You and Your Network

Weekly Thought – October 15, 2013

Fred enjoyed connecting friends with others. Way before networking was a commonly accepted business practice, Fred understood its value. And it was always for mutual benefit, never for manipulation or selfish ends.

As you are reading this, the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute team of 21 will be “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders…for the glory of God” at East Texas Baptist University. Thank you for praying for God’s work. Breakfast With Fred is reader-supported and we are asking you to support us with donations large or small at this important time.

You and Your Network

Networking is the way most things happen. Great achievers have always understood the necessity of organized assistance.

Successful businesses depend on a network built of suppliers, customers, government agencies, stockholders, employees, and management.

The human body is probably the oldest network — the many parts are connected. The foot depends on the eyes to keep from stumbling… and the eye depends on the eyebrow to keep sweat from running down. (more…)

Never Again

Brenda’s Blog – October 15, 2013

“Why ‘Fortitude’?” I surprised myself as I asked the young man about his arm’s length tattoo. His response got my immediate attention. “It means courage. There is a story behind it and it reminds me I will never be a coward again. I will never let fear make me cower.”

The chairs in the coffee shop became pew-like in this sacred space. The conversation unfolded easily.

“The do-not-fears in the Bible have really helped me this year. Fighting fear is real to me, as well. I started studying this because it dawned on me even in the Bible fearful people made really stupid decisions. I looked at my life and saw the same pattern. Fear is no friend of clear thought.”

He nodded, picked up his iPad and started searching the do-nots. His face brightened and the interest increased. Two strangers engaged in life-strengthening.

We talked for a few more minutes, and as he left he stopped to say, “This was meant to be.”

“Start with Joshua 1:9 – it is the cornerstone; and be fortified.”

A brief exchange with the thumbprint of God all over it.

I have no idea why he fervently inked the reminder on his arm…it doesn’t matter. His resolve to stand fearlessly marks him more deeply than the tat.

What is your word? What is your story? Then whose story are you missing because you don’t ask the question? Open eyes, minds, and hearts lead us into the most exceptional surprises.

Brenda’s Blog – New

Welcome to BWFLI

Brenda’s Blog – October 1, 2013

Welcome to the Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute website. Our organization’s mission is “stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders…to the glory of God.” The on-line archive of wisdom God gave my Dad, Fred Smith,Sr., is housed at breakfastwithfred.com You will find a leadership library filled with timeless principles, pithy statements of truth, and challenging questions.

Our on-campus events are affectionately known as “24 hour leadership blitzes” because a team of leading men and women (mostly over 65) land on campus and immerse themselves in the community for a power-packed 24 hours. We come to start conversations and create connections. We are in classrooms, chapel, athletic sessions, community outreaches, dorm conversations, mealtimes, and any other possible venue that gives us a chance to share leadership principles and our faith experience.

Bwfli.com is a way to continue the conversation.

Periodically I will host this blog spot. It will be a place to think about leadership in light of everyday experiences. I am an “out and about” person. I love listening to people’s stories and finding transferable themes!

Enjoy the website then grab a coffee and join me as we explore the paths God creates for us. Come back and we will start sharing ideas.

Please think about: 1) Who first said, “I believe in you?” 2) How has it impacted your direction? 3) What is the power of belief?

Dad once told me, “There’s magic in believing as long as you don’t believe in magic!”

Joyful Health

Weekly Thought – October 8, 2013

Fred believed in his body’s ability to heal itself, sometimes to the “I can only speak personally”, but I have found when I have the right attitude my body has great recuperative power. When our children complain of a humdrum life I tell them; “There’s nothing wrong with you that a little excitement won’t cure!” Fred was severely immobilized in his last four or five years. He was quoted in a national magazine: “I am not disabled; I am delightfully dependent.” He had a joyful attitude.

Please continue to pray for the BWFLI team that is heading to East Texas Baptist University on October 22nd. Thank you for ongoing encouragement and support.

Joyful Health

Joy can live in a sick or disabled body…the spirit can overcome the physical limitations. Joy can also reside in a body that is well-respected, protected from abuse.

Very few people miss a vacation due to illness. Most of the school children who are sick to their stomachs are often “sick of school,” or afraid to face a pressured situation. I have no scientific survey to prove this, but I would daresay a class led by an exciting and loving teacher experiences less absenteeism. (more…)

Joy Through Financial Integrity

Weekly Thought – October 1, 2013

Fred’s financial wisdom and practice were well known. One of his life-long friends commented recently on his sage counsel to a group of Dallas businessmen: “Keep a year’s living expenses in savings and if possible live on half your income.” “We were all shocked when he said that because most of the people we knew lived right up to the hilt supporting a high profile life style. No one thought about reducing their standard of living to the one Fred and Mary Alice chose.”

“Money can be a tool or an idol” is one of Fred’s pithy sayings. To those who give in the support of BWF, BWFLI, and the Weekly Thought, we want you to know it is most certainly a tool for the furtherance of this ministry. Thank you.

Joy Through Financial Integrity

Those inundated by financial worries seldom exude a joyful attitude. Our value system is exemplified by our relationship to money. I laughingly told someone, “You never know a person until you count money with them.” It brought a smile, but I was dead serious. Scott Peck wrote about the underlying flaw in the American character – the failure to delay gratification. We see this throughout our culture, but none so clearly as in our use of money. Buying on time and using credit were unfortunate additions to our financial system.

We are so anxious for the fruit we pick it before it is ripe. Oswald Chambers defined lust as “I must have it now” and how true that is of our instant satisfaction society. (more…)

Giving Yourself

Weekly Thought – September 24, 2013

Fred said “Be A Blessing” would be the family motto if there were one. He believed self-focus was a dead end. His counsel to others was always, “get excited about something bigger than yourself.”

Gratitude for faithful friends who support Fred’s ongoing ministry and the development of expanded outreach is deeply felt by the board of BWF Project. Your encouraging words energize us. Your financial support allows us to continue. Thank you for standing with us.

Giving Yourself

The essence of joy is the willingness to give oneself into forgetfulness. Trying to “forget yourself” is nearly impossible, but developing the disciplined habit of giving ourselves to a cause or person allows us the privilege of determined forgetfulness. John Wannamaker said, “The most important lesson I have learned is that I have the least trouble with myself when I’m giving myself to a worthwhile cause.”

One evening I was sitting in the lobby of the old Gibson Hotel in Cincinnati. Two writers were sitting within earshot and I thoroughly enjoyed their conversation. The younger asked, “If you had your life to live over, what would you do with yourself?” Without hesitation, the other replied, “I’d find something big enough to give myself to.” (more…)

Meet the BWFLI Team for ETBU

Click here for the BWFLI Team going to ETBU in October 2013.

BWFLI Video Contest for ETBU

$500 ETBU Scholarship contest rules. Click here for more info.

BWFLI at ETBU campus

October 22-23, 2013 at East Texas Baptist University (ETBU)

Excitement is building for the arrival of over 21 Breakfast With Fred Leadership Institute team members to meet with the student body at ETBU. Conferences, classrooms, lunch halls, and study areas will all come alive with the blend of students and the BWFLI team discussing a wide range of daily life, goal planning, and keys to leadership. To emphasize participation, a $500 scholarship Video Contest is being held with the submittal deadline of October 14. BWFLI events are focused on the theme of “blessing and stretching the next generation of leaders…to the glory of God.”

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