Smile

My son and I did something last night that we rarely do, we went shopping...at the mall! You want to talk about a couple of ducks out of water! We literally had to consult with the mall directory three times to find our way around.

Anyway, I noticed while walking around that many people seemed very rushed. Many also seemed unhappy. I thought how sad this is. Then I realized that this describes me many times when I am stressed and rushed. I know I need to chill out and enjoy the season, but sometimes I just keep making it more difficult than it needs to be and I miss many opportunities to simply smile.

This morning I was reading The Blade and there was an article by Tom Walton about clever T-shirt sayings which made me smile. I thought I would share some of them here so your Monday can start off with a smile like mine did.

"I'm not bossy, I just know what you should be doing."
"Obey gravity … it's the law."
"What if the Hokey-Pokey really is what it's all about?"
"You're starting to make sense. It's time to up my medication."
"I'm not a waitress, but I play one at home."
"Do I look like I'm kidding?"
"Jenius."
"They say I have A.D.D. but they just don't … oh look! A chicken!"
"Keep staring at me. I may do a trick."
"I'm still HOT, it just comes in flashes now."
"Nothing ruins good parenting like teenagers."
"Instant human-Just add coffee."
"What is the speed of dark?"
"Bad spellers? Untie!"
"I'm actually quite pleasant - until I wake up."
"Sometimes I wonder, why is that beer truck getting bigger? Then it hits me!"
"Still young enough to know everything."
"Always being right is an awesome responsibility."
"I childproofed my house, but they still get in."
"Organized people are just too lazy to look for things."
"Ever considered being a mime?"
"Take my advice. I'm not using it."
"Why be difficult? With a little more effort, you can be impossible."

There. Now you're ready to tackle your week...with a smile!

Are You Listening?

Yesterday I spent some time with someone I have known for a long time discussing Truth At Work. Gary is an extremely successful insurance agent and expert on sales (in fact he does a lot of sales training). He is someone I look up to and respect a great deal. I have always enjoyed being with him.

I left our meeting feeling really good. As I reflected on our time together, I was wondering what it was about Gary that makes me feel this way every time I am with him.

I realized that he is an excellent listener. He doesn't talk much about himself and he is always very interested in me when we are together. That's probably why I always feel so good when I am around him. I guess that also explains why he is so good at what he does!

My dear brothers, take note of this; Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19

Unity

Robbie (my son) and I attended the University of Toledo vs. UMass basketball game last night in the newly renovated Savage Arena. All I can say is "Wow!"

Wow, because of the game, won by UT on a tip in as the final buzzer sounded.

Wow, because of the neat pre-game ceremony in which my former coach had the court dedicated in his name. It will now be called "Bob Nichols Court."

And wow, because of the incredible new facility. Savage Arena is a beautiful venue and it is something that all of Toledo can be proud of. It has to be one of the nicest arenas in the Midwest. And it all took about 9 months to complete.

That is amazing. As I was sitting there last night taking it all in, I was struck by how quickly all of this was completed. There were many involved in this project from donors to volunteers to contractors. There could not have been any dissension in the ranks for a project of this magnitude to be completed in such a short time.

I was reminded of the great power of unity.

"I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

John 17:23

What's In You?

This is pretty cool. I encourage you to take a couple of minutes and check this video out.

The Stethoscope.

The Magic Pill

Tom Ziglar, Zig's son, recently wrote this regarding how to truly improve:

It seems that when it comes to improvement, almost everyone is searching for the Magic Pill. Give me something I can take, something that I don’t have to think about or even believe in, that will work. And it better be a “one and done” Magic Pill, because if you are talking about commitment or work, don’t even talk to me.

The truth is, the Magic Pill does exist, but unfortunately it is not a pill. It’s called accountability. Crazy as it sounds, being held accountable to what you have committed to do actually works! The problem is, if you agree to being held accountable, that means you have agreed to Personal Responsibility. Yikes! Now that is completely out of the question! How can you actually suggest that people should take Personal Responsibility for what they have agreed to do?

That is a great question.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the Truth At Work roundtable groups that have started in NW Ohio and SE Michigan. These groups are extremely powerful because each member, in essence, has a built in board of directors who can advise them in their business and personal lives.

One of the most powerful parts of these roundtable meetings is the accountability portion. Each member shares one thing he/she would like to start doing or stop doing in their personal lives and in their business. Then a fine is determined for each. So, if they are not able to accomplish their goal, they must pay a fine (or some other penalty) which goes into a fund that will be given away at the end of the year.

Have you ever had a goal to lose weight? Have you ever told someone else that goal? If you did, I bet it helped you to achieve your goal. That is why Weight Watchers is so effective.

So if you truly want to change, find someone to hold you accountable.

Thankfulness In All Circumstances

We are instructed in the Bible to give thanks in all circumstances. This is not something I frequently do well. However, this past weekend was an exception for some reason (perhaps it was because it was Thanksgiving weekend).

Friday night, Connie and I were watching a movie at home with Robbie, our son. All of a sudden, all of our smoke detectors throughout the house started going off. We quickly determined there was not a fire and we disconnected each of them so they would be quiet. They are all hard-wired into our house so this isn't as easy of a task as one might think. We then changed some of the batteries thinking that might be the issue and plugged them all back in. I don't know why, but they were all quiet.

This normally would have frustrated me, but this time I said to Connie, "I am so thankful this happened right now rather than when we were out and the kids were home alone or rather than 3:00 in the morning!" And, I truly was thankful.

The next morning, Robbie and I were headed downtown to the farmer's market to pick up some apples and cider. On the way, I decided to get my car washed. We pulled in, got out of the car and went to pay as my car went through the wash. At the end of the conveyor, I saw one of the workers frantically trying to start my car, to no avail. He then quickly got some help to push my car out of the way.

My battery had died.

However, they brought a car around and jumped it for me without incident. I then took it to a nearby Battery Wholesale who determined that all I needed was a new battery (no alternator). I got that replaced and we were on our way. I told Robbie, "I am so glad that just happened."

He said, "Why is that dad?"

I said, "Had we not gone to the car wash, we would have been stuck downtown in the cold with a dead battery. This worked out great."

I'm not sure what came over me, but I liked my attitude in these situations. If something like this can happen to me, that should give everyone hope.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thankfulness

A young man named John received a parrot as an early Christmas gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity.

John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to 'clean up' the bird's vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and shoved him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute.

Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said, "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued............”May I enquire as to what the turkey did?”

Before any of you start wondering if a similar tactic will work on your children, I want to remind you that we all have so much to be thankful for. I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Unselfishness

One thing that seems non-existent in big-time sports anymore is taking one for the team. What I mean is, it is rare to see someone who is not only about themselves. Most players on TV are doing some sort of celebratory dance to draw attention to themselves.

That’s one of the reasons I am a huge fan of Todd Boeckman.

Boeckman, Ohio State’s senior quarterback was first team All Big Ten last year (his first as a starter). He led the Buckeyes to a birth in the BCS national championship game against LSU. He played very well most of last season but his performance slipped a little in the last couple of games.

Much was expected of him this season. He was supposed to lead the Buckeyes to their third straight national championship game. However, that was not to be.

An early season drubbing at the hands of USC changed all that. Boeckman did not have a stellar performance and the following week was replaced by Freshman Terelle Pryor.

Expectations would be that Boeckman would complain and throw a fit because he was being benched. Boeckman, one of the team’s captains didn’t do that however. He supported Pryor and said that he understood why Coach Tressel made such a move.

Was he upset on the inside? I’m sure he was. Did he want to be playing? You bet.

But, he put the well being of the team ahead of his own. Very classy.

And, he comes in at the end of Ohio State’s victory over Michigan to throw a picture-perfect touchdown pass. Great stuff! What a great way to end your career!

In my book, Todd Boeckman is MVT – Most Valuable Teammate.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3

Working to Glorify Him

Reggie Bush, the star running back for the USC Trojans and now the New Orleans Saints made it fashionable to write something on your "eye black" stickers. Many players wear these to cut down on glare from the sun and I believe many wear them simply to be cool. Bush used to write his area code of his home town on his and many players have begun to do the same thing.

On Saturday in Ohio State's lopsided win over arch-rival Michigan, James Laurinaitis, the Buckeye's star linebacker also had something written on his eye black stickers. He had "John" on one and "17:1" on the other.

John 17:1 says, After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that Your Son may glorify You."

Two months ago I was asked to speak to a leadership bible study group in Toledo. While there I met a young man who is involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Ohio State. He shared with me that James Laurinaitis is one of a handful of players who rarely miss a meeting and he said he is on fire for Christ. He said he is the real deal.

This is so refreshing. So, to me, Laurinaitis was saying that he wanted his play to glorify Christ on Saturday. How cool is that? Let's let what we do glorify Him today!

Pride Before The Fall

Many of you know that I am a huge Ohio State football fan. I was born in Columbus while my Dad was in dental school there and I think I was dropped on my head, so I'm a little brain damaged about the Buckeyes.

Tomorrow they will play Michigan for the 105th time. It is the greatest rivalry in sports. This year is a little strange because Michigan is struggling and has the most losses (8) they have ever had in program history. The Buckeyes have also under-achieved this year but at nine wins and two losses, they are heavy favorites (20 1/2 points).

I have talked to many Michigan fans and a few Ohio State fans who think this is going to be a blowout and that Ohio State is going to win big. I don't feel this way. I hope they are right, but I believe it is going to be much closer than everyone says. In this rivalry game, anything can happen.

I remember in 1996, Ohio State was beating everyone by an average of something like 30 points a game. They appeared unstoppable. That year they were an 18 point favorite over Michigan. Michigan won.

In the mid to late 80s, Earle Bruce was coaching his last game for the Buckeyes and they were heavy underdogs playing in Ann Arbor. Ohio State won.

In 1969, Bo Schembechler was coaching the Wolverines in his first Ohio State, Michigan game and his team was a huge underdog. This was perhaps Woody Hayes' best Buckeye team he had ever coached. Michigan won.

In this game, the record books can be thrown out. Anyone can win. That's one of the reasons this is such a great rivalry. I hope the Buckeyes aren't too sure of themselves!

The Bible even weighs in on this topic in Proverbs 16:18:

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

Go Bucks!

Patience

A good friend of mine, Rich called me on his way home from work the other day. He was as excited as I have ever heard him. His boss had just resigned.

This may seem like it's not a big deal...but in this case, it is a huge deal.

Several months ago Rich was sharing how awful it was to be working for this particular person. He mentioned that his situation was very similar to what I went through that led me to write Bleedership, Biblical First-Aid for Leaders. The fact he needed to deal with a boss like this was awful and I could definitely relate.

I suggested he go to the board of directors to see about having him removed. He said others had suggested that as well but that didn't feel right to him. He said he was just going to bide his time and possibly look for other employment. He said this was really tough, though because he loves where he works.

Well, his patience obviously paid off. Rich followed his convictions and didn't try to take things into his own hands. He let God deal with it and he has now been blessed for it. Thanks for the great example Rich!

Getting the Best From Others

Yesterday I shared with you some insights from John Maxwell on why the great leaders are great leaders. In a nutshell, John said the best leaders give their best to their people and they get the best from their people. Today John shares how the best leaders get the best from those on their team:

The Best Leaders Get the Best from Their People By...

1) LISTENING
The smartest leaders realize the limitations of their wisdom, and they listen to their people in order to capture invaluable insights. However, leaders don't just listen to gain knowledge, they also listen to give their people permission: permission to challenge the process, permission to test assumptions; and permission to take risks. Nothing turns off an up-and-coming leader like the deaf ear of a superior. The best leaders don't simply listen to incoming ideas; they proactively draw them out of their people. They listen actively, not passively.

2) RELATING
Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. To touch a heart, a leader has to be open to disclosing his or her identity by sharing personal stories and owning up to professional weaknesses. Mysterious or aloof leaders may be successful decision-makers, but they won't get the heartfelt loyalty that comes from authentic relationships.

As simple as it sounds, making a person feel known correlates powerfully to their job satisfaction. In fact, Patrick Lencioni lists anonymity as one of the top indicators of a miserable job. Leaders dignify their people by studying their interests, learning about their families, and finding out their hobbies. Conscious of the power of connection, the best leaders refuse to be barricaded inside of an office, and they take responsibility for relating with others on a regular basis.

3) TEACHING
Gifted teachers have a way of making students out of disinterested bystanders. The best leaders have an infectious thirst for knowledge, and they take pride in cultivating knowledge of their craft and awareness of their industry. A leader's teaching ability depends upon ongoing personal growth. As Howard Hendricks said, "If you stop growing today, you stop teaching tomorrow."

4) DEVELOPING
The best leaders understand the differences between training people for tasks and developing people to be better leaders.

Training
Focus is on the job
Adds value to specific things
Helpful for a short time
Changes a performance

Developing
Focus is on the person
Adds value to everything
Helpful for a lifetime
Change the performer

The best leaders view their people as appreciable assets and prioritize investing in the talent on their teams.

5) MOTIVATING
After one of my presentations, an audience member approached me who was visibly indignant about my speech. "Why is motivation last on the list?" he demanded. "Well," I replied, "because if you listen, relate, teach, and develop your people, then they will be motivated!"

Sustained motivation comes by creating the right environment for your people and by doing the right things consistently to nurture them. Consider a flower. It cannot grow in the Arctic; it requires a climate conducive to growth. Yet, even in the right environment, the flower must be planted in hospitable soil, exposed to sunlight, watered, and freed of weeds.

REVIEW
The Best Leaders Give Their Best to Their People by...1. Growing 2. Serving 3. Modeling
The Best Leaders Get the Best From Their People by...1. Listening 2. Relating 3. Teaching 4. Developing 5. Motivating

Why The Best Leaders Are The Best Leaders

One of my favorite authors on leadership is John Maxwell. I recently received something from him that was very good so I thought I’d share it with you:

From 1996 to 2007, manager Joe Torre led the New York Yankees to the playoffs every year - winning an astounding 17 series in the post-season. Over those same 12 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers did not win a single playoff series. This past season, Torre departed New York to coach the Dodgers. The result? The Dodgers won their first post-season series in 20 years, while the Yankees missed the playoffs altogether. Ask Yankees and Dodgers fans, and they will tell you that Joe Torre's leadership matters. However, they may not be able to tell you exactly why Joe Torre is an excellent leader.

What's true of the fans in New York and Los Angeles is true for many of us. We experience the effects of leadership without understanding the cause. In this article, I hope to make plain why the best leaders are the best leaders. In a nutshell, remarkable leaders give their best to their people, and get the best from their people. Let's look at how this happens.

The Best Leaders Give Their Best to Their People By...

1) GROWING
People naturally follow leaders they respect as being more advanced than they are. For this reason, personal growth is directly proportional to influence. If you desire to gain followers, then pay the price of getting better.

To give people your best, you have to elevate your leadership capacity. Consider the metaphor of walking up a narrow staircase - you can only go as fast as the person in front of you. When leaders stop growing, they quit climbing and impede the progress of everyone following them. However, when leaders grow, they ascend the stairs and create space for those behind them to climb higher. Personal growth involves challenging yourself, and pushing beyond the realm of comfort. When is the last time you did something for the first time? How long has it been since you felt in over your head?

2) SERVING
"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."~ Albert Einstein

Serving others is an attitude issue. Unfortunately, many leaders operate under a king-of-the-hill mentality. They attempt to pull down anyone above them in order to secure the top spot for themselves. In doing so, they clutch at power, grapple for control of company resources, and strive to dominate others. Seeing relationships as win-lose propositions, they ultimately burn bridges and isolate themselves.

The best leaders take an entirely different approach. Rather than dragging down anyone who threatens their position, they extend a hand to lift the performance of teammates and coworkers. They function with a mindset of abundance as opposed to an attitude of scarcity, and they wield their influence to prop others up rather than to elevate themselves. Over time, they are honored for the contributions they have made to the lives around them.

All leaders serve. Sadly, some serve only themselves. Serving is a motives issue, and the crux of the matter boils down to a simple question: "Who?" Does a politician serve the public or his pocketbook? Does a CEO serve to benefit her shareholders or to support her lifestyle? The best leaders set a tone by serving and prove they are deserving of being out in front.

3) MODELING
Growing leaders have something to share; serving leaders have something to give; modeling leaders have something to show. As V.J. Featherstone said, "Leaders tell, but never teach, until they practice what they preach." The best leaders embody their values. Their passion exudes from every pore and demands respect.

Good stuff huh? Wednesday I will share with you the second half of this article which shows how the best leaders get the best from their people.

Extreme Comfort Zones

Jackie, center, and Aaron Frisch, and family and friends watch

the building of their home on TV at Whitmer High School.

I am so proud of two people this morning.

First, my daughter Molly. For whatever reason, she has been apprehensive about getting a job. Yesterday, she had an interview which apparently went well. As she was walking to her car in the parking lot afterwards, she received a call saying that she was hired. Way to go Mol!

Also yesterday, my wife, Connie and I attended a party for the Extreme Home Makeover project which was done in Toledo in September and aired nationally on ABC last night. It was a very cool night.

As I sat there watching it, I reflected back to a lunch I had with Tim Schlachter, a good friend of mine and Truth At Work member. Tim is co-owner of Buckeye Real Estate Group. He was telling me about a phone call he received from ABC, I believe the day before our lunch, asking him if he would consider heading up the project. Without hesitating, Tim said yes which surprised ABC.

This wasn’t just some token position which would allow Tim to be on national TV, this required a monumental effort to pull this off. He had to raise all the funds for the building of this 5,000 square feet house, put a volunteer crew of 4,000 people in place, schedule that crew, level an old house and build a new one in less than seven days. I am sure this made Tim a little uncomfortable. But, they pulled it off…and they did it very well!

Because Molly broke through her comfort zone, she can now be used by God in her new workplace and I am convinced she will be blessed.

Because Tim chose to do the uncomfortable and risky thing, he was used by God in an amazing way and his leadership has helped to change our city.

That is why I am so proud of Molly and Tim. It takes courage to break out of your comfort zone, but they both chose to do that and that is when growth happens.

So the question is…what are you going to do this week to break out of your comfort zone?

Ownership

Last night, Connie and I attended a meeting at CrossRoads, our church. This meeting was one of three we could attend and it was called by our new lead pastor, Dean Angell.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss where we are going as a church. Dean began by sharing some of what God has been speaking to him over the past six months and then he asked us to write down and share some of what we envisioned. We had over 150 people in attendance and at first I thought it would be tough for Dean to keep everyone on task, but he did a great job.

I wanted to share this today because I believe Dean presented a tremendous model for any leader to follow when casting a vision.

I used to think that as a leader, you were supposed to come down off the mountain like Moses and announce to the people that we are going in this direction. What I have found is that type of leadership doesn't work anymore. You must get ownership...and that is what Dean did last night.

I believe last night's meeting (and the other two upcoming meetings) was a defining moment in our church's history. I believe everyone in attendance last night felt heard, felt that they matter and they felt as if they are a part of what God is doing in our body of believers.

What a great model to follow!

1. Wait on God (and purposely listen for Him)
2. Present your vision
3. Ask for feedback and listen to others (transfer ownership)
4. Adjust where necessary
5. Go forward
6. Repeat

The Power of Accountability

Yesterday, we had our first Truth At Work roundtable meeting in Toledo. It was incredible! In this group we have 10 executives who want to grow their businesses and grow in their walk with Christ.

We meet for four hours once per month and each member pays a fee to be a part of this group so this is a major commitment. Part of our time together was spent in telling everyone what our one personal and business goal was for the month...that one thing we absolutely want to get done this month at home and at work.

As we went around the room, it was cool to see what each person was saying. Some said they wanted to go on a date or two with their spouse. Others wanted to exercise 6 times per week for 30 minutes. Some wanted to have some tough conversations with an employee that they had been putting off. All lofty goals.

Here is where this is a little different. At the end of that time, we told each of them that if they don't accomplish their goal before our next meeting, they will need to pay $100 into our "giving fund" (will be given away to worthy causes periodically). Let me ask you this. Do you think each of their goals are more likely to be done knowing they are truly being held accountable? Of course they will!

So why is this important? Because most of us need accountability to change.

I recently read in Fast Company Magazine titled Change or Die. In the article they cited a study in which patients with severely clogged arteries were told they needed to change their diet and begin exercising or they would die soon. Seems like pretty good motivation right? Not so.

According to studies, only 1 in 10 (10%) of those told this news did anything about it. Can you imagine that? Being told you are going to die unless you change and yet still not changing. We all fall into this.

However, they did a study with 333 patients and they put them into a group that helped to support them and hold them accountable. You know what happened? 77% of the participants changed their eating and exercise habits!

That is the power of accountability. If you truly want change to happen, find a way to be held accountable!

Watch Your Mouth!

This past weekend, my family and I headed west to Chicago for the weekend. We spent Friday in Chicago and Saturday we braved the cold temperatures and attended the Ohio State versus Northwestern football game.

The Buckeyes played well and won 45-10. We had a blast.

Later that evening we were watching the local news who were discussing the game. Two different sportscasters stated that Ohio State showed poor sportsmanship by “running up the score.” They claimed that they did this because they ran a fake punt on 4th down and 2 with nine minutes to go and they were leading by 21 points.

I was amazed at what I was hearing. I then thought about all the people who were watching this who did not see the game and how their minds would be swayed into thinking this was the truth simply because it was said from a “trusted” source.

I know that OSU did not run up the score for the following reasons:
1) Coach Jim Tressel doesn’t have a “run up the score” bone in his body
2) The Buckeyes were up 21 points in and were playing in weather conditions that were anything but perfect. With 9 minutes to go and a couple of turnovers, Northwestern could have come back. Sure, this was not probable, but it was not impossible.
3) OSU’s offense has been anemic much of the season and Coach Tressel was probably trying to build confidence for the stretch run.

I bring all this up because we need to be careful what we say. Whoever came up with the slogan “Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me” was wrong. Words can be damaging.

So let’s watch what we say!

Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Psalm 141:3

Encouragement

Once ever two weeks or so, I have breakfast with a great friend and we help to hold each other accountable in certain areas of our lives. We eat at the same diner each time and are usually served by the same two waitresses.

This morning we were greeted by Wendy who was obviously not in a good mood. In fact, she was pretty mean which was not like her.

So when she brought our food to us, we told her that we were going to ask God to bless our food and that we wanted to pray for her. We then asked her how she would like to be prayed for. She told us and we did pray for her.

She came back about 10 minutes later and told us that she really appreciated the prayer and she said she was feeling much better. It was apparent to us that her mood had been lifted.

Her mood was more than likely improved because of the following two reasons:
1. God touched her heart and brought her peace as a result of our prayers
2. She was touched and encouraged that someone would actually pray for her.

This was a great lesson to me about how powerful it can be to ask if you can pray for someone, especially when they are down. Try it today, it might just be the encouragement someone needs!

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Quotes

I am a huge fan of great quotes. I have been collecting them for years and have several file folders filled with them. I'm not sure why, but I do.

I recently received a link to a short movie which shares some quotes from some of the great leaders of the past and I thought it would be appropriate to share since we just elected our next leaders in this country. May each of these new leaders learn from those in the past and share their wisdom as others have!

To watch the movie, click here and then click on the purple box. Enjoy!

Calm as a Cat

This is a picture of one of our two cats, Frisco, aka "Fat Cat." Both of our cats do some crazy things that keep us laughing and they are a lot of fun. However, almost every morning they can be pretty annoying as they do a great job of waking us up so they can get fed. Thankfully, most times it is right around the time my alarm goes off which was the case this morning at 5 AM.

As I went downstairs to start my routine (feeding them, working out, quiet time with God) I was struck by how normal this morning was. The cats were acting exactly the same as they have just about every other morning. To them, they are going to have a great day with no anxiety...life is good...they are getting fed.

I thought about how different that is for many people who are waking up this morning with fear or anxiety because of the election results. I have to admit I had a little twinge of doubt in my mind as well.

However, I believe God wants us to be like my cats. Make it a great day...life is good...God is in control!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Servant Leadership

This is a sad day for University of Toledo athletics, at least it is for me. Tom Amstutz, UT's football coach announced yesterday that he will be stepping down as UT's coach.

I am sad because Tom is a good man. His heart is as big as Texas and he truly cares for his players. However, his teams have struggled over the past several years, so in the business of football, a coach typically cannot survive that.

In the Toledo Blade this morning I found an interesting quote which sums up why I believe Coach Amstutz was such a good leader. Aaron Opelt, the Rockets Junior quarterback had this to say about his coach, "He looks after us. We're number one. He doesn't think about himself, ever. It's always about us."

As a leader, wouldn't you want that said of you?

Isn't that also what we can say about Jesus?..."He looks after us. We're number one. He doesn't think about himself, ever. It's always about us."

"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave--just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:26b-28

Encouragement

In Saturday's Toledo Blade, an article appeared about Joel Osteen who was in Detroit last weekend. The popular preacher from Houston was in town speaking to a large group and promoting his wife Victoria's new book, Love Your Life.

Obviously this part of the country has been hit hard by the downturn in the economy. However, Osteen was being his optimistic self and preaching a message of prosperity which he says is very biblical.

Here are a few examples of “Osteenisms,” or words of encouragement, that Joel Osteen delivered at the Palace of Auburn Hills Oct. 24:

• “The Scripture says that God will prosper you in the desert. He said he’ll cause you to flourish even in a famine.”
• “You’ve got to believe that you can become everything God’s created you to be.”
• “I know maybe you’re thinking, ‘Well, Joel, I haven’t had a good year so far,’ but listen, you’ve got two more months left.”
• “You’ve got to get a vision on the inside. If you can see it on the inside, God can bring it to pass on the outside.”
• “It’s not enough to see it, you need to say it. What kind of words are coming out of your mouth?”
• “Every morning when I get out of bed, after I thank God for what he’s done, I just say it under my breath: ‘Something good is going to happen to me today.’ ”
• “Don’t let another day of your life go by that you’re not enjoying life. Someday may never come. You need to enjoy this day.”
• “Don’t make excuses. Make a decision.”
• “Even when it looks like there isn’t a way, God can make a way. God has a plan.”
• “God is getting you prepared and every day you’re faithful, every day you go to work and get there on time and give it your best, every day you do the right thing when the wrong thing is happening, that is a day that you’re passing the test. You’ve got to know that God has great things in your future. He is getting you prepared.”

Very good stuff! God does have great things in store for us!

Good Samaritan

How cool is this story!

I read in this morning's paper about a woman named Marilyn Mock in the Dallas area who was attending a home auction to help her son buy a house. She happened to strike up a conversation with the former owner of the home, Tracy Orr (who had been foreclosed on) who was very distraught and was attending the auction.

Marilyn was so moved by Tracy's story that she decided to buy the house so that Tracy could return to it. Orr will make payments to her once the deal is finalized.

"She needed help. That was it," Mock said. "I just happened to be there, and anybody else would have done the same thing."

Not everybody would have done the same thing. This is pretty remarkable. Thanks for being a great example Marilyn! Read the story here.

Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to everyone who had need.

Acts 2:43-45

God's Miracle

Meet Lilly. Lilly is 16 years-old and lives in Monterrey, Mexico. My good friend Ray Hilbert, the founder of Truth At Work, shared this picture with me. He was in Monterrey a couple of weeks ago working with some orphanages down there and he met Lilly.

Lilly was born at 20 weeks (full term is 40 weeks) and she is shown above holding a picture of her after her birth in the hand of her mother.

Isn't God amazing?

I do believe He has a plan for Lilly. In fact He has a plan for you and me too!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Politics Schmolotics

Like me, are you tired yet of all the political ads and accusations going back and forth? Are you worried about how the election will turn out?

I receive a weekly inspirational email from Brian Keel at Toledo YMCA corporate office. I thought I might share it here:

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. “ Romans 13:1

The quadrennial American trip though the mud is nearly over. Yes, I do mean the Presidential election, a process that seems to become more angry, divisive and hard to stomach with each go-around. Politics by its nature creates opposites...every issue has a camp for and against after all. But more and more that difference of opinion on issues quickly leads to anger, harsh words and attacks on a person’s very character.

I believe the verse above is clear. We are called to submit to, or show respect for, those who are elected to lead us. Just a few days ago Sen. Obama from Illinois showed up unannounced at the YMCA branch attached to our corporate offices for a morning workout. I disagree with the Senator on a variety of economic, political and social issues. But he had come to our facility not to discuss policy, but rather for a quick strengthening of the spirit, mind and body. And so I took the opportunity to observe him in a candid moment, to see him accept an offer of prayer from our YMCA pastor and even to shake his hand. In a few weeks he might be elected to lead our country and whether we agree with that decision or not, we must show respect to the office. I did it...it’s not as hard as you think…..

Those are great words.

In addition to this, the result of this election is really in God's hands. And as I shared last week, He works everything out for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28 paraphrased). The bottom line is that God is in control. Why worry if He has it taken care of?

I have heard it said, if you are going to worry, why pray? If you are going to pray, why worry? I would suggest we pray!

Peace

Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I was struggling. I was about as stressed as I have ever been. It seemed like the weight of the world was on my shoulders and I had spasms in my back and shoulders that didn't help.

Once a month on Wednesdays, our church has a service called New Community in which we come together for a time of worship, prayer, teaching and communion. I did not feel like going last night because I viewed it as just another "thing" to do on my long list. I wanted to simply chill out at home and try to relax.

But we went...and I am so glad we did!

God met me there in an amazing way. During the first or second song of praise I felt this unexplainable wave of peace come over me that I could never have gotten while sitting in my La-Z-Boy at home. I truly felt God's presence and I am so thankful for that!

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2

Contrarian Indicators

I used to pay a lot of attention to the stock market. I actually used to study it and try to pick stocks just as they were breaking out and hopefully going upward. It was kind of a hobby of mine. Those times are long gone for me as I just couldn't keep up with it as too many other things became more important.

However, one thing I remember very well. That is a contrarian indicator. Investor's Business Daily had several key indicators they used to show when a stock was worth buying. One of them was the overall health of the market. They showed over the course of history that when optimism in the market was very high, that is when markets crashed and conversely, when it is very low, that is when markets did very well. In other words, the crowd is always wrong in investing (as is the case in much of life).

I am not trying to give investment advice and I certainly would not recommend anyone buying stocks right now. What I am saying is that I am optimistic. From a worldly standpoint, all this fear is good for the market. From a Christian perspective, I believe all this is good also (in fact I know God will use it for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose - Romans 8:28 paraphrased).

I read an interesting article this morning in which the author had this to say about our uncertain times:

So why am I hopeful? Because I believe the coming years are going to reveal some pernicious weeds in our culture for what they are. One of the characteristics of weeds is that they suck up resources from other plants. They are quick-growing, quick-spreading, invasive. They do not coexist with the other plants in the garden, they overtake them. Kudzu is a weed not because it is unattractive in its own way or even has no rightful place in the ecosystem, but because it grows over and chokes out other valuable and beautiful things. Weeds are, as every gardener knows, the easiest thing to grow.

And I believe the fundamental weed in the American garden is, in fact, ease. Easy-ness. Effortlessness. Along with the incredible benefits of the rise of technology has been this terrible weed: the idea that things should be easy. The Staples office-supply chain has profited handsomely selling the ultimate symbol of our times: a plastic button that does absolutely nothing but is great fun to push, labeled "easy."

To read the rest of this story, go here.

So are you worried or fearful today? If you love God and are called according to His purpose, then be encouraged by Romans 8:28. God will work all this out for good!

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28

A Peacock in the Land of Penguins

Have you ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, like you just don't belong somewhere? You probably have at some point in your life.

If you are a leader, you probably have people on your team or in your home who feel that way right now and it's possible it has to do with your leadership style.

Check out this short video that talks about accepting others for who they are and how by doing this you will be opening up the land of opportunity for them and for you. In fact, it says that the land of opportunity begins with openness to new ideas, a willingness to listen, an eagerness to learn, a desire to grow and the flexibility to change.

I hope you enjoy!

Help!

On Saturday of this past weekend, I went out to cut down a dead limb on an old oak tree in our yard. At first I didn't think it was going to be a big deal so I leaned a ladder up against the tree and went up to survey what needed to happen. As I approached the limb, it became obvious to me that this job was going to be much bigger than I had imagined.

The limb in question was about 14" in diameter and approximately 30' long with lots of other limbs coming out of it. I realized that if I attempted this on my own, the limb could swing down and take out the ladder or fall on me and crush me, neither of which sounded good.

So, I called out my wife Connie for her perspective. She said, "Go get Mike next door and ask for his help." I found this hard to do because I just wanted to tackle this problem on my own. But, I finally relented and called Mike. Mike, filled with much more wisdom than me, took one look at the situation and said, "There is no way you should do that on your own! I'll ask my son to come take a look."

Mike's son came over with a huge boom truck and positioned a guy right above the branch and within a half an hour the limb was on the ground and cut into manageable pieces. I began stacking some of the wood and as I carried some of the little logs I realized that each piece was very heavy. Combined, the limb was probably well over 1 ton. Boy, am I glad I asked for help!

Then on Sunday during my God time, He showed me something in Nehemiah 1:4, "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." The very first thing Nehemiah did was ask for help from God. The first thing I typically do is bear down and work harder thinking that I can handle this on my own. To me, God was telling me I need to rely on Him more and seek His guidance (as Nehemiah was doing above) and quit trying to do things all on my own.

Then at church, we learned about the life of Joshua, a great leader who regularly took his "stuff" to God to get direction, guidance and help. Our pastor said that God basically says to us, "You can grind away on your own if you want or you can bring it to Me and I will help you."

So, I think God might be trying to teach me something...to rely on Him more and to go to Him first before doing anything on my own! How about you?

Joe the Plumber

I turned on the TV this morning and it seems like all I heard about was Joe the Plumber (pictured above watching last night's debate). Barack Obama was in my town the past several days and he was approached by Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber in the area, who told Obama he was trying to buy a plumbing business and asked the senator why his taxes would be going up under Obama's plan.

Mr. Obama said, in part, "It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success, too. I think that when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody."

In the presidential debate last night, John McCain used this exchange to make a point. He kept referring to "John the plumbers" around the country and how Obama's tax plan would hurt them.

Regardless of which side of the political fence you are on, you have to admire what John McCain did here. In bringing up Joe the plumber, he was attempting to show the American people two things. One, that he is listening to the needs and concerns of the people. And two, that he can communicate in an understandable way. He didn't go off on how smart he is, he simply was talking here in terms that everyone could understand. Very smart.

In our daily lives at work and at home we can learn from this. Let's listen more and not try to impress people with all we know.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19b

Quiet Time

Yesterday morning I was stressed because I had a magazine article to get written for an upcoming deadline. I also have a newsletter to write for an upcoming issue of Bleedership and I had a talk to prepare for in addition to my regular duties. I wasn't sure how all this was going to happen and I was a bit overwhelmed.

As my day ended yesterday I realized that I had a great day. It seemed like everything worked out. In fact, I not only got my article written, but I wrote another one for the next issue! I also was able to work on my talk a little bit and began formulating some ideas for my next newsletter. Everything else seemed to work out also. And...this all happened in a little more than half a day!

The first three hours I decided to spend with God, just being quiet before Him and listening to what He had to say to me. It was an incredible morning filled with God's presence and I received some direction on several things in my life.

So...I had a great day yesterday--very productive and I spent a good portion of it with my heavenly Father. I think there is a lesson there! What do you think?

"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10a

Shattered Dreams

Have you ever had your dreams shattered? Perhaps you've had dreams of retiring early only to find your portfolio isn't worth very much today. Perhaps you had dreamed of being a nurse or a doctor because you wanted to help people in need. Perhaps you had hoped to be a pastor so you could spread the news about Jesus.

All these dreams, yet here we are, not living them out...or so we think.

So what does this mean? Does this mean that the hopes and dreams we have inside of us are worthless? Absolutely not! God's plans are much better than our plans and it typically takes much time for us to look back on our situation to see that what God worked out was much better than we could have planned ourselves, even though it was not done the way we would have done it.

I came across this story recently which addresses this very well:

They were discussing their hopes and dreams when The first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a great Treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver And precious gems. I could be decorated with an Intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty.'

Then the second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take Kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. People will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.'

Finally the third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill, look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me.'

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.

When one came to the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter, and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, 'This looks like a strong tree. I will be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy Because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true.

One of the men said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one,' and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces, and left alone in the dark.The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest Treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep.

While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said 'Peace' and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the treets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, God will give you great gifts.Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined.

We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Worry

If you are like many, you may be feeling a little bit of anxiety over the world's financial situation. You may be wondering what you can do, other than worry, during these times.

If you are like me, when times get tough, you will try to "work" your way out of it. I have a tendency to try to take it all on myself and go like crazy, as if everything depends on me. All this does is stress me out and make me less productive (and less kind, less loving...) at the office and at home.

Check this short video out as it shares some great things we can do during times of trouble. Go here and click on the "Watch this movie" link.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Axioms to Grind

This summer I was fortunate to have attended the Willow Creek Leadership Summit. This was our 4th year for attending and it is something I look forward to each year.

Bill Hybels delivered a couple of messages during the two-day conference and one dealt with axioms that he and others have used in their lives to help them to make tough decisions or to steady them during turbulent times. He listed several of his axioms and the axioms of other great leaders.

Here are a few axioms from Colin Powell:

• Check your ego at the door
• Promote a clash of ideas – “Who has a contrary opinion?” – will help you make a better decision
• Reward of your best performers, get rid of non-performers – you cannot tolerate non-performance

Studying these axioms has been so powerful to Hybels that he wrote a book titled, Axiom, Powerful Leadership Proverbs.

I recently received an email with a link to a 3 minute movie that contains some other powerful axioms. Check it out here.

The Treasure Principle

For most of my life I felt that financial security was the way to find true peace. That is the way I was raised and that is what I firmly believed. It wasn't until four or five years ago that God took me through a desert experience of sorts that showed me that my one real source of peace is in my Father in heaven.

Obviously, right now is a pretty turbulent economic time. Many are very concerned about the value of their retirement accounts and their portfolios.

I am in the process of reading an excellent book which is helping me even more to put money in the proper perspective, The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. Last night I read an interesting thought regarding the power and value of giving.

Alcorn said in the book to pretend you are a visitor to this country from France and you will be here three months. During that time, you can earn money but the only thing you can't do is bring it home with you (or any of your possessions). However, you can send it ahead of you to your home in France for it to be waiting for you. What would you do?

You more than likely would send as much to your home in France as possible.

Well, that is exactly what giving is for us now. The Bible tells us we are visitors to this planet from our home in heaven. When we hold loosely that which has been entrusted to us and we give, we are in essence sending our treasures ahead of us to our heavenly home.

Any thoughts on this?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:19-21

Truth

A good friend of mine and I were talking on the phone last night. Our discussion turned to politics and the upcoming presidential election.

We talked about the fact that there is a lot of mud-slinging going on and that it seems like you can't get the straight story from any of the prime media outlets. He said that he is starting to question anything he hears from the main stream media. I could not agree more. The news seems like the above picture (stare at the picture for a few seconds)--it appears to be moving and deceptive. I feel like I cannot trust it.

In fact, I have tried to pull away from that form of news as much as I can. Sure, I want to know what's going on, but I also want to hear about it in an unbiased way.

Just one more example of the fact that the only real Truth can be found only in the Bible.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

John 8:32

Risk Taking

I have been speaking quite a bit lately to my 12 year-old son about taking risks. I don't mean doing things like sky diving or running with the bulls in Pamplona. I mean using the gifts you have been given to honor God.

My son, as do most of us, likes to sit on the sidelines in his comfort zone. He has some incredible gifts but doesn't always like to take the risk to use them. We are working on that (and I'm working on it myself).

In the latest issue of the Toledo Free Press, a story appeared featuring John Tesh and the fact that he is coming to Toledo for a concert. Tesh used to be co-host of Entertainment Tonight. Things were going great. Yet he felt drawn to do something else, to use some other gifts that God had given him.

“When I left ‘Entertainment Tonight’ is when [taking risks] began,” he said. “OK, you’re earning seven figures a year for working four hours a day, is this going to be the rest of your life when you really want to be a piano player and you really want to have a voice? It’s time to make a decision, and I think we all face that.”

John is doing well financially--maybe not as well as he was when he was on ET, but he is doing fine. But you know what? I'll bet that even if he was making a small fraction of what he once was, he would be 100 times more fulfilled doing what he was made to do. That is something you cannot put a price tag on!

Reconstruction

If I had to give you one word to describe the current state of our house right now it would be "disaster" or maybe "chaos." We have hardwood floors in our kitchen and in our front foyer. They haven't been redone in 10 years of so and they were looking pretty ragged.

We are at the tail end of having them sanded and refinished. As a result, all the stuff from our kitchen is in our dining room, living room and family room. This includes our refrigerator which proudly sits in the entry to our family room and our stove which is in the middle of our dining room.

This sort of environment stresses me out to no end. However, I do know it will be relatively and thankfully short-lived.

I was thinking this morning how this is very similar to our lives. We sometimes need some reconstruction or refinishing in certain areas of our lives. Going through that process can be painful and stressful. Yet, just like our floors, in the end the finished product will prove it is all worthwhile!

Are You a Bad Boss?

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

My boss was definitely a "bad boss." However, you don't need to be a tyrant to be in the bad boss category. On www.changingminds.org I just found an interesting article which begins like this:

As soon as the word bad boss is mentioned most people start imagining pictures of a wicked person, a crook, a tyrant, a scheming backstabbing individual, a selfish ogre, etc. And typical textbook definitions of a bad boss is one who screams, threatens, intimidates, grabs credit, fires people, throttles people’s necks and so on. While this could be true in some cases, it is not so in a large percentage of cases. Actually it is not necessary to be a wicked person at all to be called a bad boss. Ironically, a good natured or normal person can also fall under the category of a bad boss without exhibiting the standard boorish behaviors. Here are a few common mistakes good people do to slowly transform themselves into bad bosses.

To read about these mistakes go here.