Stretching Out Before the Race

Weekly Thought – March 20, 2018

Fred’s answer to “what are you thinking about?” was never “nothing.” He thought constantly and consistently. He made lists of ideas, prayer items, and future projects. Life without thought was inconceivable to him. Therefore, when he gathered 17 pages of “daily warm-ups for the race of life,” it was a practical exercise. Here are several more quick thoughts which Fred used as conversation starters.

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Stretching Out Before the Race

1) Corroded Connections. The cares of life often corrode our connections with other people. Hate, spite, revenge, and pettiness cause spiritual corrosion. The other day I noticed that one of the headlights was out on one of our daughters’ cars. I looked at the fuse and saw that it was intact, but noticed some corrosion on the connection. I cleaned it and the light came on. Corrosion had interfered with the current. Harmony and goodwill are more than just pleasantries in the environment, they are vital to our spiritual connection.

2) The Power of Passion. Martin Jurow, the movie producer, told an interviewer that the thing that makes the difference is passion. This works even in a negative context. For example, the dictator Juan Peron said, “Only the fanatics accomplish.” I do not advocate hurtful, hateful passion. But I do believe the idea of balance may be oversold. Those who accomplish greatly do not give equal attention to all areas. A good question always to ask is, “What are you passionate about?”

3) Bridges. How foolish it would be to believe that a bridge would hold whatever load you put on it. Bridges are designed and built for load limits. Similarly, our moral strength won’t be whatever we want it to be, but what we train and build into our character. Therefore, to put ourselves into situations which exceed our moral load limits is unwise and unhealthy.

4) Talented Humility. To me, Pavarotti is a truly humble person. By that I mean he sees his talent as a gift and refers to it as “She.” When someone asked him when he would quit singing he said, “She will tell me.’ By taking the talent which he has and holding it like a Tiffany setting holds a shining diamond, he can be humble toward other people without disparaging his own exceptional gift.

5) Life and Death. In the Christian life there are two principles at work. One is the principle of life which comes at the new birth. The other is the principle of death, which is the old nature as it dies away. The new man of the Spirit is to increase and the old man of the flesh is to decrease.

This week think about: 1) How can I use these quick thought starters in my family, business, and church life? 2) What shows me my new nature is growing and my old nature is diminishing? 3) Who can I engage in meaningful, stimulating conversation this week?

Words of Wisdom: “To put ourselves in situations which exceed our moral load limits is unwise and unhealthy.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Seek the Lord and the strength he gives! Seek his presence continually!” (1 Chronicles 16:11 NET Bible)

Warm-ups for Healthy Living

Weekly Thought – March 13, 2018

Fred’s ability to fashion a principle-based thought from everyday experiences distinguished him from others. His writings gathered into “daily warm-ups for the race of life” demonstrated his appreciation of quick thoughts which would stimulate conversation.

BWFLI update: Please pray for the two April events at Alice Lloyd College (April 6,7) and Lindsey Wilson College (April 27,28). Your consistent encouragement is appreciated and felt by all.

Warm-ups for Healthy Living

How much I enjoy conversation which starts with an idea and then fires up into something beneficial for all engaged. Here are a few suggestions which might be enjoyable starts:

1) Power. Power is the ability to get things done. It is active, not passive. A thought may be powerful but its power comes from the action it evokes, not just in mental stimulation. We hear about power seats, power ties, and power drinks. But none of them is really power – they are simply images of power and shadows of reality. True power gets things done.

2) Envy or Contempt. Once in a business conference I became a little uncharacteristically pompous, possibly even self-righteous, and one of the other executives with a keen sense of humor said, “Smith, speaking as an outsider, what do you think of the human race?” We may feel that we are stirring up envy when we are really stirring up contempt.

3) Helpful Eavesdropping. Yogi Berra was reported to have said, “You can hear a lot by listening.” I have learned many helpful things over the years by innocent eavesdropping. I was sitting in the Lobby of the Gibson Hotel in Cincinnati listening to two women talking. One was an older lady; the other younger. When the younger asked the older a question I was interested to know the answer. “If you had your life to live over, what would you do with yourself?” The older woman didn’t hesitate but responded quickly, “I would find something big enough to give myself to.”

4) Keeping Your Concentration. One of the in a college basketball game made a particularly good shot and grinned at the crowd. The commentator said to his radio audience, “It’s too early to smile, there is too much game left.” In the Winter Olympic Games, a U.S. figure skater made the difficult jumps and then fell on a very easy maneuver late in his performance. The commentator said “He relaxed too much. He assumed he had done the hard things and the easy things would take care of themselves.” We must concentrate right up to the end.

This week think about: 1) When did I lose my concentration and it caused a fall? 2) How would I answer the older woman’s question? 3) What symbols of power have I substituted for power that gets things done?

Words of Wisdom: “True power gets things done.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For God did not give us a Spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NET Bible)

End of Dreams

Brenda’s Blog – March 13, 2018

“Natalie’s Garden and Nursery”

The colorful sign with floral details drew my attention. The lettering was feminine yet not fussy. The painted door welcomed visitors. The crudely drawn word “CLOSED” and the overgrown weeds indicated the end of Natalie’s dream. The care taken in the front walk, the small Victorian building, and the hope of sharing her love for gardening were still apparent, but the condition of the property told a story of a journey’s end.

I have no idea what happened. Did the small Alabama town not share the vision of a quaint enterprise? Did the little house tucked off the main road deter customers? Did Natalie run out of money? Did she experience staff, health, or personal relationship problems?

I will never know, but it made me think about other dreams which grew for a time then bore the CLOSED placard. Why do some flourish and others fail? Why are some nurtured while others collapse?

These life turns can be learning moments for us. We can give our dreams a decent burial, take away the lessons, and focus on the next step. But this is the rub. Too many times we cradle the lifeless hope, wishing vitality to return. We think perseverance means never throwing in the towel, but stubbornness results in throwing way too many hours, and dollars after it. Churchill is quoted for his “never, never, never give up.” However, there is another maxim which aptly guides: “When the horse is dead, dismount.”

As I drove down the road I considered Natalie and wished for her a productive, blooming life. I envisioned a sense of adventure with other gardens of different varieties blossoming. Perhaps this enterprise had a short lifetime (based on the brightness of the paint and landscaping), but somewhere Natalie is taking this experience and turning it into something beautiful.

I also thought about the dreams in my life… some expanded beyond my imagining; others deflated like a week old helium balloon. But I am stronger, wiser, and even more optimistic. I know myself, my gifts, and strengths… yes. But I also know what areas need serious bolstering where potholes lie in wait for my dream mobile.

Dreams energize us. The excitement of seeing an idea come to life vitalizes us. We must never give up looking ahead, but we must also know that dreams can have expiration dates and the wisdom to read the code helps us grow.

Stretch Before You Run

Weekly Thought – March 6, 2018

Fred continues to challenge through his prolific production of ideas. Recently 17 pages of quick thoughts he called “daily warm-ups” were uncovered. For the next few weeks we will be using them to help you stretch.

Thank you for your ongoing support of BWFLI in our Spring season. You are certainly appreciated, and needed.

Stretch Before You Run

Everyone knows the importance of warming up. Athletes warm up before a game. We warm up our engines before driving. I personally warm up for breakfast by eating a donut! But how do we warm up our minds? What do we do each day to prepare ourselves mentally for the game of life?

I have found that nothing stimulates me more than good conversation. Scripture says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Ideas strike sparks when they bump into each other, don’t they?

Wouldn’t it be great if we could jump start each day with some good thought provoking talk with a friend? I have put down a few things that you and I might kick around if we had the chance to have breakfast together. For me, they have been thoughts that have stretched the mind. They have loosened me up so that I could run the race more effectively.

1) What’s Your Mood? Think of your moods and attitudes as either freshening or polluting the atmosphere. Some people can only improve a group by leaving it. Our aim should be to become healthy cells, not poisoning one another but radiating health and happiness, seeds being planted which will bring forth much fruit.

2) Humor in the Workplace. I left the office one afternoon during a snow storm, passing several waiting employees. As I walked by I commented on my size 15 shoes by saying, “The Lord gave me skis to walk on.” One of the employees said, “And from where we are looking He gave you a pillow to fall on, too.” I looked back and laughed. Nothing is worse than a stuffy boss.

3) Tombstone Text. Your epitaph should be a guide to your future. Until you know the trip you want to make you can’t select the way. Decide what you want on your tombstone and live toward that end. (Note: Fred decided in his late 20s he wanted “He Stretched Others…” and that is exactly the inscription.)

4) Subcontracting Sin. Anyone in a position of responsibility who enjoys the benefits of someone else’s wrong doing is subcontracting out his sin. In a business if we know bribery is going on and we make no effort to stop it because there is personal benefit, we are subcontracting our sin.

This week think about: 1) What am I doing to get my mind stretched in the morning? 2) Who is the iron in my life? 3) Where did Fred touch a nerve?

Words of Wisdom: “Ideas strike sparks when they bump into each other.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures,” (Luke 24:45 NET Bible)

Wrong Signal

Brenda’s Blog – February 27, 2018

“I made a mistake, I have adult selections on my TV, and I can’t get the channel to exit.”

Thinking I could use the remote in the dark, I pushed buttons Then I stared at the TV across the room not willing to recognize what I was seeing. An entire screen filled with PPV choices – and none of them anywhere close to the “G” range.

I pushed every button, clicked everything I could find – and nothing. Jeremy of the cable carrier tech staff stifled laughter as he helped this old, shocked lady. Then he couldn’t deactivate it either. Finally, with hard work and his searching around my TV, the problem was solved.

I did not know he could check into my connection box and see absolutely everything that was going on with my TV. He walked around, searched the controls, and made me feel somewhat creepy. But then I started laughing.

Just a few hours earlier in the day a friend wrote to tell me a pornographic link was sent by email with my address. She was surprised and wondering.

The fiery darts were definitely from the dark realm.

What did I learn? What principles can I find?

1) None of us is immune to electronic bombardment and attacks of the evil one.

2) We are all to be constantly aware of our environment.

3) We need to know how to quickly shut down invasions… lead us not into temptation.

I thought – these movies were on my TV all the time – all the time my teenage grandkids were in my house – all the time guests who may have been vulnerable slept in the bedrooms. The tech said, “You can put a pin on it so you can use it when you want.” ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I felt like my house which was dedicated to the Lord and His work was polluted by an enemy agent.

They are blocked. Remember when we were children and we sang, “Be careful little eyes, ears, mouths what you see, hear, say?” It still applies to us. At railroad crossings we were taught to stop, look, and listen. That applies to the world of electronic communication, too.

Favorite Books

Weekly Thought – February 27, 2018

Fred and Mary Alice began reading My Utmost for His Highest each day in 1953 after it was given as a gift to them. Over the years they wore out several copies. He was often asked about favorite books. This is one of his answers from 1983.

Continue praying for Jarvis Christian College and the team: Hartzel Black, Kevin Bullard, Gwen Burno, Craig Morgan, and Brenda Smith. March 2,3 are the dates for the What’s Next Roundtable sponsored by BWFLI.

Favorite Books

I find no difficulty in naming my most significant book. It is My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers. This book has influenced my thinking and convictions more than any other book authored by man.

Mary Alice and I received our first copy from Grand and Orean Howard. They began a chain of gifting that continues to this day. My friend and mentor Maxey Jarman wrote in 1979, “I’ll always be grateful for the introduction that you gave me to Oswald Chambers.” We plant seeds when we give vital books. After all these years we are seeing a fruitful and delightful harvest among our friends.

(Editor’s Note: In later years Fred introduced hundreds to “his friend Fenelon” and The Seeking Heart which began similar ripples in the brook.)

The thinking of Chambers has become part of my reflexive thought. I quote him so often as an authority or simply a shared experience he first coagulated for me. As the mind of Christ is in us, so is the mind of our favorite authors. They take up residency.

Let me give you five examples of thoughts which continue to shape my attitude toward life:

1) Sit loose to things: Recently I received a phone call that cost me thousands of dollars. My first thought was “sit loose to things.” Enjoy them, work for them, use them, but sit loose to them. I hear people of affluence say, “this is living,” but it isn’t. It should be I am living and I do my best when I sit loose.

2) Lust is I must have it now: My psychiatrist friends tell me one of the tell-tale signs of immaturity is the inability to delay gratification. We live as spoiled brats. Too many satisfy a want before they can afford it. In our emotional life we refuse to take the long-term view and try to fill up the emotional valleys with alcohol or drugs. We want relief NOW. Lust is refusing the normal rhythm of life and failing to mature in it.

3) The improper use of scripture is a plague. Chambers says “so often we sharpen a verse of scripture and jab another with it.” I see those who pridefully know chapter and verse and use the knowledge to intimidate the less instructed. Scripture is not a weapon. We are to be known by our love for one another.

4) Maturity means standing strong in the small as well as the large. It is so easy to think we would be true and courageous in the weighty matters while waffling in the smaller issues.

5) Experience the “white funeral.” Chambers says before we ever go through the final or black funeral of physical death we must go through the white funeral of dying to self. Out of this comes the resurrection of life, unhampered by the problems of human ego and self-righteousness.

This week think about: 1) Who are the authors who influence me? 2) How can I gift books to others as an invitation to grow? 3) Which of these Chambers thoughts strikes me?

Words of Wisdom: “I hear people of affluence say, ‘This is living’ but it isn’t. I am living and I do my best when I sit loose.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. “ (Proverbs 2:6 NET Bible)

Formula for Understanding

Weekly Thought – February 20, 2018

Fred greatly admired Albert Einstein’s philosophy of coming to the simplest solution (yet without becoming simplistic). He reduced difficult situations into workable formulas. Although he adamantly eschewed those who would be “formulaic” in his word. The nuances of life were masterfully handled by him.

Please pray for the BWFLI team as they travel to East Texas to introduce the What’s Next Roundtable at Jarvis Christian College on March 2, 3. We appreciate your partnership.

Formula for Understanding

I want to give you a little formula which you can experiment with and see if it will help you like it has helped me.
“First the thought, then the mood, then the rationalized action.” By the I mean, first the thought comes in our mind and if we keep it long enough and endow it with validity, it drops down into our heart, creating a mood. Then the mood rationalizes the action. For example, when we harbor anger as a thought it turns into a mood and it rationalizes a hostile action.

We start by keeping that thought out of the heart. As long as we keep it in the mind it will be fleeting. The Jewish people knew nothing happened until they combined the mind and the emotion. They said, “Guard the heart, for out of it comes the issues of life.”

But it is our responsibility to dislodge the thought before it can get to the heart, creating a mood and ultimately rationalizing an action. I am not suggesting we have the ability to completely clear our mind of thoughts, because I know this just isn’t true. But I do believe we can shove the wrong thoughts by replacing it with something worthwhile.

There’s a tremendous danger when we advocate creating vacuums in people’s minds. There are philosophical movements that encourage blank slates. I do not believe this is healthy or even Biblical. Remember the story of the man who the evil spirit and he cleansed himself of that spirit. The evil spirit “hung around” to find another place to inhabit. Finding none, he returned to the original host seized on the opportunity to make a home for himself and many others. Scripture tells us, “the man was worse off than he was before.”

It is important to re-program our minds to exchange the bad for good. The Apostle Paul was very aware of this procedure. In Philippians 4 he directs the church to “think about such things as truth, nobility, rightness, purity, loveliness, admirableness, excellence and praiseworthiness.” We are not called to go around empty-headed.

We grow in our spiritual life by the transformation of our minds. Protecting our minds is the first step in godly action.
I was on the program with Bob Richards, the Olympic pole vaulter and decathlon champion. As he talked the rather portly executive sitting next to me leaned over and said, “I am not a champion on the outside, but I am on the inside.” The disciplines which Bob Richards developed were critical to his athletic prowess – and a good thing. But it is also crucial to recognize internal championship qualities which will last a lifetime. A disciplined mind is a great start.

This week think about: 1) How would I implement Fred’s formula? 2) What guards do I have in place to keep thoughts from progressing to destructive actions? 3) Who models internal championship for me?

Words of Wisdom: “It is important to re-program out minds to exchange the bad for good.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Brothers and sisters, do not be children in your thinking. Instead, be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature.” (1 Corinthians 14:20 NET Bible)

The Joy of Transposition

Brenda’s Blog – February 3, 2018

“What key, what key?”

In the sixties one of Stevie Wonder’s recordings has a moment when he is heard calling out, “What key, what key?” I always enjoyed his musical dexterity….the ability to fall in with the group, no matter what the key.

My parents graciously provided me with music lesson throughout my school years. The piano is still a highly favored part of my environment. In all the study I learned to sight read, to play with expression, and to use it for ministry.

Two things I did not master were transposition and modulation. Both are parts of musical theory, but different in application. Often vocalists prefer a key which is different from the one published on the music. Accomplished accompanists simply play it in the new key by seeing the patterns. They will begin in a new key.

Modulation varies in its use. Regularly, musicians will start a number in one key, then either by verse, or phrase raise a half step at a time, enhancing the dramatic impact of the music. One of the finest examples is the tradition of changing keys for the fourth verse of a hymn. It is a natural progression for many southern gospel performers.

Okay, if you have read this far with me, let me tell you why I started thinking about these two operations.

In life there are times when the key is changed from the outset. Clearly, the direction you are going is not a fit. So, before you commit to a job, a relationship, a location etc. you realize this is the wrong key. So, you still follow your path, but in a different key, with different people, places, or things. You transpose in order to perform with great impact.

Modulation, on the other hand, happens in the midst of the journey. It is the idea of making a subtle change which will raise the intensity and the outcome. It can “amp up” the energy. Most times it will feel natural and even expected. Other times it is a surprise bringing excitement and a sense of building to a flourish.

Look back on your life, noting the transpositions and the modulations. Recognize the difference and the important use of both. Then play your life music well with enthusiasm and confidence.

Personal Creed

Weekly Thought – February 13, 2018

Fred inspired many of his friends to assemble “Fred Smith files.” Recently, Jack Modesett of Houston, TX, and long-time, dear friend of Fred’s mailed us a large folder of items accumulated through 30 or 40 years of friendship. Thank you, Jack. I know others have such files and if you would like to share, please forward any documents to BWF Project, Inc., P.O. Box 574, Hawkins, TX 75765.

This week we will feature one of those treasures in Jack’s file: Fred’s personal creed. This copy is dated 1987.

Personal Creed

Purpose: To determine what I will become. I will become the sum of my choices, and my decisions. The Creed should guide and identify exceptions.

I will:

1) Respect truth by searching for it and accepting it from any source.

2) Look for the essence of matters as the elegance of life… as Einstein wanted to think God’s thoughts after Him for all else is detail. In problems I will look for the key facts like a logger looks for the key log.

3) Endeavor to pray honestly about any subject assuming God already knows.

4) Expect nothing but what I earn but will accept gifts gratefully.

5) Own myself and the uniqueness I can contribute to life. I will concentrate on my uniqueness rather than what I like to do or what I would be paid the most to do. If my uniqueness is lost, then there has been no compelling reason for my having lived. I will have failed to contribute my piece to the jigsaw puzzle.

6) Limit extensive self-knowledge to my most productive strengths and destruction weaknesses.

7) Construct concepts for my thinking and actions so as to minimize large mistakes and give consistency to my living.
8) Relax in the sovereignty of God. Service will be an expression of respect and love, not used for ingratiation.
9) Decide the issues of life based on faith and Biblical authority.

10) Respect money, but as a means never an end… as a tool, and never an idol.

11) Endeavor to accept my rightful responsibility, not because I like it, but because it is right, realizing that my acts affect others.

12) Understand both good and bad actions have a ripple effect.

13) Accept human imperfection as a reality, but never as an excuse or rationalization.

14) See my life as a confluence of many profitable and interesting areas of life so as to continually broaden my base.
15) Refuse to build an unreal image which enslaves me or alienates me from others.

16) Accept a refining method good for all periods of life turning experiences into knowledge, and knowledge into wisdom.

17) Live believing “the best is yet to be” by attention to maturity, health, relations, and capital. I will not make a junkyard of my old age.

18) Refuse to sacrifice these things for business success:
a. Self-respect
b. Health
c. Family
d. Relation with God

This week think about: 1) What does my personal creed look like? 2) Which of Fred’s points can be a fire-starter for me? 3) How can I communicate my creed to my family, friends, and colleagues?

Words of Wisdom: Editorial note: This week pick your own and concentrate on it.

Wisdom from the Word: “For the Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 ESV)

Praying Responsibly

Weekly Thought – February 6,2018

Fred believed strongly in the power of prayer. He was, however, careful not to misuse it either in public or private. The family remembers seeing him on his knees by his bed before going to sleep. He and Mom kept a list of prayer needs. This visual of a strong man bowed down on the floor marked them permanently. This week’s thought is excerpted from an article published in the Mennonite Brethren Herald in February, 2000.

The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities held their International Conference in Dallas this week. A recurring message was the importance of mentoring, and character building. The purpose of BWFLI is to strengthen and bless the next generation of leaders…to the glory of God. We so appreciate your financial and prayerful support as we enter into a heavy schedule of campus events.

Praying Responsibly

Prayer can undergo disuse, misuse, and abuse at the hands and voices of Christian leaders. We all have experienced the manipulation through conversations with God which seemed more like a Public Relations pitch or a financial ask.

But there are responsible uses. And I have found that proper leadership prayer involves four steps, often overlapping:

1) Positioning – Prayer positions me. It reminds me I am not the ultimate leader…the Lord Jesus is. I am the steward, not the owner. Sometimes kneeling physically helps me with this step.

2) Shifting into neutral – Prayer is more effective when I can emotionally, and mentally shift into a true neutral gear, ready to fully accept divine leadership. Leaders are usually strong-willed, opinionated persons who feel awkward and uncomfortable in neutral. It is so much easier to ask God’s stamp of approval on what we want to do. But what we must say is, “You will be done” and really mean it. I have found I must still my thoughts, separating my interests as far as possible. When an issue is at stake, a neutral position allows me to consider various options. If I have time I let the options simmer overnight or longer. Then I repeat the options and if one seems to serve the cause better than the others, I know I am ready to shift out of neutral, putting the machine in motion with a clear conscience and peaceful spirit.

3) Dynamic peace – Tournament golfers standing over a crucial putt, put everything out of their mind except for a pure stroke. They aren’t thinking about prestige, financial benefits, or even the crowd. As leaders, we often must block out the distractions. For example, we must not think about the fear of failure, or second guess decisions we have made. Prayer helps us find a dynamic peace… not a sleepy peace, but one that is exhilarating. There is confidence in dynamic peace. And I find confidence lets me concentrate fully on the task. When I am operating with dynamic peace, it doesn’t make me smarter, or more skilled, but gives me the freedom to work with the highest concentration.

4) Acceptance – When I have done my best, only then in prayer can I peacefully accept failure as well as success. Kipling puts it this way: “treat those two impostors just the same.” A leader prays himself into the conscious presence and will of God so that he accomplishes what Chambers calls, “My utmost of His highest.”

This week think about: 1) How can I develop my prayer muscles? 2) What do I do to “get into neutral gear”? 3) When does prayer seem like true conversation with God?

Words of Wisdom: “Prayer helps us find a dynamic peace… not a sleepy peace, but one that is exhilarating.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When Solomon finished presenting all these prayers and requests to the Lord, he got up from before the altar of the Lord where he had kneeled and spread out his hands toward the sky.” (1 Kings 8:54 NET Bible)

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