5 guidelines from 3 verses.
1. Do not lose heart
2. These are light and momentary troubles
3. We live in a temporary world
4. Focus on what is unseen
5. If you live for something greater than yourself the temporal fades away
You can find these guidelines, written by Paul, in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18. I know, easier said than done. Let’s do our best.
Last night my Toastmasters club had our first club contest in over two years. 3 judges from other clubs in the city, 2 of which were Area Governors, were on hand to vote in the competition.
The first part of the competition was Table Topics. In Table Topics you are presented with an unprepared topic and then you speak for at least 1 minute minimum to 2 minutes, 30 seconds at most. I was one of the three competitors for Table Topics and I went first. The question was, “If you created a new holiday, what would it be and how would you celebrate it.” With Table Topics you cannot hesitate. You must go with the first thing that comes to your mind and sink or swim. My first idea was a Parent’s Appreciation Day. I talked about how we need to show our parents our appreciation for all the sacrifices they made, all the time, the food, the clothes they provided for us, and investments they made in us. I said we should thank our parents for consummating their relationship or else we would not be here. I was up against some tough competition in Toastmaster Ramsey and Toastmaster Smith.
Toastmaster Ramsey was just accepted to Cornell for his MBA. He also received a full scholarship to Cornell. What I love about our club is that high caliber folks such as Toastmaster Ramsey are active in our club and available and willing to help. A few weeks ago Ramsey asked me to help him prepare for his interview at Cornell. I asked him questions and then gave him feedback on his performance. Then he helped me on WorkingInMusic.com. His help was invaluable since he has worked for companies like AOL and Eyewonder.com. But I digress…
The next part of the contest was the International Speech. This is a 5 to 7 minute speech having a clear objective. I gave my speech titled, “Do It Now.” It was my third time giving the speech and I finally trimmed the speech to its essence. I did my best but I was no match for Toastmaster Ramsey.
Toastmaster Ramsey gave his speech titled, “Be The Verb.” He opened with a good joke quoting a famous Chinese philosopher, Bruce Lee. Guaranteed laugh. Ramsey’s point is that you have to be what you want to become. You have to do. He said it’s not 10,000 hours that makes you an expert but 10,000 verbs. He was on fire. He later told me a Will Smith video I sent him inspired him!
After we spoke the head judge and the ballot counters went into another room to tally the votes. While they did that Toastmaster Ramsey and I were interviewed by the contest master, Toastmaster Boring. I got a chance to plug WorkingInMusic.com thanks to Toastmaster Boring asking me about it.
Finally the head judge came back revealing the results and I came in last place in everything. I had hoped I’d at least come in 2nd on the Table Topics, but no. I’m still extremely pleased that I entered the club competition. I’m a better speaker for having stepped up. The feedback I got from the Area Governors was positive and encouraging. I’m only on my 4th speech in the Competent Communication Manual so I have a long way to go. I’m looking forward to writing and giving more speeches.
Of all the topics I’ve written about here over 4 years, dating is the one that sparked the most interaction. A huge frustration in my life has been dating. How do you even define what dating is? What does it look like? What works in the 21st Century? How do you deal with all the rejection?
In the coming weeks and days we’re going to explore and talk about what dating is, what has worked for you and what hasn’t.
JamSmooth.com is not turning into a dating advice/coaching site. My hope is that all of us who are looking for a partner may learn something new and share some hope. Stay tuned!
This year I did some things for the first time. Some highlights were/are:
1. Running the ING Half-Marathon in March.
It was brutal. I injured my knee a few weeks before the race and wasn’t able to run during that time. I saw a sports medicine doctor and got the go ahead to run. It was rewarding but physically demanding. I’m not sure if I’ll do another.
2. Leading a small group.
My small group formed at the end of August. We’re still getting to know each other. Yet, the encouragement and accountability I get from these guys is outstanding.
3. Went to Colorado.
In May I went to Colorado for a week long retreat. The weather was beautiful and I definitely had an encounter with God. I learned many truths about myself and was shown clearly that condemnation does not come from God. Romans 8:1.
4. Not Date.
In November of 2006 I decided to not date for an entire year. That year has past and still I am dateless. So far jumping back into dating is harder than I thought it would be. I still have a lot of fear. Still, the knowledge and perspective I gained from not dating was worth the sacrifice.
5. Wrote, recorded, produced, mixed and mastered a solo record.
I’ve learned so much about recording, mixing and the D.I.Y. attitude. This album showed that when I apply myself, stay focused, ask others for help and do what I love, things fall into place. I’m anxious to see the reaction to these songs. I want to quit my job and do this full-time. That may be a little ways off but doing this shows that it’s possible.
6. Film a music video.
This past Saturday two friends and I filmed a music video for my album. It was so much fun and lots of work. Avril, the director, and Andrew, the DP, were great to work with. Avril has the lion’s share of work to editing over 2 hours of footage. She is excited about the video and I can’t wait to see the finished product.
What about you? Did 2007 bring new experiences into your life?
