New beginnings are natural occurrences in the life of any growing leader. In the leadership developmental process, systemic change is necessary to consistently moving forward. Possessing both commitment and excitement are foundational qualities which can aid in the launching or sustaining of new ideas. While commitment and excitement are desirable qualities, distinguishing between commitment and being caught up in the…
The movie “Gladiator” opens with the Roman general Maximus leading his troops into battle against a horde of vicious barbarians. Instead of sitting on a distant hill like other generals, simply observing, Maximus leads the charge himself, yelling at the top of his lungs, “Stay with me! Staaaay with meeee!” It is reported he never lost a battle. Many think…
The fire burns brightly piercing the darkness - almost symbolic of things to come. Add the powerful preaching of the Word, the quickening of the Spirit of God, open hearts of families or students, a challenge for commitment . . . and you have the potential for life change. I have stood at hundreds of campfire services and seen people…
False summits are the dread of mountain climbers! When a weary hiker rounds the curve to what he perceives as the last big push to the final peak – and finds it a false summit – his heart can feel as disillusioned as his body feels drained. Realizing a false summit has obscured his view of the true mountain peak…
Today may be ragged with the remnants of uncompleted tasks, failed projects, or waning vision, so we look to tomorrow. We need a fresh start…a new page to turn. Tomorrow could be the day to turn the page. Tomorrow is alive with possibilities and opportunities. However it should not serve as a “guilt-reducing blender” we hurl every procrastination from today.…
I love duct tape! My philosophy is “If you cannot fix it with duct tape…then throw it away.” Oh, and by the way, multi-colored duct tape is for sissies. I’ve been told it was created for heating/air condition vents but it did not work. So duct tape works on just about everything except what it was invented to do. I…
For over four decades I have studied the DNA of leadership. Yes, I have read books and attended seminars but primarily I have just closely watched as leaders did life. These leaders were intergenerational, representing multiple leadership styles, personalities, experiences and language groups. It is no coincidence they share some of the same “DNA” traits or that they are consistently…
May 11, 1975 marks a strategic decision in my spiritual life. I have chosen to repeat a blog I wrote last year concerning the impact of that decision. If you read it then, take a moment and read it again, if not…enjoy! I hate quitters! I know this is strong language and sounds insensitive. I do not subscribe to what…