People

 

The world is comprised of three types of people…

 

1. Those who make things happen.
2. Those who watch and/or follow what happens.
3. Those who ask what happened.

 

Hopefully we are not always #3!  However, in certain aspects of our life, we likely are the ones who ask, “what happened?”. It is hard to be #1 or #2 regarding every area of our lives, much less to be #1 all the time.  To me the key is which one of these are we regarding things that really matter?  For instance, family, marriage, faith, parenting, or whatever may be of absolute importance to us. What are we in those roles?  It is okay to be #3 about entertainment, sports, fashion, or even current events.  It is not okay to be #3 regarding things of significance. 

 

When it comes to the things that really matter, we all should strive to be one of those who make things happen!

Some days are diamonds. Some days are stones.

 

Some days are in fact diamonds. Those are the days when all seems to be right with the world. Others are more like rough uncut stones when nothing seems to go smoothly. Most days actually fall somewhere in between. There are rough spots during the day offset by bright spots at other times.  Some days we even have opportunities to turn stones into diamonds. For the most part we learn to take the good with the bad and roll with the flow, knowing that there are always more diamonds to come. Maybe not tomorrow or next week, but there are more days of diamonds. By faith, strength, discipline and wisdom we endure the stones and rejoice in the diamonds. 

Remember too, the stones will never totally go away…

Some days are diamonds. Some days are stones.

 

Some days are in fact diamonds. Those are the days when all seems to be right with the world. Others are more like rough uncut stones when nothing seems to go smoothly. Most days actually fall somewhere in between. There are rough spots during the day offset by bright spots at other times.  Some days we even have opportunities to turn stones into diamonds. For the most part we learn to take the good with the bad and roll with the flow, knowing that there are always more diamonds to come. Maybe not tomorrow or next week, but there are more days of diamonds. By faith, strength, discipline and wisdom we endure the stones and rejoice in the diamonds. 

Remember too, the stones will never totally go away…

Growth & Grace

 

If someone were to ask if you feel like you have grown over time, how would you answer? Are you different than you were six months ago or even a year ago?  Most of us would answer with a resounding, “Yes!” I believe we improve with age, much like wine. Perhaps we become wiser, calmer or even more generous. So why do we look at others and judge, or assume, the person they are today is who they will always be? We do not know who they will become or what they are capable of doing in the future. We also do not know what they may have been in the past. Maybe instead of being skeptical because we do not like what we see, we should have faith knowing they too will learn and grow in time. 

How are you improving overtime? Better yet, how much grace are you showing others going through the same growth process?

Goals & Resolutions (continued)

 

 

Our goals and resolutions are hard to accomplish alone.  We need the accountability of others.  We need the peer pressure to show up and stick to the plan.  Don’t go it alone.

 

·       Is getting in shape your goal?  Join a gym; hire a trainer; find a local running group; consult a nutritionist.

·       Want to grow and improve your business?  Hire a business coach or join a mastermind group.  Seek help outside your comfort zone.  Maybe even consider a CFO consultant. (I know one I can recommend!)

·       Need to improve your Faith life?  Ask a fellow believer to hold you accountable to your prayer/quiet time or a Bible reading plan.  Join a Bible study or small group.

·       Seeking to better deal with family issues or personal problems?  Seek professional counseling or a support group.  Others are dealing with the same things you are.

 

What do all the above have in common?  First, they require you to take some action.  Secondly, they involve other people knowing your goals and supporting you.  Third, don’t go it alone. 

Goals & Resolutions

 

Have you set goals for 2023?  Are you a New Year’s resolution person?  Is change on your horizon?  So here is the thing about goals and resolutions…

 

Nothing changes if nothing changes.  That sounds simple and obvious right?  Well it is, but it is not so simple to put into action.

• You will not improve your relationships if you do not change your behavior and/or expectations.
• The weight will not simply fall off of you without you modifying your diet and/or exercise.
• Do you want to quit smoking?  You better have a very specific plan of exactly how to do that and be ready for the pain.
• Is a higher income your goal?  What are your plans to sell more, increase margins, start a new business or change jobs?
• Maybe there is a personal life or faith resolution you have in mind.  Those can be really tough.  They take real discipline to achieve.
• You won’t save more money without spending less!
• You can’t run, cycle or swim in the mornings without getting up earlier.

Change and personal growth is hard.  It takes work, dedication and discipline.  Most importantly it requires a change in behavior.  Nothing changes if nothing changes…

 

Happy New Year and good luck with your 2023 goals!

Leap of Faith

 

It has a little to do with procrastination but also with taking a leap of faith.  It applies to a lot of decisions in life.  You can never be 100% positive about anything.  There is always that small percentage that is a leap of faith.  If we wait until everything is "just right" we will never do anything.  We would never get married, buy houses, have children or change careers.  And, as it says you will gain better tools as you go along.  Don't wait...

“Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right'. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” - Napoleon Hill

Trying Times (Two Years Later)

 

Last Friday, March 11^th, marked two years from the date the NBA and The Houston Rodeo both shut down.  It was the beginning of a shutdown of businesses across most of the country. A lot has taken place, and a lot has changed since then. Are these still trying times? Sure they are, in some similar ways and some new and different ways. Great leadership is still in high demand and hope is still our focus. Below is the MMM from March 23, 2020.

  

Trying Times

These times will test our souls.  Our faith will be tested, but it will become our rock.  Our resolve will be stretched but it will support us. Our businesses and economy will be damaged, but they will survive.  Our friends and families may be separated, but we will hold them tightly. 

Leaders are purveyors of hope.  Now is the time for us to step up.  Our employees, friends and followers need to see hope in our eyes and positivity in our voices.  It will not be easy.  They need to hear us say the things above.  They need to know there is an end to this and better days will come.  They need to know this is survivable.  It is time to instill hope.  It is time to step up as leaders.  It is time for us to pass the test of leadership.

Let’s do this together. Take one day at a time and lead with hope!   

Growth & Grace

 

If someone were to ask if you feel like you have grown over time, how would you answer? Are you different than you were six months ago or even a year ago?  Most of us would answer with a resounding, “Yes”! I believe we improve with age, much like wine. Perhaps we become wiser, calmer or even more generous. So why do we look at others and judge, or assume, the person they are today is who they will always be? We do not know who they will become or what they are capable of doing in the future. We also do not know what they may have been in the past. Maybe instead of being skeptical because we do not like what we see, we should have faith knowing they too will learn and grow in time.  

How are you improving overtime? Better yet, how much grace are you showing others going through the same growth process?

Adversity

 

Any discussion of adversity is not complete without addressing the faith opportunity that adversity presents.  The only appropriate response to the challenges of life is a faithful reliance on God.  Adversity is part of God’s plan for us and the “Why” is usually something we do not understand.  Suffering is often a part of life.  Obviously, the degree of suffering may vary, but we do suffer, and that too is a part of God’s plan.  A true dependence upon God should be our focus when facing adversity, suffering and pain.  God’s blessing will see us through, and we will be stronger and wiser because of the experience.

When we suffer, we can easily get bogged down with the “why” question.  Why is this happening?  But we may never know the why.  God has not promised to tell us the why.  We can ask Him but He may not tell us.  He is more concerned with our future than our past, with our response to the suffering rather than the cause of our suffering.

Jeff Wells

Pastor, WoodsEdge Community Church

 

Super Bowl of Life?

The Big game played yesterday is a big deal in the football world and certainly entertaining to watch.  Granted, this year was a little different, as our lives have been for the last eleven months. If we are not actually part of an NFL team, we cannot aspire to make it to that game.  However, there are Super Bowls of life that we can aspire to, even hope to be named MVP. There are others that we should try to avoid. Consider…

·         There is the Super Bowl of a meaningful life

…or the one for materialistic success

·         What about the Super Bowl of positive impact

… as opposed to the one of self focus

·         There is a Super Bowl for giving back

…but also, one of selfishness

·         A Super Bowl of Faith

…or the one of stubborn independence

·         The Super Bowl for being a positive spouse, parent, or friend

…but also one for never developing meaning relationships

 What Super Bowl of Life (or Bowls) are you training for?

Coming out of this better…

There is a lot of commentary out there on how things will be different after COVID-19.  Certainly, we are learning what we miss the most and what we deem to be really important.  Discovering creative ways to work from home and how to be flexible are daily challenges.  Of course, we are also being reminded of the importance of health care workers, first responders, truck drivers and grocery store staff.  Oh, and maybe most importantly, Teachers! 

But what are you doing to come out of this a better person?

·       Are you going to have better family relationships?

·       Will you learn a new craft or skill?

·       Are you growing in your faith?

·       Have you discovered new ways to give back in your community?

·       Will you be more serious about saving of 2-3 months of living expenses?

·       Has your perspective about work/life balance changed?

·       Do you have new goals and objectives for the balance of the year?

·       Will you bring a new level of commitment and energy to your job or your business?

·       Have you read a business or self help book you have been putting off?

This is not over, but most of the above take some time.  Take advantage of the opportunity of time. What are you doing to make sure you come out of this a better person? Think about it.

Trying Times

These times will test our souls.  Our faith will be tested, but it will become our rock.  Our resolve will be stretched but it will support us. Our businesses and economy will be damaged, but they will survive.  Our friends and families may be separated, but we will hold them tightly. 

Leaders are purveyors of hope.  Now is the time for us to step up.  Our employees, friends and followers need to see hope in our eyes and positivity in our voices.  It will not be easy.  They need to hear us say the things above.  They need to know there is an end to this and better days will come.  They need to know this is survivable.  It is time to instill hope.  It is time to step up as leaders.  It is time for us to pass the test of leadership.

Let’s do this together. Take one day at a time and lead with hope!   

Who’s in Charge?

Sometimes I will walk into my office, a meeting, or even my own home with the somewhat joking greeting of, “Who’s in charge?”  Reactions vary, sometimes I get “You are”, or maybe, “not me”.  Then there is always someone who names another person in the room that is in charge.

I was thinking about this rhetorical question last week.  Who is really in charge?  For many of us it is our God, but on a day to day basis, we are in charge of our lives and the decisions we make.  Our faith, morals and values guide those choices, but we must act upon them. Our daily choices have results and consequences. We decide our attitude for the day.  How positively we impact others is a decision we make.  Individually, each day we choose what we eat, when or if we workout, and like these decisions we all are in control of our own productivity at work and at home.  Every single one of us is in charge.  The answer to the question is, “I am!”   

You are in Charge!

How do you define success?

Success is defined by each of us in different ways.  It should be a very personal definition, not shaped by others' opinions, the media or society.  It should include components of faith, family and helping those around us.  Success should be viewed as a journey and not a specific destination. It likely changes over time and with age It does not have to include financial or materialistic goals, although it may.  Success is simply a recipe for contentment.  What is your definition of success?  Below are a few good keys in my mind...

• Be comfortable with who you are
• Leave the world a better place
• Be a positive influence
• Tell the truth
• Get mad but don't be stupid
• Be a giver not a taker
• Seek God
• Be kind
• Have and accept grace
• Be humble

There is no key to happiness, but the door is always open…

We live in a fast paced world, especially in this country.  To go along with that pace we tend to be a bit impatient.  We expect quick service, easy answers, and immediate solutions.  We believe, happiness should be constant and easy.  We look for a pill or a doctor to fix our woes.  We seek diets or lifestyles that will improve our health and state of mind.  We grab onto fads and trends to make us feel good about ourselves.   It seems to be all about finding the easy answer, the key to happiness.

There is no “key” to happiness.  There is no one thing that will make you happy and keep you happy.  Life is comprised of challenges and struggles.  I do not believe that we were meant to be happy all the time, but we can be happier by choice.  We can be more positive by choice.  We can live a better life by choice.  It takes a little determination and hard work.  It is not a quick fix.  There are certain things that can help us be happy in life; faith, family and health. However, each of those have challenges as well.  Happiness is a process, a door to walk thru again and again every day. Happiness is a choice to make.

Stop looking for a key to happiness and walk thru the door, by choice, each and every day! 

Use Your Gifts

Recently I enjoyed a book by Tyler Perry entitled “Higher Is Waiting”.  It is an entertaining and challenging read about his faith journey and always striving to go higher.  The fact that we are all gifted in some way should not be new to any of us, but the fact that our gifts often remain hidden or unused is a great reminder.  Search out your God given talents and use them!  Consider this excerpt from the book…

I realized that we all have gifts within, but they’re too often hidden. We have gifts we have never used, even though they are within reach.  If we only knew where to look, we would find them.  These gifts are special.  They might even change our lives and help make the world a better place.

We all have gifts given to us by God. Look for yours.

– “Higher Is Waiting” by Tyler Perry

Happiness

There is no key to happiness.  The door is always open.

We live in a fast paced world, especially here in The United States.  To go along with that pace we tend to be a bit impatient.  We expect quick service, easy answers, and immediate solutions.  Happiness, we believe, should be constant and easy.  We look for a pill or a therapist to fix our woes.  We look for diets or lifestyles that will improve our health and state of mind.  We look for fads and trends to make us feel good about ourselves.   It seems to be all about finding the easy answer, the key to happiness.

There is no “key” to happiness.  There is no one thing that will make you happy and keep you that way.  Life is comprised of challenges and struggles.  I do not even believe that we were meant to be happy all the time, however we can be happier by choice.  We can be more positive by choice.  We can live a better life by choice.  It takes a little determination and hard work, not a quick fix.  Certain things can help us be happy, faith, family and health among those things, however those have challenges too.  Happiness is a process, a door to walk thru again and again every day, a choice to make.

Stop looking for a key to happiness and walk thru the door, by choice, each and every day! 

Three Kinds of People

Most people have heard the old saying about the world being comprised of three types of people…

• Those who make things happen.
• Those who watch and/or follow what happens.
• Those who ask what happened.

Hopefully we are not always #3!  But, in certain aspects of our life, we likely are the one who asks “what happened?”  It’s just hard to always be #1 regarding every aspect of our lives.  To me the key is which one of the above are we regarding what really matters?  When it comes to family, marriage, faith, parenting, or whatever may be of absolute importance to us, what are we then?  It is okay to be #3 about entertainment or fashion maybe even current events.  It is not okay to be #3 on things of significance.  When it comes to the things that really matter we need to strive to be one of those who make things happen!

Make something happen this week!