Is Your Idea Dog Smiling at You?

June 17, 2011 By 5 Comments

I’ve noticed in recent months that, as I’ve worked through issues with regard to my work and business, I dream a lot.  I think it’s the mind’s way of sorting things out while we sleep and that there is merit to analysis.

For a long time, I dreamed I was pulling (not driving) a truck.  It was a heavy, heavy load – almost unbearable – and I was weary with the burden of it.  I was always on a bumpy dirt road, filled with potholes.  In one dream, I kept running into a ditch, tearing off the fenders and various parts along the way.  By the time I reached home, I was totally exhausted, and there was nothing left of the truck but a sliver of steel.  These were the days when I was working in a job that was overburdensome and just did not fit.  Though I would not acknowledge it consciously, my subconscious mind knew it and was screaming at me to stop. [Read more...]

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Of Fourth Grade Gangs and Princess Dreams

April 23, 2011 By 18 Comments

After taking a DISC profile recently, I’ve learned something about myself I never knew.  I am an ADVOCATE.  It has only taken me forty-seven years to figure this out, but it does explain a few things.

For instance, I now understand why, in fourth grade, I started a gang.  You see, there were several girl-bullies who were picking on other girls in class.  In my advocate mind, I determined that the only way to stave off the incessant bullying was to band together as a group.  And thus my gang was born.  It actually worked, and I thought it was a great idea, until the day the principal found out about it.  We all (the bullies and the gang) got into big trouble.

Needless to say, that was the end of my gangster career, but the advocate that is me lives on.  I cannot stand by when good people are mistreated, when hard-working folks fall on hard times and no one helps them, or when someone gets discouraged and tempted to give up a dream that is truly theirs to live. [Read more...]

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Smile Again

January 25, 2011 By 2 Comments

We talk a lot here about finding your God-given passion and how, in finding that and living it, you find purpose for your life.  The really exciting part is seeing how that begins to bless the journey of others. 

I was reminded of this again this morning, as I learned of a project that John Albert Thomas is working on.  Those who have visited my site at www.7chapters.com know that I have highlighted his work there.  He is an amazingly talented piano composer who uses his gifts of deep caring and compassion to compose songs for people.  He has a unique way of turning feelings into music – of playing the sounds of the heart.

His latest project, a CD called Now I Sleep, was written for grieving families.  In his video interview of a couple, they mentioned the song he wrote for them called “Smile Again” and how that has played a part in their healing process.

So here is a person, John, whose passion for music extends well beyond the keyboard…to purpose…and beyond purpose to making a difference.  

And so, I ask.  What is your passion, and what are you doing with it?  Are you just playing notes on a keyboard, or are  you making music in someone’s life?  Are you helping someone to “smile again”?

If you know someone who is grieving or want to help John help those who are, do what I’m about to do.  Go here and make a difference.

And then…follow John’s example.  Find your passion and make someone in your corner of the world smile again.

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Does Your Work Make You Cry?

January 18, 2011 By 1 Comment

It should!

Surprised? I thought you might be. Let me explain.

There are two kinds of tears related to work. One is where you are told things like “you are what’s wrong with the world today”, “you are no help at all”, or “your work is sloppy”, and you run to the restroom so the boss won’t see how much it hurts you. These are tears of disappointment and frustration, tears that well up out of a feeling that you are trapped in a box that is suffocating you and sucking your life away one day at a time. They are tears that reflect a sense of purposelessness – that no matter what you do or how hard you try, well…it really doesn’t matter. You’re just a “chair on the deck” to a big corporation.

The other kind of tears related to work is much different. These are the tears of passion.

I see this often. People finally find passion in their work, and the tears come. They realize, maybe for the first time ever, that the time they spend on work can be meaningful and purposeful. They realize they don’t have to wait until retirement to enjoy life; that they don’t have to put off a ministry – that it could be integrated with their work now; that the hours they spend working (a big chunk of their lives) are not wasted hours.

A shining example of this is www.saddlebackleather.com. It is Dave Munson’s work, yes, but it is so much more than that. It is his passion. It is his passion because it enables him to minister to the people he loves.

I have been talking with some business owners lately who have been told their businesses should be strictly that – a business.

“Keep it superficial – it’s just a business. Don’t make it personal at all. Find out what society needs and make that your business – don’t worry if it fits you or not.” These are the the messages they’ve been given.

“Just go to work, and be glad you have a job.” Yes, we’ve all heard that, too.

The problem with both of those approaches is, there’s no passion. Without passion, the businesses and the jobs are just empty shells. Real success comes when people, whether in a job or a business or a ministry, tap into the deep well that is their passion. I have seen it played out over and over and over again. When a person FINALLY finds that passion and applies it to the work God has given him or her, amazing things happen.

A myriad of successful companies have been built in America, based on passion. Sometimes the passion of just one person is enough to launch an empire. As companies move away from the passion that made them, however, they tend to lose their effectiveness and their audience. Unless they are really big and can offer extremely low pricing, they have nothing left of value to offer a consumer. Really, when it comes down to it, in today’s society, businesses are selling just two things: passion and price. To survive, you must have at least one.

So…it’s inevitable. In your work, there will be tears – sooner or later, you’re going to cry. The question is…what kind of tears will they be?

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Debra’s Run for the Roses

January 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Today, I’m celebrating with a dear friend the final run toward finishing a dream. I feel like I’m on the sidelines cheering like mad as, having overcome almost impossible obstacles, she nears the finish line.

This is the week “Debra Irene” completes her first book. I am so proud of her, I can hardly contain myself! She reminds me of Seabiscuit, who, despite all the odds against him, did what he was born to do. He was a racehorse to the core, and NOTHING stopped him.

Congratulations, Debbie!
You are a true inspiration.

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Dalton’s Christmas Story

December 20, 2010 By 7 Comments

The story below is written by a teacher in Florida.  It is actually the story of Dalton, son of my cousin.  It will touch your heartstrings because, you see, it’s really about a child who understands the true meaning of Christmas.  Read and be blessed!

The Christmas Spirit of a 7 -Year-Old
After a long day, this hard-working family had to go replace their old truck, so off they went to pick up their son from his aunt.  After completing the vehicle transaction, they decided to stop and eat dinner.  There was an Applebee’s restaurant on their route, so they decided to stop there.  Upon entering the restaurant, their little boy saw a Christmas tree – but not just any Christmas tree.  This tree was different.  It had tags on it.  The little boy had a puzzled look on his face.

After they were seated, the little boy asked his mother, “Mama, why does that tree have paper tags on it?” (As anyone knows, most children are full of questions).

His mother replied, “Well, baby, some parents are not as lucky as we are to have jobs, and they cannot buy their children gifts; so there are places that help out, and this is how Applebee’s is choosing to help.”

Immediately, the little boy got quiet (so unusual for this inquisitive child).  He sat quietly throughout the meal and didn’t say anything until they were getting ready to leave the restaurant.  He then said, “Can anyone take a tag off the tree and buy for the children?”

His mama said, “Yes, baby.”

He then asked, “Can I do it?”

She responded, “Yes, you may, if you know what you have to do.”

“I know I have to buy presents for the person whose name is on the tag,” was his reply.

He scanned the tree, looking at each tag individually.  It was like he was trying to choose a particular tag.  His face then lit up brighter than any shiny bulb, and his mom knew he had found what he was looking for.  He removed the tag.  His search was over, with the tag that stated: Boy–age 7- Legos, etc.

They left the restaurant, ready to take him home and follow their nightly routine.  But that was not what this young man had in mind.  He asked, “Daddy, can we stop at Dollar General?” and how could this proud father deny, so they stopped.  He took the tag, looked at each item that the child wanted, and carefully filled his arms until he couldn’t carry any more - then off to the cashier.

His mom got out her debit card, and this young man said, “What are you doing, Mama?”

Her reply was, “You have a lot of gifts for this child, and I’m going to pay for them.”

He said, “NO, MAMA,” and reached into his little wallet, took out his money, and paid for the gifts himself.

One never knows where you will see the true spirit of Christmas!

–Diane Archibee, Teacher
Lakeland, Florida

Note:  The best part of the story is what happened later.  Mrs. Archibee’s note was published in the local paper, and somehow, it made its way all the way to New York…to a church there which also had an Angel Tree.  It was close to Christmas, and the tree was still full.  That is, until they read about Dalton’s story.  After the service, all the tags on the tree were taken. 

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Carol and Shelby

December 16, 2010 By 1 Comment

One day this week, I encountered two ladies who were truly inspirational.  Here are the stories of Carol and Shelby.

Carol

My morning started with a Business Networking International (BNI) meeting.  My business coach, Justin Lukasavige, suggested I attend one, and since he’s a pretty smart guy, I try to do what he says.  The attendees included several local business people, with a common passion for their work and a desire to help others in their business endeavors.  It was definitely a good experience.

Though each made a positive impression, there was one lady who stood out immediately.  Her name is Carol.  I met her as she walked in, and she gave me a hug and welcomed me to the group.  I had never met her before, but I liked her instantly.  Through the course of the meeting, I learned that Carol is the executive director of Kendallwood Residential Care Apartments, located in the Kansas City area.  This residential care facility was voted “Best in the Northland”, and I have a feeling it’s very much because of Carol.  I’ve met many people through the years who take care of senior citizens, but I’ve never met one who has the passion for it that Carol possesses.  She takes the time to make sure the facility is well maintained and that people are cared for exceptionally well.  For instance, Carol asks that her staff show up with a smile each day as a gift to the residents.  When one recently came to work without her smile, Carol walked outside with her, they talked, and the employee returned with less of a burden and a smile on her face.  Carol told about Christmas and how depressing it could be for those with no families to visit them during the holidays.  She arranged for these residents to be “adopted” for the holidays by people who wanted to help.  Even cleaning the apartments is more than just a mundane task for Carol and her staff.  They take the time to listen to the residents’ needs, and offer support and friendship as they clean.

Carol has an obvious love for people, and her work expresses her passion.  So tell me, when you’re a senior and need assistance, would you rather have someone like Carol – whose work is her mission – or someone else, whose work is “just a job”?

Shelby

After the meeting, I went to Donna’s Academy of Hair Design in Smithville.  I needed a little more “color” in my life, if you know what I mean.  Admittedly, I was looking for a bargain, but I also found a bonus.  Her name is Shelby.  Shelby is a lovely young lady - just out of high school – and smart.  She is smart in the sense that she understands her gifts and is training to use them in her work.  Shelby, on the advice of others, entertained the thought of working in the medical field – even did a summer internship – but realized it really wasn’t her passion.  Her true passion was in cosmetology.  She admitted she could have gone to college with probably nothing to gain but a lot of student loan debt.

Shelby is wise to realize this and to follow her dream.  Few do.  Those who don’t, wander through life lamenting what could have been.  They turn into people with regrets for not doing something they wished they had.  Here’s the thing I noticed about Shelby.  She DOES have a natural gift for what she’s doing.  She has that patience and attention to detail that make an exceptional stylist.  Would she have made a good nurse?  Probably - she’s certainly intelligent enough for the job.  But something tells me she’ll make a GREAT stylist.

So, who are YOU?  Are you a great stylist serving as a miserable nurse?  Or maybe you’re a great nurse working as a miserable stylist.  Chances are, if you’re miserable in your work, there’s something else you’d be great at doing.  It’s just a matter of finding YOUR gift and using it to serve others.

People who do that…you’ll know them readily.  They have a contagious enthusiasm for their work and are a blessing to those they serve.  Isn’t that the way it should be?

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Nosey People

December 16, 2010 By 3 Comments

Have you ever noticed some people just ask too many questions?  Sometimes, they get downright nosey!  :-)

Awhile back, a dear friend and wise mentor asked me one too many questions…but I have to admit, I’m glad he did.  He asked, “Why do you work?”  (Okay, so that’s not too high on the noseymeter.)

I replied, as most would, “I work to pay the bills.”

“What bills?”

Well, now he was getting into the noseymeter downright red zone.  Admittedly, that question was a thought-provoking one.  How would you answer?  Your first thoughts undoubtedly would be for things like shelter and food.  But if you think about it long enough – and dig deep enough – you may begin to realize you work for things like cars, TVs, toys, “stuff” you really don’t need and, in fact, may not even want.  Maybe you think about that as you drive to work in a car you don’t own to a job you don’t like.  You begin to realize that you work for…STUFF!

Don’t get me wrong, I like the creature comforts and gadgets as much as the next person.  But not enough to trade my life for them.  Not anymore.

If you were to ask me now why I work, I would give you a very different answer.  Now I work because it is the expression of my purpose.  I am passionate about my work because I know that what I do helps people, in some small way, to live their dreams and find their purpose.

So…let me be nosey and ask YOU…

Why do YOU work?

No, really…think about it…WHY do you work?

Do you work for STUFF…or PURPOSE?
(Yes, I know, noseymeter red zone!)

I can tell you, there is a difference.
One will steal your life…the other will give it back.

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You Can’t Eat Raisin Bran With a Fork!

December 8, 2010 By 1 Comment

Okay, I admit it.  I’m over 45, I get up too early…and I need more coffee!

Sometimes in life, you are reminded of such things, as I was this morning when I pulled out a FORK to eat my cereal.  You look at what’s in your hand, and you realize, “This isn’t going to work.”  You chuckle at yourself, get out the right tool for the job, and then you can enjoy your breakfast without the milk leaking through the fork tines.

You see, that’s the problem.  The fork has “holes” in it, and stuff leaks out.

Think about your life and business.  Are you losing some of the really important stuff because you’re using a fork?

  • Are you losing money because you don’t have a budget or a way to track it?
  • Are you losing time because you don’t use a calendar, to do list, and perhaps a timer to stay focused?
  • Are you losing efficiencies because you’re using something like a Commodore 64 to operate your business?  Yes, I’m old enough to remember those!
  • Are you losing business because your clients are falling into the abyss of unread email?
  • Are you losing special times with loved ones because you’re too busy stabbing at life with a fork when you should be scooping it up with a spoon?

Something to think about as you eat your morning cereal.  Oh, and do yourself a favor…USE A SPOON!

P.S.  If you find typos in this blog, please refer to sentence #1.

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Dirt Rich

November 26, 2010 By 3 Comments

I was a young teenager.  It was a tough time.

We were struggling to make ends meet after my parents’ divorce, and I was wrestling with the life-altering issues surrounding all those sudden changes.  There was a horrible sense of loss.

Somewhere in the midst of that, I was asked to go with my youth director to visit the family of a teenager who had recently visited our church.  We pulled up to a row of abandoned migrant shacks.  It was cold outside, and I noticed smoke coming out of a pipe on one of those shacks…and a light flickering in a small window.

This was the home of the teenager and his family of five or six, as I recall.  We walked into the tiny shack, and I remember vividly the shocking realization that they had dirt floors.  They had one of those old chrome tables and a single chrome chair, which the father immediately offered to me.  There was a metal can with a fire going to keep the place warm, a makeshift cooking area, and very little else.  These folks were so poor, they were having to tear down the other shacks little by little to feed the fire that provided their only source of heat.

As I processed the stark reality of my surroundings, I began to see something else.  I saw that the dirt floor had broom marks in it – indications that these folks did their best to keep even their dirt floors “clean”.  Things were neat and tidy.  But what I remember most was that these people had the warmest smiles and a deep, passionate love for each other.

Smiles and dirt floors…not at all what you’d expect.  We’ve all heard the term “dirt poor”.  Well, these folks were “dirt rich”.  You see, they had figured out, in the midst of such dire circumstances, what really matters in life and what the real treasures are – they are the people in your life who love you.

I went home that night to fiberboard floors in our cold, unfinished house - and I realized how very rich we were.  Not because we had floors…but because we still had each other.

During this holiday season, whether you are looking down at dirt floors…or hardwood…or marble – I hope you take a moment to look around and see the real treasures in your life.

Have a blessed holiday season!

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