The Cost of a Dream

I had a great conversation with a friend the other day. He’s "got it all together" at least from my perspective. He’s got a job that pays him really, really well. He’s got a 5 year plan and a retirement deal he’s paying in to, I’m sure. He’s got a really nice house that he keeps immaculate and a couple of brand new cars that he recently paid cash for. He and his wife are expecting their 1st child here in a couple of months and he’s nervously excited. It appears from my perspective that he’s got nothing to worry about. We went on a long walk in his neighborhood and talked about our lives and our talk probably shouldn’t have but it kind of shocked me. I began to share my concerns with him as I looked at my life and really didn’t have any "plans". I sheepishly shared my uncertainty about the future. I mean, I am not lazy but I don’t have any idea what I am gonna do about retirement, really don’t have much $$$ put away for emergencies. As a man, somehow, it has been instilled in me that I should care more about these things than I do. I shared with him that this possibly bothered me and he shared an eye opening statement with me. He said "at least you are living your dream, that’s priceless". He went on to talk about how he admired me for simply living my dream I got the sense that he would do that too, if he could. He said at least "you’re working for yourself, I am working so someone else can make lots of $$$." It appears that after speaking with him there’s a trade off for living your dream I suppose. I may never have a lot of $$$ in the bank, but then again I might. I might never own a home or be able to buy a new car or a retirement plan but I have a dream in my heart that I would not trade all of that for. Now, it would be nice to have both scenarios but in my present circumstances I have everything that I could ever need and many of the "wants" too! As I write this I feel "richer" already. I have to admit, I am in awe of my friends ability to dig in and work hard so he can provide for his family above and beyond the "call of duty". He is amazing guy but his encouragement made me want to hold tight to my dreams and not look back anymore. This is the path that God has put in my heart and He has been faithful to provide ALL of my needs. So I pray from this moment on I would not look back, not second guess and be content even overjoyed with the "wealth of a dream" that God breathed into me and has empowered me to live out. God forgive me for worrying and second guessing and wishing for something other than what you’ve given me cuz I know that worry will not add a minute to my life. Thank U Jesus, AMEN, YES!

Shooting for the moon?

Ok, so a new year is here! It’s 2009 and many people are making New Years resolutions. I don’t really have any "new years resolutions" per say but I have some goals I’d like to see accomplished in 2009. Of course these are all subject to change and I don’t want anything that The Lord doesn’t want for me. Nevertheless these are things in me that I am putting down as "goals" for 2009. I always heard that if U "aim for nothing, u will hit it every time". I have found that to be true in my own life. So take these for what they are worth and if U know me, ask me how they are going, share your own goals and if U dare, hold me accountable! I guess I have to separate them into 3 categories. Personal, Professional and Spiritual! They all kind of go together but somehow in my mind I’ve gotta write them down and separate them...more to come as I think of ‘em!

Personal Goals:
-spend more time hanging with my wife and friends(outside of music)
-drink more water(sounds like a good thing to do)
-eat CONSISTENTLY better(consistency is the key)
-continue working out (but not getting mad at myself when I can’t)
-run ½ marathon
-read(or listen to) 12 books. (1 per month sounds reasonable)
-write 3-5 songs a month( knowing that u can’t force creativity.)
-learn a new sport ( maybe swimming or raquetball)
-learn to enjoy "the little things"
-remember the glass is half full
-get a tattoo
-get more sleep
-not to obsess when I don’t meet my own expectations
-clean up my mouth

Professional:
-finish recording my project with Jesse Jones by March 31st
-collaborate and work on a new "Hip-Hop" worship project
-begin working on next DWB album
-learn to play drums and piano(better)
-learn to sequence
-open for a major artist on a major tour(Lincoln Brewster maybe?)
-learn more about "Leading Worship"

Spirtual:
-spend more time in prayer(as I am led)
-spend more time in the physical "Word"
-listen to or watch 3-5 podcasts per week of my favorite preachers/speakers
-learn to "Be Still" more
-learn to serve better(Water Angels, Karm, Ect.)
-learn to Love better(give and expect nothing)
-forgive myself and others(make amends where possible)
-TRUST God with financial matters