3 Events That Make This Week Awesome

April 5, 2012 in Faith, Fun with 2 Comments

There are so many things that makes one say “this is my favorite time of the year”.  Dogwoods, cherry trees and azaleas start their blooming.  The grass is turning green and the spring weather starts to warm up so everyone can enjoy going outside for a good run or a nice walk.  This particular seven-day period in 2012 brings 3 things that make this a memorable week for many.  For some, one or more of these events will have no meaning or relevance at all to their life.  Here is why this week has and will be one of the most memorable weeks of 2012.

1.  NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship - It started with 68 teams (used to be 64) and ended Monday night with the Kentucky Wildcats bringing home their eighth national title.  The tournament had several games that were as dramatic as ever but in the end, as usual, there was only one champion… the University of  Kentucky.

2. The Masters - This golf tournament takes place in Augusta, GA and is one of the most exciting events in golf and certainly the most beautiful.  What started as an enchanted nursery has now become the masterpiece known as Augusta National.   Azaleas are blooming around AMEN corner and the site leaves the spectators breathless as they stroll around on the grounds that has an unmatched golf  history, at least in the United States.  As the commercials adequately says, “a tradition like no other”.  On Sunday, again there will be only one champion.  Looking forward to watching on Easter Sunday.

3.  Easter Weekend – It starts on Good Friday and ends on Sunday.  Friday is the infamous day Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross in Jerusalem. But on Sunday, he was raised from the dead and the tomb is forever empty.   He is not here;  He is risen!  And in that moment, joy replaced despair, hope pushed past fear, and life conquered death not just that day, but for eternity.  We celebrate the resurrection of Christ for what it meant then and what it means for us every day as a sacrifice that brings forgiveness, renewal, and peace to any of us who put our faith in Jesus.

One way to meditate on the crucifixion is to read and reflect on the seven sayings of Jesus from his cross. These sayings have been used in Good Friday services for centuries.

  1. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
  2. “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)           
  3. “[Jesus] said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son!’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother!’” (John 19:26–27)
  4. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34)
  5. “I thirst.” (John 19:28)
  6. “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
  7. “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46)

 Also, there have been numerous books written on the theological analysis and the devotional elements of these seven sayings.

Here are a handful on the topic one can read: 

The Seven Last Words from the Cross, by Fleming Rutledge

The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross, by A. W. Pink

Finding Hope in the Last Words of Jesus, by Greg Laurie

Cries from the Cross, by Erwin W. Lutzer

Death on a Friday Afternoon, by Richard John Neuhaus

Cross-Shattered Christ, by Stanley Hauerwas

Thank God It’s Friday, by William H. Willimon

Finally, with events that display beautiful flowers, crowns champions in basketball and golf, the true focal point should be Jesus Christ.  Why?  He is the Lilly of the Valley and the Rose of Sharon, the Champion of champions (He defeated death for us) and the Master of masters.

Happy Easter Everyone!

A Book Worth Reading

March 17, 2012 in Faith, Purpose with 0 Comments

For a lot of people, one of the hardest things to do is to develop a habit of reading, especially if you have a job that requires or involves a lot of reading.  A habit that seems to be even harder is reading the Bible.  As a Christian, one should strive to find time and implement (if not doing already) Bible study as a part of their DAILY activity!  Personally, I know this struggle to be true, and I know it is true for others because I have discussed this with many of my friends over the years.

This morning, while I was visiting various sites on the internet, I came across something I thought was worth sharing and makes the point as to why we should be reading the Bible daily.  

The verse and commentary below is from Jenzten Franklin’s’ blog.  Today’s post is entitled “Do You Love Gods Word”?

I hope you enjoy!

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35 NIV

One of the first books to come off the printing press when it was invented was the Bible. And it’s still the world’s best-selling book. An anonymous author has written: “It contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the fate of sinners, and the happiness of believers.  It is a light to direct you, food to nourish you, and comfort to cheer you.  It is the traveller’s road map, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s weapon, and the player’s game plan.  It’s a mine of incredible wealth, and a river of genuine joy.  Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.  Christ is its grand subject, your good its design, and the glory of God its end. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be spiritually healthy.  Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully.  Let it fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your steps. It is given to you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered for ever.  It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and judge those who trifle with its sacred contents.”  The Bible is “The word of our God which shall stand forever” (See 1 Peter 1:25).  Most of us respect the Bible; the trouble is we don’t read it daily and put it into practice.  After hearing a discussion on various translations of the Bible, one man said: “I prefer my mother’s translation, because she translated it into everyday life.”  Are you doing that?

Now that is a book worth reading and a habit worth developing!

3 Principles For Big-Picture Thinking

March 11, 2012 in Field of Work, Leadership, Purpose with 3 Comments

Recently, I had a good friend honored as she received the “Distinguished Performer for 2011” in her field of expertise.  This is no easy feat because she works for a company that has a group of professionals which can be classified as high performers. 

However, at the beginning of 2011 she had experienced some setbacks and she could have reacted in such a way that would have been detrimental to both her growth and performance as a leader. 

Because of her leadership and experience, she had an opportunity to interview for a manager’s position but she did not get the job.  As you might imagine, she was very disappointed and rightfully so!  Any person worth their salt doesn’t like it when they don’t achieve their goals.  After finding out she did not receive the job I gave her a call.   We talked that day about her disappointment but we also talked about the need for “big picture thinking“.   We have had many discussions since that day and listed below are 3 principles we continue to focus on as leaders.  I think we all should keep these principles in mind as we live our daily lives.

FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 1. Everything happens for a purpose (Ephesians 1:11) - I told her that the person who got the job has a purpose in their life as well.  Now, it was time for that person to step up and walk in their purpose.  It wasn’t that she wasn’t qualified but God was working in each person’s life simultaneously but in different ways.  That’s how He rolls!

2.  Keep sawing wood – In the challenging rebuilding job known as Tennessee football, I heard Coach Derek Dooley say that the people within the Tennessee football program must “keep sawing wood”.  He said a “person will deal with many different things that create adversity in one’s life.  During times of adversity, focusing on the process and not the results is what one must do get to the desired level you are aiming for”.  How you respond to that adversity separates the winners and losers. He said “you have to just keep sawing wood”.  What does that mean?  When you are sawing wood, it is not pretty, it is not fun and it is not easy.   By continuing and staying persistent during the process, you are working toward the desired result that you will eventually achieve.  It just might not occur on your timetable (i.e, when you think it should happen)!

3. In due time (1 Peter 5:6) – If you know that everything happens for a purpose and you just keep sawing wood, in due time you will be rewarded.  The proper attitude during these times of adversity is equally important.  So, it not just what you do, but how you do it!  Both are noticed by others because guess what……..people are watching!  In this story, the person lead with a great attitude, kept sawing wood and received her reward/award!

Just remember, everything happens for a purpose, keep sawing wood and in due time you will receive your reward!

Insert your name: _________________, Distinguished Performer for ……?

Your Upgrade Awaits

February 25, 2012 in Accountability, PLANS, Purpose with 2 Comments

There are positives and negatives to flying as you travel around the world on an airplane.  One of the benefits of flying a lot is the opportunity to receive an upgrade.  It is a great feeling when you receive that email that says “your upgrade has been confirmed”.  This upgrade allows you to sit in first class which provides some benefits that other passengers do not get to experience. 

A lot of people may say “oh, it must be nice to be sitting in first class”!  Well, the reality of that is, a price had to be paid to get that upgrade!  A lot of flying, delayed or cancelled flights, many nights away from home and several other inconveniences were involved in getting that upgrade.  People see the outcome (sitting in first class) but not all the work and travel that preceded that upgrade. 

Like flying, everyone’s life is available for an upgrade but it depends on how hard you are willing to work to get it!  Did you know that less than 5% of people have an individual growth plan for their life?  Are you growing in each area of the 7 F’s?  Do you have an individual growth plan?

It takes planning, discipline and hard work!  None of these three habits are easy to develop or live on a daily basis.  If they were, everyone would be doing it.  The good thing is, it has been done and it can be done again if you are willing!

If your life needs change, embrace it!  Transformation is good. And where does it all start?  In the mind! (Romans 12.2).  Remember the old saying, “you are what you think”! 

Decide today, not tomorrow, that you will take action and change your mindset in a way that will lead to growth in the areas that are needed most in your life.

Your upgrade awaits!

You Never Know

February 15, 2012 in Purpose, Stewardship with 0 Comments

Recently, I was flying on a business trip and my connecting flight was through Charlotte.  As usual, I had to make a pit stop at the restroom where I was reminded of a simple but true statement which I will unveil in a moment.

While in the restroom, I struck up a conversation with Jeff Rhyne, the restroom attendant.  As we were talking, he said “you will never guess what happened to me this morning”.  I said, “what happened to you this morning”?  Jeff said, “I was singing the National Anthem … a guy walks over and starts singing with me and you will never guess who it was…Bill Murray.  Bill Murray was singing with me in the restroom”!!  Then, he looks at me with raised eye brows and a smile and says “you never know”!  As I walked away, I shook my head and said, “nope…you never know”!

You never know that someone you love would be diagnosed with a disease that could potentially take their life.

You never know that three of your friends, young women, would be diagnosed with cancer and are now taking chemotherapy and radiation.  Their diagnosis is serious but we have seen some amazing results….miracles really!

You never know when a good friend that you have worked with for a long time would lose their job, unexpectantly!

You never know that a friend would experience a very difficult divorce (not that any are easy).

So, what was the key lesson during our “You Never Know” experiences?  Well, a particular word resonated very deeply with us as we navigated through our experiences and that word was AWARENESS.

For us, when people are no longer calling or visiting, you may still be hurting physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually.  Not that people or friends are no longer thinking about you or praying for you, but people go back to their busy lives after their initial expression of concern..and they have to!  That’s life!

Key Takeaways or Learnings for our “You Never Know” Experiences:

Faith – God is in control and was not caught by surprise – Thank God for being God!

Family - They show up in a time of crisis and provide support - Take time to be there for others, especially family!

Friends – Amazing friends walk that road with you – Don’t just be a friend, be a great friend!

Field of work – The work keeps calling but it sure is good to have great friends to work with and they help share the workload - Know when to reach out and help others in time of need!

Finances – Bills pile up and we were blessed to have good insurance – Be prepared!

Fitness – It may take a hit while getting better or helping others out - Be disciplined and get started again!

Fun – There is a time to laugh and a time to cry.  Look for things to celebrate (Psalms 118:24) and for times to laugh (Proverbs 17:22), because that is some GOOD medicine. 

People are hurting!  Don’t be so busy you can’t call or send a card.  Do something, and often!

Just be aware!  You never know!

Influence and Impact Go Hand in Hand

February 3, 2012 in Leadership with 5 Comments

John Maxwell says “leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less”!  I tend to agree.  There are a lot of characteristics that are needed to make a great leader but what flows out of leadership is influence…good or bad.  This good or bad influence has either a positive or negative impact on others depending on the leadership style.  Therefore, we must be wise and choose to lead positively to maximize our impact!

I decided to keep this post short and provide a quick video link called Strangers that demonstrates positive leadership. This is a great example of how our influence can have a profound impact on the people we know, but also on people we will never meet! 

Remember, leadership works in all areas of our life (7 F’s)!  This video is an example of the first “F”.  Enjoy!

Time, Talent and Treasure

January 24, 2012 in Stewardship with 0 Comments

Over time, we will be discussing stewardship a lot on this site.  I define stewardship as how you spend your time, talent and treasure to serve others.

So, how are you choosing to serve?  There are numerous ways one can serve.  I wanted to share a list created by Rick Warren which shows 40 ways one can get involved in different projects. 

Serving comes from the heart and is mixed with a desire to meet people at their basic level of need.  Not only will you meet a need but you will “win” because it is truly better to give than to receive.

The best use of life is love.  The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.

Look for ways to serve and be a doer!

If you have any examples where you have served and it had major impact on others or yourself….please share in the comments section so myself and others may learn and be encouraged by your service.

A Day to Remember – MLK

January 16, 2012 in Leadership, Stewardship with 0 Comments

Jan 15, 1929 was a day probably like any other except in the eyes of history, and of course, one proud mother!  This was the day Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) was born.  He would have been 83 today.  Little did anyone know, this little baby would one day change America, for the better.  

We know that leadership is about influence.  Well, Mr. King certainly had plenty of that. 

In remembrance of this great American hero, I wanted to share 2 things.

First, a really good article written by Michael Hyatt discussing 8 Leadership Lessons from Martin Luther King, Jr.  Also, embedded in the article is MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech.  I never get tired of listening to that one!

Secondly, a new book written by John Piper called Bloodlines.  The book is about race and the gospel of the cross.  He is kindly offering the book free which can be downloaded as a pdf.  Just click on the Bloodlines link I have provided above.  I haven’t read it yet because I just found out about it today.  Looking at the chapter titles and the people who endorsed it, I would venture to say that it will be considered a must read. 

I hope you enjoy this post as it reflects on a man named King, and book about The King!

Happy Birthday Dr. King!!!

How to Maximize Your Life With Great Habits

January 14, 2012 in Leadership, PLANS with 0 Comments

Living a prioritized life isn’t easy! If it was, everyone would be doing it. However, if you want to improve your life and go from mediocre to good or good to great, then you have to develop great habits. Did you know it takes 21 days of doing the same thing to develop a new habit? See, I told you it isn’t easy!

Did you know your days are numbered (Psalms 39:4-5)? Unfortunately for us, we don’t know that number. Even more the reason we should be prioritizing our lives to fulfill our purpose.

I heard a story one time about a man who went in for his annual checkup and received a phone call from his physician a couple of days after his appointment.
The doctor said, “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you.”
“What’s the news?” the man asked. “Well, you have only 48 hours to live.”
“That is bad news!” said the shocked patient.
“I’m afraid I have even worse news,” the doctor continued.
“What could be worse than what you’ve already told me?” the patient stammered.
“I’ve been trying to call you since yesterday.”

See…you never know! Mathematically speaking, we need to make the most of our numbers!

Ideas That Will Help You Develop Great Habits:

  • Keep First Things First – Principle of Prioritization: List your personal priorities Matthew 6:33 . This provides direction!
  • Be Specific – Principle of Precision: Make your goals specific and write them down on a piece of paper or place them into your favorite app.   Did you know that less than 5% of people write down their goals?  Use the 7 F’s categories to be strategic when you are developing your goals.
  • Do it Daily – Principle of Persistence: Keep a list of your goals available so you can see them, review them and remain focused. Otherwise, “out of sight, out of mind”! Make every day count.
  • Don’t Stall – Prevent Procrastination: Successful people do things whether they want to do them or not. See your problem or opportunity, decide to own it yourself, create a solution and just do it….now!

Life is short! As Michael Altshuler says “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot”. Be the pilot and start developing great habits so you can enhance your impact on others!

Time for a Check-Up!

January 7, 2012 in Accountability with 5 Comments

Check-Ups are commonplace in our society.  For our health, it is typically the annual appointment with a physician.  Or, the dreaded teeth cleaning with our dentist, usually twice a year.  And never forget our cars, at least every 3,500-5,000 miles for an oil change and various other assessments.  Well, you get the picture!

The purpose of a checkup is 2-fold:  to prevent future problems from occurring or discover a problem that may not be causing symptoms but it is there, you just don’know it yet.  In the examples above, a checklist has been developed over time to identify areas that are the most susceptible, may cause harm and are preventable.

Guess what… it is check-up time for you!  Do you have a personal checklist that will allow you to perform a comprehensive review in certain areas of your life that you know are important?

I have 7 areas that you can use for your personal checklist.  I believe these are important and I am sure you do as well.  They all begin with the letter “F” which makes it easy to remember.

7 F’s:

  1. Faith – How is your relationship with God? Do you have one? If so, is it growing?
  2. Family – How are your relationships with your spouse, significant other, children, parents or siblings?
  3. Friends – Most people say you are lucky if you have 3-5 real good friends!  How are those relationships?  Are you reaching out on a regular basis?
  4. Field of work – How is your work life?  Are you exceeding or just performing at the expected level? Are you having an impact? Do others see you as a leader?
  5. Finances – What is your financial status? Are you in the red (debt)? Are you saving for your future or your child’s future?  Are you making wise investments?
  6. Fitness – Yeah, it is the New Year and many have made some resolutions.  Have you developed a strategy for eating and an exercise schedule that will lead to a healthy weight, provide energy and be sustainable long-term?
  7. Fun – We all need to have some fun!  In Steven Covey’s book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he calls it “sharpening the saw”.  This is a time of personal renewal – spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

The question is….are you holding yourself accountable to review your performance in each area of the 7 F’s?

How often should you do it?  I think the options include weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. Personally, I believe weekly may be too soon and annually is too long.

I do a casual review monthly and a more thorough review quarterly to see how I am doing.  This takes planning but it is well worth the time!

Is planning important?  If the One who created you thought planning was important  (Jeremiah 29:11) , then I think we should do it as well.  And guess what, these areas are pretty important to Him as well!

Page 1 of 212»