Mindset Motivation Methodology

I heard this from a podcast this week.  I think it was the Entreleadership Podcast (sorry can't remember).

So here's a little nugget to start your week:

All your employees need to have proper mindset, motivation & methodology in order to be successful for your business.  Let's not forget, the primary employee that will make or break your business in life is YOU!  So, you need to make sure these are all working in your benefit to maximize your potential and the potential of those around you...

Mindset:  This is the first and most important.  Essentially this is how you think, what you believe, etc.  Just who do you think you are anyway?  If you think you are a winner, you will win (or at least keep trying).  If you think you don't have what it takes, then YOU DON'T.  What do you believe about your work, your company, you job, your marriage, etc.  If your cup is half empty, then it's just that.  Mine is half full and I'm going to fill the rest.

Motivation:  This is the "why" behind what you are doing.  Why are you doing it?  What is your crusade?  What are you aiming for?  If it's to make money so that I can retire or go do something else, check again and dig deeper to find what your real motivation/passion is.  When you peel back the onion, you'll find that any motivation that will lead to success will be true, honorable & noble, so give it your all, your best & be the best dang _____ you can possibly be!  (Col 3:17)

Methodology:  This is how you go about it.  With the right tools you will be successful.  Old antiquated tools, methods, etc. may get the job done, but not as well nor as fast (this burning time, one of our most valuable assets).  We've all used the handle of a screwdriver as a hammer aaaaannnnnnd, it kinda works, but not really.  Similarly don't balance your checkbook with pen, paper and an abacus.  Don't market your business without social media.  Don't learn a new skill outside your wheelhouse if you can outsource it easier and effectively so you can focus on what you do best.  Sure, I can change my own oil, but really, is that the best use of my time???

#1 - Apply this to yourself.
#2 - Apply this to your team.  How?  On Mindset & Motivation see where they are at (this takes time and patience to understand).  Then, maybe share where you are at or your journey in these two areas (yes, this also takes time and vulnerability as well as a listening ear).  Once you know where they are at, you can decide to groom them (keep them around) or broom them (show them the door).  Finally, if they have the first two M's be sure to support your team and give them the latest technology, tools and methods to SUCCEED WILDLY

Nothing Is Impossible

(this blog written at Maidenwood Lodge, WI - I recommend a visit)

Nothing is impossible...

(You'll get the most out of this short blog if you read slowly, ponder & think.)

"Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible.  But with God everything is possible." - Matt 19:26

"Take delight in the Lord and He will give you your heart's desires." - Ps 37:4

Please read these 12 verses (I Sam 14:6-17):  Link to these verses  I'm encouraged by Jonathan's faith and attitude:  "Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord.  He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few."

What is it that you want/desire?

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want." (Ps. 23:1)

Yet, we are directed to KEEP ON ASKING by Jesus Christ Himself...  "Keep on asking and you will be given what you ask for.  Keep on looking and you will find.  Keep on knocking and the door will be opened.  For everyone who asks, receives.  Everyone who seeks, finds.  And the door is opened to everyone who knocks."

I encourage you to submit all your wants and desired to God and to KEEP ON ASKING.

Q1:  What is one thing you want to keep asking for?
Q2:  Do you believe God can/will answer?  Why or why not?

Good Friday

Hello friends and faithful readers.

I went to church tonight.  Good Friday.  I think I've decided that between Christmas, Easter and Good Friday that Good Friday is my favorite.  Why you ask?  Because for me, Good Friday church is an intimate invitation to enter into His world and imagine what it might have been like to walk His steps.  Good Friday church services are generally quieter and reflective.  What would it be like to have been there?  Confusion and wonder I'll bet.  What is it like from our vantage point, knowing His plan for our salvation?  I still don't get it completely and I may never while still on this earth.  That's one thing that makes Grace what it is but one thing I do know...  I will respond by slowing down and resting in Him.  He is God after all (not me).  That is my prayer for you as you read this, that you will hear and feel God calling you to rest in him.

I'll leave you with a video link or just the lyrics below.  Take your pick.

"The Wonderful Cross"

When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from his head, his hands, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all

Who Are We?

Good day!

It's hard to believe that half of the first month of 2016 is already over!  Only 11.5 months to go and we'll be another year older and reflecting on 2016 as history as we look to 2017.  I was encouraged by an e-mail from a friend Nic and I wanted to post it here.

It is from "Who We Are" that we live and move and have our being (see Acts 17:28) so this is a reminder (courtesy of my friend Nic).  I encourage you to slow down and soak in these verses, don't let them roll like water off a ducks back, but let them penetrate and be your anchor as you succeed in 2016!!!

So who are we?

God tells us:

We are TRULY RIGHTEOUS and PERFECTED

Gal 4:6-7 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son. And since you are a son, you are also an heir.

1 Thes 5:5 For you are all sons of light, sons of the day.

2 Cor. 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come the old has gone, the new is here!

Heb 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

We have FRIENDSHIP with God and are not merely servants

John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing: but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

WE have POWER AND AUTHORITY here, now, in this life

Matthew 28:18 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, go therefore!

Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy.

Matthew 16:19 …Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

1 John 5:4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.

Rom 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

2 Cor 2:14 Thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph

Isa 54:17 No weapon formed against you will stand

Prov 28:1 The Righteous are as bold as a lion.

Ps 112:6 The Righteous will never be shaken.

Rom 5:17 Those who receive the free gift of righteousness will reign in life.

We are FREE from the law and free from sin

Rom 8:2 For the law of the spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Rom 6:18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness

Rom 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin..

We are elevated to the status of heir

Rom 8:17 If children, then heirs – heirs of God and join heirs with Christ

We are laborers, together WITH God

1 Cor 3:9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

We have been established, anointed, and have been sealed by God

2 Cor 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

We are chosen by God, we are Holy, We are a royal priesthood, we are God’s special possession, we are dearly loved

Col 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

1 Pet 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praise of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

15 Minute Marriage Check-up

So you're married.  Maybe it's been hard.  Maybe it's been easy.  Probably a mix.
Whether you are in a good spot of a challenging spot, I have good news for you:  You and your spouse have the power to win or lose in marriage.  Sure stress and life situation (finances, moving, children, etc.) impact us and our marriages but we all know that an awesome partner in the dumps or in the joys of life can make all the difference.  As Paul says in Phil 4:12, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation."  So let us invest in a "15 Minute Marriage Check-up"...

Think back to dating/engagement.  What were you most excited for?  Why did you want to marry this person?  What were your hopes & dreams?  What were their hopes and dreams?
If you remember your hopes and dreams, but not theirs, why not?  Do you know your partners hope and dreams today?  

Talking about hopes and dreams, can be intimidating for the asker and the answerer.  Yikes, that's a big deal, can I change my answers?!?!?  In my marriage, we regularly connect on a much shorter time frame.  It might be a free evening or a Saturday afternoon and I'll ask, "What are your hopes and dreams for today?"  Try that for starters.

One last reminder before our 15 minutes is up:  ACTIVE LISTENING (a review).
This can be hard, but after a little practice, it can be easy and very rewarding.  Here's the key to active listening:  you, your opinions, feelings, judgement, thoughts are NOT a part of active listening (they can come later after you are done listening).  As Covey says, "Seek first to understand; then to be understood".  Think of it like, watching a moving, putting yourself in their shoes and trying to understand how they feel.  Here's a little practice:  "Sharing Your Wish List".  Independently write down 2-3 things you wish there were more of or less of in your marriage.  Then take turns with the two roles below:

Speakers Role:
1) Share your wish.  Start with "I wish..."  Ex.  I wish we'd go on at least one airplane vacation a year.
2) Share how it would make you feel if your wish came true.  Ex. I'd feel refreshed and connected with you.  

Listeners Role:
1) Repeat the wish you heard.  "So what I hear you saying is..."
2) AND how this would make them feel.  "And you would feel ____ if your wish came true"

Note:  The practice of active listening can be applied discussing hopes and dreams or in the middle of a heated discussion.  USE THIS ALL THE TIME!!!

OK, so if you've read this and it's nothing new and you've got an awesome marriage, GREAT!!  Thank God.  And thank you for reading.  Please share this with someone else and spread the wealth; a co-worker, friend, parent, etc.  Thank you.

Thinking About Heaven

Pondering this morning, so I thought I'd share.
Ponder with me...

So how does one plan for heaven and spending eternity with God?  What will it be like?

It's hard to imagine because we're such doers here on earth, but after we die, after we're reunited with our maker we will have...

New bodies:  no sickness, injury, disease.
No worries about money, time, returning phone calls, catching up with friends, staying out of the rain, eating healthy, holes in jeans, dirty windows, rust & moths, etc.

What will "projects" be like in heaven?  I love projects, planning, doing, admiring the finished work and resting.  Will I be able to do that in heaven?

What about thinking, pondering, strategizing, planning, creation, art?  Will those things have a place in heaven?

Traveling.  Now this is one that I imagine we will have in heaven.  Maybe that's just because for me, I see God is the splendor of His creation and feel united/at peace with my maker.  I haven't been to the Grand Canyon (it's on my bucket list) but I imagine experiences such as "hiking in the Grand Canyon" to be a part of heaven.  I also imagine, hanging around the campfires and a good nights rest with a scrumptious breakfast to be part of heaven.  We won't need/have to sleep, but as God rested on the 7th day, I believe in heaven we will expend energy and enjoy rest.

I don't have answers to all of these questions, but I think it valuable that we ponder them and spend time thinking about heaven (Col 3:2).  In fact, as we ponder this question, let us ponder what Christ taught us:  He says (Matt 6:10) that we should pray "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven."  There are 2 key implications from these words:  #1--We can screw it up...  #2--We can make it happen...  #1 is pretty obvious:  We can, by our choices, disobey God (put ourselves first, be selfish, pretend that we are God, etc.).   Is #2 equally as obvious?  That we CAN obey God completely and spend our lives loving one another (John 13:34-35 & Matt 22:37-40) and make Earth like Heaven?  I believe that is true.  I think it's valuable to ponder and think about what Heaven will be like and then, obey God and bring that abundant life (John 10:10) here as much as we can!

Your thoughts?

PS  Here's one stop on my Grand Canyon trip.  :)

On Contentment...

Contentment, an interesting and relative topic.  Come, let us ponder...

What makes one more or less content?  Paul writes in Phil 4:12 "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."  What is the secret that Paul has learned?  The answer might be in Phil 3:8, but for the sake of pondering and thinking, I will continue...

Let's start with the definitions...
Contentment (n):  a state of happiness and satisfaction
Content (adj):  in a state of peaceful happiness

Is being content a function of external factors or an internal decision that we make make (possibly driven by the feelings/emotions)?  I've heard that "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it" and if that's true, then I'd say we have the power to make the decision.  This may be easier said than done...

So when we are not content, what is really going on?  Media, society, our neighbors, friend or coworkers are sending the message, "you will be happier if you..." "You can't be happy/satisfied with...".  Media is quite direct because they do not want you to be satisfied, but to go out and buy their product or service so you can be happy and satisfied. Others, often send the message unintentionally which further supports the fact that it's our choice how we react/respond to the message.  Often we take it at face value and agree, quickly forfeiting our peace and satisfaction.  Is it worth it?  Did we count the cost?  In return we get want, motivation for more, etc. (not a good trade in my opinion).  What if we could celebrate and be genuinely happy for them. Be inquisitive and interested not in the vein of learning so you can achieve too, but just out of interest and excitement for your friends happy windfall or experience.

So here's a few questions to ponder and think about...
1) Am I content? Why or why not? What impacts my contentment level?  In what areas am content? ln what areas am I not content?
2) Review these areas with the perspectives above.  Any changes?
3) How might you change or do things differently going forward.

Disclaimer: Being content, does not mean that you don't give 110% and work hard to achieve goals. Do not use "I'm content" as an excuse for laziness.