It cannot be any better because it is where we are. At any given time, we have done what we can and all we have is hope at that point. By the way, if you/I were not smart enough to do so earlier, when it gets to the HOPE point, you better turn it over to Him!
Lots of emotions and thoughts in my head over recent days due to family, Thanksgiving, Church, Veterans Day, holidays and well, LIFE!
It struck me the phrase (above) made popular years ago, was MY greeting to anyone and everyone back then. I used it for several years. I used it as an optimistic point of view to internalize and portray a positive attitude. Interestingly it was during a time of struggles and I think it helped me. It was also before I knew HIM. Somewhere in the midst of some deeper human struggles in life it went away from my vocabulary.
Sunday, in church I got to thinking about this for some strange reason; HE was stirring my mind and heart are all over the map. HE and my church do that frequently; that is a good thing.
I was praying for my wife’s health, my work, consulting/speaking opportunities, finances and oh yeah, ........ALL those zillions of people in this world who are struggling soooooo much more than I am!
That is when that old phrase hit me. I was thinking of how so many years later, now that I have BECOME NEW and God is all over my life, I should REALLY be using that phrase. I plan to adopt it again - because truly IT DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!
You see, it cannot be any better, because it is His Will and HE is there with me (and with us) huh?
Yes our struggles are relative and someone is always worse off than we are. Still our struggles are very real! It is where we are, the pains, suffering and struggles are ours indeed. That place is as good as it gets, because HE determines it so.
We are TO BE glad for this day - to be thankful for where we are, right? Did this make any sense to you?
Thanks for letting me share that. Well, HAPPY THANKSGIVING anyway.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
REACH OUT! ?. you just never know
Driving home today I heard the following story on the radio. It was pretty timely for me because recently I had been struggling and feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the relationships in my life. You see, I have been reaching out, networking and connecting with lots of neat people. I have made a lot of new friends recently; had a lot of great ones already! Lots of relationships, nice problem huh? Regardless, this story shed a little light on this…
...A couple of decades ago, this lady had just moved into a new apartment. She was down at the apartment complex swimming pool one morning when she spotted a woman across the pool sitting alone. She had a very apparent birth mark/defect on her face. She also noticed some ladies nearby who seemingly were having nothing to do with her. The lady decided to go over and say hello. The two of them quickly hit it off and discovered that they were both pregnant, one expecting in July and one in December.
They met nearly every morning for about a month, when one morning the other woman shared that her husband had taken a job and they were going to have to move. They had become pretty close and tears were shed as they said their goodbyes. The other woman said as she walked away: You have a boy and I’ll have a girl and one day they will get married, how about that? Time went by and they lost touch with each other.
One day, the lady’s 18 year old son came home sharing that he had met this girl and really liked her. They had been working in the same company, different departments... He went on to say the girl had revealed that her mom knew her (the boy’s mom)!
You got it, don’t you? Yes, the girl was indeed the daughter of the woman who had moved away 18 years ago. The boy and girl ended up married and the lady finished her story on the radio saying that she now has a wonderful daughter in law and three great grandchildren!
( Heard from a caller on KLOVE radio today )
I must tell you I am recommitted to continuing to reach out and meet people, make new friends, build relationships, etc!!! Developed a new one earlier today didn't I Patrick?
We just never know what HE is up to, do we?
BY THE WAY, if we haven’t touched base recently, why don’t you reach out and let me know?!?
Any messages here for you?
...A couple of decades ago, this lady had just moved into a new apartment. She was down at the apartment complex swimming pool one morning when she spotted a woman across the pool sitting alone. She had a very apparent birth mark/defect on her face. She also noticed some ladies nearby who seemingly were having nothing to do with her. The lady decided to go over and say hello. The two of them quickly hit it off and discovered that they were both pregnant, one expecting in July and one in December.
They met nearly every morning for about a month, when one morning the other woman shared that her husband had taken a job and they were going to have to move. They had become pretty close and tears were shed as they said their goodbyes. The other woman said as she walked away: You have a boy and I’ll have a girl and one day they will get married, how about that? Time went by and they lost touch with each other.
One day, the lady’s 18 year old son came home sharing that he had met this girl and really liked her. They had been working in the same company, different departments... He went on to say the girl had revealed that her mom knew her (the boy’s mom)!
You got it, don’t you? Yes, the girl was indeed the daughter of the woman who had moved away 18 years ago. The boy and girl ended up married and the lady finished her story on the radio saying that she now has a wonderful daughter in law and three great grandchildren!
( Heard from a caller on KLOVE radio today )
I must tell you I am recommitted to continuing to reach out and meet people, make new friends, build relationships, etc!!! Developed a new one earlier today didn't I Patrick?
We just never know what HE is up to, do we?
BY THE WAY, if we haven’t touched base recently, why don’t you reach out and let me know?!?
Any messages here for you?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Worth passing on? Proposed change to US Constitution
The Time Has Indeed Come!
Governors of 35 states have already filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention.
This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on.
For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law.
I TRULY don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.
A Constitutional Convention - this is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come. And, with the advent of modern communication, the process can be moved along with incredible speed. There is talk out there that the "government" doesn't care what the people think. That is irrelevant. It is incumbent on the population to address elected officials to the wrongs afflicted against the populace...you and me. Think about this...
The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.
Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.
I'm asking each addressee to forward this Email to a minimum of twenty people on their Address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.
Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States ."
Governors of 35 states have already filed suit against the Federal Government for imposing unlawful burdens upon them. It only takes 38 (of the 50) States to convene a Constitutional Convention.
This will take less than thirty seconds to read. If you agree, please pass it on.
For too long we have been too complacent about the workings of Congress. Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term, that they specifically exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws. Somehow, that doesn't seem logical. We do not have an elite that is above the law.
I TRULY don't care if they are Democrat, Republican, Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.
A Constitutional Convention - this is a good way to do that. It is an idea whose time has come. And, with the advent of modern communication, the process can be moved along with incredible speed. There is talk out there that the "government" doesn't care what the people think. That is irrelevant. It is incumbent on the population to address elected officials to the wrongs afflicted against the populace...you and me. Think about this...
The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.
Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.
I'm asking each addressee to forward this Email to a minimum of twenty people on their Address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.
In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one proposal that really should be passed around.
Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to the Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States ."
Monday, November 8, 2010
What CARING Means, REAL LEADERSHIP!
Sharing something from my past that is a good leadership lesson: Real leaders understand their presence, approachability and personality quirks!
We all have them, and they could affect how people (your team/followers) relate and see you. Let me share my story: In my last assignment in the military, as an Army Major, I showed up in Germany to take a command position. In my first meeting with my commander, he immediately revealed this about himself,
I realize people see me as appearing serious, irritated and even mad. He went on to explain that he knew that's how he appeared to folks.
He went on, I discovered this a long while back and try to share with all I work with and who are around me. I recognize that I give this impression, but I am just always thinking and tend to scowl, and so I come across that way. Do not let it keep you from approaching me, communicating, bringing me problems....that's just me.
Here was a leader who knew himself and was telling me this to ensure I understood this, trusted and would approach him! A side note, he was totally right, he was a big burly bald dude who came across intimidating and yes even mad. He was in fact, a teddy-bear kind-hearted soul and we became tremendous friends; socializing as well as working together very effectively.
Great lesson, hope it helps YOU. Are you a leader that has people avoiding you? Are you a follower with a leader that you may be perceiving wrong? Either way, some communication with those around might help huh?
BOOKER, about the workplace!
We all have them, and they could affect how people (your team/followers) relate and see you. Let me share my story: In my last assignment in the military, as an Army Major, I showed up in Germany to take a command position. In my first meeting with my commander, he immediately revealed this about himself,
I realize people see me as appearing serious, irritated and even mad. He went on to explain that he knew that's how he appeared to folks.
He went on, I discovered this a long while back and try to share with all I work with and who are around me. I recognize that I give this impression, but I am just always thinking and tend to scowl, and so I come across that way. Do not let it keep you from approaching me, communicating, bringing me problems....that's just me.
Here was a leader who knew himself and was telling me this to ensure I understood this, trusted and would approach him! A side note, he was totally right, he was a big burly bald dude who came across intimidating and yes even mad. He was in fact, a teddy-bear kind-hearted soul and we became tremendous friends; socializing as well as working together very effectively.
Great lesson, hope it helps YOU. Are you a leader that has people avoiding you? Are you a follower with a leader that you may be perceiving wrong? Either way, some communication with those around might help huh?
BOOKER, about the workplace!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
When life is at its VERY BEST, I am focused outside of ME!
Several things have brought this to light lately – some things that made me go mmmmm:
• The absolute worst times in my life have been when I was focused inwardly. My self worth seems best (seems weird) when I am/can be focused on other’s troubles.
• The company or customer service agent sharing his/her excuses and troubles vs taking care of the customer?
• This is the essence of Servant Leadership huh?
• How easy it is to focus on others when we are in the JUDGING mode. We are soooooo much better at judging others than ourselves huh?
• Heard a parenting radio show about how some of the latest thinking on kids about constant praising, all good, building self-esteem can actually be a very damaging thing. Teaches that everything is about YOU!
• Reminds me of my days as a military commander and how it was a principle when we were eating a meal out in the field - the soldiers ate first.
• When we solve a relationship issue/conflict with someone, life is good and unstressed again. Leaders facilitating the resolution of a conflict between two people have done a great thing.
• Our society, workforce, work ethic and just generally people working together is challenged these days because of a real focus on self…it’s all about me’ generation??!
• It’s a mindset of thinking of others before self: When the elevator opens do we rush in or wait for others to come out? When we are in a discussion, conflict or argument, do we listen first?
• Before you as a leader make a decision, do you see what they think first?
• When we/employees are focused on the team’s troubles, we are much more satisfied, motivated and have a sense of belonging.
• Touches on that THROWING STARFISH story, about the person wandering the beach finding starfish and throwing them back in the sea before they die. Someone challenges how they can’t make a difference. Thrower responds with, as another one is thrown back, how it will indeed make a difference to THIS ONE.
• Oh yeah, here’s one: Jesus served us and died for us!
• Involving others in my doing, thinking, solving or working through something gives us comfort (and a better answer typically).
• Serving and giving are sure to be a big part of the coming holidays huh?
• MATTHEW 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends,….I no longer call you servants because a servant doesn’t know his masters business. Instead I call you friends. Everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you…
• The absolute worst times in my life have been when I was focused inwardly. My self worth seems best (seems weird) when I am/can be focused on other’s troubles.
• The company or customer service agent sharing his/her excuses and troubles vs taking care of the customer?
• This is the essence of Servant Leadership huh?
• How easy it is to focus on others when we are in the JUDGING mode. We are soooooo much better at judging others than ourselves huh?
• Heard a parenting radio show about how some of the latest thinking on kids about constant praising, all good, building self-esteem can actually be a very damaging thing. Teaches that everything is about YOU!
• Reminds me of my days as a military commander and how it was a principle when we were eating a meal out in the field - the soldiers ate first.
• When we solve a relationship issue/conflict with someone, life is good and unstressed again. Leaders facilitating the resolution of a conflict between two people have done a great thing.
• Our society, workforce, work ethic and just generally people working together is challenged these days because of a real focus on self…it’s all about me’ generation??!
• It’s a mindset of thinking of others before self: When the elevator opens do we rush in or wait for others to come out? When we are in a discussion, conflict or argument, do we listen first?
• Before you as a leader make a decision, do you see what they think first?
• When we/employees are focused on the team’s troubles, we are much more satisfied, motivated and have a sense of belonging.
• Touches on that THROWING STARFISH story, about the person wandering the beach finding starfish and throwing them back in the sea before they die. Someone challenges how they can’t make a difference. Thrower responds with, as another one is thrown back, how it will indeed make a difference to THIS ONE.
• Oh yeah, here’s one: Jesus served us and died for us!
• Involving others in my doing, thinking, solving or working through something gives us comfort (and a better answer typically).
• Serving and giving are sure to be a big part of the coming holidays huh?
• MATTHEW 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends,….I no longer call you servants because a servant doesn’t know his masters business. Instead I call you friends. Everything I learned from my Father I have made known to you…
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