So what the heck is Ash Wednesday!?

So... What is it!?  


- "Not positive but I know you're supposed to eat fish on Fridays"


- "It's a time where you pray and fast all day for over a month"


- "Seems like an out of date ritual for Catholics"


- "A specific time to focus on what's most important to you"


- "Is that the day after Mardi-Gras starts!?"

Ask five people and you might very well get five different responses on 'What is Ash Wednesday'.  Though many folks have differing opinions and experiences in regards to this day most view (religious or not) as something special.  I thought, since it only happens once a year and it just so happens I typically blog on Wednesdays, I'd take today to break it down and even give some fun ideas for families!!  I also realize that many in different Protestant denominations just have no clue about just how significant this time can be to any follow of Christ.

Ash Wednesday (according to Wikipedia):

"Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calendar, directly following Shrove Tuesday... According to the gospels, Jesus Christ spent 40 days fasting in the desert, where he endured temptation by Satan. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this 40-day liturgical period of prayer and fasting or abstinence... Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes (formally called The Imposition of Ashes) on the foreheads of adherents as a celebration and reminder of human mortality, and as a sign of mourning and repentance to God. The ashes used are typically gathered from the burning of the palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday."

*In short... Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a 40-day fast, where we give up something to focus on the upcoming resurrection celebration (Easter)!

As a youthworker over the past ten years one of the most important jobs I felt I had was to teach students "the Why" we believe what we believe.  Ash Wednesday has some cool history to it from burning the palm leaves from palm sunday to create ash to an intentional time of fasting, just like Jesus! Why wouldn't all followers take this season (40 Days) spending a little more intentional time with our Savior.  

Last night during dinner my kids and I (Court had a "girls night" whatever that means :)) were able to discuss "Fat Tuesday" and that the more important thing was Ash Wednesday starting today.  I asked if there was anything they felt they could and would like to give up to be closer to God.  To my surprise each thought very intentionally and two of them came up with some incredible sacrifices.  Jackson said to "not be lazy... this month I will get up off the couch and do some burpees with you" (Yeah, I've been FINALLY working out again).  Creighton said she would like to give up her dolls.  Though I will probably talk her into something else I was touched by her thoughfulness that "I talk to them more than God."  And finally the cherry on top, Charleigh said "I wodt thenk abot Mi--- Mouse." Me: "YOU'RE NOT GOING TO THINK ABOUT MICKEY MOUSE!?" (Knowing this would be a HUGE deal).  Charleigh: "No Dad... Not thenk abot MiNNIE Mouse."  So there you go...  If you're wondering about mine, I'm committing to being spiritually AND physically healthy (consistent reading, prayer, exercise and eating right, I'm sure there will be more to come on this).  

How about you?  What will you and  your family be doing this holy season!?


4 Questions to Ask Yourself
 as you get started (taken from Rachel Evens)

1. When I wake up on Resurrection Sunday morning, how will I be different?

2. Is there a habit or sin in my life that repeatedly gets in the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbor as myself? How do I address that habit over the next 40 days?

3. Is there anyone in my life from whom I need to ask forgiveness or pursue reconciliation?
4. Begin my Lenten fast with asking God what He wants me to "pick up" from Him, and that will help me discern what I should "put down" for Him
.

Some practical ideas for you and/or your family:


• Family Activities for the Forty Days of Lent
• 40 Ideas to Keep it Holy during Lent
• Creative Family Ideas for Lent

• Here's some 'Adding' ideas: 
• Tutoring a child at the school
• Giving food to a shelter
• Praying 3-5 specific times each day
• Reading through one or two gospels 
• Walking by yourself or with your family

• Here's a couple books with a 40-Day focus
• A Place at the Table
• 40 Days Living the Jesus Creed
• The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life

Ancient Olympic Games

In 776 BC, all of the known world began getting together to see who was the very best athlete among them.  Every four years all of the cities that made up Greece would put aside wars, disputes and essentially everything else to travel to Olympia to celebrate.  This went on for just over a 1,000 years finally concluding in 393 AD.  During this time many stories and even legends began to be told from the games... My favorite was about an old man looking for a seat.

In those days, the games were held in a grass area with a stone and sod amphitheater surrounding it by three sides.  Crowds from all over Greece would come early to find the best seats to view the athletes.  The event lasted all week and consisted of many ceremonies to honor the athletes and religious services to worship the many Greek gods.  Most would not only celebrate in their spot but eat and, in some cases, sleep.  One day after the event had gone on for several days an older man wandered into the arena.  Since several days had passed every spot was taken.  The old man walked the outside of the field looking up and down the arena for a place to sit.  After walking passed thousands of individuals he found himself standing in front of a group from Sparta.  At that instant, one young man stood up and moved out of his spot in the front of the group.  As he moved, the entire group stood up and squeezed together to make room for the young man higher up on the hill.  The old man, without saying a word, slid into the newly vacated spot and took a seat.  As the large group of Spartans took their seats the rest of the crowd began to jeer.  Whispers and even mocking began to erupt the amphitheater: "Who was this man", "Why would they move for him", "But why would they move for an old man?".  Just then, the old man stood back up and waved his arms to calm the crowd.  As the arena quieted he began to speak: "All Greeks know the right thing to do... BUT ONLY SPARTANS DO IT!!"

It wasn't that the man was a king or "important".  It was that he was worthy of respect as a old man in the spartan community and thus a seasoned warrior.  Everyone in the arena knew the right thing to do, show respect and move but the small nation of Sparta raised their residents to always honor no matter the sacrifice.

Digital Citizenship

Over the past several months I have had the opportunity to travel and speak to students all over Oklahoma.  Though I speak on many different topics within "youth culture" the same one continues to be requested: 'To #Selfie or Not To #Selfie' (Healthy Social Media & Cell Phone use).  It seems EVERY student is struggling with the same thing: how do I handle the freedom of the internet!?  

Most recently I received an email from the Computer Applications teacher at a local high school asking if there were any resources to discuss with his class regarding what he calls: 'Digital Citizenship'.  What a great question, and ultimately, what a expectation for our incoming adults.  How can we become a Healthy Digital Citizen!!  Though this is practically a brand new idea, there's already some great stuff out there (See some of the links at the bottom if interested).  In reading many articles, I think all ages should ponder a few questions when thinking about the internet:

• What are our responsibilities in regards to using the internet?  
• How should we treat others and should we look out for others?  
• How do we want to be viewed or perceived by others?  
• Should we give back, in some way, through our use of the internet?

Have you ever thought about the internet in this way?  Have you ever "abused" yourself or someone by misusing the freedom of the internet?  Personally, so much time has gone by and so many habits have been formed by non-intentional internet use that I'm frustrated or angry in ways that I completely brought on myself.

Recently, I saw this video and felt it is the most honest take on many of the roles we play in the context of social media in our lives.  Before I say anything more, take two and half minutes and check this out...

Though this video is primarily via Facebook, I think the the context can be applicable to any of the many social media avenues we are engaged in each day!!  Here are a couple questions that popped into my mind when watching this video...

• Do I only post my "best" life (the good stuff)?
• Do I exaggerate what's going on in my life?
• Am I looking for affirmation when I post?
• Why do I post negativity (Is it just attention seeking)? 
• Do I ignore people "calling for help" (literally and figuratively)?
• How much of my life should I be posting anyways?
• Can my posts hurt others?
• Is it my responsibility to make sure others are not hurt by what I post?

The list can really go on and on... How do you feel about some of those questions?  Would you be willing to discuss it either in the comments or contacting me?

Here are some great articles and resources to help with becoming a healthy digital citizen:

• Nine Elements of Being a Digital Citizen
• Common Sense Media
• Internet Safety Tips for Parents
• Empowering Students to Use the Internet Responsibly & Safely
• 5 Ways to Teach Kids to Use Technology Safely

If interested in bringing 'To #Selfie or Not To #Selfie' to your school please visit our website (Surge Leadership) and click on contact.  If you'd like a FREE copy of the '10 Things You Should Know About Teens & Tweens' manual you can also find it here.

Top 10 Moments of 2014 (and honorable mentions)

Honorable Mentions:

*) Turning 35 (left the cool '25-34' crowd)... And caught a fish with my bare hands!!

*) Coaching YMCA Basketball... "Perfect" Season!!

*) Frozen!!

*) Private School!!

*) Camping!!

Top 10 Moments of 2014:

10) Being the first confirmed case of Chick-V in Oklahoma!!

9) Winning a VIP Trip to California (Dallas Cowboys Training Camp)!!

8) Kanakuk Family Kamp (K-Kauai)

7) Trips with Grammy (Eastern Michigan University & Great Wolf Lodge)!!

6) Statue Dedication to Pop (Sparky)!!

5) Disneyland (Charleigh finally meeting Mickey)!!

4) Finally getting to take the Kids to Haiti!!

3) Developing the Spartan Code (D.I.S.C.)!!

2) Becoming a Reserve Police Officer 

1) Surge Leadership LLC (New Office)

When we started 2014 we had no idea of the massive changes that were coming before the year closed out.  Though it was the toughest season we have been through, we are steadfast and focused about the amazing things that are to come.  So excited to get 2015 under way...  

If you'd like to stay up to speed with the Berg's make sure you are following me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.  If you want daily and weekly inspiring or leadership focused posts please follow Surge Leadership at Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.  

**If you are interested in my speaking schedule, booking or just hearing more 

about Surge Leadership, check out our website: Click Here

Impacting Tomorrow... Today

DDW- jeff

The man who wanted a lion tattoo

Once there was a man who went to a tattooist because he had always wanted a tattoo of a lion on his shoulder.

The tattooist started to sketch the tail into the man's back: 'Ouch! What are you doing?' asked the man. 

'I'm doing the lion's tail' replied the tattooist. 

'Well then for goodness sake let's have a lion without a tail!' said the man, wincing in pain.

Next the artist set about on the Lion's whiskers. 'Ouch!' cried the man, 'What's that?' 

'The whiskers!' said the tatooist, getting increasingly irritated. 

'Well let's have a lion without whiskers!' moaned his customer.

The tattooist then set about doing the Lion's back. 'No that hurts too!' shouted the man. 

At this, the tattooist finally lost patience with the man shouting, 'How can you expect to get what you want without a little discomfort?'

- Masnavi Story

How Bad Do You Want It?

There was a high school football team that practiced near a small lake. Across the lake lived Coach Jones, the most successful coach in the history of the state. Coach Jones had accumulated more victories, League Championships and State Championships than any other coach in the state’s history. Coach Jones was now retired.

For years this high school team would come out and practice, and practice very hard. As hard as team the could possibly practice. However, no matter how hard they practiced, they just could not seem to win the “big one”. Every day the retired coach would sit across the lake in his lawn chair and watch them practice.

One day the captain of the team decided he was going to go talk to Coach Jones and ask him what the team was doing wrong; why they couldn’t win the “big one”. So the captain of the team went around the lake and said, “Coach, I know you watch us practice every day. I know that you see how hard we practice. You are an experienced winner! Is there anything that you can tell us that can help us win the Championship?”

Coach Jones put his arm around the player and walked him near the edge of the lake. Suddenly, the coach grabbed the captain, thrust his head into the water, and held him down under the water.

When it appeared that the team captain was about to drown, Coach Jones pulled him up and said, “When you want to win that Championship game as much as you wanted that next breath of air, then that is when you will win it”.

- Unknown

The Blind Boy

A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat.

A man was walking by. He took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote some words. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words. Soon the hat began to fill up.

A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning? What did you write?"

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it." Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective? 

Moral of the Story: Be thankful for what you have!

Be creative.  Be innovative.  Think differently and positively.  When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. Face your past without regret.   Handle your present with confidence.  Prepare for the future without fear.  Keep the faith and drop the worry.  

It is a beautiful thing to see a person smiling.  And even more beautiful, knowing that youare the reason behind it!!!  Catch yourself when you start complaining about what you don't have.  Enjoy your day with a heart of gratitude.

The Carpenter's House

An elderly carpenter was due to retire.  He told his employer of his plans to leave the business and start a life of leisure with his wife and extended family.  He would miss the money, but the time was right and he was ready to hang up his hammer.

His boss was disappointed as the carpenter had been a loyal and diligent worker for many years, so he was sad to see him go.  He asked for one last favour, requesting that the carpenter could build one last house before retiring.  The tradesman agreed, but it was soon clear that his heart wasn’t in it.

He took shortcuts, used inferior materials and put in a half-hearted effort.  In the end the final product was well short of his usual standards, a disappointing way to end his career.  When the job was finished, the employer came to inspect the work.  After taking a look around, he handed the keys to the carpenter and said, “This is your house, it’s my gift to you.”

The carpenter was shocked and embarrassed.  If only he had known, he would have made sure that everything was perfect.  If he had known the consequences, he would have demanded excellence from himself.

We’re not that different.  We go about our business, working as we see fit.  

Some with passion, some without caring.

Some with excellence, some with low standards.

Some with diligence, some without effort.

We are all in the process of building our own lives.

If you’re not happy with what you see, perhaps it’s a direct consequence of what you’ve been building over the years... Build wisely!

- Unknown

The Stonecutter

There was once a miserable old stone cutter who spent all his working life cutting out stone from the base of a mountain. One day, while working in the hot, midday sun, the stone cutter looked up at the blazing sun and wondered at its power.

“I wish I was something powerful and strong,” he thought. “I wish I was the sun.”
Then, something amazing happened. The stone cutter became the sun. He felt powerful and strong as he made those down below swelter in his hot, burning rays. But then a cloud came by, totally blocking his view. “The sun is powerful,” he thought, “but the cloud has even more power. I wish I was a cloud.”

And the stone cutter was suddenly a rain cloud, raining down on those below and it felt good watching them run for shelter. But then the wind started to blow him this way and that, that way and this.

“The wind is stronger and more powerful than a cloud,” he thought. “I wish I was this wind.”

And in an instant he was the wind and how he enjoyed buffeting the clouds, the trees, the umbrellas, everything he touched, until he blew against the mountain where even his most ferocious efforts made no difference at all.

“The mountain is so strong and powerful,” he thought. “I wish I was the mountain.” And so the stone cutter became the mountain.

It wasn't long before he felt a painful cutting at his side. He looked down and there he saw another stone cutter, chipping away at him. “The mountain is powerful and strong,” he thought, “but a stone cutter has even more power than me. I wish I was a stone cutter.”

And so the Stone Cutter found himself back at his work at the base of the mountain, only now, he had a contented smile on his face! 

- Japanese Legend

Want to read the longer version: 

Once upon a time there lived a stonecutter, who went every day to a great rock in the side of a big mountain and cut out slabs for gravestones or for houses. He understood very well the kinds of stones wanted for the different purposes, and as he was a careful workman he had plenty of customers. For a long time he was quite happy and contented, and asked for nothing better than what he had.

Now in the mountain dwelt a spirit which now and then appeared to men, and helped them in many ways to become rich and prosperous. The stonecutter, however, had never seen this spirit, and only shook his head, with an unbelieving air, when anyone spoke of it. But a time was coming when he learned to change his opinion.

One day the stonecutter carried a gravestone to the house of a rich man, and saw there all sorts of beautiful things, of which he had never even dreamed. Suddenly his daily work seemed to grow harder and heavier, and he said to himself: “Oh, if only I were a rich man, and could sleep in a bed with silken curtains and golden tassels, how happy I should be!”

And a voice answered him: “Your wish is heard; a rich man you shall be!”

At the sound of the voice the stonecutter looked around, but could see nobody. He thought it was all his fancy, and picked up his tools and went home, for he did not feel inclined to do any more work that day. But when he reached the little house where he lived, he stood still with amazement, for instead of his wooden hut was a stately palace filled with splendid furniture, and most splendid of all was the bed, in every respect like the one he had envied. He was nearly beside himself with joy, and in his new life the old one was soon forgotten.

It was now the beginning of summer, and each day the sun blazed more fiercely. One morning the heat was so great that the stonecutter could scarcely breathe, and he determined he would stop at home till the evening. He was rather dull, for he had never learned how to amuse himself, and was peeping through the closed blinds to see what was going on in the street, when a little carriage passed by, drawn by servants dressed in blue and silver. In the carriage sat a prince, and over his head a golden umbrella was held, to protect him from the sun’s rays.

“Oh, if I were only a prince!” said the stonecutter to himself, as the carriage vanished around the corner. “Oh, if I were only a prince, and could go in such a carriage and have a golden umbrella held over me, how happy I should be!”

And a prince he was. Before his carriage rode one company of men and another behind it; servants dressed in scarlet and gold bore him along, the coveted umbrella was held over his head, everything his heart could desire was his. But yet it was not enough. He looked around still for something to wish for, and when he saw that in spite of the water he poured on the grass the rays of the sun scorched it, and that in spite of the umbrella held over his head each day his face grew browner and browner, he cried in his anger: “The sun is mightier than I; oh, if I were only the sun!”

And the mountain spirit answered: “Your wish is heard; the sun you shall be.”

And the sun he was, and felt himself proud in his power. He shot his beams above and below, on earth and in heaven; he burnt up the grass in the fields and scorched the faces of princes as well as of poorer folk. but in a short time he began to grow tired of his might, for there seemed nothing left for him to do. Discontent once more filled his soul, and when a cloud covered his face, and hid the earth from him, he cried in his anger: “Does the cloud hold captive my rays, and is it mightier than I? Oh, that I were a cloud, and mightier than any!”

And the mountain spirit answered: “Your wish is heard; a cloud you shall be!”

And a cloud he was, and lay between the sun and the earth. He caught the sun’s beams and held them, and to his joy the earth grew green again and flowers blossomed. But that was not enough for him, and for days and week he poured forth rain till the rivers overflowed their banks, and the crops of rice stood in water. Towns and villages were destroyed by the power of the rain, only the great rock on the mountainside remained unmoved. The cloud was amazed at the sight, and cried in wonder: “Is the rock, then, mightier than I? Oh, if I were only the rock!”

And the mountain spirit answered; “Your wish is heard; the rock you shall be!”

And the rock he was, and gloried in his power. Proudly he stood, and neither the heat of the sun nor the force of the rain could move him. “This is better than all!” he said to himself. But one day he heard a strange noise at his feet, and when he looked down to see what it could be, he saw a stonecutter driving tools into his surface. Even while he looked a trembling feeling ran all through him, and a great block broke off and fell upon the ground. Then he cried in his wrath: “Is a mere child of earth mightier than a rock? Oh, if I were only a man!”

And the mountain spirit answered: “Your wish is heard. A man once more you shall be!”

And a man he was, and in the sweat of his brow he toiled again at his trade of stone cutting. His bed was hard and his food scanty, but he had learned to be satisfied with it, and did not long to be something or somebody else. And as he never asked for things he did not have, or desired to be greater and mightier than other people, he was happy at last, and never again heard the voice of the mountain spirit.

Rich & Poor

One day a wealthy dad took his son on a trip to village.  He wanted to show him how poor someone can be. 

They spent time on the farm of a poor family and soaked in as much as they could.

On the ride home the dad asked, “what did you see?”

The boy answered, “we have one dog… they have four, we have a pool… they have rivers, we have lights at night… they have stars, we buy food… they grow theirs, we have walls to protect us… they have friends.”

The dad was surprised.  In hoping to show the boy how poor THEY WERE the son was able to show his father how much THEY HAD. 

After a pause the boy said, “Thanks dad for showing me it is not about money that makes us rich it’s about simplicity and appreciation.”

The Glass of Water

The Professor began his class by holding up a glass with some water in it. He held it up for all to see and asked the students “How much do you think this glass weighs?”

’50gms!’….. ’100gms!’ …..’125 gms’ …the students answered.

“I really don’t know unless I weigh it,” said the professor, “but, my question is: What would happen if I held it up like this for a few minutes?”…. .

‘Nothing’ …..the students said.

‘Ok what would happen if I held it up like this for an hour?’ the professor asked.

‘Your arm would begin to ache’ said one of the student

“You’re right, now what would happen if I held it for a day?”

“Your arm could go numb; you might have severe muscle stress and paralysis & have to go to hospital for sure!” … Ventured another student and all the students laughed

“Very good.  But during all this, did the weight of the glass change?” Asked the professor.

‘No’…. Was the answer.

“Then what caused the arm ache & the muscle stress?”  The students were puzzled.
“What should I do now to come out of pain?” asked professor again.

“Put the glass down!” said one of the students

“Exactly!” said the professor.  Life’s problems are something like this.  Hold it for a few minutes in your head and they seem OK.  Think of them for a long time and they begin to ache.  Hold it even longer & they begin to paralyze you. You will not be able to do anything.  It’s important to think of the challenges or problems in your life, But EVEN MORE IMPORTANT is to ‘PUT THEM DOWN’ at the end of every day before you go to sleep… That way, you are not stressed, you wake up every day fresh and strong and can handle any issue, any challenge that comes your way!

So, when you start your day today, Remember friend to 'PUT THE GLASS DOWN TODAY!'

Top 10 Things I Learned About Life...Playing Tetris

I recently started playing Tetris again (since there is a sweet app for your phone) and have been blown away how fast I was addicted... Again... 30 years later!!

Couple facts you may not have known about Tetris:
- With over 145 million copies sold, Tetris is the #1 selling video game of ALL TIME!!
- It was thought up by a programmer who was just bored at work.
- It's name comes from two words: Tetra (the Greek word for four, which is how many blocks are in each puzzle piece) and Tennis (the programmers favorite sport).
- Originally purchased by an American for a very small amount (original "contract" written on a napkin), Nintendo had to return and purchase the rights again for wide-release on the Gameboy in 1984.

Here is an old post revisited (found it on my Xanga page... You heard me, XANGA)!!

Top 10 Things I learned about life... Playing Tetris

10) It pays to be neat. If you're playing it right, there's a place for everything (and everybody...no matter what shape)!!
9) If you slack off and get behind, it's awfully hard to work your way out of it!!
8) Planning ahead is a real good idea!!
7) You don't always get what you want, but you have to deal with whatever you get!!
6) If you practice, you'll get better!!
5) Cursing doesn't help!!
4) If you make a mistake, fast fingers and clever thinking will maybe get you out of it, but it's best to do it right the first time!!
3) Too much of anything is rarely a good thing!!
2) Life gets a lot easier if you keep an eye out for what's coming next!!
1) Eventually every game ends, and there's no use crying about it!!

*If you have NO IDEA what I'm talking about... Please do me and yourself a favor: Click here!!
**If you want to play some Tetris for FREE: click here!!

Want more on Video Games!?  Here's a post for parents with some helpful ideas to keep in mind in regards to Video Games for YOU and your kids: Click Here!!