Welcome to Nolan's World

Starting Over...in the Middle of Chaos

"Starting over" is a beautiful thing, but let's talk reality for a minute.  Most people seem to talk about "starting over" stories from the context of a clean slate.  That would make things so much easier for so many of us.

The problem for most of us is that we want to start over, but we don't get a blank canvas to start over with, we get a world of chaos.

Examples:

• Eating healthy and exercising is much easier when you aren't already 50-60 lbs. overweight.
• Debt-free living is much more attainable if you didn't feel the pressure of living paycheck to paycheck.
• Starting a new career will only stay a dream because you may hate the job you have, but you and your family cannot afford to be without benefits.

Invention is so much easier than re-invention, but re-invention is no less beautiful or attainable.

Every step in the right direction is a good and noble step.  

You may feel so far behind the 8 Ball that it almost seems like no use to try starting over.  It is worth it, take the next step.

One thing I learned running two half-marathons over the last year was about perspective.  If crossing the finish line is a non-negotiable, you MUST take the next step!  If it is negotiable, save yourself the pain, quit, and go home!  During my last race, it rained the entire time and dropped from 50 degrees at the start of the race into the mid-30s by the time I finished.  By mile 10 I was soaked, shivering, angry and frustrated.  I have never wanted to quit something so badly before, but I couldn't stop moving.  As long as I could muster the next step, I would believe that I could take the one right after that.  

What dream can't you get away from?  What does it require you to do?  No matter how tapped out you feel, what can you do to move an inch closer to that dream?  

In a world of quick fixes, we forget how much God uses time to forge our character and refine our dreams.

Whatever you do, don't quit.

If you move an inch toward your goal today, you'll be closer to it tomorrow!

Dramatic Growth Requires Pain

The first book I bought and read on my new Kindle was "The Land Between: Finding God in Difficult Transitions" by Jeff Manion.  It was an excellent read for where I find myself in life.  Jeff uses the story of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites as a backdrop to show how difficult times of transition in the desert are often how God grows us and our dependence on Him.  

If you are going through any type of difficult situation in life and wondering where God is during this season of wandering, this book may be a huge encouragement to you (it sure was for me).

Here are a few excerpts that I found uplifting and compelling:

"As we pass through the Land Between, it is critical to recognize that not simply the hardship, but also our reaction to the hardship, is forming us. With each discomfort we experience, our responses both reveal the person we are and set the trajectory for the person we are becoming."

"Perhaps our own slowness to pray is anchored in a suspicion that God is somehow unconcerned with us. Our view of God affects whether we will seek him in our hour of crisis. If we view God as distant, removed, and unconcerned, we won’t likely turn to him when we feel things spinning out of control. Conversely, if we view him as concerned, present, and caring, we will be significantly more likely to draw near with our need."

"There are times when God allows us—as he did the Israelites, as he did Moses—to suffer need. This need may be physical, emotional, spiritual, material, or relational. Such needs have a tendency either to discourage and debilitate us or to drive us into God’s presence where we ask for his guidance and provision. God sees us—everything about us. He knows our need. And he is trustworthy. He wants us to learn to trust him to provide."

"Dramatic growth requires pain. Remember this when you find yourself in a maddening detour. Remember that God is at work in all things, that he desires to shape and transform you. Resist the temptation to zone out, numb out, or check out. Pain is purposeful when we respond to God with open and receptive hearts in the midst of deep trial. God intends to grow something beautiful and deep and lasting, but we must cooperate with God for the season of hardship to work its intended transformation. Don’t let your detour go wasted. You are in training, and God is up to something good."

One More Great Picture (and Two Bonus Pics)

Today was a good day, much better than many in the last couple of weeks, but I still wanted to show you this fun picture--made me laugh out loud and almost spit my Coke Zero everywhere.  Check out more of these uplifting thoughts and their artwork at www.despair.com:

And here are two more bonus pics that made me chuckle:

Hope you have a great day!!!

The Picture Says It All

 

Yep, this pretty much sums up how I feel about the last couple of weeks!

Pleasing Insiders or Reaching Outsiders?

Perry Noble's latest post is a home run in my opinion.  As I was reading the list and nodding my head in agreement, I found myself landing on point number 9 and feeling my blood pressure beginning to rise.  Perry said, "You are going to have to choose whether or not you want to please insiders or reach outsiders…you cannot do both."

My blood pressure elevated when I read this because I know that he is unfortunately right.  It's an unfortunate ugly reality I have seen played out in existing churches and church plants.

Could we all come to a meeting of the minds and realize that God's plan for the church should be our ONLY motivation for existing.  The world is going to Hell and it seems like a lot of Christians are helping direct more traffic to its highway.  

Churches are not supposed to be safe places for Christians to gather but launching pads to send Christians out into the most dangerous and intimidating places to PREACH THE GOSPEL.

I have spent the last 30 minutes writing and deleting.  I want to make a point, but I don't want to be a jerk.

I am deeply passionate about reaching the people in my community with the Gospel.  I have been planting seeds through my job at Starbucks.  I can't tell you how many amazing faith conversations I have had over the last six months.  It's taken a great deal of time to earn their trust and to hear their stories.  

I recently had someone tell me that if I really cared about people, I'd be a part of planting a church in the inner city.  

I choose to chalk that one up to some clueless ignorance.

Jesus said to be His witness in Jerusalem (Acts 1:8).  I am suburban Starbucks dude and I have heart for the people who walk inside my store every day.  I don't want to come across as too judgmental but most churches don't want some of the messes I have been dealing with.  Don't kid yourself, some of the biggest messes of people live in the affluent suburbs on the fringes of the city.

Why do we trouble ourselves with things in the church that Jesus just doesn't care about?  

The older I get, the more convinced I am of two things about church health:  Healthy Churches are seeing people get saved regularly and are passionate about sending people to live out their faith locally and abroad.

My goal is not really to make anyone mad, but I am tired of fighting insignificant battles when the most important war, the war for the eternal souls of men and women, is staring us right in the face!

Which side are you on?

8 Blogs I Love to Read

I have been reading blogs a little over five years.  At times they challenge me, encourage me, and even occasionally make me really mad.  If you follow a person's writing long enough, you gain an insight into their life and personal journey and that is one of things that I really appreciate about the guys that I read.  They consistently share their thoughts and thus open a unique window into their souls.

Here are 8 blogs that get excited to see updated regularly:

• Dave Anderson (aka "MoviePastor")--Dave is not only one of the funniest guys I read, he also has one of the biggest hearts for evangelism that I ever seen in a pastor!  Dave is the real deal and I am grateful for him as a blogger and a friend!
• Scott Hodge--Scott recently returned to regular blogging after being "hit or miss" for the last year.  I love his personal insights, passion for all things Starbucks, and creativity!
• Ben Arment--Ben's commitment to encourage people to make their dreams happen is a constant source of encouragement to me.  
• Perry Noble--Perry's blog is insightful, confrontational, and entertaining, with a flair of "redneck" sprinkled in all along the way.  He often makes me mad because I wish that I could be as blunt and lovable all at the same time when I write! 
• Sam Shaw--Over the last several months, Sam has become my family's pastor and I am proud to call him a friend.  I get smarter every chance I have to read his blog or spend time with him!
• Richard Sipes--I met Richard online at the beginning of the summer through a blogging project.  His posts have great stories combined with solid spiritual applications. 
• Larry Westfall--Another alum of our summer project, Larry is a great writer with diverse content and isn't afraid to tackle tough issues!
• Kevin Weatherby--Kevin is a cowboy and I LOVE to read his insights.  His stories have challenged me and usually make me laugh, although his recent series "Letters" has caused me to shed a few tears while smiling.

8 Jobs I Dream About

Here's a little disclaimer before we get to today's list.  I loved being a vocational pastor and pray that God will allow me to serve as a pastor again one day.  My family and I have encountered a few difficult days in the ministry, but I truly believe part of my calling in life is to be a pastor to people.  It is a job I still dream about and pursue, but I am confident that God will re-open that door in my life in His perfect time.

Until that day, here are a few job options that I would be more than willing to explore.  Some are more serious than others, but I think there are rewarding aspects to each of them.  A few would require going back to college, and while that could be a remote possibility, I am not planning on it.  A couple may simply be knowing someone who knows someone, so if you are a "someone" who could help me land one of these dream jobs, I would be "eternally grateful" (just like the little adorable 3 eyed aliens in Toy Story). 

Without further delay, here are 8 jobs I would dream about having:

1. Drive-Time Radio Show Host.  I could go versatile on this.  I like the idea of being on a top 40 or classic rock station and hosting talk segments on a variety of subjects.  I would also love doing some type of talk/interview show.  I think that my face is a perfect fit for radio and I would prefer that above TV.
2. Motivational Speaker and Life Coach.  As soon as that line was read by a few close friends, they probably just flashed back to Chris Farley's character Matt Foley and tried to imagine me in that role.  Seriously, I LOVE encouraging people to push themselves toward greater goals and expanding their influence!  "Often the greatest obstacle we face in taking our lives to the next level is the one we see in the mirror each morning."  You gotta admit, that's some good stuff.  I'd love to help coach people to achieve greater moments in their lives.
3. Television Series Writer.  I love to write and I think it would be awesome to write with others.  From what I understand, most scripted television is written in a highly collaborative environment.  
4. Stand Up Comedian.  Truly original comics who rely on great storytelling and funny jokes are a dying breed it seems.  I don't know if I'd be any good at it, but I would sure love to try (and working in the ministry and for Starbucks has provided me a wealth of material).
5. Entertainment or Food Critic.  I like to consume both, and I always am willing to give an opinion.  If I could get paid for it, that would awesome.
6. Disney Imagineer/Thrill Ride Consultant.  My first move would be to make more roller coasters "fat boy friendly." 
7. Food Truck Owner.  I think this would be a lot of work, but could be a lot of fun!
8. Elementary School Teacher.  Don't laugh, this is a serious one.  As hard as it would be to go back to school, if I did, I would want an elementary education degree.  The only male elementary teacher I had made a very positive impact on my life, and I wish I had thought more about that when I was in college.  I would probably end up being a cross between Kindergarten Cop and Jack Black in School of Rock!

What dream jobs do you have?  Which other ones should I consider?

8 Things I Love About My Wife

My wonderful wife Alison is celebrating her birthday today.  In honor of her special day, here are 8 things I love about her:

1. Alison lights up a room with her presence.  She is a wonderfully warm person and people love to be around her because of that!
2. She LISTENS in conversations and asks AMAZING follow-up questions.  I learn SO much watching her engage with others.  Her perspective for asking questions almost always leads to insightful answers.
3. She sings like an angel but is content to sing back-up!  This is one of her most admirable qualities in my mind.  Although she could be the star on center-stage in so many arenas, she would actually prefer to remain out of the spotlight, yet still do her best!
4. She loves her friends and keeps them as close as she can!  Alison is a texting and facebooking machine at times because she loves staying in touch with and conversing with her friends.  The energy she puts into her friendships amazes me.
5. She has a tender heart toward God.  I loved watching her grow closer to the Lord over the last 11+ years...it never gets old!
6. Alison gives her best effort.  She works as a substitute teacher right now, and whether she is in a classroom for a day or a semester, she prepares and works tirelessly to give those kids a great education.  
7. She loves our baby with all her heart.  I couldn't ask for Alison to be a better mother because she is always doing her best to give Maddie her best!
8. She is my number one cheerleader, companion, and best friend!  Working in full-time ministry for over half of our marriage has put a few extra miles on us, but I can honestly say, I would go anywhere with Alison at my side.  She makes me want to be a better man for her everyday!

Happy Birthday Love!

8 Things on My Mind

Last week was an unintentional break in blogging for me.  School is back in full-swing for the girls and l have been working on a side project that has captured most of my free time over the last week.  My goal is to blog five days this week and each post will be a list of 8 things (8 has been my favorite number almost all my life--just that simple) to get me back into a more consistent blogging groove.  Here's a list of 8 thoughts on the top of my mind:

• You can't be self-centered AND Christlike.  They are polar opposites!  You can't be both!  To live like Jesus is to give your life away not have others revolving around your greatness!
• People are just too busy!  So many of us are slaves to devices that are supposed to simplify our lives!  When was the last time you unplugged by turning off your cellphone or computer for more than 90 minutes.  When was the last time you went 24 hours without checking your Facebook account or Twitter feed?  While Jesus didn't live in the most technologically savvy time in history, He still modeled the value of quiet time away from distractions (Mark 1:35).  Learn to slow down and pace yourself rather than killing yourself.
• "Don't use the church's valuable resources to wage a battle that God is just not fighting."  I really wish I had said that first, but I read it last week in Reggie Joiner's book, Think Orange (Fantastic book for church leadership).  Satan delights in all of the time we Christians spend fighting insignificant battles with each other rather than uniting to wage war against him.  
• Delays are Not Defeats.  Many contributing factors led me to delay my attempt to complete a marathon this year.  I have wrestled with this but know it is the right decision.  Because of the crazy heat we have been dealing with in Memphis for the last several weeks, I have not been able to run in safe conditions.  The wisest thing for me to do is push back this goal until the first part of 2011.  I am anticipating running the half-marathon for St. Jude in December and am working a plan to shave off 30 minutes from last year's finish time!  After that, I will firm up my plans for running my full marathon!  
• "It's the effectiveness of your strategy, not the scope of your mission, that ultimately determines your success."  Another gem from Think Orange that I have been chewing on for days.  Intentions are nothing more than daydreams.  Accomplishing our dreams will take lots of consistent and often mundane practice...maybe that's why so few people are "living the dream."
• The Minor Prophets are rocking my spiritual walk right now!  God has been speaking to me at a very loud volume through some little books at the end of the Old Testament over the last couple of weeks, especially Jonah, Haggai, Micah, Habakkuk, Nahum, and Malachi!
• God is listening to your prayers, even when you don't feel like He is.  I had two significant "breakthrough" moments in my life last week...both were actually so personal that they are a little hard to talk about, but the Lord gave me some insights into "why" He has allowed some delays in me moving forward with ministry pursuits.  Although everything has not been "fully revealed," the Lord has affirmed to me that He has indeed been at work IN me and also THROUGH me.  He may not answer your prayers in the way you want or the timing that you want, but He is listening!
• Multi-task less, focus more!  This is my motto for the days ahead.  I am going to go against the ADD flow.  Rather than working on a multiple things at one time, I am choosing to work on one thing for a focused time and then change projects.  I can do pretty well with the "shotgun" approach (scattered) but feel that I am much more productive with some rifle precision (focused).

Busy Making Memories

So this week is a little unusual for the Bobbitts.  Alison works as a substitute teacher, and will be doing a long term assignment in first grade to open the school year, so she has been working at the school this week in preparation for kids to show up on Monday.  One of the things that is great about Alison teaching is that she and Maddie are always on the same schedule...except for this week.  

My baby girl is going in the third grade and she loves to help and we both believe that one of her love languages is quality time.  My in-laws are pitching in and watching Maddie until I get off work at 10 AM this week and then, BOOM, quality time begins.  Yesterday, we did this intense cooking/art project making monkey faces out of rice crispy treat.  Since she had an orthodontist appointment and playdate this afternoon, she and I prepped dinner when I got off work and I just pulled it out of the fridge getting ready to throw it in the oven (baked ziti).

I know my last blog may have sounded like I was feeling a little sorry for myself, and perhaps that is true.  God won't judge me for what He didn't place in my hand, but I need to be responsible with everything He has entrusted to me.  I don't know if I will ever pastor again, but if I had to choose between being a great pastor or great dad, I'd pick being Daddy everytime!!!

Tomorrow we are heading over to Incredible Pizza Company to get busy making some more memories!!!