Hold on loosely

This phrase is not only lyrics from song, but it's a great way to live. Sometimes, we desire to direct EVERYTHING in our life = frustration! Perhaps we should relax our grip on life.

Sometimes, family issues are overwhelming and we just want to get out...but we are still related. So, you go back to the beginning, "I love them" and try again! You can't make anyone, especially family, do anything! You just have to work WITH them.

Work can be affected! None of us control the economy or how people react. We cannot guarantee our own jobs! So, we hold on loosely and do our part.

For me, I hold on tight to Jesus Christ, because He is one of those for me that is an anchor! I can hold tightly to Him and hold on loosely to everything else.

Time with old friends

For the past 3 days, we have hosted the Poore's. They are old friends from our time in St. Peters, MO. Greg has been serving on staff at a great church in League City, TX.

Here is what I noticed about them! Time changes things and then again it doesn't. The Poore's have all their kids out of the home and they are on to a new phase of life - CHANGE! Then again, time with Greg and Kay is just like it was 10 years ago when we lived near each other- SAME.

I guess the point is that although we grow and change that if we allow ourselves to remain consistent, then we can continue where we left off! Lori and I are in different places in our parenting as well, but we are still the same people.

What about you? Are you growing and changing AND staying the same? Take a few minutes to analyze where you are and make adjustments if you don't like where you are going!

Owning your stuff

Spring 2010, the Coyne family bought a 2 night vacation near Sedona, complete with timeshare presentation. We completed our stay and presentation, but did not buy anything.

Package Details:
Your Highland Resorts Vacation Package Includes: 3 days 2 nights at Verde Ridge Resort in a 1-bedroom condo or studio, 3/2 w/ airfare to Vegas/Orlando, $300 Grocery rebates.

At the end we did not receive the highlighted items above! I called a few times and tried to speak with the owner of the company, but they were unwilling to provide what they promised. So, I use this as a reminder to DO WHAT YOU SAY, and SAY WHAT YOU DO!

Also, don't do business with Vacations Unlimited or Vacation Station. They will not honor their commitments.

Vacations Unlimited LLC.

5555 Irish Lane
Fitchburg, WI 53711

877-610-0005

http://www.upforvacationing.com/index.php

Priorities explored.

My son was watching "Whale Wars" yesterday. I don't he had ever seen it and I certainly have not until then. We watched about 20 minutes of the show. Later I was thinking about a show, a crew of people, hundreds of thousands of dollars spent to stop people from killing whales. Hummmm????

A few years ago our camp tried to purchase private land in AZ to develop a new camp. We were denied because of the proximity of the Mexican Spotted Owl. Hummmmm???

There are times that it seems like animals are more valued that people! While animals cannot speak up for themselves, neither can unborn children, or children starving in other parts of the world. Hummm????

Perhaps it's time to reevaluate our priorities? What is truly important? What is truly worth giving your life for? As always, it's your decision, I just hope you choose wisely.

Hilarious sign on the side of the road!

I had just finished coffee with Jim from work. We were driving back to camp and noticed this sign. Actually, it "screamed" for our attention. We were dying laughing so I quickly turned around and took this picture.

You know that we teach our children to practice some discretion. Well, this is the definition of the opposite of being discrete! In context, this sign sits at the entrance to the rodeo grounds in Prescott. This whole thing screams irony to me!!!! Anyway, this may be a reality for all men but I had to find the humor in it. After all, it's going to be a pain in the A#*, if you know what I mean.

Vouch for you

On Tuesday afternoon I met two youth pastors for lunch down in Goodyear, AZ. Steve Graham has been attending camp for years and he is a huge supporter. I met the other youth pastor (Jeremiah) for the first time at the meeting. While we were looking around their church campus, we walked into an office and there was Sean Smith!

I have known Sean since he was a high school student and in recent years he was a youth pastor who brought kids to UCYC. Here is the point. Jeremiah was considering what to do for summer camp in 2011 and Sean spoke on behalf of the camp! Thanks Sean.

While the concept is not new, vouching for someone or something you know illustrates a powerful point. People listen to other people. I suppose one of the best endorsements of YOU, would be from another person!

I challenge you today to speak on behalf of those you care about, the things you believe in and become more vocal about your thoughts! Vouch for the things that are important.

Moving forward

I attended the Global Leadership Summit last week. One part of Bill Hybels opening talk that sticks out in my mind was that "leaders move people from "here" to "there". He went on to explain that leaders cast vision about "there" and how good it will be when we arrive "there". Then, reality sets in!

You begin to receive email that your team doesn't want to go "there", because "we like here". Sound familiar? It should. Moving people, whether your family, co-workers, friends of other relationships is never easy! You can paint a great picture about how much better this new place is, but you will miss a step unless you address "here".

Wisely, Hybels reminds leaders to openly discuss how staying "here" is bad. It might be the death of our organization to remain "here", so we must go "there". Step 1 is to make sure everyone understands why leaving is essential, it's not only about going TO some new destination, but we are leaving FROM this place that no longer serves us as it should.

Good luck moving people. Thanks Bill Hybels for the reminder