#ThoughtsFromTerry Dispatch w.2.2018
Dispatch w.2.2018
In 1994 I walked through the door of a church for the very first time as an adult, heard the Gospel clearly delivered by pastor Ed Young, and gave my life to Jesus while walking forward in a public alter call. Immediately following that decision I started volunteering in children's ministry and a few years later met my wife, Robin, while at a good old-fashioned children's church lock-in. A few years later in 1998, Robin and I married and she thought she was latching herself to a driven and successful telecommunications entrepreneur, but just a few short months later God had a different path in mind. In January of 1999, I started in full-time ministry, and have never looked back. That leap into full-time ministry was a very challenging decision, one that was prompted by the Holy Spirit, but honestly was fueled and encouraged by Robin. She had the faith that I did not at the time...I just looked at the finances and realized it was not a pay cut, it was a full dropping of a zero in the salary line. Yes, not a percentage drop - drop a ZERO!
Throwback - 1995 I think...
God is so good, and I have never once looked back and regretted that decision to follow Jesus, or enter full-time ministry. But why do I bring all this up now? Why am I sharing this in dispatch #2 in 2018? Well, my brother texted me this week about something I wrote for him in 1999. He was speaking at a funeral and this letter was packed up from a recent move and he wanted to use some of its content. I honestly do not remember much about what was going on, and the why I wrote this for him...but reading it nineteen years later, I have to imagine this letter was just as much for me as it was for him. I figured I would share it with you, I found it still very relevant.
Originally written to Todd Storch in February 1999.
Success
What is it? The world will tell you that money, power and greed will bring it to you. That the harder you work, the closer you get to the top of the ladder, and the more hours you spend away from home will also help you achieve it. It also tells you to devour anything or anyone that could get in your way. It says don’t worry about lying, cheating or stealing, these will actually bring you closer to it. It deceives you by telling you your marriage is not as important as it is, that if you have me you don’t need anything else. It manipulates you into putting it first above everything else. And the world will tell you that when you think you have it, hold on because you earned it, you conquered what few have and no one can take it away.
But the world does not tell you the fine print. The print that is written in blood. It reads:
If you follow these worldly rules of success I can guarantee the outcome. Nothing in this world can provide you success. But, if you focus on me in Heaven, look up to me for answers to all your questions, look in my book for truth, and always keep your eyes on my son, your definition of success will change. You will understand that the money in your pocket, the cars in your garage, the children in their bed, and all you have is not yours. It’s mine, so take good care of them. Take care of my money that I put in your pocket. Take care of my cars that are in the garage. Take care of my children that are resting in the other room. Take care of them, my son, because tomorrow they could be gone. Son, don’t forget my greatest commandment, above all else, love me, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Remember, you are successful, you know me and please me, for this is true success.
APPS AND SERVICES
This week I recommended a handful of Apps and Services I enjoy using. I love hearing from you as well - so feel free to share what you recommend regularly, or what your favorite app/service & products are. Here are a few that I shared this week.
Google Photos
Google Photos is one of my favorite services, and apps. I use it on Desktop, iOS and Android. My usage is for long term storage of all our family photos. Every Storch family device has Google Photos installed, and we sync all our camera rolls to Google Photos. Once photos from devices are synced, we delete local photos saving storage on our phones. I highly recommend Google Photos.
My Favorite: SEARCH! Google Photo search is stellar. Search by face, location, or anything you remember inside the photo...it will find it. Also, Albums are outstanding and super easy to share.
WealthFront
WealthFront is “Complexity, Simplified.” When you think about long-term investing, and maximizing your returns in the market - Wealthfront offers a fresh approach for investors. Some call it “Robo” Investing because it is technology driven to manage the portfolio and to make decisions for you instead of a traditional advisor. The fees are also super low and make it a very easy entry point for new investors.
Personally, my latest experience with WealthFront was opening an account for Reia (16). Since Reia met her saving for a car goal, it was time for a new goal for saving, time for investing. So, we made a “deal” with her on her 16th birthday...we give you $500 for free IF you fully embrace the 80/10/10 rule. Every time you get paid invest 10%, tithe 10% and then live off the 80%. She happily took our money and started. So now Reia’s money is making money!
If you are interested in WealthFront, use this link: https://wlth.fr/2mC3qKt It will give you an addition $5,000 managed for FREE!
Strong iOS App
I think I have tried just about every workout and fitness app on the market. Honestly, there are so many crappy apps in this space - and not many that work like I desire. I finally found a super basic, but robust workout app that works like I need - Strong. Strong tracks your workouts and activity, allows you to put in measurements you can track as well as keep track of goals and lifting trends.
My Favorite: Custom Saved Routines. Strong allows you to create your own custom workout routine and save it, and share it! For example, my workout partner can craft our workout for the day and text it to me. Once I open it, I can save it and boom - it’s the workout of the day. Super simple, and it just works. Get Strong! If you're interested in any of my saved workout routines just email me what you want and I can share what I have.
iPhone X Case
I am super picky when it comes to phone cases. I am very tactile and sensitive to how things feel in my hands. A case cannot be too slick, but it also cannot be too rubbery. I prefer my cases to be more about protecting the phone from scratches and everyday wear and tear. I am not personally looking for a case that protects it from “the drop.” That to say, looks are very important, sleek but functional. My Favorite case ever is last years model of the Apple Leather Case. For me, a perfect balance of form and function. Feel is perfect, and if there are any issues, it could be a little thinner.
The best case I have seen and held for the iPhone X is this. It’s outstanding, and I highly recommend it. Personally, I have not bought it because I already invested $50 on my Apple Leather case, but no doubt the Fiber Magcase is much better and nicer than the Apple case.
RECOMMENDED WEEKEND READING
You aren't at the mercy of your emotions — your brain creates them
This is a fantastic 18min Ted talk from Lisa Feldman Barrett unpacking what emotions really are - and what they are NOT. I highly recommend this quick video, so much gold and learning we can apply. She lands the talk perfectly, putting it back on us as our responsibility to take control of our emotions. A few one-liners:
"It may feel to you that your emotions are hardwired, and triggered to you...but they are not."
"Emotions are not built in, they are just built."
"...emotions that you seem to detect in other people actually come in part from what's inside your own head."
Ted.com
Why Lift Weights?
I have been lifting weights right at two years now. It’s absolutely amazing how fast the body adjusts and develops when you push it. I remember when I started lifting with a few friends and I couldn't bench 135lbs, and I was not able to do a single body weight pull up. Now I warm up with more weight than I couldn’t bench then, and I maxed out at 27 pull-ups in 60 seconds.
There are so many benefits to lifting weights, James Clear wrote a great post about 3 benefits you might not think of.
James Clear
The 4 Most Important Voices for a Senior Leader
As our influence and responsibilities grow it becomes more and more critical to have the right voices in our lives. As a senior leader, those voices are even more important because more is at stake and on the line. Stephen Graves lays out the 4 voices as; The Mentor, The Peer, The Critic and The Encourager.
I have not used this language before, but I see the benefits that I have personally received with my personal board of directors...and seeing how they do play these roles for me. This is a great, practical read.
Stephen Graves
BITCOIN TIDBITS
YTD (2018) Total Crypto Market Cap.
2018 has kicked off, and lots of news and happenings in the world of Crypto. I will typically keep these tidbits fairly high level and basic...but please email any specific question or thoughts you might have.
Introduction to Bitcoin - Andreas Antonopoulos
If you are still unsure what Bitcoin is, or have questions about Crypto, this is a great video to watch. Andreas is a significant contributor to the Bitcoin space and widely recognized as one of the industry’s thought leaders.
YouTube
Buying Bitcoin with your Credit Card
Not surprising, but we are seeing a rise of purchasing Bitcoin and Crypto assets with credit cards. As a fairly passionate Dave Ramsey follower, I highly caution this approach and again recommend entering into any type of investment with a high degree of research and awareness.
Forbes
Bitcoin Is Stupid
If you have followed me for a while, you know that I am very outspoken about research, learning and having multiple points of views on topics. I love listening and reading multiple opinions on topics - and I try my best to never forge my beliefs and thoughts without great perspective. This article is written by a very smart and wise investor and financial hacker. Mr. Money Mustache has a perspective that is one that needs to be added into the equation, it will be a balance to anyone that is ALL IN on Crypto. Warning for language in article.
Mr. Money Mustache
Warren Buffett - Bullish on Bitcoin
Anyone who follows Buffett would know he would not be a fan of “Crypto”. Buffett stayed away from investing in tech stocks for many years because he was quoted saying “I don't understand them.” Then Buffett came around and openly admitted he missed Google and Amazon. Buffett was quoted here that, bitcoin 'definitely will come to a bad ending' So here is another balanced viewpoint on Crypto assets.
Business Insider
A statement that has been with me all week.