Welcome to Nolan's World

100 Words: The Problem with Vision

THE PROBLEM WITH VISION

Vision is the ability to see a future that few comprehend, because it hasn't yet materialized.  

It has taken me the majority of my life to realize that most people don't "get it" because they can't "see it." 

The inherent problem with vision is trying to get people to believe in something they have never seen, though in your mind it is SO real you can almost reach and touch it!  

You feel like a crazy person when attempting to lead people to a place you have never been yourself, but that is exactly the assignment a visionary must fulfill!

100 Words: Unexpected Blessings

UNEXPECTED BLESSINGS

I didn't accomplish anything I had planned to do today. 

 I was awakened by a phone call at 5:40 that let me know that school was cancelled, so Maddie and Alison would both be home all day.  

I planned to read, write, reflect, and do some busy work; instead, I cuddled on the couch with my wife and daughter, had a great lunch with them and my in-laws, and then built a snow man, threw snowballs, and ate snow cream.  

The work will still be here tomorrow, but I am glad that I took advantage of an unexpected blessing today!

100 Words: The Perfect Church Service

THE PERFECT CHURCH SERVICE

The perfect church service is so consumed with worshiping the presence of Jesus that everything else pales in comparison.  

We are less tuned to our like/dislike of the song choice and captured by the opportunity to praise.  

We seek nothing but glorifying the Almighty!  

Believers unite to drop to their knees in repentance because we are broken by sin's presence barricading us from the majesty of God's nearness.  

I can only think of a few times that I have experienced a church service like this, but I am praying that I will be a part of another one soon!

100 Words: Legacy

Legacy is the record that says I lived in a way that had a lasting impact on those I touched.  

It starts in the little things, but most of all, it is an attitude that conveys "I have time for you" to those who are closest to us.  

The ripple effect of moments seized and opportunities taken to truly listen to and add value to the family and friends and strangers who cross our paths will eventually hit those loved-ones like a steamroller.  

Our time on earth is short.  Some say we are "shadows and dust."  Build a lasting legacy!

100 Words: Self-Doubt

There is a dragon that rages inside of me.  He normally appears when I am on the verge of moving forward, trying something new, or attempting to re-establish a pattern of discipline.  

He gently whispers, "You can't do it, why even bother trying, just give up now so you won't be disappointed later."  

What he is REALLY saying is "God's not big enough to do that through YOU."  

I made a decision NOT to live in fear, so I've made a commitment to fight the dragon of self-doubt whenever he rears his ugly head.  

I'm ready to slay self-doubt today!

100 Words: Dreams vs. Vision

DREAMS VS. VISION

Dreams can be really comforting while a vision tends to be all-consuming. 

Dreams help you sleep, while vision often steals slumber.   

Dreams are "nice" to accomplish but vision will "drive" you until you "see it" in front of you.  

Dreams are not bad, they are visions in the infancy stage.  

Your dreams will never come true until you are willing to pound some pavement, do some heavy lifting, and push through the pain of thousands of hours of hard work to see them evolve into your vision.  

Are you living in a dream world or making vision come to life?

100 Words: "When I Grow Up"

WHEN I GROW UP

Many of us wonder "what" we will be when we grow up.  

I don't think it's important to focus on your destination but rather on your journey.  

"Who" am I becoming as I grow up?  That is a question worth pondering!  

The person you are becoming is so much more important than the occupation you are filling.  

Each job, significant relationship, and challenge you face can be instrumental ingredients into developing you into a person of character, who chooses to fully pursue life and add value to others, regardless of the job title that is listed on your business card. 

100 Words: Authenticity

AUTHENTICITY

You can share too much information, but I don't think you can ever be too real.  

Some people are terrified to be themselves, especially around their church friends.  What's wrong with this picture?  

Our world desperately needs a dose of Christians who live authentically.  

To be authentic simply means that the person you see in the mirror of your soul is the same person who shows up to your job, marriage, and church.  

God made you to be you, not some cheap imitation of someone you perceive to be worthy of honor and love.  

Be "mirror real" in life today!

100 Words: Living with an Open Hand

LIVING WITH AN OPEN HAND

Open-handed living recognizes everything that is given to me is a gift from God, for however long He chooses for me to have it.  

Every dollar that crosses my palm, every heart that touches my life, have been entrusted to me by the Almighty.  

I am called to be a faithful steward to carry out God's will with the assets that He assigns to my care.  

My priority is to invest, refine, cultivate, and harvest.  

At times God will take a person or a project off my plate before I am "done."  

This always reminds me Who is in charge!

100 Words: Character

Much is made of success...does anybody still care about character?  

I know about a pastor who resigned his church last year after an affair who is still sought out by church planters for advice because he knew how to draw a crowd!  Does anyone else see a problem with this???

Overnight success is a mirage that many are willing to chase and often it will inevitably result in the compromise of your integrity.  

Regardless of what success or failure you may encounter in life, do not take shortcuts.  Build your character by seeking to model Christ in your daily walk!