Space: Recognizing Your Potential

According to the late Douglas Adams, “Space is big. You just won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-boggling big it is. I mean, you may think it’s a long way down the road to the chemist’s, but that’s peanuts to space” (from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).

In design, space is nothing. It’s the white area (sometimes referred to as “negative space”) that isn’t covered in type or graphics. It’s open range on the page, ready for some word or picture to roam.

However, that space is necessary. It serves a two-fold function:

1. It gives the designer the free area needed to create his design.
2. It gives the viewer’s eye an area to rest, and can be used to draw that eye (Focus) toward the intended focal point of the piece.

In life, empty space serves those same purposes. For example, if you’ve ever read a cheaply produced novel, you can see that white space is at a minimum. Every page is crammed with low-point wording. The reader’s eyesight isn’t taken into consideration. And off the page, many attempt to cram as much activity into one day, one life, as possible, but often they aren’t successful in their endeavors. Why? Not enough space. No room to grow, to rest, to revive oneself, to properly plan.

Even God Almighty used space; He rested on the sabbath after spending a week busy at creation. We, too, need a little space in our lives. Time spent just for ourselves to recharge so that we can be ready to take charge.

Space isn’t just a symbol for rest, though. It is also our potential. And, like Mr. Adams so eloquently stated in the above quote, it is big. We can be, do, have, whatever we really want in life. The possibilities are, like space, limitless, if we are willing to put forth the work and sacrifice necessary to attain our dreams and goals.

If at all possible, spend some time with a group of small children and ask them what they wish to be when they grow up. Astronauts, doctors, nurses, presidents, movie stars, and other lofty aspirations will spring forth. Yet often, twenty years down the road, many of those same children will be found working at a low-paying, unsatisfying job instead of the career goals they stated at age 4. This is usually due to misuse of the space we’ve been granted.

Dr. Laura once said something to the effect that time is the one commodity that can never be replaced. If we think about that, it’s true. We can reproduce almost anything else we’re granted in life, but not time. Once it’s used, it’s gone. Forever.

That doesn’t mean we need to cram our lives full of useless “busy”ness like the cheap novel crammed full of low-quality print, but rather to use each precious moment to its potential, whether it be planning, doing, spending time with family, or spiritual meditation. Use that moment in the best way possible. But remember–sometimes that best way is simply to leave a moment blank and rest.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Today’s Bible Reading: Genesis chapters 27-29

Rhythm: Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!

We all know what rhythm is. In music, it’s the repetition of a pattern of notes, which forms a musical “line.” Sometimes this is achieved using bass and percussion instruments, although rhythm can be part of the melody as well. Rhythm is the heartbeat of music.

In graphic design, rhythm is displayed when the artist uses a “dominant visual path” of either lines or colors throughout the work. Rhythm gives the piece an appearance of life. So, rhythm is also the heartbeat of art.

And rhythm is the heartbeat of goal-attainment. As we design our own luck, that day-to-day repition of our goal-oriented tasks is what will keep our efforts alive during the trudge toward our goals.

• Focus immediately on your goal when you wake up
• (If you didn’t the night before) Make your to-do list, incorporating items that will help you press toward that goal
• March down your list, checking off items and patting yourself on the back as you accomplish them
• Encourage yourself along the path so you don’t get discouraged
• Do it all again. Every day.

That is the repitition that will keep our momentum moving ever onward toward our goals. Inconsistency in music and art hurts the ears and eyes. Inconsistency along the path toward our goals will halt our progress and we may become discouraged. It’s much harder to pick up again if we stop than to keep that rhythm going. Consist and persistent are the keys to achieving goals.

For those of you who are consistency-challenged like me, I’d love to hear what has helped you overcome it. For me, I have a lengthy list of things I’d like to be consistent at. So, I picked one first–blogging. I’ve posted a blog every day this week, which has been a challenge. Now a new week has begun, so I hope to pick something else to be consistent with every day of this week. By adding small things, one at a time, hopefully I’ll be able to form good habits (which is what rhythm actually is) and maintain them throughout not only the coming year, but my entire life.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Bible Reading for today: Genesis chapters 23-26

Movement & Pattern

To display movement in design, elements are shown in various states of change, such as length of lines (think–the “more bars” commercial), fading colors, etc.

Movement is displayed through a distinct and logical order of events.

The same is true in goal-attainment. If our goal is to buy groceries, there is a logical sequence of events that we must follow in order to reach that goal:

• Make a grocery list
• Ready purse and car keys
• Start the car
• Drive to the store
• Purchase items

Of course, we could have added a dozen other steps, such as getting dressed, checking the gas gauge, etc. But this example sequence must be followed or things won’t work as we’d hoped. For instance, if we attempt to purchase groceries without first making a list, some things will be forgotten, and some unnecessary items will be purchased. And it’s hard to pay for things without a purse or wallet.

This is a simple example, but it shows how following a logical sequence makes reaching our goals much easier. Patterns in design are often the result of visual movement (again, the “more bars” cell phone commercial example). Movement toward our goals can also create a pattern, or plan of attack toward attaining those goals.Now, think about the goal you most wish to attain. Brainstorm all the steps necessary to reach that goal & write them down as they come to you. After you’ve brainstormed (you may wish to have someone help you with the brainstorming), put your notes in a logical sequence. This is your pattern for movement.

A pattern can be used over and over again. For example, we’ve just created a general pattern to move toward goals:

• Select goal
• Brainstorm necessary steps
• Arrange steps into a logical sequence
• Begin with step one and go for it!

See how the design principles of movement and pattern partner together? You can format specific game plan patterns for each specific goal, too.

We have one more principle of design to discuss in this series, and then we’ll move onward to the section on elements.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis chapters 16-19

Contrast: Standing Out from the Crowd

According to the late German designer and typographer, Jan Tschichold, “Contrast is the most important element of all graphic design.”

Contrast is the distinction between things, whether it be ideas, objects, colors, even persons, in order to draw attention to them. In design, several elements can be used to bring about contrast, including size, intensity, color, etc. Sometimes contrast is thought of in opposites (black and white, for instance), however, same colors can be used, only the intensity or depth can be contrasted to distinguish between them.

As Christians, we are to be the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth.” in other words, we are to live in the world, but to be different from it. That is one aspect of contrast in our journey toward success this year–standing out from the worldly crowd.

Some business persons strive to display contrast in comparison to co-workers by working harder, smarter, and often longer than the others in hopes of staying at least one rung ahead on the ladder to “success.” This method can become exhausting and stressful, and often affects one’s health and family in a negative way.

Still others, in hopes of creating contrast, put down their friends or co-workers, I suppose hoping to distinguish themselves as being superior. This form of contrast usually backfires and is often used by those with a poor self-image.

Just as contrast in art doesn’t just “happen,”–it is designed by the artist–contrast in our path to success must be planned. However, instead of attempting to manipulate “the system,” over-working, or putting others down, the key to creating contrast begins within. When we begin making personal changes, internally, our exterior lives will show it.

Some unknown wise person once said, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be where you’ve always been.” So, if we are to become successful this year, to attain our goals and reach our dreams, we must change. We must do some things differently.

The Prodigal Son made a lot of changes, beginning with an internal realization that he was quickly heading down a path toward destruction. His inward change brought about a great contrast outwardly:

• He changed locations, leaving the pig pen behind and returning home
• He changed vocations, giving up his job as a feeder of swine
• He changed clothes–his father put a new robe on him

Can you think of some internal changes that will help you change outwardly? Becoming different can help us make a difference. And making a difference is the crux of contrast.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Today’s Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis chapters 12-15

Balance: Building the Best Foundation Part II

Note: Because balance is such a challenge, I’ve expanded this section into a second part. Much of the material from these two lessons has come from my book, The Prodigal Daughter.

Let’s take a closer look at Joshua’s challenge: Choose you this day whom you will serve…

CHOOSE. Imagine before you an empty gallon jar. If you were to fill it to the top with rocks the size of your fist, would you say the jar is full? What if you poured in some small pebbles and filled in the gaps between the rocks, now is it full? Add some sand to fill the gaps. Now, pour water over the rocks, pebbles, and sand. If you put the pebbles, sand, and water in first, could you put in the big rocks? Not a chance! But, by placing the big rocks in first, you were able to place many other items in the jar.

Suppose those items are our choices. Once we make the really big choices, the other choices seem to fit around them with ease.

Choose YOU. The challenge Joshua issued was personal. Each of us must consider our personal priorities. We can’t attempt to do something because someone else thinks it’s best for us. Right or wrong, it must be OUR choice, otherwise, we won’t put forth the effort to see it through to completion. Consider the items on your goals list. Are they there because YOU want to attain those goals, or has someone in your life told you to accomplish them? Personal goals give us the motivation to trudge through whatever becomes necessary to reach the end.

Choose you THIS DAY. We must choose DAILY to strive toward our goals. Every day. Some days we’ll stay in balance with our priorities more than others, but if we make a daily choice to work toward our goals, even if we stray from them for one day, we can get right back on track the next. Keep a daily list of tasks necessary to help you work toward your goals. If you have never done this before, your list may be long and overwhelming, but keep writing. Chances are, whatever you wrote down first has been nagging you the longest. Do it first and keep marching down your list. If you do this everyday for a month, it can change your life. Pray about your list and ask God to give you the strength to work through it. Focus on the results of accomplishing your goal. How will you feel when you’ve reached your goal? Carry that joy in your heart to motivate you!

Choose you this day WHOM. Our only choices are really self or Savior. If our goals aren’t aligned with God’s will, our lives will be out of balance. Some people have not chosen to serve God because they want “freedom.” They don’t wish to be bound by or responsible to anyone or anything. No matter what our choice is, we still have a master. By choosing self, we become imprisioned by sin and all the burdens associated with it. The real freedom comes from God. Choosing to commit to God will set us free. Free from worry. Free from guilt. Free from indecision.

Choose you this day whom you will SERVE. Yes, life is about service. To the Lord, to our fellow man, to ourselves. If you’re uncertain what your personal ministry is, pray about it. Listen for God’s answer. Investigate what needs to be done, evaluate your talents, and determine what you’re willing to do. Soon, you’ll fit right in where you were meant to be. And your life will become very fulfilled.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis chapters 10-11

Balance: Building the Best Foundation Part I

Balance is all about the distribution of weight and counterweight. Anyone who has ever been in a canoe is familiar with this concept.

In graphic design, balance is obtained by arranging elements in a manner that will equally distribute the visual “weight.” Darks are offset by light, larger sized elements are counterweighted by smaller ones, etc. Balance prevents an overwhelming appearance in art. When a piece of art is balanced, the viewer doesn’t notice the elements used as individual lines, shapes, colors, but sees one seemless work.

In sports, when one team receives a disproportionate number of penalties or fouls, the fans begin to notice the referees. However, if the calls are more even, the crowd barely notices the referees. Balance prevents a lopsided feeling, which can be very uncomfortable. Those with physical balance disorders report feelings of dizziness, the fear of falling, “wooziness,” visual blurring, and a general feeling of disorientation. When our lives are off balance, we also feel uncomfortable, desperate, overwhelmed.

The key to balance as we consider our goals for the coming year is counterweight. We’re not supposed to attempt to balance our lives alone; it’s impossible. In order for a scale to be balanced, something has to be placed on both sides. Just like the teeter-totter from the grade school playground–it takes two to balance. If one jumps off, the other comes crashing down. If we attempt to balance our lives alone, we will crash.

When our lives are off balance, it is often because our spiritual equilibrium is out of synch. In other words, will is not aligned with God’s. Paul refers to this in Romans 8:6, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Life and peace–isn’t that the real goal?

For years, I thought my life’s imbalance was due to poor time management or poor organizational skills. I bought book after book on similar subjects, hoping to find “the answer.” What I finally realized is that I had a PRIORITY problem. I made wrong choices. Every choice we make stems from our priorities. And our priorities stem from our values, which are the very foundation of our lives.

The Lord asked the hungry children of Israel, “Why do you spend money for what is not bread? And your wages for what does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2a). They had a priority problem. Practically speaking, maintaining balance is achieved through setting priorities, by making right choices.

First off, as we make daily choices, we need to consider what matters the most to us. If our goal is to stop smoking, which is more important, a cigarette or good health? Do I want another piece of cake, or do I want to maintain the weight I’ve worked so hard to attain? And, ultimately, all these choices go back to the WHY we just talked about–WHY do I want to be healthy? WHY do I want to lose weight? What is the driving force that will enable me to go beyond the struggles I’ll encounter along the way toward my goal?

Remember that focal point we discussed, the RESULT of attaining our goals? Is our desire for that end result strong enough to push us beyond the point of pain to achieve it? Let’s face it, weight loss is HARD work. It’s painful. Choices are tough. Stopping smoking is also hard. Becoming debt-free requires much sacrifice and changes in habits. Our values and priorities lay our foundation of balance, but the day-to-day choices we make are the counterweight; they maintain that balance.

Each day we’re faced with lots of choices–oatmeal, eggs; long sleeves, short sleeves; serve God, don’t serve God; work toward our goals, don’t work toward our goals. Some choices are small. Some can change our lives.

Once we determine what is REALLY important to us, something that aligns with our innate values, that goal will become the driving force behind our priorities, our day-to-day choices.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Bible Reading Schedule for Today: Genesis chapters 6-9

Unity: Forging the Right Relationships

Madisonville, Ky., located about two hours northwest of Nashville, Tenn., could serve as a snapshot of rural America. Although situated among a vast array of natural and manmade resources, throughout its history, this community has faced many challenges. The two main issues were that (1) nearly 40 percent of the county’s workforce was functionally illiterate; and (2) another significant percentage of that workforce was incarcerated, primarily due to the county’s methamphetamine problem.

Today, the community of Madisonville is known as “The Best Town on Earth.” What happened? I’ll explain the details in a minute, but Madisonville’s success can fully be attributed to today’s Design Your Own Luck topic: unity.

Before we continue with this series, let me back up a bit and explain the difference between principles and elements of graphic design. The principles are the foundation, the “rules.” Elements are the individual art devices (color, lines, etc.) that are laid out using the principles to create a piece that conveys the artist’s message.

Unity in art is what makes the piece “fit.” It’s like the threads in your clothing that hold it together in an unobtrusive manner. Yet, without those stitched threads, your clothes would fall apart! Unity is attained through the relationships of the design’s elements.

For example, look at a few pieces of art or graphic design (you can easily browse through the internet–perhaps even your own web site). Are some elements repeated? Such as shapes, colors, proximity, etc.? Many webs use “style sheets” that lay out the pages in a similar fashion. That creates unity within the site.

Back to Madisonville. How did that little town turn an about face to become one of the premier small cities in the country? A group of concerned citizens partnered with the local Rotary club and the community college to form an education coalition known as “School Counts.” The purpose (a.k.a. EMPHASIS) of the program is to provide educational opportunities for those students who weren’t eligible for many scholarships and would therefore be unable to afford college. These undereducated students would likely wind up in low paying jobs and statistically would be at a higher risk for drug use. The community’s goal is to have its ENTIRE workforce complete at least two years of college. An outlandish objective? Perhaps not, because the city was recently awarded a plant contract by a major manufacturing corporation. That company’s decision to locate in Madisonville was, in part, based upon the high quality of the community’s workforce.

The big deal with Madisonville is that the ENTIRE community worked together to promote School Counts; they were UNITED. It began with the Rotary club and college, but every business and civic organization as well as the faith community came on board, and, viola!, they were successful. Unity is a POWERFUL force.

The Lord prayed for unity among His people (read John 17). We need to pray for it as well, for our goal-setting and for our families, church, and communities.

There are at least three ways that I can see how Unity fits into the attainment of our personal goals:

1. Relationships with others
2. Unity of Actions
3. Unity of Purpose

Unity in our Relationships. Every relationship we develop will have some affect on our lives, whether large or small. We can develop relationships with others who have the ability to help us as we strive to reach our goals. In business, it’s called networking; in the church, it’s called fellowship. Regardless of the tag, relationships are vital to our success. We can use the input from others during brainstorming, for encouragement, and can also call upon them when we need some talent we don’t possess. When others who are in our close circle are aware of our goals, they are usually very willing to help. And, we should be willing to help them to the best of our ability, too. No one is an island.

Unity of Actions. Each goal can be broken down into a number of tasks, or sub-goals, necessary to reach the main goal. Those tasks can often be related to the Elements of Design, such as Repetition. For example, to reach our goals, we must often repeat a process over and over until it becomes a daily routine. As already mentioned, in art, repetition is used to promote unity. So the combination of necessary actions that work together to attain a desired effect is the first aspect of unity.

Unity of Purpose. To have unity in our life’s purpose, each goal should “fit” in with the big picture. What is your big ultimate goal in life? Let’s pick going to heaven and helping others go with us, as that is the ultimate goal of most Christians.

Now, suppose we have (using some items from my list) set the following personal goals:

• Lose Weight
• Improve Finances
• Become More Spiritual
• Become a Successful Writer

Is there a unity of purpose among those goals?

• Losing weight will increase my health, enabling me to have more energy to be productive to minister to others
• Improving my financial situation will decrease stress and enable me focus on more important matters, such as evangelism
• Becoming more spiritual will give me the inner strength needed to sustain me through trials by drawing strength from the Lord
• Becoming a successful writer will enable me to enrich the lives of others through words

See the unity of purpose among those goals?

Look at your own list of goals for 2007. Can you think of one BIG goal, your life’s mission if you wish to call it that, and align the smaller goals so that they help you in your journey toward your ultimate goal?

I welcome your comments and suggestions.

I hope you have a blessed day!

Bible Reading Schedule for today: Genesis chapters 3-5.

Emphasis: Focusing on the Goal

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Everything begins with a thought, an idea, a notion. Before a new structure can be built, the developer must first have a concrete concept of what he intends to build. Before an archer releases an arrow, he must first focus on his target. And before we can achieve any goal, big or small, we must first take aim at that goal.

In design, the artist targets our attention to whatever her thought, idea, or concept is through EMPHASIS. The emphasis of a piece is what catches our eye and draws us in. It is the point the designer intends for the viewer to focus upon. In designing our success, we will learn to emphasize our primary goals and make them the focus of our lives.

Imagine sitting in a concert hall, awaiting the beginning of a performance. Suddenly, the lights dim to a faint glow, the crowd hushes, and a steady white beam shines on the left side of the stage. Where does the crowd look?

One thing to remember about emphasis is that it’s not really the goal itself we need to concentrate on, but rather how the achievement of that goal will affect and enrich our lives. Back to the concert hall and the spotlight, which is now the audience’s center of attention. Is viewing the light the purpose of attending the event? Of course not! The crowd has gathered to hear a great concert, or perhaps laugh at a comedian, or even watch a child perform in her first piano recital. The light merely guides the group’s attention toward the anticipated experience.

Some people fail to reach their goals because they focus solely on the goal itself rather than what the achievement of that goal will mean for them and their families. They focus on the process instead of the effect. This is the same as focusing on the spotlight instead of the performance. As we learn to emphasize, we’ll begin to focus our sights on how the attainment of our goals can benefit us and how we can use the accomplishment of our goals to bless the lives of others. In other words, we need to shift our focus from the WHAT to the WHY.

As you ponder your goals for the coming year, consider the WHY behind each one. Make sure the WHY you choose is the reason YOU wish to achieve each goal!

Do you wish to finish a novel that has been collecting dust in a file cabinet somewhere? If so, WHY?

• To become a rich and famous novelist?
• To release a story that has been burning inside you for years?
• To inspire and encourage others with a story God has laid on your heart?

Find out which reason more closely matches the purpose behind your goal, then ask yourself WHY again.

• WHY do I want to become rich and famous?
• WHY is the story within me so important that it must be told?
• WHY do I wish to inspire and encourage others?

Keep digging deeper into the REAL reasons behind your list of goals, and each day as you’re trudging toward those goals, remind yourself of your WHY. That is emphasis in action!

I hope you have a blessed day!

Note: For those who are reading the Bible through this year, today’s reading is (using a chronological schedule) Genesis chapters 1 and 2.

Design Your Own Luck–Introduction

I once read an article that claimed Bill Gates was “destined for greatness.” The writer stated Gates had the right parents, the right connections, the right bank account, and the right hometown, therefore poor Bill couldn’t help but become a multi-billionaire. Not only did this writer emphasize that geography and genetics gave Bill the silver spoon, he implied, in effect, that those who are not well born, well connected, or well off were practically doomed to live a life of drudgery. Bill was just one of the lucky ones, right?

Is life just a big game of chance? Is it true that some are destined for greatness while others are left to flounder through life? There is no doubt that geography and genetics are important factors in obtaining success. Being born in the United States, for instance, is something one doesn’t choose, but contributes greatly toward our chances of success and happiness. So, perhaps our place of birth could be considered a “lucky break.” On the other hand, many born in this country fail miserably at life. Yes, some are offered more breaks than others, but the secret to success is not the quantity of opportunities, but learning how to respond to them. Or, better yet, how to plan them.

So, what’s luck got to do with it? When someone quipped that the Dodgers were having a lucky year, then-manager Branch Rickey replied, “Luck is the residue of design.” In other words, luck can be planned.

There are basically two types of luck: that which we have no control over, and that which we can control. Or design.

Using the principles and elements of graphic design, this blog series will assist us as we develop an action strategy to design our own luck.

For the purpose of this series, the definition of success is “achieving a desired goal.” You may have many desired goals. Great! I know I do. And these principles can be applied to every aspect of life—finances, family, and faith.

Principles of Design:

Emphasis—Focusing on the Goal
Balance—Building the Best Foundation
Contrast—Standing Out from the Crowd
Unity—Forging the Right Relationships
Movement—Getting from Here to There
Pattern—Formatting the Game Plan
Rhythm—Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!

Elements of Design:

Space—Recognizing Your Potential
Shape—Identifying Your Personality
Form—Structuring Your Style
Texture—Releasing Your Creativity
Intensity—Increasing Your Passion for Excellence
Color—Monitoring Your Attitude
Line—Working within Your Boundaries

I look forward to this series and hope everyone will participate by posting suggestions and comments.

Have a blessed day, and Happy New Year!

Purpose Day

Today is the fifth day of Kwanzaa–Nia, which, in Swahili, means “Purpose.” I’ll admit I’m not very familiar with Kwanzaa, but the “happy holidays” controversy got me curious about other celebrations going on around me besides Christmas, so I read a bit about it. Without going into great detail, each day of Kwanzaa has a principle on which to meditate and act upon.

It’s appropriate that today, just two days before a new year, has been designated as Purpose Day. The meaning of the verb form of purpose is to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself; to resolve. For Kwanzaa, Purpose Day involves community purpose as well as self:

To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

My personal purpose day involves completing my resolution plan of attack, so, in effect, I’ll be joining in with others who spend the day focusing on their purpose. And focusing on our purpose is key as we ponder our goals for the coming year.

For us to be successful, every day will be purpose day because each daily task should lead toward an ultimate result. Without that end in mind, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to stay motivated and implement the day-to-day habits that will be required to attain our goals.

For example, if my goal is to lose weight, my daily routine must include healthy eating and exercise. If I’m not reminded daily of my purpose–goal, intent, resolve–behind these changes of habit, it will be all too easy to slip back into my comfort zone and continue making the same poor choices that got me to this size in the first place.

In the past, I’ve blogged several series–one on non-fiction writing, another on perking up prose, etc., and I’ve been contemplating what should be my next blog series. Today I’ve decided. I once conducted a workshop called “Design Your Own Luck,” which is essentially a goal-setting series. I began compiling those notes into what will hopefully someday become a book. I’ll post the overview tomorrow, and then, Lord willing, on New Year’s Day, we’ll get going on the series.

Spend a little time today considering your purpose. Ask God what His purpose for you is.

Have a blessed day!