A few weeks ago, I suggested you cannot have a "purpose" unless you know who you are.  Of course, defining who you are as a person makes all the difference in what your "purpose" becomes.

I define my purpose, which I'll tell you in a minute, by answering 2 questions.
1.  What would Jesus Do in this situation?
2.  What are the motivations, or intentions, of this 'situation' or 'person' in front of me?

I received a few emails from folks asking for more detail on the "decision matrix," and how it relates.  In a nutshell, here's the route I'd follow, from doing # 1 first, etc.,  Make sure it's Biblically sound, which I'll summarize at the end.

1.  Seeking His Will:
Ensure your personal relationship with God is based on seeking His will, and not your own.
------ I know too many people who use their "decision" and their relationship as an excuse to do what they want...  (Jeremiah 10:23 - "I know, O Lord,  that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps.")

2. Define Who You Are:
Create a "filter" of sorts, or a couple questions that are your litmus test for any situation.  Do your options and motivations "pass" your test?  Just make sure your questions are sincere and don't leave "wiggle room" the purpose of this is to feel at peace!

3.  Create a Decision Matrix:
All too often, we have too many choices and don't know which way to go.  "Is it better this way, or that way..."  I'd suggest writing down the following, and listing your options under each:

~ Perceived Value - what you think you are "getting' or receiving from an experience or situation.  Perceived value is not always the actual value.  For instance, buying a car - 'perceived value' may be better gas mileage, or less repair bills.  ~ Tangible Value - what is the "actual' value you are receiving from an experience or situation?  Tangible Value is something you literally "get or receive."  From the car example, tangible value could be 'I receive 4 years free maintenance."  Or, it could be, "this car holds 7 people."

This is a simple example.  Most situations in life will be much more "blurry" as to perceived vs. tangible value, but hopefully you get the point.

Once you have identified the differing values, the last considerations I'd suggest you make before taking action, is reviewing HOW you make decisions - which can make all the difference in the world.  Here are a couple Biblical quotes on Wisdom:

Proverbs 14:8 "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit."  In order to understand, we must seek his will....

James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

After considering these two verses, and the verse above from Jeremiah, it should be fairly clear how to move forward if you look at it from the "end result"...

Based on the above, how do you then make decisions?  Do you make decisions in a silo - where you simply "consult yourself" and make a decision, rather than seeking wisdom and affirmation from people you can trust?  OR...

Do you make decisions in an 'open atmosphere,' where all who will be affected by a decision or response are part of the decision process?

Remember, the goal of all this is to be at Peace with where you are, and what you're doing - building a Path of Purpose!  A Biblically based purpose will be significantly different than one which focuses on the person, or self-motivated. 
I hope you find comfort and peace.  Get started on the right path, and your purpose will become clear very quickly as God guides your steps and provides understanding.  My purpose?  Simple, "BE GOD'S WARRIOR!"

In Him,

Chiburi

(Part I)

A few years ago, I was laid off with about 300 other folks from my old company.  During the 6 months where my "full-time" career was finding a "paying" career, I had to come to the realization of losing our families home, the cars, etc.,  I had come to a point where I certainly did NOT feel hopeless, but thankfully filled with purpose.

Over the last few weeks, I received a few emails from folks asking why I hadn't blogged about 'this year's resolution" for CAMA, or for one thing or another.  I'm sure we can all relate to the inevitable feelings of newness and freshness that occurs every new year; only to be replaced with a feeling of guilt for not 'hanging in there" or worse, beating ourselves up for not attaining our resolution(s).

If you've been in the arts for any length of time, or in business, you've probably heard a quote or two from the infamous book written by Sun Tzu, known as "The Art of War." 

Please join us for our annual "bring a buddy, break a board night" on Thursday, November 3rd.  We will also be taking our annual class picture, so please don't forget to wear your complete uniform and belt!  Want to learn more about us - please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 408-837-CAMA (2262)...

The Discovery channel recently televised a show called "Curiosity," in which the topic of "Did God create the Universe" was discussed.  As you can imagine, removing God from the equation was the thesis of the work.  Utilizing mathematics, identifying different types of energy as the hypothesis for the big bang and starting point of the universe, etc.,

After watching close to 1000 students learn to tie their belt, I can honestly say there probably aren't many experiences that evoke the same emotion or confidence.  Sure, testing for future belts, winning tournaments and trophies are terrific, confidence boosting experiences.  However, there isn't anything quite like learning how to tie your own belt.  It gives the student the sense, "I belong," or "I am a REAL martial artist now..."  it reminds me of the belt of truth the Bible speaks of, where we are to literally "put on" the armor of God each day, and pick up our cross and follow him.

Tired.  So tired.  Just let me rest.  Breathe, remember to breathe.  It’s an hour and a half into the second day of black belt testing.   I want to quit.  After all, it’s all about the learning experience.  Who needs the belt?

Believe it or not, I'm not trying to get the "Old McDonald Had a Farm" song stuck in your head.  I'm really talking about the slippery-slope of how and why we do the things we do....

I was cruising home tonight with my boy while jamming out to a song by the NewsBoyz, called "Born Again."  We were anxiously getting home to watch a movie and eat some dinner.  As we drove to the last turn, I noticed a homeless man sitting on the road.  He appeared to have been there for some time.  As we made the turn, my head and heart began asking me "what are you doing..." you are singing a song about being reborn, and here you're more concerned about the movie you want to watch than a man who needs help.  I turned the car around and went to the man and asked if he needed anything - food, bed, shower, etc.,  the man said, "I'm just hungry..."

I drove back down to McD's and picked up some food for the gentleman, along with some snacks.  I'm sharing this story, more so because I'm saddened at my initial reaction - I drove right by the man and didn't think much of it.  I am reminded of the Bible verse, where Christ says, "when you provide for one of the least of these, you did it for me...."  I was saddened by my initial reaction, that I wouldn't have the instinct to immediately stop and help.  I have a long way to go in my training.  As soke says, I'm still licking the outside of the watermelon.   May God give each of you the insight, peace, and compassion to respond instinctively to anyone who needs help, by showing compassion and lending a helpful hand.

God's Peace,

KJN