Ashlynn started school this week (at home). We’re doing Ohio Virtual Academy if you’re familiar with that program. Bran did an amazing job creating a real school room. It feels official. Letters, seasons, days of the week on the wall. Globe on the countertop. Madi and Brae have their own little space to feel apart of the school day where they can color and do puzzles. I’m thankful for her education degree. She’s trying to teach me how to teach and it isn’t going so good. :)  (yes, for all you teachers it’s “well” –  that’s why I’m thankful for her passion to teach.  Good is good enough for me!)

It’s been a quiet week around here.  Don’t worry, I haven’t fallen off the bloggin’ wagon.  I have been reminded of my humanity.  Last week I burned the candle at both ends and have worked through most of the last few weekends.  It was necessary work to get ready for school and some side projects.  All that to say, I have been tired in the evenings and thoroughly enjoyed vegging and watching the different levels of communicators at the DNC.  The best feeling is that it’s Thursday morning and my message is almost finished for our month out creativity meeting.  Ahhhh.  Yesterday’s early morning paid off.  And I am pumped about this message as it will kick off our 2 part series to prepare for Encounter ‘08.  (Discovery Church, more details to come.  Make sure you block off Oct 10 -11 in the evening.  You’ll be so glad you did.)

What the most important thing you need to get done today?

One was on his blackberry emailing.  One was laid back and observing.  Another was mildly involved, evidenced by the occassional cheer.  And one was yelling like crazy, running the field on the sidelines in tandem with their child.  I am that dad.  The time flew by.  It was too much fun.  It was my first game to observe one of my children in an organized sport.  Notice who the event was really about.  Seriously, can you blame me?  It’s upward soccer so they don’t keep score.  (But I did )  2 to 2.  My oldest scored both goals for her team.  She attempted 4 or 5 other goals.  No one else on her team could hardly run while kicking the ball.  I kid you not, one man asked, “Who is that girl?  Has she played before?”  My chest swelled.

Now before you judge me.  Our oldest loves to excel.  I emphasized performance doesn’t mean acceptance.  But the way she gets into it, man, watch out.  I’ve been bitten.

Here are some tools I use that have helped me refocus to get the right stuff done. I’ve found myself getting stuck with all the last 2 years have brought our way. These tools have kicked my momentum back into gear. If you don’t get on the internet much these won’t help. But if you check email at least morning/night you might find these useful.

• Create an igoogle page. Go to www.igoogle.com. You can add little gadgets or windows for your email, calendar, blogs you follow, headlines, weather, etc. Your digital life in one convenient dashboard. (Email and calendar work assuming you use google calendar and email.)
• Sign up at www.rememberthemilk.com for the ultimate to-do list. I have folders for home, personal, study, and work.  This keeps me focused day-to-day.  I don’t complicate things and use all the features, just the due dates.  Remember the milk has a gadget for igoogle so you can keep your to-do’s front and center. (If you use Firefox as your internet browser you can get a remember the milk add-on that will show up in your google mail.)
• I created two gadgets for my igoogle page. I clicked the create a gadget tab and in minutes I had one I call “BHAG”. (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) These are dated goals and plans of what I want to accomplish financially, relationally, and professionally. I also have one called “Manifesto”. This is ten power statements that represent who I want to be in character and performance as a person. These ten are the product of years of thought and winnowing down who I want to become. By having these as gadgets they stay front and center, helping me stay focused and centered.

Hope that helps!

I can focus with great intensity and accomplish a lot of tasks.  I’ve just been that way for as long as I can remember. That can make me uptight. (People that know me are laughing…can and does.) For years I’ve looked for ways to keep my productivity at its peak. Now I don’t care as much about the quantity I get done. It’s more about getting the right things done. Someone asked me a question couple of years ago, that’s helped with this journey. “You’re focused, but are you centered?” In other words, you can get stuff done, Chris, but are you…

• doing the right task
• in the right attitude/motive
• with a natural timing/rhythm as opposed to forcing

On that note a commercial for tomorrow: Recent circumstances over the last year have hampered my ability to focus. I’ll share some tools I use that have helped me stay refocus and centered.

On my way home from the office I’ll complete a routine that has become a daily necessity.  I have about a 30 minute commute.  After about 25 minutes I’ll drive over a man made berm that goes over a train track.  It allows me to look over the little town I live in.  I breathe out the troubles, shift mental gears, and prepare to serve my family and find life in them.  Do you have any routines that help you win the 4th quarter (most important) of the day?