I Want IT Bad !

A STORY:

There was a young man who wanted to make a lot of money, and so he went to a guru. He told the guru he wanted to reach his level of greatness. And so the guru said: “If you want to be on the same level I’m on, I’ll meet you tomorrow at the beach.”

So the young man arrived at 4:00 a.m. He had on a suit, but he should have worn shorts. The old man grabbed his hand and said: “How bad do you want to be successful?” The young responded: “Badly.”

So the old man told the young man to walk out into the water. It was waist deep. The young man thought: “This old man is crazy.”

The young man said to himself: “I want to make money and this guy has me out here swimming. I didn’t ask to be a lifeguard. I want to make money.

Then the old man said: “Come out a little farther,” and the young man did so.

As the young man was up to his shoulders in water he again thought: “This old man is crazy! He’s making money, but he’s crazy.”

The old man said, “Come out a little farther.”

The young man obeyed, but wavered as if he might turn back.

So the old man said: “I thought you said you wanted to be successful?”

“I do,” said the student.

So the old man ordered the young man to come out even farther, and when he did he pushed the young man’s head under water and held it down. Although the young man fought, the old man would not let him up.Just before the young man passed out the old man raised his head above the surface and said: “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.”

The young man in the story wants nothing more than to be successful in life. Certainly ambition is not a bad thing, however misplaced ambition is. In all reality, this story is about desire. It is about not quitting.  It’s about a dream and your pursuit of that dream.   It’s about wanting it bad, whatever the “it” is that burns inside your guts. Most people have an “it” and it keeps them up late at night … whether for good or for bad.  Know what? Not all “its” are worth your venture. Not all “its” are created equal.  Some are good, some bad.  Some are worthwhile pursuits that will reap meaningful rewards and some are filled with bleak despair.   Today, I want to tell you about a person that had it all, yet desired something most of us have either forgotten or misplaced.

In the Old Testament book of Psalms we read, “As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God” (Psalm 42: 1-2).

 

I am not a hunter, but growing up in Western Pa. I know a thing or two about deer from the enthusiasts that I hang with. In the wild, an animal can become emaciated due to a lack of water and/or food. David is at a low point in his life while writing this passage and draws a parallel between a deer’s desperate desire for water and his own yearning to connect with God. Just as a deer pants after the water brook, David pants after God. See when King David wrote this he was down in the pits and removed from his throne. We both know that King David could have potentially missed a lot of things in his current situation; as King, I would have probably missed my comfy bed, deliciously prepared meals, a Mega-Huge TV to watch the 49ers play and my nightly foot massage.  Contrarily, we do not find David expressing a single word of regret as to his absence from his throne.  Rather his longing is for fellowship with God. Apparently, David had an “it” and it was the Lord.  

 

Like David, there is something that happens to us when we go through tough times. The trials of life reveal what is beneath our exterior; then our true character surfaces like the morning sunrise.  What is below the surface quickly becomes evident to all.  This, I am sure you have figured out, is either a good thing or a bad thing for a person. We’ve all see it. Experienced it.  When someone acts up and everyone is just sitting around with their jaws touching the floor. Shocked at what we have just painfully observed. Conversely, there are times when a person’s powerful character is revealed that leaves an indelible mark upon us.  For King David, his time of pain revealed his deepest desire. To connect with his Creator. Or should I say, to re-connect with Him.  Have you noticed that you or I never really miss water until we MISS WATER???  I get the feeling that this was David’s yearning during his crucible.  The thing that he took for granted was not near.  That connected feeling that brought him a sense of comfort was removed and now David wanted it back –more than anything.

 

Maybe you have wandered away.  You now find yourself in the wilderness wondering what had happened.  Where did my foot slip?  When did I go wrong? And more importantly, how do I get back? The answer is beautiful in way due to its simplicity.  Just go back to the source and drink. Partake.  You may have taken 1,000 steps away from God, but He has taken 999 and is looking right over your shoulder waiting for you to turn around and begin all over again.

How to Tie a Tie.

Men, it's time to throw away that clip-on and grab your sweet looking tie, because today I share how you can step up your look Marlon Brando style.  Properly presenting yourself involves looking your best while wearing a suit, and if you have not noticed, your tie can make or break your style faster than a boog hanging out your left nostril.  Let's be frank, if choosing the right tie is essential; knowing how to tie it is critical.  We both have seen the guy walking around with that one "knot." You know the one, where it looks like a 1 inch by 1 inch wadded up clump of mess. The one that kids wear to their 8th grade dance. 

Above, you will find a convenient video teaching you the steps to the perfect knot.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-ms1eo9Aas&sns=em 

Below, are 8 steps that will get you tying the perfect knot.

The Windsor necktie knot gives you a wide triangular tie knot that’s good for more formal settings. This tie knot is best worn with a wide spread collar.

1. Drape the tie around your neck. The wide end should extend about 12 inches below the narrow end of the tie. Cross the wide part of the tie over the narrow end.

2. Bring the wide end of the tie up through the hole between your collar and the tie. Then pull it down toward the front.

3. Bring the wide end behind the narrow end and to the right.

4. Pull the wide end back through the loop again. You should have a triangle now where the necktie knot will be.

5. Wrap the wide end around the triangle by pulling the wide end from right to left.

6. Bring the wide end up through the loop a third time.

7. Pull the wide end through the knot in front.

8. Tighten the knot and center it with both hands.

When God gives you a Bloody Nose.

When God gives you a Bloody Nose.

By:  Jean de La Fontaine 

Once there was a country bumpkin

Who observed a great big pumpkin

To a slender stem attached;

While upon an oak tree nourished,

Little acorns grew and flourished.

"Bah!" said he. "That's badly matched."

"If, despite my humble station,

I'd a hand in this Creation,

Pumpkins on the oaks would be;

And the acorn, light and little,

On this pumpkin stem so brittle

Would be placed by clever Me."

Then, fatigued with so much thought, he

Rest beneath the oak tree sought. He

Soon in slumber found repose

But, alas! An acorn, falling

On the spot where he lay sprawling,

Hit him--plump!--Upon the nose.

Up he jumped--a wiser bumpkin.

"Gosh!" he said. "Suppose a pumpkin

Came a-fallin' on my face!

After all, if I had made things,

I'll allow that I'm afraid things

Might be some what out of place.

The meaning of the acorn and the pumpkin?

God knows better than we do. Before the man took a nap under the acorn tree, he mocked God's creation.  He stated that a tree as giant as an acorn tree surely would have been better fit for something large, like pumpkins, to grow on.

However, he later found that he was mistaken.

An acorn fell on his nose, causing it to bleed, making him realize that had it been a pumpkin, he would not have been as fortunate.

That is why at the end of the poem he says,"God knows His business after all, no question!" He realized he does not know more than God, and he should learn to trust Him.

"Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!"

-Romans 11:33-

How to Groom "Mad Men" style

Let's meet the team.  
From left to right: A toner, a cleanser, pre-shave oil, razor, shave gel, moisturizer. 

Alright.  Let's get right down to it. Today is about looking your best.  People judge you on your appearance, so it is about time you come to grips with this.  I know, I know, "God looks at my heart..." blah blah blah.  Well, here is a news flash for you: God may look at your heart, but your boss or future employer does not.  Now that the matter is settled, let's get you looking like you are about to star in the next Mad Men episode. 

The first 3 steps are all PRE-SHAVE fundamentals. 

Step one is to cleanse. You want to wash your face with warm water and then pat dry.  It's OK to leave your face damp, this will help with steps 2 & 3.  I prefer to shave just out of the shower because the steam from the water really softens up my abrasive whiskers. Next, take the pre-shave oil and add about  3 drops onto your fingertips.  Spread evenly onto your beard and let it sit for a few.  The last step is adding a tiny bit more water to your face with the *shave gel.  Apply the shave gel in a circular motion making sure your properly cover every angle of your beard.  

*A note on the shaving cream fella's.  I've been down the same aisle at Wal-Mart as you have been; although you may find a cheaper foam / gel to purchase, don't.  You will end up paying maybe a dollar fifty more, but the good stuff lasts long and will give you a better shave experience! 

I chose this cleanser due to the natural appeal.  It dispenses a thicker gel that I work into a lather before I shave. 

Don't waste water by having it run the whole time you shave either.If you do, I'll tell my dad and he will find you. Seriously, fill the bowl with hot water and rinse after each stroke with your razor. 

I am currently finishing up American Crew's shave line for men. I enjoyed this brand but am looking forward to trying something new next.

A little will go a long way. Be sure to really work the goods into your beard. I like to wait a few before I shave to have it marinade. 

Shave with the grain!  Always!
If you are like me, you experience in-grown hairs along the jaw line.  This is extremely annoying.  The best way to avoid that nasty-ness is to follow my guide. Also, be sure to use a sharp razor. 

POST-SHAVE: Now on to the final steps. 

After you are done shaving you will want to finish strong.  First, splash some cold water on your face.  This will (a) get all the crud off your face and (b) help close your pours / increases blood flow.  Then, add a little toner to your face.  Personally, this step is fairly a new one for me, but I have really seen and felt a difference with my skin.  Finally, grab the moisturizer, and add it evenly on to your entire face and neck. 

I am always amazed at what the toner picks up.
Even after I wash my face, there still seems to be a never ending supply of dirt and skins cells that still need swept away. 

I found this brand and did some research on it after buying on impulse. It does a great job at delivering ample rejuvenation and hydration post-shave. 

The final. Final step.
I am 6'3. People spend a lot of time looking up to me. 
That's a good thing, until my nose hairs grow into tree trunks and start protruding in places they need not be. Guys, take care of this with the 2 tools above. 
*This also applies to the uni brow.
Uni brow's are a no-no Also.   


The Results ?

Me: Sad. Black & White. Scary movie material. 

Me: Happy. Smiling. In Color.
-Don Draper style- 

It's amazing what a great shave will do for a man! 

My Deepest Fear

Our Deepest Fear

By Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. 

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. 

It is our light, not our darkness

That most frightens us.

We ask ourselves

Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? 

You are a child of God.

Your playing small 

Does not serve the world. 

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking 

So that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, 

As children do. 

We were born to make manifest 

The glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; 

It's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, 

We unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

As we're liberated from our own fear, 

Our presence automatically liberates others.