I did it.  I spent my first day with a counselor. It went really well and he told me I was probably the most intelligent man he had ever met.  NOT!  We just spent some time getting to know each other and half way through he asked the tough question, "Dean, what are five areas in your life you need to work on?"  Here we go.  The five areas I believe Dean Herman needs to work on to become the man that God desires.
1.  My weight
I am so tired of dealing with my side handles.  They're just in the way.  I've committed to losing another 20 pounds by September 9th.  As I watch and listen to great pastors I begin to see a common denominator.  They are all in shape.  Do you think there could be any correlation?  I have such a desire to fill God's house yet I don't take care of his temple.  I'm ready to do whatever it takes to win this battle.  Pray for me.
2.  To be more congruent
I explained that I wanted to be the same man at home as I am at the church.  My family tells me I"m sometimes a little grumpier at home than at church.  My therapist told me the correct term for this was congruent.  So I want to work on my congruency.
3.  Tongue control
I so desire to only use my tongue for the glory of God.  To give an encouraging word rather than a critical word.
Not talk about people when given the opportunity.  To allow my mouth to be a tool for Christ and not Satan.
4.  Fulfill my purpose
I want to be the best pastor I can possibly be.  I know God has called me to do exactly what I'm doing but I can be better.  Three fold purpose: cast vision, teach and lead. 
5.  Listen better
I've always been quick to speak and slow to listen.  Opposite of what God ask us to be.  I'm going to really try and get better at this. 

There you have it.  The beginning steps for fixing Dean.  I've already begun praying for God to open my mind and heart to His will in these areas of my life.

Random thoughts of the day:
1.  I received a e-mail about a Grandma's hands.  Miss my Grandma.  Wish she wasn't 3,000 miles away.
2.  Trying to sell my boat along with the my jeep.  Several people called about the boat today.
3.  Sunday morning is done.  It's gonna be a great day and I can't wait to see what God is going to do.
4.  We're only having one service this week so we can put everyone together for Family Day.  Hope we can get all of us into the theater.
5.  Deb and the boys went school  shopping.  Hope she doesn't break me.  Have to sell something else.
6.  Met with our elders until 11:30 pm last night.  Great meeting with good results.  Thanks guys.
7.  My Bible study and prayer time today were really good.  People who never hang out with God don't know what their missing.
8.  Walked for 40 minutes and swam 15 laps this morning.  Knee a little sore from all this walking.  But, if I didn't weigh 300 pounds it wouldn't hurt. 
9.  I need to hang Deb's blinds for her in the dining room. 
10.  Jacob (my 8 year old) needs glasses.  He truly is just like his Dad.