Monday, July 27, 2009

Talkaholics

We had a great day today. It included several hours at the pool, a great hike at the top of a mountain with lots of laughing and family time. It even included this little guy (see below) coming up to our chalet. Cool stuff...God is good!
However, this morning started out a bit rocky. We were invited to come hear about the resort which we knew was going to be a time share presentation. As a family, we decided to accept their "bribe" of some money off at the resort plus a free breakfast. It might not have been the best decision we have made this trip.

Dawn (not her real name) was assigned to us as our salesperson. She immediately began talking and did not stop for a couple hours. I seriously fought the urge to ask her how she breathed. She talked non-stop. In fact, at one point she said that she didn't care what we thought of her or even what we did for a living. Being a salesperson myself, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. One of the first things you learn in Sales 101 Class is that you need to build rapport by listening to your prospect.

Molly, my 18 year-old daughter summed it up best, however, when she said, "You know what? As painful as that was I just tried to look at this as a learning experience so that I NEVER talk that much!" Well said!

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to get angry.
James 1:19

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Family Time

I'm in Virginia this week at an incredible resort with my family. To be honest, none of us were overly excited about this place for some reason. I'm not sure why. Some of us (my daughters) were hoping for a beach. Some for relaxation (my wife and I). From what we could tell on the resort's website, this looked like it offered neither.

However, we were pleasantly surprised. This place is awesome. We have been able to relax and even get some time at the pool with a couple of beautiful days this weekend. All around us is beauty. Mountains, trees, wildlife. In fact, this evening, we were sitting on our balcony which overlooks a ski run that is under construction when we noticed a mother deer and her three fawns.

We quickly made our way out to the ski slope to see them more closely and hopefully get some close-up pictures. We were able to do that and I even got the above shot of my daughter Molly trying to "fit in" with the deer so they wouldn't notice us. It didn't work too well but it did give us a laugh.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoy your week as my posts will probably be pretty sparse in the coming week.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Service With A Smile


A friend of mine just shared a great quote with me. Neither of us know who said it but it is pretty good. "Life is like a game of tennis. The player who serves well seldom loses." How true.

When you receive great service somewhere doesn't it make you feel important. Maybe that is why Jesus told us we are to serve. Check out this story from Mac Anderson about someone who stuck out because he went above and beyond the call of duty:

The following story was told by my friend Phillip Van Hooser, in his book titled: Willie's Way. I really like it and hope you will too.

The conversation was pleasant. Earlier in the day I had presented a service professionalism training program for the Georgia Club Managers' Association, a group of managers representing some of the finest city, athletic, golf, and country clubs throughout the state of Georgia. Now I found myself dining with nine of the most highly respected leaders in the field of club management. Somewhere between the appetizer and the salad, Manuel de Juan, general manager of the host, Capital City Club, spoke.

“Phillip, I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation today. I especially enjoyed the stories you shared to illustrate your content points. As a matter of fact, at one point during your presentation, I almost interrupted you to share one of my stories I thought you might enjoy.”
He said, “The occasion was Easter Sunday and the day found more than 500 club members and their guests crowded into the overflowing Capital City Club restaurant. As they waited to dine, a club member and his four dinner guests approached the bar where they were greeted by the head bartender, Bob, who quickly began to take and fill each drink order. Everything progressed as might be expected until one of the guests placed an order for a specialty drink.
'I would like a sazerac, please.'

'A sazerac?' Bob asked curiously. 'Sir, I'm sorry but I'm unfamiliar with that particular drink. However, if you'll share its ingredients with me, I will be happy to make you one.'

'That's the problem,' the guest explained. 'I was in New Orleans on business recently and I stayed at the Fairmont Hotel. During my visit, I went into the hotel bar and the bartender suggested I try the house specialty, a sazerac. I remember the name of the drink because it was the same as that of the bar. Anyway, I tried the drink and I loved it.

Since then though, whenever I've tried to order it in other bars around the country I always get the same response, 'never heard of it.' I was hoping a place like the Capital City Club would be different. But never mind. Don't worry about it. Just give me a Bloody Mary instead.'

Bob filled the revised drink order, and as soon as the guest left the bar to rejoin his party, Bob took his break and headed straight to the nearest telephone. He called information and requested the number for the Fairmont Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana. Once connected to the Fairmont, Bob asked for the Sazerac Bar. Within seconds, Bob was talking directly with a previously anonymous professional colleague in a bar several hundred miles away.

'My name is Bob and I am the head bartender at the Capital City Club here in Atlanta. A few minutes ago I had a gentleman order a sazerac. He told me he was introduced to it while visiting your bar. I was wondering if you would be willing to share the recipe with me so I can fill his order?'

Bob's New Orleans counterpart was happy to oblige.

Within a few short minutes, Bob confidently approached the guest's table. Imagine the guest's level of surprise, satisfaction, and sheer delight when Bob said, 'Excuse me, sir, but I have your sazerac. I hope it's to your liking. I have taken the liberty of writing down the ingredients on this index card so you can have them with you in your travels. I hope you enjoy your time here at the Capital City Club. I'm glad I had the opportunity to serve you.'

One of my favorite definitions of listening is from Jim Cathcart. He said listening is wanting to hear. And you see, Bob wanted to hear...and he did. Great service is always about wanting to hear.

Service Lesson Learned:Surprise...and delight!

"Whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all."
Jesus in Mark 10:40b

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

In God We Still Trust

I was told that this picture was not re-touched. Pretty cool, huh?

The fact that this country was built on Christian principles is why I believe God has so blessed us. It is a shame to see how these principles are slowly being eroded all in the name of political correctness.

In God we still trust!

Monday, July 20, 2009

It's The Network

Yesterday afternoon, my wife, Connie, went into our garage and was startled by a rather large black dog. It seems the dog was startled too, as it ran out the door when my wife appeared. Connie went outside and called the dog over. She came over, panting and looking for some water and some love. I got a water dish and my wife began to pet the dog who immediately turned over on her back so Connie could rub her belly. What a cool dog!

She had no collar so we didn't know who she belonged to. Connie arranged to have her kept in our neighbor's fenced-in yard and she made up a couple of signs to put at the entrance to our neighborhood and the neighborhood next to us.

Later that day, Connie was talking with Lori, another neighbor, and happened to ask if she knew of anyone who owned a black labrador. Lori did not.

Several hours later, the dog's owners were walking our neighborhood asking anyone they saw if they had seen their dog. Lori's husband was outside and told them he had not seen her. A little later, he mentioned it to Lori who immediately ran outside to tell the the dog owners who had their dog.

Mystery solved...and done so strictly through networking. Had Connie not said anything to Lori, who knows when the dog would have been found.

Just a reminder to us that:
1. We need to surround ourselves with others
2. It's OK to ask for help
3. If you have something to share, share it...whether it is something you are struggling with or really good news, like the love Jesus has for them!

Friday, July 17, 2009

A Gathering of Freakishly Tall People

This past weekend I attended a reunion of basketball players who played for Coach Bob Nichols at The University of Toledo.

I have to tell you that it was a great night. Lots of fun reminiscing and recounting stories, catching up with friends I hadn’t seen in years and just being with people I care about. A fun time!

About midway through the evening, I looked around me. Over to my side was Coach Nichols, the coach with the most wins in Mid American Conference history. He was an icon to me when I was growing up. I always thought he was the smartest basketball coach in the game (I still think that about him).

All around me were great athletes and phenomenal basketball players (plus a lot of really tall people!). Many were members of the 1,000 point club at UT, many led their teams to conference championships and several even played in the NBA. And then there was me.

Even though it has been well over 20 years since I played, I was amazed that I was a part of this group. Really. I don’t see myself as good enough to have competed at the same level with these guys.

Yes, I started my last two years at UT, but I was what you would call a role player. My job was to play good defense and grab rebounds. I certainly didn't have the talent that most had who were in attendance.

It was just another reminder to me of how blessed I am!

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Contentment

Sarah's grandson is playing in the water, while she is standing on the beach not wanting to get her feet wet, when all of a sudden a huge wave appears from nowhere and crashes directly over the spot where the boy is in the ocean. The water recedes and the boy is no longer there. He simply vanished.

Sarah holds her hands to the sky and cries, "God, how could you? Have I not been a wonderful mother and grandmother? Have I not prayed dilligently? Have I not given faithfully to you through my church? Have I not tried my very best to live a life that you would be proud of?"

Just then, another huge wave appears out of nowhere and crashes on the beach. As the water recedes, the boy is standing there, smiling, splashing around as if nothing had happened.

A loud voice booms from the sky, "I have returned your grandson. Are you satisfied?"

Sarah responds, "Well...he WAS wearing a hat."


Do you know anyone like this? Someone who never seems to be satisfied...even when they get what they want? Is this you?

One of the keys to living a life filled with joy is to find that place of contentment, even when you DON'T get what you want. This takes trust. Trust in God that He knows what is best for you. Getting to this place will please your Father...and it will make you pretty happy too!

"...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."
Philippians 4:11b

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Cocky or Confident?

Because Major League Baseball’s All-Star game is to be played tonight in St. Louis, I thought I would share a story I read in an email recently about the great Ty Cobb (of the Detroit Tigers). I find it pretty funny, although there is a great lesson we can learn from it.

No one liked Cobb – his teammates, opponents, owners or clubhouse boys; and Ty liked it that way. He sharpened his cleats, went out of the way to hurt the other guys (obviously) and was unusually cocky. And he rarely did interviews.

So when he deigned to talk to a journalist in the late 1950’s, it was a big deal. Then the question of players “today” being better than the players “back then” came up. The interviewer asked a grouchy old Ty Cobb, “What do you think you would hit if you were playing today, Mr. Cobb?”

Ty thought for a second and said, “Oh, about .285”.

A rare showing of humility from a lifetime .367 hitter. The reporter was thrown. “That’s all – really?” he stammered.

“Well”, snapped Cobb. “I am 71 years old…”

Some might view this as Cobb being confident in himself. That might be true; however, his track record is one of being pretty brash and cocky or arrogant. As a result, he was not very well liked.

This sort of prideful behavior not only doesn’t win you many friends, it also displeases our greatest Friend:

The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this; They will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:5

Monday, July 13, 2009

Dripping Pride

Drip. Drip. Drip. That was the sound that came from two of our bathroom faucets in our house. Last Wednesday, I went to the hardware store to purchase seats and springs to fix the issue. I am not the most handy guy on the planet, but I can typically do stuff like this (I have done this about 5-6 times in the past). Because of my "experience" with this issue, I figured this job would take about 15-20 minutes to fix both faucets.

When I arrived home, I put in the parts and found they were the wrong size. So...trip #2 to the hardware store.

After returning, I put in the new parts and they fit great. I then reattached the faucet, turned the water on, and...nothing. Not even a drip. So, I was very successful at stopping the drip, because now nothing came out of the faucet!

I took it apart and reassembled it...now just a slight trickle. Took it apart, put it back together, now, nothing. I repeated this countless times with no positive results.

So I gave up on that faucet and went to the other one. Same exact results.

Then my wife and 13 year-old son, Robbie, come home from a pool party our church youth group held. After explaining the situation, Robbie says to me, "What about that thingy?" He was pointing at the aerator on the end of the faucet. I said, "No, that couldn't be it since water was coming out fine before." After all, how could a 13 year-old have the answer to this "complex" problem?

After a few more tries, I became totally frustrated and gave up for the night. Because I was busy, I didn't get back to it until Saturday.

Saturday morning, I took the entire faucet apart and went to the hardware store for the third time. I asked their plumbing expert what I was doing wrong and he told me everything I was doing seemed right to him. He wished me well and sent me on my way.

So, back home I went to try it again. After a few more tries with the same result, I found myself grasping at straws. I thought I might as well take the aerator off to see if Robbie was right, as I had no other options.

Sure enough, it was totally clogged by some sediment I must have stirred up while working on it. I cleaned both aerators out and the faucets work fine now! Had I listened to Robbie from the get-go, I would have saved myself several hours of frustration.

I wondered to myself how many other instances I ignore words of advice because it is coming from someone whom I don't feel could possibly have any wisdom to share.

Bill Hybels has said several times during the Willow Creek Leadership Summit that he looks to learn from all sort of people. As a result, they have had some speakers at the Summit, who would probably surprise you...not people you would typically see at a Christian event. Hybels knows we can all learn from anyone, even if we don't agree with them about everything.

Hybels is right. We can learn from anyone...if our pride doesn't get in the way!

Thursday, July 09, 2009

For Free

Several years ago, I wrote the book, Bleedership, Biblical First-Aid for Leaders. In the book I contrast the leadership style of a tyrannical boss I had with the leadership style of some of the Bible's greatest leaders.

Two and a half years ago, I decided to offer a monthly newsletter with the same title to doctors and business owners. This is customized to their practice or business with their names at the top of each page and I also give them the option to write the last page themselves for a personal message. They offer this to their patients and employees as a way to minister to and encourage them.

I also have a version which I offer to individuals. Just this month, I decided to make this individual newsletter available for free. If you would like to check it out and begin receiving this, simply go to www.bleedership.com and take about 15 seconds to complete the form. It will then be emailed to you each month. If you ever want to discontinue, you can easily unsubscribe at anytime. I hope you are blessed and encouraged by this in some way!

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Lunch Date

Yesterday I had a great lunch date with my wife, Connie. We had a very tasty meal and some awesome conversation about what God is up to in our lives. It was very enjoyable.

I know, this seems quite unremarkable. But for me this is out of the ordinary. Especially when you look at my calendar and see that I had a lunch date with her last week also!

You see, I'm one of those people who feels like he can't play until he gets his work done. I was this way growing up too. Believe it or not, I would come home from school and finish my homework before going out to play. I know, I know...quite strange.

Once I had my work done, I found that I could play much better. I didn't have anything looming over my head. No deadlines. No pressure.

I have obviously carried this over to my life. On one hand, I believe this can be a positive trait. With me, however, I'm not so sure. I tend to get too caught up in my "to do" list and I allow myself to get stressed when things are not being checked off my list the way I would like. As a result, some relationships may suffer at the hands of my list of "have to dos." As if the world might end if I don't get them done.

I guess the key phrase above is, "the way I would like." As if it's all about me. Pretty selfish.

Well...this is one area where God is dealing with me. So, yes, going to lunch with my bride in the middle of the workday (when I still had stuff to do!) is a big deal--at least for me! And guess what? The world did not come off its axis!

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Your True Boss

You thought you had a tough job. It’s all a matter of perspective (see picture above).

One of my favorite stores in the Toledo area is Monette’s Market. They have great lunch meat and terrific fruits and vegetables. And most of the time they offer great service.

There are usually 3-4 people working behind the deli meat counter. This area is separate from the other parts of the store because they keep it pretty cold in there. Even in the summer, working several hours under those conditions would produce a good chill in one’s bones. On top of the environmental issues, many a time, those working behind the glass have to deal with rude and irate customers. There have been times that I have been waiting and have been embarrassed because of the way a customer treated one of the workers.

Yet, most of the time these workers maintain great attitudes…even under duress. In fact, they look like they are enjoying what they are doing.

I am quite confident that these people didn’t get their high school diplomas and declare, “Yea! Now I can cut deli meat!” I am sure this is not their dream job. Yet, they serve with joy.

In Colossians 3:34-34, the apostle Paul wrote about this very thing when he penned, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

The key word in my opinion in that verse is “whatever.” This means in everything we do, be it taking out the trash, changing that smelly diaper or playing with our kids.

So, do you like your job? Even if you don’t, if you can remember who your real Boss is, it might give you a different outlook and help you to serve with joy and enthusiasm.

Monday, July 06, 2009

Shaqtastic


I am a Shaquille O'Neal fan. I always have been. I think he is very funny and I think he handles his fame well. Sure he's made some mistakes, but overall I think he's a good guy.

He was recently acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers to play alongside LeBron James, also known as "the king." Many people in this situation might have come in demanding all the attention. Some might have resented LeBron and all of his fame. It seems that is not the case with Shaq.

As stated in the above clip, Shaq's "motto is very simple--to win a ring for the king." According to this statement, he sees himself as coming alongside LeBron to help him. It is also clear to me by his comments that he knows who the biggest star is on the Cavaliers...LeBron, as he had this to say, "I'm now in the security business. I'm here to protect the king."

To some, this may seem like trivial stuff. To me, I find Shaq's humility and team spirit very refreshing. Though I'm not a huge Cleveland fan, I'll be rooting for the Cavs this year.

Friday, July 03, 2009

Freedom Isn't Free


Too much in this great country of ours, we view Independence Day as just another reason to get a day off of work or to go to a party. I think we fail to realize the significance of this day in our country's history--I know I have done this.

I was planning on posting an article which was sent to me about the fate of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. The article went on to share the incredible personal cost incurred by each of them including having homes burned down and literally running for their lives. Fortunately, before posting, I snoped it and found that some of what was written in the email was true but some of it was false.

But nevertheless, I think we can all agree that the freedom we enjoy in this country was, and is not free. A heavy price has been paid and we need to be thankful for that and celebrate it.

In much the same way, our personal freedom isn't free either. Jesus paid a heavy price for you and me. We need to be thankful for that as well! (To learn more about this, go here to see a message from my good friend John Beckett).

Have a great and safe weekend!

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Ahead of God

When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him, "You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over."
Joshua 13:1

I have a tendency to be very action oriented. When I was in a sales position, if I would sell an account, I would be eager to go find the next one. I even struggle with this in everyday life. I oftentimes feel like I need to be doing something. As a result, after I complete a task, I look for the next task to do rather than resting or relaxing. This occurs way more often than I would like to admit. Pretty unhealthy.

This week I read the above verse and it really hit me. I agree, it appears to be a pretty unremarkable verse, but God really used it to speak into my life. In chapter 12 of Joshua, we learn of all the kings (31 in all) that Joshua and the Israelites had defeated and the land they had taken. Yet in the verse above, we see that God comes to speak to Joshua, apparently many years later and says that there is more land to be taken.

I found this remarkable because, had I been in Joshua's shoes, as soon as we had conquered the 31st king, just like in my sales career and in my daily life, I would have said, "OK, where is number 32? Let's go get 'em!" And, I would have been out in front of God (which I have found I'm pretty good at at times!).

But that's obviously not what Joshua did. After they conquered the 31st king, he waited on the Lord. That doesn't mean he did nothing. It doesn't mean he was lazy. But it does mean that he didn't proceed with his conquering business until God told him to. What a great example!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

A Prayer-less Leader



While I was in Hong Kong several weeks ago, I heard Allen Hood speak. He is with the International House of Prayer (aka IHOP) in Kansas City. He said something that has been rattling around in my brain for the past weeks, "A prayer-less leader is a power-less leader."

As much as I don't want to admit it, that's one of those axioms that I think is right on the money. This is an area in my life where I have not been extremely strong. However, I was convicted during my time overseas that I needed to step up my prayer life. I am doing so by continuing on with my daily time with God and adding a trip to the Greater Toledo House of Prayer once per week. This morning is my morning to go. And you know what? I am actually looking forward to it! That is a good thing for me!

"It is written," He said to them, "My house will be called a house of prayer..."
Matthew 21:13