1Guy - looking up from the loft.

Beginnings...

2010 is the year of servanthood at The Loft.  1 guy is a companion to the other three blogs I write and contribute to...all focusing on becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus a.k.a servant (slave).  This blog, however, focuses on the quest that men are on becoming all they can be or living a life of purpose.

I freely admit that all though I've been married for over 40 years, have two great daughters and five terrific granddaughters, I don't know beans about women.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up, if fact, I'm running hard trying to figure this thing called life out.

That said, I think I know some about us guys.  Our dreams and visions, our strengths and weaknesses, and our needs.  I also know my life adventure pursuing God and the areas He is working on within me to become a better servant. What I don't know, you do.  What we don't know or question about life, maybe some occasional women readers will know...truly I'd like to hear from you.

So, we will first begin tackling who we are and who we want to become.. Stay tuned, we are just beginning...

You in?  Let me hear from you.

More later, Peace.

why me..

...finished the core values exercise?  If not, go back; it's the important first step.

 Finished?  It's time to move on...to discovering (rediscovering or renewing) why me..

Most guys can buy into the notion that God created us---created each of us uniquely...it's cool to really know that Jehovah cares deeply for each of us as individuals and has a purpose for us here on earth to advance His Kingdom.  Deep down we want to get it out and get on with it. U in?

Begin by answering a couple of questions.  Get in a quiet place and spend some quality time---ready?

Why did Jehovah uniquely create me?  What is His kingdom purpose for me?

Don't settle for a answer that you would quickly give at a Bible study.  You know---the generic one.   Why me? Go deep.  Here are some tips:

begin with prayer asking God for His wisdom. (duh)

what are you passionate about? 

don't spend more than 4-5 minutes writing the first draft.  

refine your thoughts; make it a relatively short sentence (not more than 12-15 words) work it, man.

remember to make it real; shorten it; make it flow...go for it.

Once you have it; you WILL know it!  

Put it down; pick it up tomorrow. does it still float your boat?  Hey, if so---move on.

...to 

opening up the dusty Bible to find a verse that you can SAY with conviction IS YOU.

...and remember..

We are taking about YOU...NOW...in this season of your life---the now me; where God is working you and wants to work through you.  why me---'cause God's been waiting for you and for me to get on with it.

This is a life long journey; I do this exercise regularly when I get the itch.  You know, the itch.  When God is taking to me about somethin' new...that where HE wants to move in ME and through ME.

Got it?  I encourage each of us to get on with it.

More later.  1Guy out.

Staying true

Beginnings...I’m good at beginning many things.  How about you?  I can still remember back when, as a young man, I discovered what it really meant to be a fully devoted Jesus Follower.  The trouble with beginnings is that it is only that---we have to stay true to our calling through the peaks and valleys of life and through every season of life.  That’s a really tough go and I am the first to put on hand up that I’ve “slipped” often.

It’s important that we begin our time together as men on this journey exploring or, perhaps, discovering for the first time, what is really important to us---the core principals or values that we can “really” hang on to...and hang on to---not just in the beginning, but through a lifetime. 

So, let’s pause here a moment and consider something.  Do you remember the 2002 Ron Howard movie starring Russell Crowe called “A Beautiful Mind?”  It’s the story of John Forbes Nash, Jr., a math prodigy and how he overcame years of suffering with schizophrenia to win the Nobel Prize.

 I still recall today Crowe’s line challenging others about the theory of “governing dynamics.”  If we are to be faithful Jesus Followers from beginning to end, you and I must have a set of precepts or governing dynamics that define us; that shape and mold us; that will guild us through the peaks and valleys of life and in every season of life.

 So, here’s my question for you to ponder.  What are your governing principles or core values as a disciple of Jesus?  I'd suggest you compose a list of not less than four and not more than eight. Pray and take some time and write them down; look at them daily for a few days and refine them. Share them with you buddies; learn them; practice them; that's staying true to yourself, to others and to God.

 I’d love to hear from you.

 Later, Selah