encouragement

5 Things I Learned from Growing a Beard for 40 Days

by Larry Hehn on March 11, 2013

Well, we are now 40 days into my year-long quest of growing a beard worthy of Duck Dynasty.

At the start of this great adventure, I posted some reasons why I’m growing a beard in the first place. And, as the facial follicles festively fill out, I’ve made a few observations about the whole process.

It’s amazing how, when you’re looking for simple life lessons, they seem to pop up in the most unusual circumstances. Like letting your hair grow.

In totally random order, here is some of the wisdom I’ve gleaned from the experience so far:

Change and growth don’t happen overnight. It’s a process that you need to commit to, something that happens daily. Sometimes the change is so gradual, you don’t notice from day to day. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. Note your progress so you can look back over time to see the results.
Change and growth can be uncomfortable. Any guy who has grown a beard can tell you about that stretch, a few days into it, where it starts to itch. Many guys will cave at this point and give up in the name of comfort. Only the truly committed will soldier through to see the reward.
Change and growth won’t look good right away. Even the best beards started as unsightly stubble. Hey, you gotta start somewhere.
Change and growth won’t appeal to everyone. You may get comments from others about how this new venture isn’t such a good idea. Some may have a valid point (not everyone can – or should – grow a beard). A few just might be jealous. Beard envy, anyone? Choose to get feedback from those you respect who will “tell it like it is”.
Those who have been there will rally around you and offer encouragement. I’ve swapped plenty of beard stories with some great guys over the last few weeks, and don’t think I’ll ever tire of them. There’s a special bond among guys with beards, a kinship. A knowing nod and a smile that says, “Hey, me too!”

And a bonus thing I learned this past week – toddlers can stare for a very, very long time.

What changes have you been going through lately? What changes have you been putting off?

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20,000 Days and Counting

by Larry Hehn on February 20, 2013

Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.
Remind me that my days are numbered—
how fleeting my life is. – Psalm 39:4

For all my life I’ve struggled with procrastination. Putting things off until the last minute. Doing just enough to get by. Planning to do great things…tomorrow.

Does that sound familiar?

I don’t want to reach the end of my life with a boatload of things I should have, could have, would have done, but didn’t.

In my heart I echo that psalmist’s prayer. I want to live my life with an urgency and focus that reflects the brevity of my time here on earth, and the importance of each day.

Because today could be my last.

Why, then, haven’t I?

I think it’s safe to say – if you and I are asking ourselves that question, we need to change our mind-set.

20,000 Days and Counting is the place to start.

How many days have you been alive? How many would you guess?*

Today is day 16,592 for me.

Author Robert D. Smith reached his 20,000th day back in 2009. He celebrated that milestone by checking into a hotel. Over the next 48 hours, he planned his next 20,000 days. Out of that 48-hour session, 20,000 Days and Counting was born.

In this compact, easy-to-read manual, Smith shares a simple plan that, when applied, will have you living with purpose. Daily.

Our days are already numbered. When you come to the end of yours, what sort of life would you like to look back on?

Why not start that life today?

With the help of 20,000 Days and Counting, you can.

How many days have you been alive? Is the number more or less than you thought it would be?

*To find out how many days you have been alive, Robert D. Smith has provided a “life-calculator” at his site. Check it out!

This book was bought with my own hard-earned cash. It was not a freebie, so I felt no obligation to endorse it. I was not required to write a positive review. As a rule I only post reviews of books that I enjoy, and that I feel will be beneficial to my readers. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Embedded in this review is an affiliate link to Amazon.com. If you follow the link from here and buy a copy of this book, Amazon will award me a 4% commission on the purchase.

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You Don’t Always Have To Swing for the Fence

by Larry Hehn on January 21, 2013

Many years ago, at a competitive softball game, I crushed a ball to left field. It sailed over the startled left fielder’s head as he ran back in vain to track it down. My blast cleared the bases, and brought cheers from the few fans who were watching.

At the end of the inning, as we took the field, my friend Chappy trotted over and patted me on the back.

“Nice hit,” he said, “but that’s not your swing.”

Chappy knew that I’ve never been a home run hitter. My strength has always been hitting line drive singles up the middle, or doubles to the gap. I hit for average, not power.

On my best day, I had what they call “warning track power” – enough oomph to get the ball near the fence, but not over.

After that one miracle connection, he knew that I’d likely go up to the plate again and swing for the fence. He knew that I’d try to be something I’m not, and lose sight of my strengths.

While it stung a bit to hear him say it, I knew he was right. And I appreciated it.

* * * * *

On October 23 1993, the Toronto Blue Jays were leading the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, three games to two. Down by one run in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 6, with one runner on base and one out, Toronto’s Paul Molitor came to the plate.

He said one of the hardest things about that at bat was fighting the thought that if he hit a home run, it would win the World Series. In his words, “That’s not percentages.” Molitor wasn’t a power hitter. He hit a solid single to keep the rally going.

The next batter, Joe Carter, slugged a home run to win the Series.

Molitor was named Series MVP.

* * * * *

Sometimes we look to club a home run, when all we’re really made to do is spank a single.

Don’t lose sight of your strengths and try to be something you’re not.

Remember your swing, and keep the rally going.

“Don’t look for big things, just do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

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The Best Christians are Mudders

by Larry Hehn on January 9, 2013

I’m no daredevil, but I enjoy things that push me beyond my comfort zone. Physically. Mentally. Even spiritually. That’s why I’m a fan of Tough Mudder.

As their website describes, “Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.”

With obstacle names like Kiss of Mud, Fire Walker, Arctic Enema and Electric Shock Therapy, Tough Mudder is no stroll in the park.

But it’s not the challenges that impress me the most about Tough Mudder. It’s their approach that I love – an approach that, in my mind, parallels what Christianity was meant to be.

“Tough Mudder is more than an event, it’s a way of thinking.” – toughmudder.com

Tough Mudder participants are known as Mudders.

For starters, Mudders don’t take themselves too seriously. Yes, the courses are hardcore, but Mudders are met at the end with a beer, some laughs, and an upbeat live band. Organizers advise, “…please don’t show up at a Tough Mudder without a sense of humor.”

Mudders run as a team.

“To get through mud, fire, ice-water, and 10,000 volts of electricity you’ll need teammates to pick you up when your spirits dip. To get over 12 foot walls and through underground mud tunnels, you’ll need teammates to give you a boost and a push. Tough Mudders are team players who make sure no one gets left behind.” – toughmudder.com

Mudders recite this pledge before each event:

I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.

I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.

I do not whine – kids whine.

I help my fellow mudders complete the course.

I overcome all fears.

The best Christians I’ve known don’t take themselves too seriously. They recognize that life is a team event, not solo. They encourage and build others up. They look out for each other. They stretch themselves, and help others stretch in the process.

Yep. The best Christians are Mudders.

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another… – Hebrews 10:24-25

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. – Galatians 6:3

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. – Galatians 6:9-10

I’m so impressed with Tough Mudder, I’m actually thinking about signing up for their upcoming Toronto event on September 28 and 29, 2013. Who’s with me?

Who are some Christian “Mudders” you know? How have you been influenced by their example?

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Live Out Loud

by Larry Hehn on January 7, 2013

Katie is Deaf, but that doesn’t stop her from singing at church. Yes, she signs along with the music, but also sings the words out loud with all her heart. She doesn’t hit all the right notes, but she makes a joyful noise.

Ed can hear, but can’t find a tune to save his life. Still he sings with unbridled enthusiasm, and worships with a joy that is simply infectious. He doesn’t hit all the right notes, but he makes a joyful noise.

Meanwhile, I sing softly, self-conscious. My hearing isn’t the best. Neither is my voice. Am I off key? What if somebody notices? What if they don’t like it? What if they laugh?

Hmm. Sounds pretty pathetic when you put it that way, doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, this was me last Sunday.

Until, of course, God clobbered me over the head with a two-by-four. In a good way.

I thought of the years that I’ve sat on my gifts, too timid to put them out there for God and others to see. What if I screw up? What if my best isn’t good enough? What if people don’t like it? What if they laugh, or criticize?

But then God dropped a new question in my lap.

What if this is what you’ve been called to do all along, warts and all?

Katie and Ed don’t inspire by the notes they sing. They inspire by the reason they sing them.

This year, you and I may not hit all the right notes.

But let’s make a joyful noise.

Let’s live out loud.

Every corner of creation is a living declaration
Come join the song we were made to sing
- Steven Curtis Chapman, “Live Out Loud”

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:13-16

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