So I looked down at my shoes today...

Watch your step.
"Sweet Legacy." I hope that's where my steps are taking me.

"We need to quit...unless we are going to decide to be the best in the world."

Think about it.



Now, you get to define "best" and "world" however you want. And this isn't a competition or an ego trip. It's about commitment.
If you could be the best at five things, what would they be?

Mine:
-Follower of Jesus (Once again, I know there's no such thing as a "best follower of Christ." I'm simply stating I want to give this every ounce of heart and effort.)
-Husband
-Father
-Band
-Writer

What could keep you and I from being the best:
-running out of resources (time and money)
-getting scared
-not being committed enough
-losing interest and settling
-focusing on the short term instead of long term
-just not having the talent

Here's the challenge...if you aren't willing to do what it takes to be the best in the world, just quit so you can refocus your resources where you are willing to do what it takes.

The best quote I've read in a long time:

"One purchases immortality through generosity; and, by giving the perishing things of the world, receives in exchange for these an eternal mansion in the heavens! Rush to this market, if you are wise, O rich man! If need be, sail around the whole world."
-Clement

Sink this into me.

My generosity should be for those across the seas and across the table.
Do my friends think I'm generous?
I'm scared of the answer.

"God, teach me to rise by descending."

"Measure twice. Cut once."
-Grandpa

There was a situation last night that would have needed some repair if I hadn't thought about this phrase. And it's always tougher to mend relationships than materials. Thanks for the advice. May I remember it more often.

Personalities perfectly pictured in pumpkin carving.

I want to be better at fully engaging in situations as I experience them.
That sounds weird and intense as I type it, but I just want to pay more attention.
I don't want things like seasons, holidays, good meals, and pumpkin patches to pass me by.
I guess I just mean that pumpkin carving and things of the like just help me.
They help me feel.

"We should quit...unless we are going to become the best. What is the best? The most passionate."
"How are we going to reach people tonight?"
"All of this is pointless if we aren't telling people about Jesus."
"So be it if we 'lose opportunities.' If we aren't taking the gospel to people then we were never taking opportunities in the first place."
"What I once called physical blessings, I have seen become curses. I am no longer under the illusion."

Enthusiam comes from the two Greek words en and Theos.
Together they mean in God.
I sat across the living room from a couple of my best friends in the world today. They reminded me that as people who believe that Jesus is God and that he sacrificed himself for us, we should be the most passionate people in the world. I need those people to help me chase my passions.
What are my passions?
What am I chasing?

Rainy days can be beautiful.



By Lauren.

"There are two ways to get enough: one is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less."
-G.K. Chesterton

South Atlanta Bike Shop.
A non-profit that gets people rollin' in style.
And changes kids lives along the way.

The shop needed a paint job and a work bench.
I needed a refocus.
Check.

"Bury us in wonder, Lord, and raise us to sing your praise. Through our lives and by our prayers your kingdom come!"

A few things I've learned about the will of God as it applies to jobs from people smarter than me:

-If you read about David and Joseph in the Bible, you'll see that there was no magical reveal. They took advantage of the opportunities they had been given.
-God uses current opportunities to lead you to new opportunities. It connects!
-Therefore, be prepared to take full advantage of every opportunity.
-To hate your job is very American. Not many people have that luxury. Make sure you aren't being prideful.
-What is God's will for Zac's (insert your name here) career right now? Do what I am doing right now with my whole heart put into it. Colossians 3:23.
-God created me. His "thumbprint" is on me because of that creative process. Therefore, my desires and gifts point me towards what I should do like clues.

Youcef Nadarkhani is a Christian pastor in Iran who is being sentenced to death if he does not renounce his Christian faith.
I found out about this through reading one of my favorite blogs by a person I trust, and I feel the need to pass it on as well.

Go here to submit your appeal to his execution:
http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=88&ea.campaign.id=12209

I'm in a stereotypical, American, overindulgent, coffee shop as I read about a man being persecuted for his faith.
Where are you?
Let's help.

If you don't know what to say...

"Your Excellency, the Ambassador of Iran,
I'm begging you from a place of comfort that you and I both enjoy. You and I sit in a state of freedom. We are allowed to love what we love and hate what we hate. I beg you to allow Pastor Nadarkhani what all three of us deserve. We are united, the three of us, in our humanity, and our humanity gives us the right to enjoy our freedom.
You can change things. I can change things. Pastor Nadarkhani can change things.
I am deeply concerned abou the latest developments in the case of Pastor Nadarkhani. I hope that the charges against him will be acquitted in accordance with Iranian and international law. Please pass this appeal as I pass an unconditional love to you and Pastor Nadarkhani.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Zac Harrison"

"John Ferris invented the ferris wheel in 1946. His brother Teeter invented the totter."-Justin Warner


Ways to make the fair worth every penny (and nowadays we're talking a lot of pennies):

-Blast Ray Charles' "America The Beautiful" as you sit in traffic. It makes you, and the people around you, enjoy the 45 minutes of chaos upon entering the parking lot just a little bit more.
-Thank God for the miraculous parking space that has been left for you.
-Watch people. It's hilarious. Humans are insane. All of us.
-Only show your tickets if they ask. For five bucks a ride you are going to need every ticket you can keep.
-Embrace the funnel cake wholeheartedly. It tastes better when shared.
-Pay the dollar to see the tiny chicks and pigs. If you are not at the fair with a date, skip this. A bunch of dudes in a petting zoo is weird.
-Locate the camera before riding the Crazy Mouse. Time facial expressions accordingly.
-Ride the big swings. The small ones are just ok and cost the same.
-If you like pork and want to continue liking pork, don't go see the prize pigs.
-Remember, cotton candy costs 19 cents to make. Choose your purchases wisely. I'd hold out for the fried Oreos.
-There's something about the smell of the place that keeps you American. You need to go every few years. Yes, the rides are the same as the ones they've been dragging around since '85, but that's the magic of it all.

-Shane Claiborne, Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, and Enuma Okoro

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