Polarization! The tendency to be identified with, or be attracted towards, one of the two opposite ends of a spectrum on a given subject. To complete the analogy of using a magnetic field as a metaphor, it is possible to become so polarized on a given topic that in effect we begin to repel anyone [...]
Influence! We are all influencers! In fact I would say that everyone is influencing somebody in some way, shape, or form. Sometimes a better question to ask is, “What kind of influence am I having on others?” Sometimes I am asked the question, “How can I have more influence on those around me?” As [...]
“What is the most important command that God put forth?” a lawyer asks Jesus. "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your [...]
Keep your head on swivel! I don’t’ know about you but sometimes I can become so focused on what is taking place in front of me, I miss much of what is taking place around me. Sometimes I am so focused on what isn’t happening that I fail to see all that is happening. Sometimes, [...]
Starting something new always brings its challenges. Whether it is new vision, a new initiative, a new thought pattern, or even a new life adjustment breaking an old habit, almost anything new will encounter resistance to it becoming a reality. Most times we resist the resistance and want things to come easy for us. Couldn’t [...]
Who is driving your car? Sounds like a weird statement but as I contemplated what to write to you this morning, my first Monday Morning word of the year, that statement came to my mind. It is easy for us to blame others for the reason we are somewhere we don’t want to be. She [...]
I am on my way today to a funeral of a close friend. Once again I am face to face with the frailty of life and the importance of the relationships around you. Mark Miller, who writes a blog on leadership recently wrote something along these lines; Make sure you live your life for those [...]
Friendship! We were not created to be alone, we all need friends. Sometimes in leadership we look to others to be our friends, to reach out to us vs. us being willing to be the ones to reach out to others. Solomon said in Prov 18:24a “A man who has friends must himself be friendly…” [...]
We live in a multiplying world! Almost everything I do multiplies to a greater degree. Consider this; The more I encourage others, the more encouraging I will be. The more I love others, the more loving I become. The more I give, the more generous I will be. The more I compliment others, the more [...]
This past Aug I had the privilege of performing the marriage of my son and future daughter in law. As we came to the part of the ceremony with they exchanged rings, I lead them in giving each other the symbol of their never ending love for one other. As Duane was placing the ring [...]