The Story God is Telling

     A few weeks back, I woke up at 4 am and felt prompted in my spirit to read Psalm 78. Its a rather long Psalm that retells the story of the children of Israel in the Old Testament. It talks about how God delivered them from the hand of the Egyptians, how they rebelled and whined and complained and how God was patient and compassionate with them. Its an amazing story, but certainly one I've heard a thousand times in my life.

 

     Honestly, while I was reading the story again, I kept thinking in the back of my mind, 

"God, I've heard all this before.

What's the point?" 

     And it wasn't until I got all the way finished with the chapter that I looked back at the few verses I had underlined and heard the small whisper of God in my heart say, "That was their story and it was right for them to keep telling it over and over again... Just like you do."

Here's how I wrote it in my journal...

     "I love that this is the story of God for the people of God. That's what Psalm 78 is. It is them telling their story over and over again. It reminds me of our Coffee Shop and Movie Theater stories. It's the same thing.

     Like, I read this and I go, 'Yeah, right, its the same story, over and over again.' because it is. This is the story of their life and how God intervened and forgave and was merciful, and saved them from their enemies!

     They forever told the same story over and over because it was their story and it was right. And we must do the same!

     It is right for us to tell and retell the same stories of God's faithfulness through the years! 

     It is right for the next generation to hear them and learn them and tell them to their children too. 

     Each generation that comes through Next Level Church must have and tell their story! They must add their story to ours."

     

     In the same way, every life has a story! A story that must be told, over and over again. Every single one of us have a story of what God has done in us and through us that is the defining story of our life. In some ways we don't choose it and in some ways we do. We chose to move to Florida, but God chose to call us there. We chose to obey. He chose to open the doors He opened, we chose to walk through them and endure the pain.

      God chose for us to experience all we did in Indiana, we chose to not get bitter and give up. Parents of children with cancer don't choose for their child to get sick, all they can do is choose to not get bitter toward God, but instead let it be the defining story of their life. And they must choose to tell it.

     Telling our story is always a choice. The same choice Israel had to make with their story, and the same choice we had to make with our story. Each one of us must make the choice with the story God has allowed us to live.

•      Will we embrace our story? 

•      Or will we curse it? 

•      Will we choose to acknowledge that our story is not like anyone else's? 

•      How long will we keep running from the reality of our story?

     God will wait. Oh, how He will wait for us to come back to our story. He's not in any hurry. In fact, He's actually just writing more of our story.

? What about us? How well are you doing at embracing your story? How faithful are you being at telling it? 

After all, someone needs to hear it.

#AddingValue

@MatthewKeller

5 Things I learned from my Nephew, Joey Keller (2003-2012)

          On Sunday, November 18th, 2012, my nephew Joey Keller lost his fight with the cancer he had battled for 2 years. Even though he only lived 9 short years, Joey's life impacted tens of thousands of people and will continue to do so for a long, long time. I'm proud of my nephew. In fact, in the last few weeks I've been able to reflect on what he taught me.

These are the lessons I learned from...

Joseph Nickolas Keller

(2003-2012)

1. Joey taught me what it means to be a Fighter.
           Over the last 2 years, we all watched Joey fight the fight of ten lifetimes. No child should have to go through what Joey went through, but he fought hard and with focus. He never gave up and he made his parents proud! Real proud.

          The last time I got to see Joey in person was in late-August at his home outside of Indianapolis. Sarah and I were able to spend 2 hours with him laughing, playing legos and telling stories about his dad and my childhood.

       As I was leaving, I asked Joey if I could have one of his thousands of Lego Star Wars figurines. Before he committed he asked, "Which one?" To which I replied, "The one that most resembles you."
          At that moment, after having not left his chair for 2 hours, he stood up, got his walker and walked boldly across the room to a stack of lego cases. Without hesitation, he pulled off the top 3 cases and opened the 4th one. He reached in, took out the Luke Skywalker figurine dressed in his flight suit and helmet and put a spear in his hand.

          Walking back across the room, he handed it to me definitively and said, "Here. This is me."

          Yep. That was Joey. Joey, the Fighter. The fighter with a spear in his hand. Joey's life taught me to fight. To never give up. To always stay focused on the job at hand and on what's at stake. Joey was a fighter.

2. Joey taught me what it means to have Faith… Real Faith.
          Anyone who spent any time with Joey knows he lived a faith like I've never seen in another child. Joey believed the Word of God. He believed in Jesus. In the face of daunting odds, Joey never wavered in his belief that God loved him and had a good plan for him. Joey trusted God at his word, even when what he saw in the natural didn't look positive.

          Joey's faith inspires me to live a more faith-filled life. I'm often prone to let my circumstances effect my faith, but because of the faith Joey had, I will always be reminded to trust God at His Word, even when my circumstances scream something different.

3. Joey's life taught me that Miracles are Real.
          Thousands of people know the final story of Joey's life, but very few probably know the story of how his life began. From the beginning, Joey was a miracle. I watched my brother and Elizabeth struggle to get pregnant for 7 years. After trying all sorts of things and begging God for a child, they finally resolved that it wasn't meant to be.

          And then it was. And his name was Joey.

         When Joey was still a toddler, he was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy that made many "normal" childhood activities much more dangerous to his health. Under the careful watch of Nick and Elizabeth, Joey lived everyday as a miracle.

          And of course, over the last 2 years to watch his life inspire tens of thousands of people across the world has been nothing short of miraculous. Though Joey Keller's years on this earth were small, there is nothing small about the impact his life has made.

4. Joey taught me what it means to live in the Now!

          Joey knew how to be fully present in any given moment. From playing Wii with a friend or with his cousins, to being quick witted with a sarcastic comeback to his dad, Joey knew how to live fully present in every moment. Wherever he was, he was always, all there.

           So often the hurry and worry of life can keep me from being fully present in the moments that make up my life. 

          Joey taught me this lesson well, and my wife, my kids, and my work will forever be better for it.

5. Joey taught me that Eternity is Forever and this is just the Beginning.
          Joey's life is a testament to the fact that life is short, and eternity is long. Though it seems hard to grasp right now, this life is but a vapor the Bible says. Joey lived a short, but powerful life. Joey's impact on so many will be the legacy that any father, or uncle, would be proud of. Joey makes me happy that this life is not all there is. I can't wait to see him again one day.

          "Thank you Joey for the life you lived, the fight you fought, the impact you made and the lessons you taught me. I will live my life different now because of you. You were a great nephew. I will miss your cute voice, your dry, sarcastic sense of humor and your incredible knack for building legos. You lived your journey well… and you honored our Keller name. May I live my journey in such a way as to honor your name as well."

I love you, Joey Keller,

May the force be with you,

Uncle Matt

What I'm Doing to Get In Shape - A Personal Update

    While I was writing my Manuscript for "The God of the Underdogs" it was really hard to exercise and workout. I hated it, but there just flat out wasn't enough time to run our church, lead, travel, speak multiple times each week, be dad, sleep & write a Best-Seller! (Hahaha)


     So when I turned in the manuscript on September 15th, I knew I wanted to reengage my health in a big way. I was as heavy as I had been since 2002 when we moved to Florida to start Next Level Church.

Let me throw out a couple of disclaimers:

•      First, I'm no physical fitness expert. Just a guy who speaks 250-300 times a year and needs to be in pretty good shape to sustain that.
•      Second, if you are a physical fitness guru, I'd appreciate it if you'd not make a TON of comments trying to advise me better or whatever. It's not that I'm not open to all that, but advise from everywhere can get a little overwhelming. I've got a couple of trusted "experts" who are monitoring me and coaching me so I'm deferring to them right now.
•      Third, I know there are a million and one ways to lose weight and get in shape. 
•      Finally, you should consult a physician before starting any fitness regimen. (Did I say that right, Mr. attorney? )

So on October 1st I began... And am still going. Here's what I'm doing. I hope it helps and inspires you.

1. I am exercising in our Clubhouse Fitness Room.

     It's not attractive, I can't see outside and I am utterly uninspired in there. But guess what: At the end of the day, none of that matters! "Shut up with the excuses Keller and just get in there! If you want pretty and inspiring look at a photo album. If you want to lose weight, get in there."

2. I am walking an hour / day.

     The treadmill has a 1 hour setting so I'm doing that. I'm also doing a bit of ab work and occasional arms stuff cause I'm tired of having skinny, pretzel stick arms.

3. I set a goal to work out 20 times in the Month of October.
     And I did it. 21 to be exact. And I set the same goal for November. That goal is based on my travel schedule, reality and family & time constraint realities. Better to be realistic than to set a goal that leaves me feeling like a failure.

4. I keep my Heart Rate between 65-75% of my maximum. 

     Which for me is not sweating hardly at all. I've learned this is the maximum fat burning zone. So for me a 37 year old male, that's between 110-128 bpm. I've also noticed that I don't feel nearly as drained throughout the day like I used to when I'd kill myself at the gym.

5. I try to do Abs & Arms 3 times a week. 

     See #2 above. 

6. I cut all extraneous sugar - Skittles, etc.
     Which if you know me is a big deal. I love sugar like its a third son, but honestly once I got over the hump, it's not been horrible. The harder reality has been not "snacking" at night on the couch.

7. I have been Extra-Conscious about what I'm eating.

     I cut a lot of the greasy stuff, fatty stuff etc. It certainly hasn't been a perfect thing, but WAY better than the previous few months.

The Result:
     I lost 7 lbs. in 31 days in October and as of this writing, November 13th, I've lost 8 pounds. I feel great. Shirts that were too tight to wear (at least in public) fit again. I have more energy and I've figured out how to write and Multi-task on the treadmill. (I actually wrote this whole article on my iPhone while working out.)

     So that's my journey, so far, of getting back into shape. I know that the next season I am heading into is going to require me to be in the best physical shape of my life. So I consider this to be as important as anything else I'm doing right now.

#AddingValue

@MatthewKeller

Southwest Airlines delivers more than just Air Travel, they deliver happiness... What we can all learn

Southwest Airlines delivers more than just Air Travel, they deliver happiness.

     Sitting in Row 16 on an evening flight from Baltimore back to my home in Ft. Myers, FL, I had the pleasure of flying on Southwest. Now, I must admit, I have been a big fan of Southwest's business model for a long time. But on this night I got to witness what not only makes them one of the most profitable airlines in an industry of historically unprofitable companies, but what sets them apart entirely.

     Between the time the flight attendant (Mandy) took our order for our drinks (no annoying drink carts in the aisles) and the time she brought us our Diet Dr. Pepper and Ginger Ale, I jotted down 5 Reasons why Southwest is providing service superior to anyone else in the industry. (And having just flown on what my assistant calls "Cheap-o-air" 2 days earlier) I was more than a little aware of the differences. Let's just say, they were glaring.

     If you're a leader or business owner of any kind, there is much we can learn from Southwest.

     First, they focus on Employee Engagement, Happiness and Fulfillment and it trickles down to the customer. 

     It has long been said in business that "Happy employees make happy customers." Southwest gets this big time! From the whimsical and at times, a bit cheesy, humor interjected into the "Public Safety Announcement" to the ear to ear smile on the face of our flight attendant when she took our drink order, Southwest knows how to set the customer at ease. 

     When she asked how we were doing, and I commented that I love this airline, she blurted back, "I do to! And tomorrow is my 1 year anniversary with this company! I am so excited!" Yeah, let's just say that "Cheap-o-air" ain't smiling or bragging about that. 

     Take care of your employees and they will take care of your customers. And it's not just in the big things, though those certainly have their place. It's the little things, done consistently over an extended period of time that creates a happier work environment.

     Second, they focus on the Right Things instead of Wrong, Superfluous Things. 

     So many airlines spend way too much time "policing" customers, instead of empowering them. Let's be honest, nobody wants to be unnecessarily policed. We know air travel is an enormous responsibility but it doesn't have to be stuffy or rude. Southwest's focus is on anything that helps the customer have a smoother experience and process. Don't assign me a seat, I'm a college educated, successful American adult. I betcha I can figure it out. Don't charge me for a bag, or nickel and dime me to change flights. Don't make me find the best deal on some randomocity.whatever site, just tell me where to go, make the procedure easy and let me do my thing.

     Where in your business have you made it "harder than it needs to be" for the customer?

     Third, they empower customers! (and who doesn't love Power of Choice.)

     We are living in the age of choice. The young generation today lives by the mantra, "Empower us or we will choose someone else who will." We will only tolerate 'no options' until we are given an option and then we will take the better option, and here's the kicker, business leaders, EVEN IF IT COSTS US MORE MONEY. 

     Southwest gets away with higher fares at times, because they empower you and people love choice. Seth Godin defines "Being rich" as "having the power to choose." Southwest airlines gets that. 

     Fourth, they understand flying and air travel is a stressful sport and they seek to ease that pain just a little bit. 

     When a company understands a real "pain" or "stressor" in their customer's life, and can alleviate it, they become immensely valuable to them. Southwest does that. Business leader, what "pain" or "stressor" is your customer experiencing that you could alleviate? And don't over think it. 

     Southwest pays for softer, comfier chairs in the waiting area. They pay for extra power outlets nearby, why? Because they know the pains of traveling and they want to alleviate them as much as they can. It's a little bit of extra effort and expense that pays BIG Dividends in customer loyalty.

     Finally, they systematize as much as possible to de-complexify (did I just make up a word?) as much as they can.

     Thus maximizing profit and minimizing waste. (Which is in abundance in the airline industry) 

     Build systems, empower people, trust the customer to know what's best for them, make it as easy as possible, then watch profits increase. Regardless of the industry you find yourself in, I'm willing to bet there's a way to systematize to decomplexify and make your customer's experience better. Southwest does this better than anyone else in the industry and their bottom line shows it.

     So, as the lights of the coastline of Ft. Myers come into view out the cabin window to my left, I can't help but compare my experience on "Cheap-o-air" to this one, and tonight I'm thankful for how Southwest airlines is getting it right. It's the little things that make all the difference. Thanks for the Cheese Nips, Peanuts and Diet Dr. Pepper. And thanks for getting us in safely and a few minutes early as well. Happy 1 Year Anniversary, Mandy, you work for a great company.

Respectfully,

@MatthewKeller

Seat 16C

Health Matters :: More than Leaders may Think

          After nearly 11 years of leading Next Level Church, I have become convinced of something.


                                         Health Matters.

          In fact, one of key leadership axioms we say often is: "We are never going to prioritize Growth over Health." Because we know that Healthy things grow. Health sustains growth. Without Health, our teams and our organizations break down.

          I am privileged to be speaking once again this year at the Velocity Conference in Atlanta, GA presented by Church Planters.com on February 18-19, 2013. The subject I'll be talking about will be centered around How to Spot Unhealth on our Teams and in our Organizations. Whether we lead a church, church plant, start up or established business, health Matters.


Here's why Health Matters:


1. Health is Attractive whether we Realize it or not.
          People are attracted to healthy things, whether they realize it or not. And the opposite is also true. When there is unhealth on our teams, it will push out the best leaders, volunteers and givers. That's why its paramount we leaders have a mechanism to spot unhealth.

          Week in and week out, people approach us and say things like, "I don't know what it is about this place and about your team, but it just feels different than anything I've ever felt before." Of course, we know that's the presence of the Lord, but it's also the presence of Health in the organization as well. We work hard to create an environment of health on all the teams across our church.


2. Unhealth on our Teams has the Ability to Paralyze the Move of God in our Church.
          The only way for our churches (and businesses) to live out their full redemptive potential is when they are healthy. In our coaching of other churches, non-profits and businesses we regularly come in contact with organizations with Huge Upside Potential, but because of the presence of unhealth among their teams can't seem to breakthrough to the next level. Our organizations will only grow as tall as the foundation of health they are built upon.

3. The Healthier our Teams Become, the More Capacity our Teams have.
          Health is like the base of a skyscraper. The wider and deeper the base, the taller the building above. When we know the right questions to ask and the right ways to develop health among our teams, we effectively broaden the base and create the platform for our organizations to sore. Pursuing health in our organizations isn't sexy or glamorous, but the long-lasting results are well worth the effort.


4. Being able to spot Unhealth is the Make or Break for the long term Success of our Organization.
         We can never get where we want to go, if we don't first, know where we are. Having the simple tools to identify unhealth on our teams is priority #1 to taking them to the next level. I'm so excited to be able to share these 9 principles or tools in just a few months at Velocity 2013.
          If you're unable to attend, but are interested in learning more about the tools of spotting Unhealth in your business or organization, feel free to contact us at:


chelsie@mynextlevel.me

For more information on the conference go to:

http://www.churchplanters.com


May the Organizations we lead continue to pursue health in the future,


#AddingValue

@MatthewKeller