I ran across a couple of old posts in another blog that I wanted to pass on today. These are excellent in many respects and I wanted you to read them and apply them to your life.
http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2006/08/it_just_makes_c.html
http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2007/03/lets_give_1_mil.html
By the way - thanks for reading. I should post more often or in a predictable pattern...maybe I'll set that as a goal in the next few months...maybe! I appreciate your involvement in this blog by reading, considering, applying, and occasionally even commenting. I just wanted to say, THANKS!
Showing posts with label success. Show all posts
Showing posts with label success. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
I don't watch the news too much. I stay abreast of what is going on generally, but in case you haven't noticed, the media industry has gone nuts! It is less news and more hype. I don't have the stamina to take their emotional roller coaster ride. And my life is far less dramatic than their paradigm of the world, so I don't relate. To me, breath is a gift, and it just gets better from there! To navigate this life properly, I need to keep my faith strong. I need to keep my spirit in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
I know a number of families facing hardships. Some have small businesses suffering from a weakened economy. Some have lost jobs needed to support their family. Some have financial issues or personal issues they are facing in their marriage, family, or health. It is the stuff of life on earth. They need to keep their faith strong. They need to keep their spirits in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Although unemployment is higher than last few years - and I know people in this category - it is still but a fraction of the employment rate, which is never directly reported. Through Financial Peace University and financial counseling, I connect with a lot of people who are struggling but have watched their financial life turn around, even in this economy. Most people I know are actually doing about the same or better than they have been in recent years. They are doing well. They need to keep their faith strong. They need to keep their spirits in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Let's look into 1 Samuel 30:1 - 6:
The order of this account could easily have been different. It could read, "David encouraged himself in the Lord, but David and his men heard some really bad news. All these terrible things happened and David's own men spoke of stoning him. So David was greatly distressed." Do you see how the parts of the story are the same, but the outcome is very different? That is the order in which we often go about digesting the "news" in our lives. A friend recently told me that a book he was reading noted that what comes after the "but" is where we really live our lives.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
"I know God is my Provider, but this job market..." "I know God gives me peace, but did you hear..." "I know God heals, but the doctor said..." "I know God grants favor and success, but I'm the one who..." "I know that God appoints leaders and that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, but this President..." Ouch! These sound all too familiar - and they are backwards!
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Read through Psalms, or Paul's writings - all throughout the Bible for that matter - and you will see this order over and over. The blessing is never disconnected from God. The problem is stated, BUT God... Be careful not to get this reversed in your life, your beliefs, or even your speech. Your hope is in the Lord. Your faith comes by hearing His Word. "Provider" is not only a description of what He does, but who He is. And He is the giver of all good gifts. It's your choice how to respond.
...but [your name here] encouraged him/herself in the Lord.
Oh yes - and if you watch the news, make sure that you, like David, balance the news your hear with a healthy encouragement in the Lord!
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
I know a number of families facing hardships. Some have small businesses suffering from a weakened economy. Some have lost jobs needed to support their family. Some have financial issues or personal issues they are facing in their marriage, family, or health. It is the stuff of life on earth. They need to keep their faith strong. They need to keep their spirits in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Although unemployment is higher than last few years - and I know people in this category - it is still but a fraction of the employment rate, which is never directly reported. Through Financial Peace University and financial counseling, I connect with a lot of people who are struggling but have watched their financial life turn around, even in this economy. Most people I know are actually doing about the same or better than they have been in recent years. They are doing well. They need to keep their faith strong. They need to keep their spirits in the right Kingdom.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Let's look into 1 Samuel 30:1 - 6:
The order of this account could easily have been different. It could read, "David encouraged himself in the Lord, but David and his men heard some really bad news. All these terrible things happened and David's own men spoke of stoning him. So David was greatly distressed." Do you see how the parts of the story are the same, but the outcome is very different? That is the order in which we often go about digesting the "news" in our lives. A friend recently told me that a book he was reading noted that what comes after the "but" is where we really live our lives.
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
"I know God is my Provider, but this job market..." "I know God gives me peace, but did you hear..." "I know God heals, but the doctor said..." "I know God grants favor and success, but I'm the one who..." "I know that God appoints leaders and that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, but this President..." Ouch! These sound all too familiar - and they are backwards!
...but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
Read through Psalms, or Paul's writings - all throughout the Bible for that matter - and you will see this order over and over. The blessing is never disconnected from God. The problem is stated, BUT God... Be careful not to get this reversed in your life, your beliefs, or even your speech. Your hope is in the Lord. Your faith comes by hearing His Word. "Provider" is not only a description of what He does, but who He is. And He is the giver of all good gifts. It's your choice how to respond.
...but [your name here] encouraged him/herself in the Lord.
Oh yes - and if you watch the news, make sure that you, like David, balance the news your hear with a healthy encouragement in the Lord!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
How do you deal with disappointment and setbacks?
I recently got a phone call that dealt me an unexpected setback - to the tune of about $3,000. It affected my debt repayment schedule primarily, which has been a big focus of mine this year. Do I need to write that I was disappointed? I think we each face disappointment and setbacks on an occasional, if not regular basis. What to do? How to respond?
These are but a few thoughts on how to move through and move ahead anyway:
1) Guard your focus.
Don't spend inordinate amounts of time rehearsing the disappointment. It will kill your creativity and hope for life beyond. When you keep hope alive and look beyond the immediate obstacle, you rise above the obstacle that disappointed you and be able to see and chart a course to move ahead. My Pastor says, "You can't lay back in a setback." Well, you shouldn't anyway.
2) Adjust your plan.
This is why a plan is so important. If you have a plan there is action you can take against your disappointment. I am coordinating my third Financial Peace University class. We are working through Week 3 - Cash Flow Planning. It is foundational to the class, just like a plan is foundational to life. We are better able to navigate the waters of disappointment and setbacks if there is a plan. The setback can be addressed - adjust the plan to compensate. Now work the new plan. It makes it much smoother. With no plan, the setback causes chaos and debilitating disappointment. So if you don't have one, make one now!
3) Don't fret what you cannot change.
If we can get this one planted deep inside, our worry will diminish, peace will increase, and the disappointment will loose its power. Disappointment is tied to expectation and can be a powerful weapon against your future, your peace, and your success. It is why so much of our economy is tied to "consumer confidence." Especially at the start of difficult economic times, very little has fundamentally changed in people's lives. But as confidence wanes, people pull back, thus creating the very problem they fear. It's an interesting cycle. Don't let things out of your control rob you of peace, joy, and right-thinking.
4) Be thankful!
Motivational speaker, Bob Harrison, tells a story that has been a huge help to me when I am facing disappointment - and it relates back to #1. Years ago his marriage was in trouble and he was praying about his wife and complaining to God about the many ways she was falling short. God encouraged him to make a list of her good traits - the things he was thankful for - and pray through that list every morning instead of rehashing his disappointments. As he did that, over time, she changed...or maybe she didn't. Maybe the problem was in his focus on the disappointments and his lack of thankfulness. In reality, she did change in response to the change in his attitude toward and treatment of her. And it all grew out of his choice to be thankful for the good things. There marriage was saved and grew into the beautiful thing God wanted it to be.
Something is going well. If nothing else, you are still breathing. If nothing else, God is still God, whether you feel like He is or not. Find these things, write them down, and be thankful for them.
5) Pray.
Another thing my Pastor says is, "You can do much more than pray, but you can do no more until you have prayed." Remember that God has not promised only good things in your life, but He HAS promised to work ALL things - good and bad - together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That is YOU - or it can be if you choose.
I'd love to read comments on things that help you overcome disappointment and setbacks.
These are but a few thoughts on how to move through and move ahead anyway:
1) Guard your focus.
Don't spend inordinate amounts of time rehearsing the disappointment. It will kill your creativity and hope for life beyond. When you keep hope alive and look beyond the immediate obstacle, you rise above the obstacle that disappointed you and be able to see and chart a course to move ahead. My Pastor says, "You can't lay back in a setback." Well, you shouldn't anyway.
2) Adjust your plan.
This is why a plan is so important. If you have a plan there is action you can take against your disappointment. I am coordinating my third Financial Peace University class. We are working through Week 3 - Cash Flow Planning. It is foundational to the class, just like a plan is foundational to life. We are better able to navigate the waters of disappointment and setbacks if there is a plan. The setback can be addressed - adjust the plan to compensate. Now work the new plan. It makes it much smoother. With no plan, the setback causes chaos and debilitating disappointment. So if you don't have one, make one now!
3) Don't fret what you cannot change.
If we can get this one planted deep inside, our worry will diminish, peace will increase, and the disappointment will loose its power. Disappointment is tied to expectation and can be a powerful weapon against your future, your peace, and your success. It is why so much of our economy is tied to "consumer confidence." Especially at the start of difficult economic times, very little has fundamentally changed in people's lives. But as confidence wanes, people pull back, thus creating the very problem they fear. It's an interesting cycle. Don't let things out of your control rob you of peace, joy, and right-thinking.
4) Be thankful!
Motivational speaker, Bob Harrison, tells a story that has been a huge help to me when I am facing disappointment - and it relates back to #1. Years ago his marriage was in trouble and he was praying about his wife and complaining to God about the many ways she was falling short. God encouraged him to make a list of her good traits - the things he was thankful for - and pray through that list every morning instead of rehashing his disappointments. As he did that, over time, she changed...or maybe she didn't. Maybe the problem was in his focus on the disappointments and his lack of thankfulness. In reality, she did change in response to the change in his attitude toward and treatment of her. And it all grew out of his choice to be thankful for the good things. There marriage was saved and grew into the beautiful thing God wanted it to be.
Something is going well. If nothing else, you are still breathing. If nothing else, God is still God, whether you feel like He is or not. Find these things, write them down, and be thankful for them.
5) Pray.
Another thing my Pastor says is, "You can do much more than pray, but you can do no more until you have prayed." Remember that God has not promised only good things in your life, but He HAS promised to work ALL things - good and bad - together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. That is YOU - or it can be if you choose.
I'd love to read comments on things that help you overcome disappointment and setbacks.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Be All That You Can Be
Whether you are in the Army or not, the old tag line is a great one. With all the uncertainty in the market and layoffs expanding into more industries, a lot of people are getting antsy wondering what the future holds.
David Allen's workflow model, along with Steven Covey's calendar management method have been very useful to me. But like my Pastor says about workout equipment, whether you have an eliptical machine, treadmill, weight bench, or the Total Gym, they all work and any one of them will help you IF you use it! As it relates to your work, find what helps you most and USE IT.
Most people have certain responsibilities at work that they don't like as well or at which they are less proficient. Complete that work at your best but don't spend all your energy trying to grow an area with little potential. Again, the idea is to become so strong in your strengths that your employer frees you up from your weaknesses in order to maximize the value you produce. It may seem idealistic, but move this way. You may find yourself becoming more bold, more secure, and more valued.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
There are times when you have done everything you can do, and all that is left is to stay standing. No ground may be gained today, but "stand your ground" and do all you can so that "after you have done everything," you may be able to stand.
Don't miss the way to do this - put on the whole armor of God, even before the day of evil comes. Be ready in advance.
God is big enough to make a crooked path straight. Another translation says, "He will direct your paths." Spend more time putting your trust in the Lord than worrying about the path. This verse makes clear that He will take care of the path you take, IF you fulfill the first part of the verse.
Another verse to reference is Romans 12:2. It is my verse for 2009...I'll say more about this in #4 below.
2) Build and/or maintain a solid 3-6 months savings fund
3) Diversify your investments, including some international funds
4) And this should really be #1 - Trust in the Lord.
Back to Romans 12:2 - while so many people are stressed about the future of their job or retirement plan, we who trust in the Lord live in a different Kingdom, and we need to remind ourselves of that.
In the Kingdom of God, His Name is "Provider." His Name is "Peace."...So don't let your thinking be "conformed to this world" but be "transformed by the renewing of your mind". There should be a dramatic difference in how we who trust in the Name of the Lord approach troubled times.
Be all that you can be. Carry the Kingdom of God inside of you. Bring it into your home, your church, your work, your social sphere... May "Your Kindgom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
- Be the best employee in your organization so that of all the people, they want to keep you.
I have been using a "Getting Things Done" workflow model by David Allen to vastly improve my efficiency and effectiveness at work. Anyone who has come into my office in the last couple of weeks has noticed the change. Make sure your work product and ethic reflect that you are doing your work as unto God and not unto men (Colossians 3:23).
David Allen's workflow model, along with Steven Covey's calendar management method have been very useful to me. But like my Pastor says about workout equipment, whether you have an eliptical machine, treadmill, weight bench, or the Total Gym, they all work and any one of them will help you IF you use it! As it relates to your work, find what helps you most and USE IT.
- Maximize your value by playing to your strengths.
Most people have certain responsibilities at work that they don't like as well or at which they are less proficient. Complete that work at your best but don't spend all your energy trying to grow an area with little potential. Again, the idea is to become so strong in your strengths that your employer frees you up from your weaknesses in order to maximize the value you produce. It may seem idealistic, but move this way. You may find yourself becoming more bold, more secure, and more valued.
- Don't retreat.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
There are times when you have done everything you can do, and all that is left is to stay standing. No ground may be gained today, but "stand your ground" and do all you can so that "after you have done everything," you may be able to stand.
Don't miss the way to do this - put on the whole armor of God, even before the day of evil comes. Be ready in advance.
- Trust in the Lord.
God is big enough to make a crooked path straight. Another translation says, "He will direct your paths." Spend more time putting your trust in the Lord than worrying about the path. This verse makes clear that He will take care of the path you take, IF you fulfill the first part of the verse.
Another verse to reference is Romans 12:2. It is my verse for 2009...I'll say more about this in #4 below.
- And as always, when uncertain times come, you can increase your peace and build a safety net by following some good financial advice:
2) Build and/or maintain a solid 3-6 months savings fund
3) Diversify your investments, including some international funds
4) And this should really be #1 - Trust in the Lord.
Back to Romans 12:2 - while so many people are stressed about the future of their job or retirement plan, we who trust in the Lord live in a different Kingdom, and we need to remind ourselves of that.
In the Kingdom of God, His Name is "Provider." His Name is "Peace."...So don't let your thinking be "conformed to this world" but be "transformed by the renewing of your mind". There should be a dramatic difference in how we who trust in the Name of the Lord approach troubled times.
Be all that you can be. Carry the Kingdom of God inside of you. Bring it into your home, your church, your work, your social sphere... May "Your Kindgom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven."
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Seasons of Correction
"...[E]conomic conditions influence homeownership. The rate [of home ownership] fell during or immediately following most business-cycle recessions, with the most sizable and lasting decrease taking place after the double recession of 1980-1982. The only recession that did not result in a downturn in homeownership was the recession in 2001, a period of extremely loose monetary policy." (emphasis mine)
- Commentary by Polina Vlasenko posted by the American Institute of Economic Research (http://www.aier.org/research/commentaries/533-home-ownership-in-the-united-states)
I think it is notable that the blowout in the housing market and economy came after the government intervened in the natural course of things in 2001 with "extremely loose monetary policy." People were overspending, buying houses beyond their means, and rather than allow or even encouraging wrong behavior to be corrected, the government did the opposite. So people pressed on in ignorant bliss until it eventually, it all began to fall.
Market corrections are natural. They fix problems that exist in the markets. They clear the incompetence from certain workforces. And they should be allowed to occur (perhaps even embraced). Corrections, pullbacks, and downturns are natural seasons of life. And like the four seasons, each passes with time into a new season. Important things are happening in the process. Lessons are being learned.
If you are expecting the government, or the next president to solve your problems, it won't happen. There are success stories during all economic conditions - and they didn't originate in Washington. Take the reigns of your problems and go to work making a plan and following that plan. Your life should not be governed by the media, economic conditions, or who is in the Oval Office. One of Stephen Covey's Habits of Highly Successful People is being Proactive. Happen to your life. Don't wait for someone to fix your problem.
Opportunities still abound in this great Land. Jobs are still being landed. Businesses are still being formed. Houses are still selling (even in Michigan).
If you have made a big mistake, there may be some consequences to pay. Take the hit, make the change moving forward, and head toward a better and wiser future. It is going to take hard work and exploring lots of options. Apply again. Make some more phone calls. Try a new agent. Keep exploring. Keep trying. Never Give Up! Persistence is the key.
A common list of the failures of Abraham Lincoln (along with a few successes) is:
1831 - Lost his job
1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature
1833 - Failed in business
1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)
1835 - Sweetheart died
1836 - Had nervous breakdown
1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker
1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress
1846 - Elected to Congress (success)
1848 - Lost re-nomination
1849 - Rejected for land officer position
1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President
1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1860 - Elected President (success)
You might notice, he never gave up.
Galatians 6:9 (TNIV) says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
As always, if I can help you walk through an issue in your life, please contact me.
- Commentary by Polina Vlasenko posted by the American Institute of Economic Research (http://www.aier.org/research/commentaries/533-home-ownership-in-the-united-states)
I think it is notable that the blowout in the housing market and economy came after the government intervened in the natural course of things in 2001 with "extremely loose monetary policy." People were overspending, buying houses beyond their means, and rather than allow or even encouraging wrong behavior to be corrected, the government did the opposite. So people pressed on in ignorant bliss until it eventually, it all began to fall.
Market corrections are natural. They fix problems that exist in the markets. They clear the incompetence from certain workforces. And they should be allowed to occur (perhaps even embraced). Corrections, pullbacks, and downturns are natural seasons of life. And like the four seasons, each passes with time into a new season. Important things are happening in the process. Lessons are being learned.
If you are expecting the government, or the next president to solve your problems, it won't happen. There are success stories during all economic conditions - and they didn't originate in Washington. Take the reigns of your problems and go to work making a plan and following that plan. Your life should not be governed by the media, economic conditions, or who is in the Oval Office. One of Stephen Covey's Habits of Highly Successful People is being Proactive. Happen to your life. Don't wait for someone to fix your problem.
Opportunities still abound in this great Land. Jobs are still being landed. Businesses are still being formed. Houses are still selling (even in Michigan).
If you have made a big mistake, there may be some consequences to pay. Take the hit, make the change moving forward, and head toward a better and wiser future. It is going to take hard work and exploring lots of options. Apply again. Make some more phone calls. Try a new agent. Keep exploring. Keep trying. Never Give Up! Persistence is the key.
A common list of the failures of Abraham Lincoln (along with a few successes) is:
1831 - Lost his job
1832 - Defeated in run for Illinois State Legislature
1833 - Failed in business
1834 - Elected to Illinois State Legislature (success)
1835 - Sweetheart died
1836 - Had nervous breakdown
1838 - Defeated in run for Illinois House Speaker
1843 - Defeated in run for nomination for U.S. Congress
1846 - Elected to Congress (success)
1848 - Lost re-nomination
1849 - Rejected for land officer position
1854 - Defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1856 - Defeated in run for nomination for Vice President
1858 - Again defeated in run for U.S. Senate
1860 - Elected President (success)
You might notice, he never gave up.
Galatians 6:9 (TNIV) says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
As always, if I can help you walk through an issue in your life, please contact me.
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