2010 "Mind Dump" and 2011 "Ramp Up"

Today is the last day of being 38 years old and I really don’t know what to think about it. There is absolutely nothing I can do about it. I know I’m getting close to 40 and I don’t know why I dread it so much. In my mind it is "middle-aged" and I also consider myself younger. After my yearly physical on Monday and my birthday tomorrow, it reminds me I’m getting older. I’m very much retrospective this week. This year did not start that great for me with my sister-n-law being diagnosed with cancer, having horrible back pain and eventually surgery and a family friend's father slowly passing away. But the year had a great turn-around and finished on a positive note. My wife and I bought a house that we love in a neighbor we love. My wife’s sister got married to an awesome guy, my sister-n-law is in remission, Rocky River Church (where I serve on staff) started building their first-ever building and there are some very positive changes taking place. I really love my life and what I do.

I have one more year left in my 30’s, but my 30’s have been great to me. I got married to my awesome bride, we bought 2 houses and my son was born 3 ½ years ago. I’ve changed careers 3 times: left the ministry to work for Kinko’s, Staples and OfficeMax; left that career to work in real estate; left real estate to do what I was called to do and started out doing ministry, working with people - not paper or property.

Over the last month I’ve been cleaning out and going through boxes that I have had for years. I am a borderline hoarder and don’t throw anything away, especially if it was a handwritten letter/card or had some meaning to me (just ask my wife). As I was cleaning things out I was reminded of some people who have spoken into my life over the years. Travis Baxter, whom I have known since the 7th grade and has been the best friend anyone could have asked for. He was very important for me becoming serious about my faith, my best man in my wedding and someone I talk to on a weekly basis. I love this guy and his family. Jay and Melanie Stewart, my pastors in the youth group and spoke so much into my life. We have not kept up much in the past couple of years but their impact in my life will never fade. Bruce Mulford- my great friend from college. I was his best man in his wedding. I miss Bruce because we have not talked in the past couple of years but he is the Godliest man and husband I know. I have always admired the love he has for God and for people. Jack and Sara Snavley- Sara is the closest thing I have to a sister, although I joke that she is old enough to be my mom. She was my right arm during the time I served in Ohio as a youth minister. She and Jack took me as one of their family when I didn't know anyone in Ohio. We speak several times a month and I visit her and Jack once a year. Although there are many people who have impacted my life, these people I remember the most. But none of these people have impacted my life as much as my wife has. I am so thankful I have Courtney to finish my life with.

Wow- I feel good now. I have dumped out the things I have been dwelling on for a while. Now I’m excited about ramping up for 2011. I am ready to finish my 30’s strong. Here are some things I want to accomplish/ ramp up/ goals for the last year of my 30’s and head into my 40’s with full steam. Here it is in list form:

1. Loose 40 pounds to be around my ideal weight. I want to fit into the skinning jeans all the hip, young people are wearing (not really, just kidding - really it's those acid washed jean I use to wear!)

2. I want to blog at least 52 times next year. That’s at least once a week but does not necessarily mean once a week, it may be twice a week.

3. I want to read one book a month. I already read a lot of blogs and magazines. I just want to increase my book reading.

4. I want to start my Master Degree in Leadership Management. This will depend on my financial situation.

5. I want to be in coaching a network for pastors who do what I do. This will depend on my financial situation.

Part of my reason for posting my goals is to make them real and accountable. I also added numbers to make them measurable.

I am going to make next year the best possible year I can make it. I hope you will do the same as well.

Happy New Year!