What will you DO during Lent?

I help with our youth group at our church and our Pastor, Eric Sunderland, shared the following with us about the season of Lent and I really liked how he challenged our youth to look at the season of Lent.  Everyone always focuses on what they are going to give up or not do during Lent.  This is great and I challenge you to give something up for Lent, but Eric took things to the next level and asked our youth to, also, commit to doing something new.  He stated "You are giving something up.  What are you going to do to replace what you are giving up?"  This resonated with me!  It is right on what I always challenge myself and others to do...take action!  It should be something productive.  For example, if you are giving up chocolate you could start eating healthier at the same time.  It does no good to give up chocolate and replace it with gummy bears.

So during this time of Lent you are challenged to not just give something up, but also to do something new and Strive4Excellence!

Think Differently

Do you ever look at a problem or situation you are trying to solve and ask yourself, "What am I missing?"  We can be so focused on something that the best thing we can do is take a step back, re-evaluate, and think/look at things in a completely different manner.  Recently I was able to watch the movie Moneyball.  A great movie I highly recommend to all.  It is based on the true events of the Oakland A's management and how they re-invent the way the game of baseball is being managed and played.  We can all learn from this.  Just because something has been done one way for many years does not mean it is the best way.

In every situation take a step back and ask yourself the following question, "Are we asking the right questions and do we truly know what the problem is?"  Only then can you truly begin to evaluate things and move in the best direction.  Think differently and Strive4Excellence!