Frank Bealer: There Is A Better Way

Many people do not know this about me but I was an avid Boy Scout for over 10 years.  The Scout motto was simple…Be Prepared.  I can’t tell you how much this thought has been ingrained in me. During every ceremony, every meeting, every event we would recite the Scout Oath, Law and Motto.  Another decade later and I remember it all like it was yesterday.

I recently had the opportunity to teach on the concept of preparation to an amazing group of leaders investing in Elementary age students.  As I sorted out my thoughts in the days leading up to this workshop a phrase developed…

It is virtually impossible to be passionate when unprepared.

The more that I have ran this through the filter of my life experiences the more I have discovered that this is true.  I believe that we should make every effort to be passionate (especially when it comes to presenting the Gospel) but more times than I would like to admit, I have witnessed someone trying to speak passionately on a topic or lesson that they have now clue about.

Definition of Disaster: an uprepared leader trying to present to a group of people that recognize them as leader. 

The next time you think about not taking the time to prepare a lesson, message, or presentation do me a favor, DON’T even bother. Either defer to someone else, buy some more time, or better yet, prepare.

You will notice that some of these goals are the same as those of my wife (go figure)

Spiritual Goals:
1. Spend 3 months studying each Gospel (includes reading each gosepel 3 times and at least 2 commmentaries per book)
2. Continue to develop my role at Elevation Church
3. 3 Fasts: 21 Day Daniel Fast, 7 Day Juice Fast, 3 Day Water Only Fast
4. Memorize 52 Bible verses

Relational Goals:
1. To teach Isaac and Layla to swim
2. To make mine and Jessica’s 10th year of marriage the best year yet
3. To participate in at least 3 community outreach projects as a family

Health/Wellness Goals:
1. To work out at least three days a week.
2. To run my first 5K (I hate running)
3. To continue to eat healthy

Personal Goals:
1. To take at least 5 Boxing lessons (yes you read this right!)
2. To spend at least 4 hours a week playing my guitar
3. To self publish my first eBook (only about 35 pages)
4. Read at least 24 books (total)

Financial Goals:
1. To get our house in TN sold
2. To become debt free in 2011
3. To set up Educational IRA’s for each of my children

Travel Goals:
1. To take the kids to Disneyworld this year
2. To get back home to TN at least six times
3. To travel to London and Paris for our 10 year wedding anniversary

 I’m really glad that I took the time to write down my goals for 2010 in late 2009.  I know for a fact that many of my goals for this year (like reading the bible cover to cover, reading 24 books, getting to >11% body fat, reduce family debt, complete 2 Insurance courses) would not have been reached if I hadn’t done so.  A few highlites from this past year can be found below.

My favorite books from 2010: Sun Stand Still (Steven Furtick), Delivering Hapiness (Story of Zappos), A Million Miles in a Thousand Years (Donald Miller)

My favorite workout: LL Cool J Platinum Workout

My favorite date night with my daughter Layla involved Marble Slab and no schedule.

Tomorrow I will reveal my goals for 2011

What’s the best way to meet people in your neighborhood? Start a Fire.

Two weeks ago we moved to a new neighborhood and Jessica and I were ready to meet some of the parents and children on our street. In a matter of 3 easy steps we met a few of those families.

Step 1. Jessica went to the store to get marshmallows

Step 2. Micah rode around on his bicycle inviting people on our street over to the house. 

Step 3. I started a fire. 

It didn’t take long and we met Dan, Adam, Sophie, Applie, Ron, and Leanna.

How long have you lived on your street?  When is the last time you had a chat with your neighbors?  One easy way to spark a conversation (Sorry, I couldn’t resist) is to start a fire this weekend.