How To Handle Troubles and Trials

"We have small troubles for a while now, but they are helping us gain an eternal glory. That glory is much greater than the troubles." - 2 Corinthians 4:17 (ICB) 

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (fully developed/mature) and complete (fullness/wholeness), lacking nothing." - James 1:2-4 (NKJV) 

For me, personally, this is a revelation for today. So much so, that I wanted to share it so that I could go back and reference my thoughts. And, maybe one day one of my children or grandchildren could read this and it may help them through a problem or trial they are facing. These scriptures are a good reminder about the best response to a problem, trouble or trial.

First of all, let's define what a problem is. Alex's first question to me, when I read today's reading in "Jesus Calling for Kids" to him this morning, said 'do you mean like a math problem?'. And, that's a great question, because it allowed me to further define what God meant by a 'problem'.

Titans Lions - September 23 2012 - Great Game

I won't forget this game for a long time.  An amazing win by the Titans.  They are not an amazing team this year (so far), but being a Titans fan made this game special.

Wall Squat Championships and the Importance of Pushing Each Other

Last night, the Nordhoff family did a Wall Squat Competition.  I'm not sure exactly who started it - probably Kaden - but it turned out to be a great lesson for me.

I officially started the competition with a respectable score of 1:31 minutes.  I thought that was pretty good.  Up next, Kaden.  He wizzed passed my 1:31 and with a lot of gasping, making funny faces and pain, he was able to persevere through to 2:30.

After that, Mom was up.  She went to 3:12!!!  WOW!  I was impressed with my wife.

Up next, Amo and Apo.  Amo went to 1:30 - my original time.  Respectable!  Apo went to 2:45.  Again, very respectable.

Then, it was Alex's turn.  He went to 4:01!  Incredible.

By this point, Kaden was highly motivated - almost angry with competitiveness.  So, he squats against the wall for an incredible 6:30!  WOW!  We all though no way are we going to beat that time.

I go up again and I get 2:01.  I beat my previous high of 1:31, but I was just too tired after doing it so much beforehand without being timed.  I'll get em next time, I said to myself.

Then, for the grand finale, Alex gets up against the wall and is determined to beat Kaden.  Well, leave it to a brother to motivate you.  Alex stays against the wall for an amazing 7:01 minutes!  Bravo Alex!

Do you think Alex and Kaden would have gotten such high numbers if they had done those wall squats on their own?  No way!  They needed each other to push beyond what they thought they could do.

I let that be a lesson for me.  In everything I do, I need to do it with others - especially if there's a competition.  Because if I have someone to push me, I will go beyond what I think I can do.  I work by myself most of the time.  But recently I took on a very large client where I get to work in a team atmosphere.  It's been really great so far because the other team members have already challenged me - not even directly challenged me, but indirectly, by their work ethic and work standards.

This little experience has caused me to re-think my workout plan.  I was planning on doing the exercises on my own, but now I'm thinking I might do it with some of my friends and have them challenge me to go beyond.  I'm also planning on publicly sharing my weight loss goals with more of my friends and have them push and challenge me.  By the way, my goal is to weigh 190 or less by the end of this year.  I'm currently 210.

That little wall squat competition did a lot for our family.  Not only did we have a lot of fun, but we also gained a lot of respect for what each other could do, it was fun and it made us realize that we need each other to go beyond what we think we can do on our own.

Oh, and one more important thing.  Yesterday, my friend and neighbor, James Frazier, competed in the Ironman competition. He persevered and he finished.  It's was an inspiring day for us all as we kept up with his progress all day online.  This morning, he's got me believing I could do the Ironman too.  What, am I crazy?  Maybe.  But one thing is true, his accomplishment pushes me to believe beyond what I think I can do on my own!

Father's Heart Weekend 2012

This weekend, I experienced The Father's Heart Weekend: Celebrate the boy, Call out the man.   This year, I took my youngest son, Kaden.  2 years ago, Alex joined me.  It's an unforgettable weekend where both dad and boy get outside of the routine of life and focus on each other.

We spent the weekend playing games, sports, being outdoors and just enjoying being together. Mixed in with all of the fun and games are two poignant ceremonies - an affirmation service and a time of worship together.  The combination of it all makes for a weekend like none other I've ever experienced.

My son and I get to share in an experience together that bonds us for life.  It gives us a chance to have a purposeful heart exchange together.  He knows, after this weekend, how deeply he is loved by me and by His heavenly father.  He is a beloved son.

Guys Retreat at the Ocoee

I spent the weekend near the Ocoee River in Copperhill, TN with 3 of my best buddies.  This is the fourth year in a row I've headed out of town with these guys for some much needed fellowship and fun with Bryson and Lee.  And, this year we were glad to have Gregg join us.  I know it will be a tradition that will not soon be broken.  These are the 3 guys I meet with every other week here in Nashville.  We talk about all sorts of things twice a month - but mainly it's just good to know I have some guys that understand me and that support me as I am.