tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83822599172513470972024-02-20T11:20:53.614-05:00"Just" JudyThoughts, ideas and dialog about marketing, leadership, business, parenting, God ... life.Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-38081874329116185502015-09-10T12:35:00.000-04:002015-09-10T12:35:01.494-04:00Never Lose Hope (from Harvey Mackay's Nationally Syndicated Weekly Column)<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;">I get an email each week from Harvey Mackay University. This particular message was something I think everyone needs to hear, read, take to heart, and pass on. We are all blessed to have so much wise counsel and wisdom available to us from those who have gone before.</span><br />
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<h2 class="null" style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64) !important; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: -0.75px; line-height: 125%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<strong>Never lose hope </strong></h2>
<br /> The only survivor of a shipwreck woke up on the beach of a small uninhabited island in the middle of the ocean. Every day he circled the island, looking for ships on the horizon, and searched the sky for planes, hoping for a rescue. But none ever came.<br /><br /> So he scrounged around for materials to build a small hut to protect himself from the sun and rain. His daily schedule included scavenging and hunting for food. He kept a small fire going so he could cook whatever he found. <br /><br /> After his walk around the island one day, he returned to find his hut in flames. A gust of wind had blown some embers from his fire that ignited the hut. Black smoke billowed in the air and try as he might, he couldn’t douse the fire. He collapsed, exhausted and dejected. He had lost all hope.<br /><br /> But the next day he awoke to find a ship anchored off the island. A life raft was headed his way! He would be rescued at last!<br /><br /> When he reached the ship, he asked the captain, “What made you stop here? I have been looking for a ship for months and saw none.”<br /><br /> The captain replied, “We saw the smoke from the fire you built. It led us right to you.”<br /><br /> What had seemed hopeless was what saved him.<br /><br /> Hope sees the invisible, feels the intangible and achieves the impossible. In short, hope changes everything.<br /><br /> My dear friend Lou Holtz always says you need four things in your life, otherwise you are going to have a tremendous void. Number one, everyone needs something to do. Number two, everyone needs someone to love. Number three, everyone needs someone to believe in. And number four, everyone needs something in their life to hope for. <br /><br /> What do you want to do? You have to have hope, ambition and dreams. <br /><br /><img align="center" height="172" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/7768c02571efe836eea1f2425/images/dfa3ebc8-9c73-43ce-ba33-fb47974c2a09.png" style="border: 2px solid; height: 172px; margin: 0px; outline: none; width: 318px;" width="318" /><br /> <br /> My wish, dream and hope, aside from being a professional golfer, was to own my own factory. I didn’t know what I would manufacture, but I always hoped to be able to walk the factory floor and be able to have my employees look up to me.<br /><br /> But I didn’t wait for it to fall in my lap. I acted on that hope and made my dreams come true.<br /><br /> President Dwight Eisenhower, a highly accomplished man by any standard, told this story about his hopes and dreams: <strong>“</strong>When I was a small boy in Kansas, a friend of mine and I went fishing and as we sat there in the warmth of the summer afternoon on a river bank, we talked about what we wanted to do when we grew up.<br /><br /> “I told him that I wanted to be a real major league baseball player, a genuine professional like Honus Wagner. My friend said that he'd like to be president of the United States. Neither of us got our wish.”<br /><br /> The dictionary defines hope as “wanting something to happen and thinking that it could happen.”<br /><br /> Just because something isn’t happening for you right now doesn’t mean it will never happen. Hope is the little voice you hear whisper “maybe” when it seems the entire world is shouting “no.”<br /><br /> Believing in the future helps us to have hope. “Hope is greater than history,” said American businessman and diplomat Dwight Morrow – more than a century ago. Don’t let the idea that history repeats itself discourage you. You can shape your own history if you have hope.<br /><br /> Consider these words from naturalist Jane Goodall: “I carry a few symbols with me because sometimes you get a bit depressed, and these symbols remind me of the hope that there is in the world. Without hope, we all fall into apathy; without hope, there is no hope. I carry symbols that represent four reasons for hope: the human brain, with the technology that we are now working to try to live in greater harmony with the environment; the resilience of nature – give nature a chance and it’s amazing how places that we’ve destroyed can bloom again; the tremendous energy, commitment, excitement and dedication of young people once they know what the problems are, and we empower them to act to do something about it. And finally, the indomitable human spirit, those people who tackle impossible tasks and won’t give in, those people who overcome tremendous physical disabilities and lead lives that are shining inspiration to those around them.”<br /><br /> <br /><strong><em>Mackay’s Moral: </em></strong><em>Hope is what allows us to remember yesterday’s disappointments and still look forward to tomorrow.</em> <br />
<br />Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-21123681264212351962015-07-02T14:18:00.003-04:002015-07-02T14:21:40.133-04:00Bible Study Notes: 06/26/15<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Remember to p</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lease question what might not resonate with you or match up to scripture. It is not my intent to mislead or misrepresent in any way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">James 1:21</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When we were born again, our 'spirit man' was made perfect! Our 'spirit man' can't get more perfect because the Holy Spirit lives IN us [and He wouldn't be IN us if we weren't just right - which is what Jesus does for us].</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"God's word was spoken so it could be written so we could hear it and so we could speak it."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">James (Jesus' half brother) wasn't a believer until after the resurrection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Genesis 1:27</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Soul = will, mind, emotions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Romans 12:1-2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Satan chips away at who we THINK we are. Society is twisting and turning constantly away from God.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Take care of the temple (body).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Educate the intellect (mind)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fill the spirit man (spirit)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There's heaven. There's hell. And there's earth.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">NEVER underestimate the power of the born again experience. It is everything! C.S. Lewis calls it "the great exchange" - Jesus exchanged His life for us.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 15:45</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 5:17</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 5:21</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Galatians 5:20</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Guilt and condemnation kill your faith.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are more than conquerors through Christ. The Holy Spirit lives in us.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Colossians 2:20 ... crucified</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Colossians 2:13 and Romans 6:4 ... died and buried</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ephesians 2:1 ... alive</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ephesians 2:4-6 ... raised</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 6:15-17 ... one spirit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Ephesians 1:22-23 ... His body</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Colossians 1:27 ... He is in us</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Colossians 2:10 ... we are in Him</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1 John 4:17 ... so are we in this world.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Make things happen that line up with His teaching. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Good things distract us from the best things.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Be aware of what you're thinking about. Think about what you are thinking about. Be mindful of your thought life.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You can't think and talk at the same time (try it sometime).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The tongue is the steering wheel of life.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Speak the truth of Christ - memorize it and draw from it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2/3 of our testament has to do with our behavior.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are living epistles - letters from God.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">God isn't moved by need. He's moved by faith.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">He has everything we need/want. We have to reach out and accept it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Faith is activated by action.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Proverbs 28:1 ... Boldness, Confidence, Assurance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Faith ... Living and acting like the bible is true. Romans 4:17</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To be full of joy is = strength!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There's a difference between faith and mental assent. True faith's first action - speak it. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth."</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The word of God is faith food.</span></li>
</ul>
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-25201023181299404072015-07-02T13:45:00.000-04:002015-07-02T14:28:59.961-04:00Bible Study Notes: 06/12/15<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Every time we come together more and more is revealed to me. Here are my notes from our gathering on June 12, 2015. Remember to p</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">lease question what might not resonate with you or match up to scripture. It is not my intent to mislead or misrepresent in any way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Luke 8:11 .. the seed is the word of God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">See ourselves as God sees us - fully redeemed. We live with Christ IN us. When we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we [you and me] were raised with Christ.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our lives are a walk of faith, a stand of faith. Our bibles are the instruction manual [how to] for this walk. Don't let it sit around collecting dust.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">EVERYTHING was created by God for good!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God's will for all men for all time is represented in Christ.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God calls all things to be, that aren't.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We don't have to live with the things we don't want. Turn to the Bible.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God gave us dominion [sovereignty; control] over our world, our lives, our circumstances, but not over other people. We are to guard and tend to our world and make all things flourish.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God is not the God of our flesh, our mind (our earth suit). He is the father of spirits</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"You will never miss a God opportunity when you're in the house of God."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Never run at your "giant" with your mouth shut."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus said John the Baptist was the greatest prophet and even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist.</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The bible is plan A. There is no plan B.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Be careful what you hear. No self pity, no sympathy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The more self conscious you are, the more pain you are in. The more God conscious you are, the more victorious you are.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Self help is God.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We create our world through our spoken words. </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Proverbs 18:20</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Spirit man is suppose to be the dominant, the one in control of the earth suit (body) and soul man (feelings and emotions). Soul man makes decisions and is feed by the spirit.</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">John 6:63 .. my words are spirit and they are life ..</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We are to feed our spirit with spirit food (The Word).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To be full of something is different than being being the real thing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The Word fills our spirit so we can be more like Christ.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We're suppose to imitate Christ - own it, believe it, take it in all the way through.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Don't harden your heart.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-65812812587074949402015-06-08T12:06:00.001-04:002015-06-08T12:06:44.270-04:00Bible Study Notes: 06/05/15<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another wonderful session with WOG (Women of God). Included below are my notes (and some thoughts) from our time together. Please question what might not resonate with you or match up to scripture. It is not my intent to mislead or misrepresent in any way.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Genesis 8:22 - The Law of Genesis (Seed time and harvest)</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Seed produces it's own kind</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God's word is the seed - our hearts are the soil.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">God is a God of increase.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Isaiah 55:11 "... goes forth from my mouth ..." God's word.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We live in a <u>word based world</u>; His word - God's word creates</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Psalms 107:20 ... sent forth His word ... healed and delivered from (removes) all obstacles.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">James 1:17 ... the same today, tomorrow, always.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">John 17:17 ... Jesus is the high priest over our words. He intercedes on our confessions/our words. Give him something to work with.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The word of God is the vehicle the Holy Spirit uses to produce. God gives us everything we need. His word and the Holy Spirit always work together.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The word of God is a seed, planted in our hearts so we can see ourselves as God does. To be operative in our lives, we must renew our minds. We have the power of God! See ourselves in the Bible. We [I] are complete in Christ. Own it!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hebrews 11:6 ... God is a rewarder for those how honestly seek him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God calls us trophies of his grace.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Romans 5:14 ... </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Jesus has been called "the last Adam."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Romans 8:9-10</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Romans 8:32 .. when our prayers are answered God's glory is revealed. God wants us to ask BIG!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God doesn't use anything "bad" to teach us anything.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mark 7:13</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We are in control of Satan's reign and have POWERFUL weapons to battle him:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The name of Jesus</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The blood of Jesus</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The word of God</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The armor of God</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Give no place (not an inch) to the deivl. Be strong in your "spirit man". We are holy. The Holy Spirit wouldn't/couldn't live in us if we weren't. Remember, we are BOLD WOMEN of GOD!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Do what the bible says - CAST DOWN [throw off] EVERY thought that is not of God.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thoughts have no power over us unless we take ownership of them with our words. We "take a thought" by speaking it - saying it out loud. Don't be all about feelings [sensual], speaking what you feel, what you think, etc.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Facts are subject to change. Truths are constant. Speak truth."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ex: The fact is that we might be struggling with allergies. The truth is that Jesus bought our freedom from sickness (by His stripes we are healed). We have it. Claim it. Own it.</span></div>
Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-64135437153409567712014-11-01T19:34:00.001-04:002014-11-01T19:36:01.147-04:00Can you get to Enough?<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When you come to the end of an assignment, a project, is it enough? Do you continually ask yourself, have I worked hard enough? Have I done enough?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here are a few questions to ask yourself to get the place where you can say "enough". </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">1. Have you done all you know to do? Step back and look at your work objectively. Does it make sense? Is it clear, concise? If not, walk away consider it through the eyes of the ultimate reader/viewer and figure out what they need to read/see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">2. Have you asked "what if" and considered other possibilities? If you're thinking there should be more (or less), look at the situation differently. Move to a new location; flip it upside down; ask what if ... and fill in the blank.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">3. Do you like what you've done? Or if there are only parts of it that you like, what can you do to change, adapt, rework the parts that you don't like as well. Say it differently, turn it around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">4. Is it done? When you can say "yes", it's done. Push send.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next time let's discuss letting go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Until next time ....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Judy</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-91583384167191533852010-08-02T15:10:00.013-04:002010-10-11T11:53:00.230-04:00Does it Really Matter?<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Recently a friend told me I should be blogging - regularly. I kind of laughed it off and then asked - ok, blog about what? And she said "blog about being the mother of a 4 year old at the age of 48; about training and completing my first sprint triathlon [again] at 48; about life in my shoes." At first I thought she was crazy, but I keep thinking about it. In the scheme of life, would I say anything that really matters? Maybe yes, maybe no. But one thing is for sure, what I say does matter to Emma.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The other day Emma [my beautiful 4 year old daughter] asked me what God looks like [question number 7056]. I respond as I do with everything - "what do you think?" We got into this big discussion as we're driving [which is where all big discussion take place] that included length and color of hair, height, build, clothes, eyes, hands. We have all seen the pictures of God with long flowing robes and long silver hair. I like to think of God more like a grandpa; loving clear eyes, strong yet soft hands, always ready to hold a hand and/or give a hug. His hair is gray and kept short, but there's always a strand or two that doesn't stay in place. And clothes, he's wearing work pants and a comfortable button down collar shirt - all clean, but soft and worn.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Well, that's my picture of God, but how do I help Emma define her picture of God? I'm sure there will be more discussions in the days to come.</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-22843504339269420752010-02-06T17:18:00.010-05:002010-03-04T14:55:23.342-05:00What Will You Do Differently On Monday?<span style="font-family:verdana;">I've just started reading <strong><a href="http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/">Linchpin</a></strong> by Seth Godin and am LOVING IT! I love the way this man thinks - so unconventional and real world. In just the first few pages gems like the following pop out:</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">All of us are geniuses sometimes.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">You have brillance in you, your contribution is valuable, and the art you create is precious.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you've got something to say, <em>say it</em>, and think well of yourself while you're learning to say it better." - David Mamet</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;">Then I put the book down and login to Twitter. I follow the Harvard Busines Review [HarvardBiz] and while scrolling through tweets, I see a tweet from HRB titled </span><a href="http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2010/02/what_will_you_do_differently_o.html"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Drucker's Question: What Will You Do Differently on Monday?</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">. In the article, Drucker is quoted as saying "Don't tell me you had a wonderful meeting with me. Tell me what you're going to do on Monday that is different." The article goes on to discuss how attendees of one particular leadership event, the Drucker Institute at Claremont Graduate University's CEO Forum held in October 2009, DID go out and do something different because of what they'd heard at the forum.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">So, what about you? What about me? When you "learn, hear, experience" something new, what do you do with it?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">The past three months have held a lot of "new" for me. Development of a new business model, rededication to actively growing my faith, and taking my physical well being to a new level. So what will Monday look like for me?</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Taking the new model and adapting it to two more clients [one is up and running - and going well!].</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Taking my newly Bible [new testament] loaded MP3 player to the gym with me.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Continue with my training [which I started on Thursday] for my first triathlon [sprint] June 6, 2010.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;">What will Monday look like for you?</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here's to learning and growing. J</span></p>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-8601511611167037652010-02-05T20:23:00.005-05:002018-12-16T15:59:36.258-05:00Giving Comfort [by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend]<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;">In November 2009 I was looking at the November 2008 issue of Reader's Digest [my Mom doesn't throw very much away] and was struck by an article written by Kathleen Kennedy Townsend titled Beyond Tragedy. The lead in to the article read .. "My father taught me how to handle death with grace and courage. Forty years later, his example still gives me comfort. It touched me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana"; font-size: 85%;">The sidebar writing on Giving Comfort was something I thought more of us should know. I have copied this sidebar verbatim below.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>I have a set of lessons learned about how to console those who have suffered a loss, based on my own personal experience and observations over the years.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>First, go to the funeral. Thirty years ago, Mayor Richard Lee of New Haven, Connecticut, told me that he always went to funerals. "It's there that you see people, he said, and that they see you. It's there that you mingle with families, listen to them talk, and lend your full support. I had never heard that advice stated so explicitly, but he was exactly right. Death opens an enormous hole in the heart. A funeral service brings together those who can help fill that hole.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>Second, call or write your friend when someone close to her or him has died. It is remarkable how few people actually reach out in tough times. Perhaps they don't know what to say; perhaps they think the person would prefer to be left alone. It is better to try and be rejected than to never try at all. Your friend can always resist the effort - not answer the phone, not open the letter. But it is hard to imagine anyone not appreciating it.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>Third, never say "You will get over it." People rarely do.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>The death of a loved one rips us apart, shakes us up, hurts terribly. So my fourth tip is to embrace the person who suffers. I think of the kiss my mother would give me when I would scrape my knee or cut my finger. Her act of love was more healing than any antiseptic.</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><em>Make it clear in the letter or phone call to your friend that she or he is wonderful. The outstretched arm, the warm embrace, the freshly baked cookies, or the fragrant flowers do not replace the life. Not by any means. But they do say to the grieving friend, "You are loved. You are cherished."</em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I felt convicted after reading this. I am guilty of not reaching out to friends when they have been suffering. I've thought "I don't want to bother them." But, this writing is proof again - it's not up to us to worry about "bothering" someone in need. it's up to us to "be there - fully." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-50295912560019214502009-10-06T16:08:00.005-04:002009-11-08T21:48:41.049-05:00The Basics<span style="font-family:verdana;">Everywhere you click there’s information on “the new” ways to communicate and market products/services, organizations, people, and ideas. I’m amazed at the number of consultants, coaches, agencies, etc. that have something to say about online marketing and social media. Many are screaming the message that if you aren’t utilizing ALL of the “new” technology, you’re missing the boat … If you aren’t on Facebook your business won’t survive … LinkedIn is where professionals find other professionals … Sign up for Twitter and make sure you “tweet” every day… it goes on and on.<br /><br />It seems there are as many ways to get a story out as there are stories to tell. But, in the back of my mind, there’s been this nagging thought - the basic principles of marketing, leadership and good solid relationships still apply. It’s not all about the tools. It’s about the story.<br /><br />So what are the ‘basics’? Let’s look at it from a business owner’s perspective.<br /><br />1. <strong>What are you really selling?</strong> Or asked another way, what are your customers/ clients really buying from you? What needs are you superbly meeting for a defined group? Spend some time in their [your clients’] shoes and see, hear, touch, experience what they experience when they are purchasing from or working with you. Choreograph the process. The more you understand about “you” [your people, the organization, your products/services] the better you will understand your clients – and how to serve them. In other words, sweat the small stuff.<br /><br />By the way, you need to be remarkable. What you’re doing and the way you do it has to be amazing. There’s no room for “so-so” or “ok”. There are too many choices in the marketplace to not be the very best you can be. And something to really shake you up - your very best might not be good enough. I read something just today from Seth Godin: You must make something work in the small before you bet the farm and market it to the masses. If you can't sell to 1 in 1000, why market to a million?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />2. <strong>Who are you selling to?</strong> Who is the audience(s) that fits your product/ service offering - perfectly? Here’s a hint: The answer can’t be “people”. It has be people who _____ [are college professors, drive used Volvos and enjoy Thai food – Trader Joe’s target audience (Thank you Jim Carroll from the </span><a href="http://www.hrsbdc.org/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Small Business Development Center</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">)].<br /><br />3. <strong>What’s your message?</strong> Or asked another way, what is your target audience(s) interested in? What is your target audience telling you [and have you asked them]? What problem are you solving? What are the words that need to be communicated so that you are addressing their wants, needs, and desires? What is the part of your story that connects with each of your audiences? And to make sure you’ve got all the bases covered, what are you not? What are you not going to do, sell, be, etc?<br /><br />4. <strong>How can the message best be communicated?</strong> What tools will get your story and message out to the audience(s) who wants what you have to sell [and you want to reach]? In what format does that message need to be delivered? What are the best vehicles to move your message to each target audience? Where do they go? What do they read? Who are their friends? What’s important to them? What’s not important to them?<br /><br />5. <strong>Where are you going to start?</strong> Step 1, step 2? This is your “to do list.” So, step 1 is start answering the questions above. Start today!<br /><br />Here’s to learning and growing. J</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-11826545189963447192009-09-17T22:28:00.005-04:002009-09-19T09:10:01.003-04:00Bono<span style="font-family:verdana;">When I first heard Bono speak at the 2006 Leadership Summit, I was blown away. His intensity, passion, conviction was ... surprising and inspiring. I took notes and put them in my daughters baby book. I want her to incorporate his words as life lessons. And from a rock star. Who'd have thought?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This is what I wrote in 'E's' baby book in August 2006:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">"One of the speakers was Bono, the lead singer of the Band U2 and Time Magazine's 2005 Person of the Year. He was a taped interview conducted by Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church. I was so impressed by Bono that I took some notes to share with you [E]."</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Always reserve the right to be ridiculous.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">He finds Christians difficult - very judgmental and only looking at surface issues.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">He likes to be in the middle of conflict - he actually said "in the middle of a conflict is a great place to be. It allows duality. I see his point here and agree with the concept - be able to see all sides / perspectives. But, be prepared. Sometimes you have to chose a side.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Celebrity is currency.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Great ideas have the same power as a great melody.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">The church is historically behind the curve.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Love thy neighbor - who is our neighbor?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Stop asking God to bless the things you are doing. Find what God is doing. It's already blessed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">It's not a burden, a duty. It's an opportunity, an adventure.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">So here it is 2009 and Bono was back at the Leadership Summit to report on what he was seeing in the fight to end extreme poverty. Again, this was a taped interview conducted by Bill Hybels.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Only love can leave such a mark.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Love thy neighbor" is a command, not advice.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Intuition is greater than intellect.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">There's always resistance on the ongoing journey of equality.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you lead anything do something.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;">For more information on the fight to end extreme poverty and the One Campaign, go to </span><a href="http://www.one.org/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">www.One.org</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here's to learning and growing. J</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-43945111010588677702009-09-17T21:30:00.008-04:002018-12-16T15:54:04.680-05:00Eye Witness to Power<span style="font-family: "verdana";">David Gergen was great [I really haven't heard anyone I didn't like - a lot]. His bio reads:<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 85%;">Editor-at-large at U.S. News & World Report and political analyst for CNN and PBS, David Gergen has served as a White House adviser to four presidents; Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton. He is also a professor at Harvard’s School of Public Leadership. An active participant in American national life for 30 years, Gergen has a lifetime of experience in observing and participating in high-capacity leadership, which he’s distilled into seven vital elements needed for future leaders. The author of Eyewitness to Power, he firmly believes that by identifying the traits of other leaders (and learning from their mistakes), we can increase our own effectiveness and leadership potential.</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">“A leader's role is to raise people's aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there.” David Gergen</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">A teacher of leadership can't make you a leader. They can point you in the/a direction.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">There's a difference between learning and doing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">You have to learn to get better ... reflective practice = you learn in the doing (in the arena) and the reading [of books by other leaders].</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader." Harry S. Truman</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Reflection - what worked, what didn't, what will we do differently.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">"There's confusion between motion and progress." Peter Drucker</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Look at life/TO DO list in six (6) week increments. Review at the end of the six weeks.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Admirable qualities of former presidents:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Nixon: Best strategist .. able to see the way history could unfold.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"></span><span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Ford: A decent man.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Clinton: Resilient - he'd always get back up.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-size: +0;">Reagan: Best leader since President Roosevelt. A principled man; a contagious optimist (not pollyannaish). </span><span style="font-size: +0;">A sense of common sacrifice and a sense of humor.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Inspect is as important as respect."</span></span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Weaknesses of each:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Nixon: Demons he couldn't control [author of his own tragedy].</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Ford: Naive</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Reagan: Detachment [entrusted too far]. Let others have control of the wheel(s).</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Clinton: Cracks in his character. No moral compass.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Learn to keep your flaws in check so as not to hurt others." ... </span></span><span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">There needs to be alignment between private behavior and public life. ... </span></span><span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Martin Luther King was a great moral leader. He never claimed to be a saint.</span></span></div>
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: +0;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Get up every day and try to be better." Nelson Mandela</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">We should be more forgiving and less invasive.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Leadership doesn't have to be lonely. Lone leadership is over. The best leaders have a team of leaders. Learn how to partner, collaborate, build things together.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">If you want to go fast, go alone. But, if you want to go far, go with others.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Leadership is persuasion.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Gergen on speeches ...</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Who the speaker "is" speaks as loudly as what they say. Trust? Authentic? Expert? Clear? Simple?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">A speech should be 15-20 minutes - max!</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Personal habits of leaders matter a lot. Self discipline:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Control over your life</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Physically fit - endurance</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Daily reflection</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Daily time with people you cherish. Loving relationships are very important.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"Be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">If we only picked three of these gems to incorporate into our daily lives, can you imagine the magnitude of change?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Here's to learning and growing. J</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-53749856690336420152009-09-10T14:58:00.009-04:002009-09-10T16:18:14.674-04:00And the Problem Is ...<span style="font-family:verdana;">I had been looking forward to hearing Tim Keller speak after seeing the Summit's video introduction of him earlier in the summer. And I wasn't disappointed. What a gem. Tim's bio reads:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Called a "C.S. Lewis for the 21st century" by Newsweek, Dr. Timothy Keller is founder and pastor of New York’s Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan. Over the past 20 years, the church has grown to three sites, with weekly attendance of 6,000. Named one of the Top 25 Most Influential Churches in America, Keller’s ministry is notable not only for winning over New Yorkers who are skeptical to faith, but also for its missional</span><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> approach, planting more than 100 churches through the Redeemer Church Planting Center. Author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_0_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+prodigal+god+by+tim+keller&sprefix=the+prodigal+god">The Reason for God and The Prodigal God</a>, he will talk about the well-known parable of the Prodigal Son and discuss the ways many people in our churches tend to resist the gospel.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Please remember, these are my notes, my interpretation of what I heard at the Leadership Summit. For more information on Tim Keller and his teachings, go to <a href="http://www.thereasonforgod.com/">http://www.thereasonforgod.com/</a>.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">He starts out with a bold statement - "The main problem in church is spiritual deadness/indifference." As a christian I'm thinking "not me." He goes on to explain the parable of the Prodigal Son in a way I'd never heard before.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Keep in mind, the word 'prodigal' means recklessly [wasteful] extravagant. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) was told to religious leaders of the day. The younger son is a runaway son and viewed by most to be "the" prodigal son. In reality, the older son is the prodigal - just like many of of us in the church.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Both brothers are alienated from the father [like we are from God]. They both have to be invited in. Both brothers love the money and 'things' of the father, not so much the father. Both of the brothers are rejecting the father [God] and acting as their own savior. The younger brother is lost because of his recklessness, but the older brother is lost because of his goodness. He is using the father [God] to get the "things" he wants.</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Gospel - I am accepted therefore I obey.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Religion - I obey, therefore I am accepted.</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;">The gospel gives us a righteous life - we're in, it's all ours and He loves us. The default mode of our heart is religion. The older brother gets angry with the father [God] because he believes the father [God] owes him. He prays, but has little to no intimacy with God. And the older brother doesn't forgive, he's prideful.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">To keep from being the older brother, we have to find a new level of repentance and rejoicing. We have to be sorry for our wrong doing and repent for the <em>reason</em> for our <em>"right-doings."</em> Here's the kicker ... it's our good works that separate us from God.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Tim Keller is going deeper with WCA's <span style="font-size:85%;">(Willow Creek Association)</span> Next Steps series on September 23rd at 1pm EST. Click <a href="https://www.willowcreek.com/nextsteps/">here</a> and scroll down to Tim Keller for more information and to register. He has so much more to say - and is very interesting to listen to. Check him out on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tim+keller&search_type=&aq=f">YouTube</a>. I can't wait to read his book(s) and listen to more of his teachings.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Here's to learning and growing! J</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-72902873240375074382009-09-08T22:02:00.009-04:002009-09-08T22:46:30.723-04:00Catching the Future (The Leadership Challenge)<p><span style="font-family:verdana;">The next speaker was <a href="http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2009/gary-hamel.asp">Gary Hamel</a>. His bio alone was exciting ...</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Gary Hamel was ranked as the #1 Business Thinker of 2008 by The Wall Street Journal and called "the world's leading expert on business strategy" by Fortune. An author, speaker, professor, and innovative management consultant, he is most widely known for originating concepts such as "strategic intent" and "core competencies." The founder of Strategos, a worldwide strategic consulting company, his vision for the workplace revolves around releasing human potential and creativity. Hamel will address the paradigm shift needed to fully engage the potential of people and explain how tomorrow's most successful companies will be organized. He is the author of Leading the Revolution and The Future of Management.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">His presentation was FANTASTIC. It was so good I was mesmerized and missed some of what he was saying in my notes, but I captured enough. Gary spoke to his audience of church leaders, but like most of the Summit, the message applies to any organization.</span><br /></p></span><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Are you [your organization] changing as fast as the world around you?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Are we all walking the talk as Christians?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">A church [organization] needs to be: ... </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">a nurturing environment for new believers, not just a place for existing christians ... </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">a place to grow ... </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">a place that is relevant.</span></li></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">The world is changing so fast. It's becoming more turbulent faster than organizations are becoming more resilient.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Conquer denial</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Face the facts</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Questions your beliefs [practices].</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Listen to and learn from the renegades/dissidents/outliers</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;">"The future has already happened, it's just unequally distributed."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">"We clutch the current because we can't see alternatives."</span><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">It takes 1000 ideas to have 100 experiments that turn into 10 projects that become one [1] winner!</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ask your people [audiences, teams, etc.] "how to __________."</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Look at what you do and identify what hasn't changed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Compare your [self, organization, etc.] to others and ask "what is identical?"</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">A leaders job is to mobilize, connect, and support. It's about being part of a community vs. a hierarchy.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">The facebook generation doesn't want organized religion OR big business. They want "cause".</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Shoot for being spiritual powerful and institutionally weak. Be vibrant .. resilient .. flexible ..</span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;">"We won't get better at changing lives until we get better at changing our churches."<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">"Humility is a survival mechanism."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Gary has provided more information and an interactive blog on the Summit's <a href="http://www.willowcreek.com/nextsteps/blog.asp">Next Steps</a> section.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here's to learning and growing. J<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-41682095566416892412009-09-07T14:35:00.010-04:002009-09-07T15:44:24.154-04:00Hiring, Firing and Board Meltdowns<span style="font-family:verdana;">The second session of the Leadership Summit (08/06/09) was a different take on hirings, firings and board meltdowns. A three +/- minute drama was done showing a hiring for a key position within the organization, a firing, and board that completely breaks down. Obviously, there were things during each of the dramas that were not the "best" way to approach the depicted scenario. After the drama, a panel of experts - </span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><a href="http://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2009/cloud-fiorina-ireland-lencioni.asp">Bill Hybels, Carly Fiorina, Dr. Henry Cloud, Patrick Lencioni, and Dr. David Ireland</a> </span><span style="font-family:verdana;">- all discussed the good [not much], the bad [a lot], and the ugly of the drama depiction.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">In all of this, it's important to understand that the leader's role is to honor people. The people you work with and lead, the people who may come into the organization, the people who will leave the organization. </span><a href="http://www.welchway.com/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Jack Welch</span></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">was quoted as saying "the kindest form of management is the truth."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Hiring.</strong> Scenes were shown of a person reviewing a resume, talking to someone on the phone about the candidate, and then the face-to-face meeting and subsequent offer. Some of the gems I got out of the session included:</span><br /><br /><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Your candidate must fit in with your culture. That means you have to first understand your culture.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">You must be clear on why you are hiring and what you want to achieve.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Hiring out of desperation is a big NO-NO and rarely [if ever] works out!</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Identify [in advance] 2-3 behavioral traits you most want to see in your candidate.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Spend time with the candidate out of the interview environment.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ask the same questions [worded differently] three times.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Ask questions about their answers to your questions.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Questions to ask them include:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">What would other people say about you?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">What are ways that are challenging in dealing with you?</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">In a best case scenario, your organization would have such a strong [and defineable] culture, people could self select themselves into the organization - or out of it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Firing.</strong> The video showed the steps that led up to a person being fired, obviously badly. The gems were:</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">A firing should NEVER be a surprise. Don't let the firing/layoff be the first conversation.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Regular feedback is imperative.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Very few people like to have [or be on the receiving end of] hard conversations. Have a process in place for having dialog along the way.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Retrain first or re-position. Look for a different fit.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Clarity and care is key for down sizing.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Board Meltdown.</strong> A board meltdown can be avoided during the board creation process. Creating a board of directors [fyi 15-20 board members is unmanageable] should be a strategic and planned endeavor.</span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Board members must have <em>influence</em>, <em>affluence</em> and skill sets that are needed by the board and the organization.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Board members must have limited terms.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Time and energy should be put into defining what is needed and the ideal mix of styles, talents, etc. for a board.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">A board is a team and as such should figure out how to work together as a team.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">They must trust each other, be vulnerable and open to each other.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">As a board, they must have a culture, a philosophy, and direction on how to behave.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Here's to learning and growing. J</span></p>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-79741575640452890882009-08-26T05:00:00.005-04:002009-08-26T11:11:22.017-04:00The Second Day - continued<span style="font-family:verdana;">The third thing Bill Hybels and his team are learning from these tough economic times is <strong>Relationally.</strong><br /><br />Habakkuk 3:2 says "... I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; ..." We read and hear about the amazing things God has done in the past. But, what about now? What about in our time? According to Bill, God's great work comes through his people who are fully devoted to Him. Questions to ask include: </span><br /><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Are we attracting fully devoted people? </span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Are we growing them?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Are we feeding [training] and mentoring them?</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><em>What if</em> you are not a church? <em>What if</em> you are a business organization? Are your people devoted to the work your organization does? Are you growing them? Feeding [training] them? Mentoring them? Here's an exercise for you and your team:<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">How many key seats are there in the organization?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">What percentage of those key seats are filled with the right [devoted] people?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">What is our plan to get and/or grow the right people?</span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;">Are we developing backup people for each key seat?</span></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcS4gH7nL1NVJCoSEoGqtx4_qiub0ettj41Z4AOBoZ43c_BrksqWTmwop5d5ZiBaxY7EX6jdb21hNgdfoJnuuOGFga8XaMiwHHtZZu19H2c6klCQiXY8ySLpg4b4X7h4BwQeklKXTIuw/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373983797154678402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcS4gH7nL1NVJCoSEoGqtx4_qiub0ettj41Z4AOBoZ43c_BrksqWTmwop5d5ZiBaxY7EX6jdb21hNgdfoJnuuOGFga8XaMiwHHtZZu19H2c6klCQiXY8ySLpg4b4X7h4BwQeklKXTIuw/s320/Slide1.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Personal.</strong> Romans 8:6 says "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Many of us are at our best when we are rested, surrounded by talented and motivated people and doing work we love. We are at peace. But, what happens when that's not the case - when we're not at peace? As a leader, it is imperative to know yourself and monitor your "tank". Drops in your reserves require self leadership. Yes, that's right you have to lead yourself. Be diligent about figuring out what fills your bucket and do what it takes. And here's a thought - maybe you need to spend more time with God.<br /><br />If you are interested in learning more about Bill Hybels or his presentation on 'Leading in a New Reality', check out </span><a href="https://www.willowcreek.com/nextsteps/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Summit Next Steps</span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"> [catchy title] and scroll down to 'Speaker Links and More.'<br /><br />Here's to learning and growing! J</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-57823374909575014032009-08-24T14:38:00.015-04:002009-08-29T16:14:11.857-04:00The Second Day ...<span style="font-family:verdana;">Though the title is slightly misleading, the first day of the </span><a href="https://www.willowcreek.com/events/leadership/2009/"><span style="font-family:verdana;">WCA Leadership Summit </span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">(08/06/09) was nothing short of amazing! Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of <a href="http://www.willowcreek.org/">Willow Creek Community Church </a>kicked the summit off with Leading in a New Reality. Romans 12:6 says "We have different gifts ..." Romans 12:8 "... if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; ..." The very toughest economic times, like a rogue wave [like we are in now], forces all of us to investigate and use new ways, new creativity, new leadership. God has given all of us the gifts we have "for such a time as this." Bill went on to describe four things that he and his team are learning.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Philisophical</strong>. Be the church, no matter what. Love one another, help one another. If you are hurting/struggling, seek help. If you are not hurting or have opportunities to reach out, step it up - step up your serving, sowing, etc. For everyone, use these times to stretch intellectually.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Kingdom Economics</strong>. Cash is king [really, Christ is King, but you get the idea]. You must have healthy cash reserves [which buys time]. Saving is key. Have six months in reserve. For many of us, nothing new here. But, while you're saving, pay attention to the costs.</span><br /><br /><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Part of remaining relevant in challenging economic times is to s<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2QotpeM1vn57mRxomn1PP-_iHuSCR3lEs7BVOl_YjoTnDPYPXqTZ2eoZep7cQlw4TpESEm5j83CK7cRgIvFIrm7Rr6g-lmOQnjs-sLTvYjhogAbbXNc5uZjUfeqLaNpC-HkNE2Eivd0/s1600-h/ABC+Chart.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 160px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373611606626857490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2QotpeM1vn57mRxomn1PP-_iHuSCR3lEs7BVOl_YjoTnDPYPXqTZ2eoZep7cQlw4TpESEm5j83CK7cRgIvFIrm7Rr6g-lmOQnjs-sLTvYjhogAbbXNc5uZjUfeqLaNpC-HkNE2Eivd0/s320/ABC+Chart.JPG" /></a>tay laser focused on what it is you are "tasked" with doing. One way to do this [with your team as a group exercise] is to group activities, tasks, expenditures, etc. into three categories: A - you will NEVER stop doing; B - if revenues drop 50%, it has to go; and C - if revenues drop 75%, it has to go. Do this exercise periodically to make sure you stay on track.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">For those who utilize volunteers in getting things done, here's another exercise. Break your expenditures down into five categories: Staff/be<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYav2oYtqISaGGNXJgtlfW-ne6EnvIMz9QURTBG5a2jgWL7ipRIbwUQ1znkvCGdcLnKMWMz7at9ueV7v8bxioQY-ip-8vfy26tZedcJlWOst8q9-yhwzOb8lALZXjnwsRhaVObQxDc5M/s1600-h/Expenditures.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 229px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373974213290619906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvYav2oYtqISaGGNXJgtlfW-ne6EnvIMz9QURTBG5a2jgWL7ipRIbwUQ1znkvCGdcLnKMWMz7at9ueV7v8bxioQY-ip-8vfy26tZedcJlWOst8q9-yhwzOb8lALZXjnwsRhaVObQxDc5M/s320/Expenditures.JPG" /></a>nefits, donations (give it away), ministry budgets, overhead/facilities, and "whims" of the spirit - those things you just get a sense about. Most of us don't have a "whims" of the spirit budget. You may not even have a "give it away" budget. What this will force you to do is look for opportunities to identify, equip, and mobilize volunteers in your organization.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Verdana;">But '<em>what if'</em> your organization [business] doesn't have the option of volunteers? How could you incorporate these two ideas into your organization. Staying laser focused is a skill we all can use and improve on. What about trimming the budget and creating room for donations and/or "whims" of the spirit. What would that look like for your organization? Just some thoughts. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Stay tuned for the final two take aways for Leading in a New Reality.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here's to learning and growing. J</p></span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259917251347097.post-64563171376757351602009-08-23T16:32:00.003-04:002009-08-23T22:06:31.198-04:00The First Day of the Rest of My Life<span style="font-family:verdana;">For the past six years, I've attended the Willow Creek Association (WCA) Leadership Summit. This is two days (formerly 2 1/2 days) that I get to sit and hear some of the greatest minds in church, business, NGO, politics, etc. talk about and educate on leadership. These two days feed my soul and the very fiber of my being. But, there's a problem. I'm always at a loss for what to "do" with all this information (fyi, I'm a doer struggling to be a human being). Of course I incorporate some of what I learn into my personal and professional life, I share my notes with friends and those who are interested, but I've never "strategically" utilized the information - until now.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Compiled in the posts that will follow are my notes, available information, insights, questions, etc. My hope is that in doing this, I'll become a better professional and a better person. My prayer is that you will find this information helpful and that we can share ideas and thoughts as we live this thing called life - together.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Here's to learning and growing! J</span>Judyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04492428851683930852noreply@blogger.com1