TRAFFIC JAM AT THE TOP

A traffic jam?!  On top of the world?!  


Who would have ever thought, way back in May 1953 when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay (Nepalese Sherpa mountaineer) would be the first to successfully summit Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world (29,035 feet), that hundreds would cue up on the same weekend to plant their feet on the top of Mount Everest. 


On the weekend of May 20, 2012 (59 years following Hillary's success) about 200 people lined up on the last push, through the "Dead Zone", to add their names to those who have followed Hillary's steps.  4 people died in that weekend's attempt and several are reported missing.


Now, reportedly, another 208 people are lined up to attempt their ascent. As of 2010, 3,142 climbers from 20 different countries have successfully completed the trek.  The oldest climber was 76 and the youngest was 13.  A blind man has even climbed Everest.


My point of this post today, is not a lesson about Everest, nor a commentary about where people find the funds to do this kind of thing.  What intrigues me is how when one person breaks a barrier, sets a record, it seems to give many others the permission and confidence to achieve the same.

For years, running a mile in 4 minutes was considered unachievable.  "Man was not meant to run that fast."  Yet in 1954, Roger Bannister proved them wrong.  Then in 1964, Jim Ryun, hit the magic mark and he was in high school!  Now, it is considered the standard for all male, middle distance runners.  The current record is 3:43.13.


There is something significant psychologically that takes place when someone breaks a record.  Then it seems that others believe that they can do it as well.  Psychological barriers impact everyone.  A psychological barrier is a limiting belief that prevents someone from reaching their full potential.


Not only am I thankful for trail blazers and record breakers that have shown me a job is doable, a summit can be climbed, a record broken.  I also want to be that for others for whom I can blaze a trail.


As it says in the New Testament:




Hebrews 12:1-3 (MSG)
[Distance Race ] Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!



We all deal with limiting beliefs.  What is holding you back?  What do you need to break free from?  Trust God and press forward!

8 QUALITIES OF GREAT EMPLOYEES

Over the years, I have worked with some great people, and for the sake of clarity, some not-so-great people.

I came across this article in INC - Small Business Resource For the Entrepreneur. Jeff Haden does a great job of presenting this.

A couple of key points:

Remarkable employees are

• Eccentric -
• Irreverent -
• Know when to publicly praise -
• Know when to privately complain -
• Like to prove others wrong -
• Are always fiddling -

Maybe I'll adapt the article to list the "Qualities of Not-So-Great" Employees. Perhaps a good title would be "Good to Not-So-Great."

Here is the article. Be sure and read it.

Etymology

One of the things I love to know is the origin of words. It seems to tie together history, languages and culture.

Just found a fascinating word that we all have used or done at some point...

Eavesdrop

Originally this word had nothing to do with snooping.

Eavesdrop started off literally: first it referred to the water that fell from the eaves of a house, then it came to mean the ground where that water fell.

Eventually, eavesdropper described someone who stood within the eavesdrop of a house to overhear a conversation inside.

Over time, the word obtained its current meaning: "to listen secretly to what is said in private."

So, I guess if you "eavesdrop" you're a big drip!!

Thanksgiving 2010, remembering...

In his first Thanksgiving proclamation as president, Ronald Reagan wrote: "America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this Nation throughout its history. In keeping with America's heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. … "As we celebrate Thanksgiving … we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do as individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance. "Let us recommit ourselves to that devotion to God and family that has played such an important role in making this a great Nation, and which will be needed as a source of strength if we are to remain a great people.
A great statement from a great statesman.

WINDSHIELD OR REAR VIEW MIRROR?

(picture taken by Jill Thornton)

"All Beginnings Are Hopeful"

Dan Miller

48Days.com

This is a quote from the president of Oxford University, spoken to the entering freshman in 1944, in the midst of a world war. This is a concept that we have seen confirmed throughout history. In working with people going through change, I am often struck by the discouragement, frustration, and frequent anger and resentment they share.

I have come to recognize however, that those feelings always tell me that the person is looking backward, at something that has already occurred. As soon as we are able to create a clear plan for the future, those feelings quickly begin to dissipate and are replaced by hope, optimism and enthusiasm. In all my years of coaching, I have never seen a person who has a clear plan and goals who is also depressed. They just don't go together.

We are now in a new "season" as a country. While there are lots of opinions on the political and economic fronts, it seems to me that people are in general more optimistic and hopeful than they were a couple of months ago. Saturday Joanne and I stopped to pick up a video cord at Best Buy, and the crowds were heavier than right before Christmas. I am being overwhelmed with people who want to launch new businesses - releasing ideas they've had for years and they are excited that now is the time.

And the anticipation is not just an American phenomenon. My analytics show that in the past year our www.48Days.com website was visited by people from 76 countries. It seems people everywhere are looking for new beginnings.

Viktor Frankl, in his wonderful little book, Man's Search for Meaning, relates his observations of people in the German concentration camps. Age, health, education or ability could not predict those who survived the atrocities there. No, rather it was only those who believed that there was something better coming tomorrow who were able to survive and ultimately walk away from those camps.

Feeling discouraged? Miserable in your job? Just lost your business? Draw that proverbial line in the sand. What appears to be the end is actually a new beginning.

Welcome the new beginning tomorrow! "All beginnings are hopeful."

Published April 29, 2009.

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Dan Miller is today's leading authority and personality on careers and 'Work You Love^TM'. As bestselling author of 48 Days To The Work You Love, and now No More Mondays, Dan reaches over a million people every month ia his newsletter, podcast, and blog with the best trends and opportunities in the workplace and small business. For more information, visit http://www.48days.com.

"We're A Friendly Church!"

Most of the time, I have found that churches that laud themselves for being a friendly church actually aren't.

It seems that their "friendliness" is evaluated by how friendly they are with each other.

All you have to do is walk into that church, as a visitor, and you'll be able to determine quickly if they are indeed the "friendliest church in town."

Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources published an excellent article titled "The Friendliness Factor." You can find the entire article at http://www.buildingchurchleaders.com/articles/2010/friendlinessfactor.html?action=noadd

Rainer states... "People are drawn to genuineness. They can spot manufactured friendliness a

mile away. Make eye contact. Get their name. Spend a minute with them. We’ve all heard the saying that kids spell love t-i-m-e. Well, so do grown-ups. Spend some time getting to know them. Often, unchurched individuals find themselves at church for the first time because of a personal crisis.

Genuine friendliness can be a huge factor in them returning to the church and, ultimately, accepting Christ as Savior."

This friendliness factor is not automatic. You have to intentionally train and motivate people to identify, approach appropriately and give the

kind of welcome that causes the visitor to feel truly welcomed and genuinely cared about.

Guts to Guard the Gate

Great quote from Larry Osborne...

"The best time to reduce conflict is before it breaks out. The best way to do that is to keep contentious people (and those with an ax to grind or competing ministry vision) off the leadership team. I look at it this way: If I don’t have the guts to guard the gate, I have no right to complain about who’s in the pen."

http://churchexecutive.com/archives/meet-larry-osborne

WORKING 9 TO 5 WHEN YOU'RE NOT DOLLY

The American workplace is dramatically changing. The traditional “Dolly Parton…Working 9 – 5” is ancient history. I just checked out a copy of Michael Gerber’s book Awakening the Entrepreneur Within: How Ordinary People Can Create Extraordinary Companies. Wide ranging reading and studying all kinds of different academic disciplines is a passion and pleasure of mine. The focus of Gerber’s book fits well with a recent email newsletter from Dan Miller http://www.48days.com/

You're already self-employed

In last week’s newsletter I talked about how smaller companies offer most of the new jobs. What are those “jobs” likely to look like? Work models are changing. The traditional 8-5 employee is becoming a less common model of work. We are rapidly approaching the time when only 50% of the American workforce will be “employees.” 50% of American workers will soon be: · Free-lance workers · Consultants · Contingency workers · Independent contractors · Temps · Entrepreneurs · Electronic immigrants These are legitimate, growing and profitable work models. Different perhaps from what we are used to, but real opportunities nonetheless. If you are determined to get a traditional 8-5 job with benefits, you are looking for a shrinking work model. If you can flip hamburgers, make French fries, restock the ketchup, and sweep the floors, you can get a “job.” But what if you have a highly developed skill in: · writing proposals · mediating conflicts · analyzing data · or setting up demonstrations? Or maybe you are talented in: · auditing financial reports · training · handling complaints · or coaching individuals. Maybe your talents shine in · designing websites · managing Twitter and FaceBook updates · writing press releases · and creating compelling videos. You will find that 95% of the companies out there are not large enough to hire you to do just that one task. Thus you will be expected to go back to being the generalist. OR – you could find 8 or 10 companies that would love to use your specialized skills in that area – 1 day a week, or 2 days a month. Can you adapt to the new model of work? AND – you may find it’s easier to find the 8-10 mini-jobs rather than the 1 big traditional (pay me take care of all my needs) job. In today’s workplace we’re all “Self-Employed.” Whether you choose to have one customer or several is not as big a leap as you may think.

Jill's puppy Niko singing on Christmas Day

Anyone else can play the piano and Niko doesn't give them a glance, but when Jill sits and plays, Niko starts jumping around and "singing!"

He is such a fun little puppy.

Christmas 2009

Had a wonderful Christmas this year.

It rained most of the night.

41 degrees this AM and looking at green grass!

The temp started plummeting and the snow started falling as soon as I took the turkey off the grill!

Kept a fire going in the fireplace.

Enjoyed great food.

Beautifully set table.

And the traditional post-turkey meal walk.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Do you really like saying "Happy Holidays" or prefer "MERRY CHRISTMAS?"

For me, it is all about Christmas. Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season. After all, if it weren't for our Heavenly Father sending His Gift of salvation, there'd be NO reason to celebrate, right?!

I like how Dave Barry says it,

"In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'"

So, MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my friends!

Lessons From An Epochal Leader

Thom Rainer, president and chief executive officer of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention recently had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Billy Graham in his home in Montreat, North Carolina.

Billy Graham has to be one of the most well known men on the earth. He has preached to well over 2.2 billion people and according to his BGEA staff more than 2.5 million people (as of 1993) have "stepped forward at his crusades to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior."

I have observed the ministry of Dr. Graham over the years and if I were to choose two words to define his ministry, it would be INTEGRITY and CONSISTENCY.

Thom Rainer posted some of his comments and observations about his visit with Dr. Graham. Some of Rainer's key points in the article:

• A LIFE PLEASING TO THE LORD IS A LIFE OF INTEGRITY. Leadership at any level cannot begin to function well unless the leader has integrity.
• OUR FIRST MINISTRY IS TO OUR FAMILY.
• LISTEN TO THE CRITICS, BUT DON'T DWELL ON THEM. When asked about how he dealt with the critics, he smiled and said, "I ignored most of them." Graham seemed to know that dwelling on criticisms would distract and harm his ministry.
• HUMILITY IS ONE OF THE GREATEST VIRTUES OF LEADERS. He counseled presidents and kings. He personally preached to more people than any human that has ever lived. Some see him as one of the most influential people our era. One word you will hardly ever hear him continue to use is "I".
• JESUS IS ALL THAT REALLY MATTERS. When all is said and done, all that really matters is Jesus.

None of us will ever be like Billy Graham; at least, I'll speak for myself, but we can sure all apply these great lessons to our lives.

God bless you Billy Graham.

Subliminal? I don't think so.

This past Sunday, while in church, I created a new word. Sublaminal – pronounced SUB-BLAM-INAL

Definition – an intentionally over emphasized subliminal message. As in “BLAM”, in your face.

According to Wikipedia, a subliminal message is a signal or message embedded in another medium, designed to pass below the normal limits of the human mind's perception. These messages are unrecognizable by the conscious mind, but in certain situations can affect the subconscious mind and can negatively or positively influence subsequent later thoughts, behaviors, actions, attitudes, belief systems and value systems.

Within the church world, I think we are often guilty of SUB-BLAM-INAL. We want to get a message across to the folks/fold, we don’t want to be overt, but we are a little too obvious… BLAM, suBLAMinal.

What are some good examples of suBLAMinal? I am trying to recall some I have been part of.

A few years ago, when we had a Sunday evening church service, we’d want to encourage people to make the effort to come out for that service, yet we’d try to not-so-subtly hint that “real Christians” come out for the service. There probably are some more substantial measurements of a “real Christian.” In fact, I read several of them in Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians today.

Life

God Bless Granny and America.... Oh yes, AND her Comet.

This will bring a smile to your face. This is an awesome lady, with a great story.

And one more great video. Don't mess with this pistol packin' granny!

Perqs, Piano and Fresh Perked

A perk (perquisite) of being married to an accomplished pianist is that I get to listen as my wife creates a new piano arrangement.

It is such a pleasure listening to her design a new arrangement. The beautiful chords and sequence of chords is sumptuous.

It doesn’t hurt to have a cup of freshly brewed Caribou French Roast coffee in hand either.

I don’t think that the creation process for one of my sermons is quite as elegant. Why is that?

ABBONDANZA

(close up of my rain gauge)

Did you know that God is a God of generosity and blessing?

Last night I experienced God’s abbondanza. I had just finished mowing the lawn and coming inside our home I mentioned to Joy, “the lawn is really dry, I’m going to ask God for a half an inch of rain.”

We sat down to a tasty meal of pork rib tips, sautéed zucchini from our garden. While Joy was finishing up dinner, I caught the weather report and the forecaster said, “the rain is going to split and go north and south of Chicago. It is unlikely we’ll get any rain here.”

That evening we noticed the weather system that had hammered Iowa (hail, rain and tornado warnings) seemed to be slipping south of us. I said, “God please turn that system and give us some rain.” The longer we watched the radar, the more we rejoiced as we saw the storm literally hook around toward us.

Not too much later, I heard some distant thunder. I looked at Joy and smiled. Before too long, I heard rain hitting the deck and by the time the “non-storm” finished up, we had 8/10 an inch of rain!

Thank you God. My lawn looks lovely now and is watered for the week.

Now, if I can transfer that faith onto the sale of this home in this current drought of a real estate market we are in…. “Thank you God for showing the forecasters wrong and our house selling in a dead market.”

People of Jesus live in FAITH and HOPE.

This is why the Psalms say, "I don't care how bad it is today, I am going to sing in the morning."

Psalm 59

¹⁵ They wander about for food

and howl if not satisfied.

¹⁶ But I will sing of your strength,

in the morning I will sing

of your love;

for you are my fortress,

my refuge in times of

trouble.

¹⁷ O my Strength, I sing praise to you;

you, O God, are my fortress, my

loving God.

Decisiveness

It is amazing how a guy who is one of the most decisive on the football field is being so indecisive about signing a contract.

Brett Favre has been a great football player. He was the icon in Green Bay for over 15 years (1992-2007).

Favre is statistically one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Favre is the first player to win the AP Most Valuable Player three consecutive times (1995–97).

He led the Packers to seven division championships (1995, 1996 1997, 2002 2003, 2004 and 2007), four NFC Championship Games (1995, 1996, 1997 and 2007), winning two (1996 and 1997), two Super Bowl appearances, winning one (Super Bowl XXXI).

He holds a number of NFL records including: most career touchdown passes (464), most career passing yards (65,

127), most career pass completions (5,720), most career pass attempts (9,280), most career interceptions thrown (310), most consecutive starts among NFL quarterbacks (269; 291 total starts including playoffs), and most career victories as a starting quarterback (169). (Wikipedia stats)

When you watched Favre play football, you would have to describe him as a gunslinger. He was amazing. Snap decisions , quick judgments. He would throw the football so quick, accurate and hard that many defenders couldn’t handle it. It would blow right through their hands.

So why is the “gunslinger” having a tough time making the decision on signing on with the Minnesota Vikings. I doubt if it is any loyalty to the Packers. If you didn’t know the Vikings and Packers are rivals, only overshadowed by the rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

It has come down to the day before training camp and the big news is… “Favre can’t make up his mind.”

The ball has been hiked to him and he is standing there with it in his hands just looking at it.

It would be easy to try to figure out why he can’t pull the trigger, grab the pen, sign the contract. I’m sure there are all kinds of thoughts going through his mind… like the wear and tear of another football season on his 40 year old body and I would imagine he has enough money set aside. With his personality, he could easily get a contract with ESPN and do color commentary. Someone needs to replace John Madden.

On his own website it states, “Brett Favre: I'll stay retired, even if I get the urge” (February 2009) and now one of his agents is reporting, “he’ll probably make a decision next week.” I’m not holding my breath!

Enough about Favre, his story is only a tool to talk about decisiveness or indecisiveness.

"The percentage of mistakes in quick decisions is no greater than in long-drawn-out vacillation, and the effect of decisiveness itself 'makes things go' and creates confidence." -- Anne O'Hare McCormick (1882-1954), First woman to win a Pulitzer prize for journalism

Consider This:

Contrary to popular belief, your decisions don't drive your long term success - your decisiveness does. Said another way, when you reach a crossroads on any issue, the act of choosing creates power, not the choice itself. The issue is momentum. No matter what you choose, when you commit boldly with conviction, you create momentum. When you hesitate you don't. And success is built on momentum.

The more I think about this, I am reminded of Joshua’s challenge to indecisive people, “choose this day, whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

I must confess, indecisiveness drives me crazy. But, I have no skin in Favre’s decision, so I’ll just take the lesson to heart to let my “yea be yea and my no be no.”

DA COACH

In Chicago, all you have to do is say “da coach” and everyone knows you‘re referring to Mike Ditka.

He took on the job of coaching the Bears and turned the team around and helped them once again, become a winning team. The Bears won six NFC Central titles and three trips to the NFC Championship game during his time. The highlight of “da coach’s” career was an outstanding 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Superbowl XX.

One of the pleasures and passions of my life is encouraging people. It is such a pleasure to be able to sit down with someone, listen to them, let the Holy Spirit guide me in what I ask them… questions that help them to open up and to see aspects that possibly had not been considered.

A friend on Facebook wrote the following comparison of Coaching vs Mentoring:

• There is a difference between Coaching and Mentoring. Coaching is about listening, drawing out, and assisting in discovery. Mentoring is about telling, teaching, and imparting expertise.
• There is a difference between Coaching and Counseling. Counseling is about the past, helping people process, deal with, and be healed of past issues. Counseling prepares people to begin to look forward again.
• Coaching is about the future. It is forward looking. It helps people discover what's next and then helps them build a solid strategy as to how to get there.

I guess my love is to Coach. I love to help people explore, examine and strengthen their dreams and then give them permission to “go for it.”

What a pleasure it has been to work with pastors, their staffs and churches as they have allowed me to be “da Coach”.