy on the way to school in a car Canadian

the way to school in a car Canadian the way to school in a car Canadian Legend AA LaVine yeah uh why the Legend AA LaVine yeah uh why the Legend AA LaVine yeah uh why the clarinet and not the I don't know clarinet and not the I don't know clarinet and not the I don't know electric grunge guitar so that she can electric grunge guitar so that she can electric grunge guitar so that she can play along to skater play along to skater play along to skater boyat yeah she is in guitar lessons but boyat yeah she is in guitar lessons but boyat yeah she is in guitar lessons but she keeps coming back coming back from she keeps coming back coming back from she keeps coming back coming back from them being like we played piano today them being like we played piano today them being like we played piano today what's going on there I don't know she's what's going on there I don't know she's what's going on there I don't know she's like I learned driver's license and I like I learned driver's license and I like I learned driver's license and I was like I didn't show you that song was like I didn't show you that song was like I didn't show you that song that's not Lily's Classics that's modern that's not Lily's Classics that's modern that's not Lily's Classics that's modern Classics uh yeah Bandit school so uh it Classics uh yeah Bandit school so uh it Classics uh yeah Bandit school so uh it was between clarinet and flute mom did was between clarinet and flute mom did was between clarinet and flute mom did flute dad did clarinet and I was like I flute dad did clarinet and I was like I flute dad did clarinet and I was like I think clarinet's going to be a bit think clarinet's going to be a bit think clarinet's going to be a bit easier for you as a third grader getting easier for you as a third grader getting easier for you as a third grader getting started so yeah Asher's got a recorder started so yeah Asher's got a recorder started so yeah Asher's got a recorder um and so it's yeah I I remember the um and so it's yeah I I remember the um and so it's yeah I I remember the recorder phase well yeah so I do I do I recorder phase well yeah so I do I do I recorder phase well yeah so I do I do I empathize with the like the just almost empathize with the like the just almost empathize with the like the just almost almost un almost un almost un unbelievable frequencies that that come unbelievable frequencies that that come unbelievable frequencies that that come out of that um device at ungodly hours out of that um device at ungodly hours out of that um device at ungodly hours Brit said this morning she said this is Brit said this morning she said this is Brit said this morning she said this is better than the the recorder so it does better than the the recorder so it does better than the the recorder so it does have it does have like a better like a have it does have like a better like a have it does have like a better like a what's what's word like Timber like yeah what's what's word like Timber like yeah what's what's word like Timber like yeah yeah it's not as shrill yeah yeah yeah it's not as shrill yeah yeah yeah it's not as shrill yeah yeah exactly okay my fifth and final our 10th exactly okay my fifth and final our 10th exactly okay my fifth and final our 10th and final um take us home lesson we've and final um take us home lesson we've and final um take us home lesson we've learned in the last decade and You' said learned in the last decade and You' said learned in the last decade and You' said it so well already like this is this is it so well already like this is this is it so well already like this is this is by no means any sort of like an by no means any sort of like an by no means any sort of like an exhaustive list of of the 10 Christian exhaustive list of of the 10 Christian exhaustive list of of the 10 Christian leader principles like we are just leader principles like we are just leader principles like we are just stumbling our way through um yeah trying stumbling our way through um yeah trying stumbling our way through um yeah trying to have influence in people's lives and to have influence in people's lives and to have influence in people's lives and we're we're very young and very green um we're we're very young and very green um we're we're very young and very green um and so this this Fifth and final one or and so this this Fifth and final one or and so this this Fifth and final one or 10th and final one is kind of an appeal

10th and final one is kind of an appeal 10th and final one is kind of an appeal to that and I call it Follow the Leader to that and I call it Follow the Leader to that and I call it Follow the Leader um and so to actually quote the Apostle um and so to actually quote the Apostle um and so to actually quote the Apostle Paul again yes that that famous phrase Paul again yes that that famous phrase Paul again yes that that famous phrase where he says imitate me as I imitate where he says imitate me as I imitate where he says imitate me as I imitate Christ and I remember when I was younger Christ and I remember when I was younger Christ and I remember when I was younger hearing that phrase for the first time hearing that phrase for the first time hearing that phrase for the first time thinking like that's a little bit like thinking like that's a little bit like thinking like that's a little bit like presumptuous isn't it like I would have presumptuous isn't it like I would have presumptuous isn't it like I would have a hard time saying that out loud about a hard time saying that out loud about a hard time saying that out loud about myself with a straight face um because myself with a straight face um because myself with a straight face um because it just it seems a little a little hotti it just it seems a little a little hotti it just it seems a little a little hotti but in the in the entire context of what but in the in the entire context of what but in the in the entire context of what the Apostle Paul's life and what we know the Apostle Paul's life and what we know the Apostle Paul's life and what we know about him like I think we know enough to about him like I think we know enough to about him like I think we know enough to know that that it wasn't like it's not know that that it wasn't like it's not know that that it wasn't like it's not dripping with pride but it's it's I dripping with pride but it's it's I dripping with pride but it's it's I think what he's trying to say is I am think what he's trying to say is I am think what he's trying to say is I am doing my very best to follow the lead of doing my very best to follow the lead of doing my very best to follow the lead of Jesus Christ and my revelation of who he Jesus Christ and my revelation of who he Jesus Christ and my revelation of who he was and who he is come along with me and was and who he is come along with me and was and who he is come along with me and I think that is um for Christian people I think that is um for Christian people I think that is um for Christian people of that are in positions of Christian of that are in positions of Christian of that are in positions of Christian leadership specifically and and maybe leadership specifically and and maybe leadership specifically and and maybe I'm appealing a little bit to to pastors I'm appealing a little bit to to pastors I'm appealing a little bit to to pastors here is to always recall to ourselves here is to always recall to ourselves here is to always recall to ourselves that yes we are leaders but we are also that yes we are leaders but we are also that yes we are leaders but we are also being led so like said it said another being led so like said it said another being led so like said it said another way we are way we are way we are simultaneously Shepherds and sheep like simultaneously Shepherds and sheep like simultaneously Shepherds and sheep like as Shepherds as leaders in Christian as Shepherds as leaders in Christian as Shepherds as leaders in Christian Community we never um we never grow Community we never um we never grow Community we never um we never grow Beyond being a sheep ourselves never Beyond being a sheep ourselves never Beyond being a sheep ourselves never grow Beyond being led ourselves that's grow Beyond being led ourselves that's grow Beyond being led ourselves that's something I'm always reminding myself something I'm always reminding myself something I'm always reminding myself and actually I I I make an effort to say

and actually I I I make an effort to say and actually I I I make an effort to say this often in our church to remind our this often in our church to remind our this often in our church to remind our church as well that like you are not church as well that like you are not church as well that like you are not following me in the sense that like I following me in the sense that like I following me in the sense that like I know the best way forward on my own I know the best way forward on my own I know the best way forward on my own I happen to have the microphone right now happen to have the microphone right now happen to have the microphone right now and I'm asking you to come along with me and I'm asking you to come along with me and I'm asking you to come along with me as a Pauline prisoner yes yes as I as a Pauline prisoner yes yes as I as a Pauline prisoner yes yes as I follow the example of Jesus and follow the example of Jesus and follow the example of Jesus and so you know it's it's an appeal to so you know it's it's an appeal to so you know it's it's an appeal to remember as Christian leaders pastors remember as Christian leaders pastors remember as Christian leaders pastors whoever whatever your function is in whoever whatever your function is in whoever whatever your function is in Christian leadership or leadership at Christian leadership or leadership at Christian leadership or leadership at all is that yes we are leading people all is that yes we are leading people all is that yes we are leading people along but we are also and always pilgrim along but we are also and always pilgrim along but we are also and always pilgrim too on our own journey and so not only too on our own journey and so not only too on our own journey and so not only does that help to keep Jesus in his does that help to keep Jesus in his does that help to keep Jesus in his rightful place which is the one leading rightful place which is the one leading rightful place which is the one leading the journey but it also gives us Grace the journey but it also gives us Grace the journey but it also gives us Grace when we make a when we make a when we make a misstep because we're not setting the misstep because we're not setting the misstep because we're not setting the path we are trying to follow along and path we are trying to follow along and path we are trying to follow along and in the same way there there are Grace in the same way there there are Grace in the same way there there are Grace for the people who are following along for the people who are following along for the people who are following along with us to make missteps and and Grace with us to make missteps and and Grace with us to make missteps and and Grace to call them back onto the way we are to call them back onto the way we are to call them back onto the way we are also pilgrims too we are also following also pilgrims too we are also following also pilgrims too we are also following along the lead too and so when we make a along the lead too and so when we make a along the lead too and so when we make a misstep the road ahead is already paved misstep the road ahead is already paved misstep the road ahead is already paved it's been paved by Jesus and so we are it's been paved by Jesus and so we are it's been paved by Jesus and so we are as we are leading we are also Following as we are leading we are also Following as we are leading we are also Following the Leader well that's a great way to the Leader well that's a great way to the Leader well that's a great way to leave things off and you know to all the leave things off and you know to all the leave things off and you know to all the Pauline prisoners out there bless you Pauline prisoners out there bless you Pauline prisoners out there bless you all of us Saul's soldiers our time will all of us Saul's soldiers our time will all of us Saul's soldiers our time will come don't give up the come don't give up the come don't give up the fight thanks as always for your time

fight thanks as always for your time fight thanks as always for your time attention and trust and we'll talk to attention and trust and we'll talk to attention and trust and we'll talk to you next you next you next week oh yeah by the week oh yeah by the week oh yeah by the way 5:00 a.m. I sit down I look in here way 5:00 a.m. I sit down I look in here way 5:00 a.m. I sit down I look in here I'm like all right what does he here die I'm like all right what does he here die I'm like all right what does he here die die related to die I was like oh my God die related to die I was like oh my God die related to die I was like oh my God so I didn't notice that until an hour so I didn't notice that until an hour so I didn't notice that until an hour ago I was just going over my notes again ago I was just going over my notes again ago I was just going over my notes again and I was like wow these first three are and I was like wow these first three are and I was like wow these first three are really all about really all about really all about dying