Lighting It Up

Brenda’s Blog – July 25, 2023

“Bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night.”

My friend Dru Woods did a Facebook live video on the morning of July 4th. As she sat at her piano she retold the dramatic story of the Star Spangled Banner’s origin. Afterwards she turned and masterfully played a majestic arrangement of the national anthem. What a fitting way to begin Independence Day.
The words bounced around in my brain for several hours. Then it struck me what a blessing the firing of guns provided. All through that long siege Francis Scott Key and the others stood aboard ship in the harbor overlooking Fort McHenry as the revolutionaries battled the British for control. The only sign of dominance was the presence of the flag – whether Union Jack or Stars and Stripes.

The darkness of night kept everyone from knowing the outcome – except when the bombs and fiery missiles went off. Then the sky lit up momentarily and the men could tell which flag was flying.

In the morning’s light they recognized the Stars and Stripes, but throughout the long night they had to wait for random bursts of light from the battle.

It occurred to me our lives have similar situations. In the darkness of trials and sufferings we don’t know the outcome. Yet, there are moments even in the heaviest part of the struggle when light shines letting us know where we are and how we are doing. The flashes of the warfare actually give us knowledge we didn’t have before. In those difficult times precious blasts often clarify the direction we are taking and lighten the path. We see if we are making progress and we see a bit more of the pathway. So, like Key, we can use those momentary lights (even though they are coming in the heat of war) to get our bearings.

The morning inevitably comes as it did for the soldiers at Fort McHenry. American history records that the battle scarred banner still held its position on the pole. We, too, often find when daylight arrives after tremendous conflicts, we see that we are on the winning side and our flag is flying.

Focus, Focus

Weekly Thought – July 25, 2023

Fred knew how to focus. He used his thinking and examples to help individuals and corporations. When asked about problems in an organization he asked pointed questions of the leadership. Although he thought deeply he limited his serious contemplation to the implications of a few areas on the way we live.

Focus, Focus

To live a focused life we must recognize those things that distract and pull us off course. Some people spend as much time on inconsequential details as they do on the vital parts. Therefore, they become extremely hard workers, but do not become great accomplishers because they don’t understand that every job has vital elements which need to take top priority.

Mother Theresa said she did not plan to accept any more honors, even ones as prestigious as the Nobel Prize. She does not want to be diverted from her mission work in India. Few of us can turn down those kind of ego satisfactions to stay with the job.

One of the questions I always have to ask myself: “What am I really about? What am I trying to do? What is the main concept for the project?” Right now I am working with a corporation that appears to have lost its focus. They are running after numerous interesting ideas, but none of them fit together – there is no synergy or profitable outcome. Because they don’t focus in on what they really are about very shortly without reversing course they will lose their sustainability.

We, and they, need to watch ego satisfaction but also just avoiding the “interesting.” When I am researching I have to watch this. I pick up a book looking for a specific idea and unless I am careful I find intriguing thoughts capturing my attention. I certainly enjoy the time, but it does not achieve the initial purpose.

One of my clients asked me: “Fred, you own your own business. Why do you generally turn down invitations to play golf?” I love golf, but I also know my priorities for my weekly schedule and what it takes to accomplish my goals. I have to keep in mind the focus of my activity and also the schedule of my priorities.

Really effective people learn to pace themselves according to their responsibilities. I think this is a key part of maturity. Whether we call it “setting the vision,” “establishing the mission,” or simply “meeting the deadlines” focused living requires discipline for achievement and accomplishment. As a mentor of mine used to say, “that is the object of the exercise.”

Think carefully about this week: 1) How clear am I on the difference between the vital and not so vital in the parts of my job? 2) What can I do this week to clarify ways to focus for greater accomplishment? 3) Who models healthy focus for me?

Words of Wisdom: “What am I really about? What am I trying to do? What is the main concept for the project?”

Wisdom from Word: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have attained this. Instead I am single-minded: Forgetting the things that are behind and reaching out for the things that are ahead.” (Philippians 3:13 NET Bible)

Traveling with Fred

Weekly Thought – July 18, 2023

Fred took his gifts seriously. He knew discernment, and understanding of human relations was a big part of his giftedness. Consequently, he collected stories like some people collect sports memorabilia. A section of an old binder has a section labeled “stories.” This week will be a few excerpts – enjoy.

Traveling with Fred

In Blowing Rock (North Carolina) last week there were numbers of old people. I don’t mind getting older but I would hate to get old. Most of them were there simply to escape the heat and enjoy the comfort of the cool mountain air. One night while gathered on the gazebo we were trying to get acquainted since none of us had ever met. I asked each of the men if they missed their work. One of them said, “for about thirty minutes.” We laughed. Another said that work, to him, was a dirty word. Then I asked them, “Now without work, how do you keep your minds alive?” My question was like inviting an illegitimate child to the family reunion.

Eating in a country café in Grand Saline (TX), there was a fortyish couple sitting in the next booth. Obviously they were farm people. When he got up to pay the bill he came back to her, stood for a minute, then reached down and lifted her up as she put her arms around his neck. He backed out of the door putting her in the pickup parked out front, and I saw she had a full body cast on and was unable to stand. As we all watched silently, the waitress commented, “He took his vows seriously, didn’t he?”

Shortly after the elder Wallenda fell to his death in 1978 his wife recalled, “All Carl thought about for three straight months prior to it was falling. It was the first time he had ever thought about that and it seemed to me that he put all his energies into not falling rather than walking the tightrope.” When he poured all his energies into not falling rather than walking the tightrope he was virtually destined to fall. I see this in those who dedicate themselves to a legalistic lifestyle…I call it the Wallenda Effect.

Haddon Robinson said his father, who lived on the northern coast of Ireland, would watch the tremendous storms. They would see a ship fighting to make its way to shore. Someone would say, “Will it make it?” Then another would say, “Yes, that ship was made by Tommy Harrison and it will make it in.”

Once a famous father took a day off and took his son fishing. In his journal he wrote, “This day was largely wasted fishing.” His son, who later became a highly successful entrepreneur also kept a journal. In looking back he saw the entry: “This was one of the best days of my life. I spent went fishing with my father.”

This weekly carefully consider: 1) What are stories from my day to day that come to mind? 2) What lessons have I learned? 3) How can I become more aware of the people and the stories of those around me?

Words of Wisdom: “Now without work, how do you keep your minds alive?”

Wisdom from the Word: “Finally, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, affectionate, compassionate, and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8 NET Bible)

High On The Mountain

Weekly Thought – July 11, 2023

Fred and Mary Alice loved Colorado – winter and summer. Many of their Dallas friends had homes throughout the mountains. One couple built a private getaway high up in Allens’ Park. Fred, as always, dictated observations which Margie Keith faithfully transcribed.

High On The Mountain

Don and Charlotte’s new house is remote and built for them, not for show. Too many people think getting away will give them the peace they desire. But as their house shows, it is a perfect place to live and work if you bring your peace with you.

Upon arriving they took us on a tour of the property, especially the trail to the gazebo they have built on a lookout point. The seats allow you to comfortably enjoy the 300 degree view ( I had to take away 60 degrees for a slight blockage). Don pointed out an observation platform at the edge of his property at 9,000 feet. He proudly pointed out the steps and path which went across the crevasse. As we walked back to the house he mentioned the stakes which were added to outline a path. Instead of driving to the base of the big rock, a walk was possible.

Early the next morning even before my flat-lander lungs had adjusted to the altitude I headed to the path marked with stakes. I was going to conquer the Big Rock! After getting lost three times and realizing that the one who drives the stakes and the one who tries to follow them for the first time have an entirely different orientation. That Biblical principle “This is the way – walk ye in it!” had much appeal for me right then.

Finally, I reached the Big Rock, took the steps across the crevasse and stepped onto the platform. The most magnificent mountain panoramas opened up before me. The experience was well worth it. THIS was my Mt. Everest. I no sooner congratulated myself than I noticed another rock about 500 feet above me. Up there no one could look down on me. But no matter how much I wanted to climb that rock I knew I was as high as I ought to be, needed to be, or expected to be. I was going to enjoy what I had accomplished and not be plagued by the fact that there was a rock up there higher than I was.

Standing and looking over the view I remembered the two prayers of fellow Texan (who scaled the real Mt. Everest): “Thank you, Lord, for getting me up here; Now, help me get back down.”

This week carefully consider: 1) What is my Mt. Everest? 2) When do I experience the majesty of God? 3) How do I know when to stop climbing?

Words of Wisdom: “But no matter how much I wanted to climb that rock I knew I was as high as I ought to be, needed to be, or expected to be.”

Wisdom from the Word: “You created the mountains by your power, and demonstrated your strength.” (Psalm 65:6 NET Bible)

Hey, There!

Brenda’s Blog – July 11, 2023

“Hey, you there in the cage!”

Driving south on Interstate 75 in Florida I was part of the parade of slowly moving vehicles occupied by snowbirds trading snow blowers for golf clubs.
A billboard caught my eye – it was an enormous Harley Davidson ad with giant letters, “Hey, there, you in the cage!” The image of a powerful motorcycle ridden by a joyful middle ager made me laugh. Their marketing department knew the audience and impeccably timed the placement.

Although I will never cruise down the highway atop two wheels and listening to the trademarked Harley roar, I can identity with living in a cage. Don’t we all live within boundaries of our own making? We make choices throughout life which defines the size and scope of our cages.

When young we can look around, decide we aren’t happy with the box, and make changes. The older we get the fewer our options and the more permanent is our cage. Therefore, what we think and do makes a difference. My Dad used to say when we are young we write our plans and see the consequences in pencil. There is an eraser. At some point in our lives the pencil is traded for a pen. No eraser and much more permanent implications.

So, as I laughed at the Harley Davidson marketing department’s genius reach out on that Florida interstate I did have to think about what decisions I was making and what my cage was going to be.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Weekly Thought – July 4, 2023

Fred enjoyed boating, especially Kentucky’s Lake Barkley. But his original marine adventures were in a Chris Craft outboard motorboat. He would hitch it to the station wagon and drag it across Cincinnati to the River. One of the favorite destinations was Coney Island for the children. He would drop them off at the dock, give them a dollar, and tell them to meet him when they were out of money. One night he miscalculated the ability to guard nickels and dimes thus making their return to the dock at least an hour longer than Fred (with no cell phone) anticipated. A lesson was learned that night as they quietly drove home. He gave instructions but they had a variety of applications.

A Healthy Lifestyle

Dr. David Morrison, the renown psychiatrist known for his corporate practice emphasizes mental health, not mental sickness. Corporations hire him because he majors on keeping executives healthy and productive. Shifting the focus from analyzing the sickness to emphasizing health intrigues me.

One of the key elements of mental health is a realistic perspective. I like to remind people to stay current. It is too easy to live in the “wish it were” or in how it “used to be.” I met with a man who wanted to talk over a problem he had overcome. He eagerly shared about his victory. We make a mistake in thinking we have our lives straightened out for all future time….that nothing can slip up behind us. But it doesn’t work that way.

I heard a new Christian tell a large audience how she had suffered with depression for years, but now that she had found Christ her battles with depression were all behind her. In her words she was “forever over depression.” That may be true. However, she can open herself to an emotional surprise which could unsettle her faith. I didn’t want to plant doubt but I felt obligated to assure her that if she were to run into any future problems, the same Christ who was sufficient right now would be then, as well. Our maturity is built on overcoming recurring problems and attitudes.

Since I am working here with experience and not professional training, I will give you some ideas that have been helpful for me. Through the years, I find that my emotional health varies from time to time and even on such major items as faith, family, friends, work, and recreation. Therefore, I have come to expect and deal with changing emotions. Change is the given. I expect variation in my feelings about everything – therefore, when they shift I treat change as normal. This helps me relax while I work on any adjustment I feel are necessary and desirable. Change can be painful, but it is part of a healthy life and must be accepted.

A healthy mental condition will never be random, or the responsibility of someone else. We must acknowledge our role in establishing a plan, working on it, and regularly assessing.

This week think about: 1) How careful am I to accurately assess my mental health? 2) What keeps me current in my thinking? 3) What are the measures for my emotional well-being?

Words of Wisdom: “I felt obligated to assure her that if she were to run into any future problems, the same Christ who was sufficient right now would be then, as well.”

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)