Many people who “fail” in the “self-help” stuff are looking for a magic formula of things they can do to be successful, instead of focusing on becoming the right kind of person first.
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Sunday, November 29, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Art and the Precious Limits of Reality - John Piper
I pray that this advent season every part of the Great Story will have a fresh luster because it is a Granite Fact.
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Monday, November 23, 2009
LIFE is Precious to GOD!
"Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I'd even lived one day." Psalm 139:16 MSG
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
20 Workplace Habits You Need to Break - Marshall Goldsmith
Marshall Goldsmith is an executive coach, who has worked with CEO's in the world's top corporations. His book, What Got You Here Won't Get You There talks about 20 workplace habits you need to break.
As you look at the list, try to identify the three you are most guilty of. For an even better perspective, do a confidential 360 degree evaluation with a dozen of the people you work with.
1. Winning too much: The need to win at all costs and in all situations.
2. Adding too much value: The overwhelming desire to add our 2 cents to every discussion.
3. Passing judgment: The need to rate others and impose our standards on them.
4. Making destructive comments: The needless sarcasm and cutting remarks that we think
make us witty.
5. Starting with NO, BUT, HOWEVER: The overuse of these negative qualifiers which
secretly say to everyone that I'm right and you're wrong.
6. Telling the world how smart we are: The need to show people we're smarter than they
think we are.
7. Speaking when angry: Using emotional volatility as a management tool.
8. Negativity, or "Let me explain why that won't work": The need to share our negative
thoughts even when we weren't asked.
9. Withholding information: The refusal to share information in order to maintain an
advantage over others.
10. Failing to give proper recognition: The inability to give praise and reward.
11. Claiming credit that that we don't deserve: The most annoying way to overestimate our
contribution to any success.
12. Making excuses: The need to reposition our annoying behavior as a permanent fixture so people excuse us for it.
13. Clinging to the past: The need to deflect blame away from ourselves and onto events and people from our past; a subset of blaming everyone else.
14. Playing favorites: Failing to see that we are treating someone unfairly.
15. Refusing to express regret: The inability to take responsibility for our actions, admit we're wrong, or recognize how our actions affect others.
16. Not listening: The most passive-aggressive form of disrespect for colleagues.
17. Failing to express gratitude: The most basic form of bad manners.
18. Punishing the messenger: The misguided need to attack the innocent who are usually only trying to help us.
19. Passing the buck: The need to blame everyone but ourselves.
20. An excessive need to be "me": Exalting our faults as virtues simply because they're who
we are.
As you look at the list, try to identify the three you are most guilty of. For an even better perspective, do a confidential 360 degree evaluation with a dozen of the people you work with.
1. Winning too much: The need to win at all costs and in all situations.
2. Adding too much value: The overwhelming desire to add our 2 cents to every discussion.
3. Passing judgment: The need to rate others and impose our standards on them.
4. Making destructive comments: The needless sarcasm and cutting remarks that we think
make us witty.
5. Starting with NO, BUT, HOWEVER: The overuse of these negative qualifiers which
secretly say to everyone that I'm right and you're wrong.
6. Telling the world how smart we are: The need to show people we're smarter than they
think we are.
7. Speaking when angry: Using emotional volatility as a management tool.
8. Negativity, or "Let me explain why that won't work": The need to share our negative
thoughts even when we weren't asked.
9. Withholding information: The refusal to share information in order to maintain an
advantage over others.
10. Failing to give proper recognition: The inability to give praise and reward.
11. Claiming credit that that we don't deserve: The most annoying way to overestimate our
contribution to any success.
12. Making excuses: The need to reposition our annoying behavior as a permanent fixture so people excuse us for it.
13. Clinging to the past: The need to deflect blame away from ourselves and onto events and people from our past; a subset of blaming everyone else.
14. Playing favorites: Failing to see that we are treating someone unfairly.
15. Refusing to express regret: The inability to take responsibility for our actions, admit we're wrong, or recognize how our actions affect others.
16. Not listening: The most passive-aggressive form of disrespect for colleagues.
17. Failing to express gratitude: The most basic form of bad manners.
18. Punishing the messenger: The misguided need to attack the innocent who are usually only trying to help us.
19. Passing the buck: The need to blame everyone but ourselves.
20. An excessive need to be "me": Exalting our faults as virtues simply because they're who
we are.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Ministry of Refreshing - David Wilkerson
In Acts 27, Paul was on a ship headed for Rome when the vessel came to a stop at Sidon. Paul asked the centurion in charge for permission to visit some friends in the city, and “Julius…gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself” (Acts 27:3). Here is yet another instance of God using believers to refresh other believers.
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Creativity Thinking
"Everyone has creative potential, but creative people think they are creative."
Self-esteem is one of the most important elements of creativity. People must believe in their ability to develop original ideas and they must continue to believe in themselves after repeated failures.
Creativity flourishes in an environment that rewards attempts, as well as successes, and is conducive to failure. People must feel comfortable failing before they will repeatedly take risks or attempt creative approaches.
Roger von Oech labels four stages of the creative process:
1. Explorer
Finding new ideas and resources from which an idea may be built.
2. Artist
Transforming ideas (gathered by the explorer) into something new.
3. Judge
Ideas developed by the artist are evaluated and their merits are weighed; suggestions are offered on how they can be improved or further developed.
4. Warrior
Implementation of the ideas approved by the judge requiring persistence and determination.
SECRETS TO CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
• Be an optimist
• Take your time
• Get enough information
• Brainstorm by yourself
• Redefine the problem
• Plan for results
• Break the routine
• Make a minus a plus
• Don't give up.
• Allow yourself to daydream
• Ask questions
• Have a sense of humor
• Tolerate ambiguity
GROUP TECHNIQUES TO GENERATE CREATIVITY
Brainstorming
Groups generate as many ideas as possible, listing ideas on a chart so that group members may modify them or combine them to create additional ideas. Criticism is not allowed during brainstorming, nor is evaluation of ideas.
Storyboarding
An adaptation of brainstorming, but it is primarily nonverbal so articulate group members are not able to dominate the process. Storyboarding uses a process similar to parliamentary procedure to gain support of an idea before it can remain part of the discussion. Storyboarding allows group members to produce data and solutions to problems generating ideas off of previous suggestions.
Nominal Group Technique
Focuses attention on individual members' ideas by having members write down their ideas/solutions on their own before sharing them with the group. Ideas are all recorded, everyone votes to prioritize ideas, then discussion is held on only the top ones before another vote is taken. This technique allows everyone to participate and contribute ideas before the group reaches its decision.
ROADBLOCKS TO CREATIVITY
Thinking there is one right answer
Many of us have the tendency to stop looking for alternative right answers after the first answer has been found. Often it is the third, fifth or tenth right answer that is what we need to solve a problem in an innovative way.
"That's not logical"
Logic is an important creative thinking tool when you are searching for ideas, however, excessive logical thinking can short circuit your creative process.
Following the rules
You often have to break out of pattern to discover another.
Being practical
Practical people know how to get into an open frame of mind, listen to their imagination and build on the ideas they find there.
Avoiding ambiguity
Too much specificity can stifle your imagination!
Being afraid of making a mistake
Errors are a sign that you are diverging from the norm. If you are not failing every now and then it is a sign you are not being very innovative.
Click here to go to this Issue of Out of the Box
Self-esteem is one of the most important elements of creativity. People must believe in their ability to develop original ideas and they must continue to believe in themselves after repeated failures.
Creativity flourishes in an environment that rewards attempts, as well as successes, and is conducive to failure. People must feel comfortable failing before they will repeatedly take risks or attempt creative approaches.
Roger von Oech labels four stages of the creative process:
1. Explorer
Finding new ideas and resources from which an idea may be built.
2. Artist
Transforming ideas (gathered by the explorer) into something new.
3. Judge
Ideas developed by the artist are evaluated and their merits are weighed; suggestions are offered on how they can be improved or further developed.
4. Warrior
Implementation of the ideas approved by the judge requiring persistence and determination.
SECRETS TO CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING
• Be an optimist
• Take your time
• Get enough information
• Brainstorm by yourself
• Redefine the problem
• Plan for results
• Break the routine
• Make a minus a plus
• Don't give up.
• Allow yourself to daydream
• Ask questions
• Have a sense of humor
• Tolerate ambiguity
GROUP TECHNIQUES TO GENERATE CREATIVITY
Brainstorming
Groups generate as many ideas as possible, listing ideas on a chart so that group members may modify them or combine them to create additional ideas. Criticism is not allowed during brainstorming, nor is evaluation of ideas.
Storyboarding
An adaptation of brainstorming, but it is primarily nonverbal so articulate group members are not able to dominate the process. Storyboarding uses a process similar to parliamentary procedure to gain support of an idea before it can remain part of the discussion. Storyboarding allows group members to produce data and solutions to problems generating ideas off of previous suggestions.
Nominal Group Technique
Focuses attention on individual members' ideas by having members write down their ideas/solutions on their own before sharing them with the group. Ideas are all recorded, everyone votes to prioritize ideas, then discussion is held on only the top ones before another vote is taken. This technique allows everyone to participate and contribute ideas before the group reaches its decision.
ROADBLOCKS TO CREATIVITY
Thinking there is one right answer
Many of us have the tendency to stop looking for alternative right answers after the first answer has been found. Often it is the third, fifth or tenth right answer that is what we need to solve a problem in an innovative way.
"That's not logical"
Logic is an important creative thinking tool when you are searching for ideas, however, excessive logical thinking can short circuit your creative process.
Following the rules
You often have to break out of pattern to discover another.
Being practical
Practical people know how to get into an open frame of mind, listen to their imagination and build on the ideas they find there.
Avoiding ambiguity
Too much specificity can stifle your imagination!
Being afraid of making a mistake
Errors are a sign that you are diverging from the norm. If you are not failing every now and then it is a sign you are not being very innovative.
Click here to go to this Issue of Out of the Box
Friday, November 6, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Getting Healthy - Susie Kania
Adapted from an interview with Susie Kania of the Cooper Wellness Center in Dallas.
1. KNOW THYSELF
If you're starting from nothing, get a physical exam first. Especially if you're a woman over fifty or a man over forty. And don't worry if things go slowly at first. Everybody starts at a different level.
2. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR WINGTIPS
If you're going to walk, wear quality shoes. "People don't always see that as important and they'll go out and walk in whatever they have. … If your feet and legs hurt, then it's hard to exercise."
3. THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS
Don't carry hand weights when you walk. "That has a tendency to throw off the biomechanics and you might end up getting injured. I recommend doing strength training at a separate time."
4. ROME DIDN'T LOSE TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS IN A DAY
"You're not going to accomplish in two weeks what you've undone in the last two years." Start slowly and progress slowly, so you can exercise without hurting yourself. "If you get an injury when you're starting an exercise program, that's very discouraging. You'll get frustrated and probably won't do anything again for a while."
5. THOU SHALT TRY SOMETHING NEW
"Put some variety in your exercise program. Vary your exercises or classes. Try new things—cycling, kickboxing, whatever. Make it enjoyable so you look forward to it."
6. THOU SHALT KICK IT UP A NOTCH
"As you progress and get more fit, you need to continue to challenge yourself, so that you don't get in a rut." In other words, your body gets used to the level you're at. Until you reach your desired plateau, keep challenging yourself—slowly but surely.
7. FLEE THE ELEVATOR
"Look for opportunities for activity as you go throughout each day. Look for the hard way to do things instead of the easy way." In other words, take the stairs. Park farther away from the office.
Click Here for more Outside The Box
1. KNOW THYSELF
If you're starting from nothing, get a physical exam first. Especially if you're a woman over fifty or a man over forty. And don't worry if things go slowly at first. Everybody starts at a different level.
2. THOU SHALT NOT WEAR WINGTIPS
If you're going to walk, wear quality shoes. "People don't always see that as important and they'll go out and walk in whatever they have. … If your feet and legs hurt, then it's hard to exercise."
3. THROW OFF EVERYTHING THAT HINDERS
Don't carry hand weights when you walk. "That has a tendency to throw off the biomechanics and you might end up getting injured. I recommend doing strength training at a separate time."
4. ROME DIDN'T LOSE TWENTY-FIVE POUNDS IN A DAY
"You're not going to accomplish in two weeks what you've undone in the last two years." Start slowly and progress slowly, so you can exercise without hurting yourself. "If you get an injury when you're starting an exercise program, that's very discouraging. You'll get frustrated and probably won't do anything again for a while."
5. THOU SHALT TRY SOMETHING NEW
"Put some variety in your exercise program. Vary your exercises or classes. Try new things—cycling, kickboxing, whatever. Make it enjoyable so you look forward to it."
6. THOU SHALT KICK IT UP A NOTCH
"As you progress and get more fit, you need to continue to challenge yourself, so that you don't get in a rut." In other words, your body gets used to the level you're at. Until you reach your desired plateau, keep challenging yourself—slowly but surely.
7. FLEE THE ELEVATOR
"Look for opportunities for activity as you go throughout each day. Look for the hard way to do things instead of the easy way." In other words, take the stairs. Park farther away from the office.
Click Here for more Outside The Box
Monday, November 2, 2009
Encourage Your Leaders to Pray for the Sick - Jim Angelakos
Do you want to see your leaders grow spiritually and move in the Power of God? Then teach them how to pray for the sick as Jesus did. Believing in faith that God will heal them and leaving the results in His hands.
One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2)
It's part of the Great Commission.
They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them." Mark 16:18 b
It's good stewardship. When we pray for others- our spiritual gifts are activated, we become more sensitive to the healing work of the Holy Spirit and the Power of God.
Here are a few more benefits to your leaders when they pray for the sick: their faith increases, their belief in the Word and Power of God increases, they're encouraged, it's training them, it provides evangelistic opportunities for them, it's personal ministry, it helps them lead balanced lives, it's compassionate, it's a serving opportunity and it's Kingdom building...
You never know, It may even increase the attendance. Nothing brings crowds together more quickly than a good "Healing Service".
A vast crowd brought Him the lame, blind, crippled, mute, and many others with physical difficulties, and they laid them before Jesus. And he healed them all. (Matt 15:30)
The Kingdom of God is advancing. Let's make sure that our leaders are fully equipped to serve in it.
One day Jesus called together his twelve apostles and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the coming of the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. (Luke 9:1-2)
It's part of the Great Commission.
They will be able to place their hands on the sick and heal them." Mark 16:18 b
It's good stewardship. When we pray for others- our spiritual gifts are activated, we become more sensitive to the healing work of the Holy Spirit and the Power of God.
Here are a few more benefits to your leaders when they pray for the sick: their faith increases, their belief in the Word and Power of God increases, they're encouraged, it's training them, it provides evangelistic opportunities for them, it's personal ministry, it helps them lead balanced lives, it's compassionate, it's a serving opportunity and it's Kingdom building...
You never know, It may even increase the attendance. Nothing brings crowds together more quickly than a good "Healing Service".
A vast crowd brought Him the lame, blind, crippled, mute, and many others with physical difficulties, and they laid them before Jesus. And he healed them all. (Matt 15:30)
The Kingdom of God is advancing. Let's make sure that our leaders are fully equipped to serve in it.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
The Three Taverns - James Ryle
“Some of the followers in Rome heard about us and came to meet us at the Market of Appius and at the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged.” (Acts 28:15).
This is a delightful moment captured forever in the words of Luke, author of The Acts. What makes this moment so special was that, for Paul, it came at the end a long and arduous struggle against one thing after another.
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This is a delightful moment captured forever in the words of Luke, author of The Acts. What makes this moment so special was that, for Paul, it came at the end a long and arduous struggle against one thing after another.
More...
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