This is the book to read...probably in the bathroom. #stuffbook

"Stuff You Should Know About Stuff: How to properly behave in certain situations" is definitely a book, and I have read it. If you are not familiar with Tripp and Tyler's work, they are a top-notch comedy duo. This book is filled with practical, yet hilarious tips and observations about life and the situations we all find ourselves in. 

I first encountered Tripp and Tyler's comedy at Catalyst Conference, a conference for church leaders. This book is an accurate reflection of their work. SYSKAS takes it up a notch from the previously, independently, released book Everyday Absurdities by Tyler Stanton. (Though some of the content was familiar to me.) 

If I am going to be honest about Tripp and Tyler's work, this book included, I always leave a little disappointed in certain aspects of what they do. In my context, church leadership, I always think "That would make a great illustration...except for that bleeped out cuss word or the fact that they aren't wearing any pants while they play basketball." It's almost as if they want to take it a step farther or push the envelope a little more. I find some of their videos perfectly clean for my context, but others...not so much. There are parts of the SYSKAS book that are perfectly clean (most all of it, in fact), but then there are a few parts that I really wish they'd left out. 

In my context, I cannot recommend their videos to people because I cannot recommend all of them. I cannot tell a group of kids to check out their YouTube page because I don't want them to think I endorse everything. The same is true in very few part of the book. 

Before you write me off as an old prude and point out the face that I am a total hypocrite, I recognize this book isn't written to a ministry audience. It is not any more offensive than anything I see on network television. I think it would have been just as funny without those passage and would not have diminished anyone’s feelings towards their God-given gift of comedy. 

That being said, if you are cool with mildly offensive language sprinkled through your reading, this is an very funny book, but speaks volumes of truth through simple observations. It communicates perfectly so much of what we were thinking anyway. 

**Full Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book from Tripp and Tyler in return for writing an honest book review. The above was exactly that.

Bill's Legacy in Me

Eighteen years ago I moved onto the campus of Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, Kentucky. I was almost 5 hours from home, knowing no one. It wasn’t long, however, before my neighbor in the dorm invited me over to the home of Bill and Donnette Bondurant for Sunday evening dinner. Much to my amazement, I entered their home to find somewhere between 20-30 college students eating a homemade dinner (chicken and noodles, if I recall correctly). I soon found out that Bill and Donnette were not only feeding this many college students, but had six children of their own ranging from Kindergarten – High School. Not only was this a regular occurrence, but they served as Sunday School teachers, bringing homemade goodies for the college students in their class, Bill served as an Elder in his home church, and, to top it off, his actual job was overseeing the finances of the university.

I got to know Bill, Donnette, and their family over time and came to understand that their investment in college students went above and beyond a career. You couldn’t be around them without seeing the source of their love of students. Their love was rooted in their deep love for their Savior, Jesus Christ. You could feel their passion for the Word. They loved, not out of obligation, but out of the overflow of their hearts. There was always a hug, and a smile, a listening ear, an open home, and words of wisdom.

Bill passed away suddenly this past weekend. This morning I made my way to my alma mater to pay my respects to a man who has shaped my life, my ministry, and my parenting more than he or Donnette will ever know. While driving home today I was reminded of the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy found in 1 Timothy 4:16, NIV:

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Bill and Donnette lived this out. I know, because I watched them closely. I watched their interactions with students they didn’t know. I watched them learn the names of so many students. I watched them play with, love, and discipline their children. I listened to their story of God at work throughout their lives. I listened as they taught God’s Word as well as any Bible professor. Their servant leadership is unparalleled.

Their ministry on and off campus has impacted more people than they could possibly imagine. I imagine Bill in heaven now, barely able to keep his head up straight because of all the jewels in his crown. Bill and Donnette’s legacy will reverberate for years and years to come, to the very ends of the earth as they have invested in business leaders, teachers, ministers, and missionaries who are taking that investment and pouring it out into the lives of those in their own circle of influence. The Bondurant’s legacy will live on because, at their core, they understand something that I often fail to remember:

Your greatest investment in this world will not be what you do, but who you pour your life into.

Well done Bill, good and faithful servant. I will be forever grateful of your investment in me.

Summer Ministry Environments for Families

We are very excited about what's happening this summer at Campbellsville Christian Church! 


I want to tell you about our Children's and Student Ministry opportunities. Our Student Ministry Environment (for Middle and High School) is called Summer XP: TRIBES. Tribes will meet on Wednesday nights this summer! Check out the video below:




For our Children's Ministry (Preschool - 5th Grade), Sunday nights are all about the family! Everything starts June 1st...



If you'd like more information, contact Logan or Kari Jo!

Every Life Has a Story (Inspiration from @chickfila)

Full Disclosure: I love Chick-Fil-A. I love their sandwiches, their nuggets, their sweet tea, biscuits, and their milkshakes are out of this world! I was thrilled when Campbellsville University got a Chick-Fil-A on campus. I love Chick-Fil-A. It's more than just their excellent food that I love about Chick-Fil-A though. I love their approach to customer service; to excellence from the moment you step foot on the parking lot to the time you step back into your car. I love that they give me the impression that they care about my kids while I'm there. (As a parent, ignore me all day long and pay attention to my kids and I'm hooked. If you're a parent, I suspect you know what I mean.) 
I watched this video this week that Chick-Fil-A made for their own team members that was a call to remember who they are there for:
You are probably aware that the people behind Chick-Fil-A are Christians. They don't hide it, nor do they rub it in your face (another reason I love Chick-Fil-A). As I watched this video I wondered if Chick-Fil-A isn't more like the church should be than the church is, at times. Chick-Fil-A strives to make constantly remind their team members of who they are there to serve, that each person is more than an obstacle to the end of your shift, but a human being who has a life experience and a story to tell. That person who is a total grouch and unpleasant has a story behind his grouchiness. In church world we often focus on the other team members, most of the time we focus on one primary team member...ourself. We focus on what we like, what we don't like,  what is inconveniencing us, etc. We, and I mean we because I am included here, often overlook those not on the team when they walk through our doors, when they cross our paths elsewhere, preferring rather to socialize with the other team members. 
Imagine walking into a restaurant where all the staff couldn't pay attention to the customer because they were so busy talking with themselves! I bet you wouldn't come back, would you? Me either. Honestly, I probably wouldn't stick around to see how long it would take for them to notice me. 
You know where I'm going with this don't you? I am reminded of Matthew 9:36:

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

1. Jesus saw the crowds. So often, I don't even notice people. 2. Jesus had compassion on them. 
If we don't keep at the forefront of our minds why we are here (individually, and as a congregation): "to lead people to Jesus Christ and to a growing relationship with Him" we will miss out. Someone will be your mission: others or you. When we lose sight of our mission we turn inward and we no longer see. We no longer see past our own circles, our own desires. 
I don't want to be a restaurant that serves only themselves. I want to be like Chick-Fil-A, a company that sees value in their customers beyond the money they will contribute to the bottom line. I want to be a place where all people, especially "outsiders" feel welcomed, appreciated, encouraged, engaged, and most of all loved. 
I want the Church to be a place unlike any earthy organization. I want us to look at the world, not with disdain and discouragement, but with compassion. I want us to see each individual as a person with a story, realizing that they are part of a larger story that God is telling in their lives; a story they may not even realize that God is telling and that we -- you and I -- get to be a part, even if it is a small part, of that story God is telling through their life. 
That's enough for now...I gotta find some nuggets. 

One last reason I love Chick-Fil-A...they have a page on their site with free Daddy/Daughter Date Night Ideas. Wow.

Groundbreaking for a new future!

Last week got a little crazy and I failed to post this last Monday...

75ish people gathered on Sunday afternoon, April 27th at the site of the new Habitat for Humanity house. A well-deserving mother and her son broke ground on what will be their new home. 

Habitat for Humanity has an excellent history here in Campbellsville/Taylor County. This is the first house of a total of five new homes on this street.


How is this a "win," you ask? It's not, at least not yet. Here's how you can make it a win...

In a week or so, if you're a member of Campbellsville Christian, you'll be receiving a series of emails as this building project moves forward informing you of opportunities to literally get your hands dirty as you provide not only a home, but hope for a family in this community. You may not be a plumber, electrician; you may not have any business handling power tools at all, but you can serve. I can't wait to see the "wins" that come from this wonderful opportunity! 

Opportunities...

Being "rooted" happens through taking advantage of opportunities God gives you as you seek to grow in Study, Prayer, Stewardship, Discipleship, Community, and Service. 

OPPORTUNITIES SEIZED

A few weeks ago I mentioned the power of a dress...as a result of the Prom Dress Giveaway event some of the Campbellsville Christian Church folks had the idea that they would like to offer a free Prom Dinner for the recipients of the dresses. Click here for more photos.

OPPORTUNITIES TO BE TAKEN

Watch for details on being a part of the building of the new Taylor County/Campbellsville Habitat for Humanity House. Around 50 people gathered yesterday to break ground for the new Habitat House on Wickcliffe Ave. We will be using our church email list to alert you of work opportunities. This will be a great chance to get together with your Sunday School class, Small group, or a group of friends to be the hands and feet of Christ in a real, practical way.

White Mills Christian Camp 

Since 1949 thousands of young people have encountered the life changing message of Jesus Christ through the ministry of White Mills Christian Camp. Campbellsville Christian Church will pay 1/2 of your camp registration if you submit it through the church office. Simply download and fill out the registration form below and turn it in to the church office. 

REGISTRATION FORM    CAMP DATES FLYER

82%

Easter is 6 days away. 82% of people who are invited to church will say yes. Or at least that's what statisticians say...




There's no better time than Easter to invite someone to church. Understand this, church is not the answer...Jesus is. If you're part of Campbellsville Christian Church, we are unashamedly about leading people to Jesus Christ, and a growing relationship with Him. There is nothing better to invite someone to than that!

A couple of notes for our church members:

• Consider attending the early service as an act of love to make room for the guests who will be attending at 11:00 AM. Our 8:45 & 11:00 services are identical each week.
• If you are able, consider parking at the back of the parking lot to make room for others. 
• Scoot in, scoot over, and greet someone with a friendly face and make them feel at home. (It's the worst to have to climb over people you don't know to find a seat.)
• We will have Children's Worship for the full hour during both services. Children (birth - 5th Grade) will have a special time of worship designed specifically with them in mind. 

We've set the goal at 525 people in attendance...I think we can far exceed that! It's not about a number, but about presenting the hope of the world to every soul. 82% say yes. 

Rooted & Established

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Being rooted in God's love: Loving God and Loving Others is an ongoing journey. There is no magic formula that helps you get it right. Becoming rooted, like anything worth having, takes patience and discipline. Quite honestly, it looks different for every person. The reason for this is simple: God made you uniquely with unique gifts for a unique purpose in your unique place for this specific time. The leadership of Campbellsville Christian Church wants to walk alongside you in your journey. We have created personal spiritual development goals based on what we call the 6 Expressions of God's love: Study, Prayer, Stewardship, Discipleship, Community, and Service. 

As a supplement to that, we have created a self-evaluation for you to help you evaluate your progress on your journey. It is completely anonymous, unless you want to receive feedback from myself or one of the staff for input or guidance into your life. If that's the case, simply include your email address. These evaluations are comprised of 7 questions each. You can find the evaluations below by clicking on the corresponding Expression of Love below:

Loving God:
STUDY
PRAYER
STEWARDSHIP

Loving Others:
DISCIPLESHIP
COMMUNITY
SERVICE

We are so excited to see what God will do in the lives of His people who are committed to be "rooted in God's love." Again, we don't strive to be "rooted" to draw attention to ourselves or anything we've done, but to the only One who matters, Jesus Christ. It all rolls back to our mission: to lead people to Jesus Christ, and a growing relationship with Him. 

** Unsure of what I'm talking about? Listen to the April 6th sermon to find out more.  Listen on the church website.
**Photo Credit

BOOK REVIEW: Alas an Atlas that Outlasts: Essential Atlas of the Bible by Carl Rasmussen

Rasmussen's Atlas is unlike other atlas' filled with maps of places you may or may not understand. Rasmussen has created a Bible atlas that is beautiful, easy-to-read, full of full-color images and uses current mapping technology to create a resource tool for pastors and individuals for personal and congregational Bible study.  

I love this. Honestly, I never thought I would say that about an atlas. This particular one, Essential Atlas of the Bible, provides not only the map, but charts, Biblical references, provides the context of what was going on in the world surrounding the names and places of people you encounter as you read God's Word. 

While most people would not consider sitting down to read an Atlas, with Rasmussen's Essential Atlas you could do just that and enjoy every minute of it. This atlas will prove to be an invaluable resource for me as a minister, but also for me personally as I seek to understand God's Word more fully. 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

What are we here for?

That is more than a philosophical question, but an imperative question for any organization, church, or individual to answer. What's is my purpose in life? The Campbellsville Christian Church leadership has been wrestling with that very question for a number of months. For years, we've had a beautifully crafted mission statement. The problem was, that no one could remember it, much less recite it or communicate it to someone else.

We've been discussing how to narrow our focus. There are so many wonderful things a church does, but what is most important? Here's where we've landed:

Campbellsville Christian Church exists to lead people to Jesus Christ, and a growing relationship with Him. 

That's it. That's the Great Commission fulfilled. (Matthew 28:19-20) The two most important things a church does is to lead people to Christ (evangelism) and to lead them to grow in that relationship (discipleship). For the church, if something doesn't lead to that end, then it probably isn't worth doing. 

Then I asked myself, "What's is my personal mission statement?" What is my focus? There are many things I hope to do as a Christian, a husband, father, minister, and community member. Ultimately, I hope to leave a legacy that points to Jesus. I don't care if I am remembered; I do care that people remember Jesus. 

If the mission of the church is unequivocally, unwaveringly, unapologectically to lead people to Jesus Christ, and a growing relationship with Him, then shouldn't that be my personal mission as well? After all, I am a branch of the church whether I am in the building or not...and so are you. So, what's your mission? Do your day to day actions and attitudes agree with you? If not, what are you going to do about that?

**Photo credit

About Tiling and Keeping Things In Perspective

 Well, here it is. This is my basement prior to starting my recent home improvement project, tiling. We had a concrete floor that was stained and had a pattern cut into it. It was fine. It just wasn't what we had hoped for when we set out to finish the basement a few years ago. 

As I spent three weeks working on this project, I had a lot of time to reflect on many things. I won't bore you with a series of "things I learned while tiling," but I will do just this one. 




My friend, who does home renovations, advised me on how to get started and how to use patterns to divide the basement into two sections: the family room and the rest of the basement. I have tiled before, but never this large of a space. Anyway, I set out on the project and, with the help of my wife measuring and marking tiles, got the basement finished! As I cleaned the tile, I noticed something....my spacing was off in some spots. "Oh no!," I thought. "I've messed everything up." I was so frustrated. I took the time, did the research, was careful in my cutting and I still failed. Then I stepped back to get a different perspective. You know what I noticed?
 It didn't stand out so much when I stepped back. I couldn't see it so clearly. 

I heard an illustration about a pebble recently. Basically the speaker said if hold a pebble 1/2 inch away from your eye, the pebble will completely obstruct your view. You will see nothing but the pebble. If you hold the pebble 18 inches from your eye, you will see that it isn't so big. However, if you'll throw it down onto the beach, you will see it for what it is...nothing more than a piece of dust.

I think our failures, our sin, our disappointments, and our struggles can become like a pebble or a closeup look at my basement floor. When held up close, it is all we can see, but when we take a step back and put it against the light of God's grace and mercy we see it for what it is. It is a part of our ongoing journey to something more beautiful. Thinking like this doesn't make it hurt less or make us feel less guilty, but we are all on a journey. I hope your journey is one that leads you to become rooted in God's love. I am reminded of Isaiah 41:10, 

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Remember, you are on a journey. Your current circumstances, good or bad, are part of your journey. Embrace them. God will sustain you through it all, and you look back and see something more beautiful than you could have imagined. 

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,  so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19, NIV)

The Morning Monster

I am probably posting this at the wrong time of the day. It's okay. I will set it to repost later tonight also. 

You know what has always bugged me to no end? Morning people. You know, those people who are so perky and bubbly and are awake before 8:00 AM? You know what else always bugged me about those people? They were the ones who would always tell me that the only time to have a quiet time (aka Bible Study and Prayer) was in the morning before everyone wakes up and the house is peaceful. They would even try to play the "Jesus card," saying that Jesus even had HIs quiet time with God in the morning. (See Mark 1:35) I could always fight that off because I am most certainly not the Son of God. "These people" would drive me nuts.

Gag. I am most decidedly not a morning person. I'm not a late night person either. I'm a mid afternoon guy. An early quiet time has never worked for me. Journaling has never worked for me. However, and this is the most frustrating thing, mid-afternoons were never consistent enough to work for me either. So, at the end of the day when I am about to crash, I would reach for my Bible or devotional book, when I would remember. I would read it and start to pray, most of the time falling asleep before I ever got into anything significant. Honestly, "these morning people" never shoved it down my throat, nor were they trying to make me feel guilty, I just simply knew that my time with God wasn't what it should be and I was attempting to deflect my conviction and guilt by pointing out how annoying those people were. 

Recently, a perfect storm of things happened. I've mentioned them recently and will finish writing about them next week. First, I had to tile my basement. I had time to do it and needed to get it done two years ago. Second, the Winter Olympics. In this I was convinced there was nothing on television I couldn't live without and certainly nothing worth watching after 10:00 PM. And thirdly, I read an article by Michael Hyatt entitled "How to Become A Morning Person."

Here's what I've done*: 

1. I go to bed at 10:00 PM. As much as possible I try to lay out my clothes, get my coffee cup out, set my Bible out on the table, all the night before.
2. I wake up an hour earlier. I get up at 6:00 AM. It makes sense, when I go to bed at 10, 6:00 AM doesn't seem so early. I had to overcome that mental barrier.
3. I make my coffee. Apparently there is something to this. Quiet time with a cup of coffee makes everything a little easier. It's weird, but true. 
4. I have a companion text that I use as I study the Bible that includes questions. If you are interested in some resources, please contact me. There are some great ones, no matter where you are on your walk with Christ. 
5. I pray that God would speak to me and then I read the text for the day. So far, I've been able to get through Judges, 1 Peter, and now I'm in Romans. 
6. After I read through the Biblical and companion text I will deal with the discussion questions, and then
7. End with Prayer. I don't journal. It just doesn't work for me. I have a list. I have a long-term and short-term list. I add and remove freely from the short-term list. My long term list includes: my wife and children, other family members, some friends, the church, the church leadership, the church staff, our missionaries, and finally myself. Yours doesn't have to be that long. But make a list. 

That's it. Then I go get ready for my day. Now, I have to admit something to "those people" who are perky and bubbly so early in the morning. You were right. No, morning isn't the only time that works, but I am growing to believe now, after almost 40 straight days, that this has been the best for me. It has changed my attitude for my day, I am studying God's word with more alertness, I am retaining more of what I read, and, as a side perk, I am finding myself much more productive during the day. A verse keeps coming to my mind in regards to all of this. The writer of Lamentations wrote:

Because of the  Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning;  great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, “The  Lord  is my portion;  therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24, NIV)

Try it out. I dare you. 


*I tell you all of this not to brag, but hopefully encourage some of you who struggle with a balanced quiet time. You can do this. It's not that hard. Just a little determination is all it takes. 

*Photo Credit

How a Dress Changes a Life

This past Saturday afternoon, Campbellsville Christian Church partnered with The Granted Grace Foundation to offer Prom Dresses free-of-charge to well deserving girls from across the region. 

Girls were paired with a personal shopper, selected a dress and shoes, and members of the Prayer Ministry team offered to pray with the girls. Here is what TGGF Founder, Melissa Marshbanks had to say:

The volunteers literally laughed, cried, and PRAYED with the ladies. For some of the girls, it was their first time praying or first time praying with their family. It was such a privilege to watch these girls get attached to the volunteers (and vice versa).

Sometimes something as simple as a dress and a prayer can change the course of a person's life. I want to say thank you to all who donated dresses, served at the event, and prayed for the event. Moreover, I want to let this serve as a reminder that there is nothing too small or too large that God cannot use to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and the hope that He brings to this life and the life to come. If we walked each and every day with this mindset, imagine what God could do in our community and the world! 

Grilled Cheese, Oatmeal, and a Side of the World, Please.

Most every major childhood memory has one consistent feature...what I was eating at the time. I love food. I have recently been reading through 1 Peter, which (for reasons beyond my comprehension) caused me to think about what I liked to eat as a kid.

I loved a lot of foods, but I came up with a list of some that all contain one similarity:
- Grilled Cheese
- Oatmeal
- Rice
- Cottage Cheese
- Milk

Can you think of what all these might have in common? Mom had to alter them so that I would eat them. Here's the list, more honestly stated:

- Grilled Cheese (with Jelly spread on top)
- Oatmeal (with Butter & Brown Sugar)
- Rice (again with brown sugar, but also regular sugar)
- Cottage Cheese (1 part cottage cheese, 1 part sugar)
- Milk (1 part milk, 3 parts Nestle Quik Chocolate Milk mix)
- Sugar (with sugar sprinkled lightly atop)

As a child I would not accept these perfectly healthy foods as they were. Instead, I wanted them mixed with something less than healthy. I wanted the "good for me," but not enough that I could actually taste it. The same could often be said of our spiritual lives as well. This brings me back to 1 Peter 2:2-3:

Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,  now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Peter 2:2-3, NIV)

We've found salvation. It is good! Freedom from our sin, shame, guilt; freedom from fear of eternal condemnation is the best thing. We have tasted and seen that the Lord is good.  Peter directs us to crave pure, spiritual milk. Pure: unaltered, as it should be. Not milk mixed with something else. Not Jesus mixed with something else. 

Not:
- Jesus (with a side of porn)
- Jesus (with a little gossip)
- Jesus (with a touch of divisiveness)
- Jesus (with a pinch of grumbling)
- Jesus (with the grip of grudges)
- Jesus (with a dusting of disobedience)

That list looks awful. When we place Jesus Christ alongside anything the world has to offer, we see it for what it is...not enough. Not satisfying. It looks ugly, doesn't it. The reason is because Jesus was not meant to be placed next to anything. Jesus was meant to be placed as Lord over everything.

- Jesus is your everything.
- Jesus is all you need.
- Jesus is enough.

Abstinence Makes the Heart Grow Apathetic.

Now that I think about it, that title may be a little misleading. Let me explain:

If you know me, you know I like routine. A couple of things have happened to me lately that caused a disruption to my normal routine. 

1. Tiling my entire basement. (Again, more on that to come)

2. The Winter Olympics. 

It may very well be unAmerican to say that I could not care any less about the Olympics. Not a big sports fan. I do find a few events entertaining, but I am unwilling to sit through hours of droning on and on about the difficulty of a triple sow cow or watching people dodge flags as they speed down a hill. Let's face it, the reason most of us watch that is so that we can see the occasional wipe out (hoping, of course, that no one is injured, but the wipe out is no less spectacular!). 

Anyway, as a result of the Olympics, there has been absolutely nothing on television for two weeks straight. As a "routine" person, I have a slate of shows that I watch at certain times of my week. I don't like disruption. Not one bit.

As I was tiling my basement floor I had a fair amount of time to think. You know what I realized? Not once did I think about missing a show; I actually realized that I could go without it. 

Now, I know what you're thinking I'm thinking. Don't go accusing me of thinking. I'm not a "throw out the TV" kind of guy. I did realize that I had been giving priority to things in my life that had no business being in a place of priority. I guess abstinence from television made me realize that I don't really care that much about it. (Thus the title)

I don't watch any shows that are necessarily bad, but they aren't beneficial either. I've begun the process of deleting some timers on my DVR, not all of them, but some. It's only been a week and a half, but you know what I've noticed? I have more time. I have time where I can enjoy spending time with my family, taking with my wife, and more time to focus on what's really important (more on that next Wednesday). 

Here is what comes to my mind:

Philippians 4:8 says,

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

None of these seem to me to be undesirable. 

My question for you today is this: what is in your life that you don't need? What, if you eliminated it from your routine, would give you the margin in your life to to focus on the most important things?

It's a process for me and will continue to be so for some time. I hope you'll consider joining me. 

Photo Credit