SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

There are 5 things you need to know about a Pencil

At times it takes a simple story or parable that even a child would understand to bring things into perspective. We get so wrapped up in our lives that we forget the simplest of lessons. This past Sunday at church my pastor relayed one of those parables many have likely heard before, some maybe for the first time. Even so it was like some of the words pierced right through me and you could tell it affected a few others as well. It is possible that you too have heard this story, but I wanted to share it once again. Pencil Story The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. “There are 5 things you need to know,” he told the pencil, “Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.” “One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone’s hand.” “Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.” “Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.” “Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.” “Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.” The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose […]

5 Ways to Find Restful Sleep as an Entrepreneur

Being able to rest at night helps to get each day off to a good start. Many of us however could sleep better (not necessarily longer for as hustlers sleep comes later). By adding a few simple tasks to your already busy routine before going to sleep your mind will be able to find rest. Rest is vital to replenish our minds and spirit. In order to maintain our health we must find ways to rest and recover. As an entrepreneur our schedules are packed with meetings, video chats, coaching calls and more. We are constantly on the go and many of us burn the candle at both ends. Sleep is one of those luxuries we just cannot afford if we are really chasing after our dreams. At times our bodies need rest and we must stop and find sleep. Here are some quick tips on getting the most out of that time, as we like to squeeze as much time out of every hour as it is. 5 Ways to Find Restful Sleep as an Entrepreneur Turn off your phone – I know before you just stop reading after that crazy talk hear me out.  We are all so addicted to emails, texts, tweets and Facebook updates that our eyes are glued to our phones. By turning off your phone or even just leaving it in another room for 45 to 60 minutes before bed it allows your mind time to disconnect. Leaving it on in your room, even on silent does not count […]

Does Your Church Make You Uncomfortable?

Ever wonder if you spend too much time at church? Before I have pastors and priests clamoring to silence me let me explain the question a bit. Many people myself included feel that going to church means the obligatory Sunday mass and maybe a Wednesday night all depending. There is nothing wrong with this model and many parishes spend a great deal of money to make you comfortable when you attend.  Instead of  church being held where people may gather. We build great buildings, shrines which invite people to come inside however, is that where we are called to be? Comfortable pews, great worship music,  a dynamic preacher and likely air conditioning of some sort sounds like church right? Is this is a place that will get you to be uncomfortable while providing coffee and donuts?  Probably not. Are you excited to go serve your community when you leave church or to get home and watch the game? Click To Tweet Imagine attending church outside on a mountain top. Maybe in a field with hundreds of your best friends. Perhaps church is on the beach at daybreak as you baptize one another in the vast ocean. Does not really sound like the church you know does it? Where two or more are gathered as long as they are comfortable, not sure that’s how I read it. I don’t believe Jesus asked John to meet him six weeks from now after we meet with the high priest so you can then pour a little water on […]