‘We’re from the government and we’re here to help’.
You may have heard this statement before. Depending on how you interpret this statement is most likely an indication of how you vote.
It’s a lot like a picture I have seen that at first look appears to be a picture of an older woman. After staring at the picture for a while you begin to see a younger woman.
What changed when looking at the picture? Maybe it was how you viewed and interpreted the details.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Empty Seats
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched the NL East title this past Saturday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. There was a sellout crowd at CB Park in excess of 45,000 but there were at least two empty seats.
You are probably wondering who wouldn’t go to that game. What could be so important to keep someone away?
We had tickets to the game that we had purchased earlier in the year in anticipation of a pennant run by the Phillies similar to that which occurred last year. It happened again this year.
We had a great plan but when it came time to go to the game we changed our minds and didn’t go. There was a time when I was crazy about most sports, both watching and playing. But I have come to the place where, even though, this was a Championship game I realize it was just another game.
For me there are other things that give me more satisfaction and enjoyment. Sports are interesting and entertaining but not always my first choice for something to do – well especially baseball.
If I had had tickets to the Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs college football game, I would have gone.
You are probably wondering who wouldn’t go to that game. What could be so important to keep someone away?
We had tickets to the game that we had purchased earlier in the year in anticipation of a pennant run by the Phillies similar to that which occurred last year. It happened again this year.
We had a great plan but when it came time to go to the game we changed our minds and didn’t go. There was a time when I was crazy about most sports, both watching and playing. But I have come to the place where, even though, this was a Championship game I realize it was just another game.
For me there are other things that give me more satisfaction and enjoyment. Sports are interesting and entertaining but not always my first choice for something to do – well especially baseball.
If I had had tickets to the Alabama Crimson Tide vs Georgia Bulldogs college football game, I would have gone.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Personal Growth
For a discussion at the 9/27/08 CCV Men - Breakfast meeting a condensation of the Chapter titled ‘Today’s Growth gives me Potential’ in the book ‘Today Matters’ by John Maxwell.
·Introduction
You will never change you life, until you change something you do daily.
Success or failure doesn’t occur naturally. Each is a process.
‘Hell begins on that day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts we wasted, of all that we might have done that we did not do’. - Gian Carlo Menotti
Other Chapters in the book deal with attitude, health, thinking, finances, faith, values and growth.
·Misconceptions About Growth
What is growth? A quote from Robert Louis Stevenson identifies it: ‘To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life’.
One reason people don’t become all they are capable of becoming is their misunderstanding of growth:
They think growth is automatic. We think our bodies and our minds will take care of themselves. The truth is if we don’t take responsibility for our growth it won’t happen. When it comes to potential, you must tap into it to make it growth.
They think growth comes from information. The greatest obstacle to growth is not ignorance. It’s the illusion of knowledge. Life change is the proper measure of whether information makes a difference.
They think growth comes with experience. ‘To improve your aim improve yourself’ (Gilbert Arland). Experience is good only if it’s reflected on and one learns from both his mistakes and successes.
· Why Growth Matters Today
No one wants to look back at life and see time and opportunities wasted.
Four specific reasons why growth matters today:
·Gifting without growth leads to ineffectiveness.
If you draw on your talent but never add to it or sharpen it, you’re headed for trouble, because nobody is that talented. But when you place a premium on growth, you take whatever talent you have and you increase it. That not only raises your effectiveness today, but it makes your talent greater so that you can be effective tomorrow.
·Growth prevents personal and professional stagnation
Have you ever felt that you were just stuck in some aspect of your life – your career, your relationships? Or you hit a plateau in your health? What a lot of people do is to make external changes – different job, leave their spouse, give up exercising. External change relieves symptoms.
The better solution is to pursue internal changes. Make personal growth your goal, then your focus is on changes you make on the inside…you become better equipped…you discover new ways…you find ways to improve…you gain potential.
·Your personal growth impacts your organization’s growth.
What is limiting your organization’s potential. Your greatest challenge is you. Many leaders are looking for a quick fix. If you want to grow the organization you must grow the leader. ‘In order to do more, I’ve got to be more’ (Jim Rohn). If you aren’t growing you will be a lid on your organization’s growth.
·Only through continuous improvement can you reach your potential.
The Tartar tribes of central Asia speak a curse against their enemies. ‘May you stay in one place forever’. If you don’t try to improve yourself every day, that could be your fate.
·Make the Decision to Seek and Experience Growth Daily
Decide to do something intentional or strategic to make yourself better. Read books, articles etc. Go to seminars. Listen to CD’s and watch DVD’s. Grow together with your spouse.
·Answer the question: What is my Potential?
The greatest handicap a person has is not realizing his / her potential. The gap between your vision and your present reality can only be filled through a commitment to maximize your potential.
·Make a Commitment to Change
‘To make something out of yourself, you need to be willing to change, for without change, there can be no growth’ (William Feather) If you truly want to grow, then commit yourself to not only accepting change, but seeking it.
·Set Growth Goals
Focus on growing in your areas of your greatest strength, not your weaknesses, And grow in the areas that will add value to you personally and professionally.
·Learn to Enjoy the Journey
Reexamine your priorities if the destination appeals to you but you don’t enjoy the journey.
·Put Yourself in a Growth Environment
Put yourself / someone in a place that encourages growth and you / they will expand to reach their potential.
·Managing the Discipline of Growth
Practice this discipline of growth: Every day I will grow on purpose with my plan. Grow with your spouse. Tailor your growth plan to your individual strengths and needs. One of the results of learning is that you realize how far you still need to go, and the more you learn, the hungrier you become.
·Embrace the Disciplines of Growth
·Make it Your Goal to Grow in Some Way Every Day
If we desire to improve a little every day and plan it that way, then we can make great progress over the long haul. Inch by inch everything is a cinch.
·Have a Time and Plan to Grow
‘If a person will spend one hour a day on the same subject for five years, that person will be an expert on that subject’ (Earl Nighingale). To make your growth intentional, strategic and effective, you need to think it through and plan it well.
Part of John Maxwell’s Plan for Growth
Listen to Audio lessons every week
Read Two Books Every Month
Meet with someone who can help you grow every month
·File what you learn.
..it will keep you more highly focused, force you to evaluate what you are reading and help you to bypass the junk and go for the good stuff that will stimulate you and help you grow.
·Apply What You Learn
Often the most difficult part of the upward climb of growth is putting into practice what you learn. The final test of any learning is always application.
·To Do (My Thoughts)
Read the Book
Develop a Plan
Be Intentional
Read and Study
Remember it’s quality not quantity
Start Meeting with an Accountability Partner
·Introduction
You will never change you life, until you change something you do daily.
Success or failure doesn’t occur naturally. Each is a process.
‘Hell begins on that day when God grants us a clear vision of all that we might have achieved, of all the gifts we wasted, of all that we might have done that we did not do’. - Gian Carlo Menotti
Other Chapters in the book deal with attitude, health, thinking, finances, faith, values and growth.
·Misconceptions About Growth
What is growth? A quote from Robert Louis Stevenson identifies it: ‘To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life’.
One reason people don’t become all they are capable of becoming is their misunderstanding of growth:
They think growth is automatic. We think our bodies and our minds will take care of themselves. The truth is if we don’t take responsibility for our growth it won’t happen. When it comes to potential, you must tap into it to make it growth.
They think growth comes from information. The greatest obstacle to growth is not ignorance. It’s the illusion of knowledge. Life change is the proper measure of whether information makes a difference.
They think growth comes with experience. ‘To improve your aim improve yourself’ (Gilbert Arland). Experience is good only if it’s reflected on and one learns from both his mistakes and successes.
· Why Growth Matters Today
No one wants to look back at life and see time and opportunities wasted.
Four specific reasons why growth matters today:
·Gifting without growth leads to ineffectiveness.
If you draw on your talent but never add to it or sharpen it, you’re headed for trouble, because nobody is that talented. But when you place a premium on growth, you take whatever talent you have and you increase it. That not only raises your effectiveness today, but it makes your talent greater so that you can be effective tomorrow.
·Growth prevents personal and professional stagnation
Have you ever felt that you were just stuck in some aspect of your life – your career, your relationships? Or you hit a plateau in your health? What a lot of people do is to make external changes – different job, leave their spouse, give up exercising. External change relieves symptoms.
The better solution is to pursue internal changes. Make personal growth your goal, then your focus is on changes you make on the inside…you become better equipped…you discover new ways…you find ways to improve…you gain potential.
·Your personal growth impacts your organization’s growth.
What is limiting your organization’s potential. Your greatest challenge is you. Many leaders are looking for a quick fix. If you want to grow the organization you must grow the leader. ‘In order to do more, I’ve got to be more’ (Jim Rohn). If you aren’t growing you will be a lid on your organization’s growth.
·Only through continuous improvement can you reach your potential.
The Tartar tribes of central Asia speak a curse against their enemies. ‘May you stay in one place forever’. If you don’t try to improve yourself every day, that could be your fate.
·Make the Decision to Seek and Experience Growth Daily
Decide to do something intentional or strategic to make yourself better. Read books, articles etc. Go to seminars. Listen to CD’s and watch DVD’s. Grow together with your spouse.
·Answer the question: What is my Potential?
The greatest handicap a person has is not realizing his / her potential. The gap between your vision and your present reality can only be filled through a commitment to maximize your potential.
·Make a Commitment to Change
‘To make something out of yourself, you need to be willing to change, for without change, there can be no growth’ (William Feather) If you truly want to grow, then commit yourself to not only accepting change, but seeking it.
·Set Growth Goals
Focus on growing in your areas of your greatest strength, not your weaknesses, And grow in the areas that will add value to you personally and professionally.
·Learn to Enjoy the Journey
Reexamine your priorities if the destination appeals to you but you don’t enjoy the journey.
·Put Yourself in a Growth Environment
Put yourself / someone in a place that encourages growth and you / they will expand to reach their potential.
·Managing the Discipline of Growth
Practice this discipline of growth: Every day I will grow on purpose with my plan. Grow with your spouse. Tailor your growth plan to your individual strengths and needs. One of the results of learning is that you realize how far you still need to go, and the more you learn, the hungrier you become.
·Embrace the Disciplines of Growth
·Make it Your Goal to Grow in Some Way Every Day
If we desire to improve a little every day and plan it that way, then we can make great progress over the long haul. Inch by inch everything is a cinch.
·Have a Time and Plan to Grow
‘If a person will spend one hour a day on the same subject for five years, that person will be an expert on that subject’ (Earl Nighingale). To make your growth intentional, strategic and effective, you need to think it through and plan it well.
Part of John Maxwell’s Plan for Growth
Listen to Audio lessons every week
Read Two Books Every Month
Meet with someone who can help you grow every month
·File what you learn.
..it will keep you more highly focused, force you to evaluate what you are reading and help you to bypass the junk and go for the good stuff that will stimulate you and help you grow.
·Apply What You Learn
Often the most difficult part of the upward climb of growth is putting into practice what you learn. The final test of any learning is always application.
·To Do (My Thoughts)
Read the Book
Develop a Plan
Be Intentional
Read and Study
Remember it’s quality not quantity
Start Meeting with an Accountability Partner
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Hardest Person to Lead
An Excerpt from Nancy Ortberg's new book 'Unleashing the Power of Rubber Bands' that is included in the most recent Catalyst Newsletter.
It doesn't take long to realize that leadership is hard. You should be able to conjure up the names of at least five people who make that a true statement. All kinds of things make leadership difficult, but certain people are one of those things.
As the picture of those certain people comes to mind, take a minute to let that picture fade. Because of all the difficult people you will lead, the hardest person to lead will be yourself. Call it whatever you want-the discipline of a leader, self-leadership, managing yourself-you've got your work cut out for you.
The journey of leadership is as much inward as it is outward. Leadership, done well, will continually be a force that drives you back into the center of yourself to find out what you are really made of. Great leadership occurs when you understand your own motives, your ‘dark side,' what you want to misrepresent in order to look better than you really are.
One of the things I believe deeply is this: Leaders ought to be the most self-aware people in the room. Sure, who doesn't agree with that? Especially if I clarify that I am not talking about a narcissistic self-awareness. You know the kind: The people who know only two pronouns: I and me - no, not that kind of self-awareness.
I'm talking about the kind of self-awareness that makes you comfortable in your own skin. You know who you are and who you aren't. You lean into and lead out of your strengths. You have words for your brokenness, and while you may wish you had none, you know that you do, and you know what they are. And you know that other people know. You wouldn't have it any other way.
It doesn't take long to realize that leadership is hard. You should be able to conjure up the names of at least five people who make that a true statement. All kinds of things make leadership difficult, but certain people are one of those things.
As the picture of those certain people comes to mind, take a minute to let that picture fade. Because of all the difficult people you will lead, the hardest person to lead will be yourself. Call it whatever you want-the discipline of a leader, self-leadership, managing yourself-you've got your work cut out for you.
The journey of leadership is as much inward as it is outward. Leadership, done well, will continually be a force that drives you back into the center of yourself to find out what you are really made of. Great leadership occurs when you understand your own motives, your ‘dark side,' what you want to misrepresent in order to look better than you really are.
One of the things I believe deeply is this: Leaders ought to be the most self-aware people in the room. Sure, who doesn't agree with that? Especially if I clarify that I am not talking about a narcissistic self-awareness. You know the kind: The people who know only two pronouns: I and me - no, not that kind of self-awareness.
I'm talking about the kind of self-awareness that makes you comfortable in your own skin. You know who you are and who you aren't. You lean into and lead out of your strengths. You have words for your brokenness, and while you may wish you had none, you know that you do, and you know what they are. And you know that other people know. You wouldn't have it any other way.
Mentoring Thoughts
My response to a request for thoughts on an article on Mentoring:
I think mentoring can be beneficial to many people in either a formal and / or informal way. Leaders can grow and change, learn to deal with life issues and become better leaders (as noted in the Activate book) through a mentoring relationship.
The process should occur with Coaches and Home Team leaders as we get to know the leaders and develop relationships with them. The interesting thing is that coaches and leaders from different quadrants can also build mentoring relationships and I think that is ok and is healthy.
In many cases one mentor may not be adequate. Different mentors can provide assistance in different areas as some mentors will be knowledgeable or experienced in areas that the mentee wants to know or needs to learn.
I think we should encourage people to get into mentoring relationships
I think mentoring can be beneficial to many people in either a formal and / or informal way. Leaders can grow and change, learn to deal with life issues and become better leaders (as noted in the Activate book) through a mentoring relationship.
The process should occur with Coaches and Home Team leaders as we get to know the leaders and develop relationships with them. The interesting thing is that coaches and leaders from different quadrants can also build mentoring relationships and I think that is ok and is healthy.
In many cases one mentor may not be adequate. Different mentors can provide assistance in different areas as some mentors will be knowledgeable or experienced in areas that the mentee wants to know or needs to learn.
I think we should encourage people to get into mentoring relationships
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Good Politicians
I watched a broadcast on C-SPAN on Sunday afternoon which was a tribute to Chuck Colson of Prison Fellowship.
Several notable people spoke and paid tribute to Colson for what he has done through PF. Colson felt that God called him to start PF after he was imprisoned for his role in the Watergate break-in during the Nixon Administration.
One of the things Colson talked about was how we determine who to vote for. There were two criteria he identified. First, choose the capable or competent candidate and then secondly, choose the Godly or trustworthy candidate.
Among many of the interesting things he said I found the following, which I have paraphrased, very interesting:
Politics is an expression of the culture. If we have good culture then we have good politicians.
Does this statement identify the reason so many people complain about the choices we have for elected office, such as President?
If you are not familiar with Prison Fellowship take some time to learn more about their work and the reduction in the recidivism rate they have achieved.
Several notable people spoke and paid tribute to Colson for what he has done through PF. Colson felt that God called him to start PF after he was imprisoned for his role in the Watergate break-in during the Nixon Administration.
One of the things Colson talked about was how we determine who to vote for. There were two criteria he identified. First, choose the capable or competent candidate and then secondly, choose the Godly or trustworthy candidate.
Among many of the interesting things he said I found the following, which I have paraphrased, very interesting:
Politics is an expression of the culture. If we have good culture then we have good politicians.
Does this statement identify the reason so many people complain about the choices we have for elected office, such as President?
If you are not familiar with Prison Fellowship take some time to learn more about their work and the reduction in the recidivism rate they have achieved.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Bein’ on the Big Screen
At dinner tonight my wife and I got talking about some older relatives who are nearing the end of their lives. We came to the conclusion that there is some bitterness and regret in their lives and we discussed what may have caused this?
My thoughts are that there are a lot of things that these relatives wanted to do but never attempted. In my own life I have come to a realization that as you age and gain knowledge, experience and wisdom and as you look back on some things in your life that you didn’t do or try, because of doubts or fears or the advice of others, you realize that you could have done some of those things.
That can be frustrating especially if you are only living for yourself because you feel that you have cheated yourself or maybe that life cheated you.
Think for a moment about being at a Best Buy store where they have all the flat screen TV’s turned on to the same game. Awesome isn’t it? Everything is clear and vivid. The sound is all around you. It’s like you’re right on the 50 yard line.
What if when you meet God it will be in that type of environment? But it’s just you and God in front of a big screen and you are both watching the scenes of your life flash by. Are there things you did not do that you are regretting? Or are there things that you did do that you regret doing?
Probably most, if not all of us, will experience both types of regrets at some time in our lives. If we only live for ourselves I think life can become very disappointing and boring.
It’s your call. God gave you the gifts and talents to lead the most exciting and fulfilling life possible. You just have to find out how he wants you to do it and he explains it all in his book.
Can it or will it be difficult? Sure! But anything worth having requires effort.
You will probably leave this life with regrets but not knowing God personally will be the biggest regret you ever have to deal with.
My thoughts are that there are a lot of things that these relatives wanted to do but never attempted. In my own life I have come to a realization that as you age and gain knowledge, experience and wisdom and as you look back on some things in your life that you didn’t do or try, because of doubts or fears or the advice of others, you realize that you could have done some of those things.
That can be frustrating especially if you are only living for yourself because you feel that you have cheated yourself or maybe that life cheated you.
Think for a moment about being at a Best Buy store where they have all the flat screen TV’s turned on to the same game. Awesome isn’t it? Everything is clear and vivid. The sound is all around you. It’s like you’re right on the 50 yard line.
What if when you meet God it will be in that type of environment? But it’s just you and God in front of a big screen and you are both watching the scenes of your life flash by. Are there things you did not do that you are regretting? Or are there things that you did do that you regret doing?
Probably most, if not all of us, will experience both types of regrets at some time in our lives. If we only live for ourselves I think life can become very disappointing and boring.
It’s your call. God gave you the gifts and talents to lead the most exciting and fulfilling life possible. You just have to find out how he wants you to do it and he explains it all in his book.
Can it or will it be difficult? Sure! But anything worth having requires effort.
You will probably leave this life with regrets but not knowing God personally will be the biggest regret you ever have to deal with.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Words aren’t adequate to describe a good example
When I was young my brother and I went to church with my Mom because she insisted we go. In order to become members of that church, somewhere around age 10, our denomination required that I attend two years of weekly religious training, called catechism classes.
The culmination of this training was that our class would have to stand up at a Sunday morning service and repeat the Apostle’s Creed and individually each of us would have to answer several questions that we were advised of in advance with the answers. As long as we memorized the answers and could repeat them we passed.
Our class was then confirmed and we became members of the church. I learned some stuff I’m sure but I can’t pinpoint what that was.
I drifted away from the church as my Mom didn’t continue to encourage me to attend and it seemed as though being confirmed was what mattered most.
I never really went back to church until after getting married and my wife developed cancer a short time after our wedding. I knew there was a God but I didn’t know how to get in touch with Him. One day I saw a sign for a church close to our apartment in Kingston, PA., and decided to go in one Sunday.
My wife came through the ordeal successfully because of the medical treatment she received and because of the prayers for God’s intercession.
Throughout the ensuing years we visited many churches of various denominations for varying periods of time. We joined many churches and volunteered at many.
Of all the people we met at all the churches we attended there were only a few men who made a significant impact on me. Each of these men made an effort to get to know me. They knew I was not always an excited or committed Christian and they knew I was sinning and struggling with my faith.
These men were respected by the other men of their churches. They were humble, they were servants, they were leaders, they worked with the men of the church, they struggled with life issues but they were examples that we all learned from and could follow. One of those men was a truck driver and two of them were pastors.
Unfortunately for me, I have lost touch with all three. My recollection is that when the truck driver died there were hundreds of people that came to his viewing. And many of those people weren’t Christians.
I have learned more from the examples of other men than from whatever words they spoke to me. I can only hope and pray that God helps me be an example that can positively influence men for Him.
The culmination of this training was that our class would have to stand up at a Sunday morning service and repeat the Apostle’s Creed and individually each of us would have to answer several questions that we were advised of in advance with the answers. As long as we memorized the answers and could repeat them we passed.
Our class was then confirmed and we became members of the church. I learned some stuff I’m sure but I can’t pinpoint what that was.
I drifted away from the church as my Mom didn’t continue to encourage me to attend and it seemed as though being confirmed was what mattered most.
I never really went back to church until after getting married and my wife developed cancer a short time after our wedding. I knew there was a God but I didn’t know how to get in touch with Him. One day I saw a sign for a church close to our apartment in Kingston, PA., and decided to go in one Sunday.
My wife came through the ordeal successfully because of the medical treatment she received and because of the prayers for God’s intercession.
Throughout the ensuing years we visited many churches of various denominations for varying periods of time. We joined many churches and volunteered at many.
Of all the people we met at all the churches we attended there were only a few men who made a significant impact on me. Each of these men made an effort to get to know me. They knew I was not always an excited or committed Christian and they knew I was sinning and struggling with my faith.
These men were respected by the other men of their churches. They were humble, they were servants, they were leaders, they worked with the men of the church, they struggled with life issues but they were examples that we all learned from and could follow. One of those men was a truck driver and two of them were pastors.
Unfortunately for me, I have lost touch with all three. My recollection is that when the truck driver died there were hundreds of people that came to his viewing. And many of those people weren’t Christians.
I have learned more from the examples of other men than from whatever words they spoke to me. I can only hope and pray that God helps me be an example that can positively influence men for Him.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Size Matters?
I saw this report from Yahoo News on the Drudge Report Today
Developer: Dubai Tower at 'new record height'
The developer of a Dubai skyscraper set to become the world's tallest building says the rising tower now stands at a "new record height" of 2,257 feet.
Emaar Properties says the skyscraper — known as Burj Dubai — now has "more than 160 stories." Its exterior is almost done and work has started on the interior.
The company's Monday statement gave no other details. The silvery steel-and-glass building's final height is a secret.
Last summer, the developer announced the building surpassed Taiwan's Taipei 101 which has dominated the global skyline at 1,667 feet since 2004.
In the four years of construction, Emaar twice postponed the skyscraper's finish, now slated for September 2009.
Some thoughts crossed my mind when I read this:
I am impressed that a building this tall can be built but I doubt I will ever go to the top of it. I don't like heights.
A lot of US dollars that were paid for oil may provide part or all of the financing for this project.
There is a drive to succeed that motivates the people who put this project together.
This building impress many of the the people of the world but I don't believe it impresses God.
Could all or some of the money used on this building have been used for more humanitarian purposes?
Developer: Dubai Tower at 'new record height'
The developer of a Dubai skyscraper set to become the world's tallest building says the rising tower now stands at a "new record height" of 2,257 feet.
Emaar Properties says the skyscraper — known as Burj Dubai — now has "more than 160 stories." Its exterior is almost done and work has started on the interior.
The company's Monday statement gave no other details. The silvery steel-and-glass building's final height is a secret.
Last summer, the developer announced the building surpassed Taiwan's Taipei 101 which has dominated the global skyline at 1,667 feet since 2004.
In the four years of construction, Emaar twice postponed the skyscraper's finish, now slated for September 2009.
Some thoughts crossed my mind when I read this:
I am impressed that a building this tall can be built but I doubt I will ever go to the top of it. I don't like heights.
A lot of US dollars that were paid for oil may provide part or all of the financing for this project.
There is a drive to succeed that motivates the people who put this project together.
This building impress many of the the people of the world but I don't believe it impresses God.
Could all or some of the money used on this building have been used for more humanitarian purposes?
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