All across the world, poverty ceases the ability for people to function in a fair and equable manner. They’re often forced to live in conditions that we would think are inconceivable by today’s standards. This isn’t about comparison, but about awareness.

The Holiday season is coming upon us quickly. As you plan your calendar and budget for this years Christmas presents, I implore you to “gift” an organization that helps to eradicate poverty in less fortunate areas, countries and neighborhoods. While our economics are declining, I pray that our generosity would not.

In 9th grade, my creative writing teacher engrained in me that I should write every day because it would make me a better writer and also serve as a journal throughout my life. So, I did. Everyday, we were forced to write for seven minutes.

Fast foward X years (who really cares how many that was now), and it’s like I’m back in the 9th grade again. At a time in my life where milestones and memories are happening literally every day, the voice of my teacher is back in my head, but turned up a few notches.

Tonight, I challenged my wife to a 30-day blogging challenge. Being that I’ve talked of this being a blog of good intentions in the past, perhaps the challenge competition with my wife will spur on new creativity and new discipline to do something that I’d really like to have in twenty years; a journal.

Don’t expect the creativity of Seth Godin, the leadership astuteness of Michael Hyatt, the frequency of Cara Davis or the spiritual depth and understanding of Boothe Farley. While I admire them all as bloggers, what you get here is likely a mix of entrepreneurism, fatherhood, husbandry, spirituality and some random adventures. If you like what you read, I welcome your comments, subscription to my RSS feed or you can follow me on Twitter. If you don’t, check out my wife’s blog. She’s much more intelligent, funny and insightful. Plus, she’s way better looking than I am.

I took a test, thanks to a link from my buddy Shawn Stewart, about my political positioning. Let’s just say, I agree with what my results are, but I was shocked at who I lined up with. Here are my results:

You are a Social Moderate (56% permissive) and an… Economic Liberal (33% permissive) You are best described as a: Centrist Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid

Here’s what famous people I line up with (allegedly):

What is your political stance?

I’ve been changed by a story about a man; at least that’s what people think he was. His work, his words…everything he did, made those around him stand back in wonder.

I watched him interact with grace even though he was often misunderstood. How could he not be? The world around him had made so many assumptions about the way things should be, that what was normal, wasn’t really normal. The people were so comfortable in their ways. In fact, they just didn’t think they were right…they knew it. Even when they were challenged, it didn’t matter. What they believed was untouchable. Yet, it didn’t seem to change his course. He never gave up or gave in. He always carried on.

Sometimes, when we would sit and watch together, we would see the same thing, yet he saw it differently. And when we would listen, he heard it differently too. What was amazing was that he seemed to be able to take this gift and make people feel loved, heard, understood and most importantly, important. While he spoke candidly, his words seemed to be met with an open mind. How? Why? Why would people continue to listen to this man?

Moreover, through misunderstanding and judgment, he always loved. So much so, that he would go out of his way to make sure that everyone knew of it.

Remember that he saw what they didn’t see and heard what they didn’t hear? Yeah…his ability to make things plain as day opened people up to the mysteries of life. They found understanding. They found meaning. They found life.

It is my life’s goal to be like this man…to stay alert with my eyes wide open…to live in gratitude for the opportunities that I’ve been given..to persistently seek the creativity that reveals mysteries…to work tirelessly to look beyond my challenges and see the endless possibilities. It is my hope that everything I do will work to make the mysteries of life, as plain as day to all those I encounter.

I dedicate myself to actively use my eyes and ears as I live and work around people; being careful not to overlook the details; making the most of every situation. I will strive to always be welcoming, encouraging and intentional in everything that’s said with the purpose to bring out the best, not the worst, in others.

This life isn’t a burden, but an assignment. I look forward to exploring its creativity with you.

Kyle

Every morning, I awake, brew a 1/2 pot of coffee, and I partake.

About every night, I pour a glass of wine or a nice cold lager, and I partake.

My wife can’t resist but to point out what is becoming an obvious fact…every morning I drink coffee to stimulate my mind/body, and almost every night I drink an adult beverage to relax it.

Talk about a guile cycle of ups and downs…and yet tomorrow…

…I’ll partake.

Anyone else?

What my family and I went through today has been tough to describe. Even now, I cannot find the words to express what I am feeling and thinking. Rather than force my thoughts to find words and sentences, the song, Hiding Place by Jared Anderson says it best…for now:

I have found myself a hiding place
I have found myself a secret space
In the shelter of Almighty’s love
In the safety of the Savior’s arms

Though my fears may overwhelm me
And troubles they surround
Though the wind rise up to take me
My hiding place is already found

I will run to the hiding place
I will run to the hiding place
Draw me ever closer to look upon Your face
I will run to the hiding place

What else is there to do?

What’s the deal with my long blog posts lately? Apparently I have some sort of word quota to meet before I can press the “Publish” button.

Tagged by a friend, here are the guidelines:

1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged.

So, my quirks:

1. I’m not afraid to say “I love you” to my friends, even the guys
2. I actually enjoyed the movie Pride & Prejudice
3. I own a 1968 Mustang Fastback that my dad’s dad bought off the lot
4. While owning a business is enjoyable, I’m often more frustrated with what I can’t do, rather than what I can
5. I didn’t drink my first beer until I was 26 and even then, I didn’t like it (can’t say that now at 32)
6. I love to start books and not finish them

Tag, you’re it…
1. Ashbylane
2. AshbyChick
3. Think Shawn Think
4. Lori
5. DriftMiner
6. Wonki

Kristy & I were surprised by my parents this week. Welcome to Nashville mom and dad!

It’s hard to believe, my daughter is 6 months old.

Honestly, I feel honored to be given such a gift. When I begin to think of what life might be like if/when there are two of my children running around, I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of God. To think that I could be gifted and granted to be responsible for two kids is a humbling privilege. I can’t wait.