Personal

Goals Update

Did I mention setting goals is easy?

I know you were all thinking 30 songs in a year?!? I have 2 finished and 1 in my mind hopefully I can finish up today with it. Remember I’m going for quantity not quality.

The book is not really on track, I’m struggling to sit down and write. Still looking for a good word processor for MAC. Word just isn’t the same on a MAC, iWork is ok but having a hard time getting used to it. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Cycling is on track I’m keeping track of progress here if you would like more detail about it.

there is the long and the short of it. Thanks for keeping me accountable.

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Posted by Gary in Personal

Confession Time

Not confession in the literal sense of the term. I may need that as well but not in this space.

I have always spoken my mind here without holding much back and sometimes felt like I’ve been a little too honest. Today I need to process and get some things out of my head. As always I welcome your thoughts. I don’t know where this post is going I’m just mind dumping. So consider that fair warning.

In late 2008 I got very discouraged with some of the things being said in relation to the elections. The way I chose to deal with it was to fast all things political for as long as needed and focus on the one thing that can bring real change. Building the Church.

I was so pleased to hear my pastor tell the congregation yesterday. God’s plan is for us to operate in our gifts and there is no plan b. After the elections last year Dutch Sheets, in a letter to his partners, made the comment, God had a plan 50 years and 50 million baby’s ago it was us. These two statements go the heart of what I’m passionate about. Equipping the Saints.

I understand theologically God does not “need” us as much as He has chosen to work in and through us. Jesus modeled this plan as He walked purposefully to the cross while entrusting the message of salvation to 12 men. That is our task. raising up those who have been entrusted to us, calling out their gifts, making sure they are equipped, and then giving them permission to serve with a covering.

This is my foundational message. 2 Timothy 2:2, teach the teachers to teach.

Recently I separated my political thoughts into a different blog so I could keep this one solely for the purpose of ministry. Last week I posted 3 times concerning Conservatism and Christianity on this blog and began to feel bad about it. It is nearly impossible to separate politics from other aspects of our lives. They are completely intertwined.

I am very busy meeting with young men, serving on a couple of boards, helping different people with social media, as well as preparing for worship team retreats, writing a book, and trying to write songs. All good things but it begs the question:

What things, of eternal significance, should I focus on? In what areas should I focus on building the church? It all runs together and gets a bit confusing at times.

As I read other blogs they are mostly focused on one thing. Should I drop the political discussions and focus on building the church? Should I stop doing all but one thing and do it with all of my passion and effort? Religion and Politics are the two things we are told to avoid however Religion and Politics are two of the most important things we should be talking about. (don’t be too literal with that last sentence)

I realize Most of my problems are between my ears and because I’m in a safe place to deal with my pathologies God is bringing them to the surface. It’s good but hard. I’m developing a lifestyle of prayer and fasting that I’ve never understood before.

I am so thankful for my family especially my amazing wife who believes in me beyond my ability to understand. And thankful for friends who love me enough to tell me the truth.

Pastor Brady finished yesterday with this comment. “God has more gifts to give than people willing to use them” I don’t want to be that guy. I don’t want to spend time on things good but not eternally significant. If your still here after 600 words thank you. I’ll keep you posted.

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Posted by Gary in Faith, Intimacy W/God, Personal, Practical

Finally Got Started

After realizing setting goals is easy, it’s time to get going. So I guilted myself into getting downstairs and setting up the bike.

Stats and info will be posted here if your interested in the bicycle stuff.

It has been so hard to start writing songs again. At Bible college it was so easy. I think because there is an anointing on the place for writing songs. So this morning I picked up a hymnal from 1895 "Gospel Hymns Nos.1-6". No music, no notation, just lyrics.

When I heard A.W. Tozer used to go into his room with his Bible and a Hymnal to have communion with the Father years ago I started picking up Hymnals. I love them.

There is a gate that stands ajar,
And through its portals gleaming
A radiance from the Cross afar,
the Saviour’s love revealing.

ref.- Oh, depth of mercy ! can it be
        That gate was left ajar for me?
        For me, for me?
        Was left ajar for me?

That gate ajar stands free for all
Who seek through it salvation;
The rich and poor, the great and small,
Of every tribe and nation,

Press onward then, though foes may frown,
While mercy’s gate is open;
Accept the cross, and win the crown,
Love’s everlasting token.

Beyond the river’s brink we’ll lay
the cross that here is given,
And bear the crown of life away,
And love Him more in heaven.

I sat in the parking lot waiting for Kim with tears in my eyes as I read these lyrics. So to take the lid off the process I have reworked the lyrics and tomorrow I will record the melody that is ringing in my head.

the book writing is already behind schedule, so not out of the woods yet.

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Real Heroes

It’s one thing to see stories like this on TV but when it’s someone you know it really brings it home.

Aaron and Tanya have been in this process for a long time and when they found out they could bring their boys home they could have just focused on themselves and that would have been fine but that’s not what they did.

With the help of Messenger International where Aaron is the CFO they chartered a 737 and brought home 80 children. They are considering other flights as well.

Watch this clip from the NBC nightly news and then go to the Messenger International website to see how you can help.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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Posted by Gary in Faith, Personal, Worship

Setting Goals is Easy

Achieving them is the hard part.

Yesterday I woke up full of anticipation and excitement. I was going to be stranded all day at home without a car. The Honda is out of comission for awhile, hopefully not forever, long story.

This was going to be a day of writing and recording with my new PowerBook G4. I couldn’t wait.

Then it seems all heaven and earth conspired against me. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong. The day ended with discouragement and feeling like the day was mostly wasted. This morning I have a new perspective thanks to my mentor.

Without really noticing I have become very “me” focused. I read recently the thing that you are most irritated with in others may be the thing you need to address most.

in your own life. Wow so true with me right now. Today I return to pressing into Him and trusting He knows what I need to be doing today.

Thank you Lord for people who love me enough to tell me the truth.

Tags: Goals, Dissapointment

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Posted by Gary in Personal, Worship

The First Day

Today I begin working toward the goals for 2010.

I have found a place to set up recording equipment and have a plan for writing the book and for getting in shape to ride the copper triangle.

Haven’t found a countdown widget so I’ll just keep track and post progress. Thanks for keeping me accountable.

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Posted by Gary in Bicycling, Just for fun, Personal

Hope International Schools

Just got home from a board meeting with Hope International Schools.

I met Joel Vanderkooi when he was an attorney for Mountain States Employers Council while I was the HR manager for Messenger International.

Joel had a vision to reach the world for Christ by planting schools. When he felt like the time was right he approached me to sit on the board. it has been an honor. Amazing to watch the hand of God on this family as they follow God’s call on their lives.

They have met with very significant difficulty and have stood firm in the face of it knowing they are called and God is the source and the substance of everything they need. They hope to open this spring and are well on their way.

Tonight we had our meeting on a Skype video call and were able to meet the teachers. I was so blessed as they introduced themselves, almost half of them through an interpretor, and spoke of how the school was an answer to prayer and how blessed they were to be able to serve God in this way.

They have an immediate need for a principle so they can finish the licensing process. As well as financial help until the school is fully enrolled and able to sustain itself. Then it’s off to plant the next one.

We have set up Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, and WordPress sites if you would like more information.

Please pray for them and if you know of a great principle with a huge vision let us know.

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Posted by Gary in Faith, Personal

Wordle

make your own at wordle.net

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Posted by Gary in Just for fun, Personal

Looking Forward

2009 was a year of sowing and growth. I look for 2010 to be a year of continued sowing and growth however I am also expecting some harvest.

“A Broken House” a small book about my heart for the church is finished and on it’s way to the editor. Last night I laid out a plan to write the next one. It will be called “The Language of Heaven”. This morning I woke up singing a chorus for the first time in a very long time.

As I was on my way to mens prayer this morning I made a decision to set a songwriting goal. Later in the day it occurred to me to set a goal to finish the book as well. Then my friend Tom called and reminded me about a ride we had talked about late last year. So here are the 2010 goals.

  • Have “The Language of Heaven” written by July 1st
  • Write 35 songs by Christmas break, (Tom thinks this is too many)
  • Ride the Copper Triangle on August 7th, 2010

The ride supports the Davis Phinney Foundation for parkinson’s If you would like to  make a contribution you can contact me here.

So there you have it. I’ll look for a countdown widget for the blog and you can keep me accountable. I appreciate all of you reading and your encouragement.

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Posted by Gary in Just for fun, Personal

Merry Christmas

It’s been a very interesting year for the Colorado Springs Trobee family. Much has changed, all ultimately for good, though change this year has come with many trials. At some point I may do a year in review post but I’ve never really been a fan of looking back.

In the midst of it all the goodness and faithfulness of God has been tangible. Always has been for us but especially this year. God has given me revelation and vision and now I pray for the wisdom and grace to say what He has put on my heart.

Tomorrow I will unplug and decompress for a week and return on January 4th ready to join New Life Church in fasting and prayer. Two prayer meetings a day for the first week of the year.

Tonight on this Christmas Eve 2009 I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Remember; Jesus came for you. (Luke 2:11)

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Posted by Gary in Personal