From the In Touch devotionals (http://www.intouch.org/):
John 15:1-4
'...understand why the Lord sometimes acts as a pruning force in people's lives.
To get a plentiful crop of spiritual fruit, our heavenly Father must remove anything that distracts or deters us from serving Him. The process is often painful. I know I've cried out, "More, Lord?" when He has taken the "knife" to me. But the result is always satisfying—I am a better, more accurate reflection of Jesus Christ after God cuts away a fleshly habit or worldly attitude.
Being loved by God does not mean we will be coddled—our comfort is not His primary interest. A grower must prune an apple tree to get a bountiful harvest. In the same way, God must sometimes let us feel pain so He can bring forth greater growth and more spiritual fruit.'
Winners definitely go through the pruning process.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Principles
From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:
"Try not to become a person of success but rather a person of value."
- Albert Einstein
'There's a reason why some organizations are marked by honesty and integrity while others aren't. in either case, it's because the leader has set the tone and identified the core values for the team.
"Honesty matters more than success." "We keep our word." "We believe in serving others." Those are the principles of a good organization, principles that have been set by a leader who has modeled them in his or her life. Leaders cannot expect their organization to exemplify principles that they don't espouse themselves. And neither should they expect it from their associates.
"Winning is the only thing that matters." "Do whatever it takes to reach the goal." Those are the principles of a poor organization, and they probably reflect the values of its leader. Poor character qualities have a way of entering the organization through its leadership.
Every organization has core values. Some are negative and unproductive. Others are positive and productive. The leader decides what they will be. Leaders create the culture and ethic for the organization, and subsequently for the entire team.'
Winners identify core values.
"Try not to become a person of success but rather a person of value."
- Albert Einstein
'There's a reason why some organizations are marked by honesty and integrity while others aren't. in either case, it's because the leader has set the tone and identified the core values for the team.
"Honesty matters more than success." "We keep our word." "We believe in serving others." Those are the principles of a good organization, principles that have been set by a leader who has modeled them in his or her life. Leaders cannot expect their organization to exemplify principles that they don't espouse themselves. And neither should they expect it from their associates.
"Winning is the only thing that matters." "Do whatever it takes to reach the goal." Those are the principles of a poor organization, and they probably reflect the values of its leader. Poor character qualities have a way of entering the organization through its leadership.
Every organization has core values. Some are negative and unproductive. Others are positive and productive. The leader decides what they will be. Leaders create the culture and ethic for the organization, and subsequently for the entire team.'
Winners identify core values.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Know Yourself
From the book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:
'Your stability, endurance, and integrity depend on your inner resources, and the quality of your life will reflect them.
Learn to know yourself by developing a strong and confident connection with your inner strengths.
* Always face facts - denial leads to pain.
* Speak your truth even if others find it difficult to hear.
* Be courageous and move forward, even if it feels uncomfortable.
* Never compare yourself with others.
* Take full responsibility for your actions.
* Show compassion.
Become the person you would most like to spend your life with!'
'Your stability, endurance, and integrity depend on your inner resources, and the quality of your life will reflect them.
Learn to know yourself by developing a strong and confident connection with your inner strengths.
* Always face facts - denial leads to pain.
* Speak your truth even if others find it difficult to hear.
* Be courageous and move forward, even if it feels uncomfortable.
* Never compare yourself with others.
* Take full responsibility for your actions.
* Show compassion.
Become the person you would most like to spend your life with!'
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Living Forward, Understanding Backward
From the Today God Is First daily devotionals (http://www.todaygodisfirst.com/):
'When I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness-training course in a desert and mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few days earlier.
With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons, snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days. There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result. When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue? Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself today.'
'When I was in my 20's, I participated in a wilderness-training course in a desert and mountain area. For our "final exam," we were blindfolded, placed in the back of a pickup truck, and taken to a remote area. We were dropped off and told to meet back at the camp in three days. We did not know where we were. We had to determine our location with our compasses. It was a frightening experience for four young people who had learned to navigate through the use of a compass only a few days earlier.
With our food and water on our backs, we began our trek. It had just snowed that morning, so the way was difficult. We walked through valleys, canyons, snow-covered hills, and forests. In all, we walked more than 60 miles in three days. There were times when we did not think we could go another foot. Exhaustion and frostbitten feet were taking their toll. However, we finally made it to our base camp successfully, and to our surprise, we were the first ones among the other patrols to make it back.
At the conclusion of our journey, we were able to stand on top of a ridge, look behind us and see the beautiful terrain that we had just scaled. The pain of what we had just endured seemed to subside. We could not believe we had actually walked through those valleys and snowcapped hills. There was a sense of accomplishment.
Life is very much like this. It is often lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road a bit that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale and the spiritual deposits He has made in our life as a result. When you begin to realize some of this, you sit back and breathe a sigh of relief because you know that God was in control all along. It didn't seem like it at the time, but He was.
Are you in the midst of a difficult journey that seems almost impossible to continue? Be assured that God is providing grace even now to equip you for that journey. There will be a time when you can say, "Wow, look at what God has done because of what I gained through that valley." Trust Him with the outcome of where you find yourself today.'
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Work Less, Make More
From the book Work Less, Make More, by Jennifer White:
'Many people hold a secret belief that work has to be work and not any fun. They secretly believe that anything they truly want to do must go behind all their so-called priorities. They are too responsible to chase their ideas or passions. So those dreams that are burning in their souls are kept buried because they believe dreaming just isn't practical....
...You stay busy because you don't want to look at your relationships that aren't working. You stay busy because you don't want to address problems with your kids. Busy because you don't want to admit your career isn't satisfying. Busy because you don't want to face the fact that you've lost touch with the important people in your life. Most of all, you stay busy because you don't want to admit you have lost touch with yourself. And you're afraid that if you slowed down, the world would go on without you and what you did would not have mattered...Ultimately that busyness keeps you from truly living your life.
As long as you convince yourself that your work is so vital that it forces you to stay busy, you'll never reach ultimate fulfillment. You'll stop yourself from experiencing what life is all about.
The time has come for a new plan...putting the passion and inspiration back into your life...You won't find lasting satisfaction until you design a life that supports who you are, not what you have or do. Lasting fulfillment comes not from achieving or acquiring, but from becoming who you really are....
To have success, the key is to take what you're learning - or what you've learned before - and apply it to your life. Action is always the answer. Even if it's the wrong action, you're breaking your old patterns. And shattering your old patterns is a big part of learning how to work less and make more....
...you alone are the one responsible for your life. It's up to you to create the life of your dreams....
If you're not experiencing the results you want...you still have something left to learn. Or maybe you have something left to unlearn like an old behavior or way of thinking. Either way, take action, learn the lesson, and you'll find that your life suddenly leaps forward. It's funny, but life has a way of keeping us right where we are until we learn what we most need to learn. Then, voila, everything changes.'
More from this great book next week....
'Many people hold a secret belief that work has to be work and not any fun. They secretly believe that anything they truly want to do must go behind all their so-called priorities. They are too responsible to chase their ideas or passions. So those dreams that are burning in their souls are kept buried because they believe dreaming just isn't practical....
...You stay busy because you don't want to look at your relationships that aren't working. You stay busy because you don't want to address problems with your kids. Busy because you don't want to admit your career isn't satisfying. Busy because you don't want to face the fact that you've lost touch with the important people in your life. Most of all, you stay busy because you don't want to admit you have lost touch with yourself. And you're afraid that if you slowed down, the world would go on without you and what you did would not have mattered...Ultimately that busyness keeps you from truly living your life.
As long as you convince yourself that your work is so vital that it forces you to stay busy, you'll never reach ultimate fulfillment. You'll stop yourself from experiencing what life is all about.
The time has come for a new plan...putting the passion and inspiration back into your life...You won't find lasting satisfaction until you design a life that supports who you are, not what you have or do. Lasting fulfillment comes not from achieving or acquiring, but from becoming who you really are....
To have success, the key is to take what you're learning - or what you've learned before - and apply it to your life. Action is always the answer. Even if it's the wrong action, you're breaking your old patterns. And shattering your old patterns is a big part of learning how to work less and make more....
...you alone are the one responsible for your life. It's up to you to create the life of your dreams....
If you're not experiencing the results you want...you still have something left to learn. Or maybe you have something left to unlearn like an old behavior or way of thinking. Either way, take action, learn the lesson, and you'll find that your life suddenly leaps forward. It's funny, but life has a way of keeping us right where we are until we learn what we most need to learn. Then, voila, everything changes.'
More from this great book next week....
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
It's Never Just One Thing
From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:
'When we think of attaining success, we often think of achieveing a specific goal. But when we land the account, get the promotion, or get a raise, the same nagging concerns that led us to think we desperately needed one more achievement will undermine the value of that achievement.
Feelings of success come with the whole of our efforts, our beliefs, our experiences, our lives. Success is based on the total package, not the ribbon on the package.
Researchers find that people's enduring self-concept - their view of who they are and what they are capable of - is not tied to any single positive or negative event.
Instead, a self-concept comprises a combination of beliefs and feelings based on long-term experiences both at home and at work.'
'When we think of attaining success, we often think of achieveing a specific goal. But when we land the account, get the promotion, or get a raise, the same nagging concerns that led us to think we desperately needed one more achievement will undermine the value of that achievement.
Feelings of success come with the whole of our efforts, our beliefs, our experiences, our lives. Success is based on the total package, not the ribbon on the package.
Researchers find that people's enduring self-concept - their view of who they are and what they are capable of - is not tied to any single positive or negative event.
Instead, a self-concept comprises a combination of beliefs and feelings based on long-term experiences both at home and at work.'
Monday, January 25, 2010
More Winning Quotes
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit."
- Will Durant
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Will Durant
"Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
"We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Confidence That Empowers
From the In Touch devotionals (http://www.intouch.org/):
Philippians 4:10-13
'Our world emphatically proclaims the importance of self-esteem, which is a favorable impression of oneself. Surely, we are told, an individual who values himself highly will accomplish much. Yet Scripture tells us that true confidence flows, not from self, but from our identity in Christ.
In God's Word, we learn that Paul experienced this appropriate assurance. He expressed certainty regarding the message and ministry God gave him (Gal. 1:15-17; Rom. 1:16). The apostle was also sure of eternal security in Jesus (Rom. 8:37-39). What's more, today's passage shows that Paul stood firmly on his belief that He could do anything in God's will because Jesus was living through him.
The Holy Spirit is the basis for our confidence—not positive thinking, right circumstances, or the ability to think highly of ourselves. Even in the midst of difficulty, we can live with boldness because the Spirit of the living God dwells within our being and enables us to follow Him.
Of course, we have a role too. The Spirit directs us and strengthens us, but we are responsible to listen, obey, and diligently follow His guidance each day. We can have assurance in an unstable world because almighty God provides everything we need to live triumphantly.
Are you facing situations that make you feel inadequate or insecure? Search the Bible for descriptions of His character. Realize that this sovereign, almighty God—the Beginning and the End—lives inside of you. Find your confidence in the one who is your Creator, Redeemer, and Friend.'
Philippians 4:10-13
'Our world emphatically proclaims the importance of self-esteem, which is a favorable impression of oneself. Surely, we are told, an individual who values himself highly will accomplish much. Yet Scripture tells us that true confidence flows, not from self, but from our identity in Christ.
In God's Word, we learn that Paul experienced this appropriate assurance. He expressed certainty regarding the message and ministry God gave him (Gal. 1:15-17; Rom. 1:16). The apostle was also sure of eternal security in Jesus (Rom. 8:37-39). What's more, today's passage shows that Paul stood firmly on his belief that He could do anything in God's will because Jesus was living through him.
The Holy Spirit is the basis for our confidence—not positive thinking, right circumstances, or the ability to think highly of ourselves. Even in the midst of difficulty, we can live with boldness because the Spirit of the living God dwells within our being and enables us to follow Him.
Of course, we have a role too. The Spirit directs us and strengthens us, but we are responsible to listen, obey, and diligently follow His guidance each day. We can have assurance in an unstable world because almighty God provides everything we need to live triumphantly.
Are you facing situations that make you feel inadequate or insecure? Search the Bible for descriptions of His character. Realize that this sovereign, almighty God—the Beginning and the End—lives inside of you. Find your confidence in the one who is your Creator, Redeemer, and Friend.'
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Advice
From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:
'Good leaders don't try to be experts in every area. Leaders know what they don't know. They understand the limitations of their wisdom and experience, but they are willing to fill in the gaps by asking directions from others. They know that they have skills, but they also know that they are within a question's reach of even broader skills. They understand that the winds of changing technologies will blow them away unless they find a fresh resource for learning.
People who don't ask for counsel make unnecessary mistakes. Leaders are not bashful about asking advice. They cultivate counselors. They work on developing a network of associates who will be able to plug modules of skill and experience into their lives.
They begin their search for advice at home. They are sensitive to the abilities and experience of their own associates. They seek input from the team and ask questions. They know that there's no shame in being ignorant, but it's a crime to be negligent.
The wisest leaders are those with the wisest advisors.'
Winners ask directions.
'Good leaders don't try to be experts in every area. Leaders know what they don't know. They understand the limitations of their wisdom and experience, but they are willing to fill in the gaps by asking directions from others. They know that they have skills, but they also know that they are within a question's reach of even broader skills. They understand that the winds of changing technologies will blow them away unless they find a fresh resource for learning.
People who don't ask for counsel make unnecessary mistakes. Leaders are not bashful about asking advice. They cultivate counselors. They work on developing a network of associates who will be able to plug modules of skill and experience into their lives.
They begin their search for advice at home. They are sensitive to the abilities and experience of their own associates. They seek input from the team and ask questions. They know that there's no shame in being ignorant, but it's a crime to be negligent.
The wisest leaders are those with the wisest advisors.'
Winners ask directions.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Be Full of It
From the book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:
'Have you ever noticed how upbeat people are always so full of everything? They are mad about this, love that and are full of appreciation for all that they have.
And this is the magic key to raising your energy: appreciate your life - the downs as well as the ups.
Sometimes, when we are feeling desperate our heart can be touched by something really simple and we are back on the road to healing.
The world is a wondrous place when we have eyes to see. Look and then look again: you are part of this miracle.'
'Have you ever noticed how upbeat people are always so full of everything? They are mad about this, love that and are full of appreciation for all that they have.
And this is the magic key to raising your energy: appreciate your life - the downs as well as the ups.
Sometimes, when we are feeling desperate our heart can be touched by something really simple and we are back on the road to healing.
The world is a wondrous place when we have eyes to see. Look and then look again: you are part of this miracle.'
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Living For a Cause Greater Than Yourself
From the Today God Is First devotionals (http://www.todaygodisfirst.com/):
'God raises up leaders to take on causes that are much greater than themselves. However, these causes are often first birthed as a result of a personal crisis or conviction; then this leads to a larger cause.
Martin Luther King had a personal conviction that racial discrimination was wrong. He sought to change this through preaching and nonviolent demonstrations. It wasn't long before this became the conviction of others and it became a movement larger than any one person.
William Wilberforce was a political statesman in England. He came to Christ when he was twenty-eight years old. He began to have personal convictions about slavery in England and he committed his life to the goal of destroying slavery. He finally achieved his goal after fifty years of work. His work also resulted in sixty-four world changing initiatives before he died.
William Wallace was burdened about the persecution his country received from the wicked English king named Edward the Longshanks. Born in 1272, Wallace grew up under the persecution from the wicked king. When he was older, he led a rebellion against England that resulted in the freedom for the nation of Scotland. The popular movie, Braveheart, was the story of William Wallace...
Has God allowed a crisis in your life? God often raises leaders and begins movements as a result of a personal crisis in a leader's life.'
Winners live not just for themselves.
'God raises up leaders to take on causes that are much greater than themselves. However, these causes are often first birthed as a result of a personal crisis or conviction; then this leads to a larger cause.
Martin Luther King had a personal conviction that racial discrimination was wrong. He sought to change this through preaching and nonviolent demonstrations. It wasn't long before this became the conviction of others and it became a movement larger than any one person.
William Wilberforce was a political statesman in England. He came to Christ when he was twenty-eight years old. He began to have personal convictions about slavery in England and he committed his life to the goal of destroying slavery. He finally achieved his goal after fifty years of work. His work also resulted in sixty-four world changing initiatives before he died.
William Wallace was burdened about the persecution his country received from the wicked English king named Edward the Longshanks. Born in 1272, Wallace grew up under the persecution from the wicked king. When he was older, he led a rebellion against England that resulted in the freedom for the nation of Scotland. The popular movie, Braveheart, was the story of William Wallace...
Has God allowed a crisis in your life? God often raises leaders and begins movements as a result of a personal crisis in a leader's life.'
Winners live not just for themselves.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Responsibility
From the book The Best of Success, compiled by Wynn Davis:
Responsibility - The fulfillment of your dreams lies within you and you alone. When you understand and accept this, then nothing, or no one, can deny you greatness. The power to succeed or fail is yours. And no one can take that away.
"Success on any major scale requires you to accept responsibility...In the final analysis, the one quality that all successful people have...is the ability to take on responsibility."
- Michael Korda
"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself."
- Henry Ward Beecher
"Nothing happens by itself...It all will come your way, once you understand that you have to make it come your way, by your own exertions."
- Ben Stein
Responsibility - The fulfillment of your dreams lies within you and you alone. When you understand and accept this, then nothing, or no one, can deny you greatness. The power to succeed or fail is yours. And no one can take that away.
"Success on any major scale requires you to accept responsibility...In the final analysis, the one quality that all successful people have...is the ability to take on responsibility."
- Michael Korda
"Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anybody else expects of you. Never excuse yourself."
- Henry Ward Beecher
"Nothing happens by itself...It all will come your way, once you understand that you have to make it come your way, by your own exertions."
- Ben Stein
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Resist the Urge to Be Average
From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:
'Everywhere around you there are average people. They entice you into being more like them by offering their acceptance and by leading you to believe that everyone else is already more like them than you are.
But the "average-person sales pitch" leaves out that you will be sacrificing your goals, sacrificing your individuality and unique ideas - leading a life that is not so much yours as it is determined by the preferences of your group.
"A person who wants to be a leader must turn his back to the crowd."
Psychologists have observed that bad habits can spread through an office just like a contagious disease. Employees tend to mirror the bad behaviors of their co-workers, with factors as diverse as low morale, poor work habits, and theft from the employer all rising based on the negative behavior of peers.'
Winners resist the urge to be average.
'Everywhere around you there are average people. They entice you into being more like them by offering their acceptance and by leading you to believe that everyone else is already more like them than you are.
But the "average-person sales pitch" leaves out that you will be sacrificing your goals, sacrificing your individuality and unique ideas - leading a life that is not so much yours as it is determined by the preferences of your group.
"A person who wants to be a leader must turn his back to the crowd."
Psychologists have observed that bad habits can spread through an office just like a contagious disease. Employees tend to mirror the bad behaviors of their co-workers, with factors as diverse as low morale, poor work habits, and theft from the employer all rising based on the negative behavior of peers.'
Winners resist the urge to be average.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
A Reason for Confidence
From the In Touch devotional magazine (http://www.intouch.org/):
'Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more unshakeable trust in Him will become.
As Christians, we have every reason to live with assurance—we have the very presence of God living within us (Phil. 4:5). But in addition, we also have His peace (v. 7), His power (v. 13), and His provision (v. 19).
Our world is full of distrust, fear, and uncertainty. Don't allow yourself to listen to negative messages, which can make you lose the confidence God gives His children. Instead, focus on the truth in Scripture and the glory and victory of Jesus. Let His perfect love cast out your fear (1 John 4:18).'
Winners have confidence.
'Negativity affects us both spiritually and physically. Even spending time with a pessimistic individual can take a toll. On the other hand, positive emotions—particularly godly confidence—can empower us to live fully, as the Lord intends.
Facing each day with the knowledge that our strength comes from Jesus will drive away doubt and anxiety. Yet many things can interfere with a healthy outlook. For example, we often allow wrong advice and negative attitudes to drain us. Sin, too, will keep our hearts from finding full confidence in God. And sometimes false guilt creeps into our minds and robs us of assurance.
Instead, we can purposefully develop confidence in almighty God by maturing in our faith. Meditating on the Word, drawing near to the Lord in prayer, and choosing to believe Him are all ways to strengthen our relationship with Him. The more our friendship with the heavenly Father deepens, the more unshakeable trust in Him will become.
As Christians, we have every reason to live with assurance—we have the very presence of God living within us (Phil. 4:5). But in addition, we also have His peace (v. 7), His power (v. 13), and His provision (v. 19).
Our world is full of distrust, fear, and uncertainty. Don't allow yourself to listen to negative messages, which can make you lose the confidence God gives His children. Instead, focus on the truth in Scripture and the glory and victory of Jesus. Let His perfect love cast out your fear (1 John 4:18).'
Winners have confidence.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Family Life
From the devotional book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:
'Family life is what we make of it - regardless of the form it comes to us in. Whether you are in a traditional family, a stepfamily, or some other type of family situation, you have the capacity to contribute to it and feel loved in it. There are no rules for what makes a family except the ones you make, and there is no time limit on when or how you find a loving family life....
...Constant attention to the weaknesses of any relationship will make every day harder. Constant attention to the strengths of any relationship will make every day a day of possibilities.'
Winners embrace the journey.
'Family life is what we make of it - regardless of the form it comes to us in. Whether you are in a traditional family, a stepfamily, or some other type of family situation, you have the capacity to contribute to it and feel loved in it. There are no rules for what makes a family except the ones you make, and there is no time limit on when or how you find a loving family life....
...Constant attention to the weaknesses of any relationship will make every day harder. Constant attention to the strengths of any relationship will make every day a day of possibilities.'
Winners embrace the journey.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Your Character Test
From the devotional book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:
'Are you a positive or negative person (or a bit of both)?
Personality traits to look out for:
* Fear of rejection (negative)
* Good sense of humor, can laugh at self (positive)
* Worried about not being liked (negative)
* Genuinely likes people and shows interest in them (positive)
* Has to have the last word, must be right (negative)
* Can say sorry when necessary (positive)
* Self-centered (negative)
* Good listener (positive)
* Low self-esteem (negative)'
Winners accentuate the positive, always!
'Are you a positive or negative person (or a bit of both)?
Personality traits to look out for:
* Fear of rejection (negative)
* Good sense of humor, can laugh at self (positive)
* Worried about not being liked (negative)
* Genuinely likes people and shows interest in them (positive)
* Has to have the last word, must be right (negative)
* Can say sorry when necessary (positive)
* Self-centered (negative)
* Good listener (positive)
* Low self-esteem (negative)'
Winners accentuate the positive, always!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Working Wholeheartedly
From the daily Today God Is First devotional (http://www.todaygodisfirst.com/):
'Hezekiah was a godly king. He was also a very talented businessman and builder. He was responsible for many noteworthy projects that are described in detail in the Old Testament. We discover from the passage 2 Chronicles 31:21 that King Hezekiah had two major attributes that contributed to his success and prosperity: He sought God, and he worked wholeheartedly upholding God's laws.
Godly success involves a partnership between you and God. Success in God's economy means achieving the purpose for which God made you. That purpose can never be discovered without seeking Him with a whole heart. You may achieve great things without seeking God, but you will never achieve the things God set out for you to achieve without seeking Him. Unless you seek Him, you may find yourself one day climbing to the top of the ladder only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.
What does it mean to seek God? It means creating time to sit before His throne in quiet places. It means reading His Word in order to know Him more intimately. It means developing an ear to hear His voice so that we know when to turn to the right or to the left. God desires to know you.
Are you willing to take the time to know Him? If so, you can be sure He will guide you into those things that will bring success to every aspect of your life.'
Winners work wholeheartedly.
'Hezekiah was a godly king. He was also a very talented businessman and builder. He was responsible for many noteworthy projects that are described in detail in the Old Testament. We discover from the passage 2 Chronicles 31:21 that King Hezekiah had two major attributes that contributed to his success and prosperity: He sought God, and he worked wholeheartedly upholding God's laws.
Godly success involves a partnership between you and God. Success in God's economy means achieving the purpose for which God made you. That purpose can never be discovered without seeking Him with a whole heart. You may achieve great things without seeking God, but you will never achieve the things God set out for you to achieve without seeking Him. Unless you seek Him, you may find yourself one day climbing to the top of the ladder only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.
What does it mean to seek God? It means creating time to sit before His throne in quiet places. It means reading His Word in order to know Him more intimately. It means developing an ear to hear His voice so that we know when to turn to the right or to the left. God desires to know you.
Are you willing to take the time to know Him? If so, you can be sure He will guide you into those things that will bring success to every aspect of your life.'
Winners work wholeheartedly.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Love
From the book The Best of Success, compiled by Wynn Davis:
Love - Love is the most important ingredient of success. Without it, your life echoes emptiness. With it, your life vibrates warmth and meaning. Even in hardship, love shines through. Therefore, search for love -- because if you don't have it, you're not really living -- only breathing.
"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much."
- Bessie Stanley
"The moment you have in your heart this extra-ordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstacy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed."
- J. Krishnamurti
"The cure for all the ills and wrongs, the cares, the sorrows, and the crimes of humanity, all lie in the one word 'love'. It is the divine vitality that everywhere produces and restores life."
- Lydia Maria Child
Love - Love is the most important ingredient of success. Without it, your life echoes emptiness. With it, your life vibrates warmth and meaning. Even in hardship, love shines through. Therefore, search for love -- because if you don't have it, you're not really living -- only breathing.
"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much."
- Bessie Stanley
"The moment you have in your heart this extra-ordinary thing called love and feel the depth, the delight, the ecstacy of it, you will discover that for you the world is transformed."
- J. Krishnamurti
"The cure for all the ills and wrongs, the cares, the sorrows, and the crimes of humanity, all lie in the one word 'love'. It is the divine vitality that everywhere produces and restores life."
- Lydia Maria Child
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
More Winning Quotes
"The real leader has no need to lead - he is content to point the way."
- Henry Miller
"He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander."
- Aristotle
"Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value."
- Albert Einstein
"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."
- Leon J. Suenes
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
- Robert Collier
- Henry Miller
"He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander."
- Aristotle
"Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value."
- Albert Einstein
"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true."
- Leon J. Suenes
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
- Robert Collier
Monday, January 11, 2010
Don't Let Your First Idea Be Your Only Idea
From the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:
'We begin our careers as almost empty notebooks, and as we progress, our mind fills with notations and observations. Take heed of experience, but realize there are situations where your first lessons no longer apply.
Schwinn Bicycle was the leader in the industry for one hundred years.
Edward Schwinn, the fourth generation of Schwinns in the business, took control of the bicycle company in 1979. Thirteen years later, the company was on life support, its market share down by 60 percent.
Analysts point to a refusal to live in the present as a reason for the decline of the company. Edward refused outside financing when the company began to show signs of weakness. Because Schwinn was THE name in bicycles, Edward had refused to spend money on keeping the brand in consumers' consciousness. Because it was always the kind of company that operated on a handshake, Edward agreed to outsource all Schwinn's manufacturing to the same supplier without adequately protecting the company's long-term interests.
By 1992, Schwinn Bicycle was going under. Product recognition among children had dropped to close to zero. And the supplier ended their deal with Schwinn and begain producing their own bicycles in plants paid for with Schwinn money.
The company declared bankruptcy the same year, and the Schwinn family lost all control over the family's business. Edward Schwinn's explanation for the fall: "We are where we are." To which on family member responded, "Where we are is out of business, because you were asleep at the wheel."'
Winners adapt to changing situations.
'We begin our careers as almost empty notebooks, and as we progress, our mind fills with notations and observations. Take heed of experience, but realize there are situations where your first lessons no longer apply.
Schwinn Bicycle was the leader in the industry for one hundred years.
Edward Schwinn, the fourth generation of Schwinns in the business, took control of the bicycle company in 1979. Thirteen years later, the company was on life support, its market share down by 60 percent.
Analysts point to a refusal to live in the present as a reason for the decline of the company. Edward refused outside financing when the company began to show signs of weakness. Because Schwinn was THE name in bicycles, Edward had refused to spend money on keeping the brand in consumers' consciousness. Because it was always the kind of company that operated on a handshake, Edward agreed to outsource all Schwinn's manufacturing to the same supplier without adequately protecting the company's long-term interests.
By 1992, Schwinn Bicycle was going under. Product recognition among children had dropped to close to zero. And the supplier ended their deal with Schwinn and begain producing their own bicycles in plants paid for with Schwinn money.
The company declared bankruptcy the same year, and the Schwinn family lost all control over the family's business. Edward Schwinn's explanation for the fall: "We are where we are." To which on family member responded, "Where we are is out of business, because you were asleep at the wheel."'
Winners adapt to changing situations.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Responding to Hardship
From the December issue of In Touch magazine (http://www.intouch.org/):
'When you face a trial, what is your first response? You probably would like to run away as quickly as possible to escape it. Though this is a normal feeling, God has a different way.
It is not the trials in your life that develop or destroy you, but rather your response to those hardships. How, then, should we react when difficulties feel overwhelming?
First, trust God. Believe His Word and reflect on ways He has been faithful in the past. He assures us that He limits our trials and enables us to endure.
Second, persevere. Even when we don't understand and the pain seems too great to bear, we should never quit. Continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. Cling to hope in Christ, and praise Him in the midst of the pain.
Third, remember that our sovereign God is in control. He's allowing this adversity for a reason and will demonstrate His sustaining power through it. Even though the pain might feel intolerable, the Lord will prosper us. Scripture compares our growth to gold, which is refined through fire (1 Peter 1:7). Often, I hear believers reflect on a difficult time and admit that despite the intense hurt, they wouldn't change the situation. They see the beauty God created through the struggle and realize its value.
We will encounter difficulties—sometimes intense and painful trials that seem too much for us. Yet we can rely on our heavenly Father to deliver and grow us in ways we could never imagine. He doesn't demand that we endure on our own, but He does allow us to respond and trust Him.'
Winners know how to respond to hardship.
'When you face a trial, what is your first response? You probably would like to run away as quickly as possible to escape it. Though this is a normal feeling, God has a different way.
It is not the trials in your life that develop or destroy you, but rather your response to those hardships. How, then, should we react when difficulties feel overwhelming?
First, trust God. Believe His Word and reflect on ways He has been faithful in the past. He assures us that He limits our trials and enables us to endure.
Second, persevere. Even when we don't understand and the pain seems too great to bear, we should never quit. Continue seeking the Lord through His Word and prayer. Cling to hope in Christ, and praise Him in the midst of the pain.
Third, remember that our sovereign God is in control. He's allowing this adversity for a reason and will demonstrate His sustaining power through it. Even though the pain might feel intolerable, the Lord will prosper us. Scripture compares our growth to gold, which is refined through fire (1 Peter 1:7). Often, I hear believers reflect on a difficult time and admit that despite the intense hurt, they wouldn't change the situation. They see the beauty God created through the struggle and realize its value.
We will encounter difficulties—sometimes intense and painful trials that seem too much for us. Yet we can rely on our heavenly Father to deliver and grow us in ways we could never imagine. He doesn't demand that we endure on our own, but He does allow us to respond and trust Him.'
Winners know how to respond to hardship.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Service
From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:
'Many people see the leader as the person on top - the one with the perks, the privileges, and the praise. That's a myth. The truth is, leaders are at the bottom of the pyramid. It's the leader who bears responsibility for the group, not vice versa. It's the leader who must form the chain of productivity by using the very human links of associates and team members. The pressure of service is on the leader.
It's the leader who must make the hard decisions deciding quickly and carefully who goes and who remains, or making the painful decisions that plug the money flow. It's the leader who must ensure that the needs of the group are met and who is responsible for making the work environment either happy or horrible. The leader must go the extra mile if the organization is going to go farther down the road.'
The leader is not the greatest of all; but rather ---
Winners are servants.
'Many people see the leader as the person on top - the one with the perks, the privileges, and the praise. That's a myth. The truth is, leaders are at the bottom of the pyramid. It's the leader who bears responsibility for the group, not vice versa. It's the leader who must form the chain of productivity by using the very human links of associates and team members. The pressure of service is on the leader.
It's the leader who must make the hard decisions deciding quickly and carefully who goes and who remains, or making the painful decisions that plug the money flow. It's the leader who must ensure that the needs of the group are met and who is responsible for making the work environment either happy or horrible. The leader must go the extra mile if the organization is going to go farther down the road.'
The leader is not the greatest of all; but rather ---
Winners are servants.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Get Noticed
From the devotional book 365 Inspirations for a Great Life, by Lynda Field:
'You will never get that promotion, job with a large salary, stunning and recognizable success, or whatever it is that you most desire if you don't step forward and get yourself noticed for the right things.
* Be seen by people who can help you, and get networking
* Be in the right place at the right time
* Make sure your self-image is positive and assured; walk tall and you will look and feel more confident
* Fake it until you make it - which means that you act assertively even if you don't feel it
Shrinking violets never win the big prizes.'
Winners know how to get noticed.
'You will never get that promotion, job with a large salary, stunning and recognizable success, or whatever it is that you most desire if you don't step forward and get yourself noticed for the right things.
* Be seen by people who can help you, and get networking
* Be in the right place at the right time
* Make sure your self-image is positive and assured; walk tall and you will look and feel more confident
* Fake it until you make it - which means that you act assertively even if you don't feel it
Shrinking violets never win the big prizes.'
Winners know how to get noticed.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Failure that Leads to Godliness
From the daily devotional Today God Is First (http://www.todaygodisfirst.com/):
God often uses failure to make us useful. When Jesus called the disciples, He did not go out and find the most qualified and successful people. He found the most willing, and He found them in the workplace. He found a fisherman, a tax collector, and a farmer.
The Hebrews knew that failure was a part of maturing in God. The Greeks used failure as a reason for disqualification. Sadly, in the Church, we often treat one another in this way. This is not God's way. We need to understand that failing does not make us failures. It makes us experienced. It makes us more prepared to be useful in God's Kingdom -- if we have learned from it. And that is the most important ingredient for what God wants in His children.
Winners aren't afraid to fail, and learn from their failures.
God often uses failure to make us useful. When Jesus called the disciples, He did not go out and find the most qualified and successful people. He found the most willing, and He found them in the workplace. He found a fisherman, a tax collector, and a farmer.
The Hebrews knew that failure was a part of maturing in God. The Greeks used failure as a reason for disqualification. Sadly, in the Church, we often treat one another in this way. This is not God's way. We need to understand that failing does not make us failures. It makes us experienced. It makes us more prepared to be useful in God's Kingdom -- if we have learned from it. And that is the most important ingredient for what God wants in His children.
Winners aren't afraid to fail, and learn from their failures.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Desire
From the book The Best of Success, compiled by Wynn Davis:
Desire - Desire alone is not enough. But to lack desire, means to lack a key ingredient to success. Many a talented individual failed because they lacked desire. Many victories have been snatched by the underdog because they wanted it more. So if you desire -- intensely -- and you act upon it, then everything stands within your reach.
"The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat."
- Napolean Hill
"Nothing stops the man who desires to achieve. Every obstacle is simply a course to develop his achievement muscle. It's a strengthening of his powers of accomplishment."
- Eric Butterworth
"You learn that, whatever you are doing in life, obstacles don't matter very much. Pain or other circumstances can be there, but if you want to do a job bad enough, you'll find a way to get it done."
- Jack Youngblood
Desire - Desire alone is not enough. But to lack desire, means to lack a key ingredient to success. Many a talented individual failed because they lacked desire. Many victories have been snatched by the underdog because they wanted it more. So if you desire -- intensely -- and you act upon it, then everything stands within your reach.
"The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small amount of fire makes a small amount of heat."
- Napolean Hill
"Nothing stops the man who desires to achieve. Every obstacle is simply a course to develop his achievement muscle. It's a strengthening of his powers of accomplishment."
- Eric Butterworth
"You learn that, whatever you are doing in life, obstacles don't matter very much. Pain or other circumstances can be there, but if you want to do a job bad enough, you'll find a way to get it done."
- Jack Youngblood
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Three Answers
From the devotional God's Way Day by Day, by Charles Stanley:
"Why am I here? Why did God create me?" Perhaps you have asked these questions yourself. The answer at its most basic level is threefold >>
1. You were created for an intimate fellowship with God and to have daily communication with Him.
2. You were created to overcome evil and establish God's goodness on this earth.
3. You were created to have close relationships with others so that you might have companionship, friendship, and assistance as you praise and worship God, and do the work God has put before you to do.
"Why am I here? Why did God create me?" Perhaps you have asked these questions yourself. The answer at its most basic level is threefold >>
1. You were created for an intimate fellowship with God and to have daily communication with Him.
2. You were created to overcome evil and establish God's goodness on this earth.
3. You were created to have close relationships with others so that you might have companionship, friendship, and assistance as you praise and worship God, and do the work God has put before you to do.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Continually Refine the Basics
Study Note for 2 Peter 1:12-15:
'Outstanding coaches constantly review the basics of the sport with their teams, and good athletes can execute the fundamentals consistently well.
We must not neglect the basics of our faith when we go on to study deeper truths. Just as an athlete needs constant practice, we need constant reminders of the fundamentals of our faith and of how we came to believe in the first place. Don't allow yourself to be bored or impatient with messages on the basics of the Christian life. Instead, take the attitude of an athlete who continues to practice and refine the basics even as he or she learns more advanced skills.'
This refining the basics concept applies in the business world and the personal world as well. Winners continually refine the basics.
'Outstanding coaches constantly review the basics of the sport with their teams, and good athletes can execute the fundamentals consistently well.
We must not neglect the basics of our faith when we go on to study deeper truths. Just as an athlete needs constant practice, we need constant reminders of the fundamentals of our faith and of how we came to believe in the first place. Don't allow yourself to be bored or impatient with messages on the basics of the Christian life. Instead, take the attitude of an athlete who continues to practice and refine the basics even as he or she learns more advanced skills.'
This refining the basics concept applies in the business world and the personal world as well. Winners continually refine the basics.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Association
From the book Minute Motivators for Leaders, by Stan Toler:
'If we are known by the company we keep, then the company we keep ought to inspire and invigorate us to greatness.
Aspiring leaders recognize the importance of keeping company with those who have chosen to excel. They listen to them, watch them. They seek them out.
Aspiring leaders acknowledge that the achievement of others offers a key to unlocking their own excellence. They associate with great men and women not as an act of worship but rather to learn the cause of their success. Every leader should be a mentor. But more important, every leader should have a mentor.
Call it success by association - the people who strive for personal excellence will find a way to rub shoulders with the great people around them.'
'If we are known by the company we keep, then the company we keep ought to inspire and invigorate us to greatness.
Aspiring leaders recognize the importance of keeping company with those who have chosen to excel. They listen to them, watch them. They seek them out.
Aspiring leaders acknowledge that the achievement of others offers a key to unlocking their own excellence. They associate with great men and women not as an act of worship but rather to learn the cause of their success. Every leader should be a mentor. But more important, every leader should have a mentor.
Call it success by association - the people who strive for personal excellence will find a way to rub shoulders with the great people around them.'
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year for the Journey
Adapted from the book Simple Secrets for Becoming Healthy, Wealthy & Wise, by David Niven:
Journeys are important - be they physical, metaphorical, spiritual.
The point of any journey is the travel, the process of the journey.
The process of the journey teaches us about ourselves - about who we are, what we stand for, what we need in life. Most important, the process teaches us what we are capable of. The process is a redefinition of your daily routine.
For most of us, the constants of every day are sleeping and eating. We don't forget either, because they're just too important. Think about it: regardless of pressures at work, regardless of pressures at home, regardless of emergencies that arise, we find time to sleep and eat every single day, because we understand those activities to be at the foundation of our life.
But what would you be capable of if you added time for thought and reflection to your daily foundation? What if every day, regardless of the demands on you, you put aside twenty minutes to think about that day's entry, to think about your life, to think about your journey?
Nothing changes without thought. Nothing improves without thought.
As children, we had quiet time in school. As adults, we all too often have neither quiet nor time. But no more should thinking be considered a luxury to be sacrificed to a busy day than should sleeping or eating.
The process of the journey makes you stronger in every challenge you face - for this new year and forever.
Journeys are important - be they physical, metaphorical, spiritual.
The point of any journey is the travel, the process of the journey.
The process of the journey teaches us about ourselves - about who we are, what we stand for, what we need in life. Most important, the process teaches us what we are capable of. The process is a redefinition of your daily routine.
For most of us, the constants of every day are sleeping and eating. We don't forget either, because they're just too important. Think about it: regardless of pressures at work, regardless of pressures at home, regardless of emergencies that arise, we find time to sleep and eat every single day, because we understand those activities to be at the foundation of our life.
But what would you be capable of if you added time for thought and reflection to your daily foundation? What if every day, regardless of the demands on you, you put aside twenty minutes to think about that day's entry, to think about your life, to think about your journey?
Nothing changes without thought. Nothing improves without thought.
As children, we had quiet time in school. As adults, we all too often have neither quiet nor time. But no more should thinking be considered a luxury to be sacrificed to a busy day than should sleeping or eating.
The process of the journey makes you stronger in every challenge you face - for this new year and forever.
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