Today is the 8th anniversary of the terrorist attacks upon America. I remember exactly where I was and how I found out about these horrible events. I was in a study hall. Minutes after the first attack happened, I was watching the coverage on CNN there in the library at my school. I remember thinking how horrible these events were, and I was scared to even think that there might be more attacks. Ironic thing is...there were.

September 11th changed the way the myself and many other people...not just Americans perceived this gift of life. It showed me that we are not invincible and are never positive about what today or tomorrow holds. On this day eight years ago, many people lost their lives by doing ordinary and everyday things in which was the norm.

Minutes later, hijackers took over another plane which they flew into the US Pentagon. I do not know about you, but that really scared me. Again, because these are catastrophic events which lead many people to loosing their lives. I have always admired the construction of the Pentegon and this was just as shocking if not more so than the prior events of the day.

This day eight years ago was a very scary day for many Americans, including myself. I will never forget this day intentionally, but even more so, I will always remember how "unified" America was. People were proclaiming "I'm PROUD to be an American" putting up flags and signage everywhere. It was my initial thought that this was going to bring God back into the lives of everyday Americans, but now everything is completely different. People were proclaiming "God bless America" on television and every way imaginable, but eight years later, everything is back to normal everyday life, or so it seems. This leads me to the question, why is it that only when something bad occurs, why is that when people chase after God? Why can't that be an everyday thing?

There are many "reports" out there that are saying that Bush and the Government were behind the attacks on September 11th. I think those are bogus propaganda and stupid. I do believe that there were organizations behind it, but I am not here to say the Government worked hand-in-hand to bring these attacks on the American people.

What are your thoughts? Did September 11th change you? Do you think that things have returned to how they were before or gotten worse? How do you think America can once again be "unified?"

My prayers are with all of the families that lost loved ones in these attacks and in wars defending our great nation. You paid the ultimate price for freedom. For that, I thank you.



-Ken

Labels: 911, America, attacks, change, Change in my Life, CNN, foxnews, god bless america, high school, KHCS, memorial, pentegon, terrorist, unified, world trade center

One of my buddies posted this video to Facebook...




I have head this song before on the satellite radio, and to be honest, I had never really listened to the message that it tells. When you play it and really focus on it, there are many truths we can apply to our lives from this song. One that stood out the most was "Sometimes goodbye is a second chance."

If you think about that, in order for change to occur, you have to say "goodbye" to one way, and "hello" to another. An example I want to speak about real quick is a child. A child grown up and becomes a teenager. The clock is ticking before that teenager needs to get out and be his own person. In order to do that, he must say goodbye to family life at home and therefore say hello to his new life ahead of him. It is more than likely a major emotional step for both parties involved, but it is what is best for the teen and his future.

Is there something else that stood out to you in this song?

-Ken

Labels: change, Change in my Life, future, goodbye, growth, hello, maturity, music, music video, radio

You know... one thing that I have recently noticed is how far a simple thank you goes. I believe that too often a task is performed or a job is done, and no thanks if given. To be honest, I am guilty of this as much as the next guy.

I put myself in a situation when I give of my time and do something for someone that I did not have to do. I do not expect a "thank you," but it is always welcomed. It is a sign of appreciation and acknowledging that the person you did that task for recognizes what has been done.

-Ken

Labels: appreciation, Change in my Life, help, honest, job, thanks

Yesterday, I wrote a blog on time. This has had me thinking throughout today, and I need to focus on that for another day as well. You can read that blog here.

One thing that is most important to me is time. It is hard for me to find "free time" these days, so the free time that I do have, it is very valuable to me. That is not to say that no other time is, I just choose to use it all wisely. The other day (Monday, it was) someone did something for me that I thought was great. He took about thirty minutes of his time when I am sure that he could have been doing something better to help me with understanding on something. That meant a lot to me. He probably did not even think anything of it, but it meant a lot to me.

This has given me a new challenge. Each day, I want to help or "invest" into one person each day. After a complete calendar year, that would be 365 people that I could have an impact on. Adding those up after many years, would be...well quite a few people. People say that I am a good leader, smart and knowledgeable...If I could spread that knowledge to others throughout my life, I would leave quite a legacy. That would be a very successful life, in my opinion. It does not matter your political beliefs, opinions, fears or things you screwed up...what people will remember you by is what they learned from you.

A mentor once told me that each of us is going to die one day, and on the headstone will be two dates...your birth date and your "death date." He also said that between those two dates will be a "dash"...which represents everything you did in your life here on earth. I do not want to be remembered by a dash on my grave stone...I want to be remembered by what I taught people or helped them with. Anything less than that, I believe would be a waste of time. What do you think? Does anyone want to join me on this pursuit of helping people? One per day...that is all you have to do. Comment as you wish. Would love to hear your thoughts...

-Ken

Labels: assisting, Change in my Life, dealth, grave, headstone, help, life, life lessons, time

If you know me at any extent, you will know that I have a major passion for respect for people, especially if it is someone that I look up too. I know this blog is going to make me sound old, but really...What has happened with the small little thing called respect? Has it gone on a walk and not to return? Each and everyday, I see at least one major issue in dealing with respect a week.

I am not going into detail on this one for the privacy of the individuals involved, but I was a witness to a situation this weekend where one person did not respect something their authority said to them. This individual wanted to start an argument with him, and I was a mere fraction away from getting involved and practicing my parenting skills on the situation. I mean really? This person was probably 10+ years older than me. I could not believe that this happened.

Another story, the other day these people were sitting in a class behind me...and being totally disrespectful to the instructor by "attempting" to whisper, that failed so they were just flat out taking. I have a big problem with that, it is very rude to not only the other people who are trying to learn but also to the instructor.

I was raised by my parents to respect authority and those folks that are superior to you. Now that I am an adult (hahaha) I see how right they are, and how immature it makes the person look if they do not show respect for authority. So, please do yourself and others a favor. Evaluate yourself and check on your respect.

-Ken

Labels: change, Change in my Life, evaluate, missing in action, respect, yourself

So, it is getting to be that time of the year when hurricane's frequent here is in the sunshine state. There are a few "tropical storm" impressions that have developed, but nothing has hit here as of yet. But...the Florida showers come and go as a daily occurrence. Earlier this year, I made another post about the rain. In fact, I think we can look to the rain for many examples in our lives.

In fact, our lives can be like a hurricane. With that being said, we can be having a wonderful week then all of a sudden, a little bit of a mishap can happen which can bring us down and teach us some mighty fine lessons. After a time of storms, the "rain" clears and we continue on as we did before.

he best thing to do in this time is not get frustrated, but learn as much as you can. Life throws many storms our way, take the higher road and never take for granted the sunny days. What are your thoughts? What are you going through that might be encouraging to others?

Ken

Labels: 2009, actions, Bible, Change in my Life, christ, consequences, effects, experiences, future, history, maturity, observations, over reacting, stubborn, tomorrow, yesterday

Please take a minute or two and watch this incredible video...



This is a very humbling performance...by a nine year old girl. For those readers who are not attenders of First Orlando or do not know the story, Gracyn started becoming ill on Christmas eve, 2008. Her and her family found out that her heart was not going to last much longer. After spending a long three months in the hospital, she is doing very well and sings the song "Healer" at First Orlando. It was a very encouraging experience.

This may be a song that has been performed well by many singers and/or church worship teams, but when it is sung by someone who has been "healed" it is much more prominent. I know how God has worked in my life and "healed" specific things, but that is only a fraction of what He has done for others.

If you struggle with anything in this life, God will bring healing. That is a guarantee. It may not be in a for that we desire, but God will work out His plan accordingly on each and every situation. Trust Him...and He will bring healing.

Last night, First Orlando had Kari Jobe in to lead worship for a unique worship experience. She led many of her songs, but in addition to those, she invited the parents of Gracyn up and they shared their story about their family's battle over the last year with their daughter's heart. After they shared, Kari invited Gracyn up to sing "Healer" once again. It was a wonderful few moments of worship. A beautiful sight.

What has God healed you from? Would love to hear how God has used a situation in your life to show His greatness. To GOD be the glory!

-Ken

Labels: Change in my Life, First Baptist Church Orlando, FIrst Orlando, God, gracyn, healing, life lessons, miracle

"Gosh, it is so hot!"
"Ugh, this internet is SOO slow!"
"Man, these people can't drive!"

I will spare you from any more. But seriously, do people that complain irritate you? Why do people have to constantly state their discontentment with a specific situation?

I tend to think people that complain either are not aware that they are doing it or they are just miserable (or close too it) and would like to let everyone else know how miserable they are. Whichever the answer to the question may be, I believe complaints are very unnecessary. I welcome criticism any day (as long as it is in good taste); but there is a line between the two.

I will break it down into two "levels." A complaint is something a person states...that is not significant to any other human being, but it is a declaration of one's discontentment with a specific happening within their life. To be honest, complaints most of the time do nothing to help solve a problem.

Criticism is when a person makes an observation and offers helpful suggestions in order that one person become better at a specific task or situation. I am a big problem solver. I love brainstorming to find resolutions for a given scenario, but when someone comes over and is upset and starts rambling on about how discontent they are, that is unnecessary.

Come to me with a legitimate problem and your best solution for it, I will be more than happy to help you in solving that, come to me with an annoying complaint...I am sorry but that does not do anything for me.

You know yourself best. If you are forgetful, make reminders. If you are naturally cold, bring more clothes. For every problem there is a solution. People will respect you more if you are mature enough to learn from your own mistakes.

Complaints do not get you very far in this world. I am sure that what you find worthy of a complaint, does not compare to anything that someone within ten feet of you are going through. Thank you for reading. I tried to not "complain" too much. This is just an observation that I have made the last couple of weeks...and thought that someone could benefit from it.

Thanks for reading. I would like to hear your feedback on what you think!

-Ken

Labels: annoying, beliefs, Change in my Life, common sense, complaints, growth, immaturity, Jesus, maturity, observations, others, over reacting, politics, relationships, trends, tweet, twitter, YOU

Labels: 2009, change, Change in my Life, disciplined, forgiveness, maturity, word of the year

Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-22
²¹ "Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” ²² Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven."

For those that that follow me on Twitter, may have seen this Scripture surface on one of my #worshipwednesday posts this last week. Forgiveness is something that I am dealing with...hardcore in my life. I think that if we are all honest, we all deal with it constantly in one form or another.

At best we are all human. When someone wrongs us, be can't help but get upset. Some deal with it better than others; and to be honest I am doing much better in this area than I was a few years back, but still I still struggle. I've noticed this year specifically, that I brush things off with much more ease. I am not sure as to why, maybe it is God's work in my life and him developing me to be more like him each and every day.

Thanks for reading and your support. Feel free to add to the discussion by adding comments below. You guys rock!

-Ken

Labels: 2009, change, Change in my Life, disciplined, forgiveness, maturity, word of the year

This blog is difficult for me to write. I've been burned with this very thing. Needless to say, I have learned a very painful lesson, and honestly...glad that I did. So let's jump right in.

During tonight's message at First Baptist Orlando, Pastor David Uth touched on a topic that I have struggled with in the past, and still do. This is not word-for-word what he said, but paraphrased... "Instead of talking "about" someone when you have a problem with them, try talking "with" them."

I am not going into details, on my experience, but I am going to give some observations. Still to this day, I dislike severely confrontations. I remember when I managed a Chick-fil-A. I had to do a large amount of confrontation. It is not fun for me, and I am taking a wild assumption here that there are not many people that would find it fun.

(**Disclaimer: I am using the word "people" in this paragraph not calling anyone out. I am talking to myself as well.**) I see it time and time again. Person A has a problem with person B, and they do whatever means they see fit in order to "call out" that person, but tend to forget the appropriate way of dealing with the problem. Going to that person in private and discussing the matter in which is an issue. How does this help share God's love? How does God look at this? Can the action cause more harm than good?

So, let us keep in mind, we do not have all of the information. I spoke with Scott tonight, and he gave me an example of a situation he was it where a lady wrote a letter to a group of people because he was misquoted by the news media. Scott explained himself to her and told her the situation, and she understood. But did she go and do the correct action to make it right? No.

In my own life, I find that I am a person that will deal with major confrontation issues, but a majority of the time I just let them go. That is something I need to work on. It is the fact that I am completely uncomfortable in those situations. Trust me in saying that I had a situation that happened YEARS ago in which I handled incorrectly and that still comes up to bite me. Did I do what I needed to at the time? Yes. But the person has refused to forgive the wrong doing I inflicted toward him, therefore hindering the friendship from going any further.

If you have never listened or took to heart anything that I have ever said, please take this snippet and apply it to your life. "Instead of talking "about" someone when you have a problem with them, try talking "with" them."

Thank you for reading.

-Ken

Labels: careers, Change in my Life, christ, church, David Uth, experiences, FIrst Orlando, forgiveness, friendships, ministry, Scott Link, stubborn

Thanks for reading. This will start a multi-part blog for me...organized my categories.

I look back upon my life in the last year or so. My "word of the year" for 2009 is "Change." Ironically, this has nothing to do with the political campaign of someone. I realized at the end of 2008 that 2009 would be the year for change in my life and probably others. Change is something that all of us go through in our lives, sometimes good . . . other times not so much.

Organization

As I grow up, I feel the need to live life organized. Nothing is more irritating than living life unorganized. I have put forth efforts to have a better schedule, which includes having a certain time that is consistent for going to sleep each night and waking up in the mornings.

I tend to go to bed earlier and wake up early. When I tell some people this, they tend to think it is odd. In reality, it is not. Maintaining a schedule, I believe, is part of a disciplined lifestyle. It aids in getting certain tasks done while allowing one to get enough rest for the day to follow.

I have always been a stickler for keeping things such as computers, files and movies organized . . . again, another aspect of what keeping with the disciplined lifestyle. I have begun living by a calendar and following that as best as I can. That has helped me to not forget about certain things, which had been an issue in the past.

It is for your best interest, if you do not already to live an organized life. I would really encourage you to do so if you are not already. Organization is key. People respect those who are organized. It makes you as a person look more professional than being unorganized Employers look for individuals that are organized. It makes you more and more dependable.

-Ken

Labels: 2009, change, Change in my Life, disciplined, maturity, Oragnization, word of the year