"The Noticer" by Andy Andrews

Perspective.

Jones spoke the word several times, dropping it casually in conversation with those who were lost, hurting, and confused. How could a single word of three syllables make such an impact on old and young alike?

The answer is in “The Noticer.” Through the use of what has to be the most powerful storytelling I’ve ever run across, Andy Andrews brings a new way of looking at life, love, and the world in general. It’s impossible not to be affected by this poignant book.

Everything, after all, is a matter of perspective.

Into every life comes a time when we’ve lost our way. Whether finances, romance,  relationships, or anything else has gotten us down the answer comes back the same. The challenges we face need only a different perspective to see us through them. When you’re in the midst of the battle, it’s near impossible to find that alone.

Who noticed you when you were at your lowest point? Who gave you back your perspective, and in so doing gave you back your life?

This is the question you’ll be left with when you finish this book. But more than an opportunity to thank someone for noticing, this slim volume will inspire you to start noticing things yourself.

Are you ready for this? After reading this book I know I certainly am. I can’t recommend more that you pick up a copy of  “The Noticer.” You’re not going to just change your life…you going to change the world. 

...Outside the Comfort Zone

Each Step
Originally uploaded by ~FreeBirD®~

I'm doing something entirely new today.

Do you know that whether you realize it or not, you probably do at least one new thing every day that you haven't before? Probably a lot more though I don't have statistics to back it.

Think about it. That detour around the construction zone, the stop to buy milk at the corner gas station you've never wandering into before...all these tiny little events that shape your day are actually you moving in a new direction. And that's exciting because life would get terribly dull if every day was precisely the same as the one before it.

I'm wandering into unexplored territory for me today. I've volunteered to judge at a community event - the 2009 NCFCA Region III Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament in Colorado Springs. Think you can remember all that? This is something I have never so much as WATCHED much less judged, though I'm told that's OK. The judges will be trained tomorrow morning.

Why am I doing this? Quite honestly because I felt God nudging me to do it. And if there's anything I've learned it's to listen to those nudges. The question is why does God want me there, at this time, doing this?

That, my friends is the fun part. The discovery. The pushing of the boundaries that we set by our routine and predictable lives.

I'm looking forward to this, even if it's a bit scary. And besides, it's not like I'm doing this alone.

OK I can't resist the temptation to take this one out of context just a touch:

But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. John 8:16.

Well, we can at least pray that my decisions are right...

What have you done that's outside of your comfort zone lately?