From Survival to Sacred

In the grand theater of life, we often find ourselves playing various roles, each with its own script, stage, and audience. We tread through stages, some filled with youthful exuberance, some marked by challenges, while others echo with the wisdom of lived experiences. These stages, or as I like to call them, ‘laps,’ are not just chronological phases but profound shifts in our understanding, priorities, and pursuits.

In the pages that follow, you’ll be invited on a journey, a journey that spans the vast landscape of survival, stability, success, significance, and the most sacred dimensions of existence. This is my story, but in its echoes, you might find fragments of your own.

From the invaluable lessons my father instilled in me about business and success to the divine calling that nudged me towards a life of sacred significance, each lap has been an adventure, a learning experience, and most importantly, a step closer to understanding God’s grand plan.

Yet, amidst the spiritual realizations and professional milestones, there were challenges, setbacks, and moments of introspection. As Mary Kay once remarked, “A setback is a setup for a comeback.” And indeed, every challenge paved the way for a resurgence, every setback became a stepping stone, and every moment of doubt led to a stronger conviction.

This book is not just a recounting of these laps but an invitation, a call to introspect, to understand that professional pursuits and sacred beliefs are not worlds apart. They can dance together in a harmonious ballet, enriching each other and illuminating our path.

As you turn these pages, I hope you’re inspired to reflect upon your own laps, understand the divine interventions in your journey, and recognize that it’s never too late to shift gears, reevaluate priorities, and embark on the most sacred lap of your life.

Welcome to my story, a tale of faith, resilience, and the beautiful confluence of work and worship.

Life unfolds in stages, much like the chapters of a book, each with its own narrative, challenges, and lessons. In my journey, the framework of Joe Stumpf’s levels of success: survival, stability, success, significance, and sacred resonates deeply, encapsulating the phases I’ve traversed.

Survival

My earliest memories are tinged with the struggle of survival. Like many, I wasn’t born with a silver spoon. The world demanded grit, perseverance, and a relentless spirit just to secure the basic necessities. Every day was a lesson in resilience. Every challenge, a testament to the human spirit’s tenacity.

Stability

As time passed, I steered my life toward stability. This didn’t just mean financial security, but also establishing a foundation of values, routines, and relationships that provided a consistent backdrop against the ebb and flow of life. It was during this phase that I began to understand my father’s ethos better. He wasn’t just building a business; he was crafting a legacy of reliability and trust.

Success

With the bedrock of stability laid, my aspirations soared higher. Inspired by my father, I ventured into the world of business. His achievements became my benchmarks, his ethos my guiding star. And soon, success wasn’t just a dream, it was my reality. But with every accolade, I felt an urge, a nudge that there was something more, something beyond.

Significance

That ‘something more’ became clear as I transitioned into seeking significance. I realized that true success wasn’t just about personal milestones; it was about making a difference, touching lives, and leaving an indelible mark. I wanted my legacy to be more than just business numbers. I wanted to be remembered for the lives I’d changed and the communities I’d uplifted.

Sacred

And now, as I pen down this chapter of my life, I stand at the precipice of the sacred. My father’s entrepreneurial spirit courses through my veins, but it’s intertwined with a faith-driven mindset that yearns for a deeper connection. The sacred, for me, is a harmonious blend of my worldly ambitions and my spiritual aspirations. It’s about not just achieving, but achieving with purpose, with God by my side.

The sacred phase is not just a passive state of introspection. It’s about action, integrating faith into every business decision, every relationship, every endeavor. It’s about ensuring that my actions don’t just serve my personal goals, but a higher purpose. My father provided me with the blueprint of success, and now, I aim to infuse it with sacred significance, creating a legacy that’s not just successful, but spiritually fulfilling.

This journey, from survival to the sacred, has been transformative. Each phase has sculpted me, teaching invaluable lessons and offering unique perspectives. But it’s the sacred that I cherish the most because it brings everything full circle, combining the tangible achievements with the intangible essence of faith, purpose, and divine destiny.

As I venture further into this sacred phase, I carry with me the lessons of the past, the aspirations for the future, and an unwavering faith that guides my every step. This is my quest for sacred significance, and I invite you to join me on this profound journey.

Life, in many ways, mirrors a relay race. We run through its course, transitioning from one lap to another, each phase signifying growth, realizations, and a deepening of purpose. Analogously, I’ve understood life through these four laps. Each lap has brought with it challenges, achievements, and the ever-evolving sense of purpose.

The First Lap: Youthful Beginnings and Survival

The maiden lap was about finding my footing. It was a time of innocence, making mistakes, learning, and above all, surviving. The raw energy of youth propelled me forward, and I relied on instinct and the foundational values instilled by my family. It wasn’t just about standing on my own two feet, but understanding the world around me. Like a novice runner, I stumbled, gathered pace, learned to dodge obstacles, and kept my eyes on the horizon.

The Second Lap: Seeking Stability and Success

As I entered my second lap, the world’s cacophony began to make more sense. Drawing inspiration from my father’s work ethic and the allure of the real estate realm, I sought stability. Each property I worked on, every client I interacted with, added to my experience. Success wasn’t just a goal; it became a reality. This lap taught me about consistency, about not just dreaming but also doing.

The Third Lap: Harnessing Success and Embracing Significance

The adrenaline of the initial success could have easily dizzied me, but the third lap was about channeling that success into creating lasting significance. It was no longer just about personal achievements, but about the lives I was touching. Real estate was not just property and land; it was about dreams, aspirations, and families. I was helping shape futures, a responsibility I held sacred.

The Fourth and Current Lap: The Gun Lap, the Sacred Run

Now, as I navigate my fourth lap, my perspective has evolved profoundly. With the stability and success of my real estate endeavors as my bedrock, my focus shifts towards a higher, more sacred purpose. I wish to be more than just a businessman; I aspire to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. I plan on finishing strong. Finishing with my head up and determined.

My profession has given me a unique platform. A platform I wish to use, not just for worldly achievements, but to shine a light on my deepest convictions, to illuminate the path of Jesus Christ for others. My interactions aren’t just transactions; they are opportunities to share, inspire, and guide. Every property I help someone secure is also an opportunity to sow the seeds of faith, hope, and love. Not in a pushy way, yet in an inspirational way by opening my mouth and being who God has prepared me to be.

This fourth lap is not just about sustaining what I’ve built in the realm of real estate, but transcending it to bridge the material with the spiritual. My aim is to guide my clients, peers, and anyone I cross paths with, towards recognizing their own sacred goals, to help them navigate their spiritual laps with conviction and purpose.

Every relay requires endurance, strategy, and vision. As I run this sacred lap, my strategy is clear: to integrate my faith into every aspect of my life and work, ensuring my every action resonates with divine intent. My vision is one where I help others not just secure their dream homes, but also find their spiritual homes, guiding them closer to Jesus Christ and their highest, most sacred aspirations. Jesus says in John 14, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). There’s so much to look forward to, but as I dream about this special place, I have one final lap, the gun lap, to finish strong here on this earth and to leave a legacy and to help others achieve one of those places Jesus talks about for us. How glorious that will be and how grateful Jesus will be that you and I can hear these words as quoted in Matthew 25:23, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”

The race of life is often gauged by its sprint finishes or the fervor of its beginnings. Yet, it’s the steady paces of the middle laps that often determine the strength of the final push. Laps 2 and 3, in many ways, define the groundwork for the ultimate sacred quest.

The Second Lap: Constructing Stability

The importance of stability cannot be overstated. Like the solid foundation of a house, it offers the base upon which the edifice of our lives is built. During this lap, I delved deep into my profession, gathering knowledge, expertise, and credibility. But it wasn’t solely about financial success or professional milestones. It was about learning discipline, resilience, and the value of consistent effort.

While I was committed to building my career, the sacred flame, my ultimate spiritual aspiration, always flickered in the background. This phase was crucial in ensuring that when the time came, I wouldn’t be bogged down by worldly concerns and could fully commit to my spiritual journey. By embedding spirituality within my daily routines, even amid the hustle and bustle, I ensured that my connection with the divine remained unbroken.

The Third Lap: Scaling the Heights of Success

With a stable base, I sought to scale new heights in the third lap. The milestones were bigger, the stakes higher, and the rewards sweeter. Every property deal, every satisfied client added to my repertoire of success stories. Yet, with every achievement, the underlying narrative was clear: success is not an end, but a means.

Every business meeting, every handshake was also a potential bridge to spiritual discourse. Success provided me with the platform, the credibility, and the voice. And while the world saw a successful realtor, I saw opportunities to subtly share my faith, to plant seeds of spiritual curiosity in the minds of those I interacted with. Many didn’t say, but knew, I was a man of faith. I’m glad I stuck to my example and convictions during this time in my life.

This lap reinforced a crucial lesson: success and spirituality aren’t mutually exclusive. One can delve deep into worldly pursuits while keeping an eye on the sacred horizon. It’s about striking a balance, ensuring one doesn’t overshadow the other.

The Transition: Turning the Volume Knob

As I transitioned from the third to the fourth lap, the dynamics began to shift. The foundation of stability and the pillars of success were firmly in place, allowing me the freedom and peace of mind to amplify my sacred endeavors. The worldly worries were now in the rearview mirror, and ahead lay the path illuminated by divine light.

It’s imperative to note that laps 2 and 3 weren’t just detours or distractions from the sacred goal. They were essential chapters, building the narrative for the ultimate spiritual crescendo. By maintaining a steadfast connection with my sacred aspirations even during these laps, I ensured a seamless transition, turning up the volume knob on my discipleship, echoing louder and clearer as I tread the sacred path.

In our lives, it’s paramount to understand that our worldly endeavors, our pursuits of stability and success, aren’t barriers to our spiritual goals. They can be beautifully intertwined, paving the way for a life where the sacred doesn’t just remain a distant dream but becomes a lived reality. Through my journey, I hope to exemplify this synthesis, showing that when the foundation is strong, one can indeed reach for the heavens with both feet firmly on the ground.

Life, in its unpredictable dance, has a unique way of sprinkling obstacles amidst the stretches of smooth terrain. These interruptions, setbacks as we commonly call them, can either halt our journey or propel us with a renewed vigor, depending on how we perceive them. As Mary Kay wisely observed, “A setback is a setup for a comeback.”

The Ill-fated Bootcamp

During the third lap of my life, the lap I often associate with scaling the heights of success, I met with an unexpected challenge. An enthusiastic step during a boot camp class at my local gym led to a broken bone in my right foot. The healing process, although seemingly straightforward, gave birth to a chronic adversary, plantar fasciitis. For someone like me, whose life thrummed with constant motion and activity, this was more than just a physical ailment; it was an emotional trial.

However, this setback was also an awakening. While the injury forced me to re-evaluate certain aspects of my daily life, it also rekindled my love for cycling. With sheer determination and a modified regimen, I was able to nourish my passion for bicycling, ensuring the setback was merely a pause, not an end.

The High-Altitude Aftermath

Shortly after one of my intense high-altitude bicycle races in Leadville, Colorado, another challenge appeared on my horizon. My right eye, that had served me faithfully over the years, started showing signs of distress. The hemorrhaging within my eye obscured my vision, rendering the peripheries dim. The once sharp world turned a little blurry around the edges.

Yet, instead of wallowing in despair, I chose to view this challenge with a different lens. What may seem like a loss on the surface was, in fact, a profound reminder, to cherish what I have, to live with gratitude, and to use my remaining faculties with even greater enthusiasm.

The Comeback: A Renewed Vision for Life

These setbacks, though physically limiting in some ways, did not diminish my spirit. Instead, they provided a stark backdrop against which my determination shone even brighter. The physical limitations served as poignant reminders to not take life and its blessings for granted. Every morning I woke up was an opportunity; every interaction, a gift.

I realized that setbacks aren’t punishments; they’re nudges from the universe, reminding us to refocus, recalibrate, and renew our efforts. With this newfound understanding, my comeback was not just about physical recovery. It was a spiritual and emotional resurgence, aimed at making a lasting impact on those around me.

To the outside world, these setbacks might have seemed like reasons for despair. But in the grand narrative of my life, they were vital chapters that amplified my resolve. They were lessons in resilience, determination, and the profound human ability to find hope in adversity. My aim, henceforth, is to be a beacon for those who encounter setbacks in their own lives, proving that every stumble can be transformed into a leap forward, provided we view it with the right perspective.

In life, sometimes the most unexpected detours can become the most meaningful journeys. For me, one such serendipitous diversion was the world of Toastmasters.

The Invitation

The seed was sown by my dear friend, Pam, from my church. Her enthusiasm about Toastmasters was infectious. When she spoke about it, her eyes lit up, and her conviction was palpable. “Come join us,” she’d say, making it sound more like an adventure than a mere speaking club. In many ways, it was an adventure, one that would change the trajectory of my life.

Initially, I thought of it as a short-term endeavor, maybe a year or two at most. But as days turned into months and months into years, the Toastmasters community started feeling like an extended family. I ended up dedicating 13 transformative years to this organization.

The Unanticipated Growth

It wasn’t just about the art of public speaking, but about understanding people, listening to their stories, and sharing my own. My confidence soared, and my narrative became more compelling. Each session was a lesson in humility, learning, and growth.

Over the years, I started realizing that this wasn’t just a chance occurrence. This journey had a divine purpose. It felt as though God had placed me amidst the Toastmasters to equip me with the tools I would need for the next big chapter of my life. Speaking and preparing over 130 speeches was apparently something the Lord wanted me to do to prepare for my future. Perhaps He was not just preparing me but to share my life’s passions and insights with my fellow toastmasters on my toastmaster journey. Having said this, I became a more rounded and educated person by listening to literally close to 2,000 speeches during the 13 years I was full time active with my special club “South Suburban Toastmasters” in Littleton, Colorado. I do have some awards to show, yet I feel like a master’s degree level of education and learning.

A Higher Calling

The epiphany dawned upon me when I was called to be a “High Counselor” in my church. In the vast city of Denver, amidst its numerous congregations (Latter-Day Saint “wards” as they are referred to). I was chosen amongst a few to be a beacon of faith, to guide and inspire, it’s such an honor. My duties are manifold: from speaking to congregations monthly to assisting the bishop and the elder’s quorum in their sacred responsibilities. And every time I stood before the congregation, every time I offered guidance, I realized how those years at Toastmasters weren’t just about honing speaking skills; they were about preparing me for this divine responsibility.

The scriptures became my constant companions. Each verse, each teaching, felt more profound than before. And as I shared the wisdom of God’s prophets with the congregations, the realization became even clearer. Toastmasters was God’s way of ensuring I was ready for this.

I also now have special assignments to oversee the “Communications and Just Serve” committees that many in the church are called to serve and assist. Some examples include “Teacher Appreciation Night” for those special public county teachers that do such a good job to teach and inspire our school aged children. Other actions such as rubbing shoulders with our community in food drive organizations. Local playground rebuilding projects. Organizing and working with Colorado voted officials like the Governor of Colorado to sign the “Religious Freedom Act” each year with a yearly speaking event surrounding the Governor during the signing of this each year. I learned that this freedom is for those that have faith and worship and for those that even choose not to worship or believe in any religion or faith of any kind. I love this new awareness during my time serving this year.

Gratitude and the Road Ahead

Today, as I stand at this juncture, ready to embark on the most sacred lap of my life, my heart swells with gratitude. Gratitude for Pam, for leading me to Toastmasters. Gratitude for the Toastmasters family, for nurturing my skills and spirit. And above all, gratitude towards God, for His divine plan, for preparing me for a mission larger than I had ever envisioned.

I now approach each day with renewed vigor, with a deeper understanding of my mission. The teachings of the scripture, the guidance of the prophets, and my experiences with Toastmasters have all amalgamated to give me a clear vision of my path forward. With God by my side, I am ready to serve, inspire, and lead at a very high level in my Gun Lap.

There exists a common misconception that the sacred and the professional are two distinct realms, with a boundary that should never be crossed. But in the journey of life, I’ve come to discover that the most profound experiences emerge when these worlds beautifully intersect, creating a tapestry rich in purpose and passion.

A Dual Calling

While it may seem unconventional to some, I firmly believe that God has a hand in all our endeavors, be it sacred or professional. For me, real estate was not just a career choice but a divine calling. Just as I felt drawn to serve as a disciple for Jesus, I was also guided towards the intricate and impactful world of real estate. These two paths, though seemingly different, intertwined in a dance that enriched every facet of my life.

Faithful Entrepreneurship

The realm of business, often perceived as purely transactional and profit-driven, can be so much more. Entrepreneurs, in particular, have a unique platform. They can weave in principles of faith, integrity, and service into their business model. After all, wasn’t God himself an entrepreneur, creating the world in six days, showcasing creativity, vision, and diligence? He is the ultimate example that meaningful work is inherently divine. All of that for us, for you and I. It’s so profound to think about this earth of ours, our home. What an amazing gift from our Heavenly Father.

I take immense pride in labeling myself a ‘faithful entrepreneur.’ It’s a testament to my dual commitment: to serve my clients with utmost professionalism and to live by the sacred teachings of Christ.

Work, Faith, and Balance

Embracing this duality has its challenges. There are times when the grind of the professional world seems overwhelming, overshadowing the spiritual realm. But it’s essential to remember that the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Just as Christ took time to reflect and rejuvenate amidst his divine mission, entrepreneurs too must find that sacred space amidst their busy schedules. I love this thought of balancing my life.

I envision a future where this integration becomes the norm. A world where professionals don’t feel the need to compartmentalize their sacred beliefs but rather celebrate and integrate them into their daily work. This dream really can become a reality as we evolve as humans in our day and time. It’s never too late. Even with all the negative and anguish we have in our world, there’s a beautiful side to it and it is all what you personally choose to bring into your mind and your mindset.

A Guided Future

To anyone reading this, remember that life is a dynamic blend of various experiences. Don’t shy away from integrating your sacred beliefs into your professional world. As you tread on your path, remember that God is not just the shepherd of your spiritual journey but also a guide in your professional endeavors.

Look into your future, and envision a world where your work, no matter how demanding or challenging, becomes a medium to express and share your faith. Believe in the power of being a faithful entrepreneur, one who serves both God and their clients with passion and purpose.

In this final lap of life, my hope is to inspire others to break down the barriers between the sacred and the secular. Let your life be a testament to the beautiful tapestry that emerges when faith meets work.

In the vast expanse of life, amidst the relentless tide of challenges and successes, Susan has always been my North Star. This chapter is a tribute to her, our shared journey, and the promises we’ve made to ensure our family remains our sacred sanctuary. As I write this book Susan and I just celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary on June 23rd 2023.

1. Susan, My Guiding Light

• A Shared Destiny: Recollections of our earliest days, the dreams we spun together, and how she has been the rock upon which I’ve anchored my aspirations.
• In Sync with Aspirations: As a man driven by entrepreneurial spirit, Susan’s understanding and patience have always been my solace. Her insights have shaped our shared vision, making it richer and more profound.

2. Crafting Timeless Moments

• Pausing Amidst the Hustle: Despite the whirlwind of our professional commitments, we have always prioritized us. Every getaway, every quiet evening, and every shared laugh, those moments have been our lifeline.
• Faith as Our Shared Beacon: Our spiritual journey has been one of mutual discovery, where each day with scripture and prayer deepens our bond and commitment to each other.

3. Facing Life’s Trials Together

• Unwavering in Adversity: Whether it was health setbacks or challenges on the professional front, Susan’s faith in our journey, in me, has been the wind beneath my wings.
• Growing Together: Change is inevitable, but as we’ve evolved, our promises to each other have remained steadfast. We’ve learned, adapted, and grown stronger, ensuring our relationship is always evolving, always deepening.

4. Future Steps: Walking the Sacred Path

• Reaffirming Our Commitment: As we move forward, we are taking conscious steps to strengthen our bond. Be it through couples retreats, shared projects, or simply more time together, we’re committed to nurturing our relationship.
• A Blueprint for Our Legacy: We’re more than just partners; we’re co-architects of our family’s future. Together, we’re laying down plans, creating memories, and ensuring that our children and their children inherit a legacy of love, faith, and commitment. We have 4 lovely daughters and we have 4 sons-in-law. Saying that we have 13 grandchildren is mind blowing to some who hear these words. The blessings are definitely over the top that fills me with joy that is indescribable. The one piece I don’t want to forget to say is the blessings come from my 4 siblings who have a total of wonderful spouses. My spouse Susan has 5 siblings. I actually have the coolest nieces and nephews, a total of 20 when you include them on both sides. I love them all. We have the most fun family gatherings.

At the core of my life’s journey, Susan and our family have been my heartbeat, my sacred significance. Through this chapter, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to them and to inspire others to find that same profound connection in their own journeys and in their own families.

As we come to the close of this narrative, it’s essential to acknowledge that every ending is but a new beginning. Our laps in life, while seemingly distinct phases, are interconnected threads in a grand tapestry of experiences, learnings, and transformations.

Through the vast landscapes of survival, stability, and success, each lap has uniquely shaped and prepared us for the next. The sacredness of life isn’t confined to one segment or phase. It’s an ever-present essence, a guiding light, that illuminates every corner of our journey.

Looking back at my life’s laps, I see a beautifully orchestrated symphony, a harmonious blend of professional pursuits, family bonds, personal challenges, and divine guidance. And while this book chronicles my journey, it’s an ode to every soul traversing their unique path, seeking meaning, purpose, and a higher calling.

Remember, in the grand scheme of things, our lives are not linear trajectories but cyclical journeys. We move from one lap to the next, and as one chapter concludes, another unfolds. Each phase, each lap, prepares and hones us for the next, taking us closer to our ultimate sacred goals.

As you reflect on your own laps, may you find the strength to embrace challenges, the wisdom to integrate your beliefs with your profession, and the grace to recognize the divine hand guiding you every step of the way.

In the end, life’s journey is about coming full circle, returning to the sacred, with a heart full of gratitude, experiences rich in lessons, and a spirit ready for the next adventure.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. May your own path be illuminated with purpose, passion, and sacred significance.