Opportunity in the Midst of Now

Today I am sitting in McDonald's, soaking up the free wifi, and enjoying a fry. I noticed something today. Something that most people will overlook, not really care about, or just aren't paying enough attention too. So I encourage you to not just read this, but rather hear this and become more aware!

When I walked inside McDonald's I didn't see anything different. It was just another fast food store with a similar design to the rest of the franchises. It had the same smell, same layout, and same crowd of people working. I ordered my food like everyone does, get my food, and went to find my seat. This story probably sounds like the start of everyone of your visits too. Something was different though.

When I finished my food, I wanted to do some work at the table I had chosen. So I placed the tray that my food came on to the table beside me so I could work. I pulled out my computer, pulled out a notepad, and started to work. This is where things changed in my story. The point that allowed me to see what I had been made aware of a few months before today.

A McDonald's worker came up to me, who had been cleaning the floors, and asked if she could take my tray. That doesn't maybe seem like the greatest thing, or the most profound thing...yet! It wasn't only that she went out of her way and stopped what she was doing to do something for me. It was that she did that and will not receive any recognition for that other than a "thank you" from me.

The reason I am sharing this is not only because it touched me, but because I want to bring awareness of an issue that is growing in the world. People keep doing more and more, for less and less. Everyone in this McDonald's is making about the same, and I can almost guarantee it is just above minimum wage. The lady that was kind to me, took my tray, and served me with kindness is making the same amount as the cashier that treated me like a number. Part of the issue is an attitude choice. The other issue is the job market. Oh and by the way, that kind lady...she was 72.

That is something I want to change! I do not want to see someone, 72, working for $7.25/hr because she ran out of money. I do not want to see someone who is kind get paid the same as someone picking there nose and just standing there. That is not fair! And you might say that the world is not fair, but that is where I disagree! Sure some are born into opportunity, but others of us, we have opportunity in front of us. We just cannot become P.O.O.R. (people overlooking opportunity regularly). That really is the only difference between the people that are successful, and the people that are not.

There are people that grow up understanding that concept. They take advantage of opportunity, and run with it. But there are people that grow up and have not been raised to understand that concept. And that is how I am going to change things. I want to educate people. I want to show people that there are opportunities out there that they can take advantage of and run with. It isn't necessarily their fault they didn't learn this concept, but we need to reach those people that don't know...so they know! It will change their life! If you do not think there are opportunities for everyone, then please contact me. I would love to show you a handful!

So as I close, I hope that you have gained something from this post. I hope that I have been able to share a glimpse of hope to some of you, and for you that already knew this concept...I hope this has encouraged you.

Become a #Legend

Success

Success. It is what we all desire, and strive for in our lives. We set for ourselves, what success is in our own life. There is a natural standard of “success”, but what is the success you want to achieve?

I have always believed that I am going to change the world. On a daily basis, I try to impact the people around me and influence them in a positive way. So often we find ourselves going through the motions. We just do what we do because it is easy, someone else is doing it, or because it is all we know.

Maybe it is time to start thinking outside the box, and get outside of our comfort zones.  We see success around us, but to what level? What is the level of success that YOU want to hit? Have you thought about it before? Do you have goals for yourself?

I really want to encourage you to think about those questions. I am not asking you to pick a career, I am not asking you to determine what you want to do with your life, but rather, I am asking what is it you want to see come to fruition in your life.

So now that you might have a few things in your head… what steps are you taking to reach those goals? Every goal needs to have mini goals, or steps, along the way. They are crucial to you achieving your success. Like I said before, I want to change the world, and that is the biggest goal in my life. When I see that I am impacting people’s lives in a meaningful manner, only then will I see the success I dream about. To get to that though, I have to set some goals along the way. I have to analyze what it takes to impact people, and set steps to do that. Some of the steps will be easier than others. 

This kind of thinking will change your life. If you have not taken the time to think through some of this stuff, it is time to do that! The trick is staying true to yourself through it all though. You will need a why (Why am I doing this?), and you will need to make sure that it is something that isn’t reliant on others. When it boils down to it, this is your success. Find the people that will enable you, find people that have similar goals, and run with it no matter what.

Success is achievable.

Humbling Renewal.

I want you to know, I am broken. That there is not a day that goes by that I have it put together, I don't fall short, or I don't mess something up in my life. 

So often, I have a tendency to put up a facade. There is a part of me that wants to look the best I can for you/others, and it is something that I am still learning about myself. I have always known that I am a people pleaser, but I never realized the extent I go to put my best foot forward, or even create a false front, until a few weeks ago. Life has radically changed recently, and it has really given me the chance to look inward and see where the roots of my sin branch out. 

I want you to know me. I do not want to build anymore facades. 

I have been reading through old song lyrics that I have written, and looking back I can see my souls desire to change. Instead of address the symptoms, I am addressing the real issues and diving deeper with God. I am diving into the sanctification God offers those who He has chosen. I have been justified and seen blameless, I have been adopted by the perfect father, and I am being made sanctified. In sanctification I am made positionally holy, but it does not end there. Sanctification takes initiative from me too. I have to pursue the Lord. I have to set my mind on things above, and put to death what is sinful. 

So yes, you do know me. I am the high energy guy that longs to put a smile on your face. I am someone who desires to change the world by loving people. I am the guy who loves music. I am the guy who desires to bring positivity into others lives. 

I am still learning how to be transparent...to the point of it being painful. And this is one of the steps I want to take to open up and let you see inside. I am a sinner who struggles with lying, caring to much of what other people think of me, and allowing things to be more important that God in my life. These things do not define me anymore. Not be my will power, but by the grace of God. 

As I move forward, I ask that you pray for me. That I will find strength in Him to overcome, that I will create new habits, and that I will have a testimony from my pain, struggle and restoration that will encourage others to pursue God more. 

Blessings,

Nick

Love. The Lifestyle.

Often, I read the 1 Corinthians 13 passage as this great love passage that is to be shared with my future wife. This morning was different though!

This morning, I read it and was convicted. I want to live a life of love! 

1 Cor. 13:4-13

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. 

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

It is so easy to love those you want to love. What about the people you don't see eye to eye with on things, the individuals that cause you to go crazy, or the person that has it out for you? 

There are people in your life that need a positive influence, a friend, or just someone that can listen. We pass them by everyday, work with them, and maybe even live with them. When we choose not to love those around us, we are choosing to ignore the hurt, need, and desire for hope. People are in need of being loved, and God is love. If we are filled with God, we should have the desire to love those around us. Will we fail? Absolutely! But instead of using that as an excuse not to impact those around us, it should push us to love more. 

How often do you feel the need, or desire, to be loved? I know that I, a young man, desire to be loved or shown love often. 

I want to be a world changer, and I am only going to do that by being the love God gives me. I encourage you to think of a couple people in your life that you could show love too, and I will be too. It doesn't mean you have to be best friends, but maybe you could make a positive difference in their life. 

Love is not just an emotion. Love is a lifestyle. Live a lifestyle of love today!

Be Thankful - Create Hope

Thanksgiving is coming up in just over a week. The time of year we take the time to slow down and examine what we are thankful for in our lives. As we approach this Thanksgiving, I have really been trying to live a lifestyle that is not about me. Things are changing in my life. Good things are happening. It has been a long journey for me the past few years. I have gone through my trials and hardships... most of my own doing. Things are looking up though now. 

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, we all should really take the time to slow down and analyze life. Are you where you want to be? Have you accomplished what you thought you would this year? Maybe you have, but maybe you haven't. It is a great time of year to be thankful for what has happened, or hasn't happened. 

As Thanksgiving comes and goes, look outside of yourself and be a blessing to someone. It might be the only thing they can be thankful for this year. People are hurt, in need, and desperate for a glimpse of hope. We can be that hope to them! 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Rejoice!

The Absolute About Absolutes

For the most part, the current and the upcoming generations believe that the are no absolutes. Ok, so maybe they do believe that 2+2 always equals 4, but when it comes to the everyday things that we encounter...anyone can be right. I believe that I will ruffle some feathers with this post. I ask that you join me on this topic, and give any feedback that you want. 

What is truth? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, truth is defined as: the real facts about something. In today's society, there is this growing belief that no one is incorrect. They just have a different opinion. The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines opinion as follows: a belief, judgment, or way of thinking about something : not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.

While I think that having opinions is a good thing, I do not think that we need to be encouraging the idea that everyone is right. We are so worried that we are going to offend someone if we tell them no, or disagree. What is wrong with that?

People wonder why our society is not progressing. Well I believe that this issue is the root cause!

It is time to wake up people. You might not be right about everything. I know that I am not right about everything. It is ok to disagree with each other, but that disagreement should lead to resolution, not confusion.

It is time to step up, be confident in yourself, and address the world. You will receive opposition, but in the end it is going to be worth it. There are absolutes, and they are absolutely true about you. If you don't think there are absolutes, are you absolutely sure about that?

In the end: respect each other, be open-minded about things, seek the absolutes, and journey forward in a way that creates organization and not chaos.

The Adventure Within

Adventure. It is something that we all crave. 

I was reminded of my desire for adventure this past weekend. I went to Lake Michigan to celebrate my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. We pretty much spent the whole entire time outside. Kayaking, jet skiing, swimming were just some of the things that I enjoyed while I was up there. 

On my last day, me and my brother went kayaking. We kept going and going. When we had gotten a ways off shore, we both looked at each other and said, "I could get used to this". At that moment, I started to analyze my life. I was reminded of how much I enjoy adventure when we were out there. 

As I have said before, I am going to change the world. And with this recent reminder of how much I enjoy adventure, I am looking forward to the adventure laying before me. 

As I move forward, I am looking to find people to join me in my adventure. Maybe it will be you? Who is going to join me? I want people to join in the cause and reach those who need God's love. If you want to join me in my conquest feel free to let me know. 

There is an adventure ahead!

Photo Credit: Sam Phen
http://adventuresofjames.co/