Squirrel!

I love the movie, "UP!" One of my favorite lines is from the talking dogs where they constantly get distracted because they think they see or hear a squirrel.

That's me with technology. It's so hard to stay on task! Take my iPhone: how easy is it to waste time by simply playing "Angry Birds" or watching YouTube videos?! Even checking my email I have to watch that I do not go more than 3 degrees from the email because of clicking on links. Ever find yourself on a website and wonder, "How did I get here?!"

How's your productivity? Do you set aside time where you don't immediately answer your cell phone, check your email, or return text messages? If so, how long? If not, do you struggle to get the things most important done in a given day?

Consider reading Hebrews 12:1-3

What are some of the things that causes you to be distracted from the more important things?

Running: Training vs. Treadmill

Pacific Grove Triathlon

Hey, who loves to run?!!

Believe it or not, I don't. However, I know the benefits of running. It makes me a better basketball player and athlete. So, I run. I enjoy having run vs. running.

Some of you may still be scratching your head because I do triathlons. However, as my good friend Pastor Dennis McFadden says, there's a big difference between a triathlete versus a person who does triathlons (I'm the latter of the two).

However, I have learned to enjoy running on the beach with the wet sand beneath my feet and having the Pacific Ocean's refreshing water splash upon my calves as I feel the power of the waves and marvel at God's creation. Time almost stops for me while I run on the beach. Contrasting running on the beach is running on a treadmill. I don't care what song I have on my iPod nor what is on the television screen - I can't wait until my workout time is complete!

I feel so much of education today is making students run on a treadmill. It's all about being efficient with working their brains. Set the pace. Set the distance. Set the time. Set the incline. Now, hit the "start" button! Will they get a workout? Yes. Will they enjoy it, though? I wonder if that thought ever even crossed their minds as an option.

As their educators and coaches, why do we seldom ever consider having students get involved in designing their training? We all know that the goal is to get their "heart rates up" and what it means to intensify their workouts. Yet, so few of us ever allow students to explore and be involved with what they would like to do that would not only achieve the same results, but in actuality, may challenge them even more while having them savor the experience!

What caused you to change your attitude/perspective of something that you once dreaded to something that you began to enjoy?

Polished vs. Vulnerable

Okay, I admit it! I want to come off as being well-polished. I believe that I've always liked math more than something like English Literature because there was always a way that you could check your answer and know that you are correct. My insecurities are kept in check, and I do not need to be transparent or vulnerable.

As an adult, I am still reluctant to be vulnerable. However, I know that when I am vulnerable, that is when I grow and learn the most. Although I know this as being true, it does not make it any easier, though. I believe this is one BIG reason why I have been hesitant to publish any of my thoughts - I really wanted to make sure it was, well, perfect (note the gap between postings). Pretty ridiculous, huh? Nonetheless, true.

As humbling as this may be for me, I also recognize that I am grateful that the Lord to give me this area that I know that my confidence needs to come from Him, not me. I also appreciate the many opportunities that this has allowed me to relate with students that go through the same trauma about being polished vs. vulnerable. We do live in a culture where performance is recognized more than progress or courage to try something new.

One doesn't need to look further than the typical student considering to go out for high school extracurricular activities like performing arts or sports. For most students, it is extremely intimidating to even tryout if you have not played organized sports or club sports before. So, my prayer is that I would have the courage and the faith of a child - untainted by the expectations of this world.

What freedom would you experience if you were unafraid of being "unpolished" to others?

Why "Venture Education?"

As I was sitting down to name this blog, ideas ran through my head about what education is about. It's not supposed to be boring, predictable or stagnant. Instead, it should be alive, active and thrilling. It should incorporate a sense of entrepreneurial ingenuity that is fiscally responsible, but creative. It should be confirmed by addressing recognizable needs and exposing opportunities and potential threats to its success. Simply put: it should be worth investing in.

To me, educating our youths today is a worthwhile venture.

Purpose of this Blog

It always seems helpful to me to put it out there from the get-go as to the purpose of anything. It helps me to focus on the reason why we do something. Also, I want to be cautious of not promising anything that I can not deliver!

The purpose that I see this blog to fulfill is for me to communicate the challenges and opportunities that teenagers face today. Interwoven in this discussion/dialogue will be some shared experiences from Trinity Christian High School (TCHS), the school that I serve in Monterey, CA. I hope that this blog will reveal a bit of my philosophy of education and of leadership that has been changed by the love of Jesus Christ!

I will try to provide my feedback on current trends and approaches in education.

My hope is to update my blog 2-4 x's a week!

As always, I welcome your edifying input, comments, and questions!