Maximizing Achievement

Weekly Thought – August 22, 2023

Fred studied leaders to find common denominators. One was the power of focus and concentration. Their personalities may be different, but the presence of passion was clear in each profile.

Maximizing Achievement

Every effective leader is imbued with passion. Accomplishment is often in direct proportion to the clarity and intensity of the leader’s passion. It gives focus and vision to the organization; and provides hope in difficult times.

I like this definition: “Passion is concentrated wisdom with high energy in the pursuit of meaning.” My friend, scholar, philosopher, and theologian Dr. Ramesh Richard advises students to “decide on their passion.” “What is your first love? If you have multiple passions you will be ripped to pieces internally, resulting in a fragmented, random life.” He continues as he talks to his seminarians, “If anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ is your first love, you will fall into idolatry.” This is true for every Christ follower. Dr. Richard puts his passion this way: “To make God look good and Christ well known.”

Passion gives intensity, laser-like focus which protects us from the shallowness of mediocrity. We want to be welder’s torches, not candles on a birthday cake.

I overheard an older writer being interviewed by a young journalist. “What advice would you give me? What would you do if you were my age?” The man responded quickly, “Find something big enough to give myself to.” As I listened I thought of a missionary who exhibited tremendous executive skills in his foreign Christian work. He was noticed by a multi-national corporation developing an operation in the country where his ministry was based. They approached him about leaving to lead their new operation and were shocked when they made a lucrative financial offer and were turned down. Thinking the missionary was negotiating they kept raising the offer until they said “this is our final offer. How can you turn down such a prestigious position?” The missionary responded, “Your job is too small. I am a missionary with a commission from God.” He gave himself to something much bigger than himself.

We must ask “Is the object of our passion worthy of our commitment?” Self-sacrifice is the acid test of our passion.
I like the prayer of the old saint “O, Lord, fill my will with fire!” He was asking for passion with a receptive, expectant attitude toward God. A pure passion turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.

This week carefully consider: 1) Dr. Richard talks about identifying passion. What is mine? 2) How does my passion impact my career and family choices? 3) When did I realize the power of passion?

Words of Wisdom: “Is the object of our passion worthy of our commitment?”

Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)

Really?

Brenda’s Blog – August 22, 2023

“These people have read 14 books, read 8 articles and essays, watched 18 videos, and they responded to questions on each. They have participated in approximately 20 webinars, listened to daily BreakPoint Commentaries, and completed daily devotionals. They have participated in 10 Cohort meetings and led discussions at some of the meetings. They have completed or planned to complete a Worldview Teaching Practicum, and they have developed a Three-Year Plan for Ministry.”

As the speaker read off the past 10 months’ academic accomplishments the size and scope of the Colson Fellows’ Program struck me. “If I had known before I began I am not sure I would have chosen to apply.” Yes, that occurred to me. But what if I had known and allowed that knowledge to stop me from engaging in one of the most stimulating experiences of my life?

Have you ever stopped and looked back upon a challenging season? An overwhelming project? A serious experience? Did you say thanks for having just enough light to make the next steps? Scripture tells us God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The light for the path is the overall plan (for me, the full syllabus) and the lamp is the step by step (the month’s curriculum requirements).

We are to “consider the cost” as we make decisions, but we are also to follow Abraham as he went out “not knowing where.” He didn’t know the where but he knew the who – indeed he did. And we who follow Jesus are confident that He will complete the work He starts in us – day by day.

When we think we look back at His faithfulness we know we are ready to do what He calls us to do – what a privilege!

Time Control

Weekly Thought – August 15, 2023

Fred took his last breath at 9:15am on August 17, 2007. Dialysis failed. He connected with the dialysis team so closely that one of them returned from his day off as soon as he heard early that morning of Fred’s imminent dialysis failure. He used his gifts well, connecting, stretching, and blessing.

Time Control

When I was consulting with Mobil Oil Corporation, the VP of Marketing and I developed a phrase which we used to minimize unnecessary work and centralize the organization’s thinking on the project. We called it “The Object of the Exercise.” This simply meant putting into one sentence what we were actually trying to do. It is unbelievable how seldom we do this. It is my usual habit to start each morning is to identify and decide what I am really trying to do that day. For me, this is the essence of time control.

One of my early mentors had this sign on his wall: “Results is the only excuse for activity.” On one occasion I was using a great many words to amplify the activity in order to cover up the meager results. He stopped me mid-sentence with, “Fred, show me the baby; don’t tell me about the labor pains.” He wasn’t unkind. He taught me an unforgettable career-influence lesson. As an aside, my children tell me this is high on the list of “things Dad taught me.”

I was having lunch with the President of a sizeable telephone companies after his company meeting. During conversation he told me he decided to stop taking his briefcase home. This surprised me because I knew of no other executive who would walk out of the office without the symbol of his true dedication – the briefcase. He went on to tell me how he came to that decision. “I found out that I spent a great deal of time during the work day sorting papers and filling a ‘take home’ pile. Right then I decided to take those papers out of that pile, stop sorting during the day – and get to work.”

One of my good friends is the CEO of a natural resources firm. “When I walk out the back door of the building and head for my car I make a shift. I am no longer the CEO, but husband and father. And that is the way it remains until I walk back into the building.” His executive friends had a hard time with this, but his marriage is a “’til death do us part” covenant.

Controlling time means seeing it as a limited asset with potential to be spent or invested. I choose investment.

This week think about: 1) What is my biggest time waster? 2) When do I feel God’s pleasure in the use of my time? 3) What would a stranger know about me by looking at my calendar?

Words of Wisdom: “Ascertaining what I am trying to do is the essence of time control.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The sluggard will not plow during the planting season, so at harvest time he asks for grain but has nothing.” (Proverbs 20:4 NET Bible)

Wise Rationing

Brenda’s Blog – August 8, 2023

“Don’t waste one crumb of that delicious bread – use every single bite.”

During World War II ration books were issued which limited the availability of consumables. All products had values placed on them with a corresponding number of points. Families and businesses had to diligently budget their use of all items. The emphasis on austerity was tied to the winning of the war by the American forces.

I enjoy Radio Classics on Sirius/XM radio. The featured programs from the 40’s and 50’s occasionally include a vintage commercial. One played which urged the listeners to “waste not, want not” when using their loaves of bread. Suggestions of creative uses, followed by earnest motivation for each listener to do their part in the war effort.

I was intrigued by the style of the commercial, as well as the style of the writing. Then it hit me – we still get ration books but this one only features on commodity: time. We are given 525,600 minutes each year. Some will be used for necessities like eating and sleeping; others will be exchanged for relationships; and many will be transferred to our employers as work hours.

We have the responsibility to put a value on the time we are given. We are to choose how to allocate each of those minutes. Just as a homemaker carefully managed her ration book and was careful not to waste one crumb of bread, we, too, can recognize the “delicious” nature of our time. Savoring each day is challenging for there are surely some (maybe many) within that collection with “wasted” imprinted on them. But when we see each day as a gift, an opportunity, and a stewardship we can decide to “use every single bite” using the minutes creatively.

We should be careful as we decide how to allocate the minutes in our ration book for they are a precious and limited resource. Let’s enjoy the 525,600 minutes put in our book each year – and use them well.

Stories are Everywhere

Weekly Thought – August 8, 2023

Fred knew the value of stories. He saw life principles and illustrations, recording them on machines through the eras from large reels of tape to tiny handhelds. His family regularly heard him in his home office late at night capturing ideas. “Period. Paragraph” was the transition from thought to thought. This week you can peek into his collection.

Stories are Everywhere

1) When I was a teenager working in a service station, Louisiana politician Huey Long talked about dividing up the wealth. It struck me as an interesting survey to conduct, so I asked each customer who came in what they would do if all the national wealth were distributed. I found those without anything would quit their jobs and spend the money. Those with money would invest what they received. I thought: the cycle would turn very quickly where those with money would have it again and most of those without it would be waiting for another distribution.

2) I knew an oil man who owned a lot of big rigs. He moved around checking on them in the various locations. Doing this he came upon a young man leaning against the rail on one of his rigs. He asked the young fellow: “Who do you work for?” When the young man told him he replied, “I am he; and don’t ever stand still on my time. When there’s nothing to do, jump up and down.”

3) As I went into surgery at Mayo Clinic, my physician and longtime dear friend Dr. James Cain who had been President Johnson’s doctor and a very revered man of medicine came over to spend an hour or two before I went into the operating room. As he left the room he put his hand on my knee and said, “God bless.” I know the difference between a benediction and the Last Rites so it didn’t bother me at all. “Thanks, Jim.” I had been blessed by his touch.

4) Once during a difficult period in our plant operations we were all working unusually hard. I was in the plant with one of our employees long after the shift had ended. I felt particular gratitude for the solution of our problem said to the him, “I think we had some outside help.” He said, “We had inside help because only when the outside help gets inside is there real help.” A good lesson.

This week think about: 1) How do I capture life stories? 2) What can I do to sharpen my observation skills? 3) When can my life stories help illustrate key principles?

Words of Wisdom: “If you want information, turn to the news. If you want knowledge, turn to study. If you want wisdom, turn to divine principles.”

Wisdom from the Word: “He told them many things in parables.” (Matthew 13:3 (a) NET Bible)

There Is A Difference Between

Weekly Thought – August 1, 2023

Fred opened mental files into which he dropped ideas year by year. There were three friends (two pastors and a national speaker) who had their own folders. Every time he heard, read, or saw something he considered a fit for one of them he fed it into their folder ready for their next visit or phone call. It was fascinating to see him mentally open and “download” the info gathered in the appropriate file. One file he added to over the years was called “there is a difference between.” In one group of notes there are pages of examples covering five years of observation.

There Is A Difference Between

1) There is a difference between the fast and frantic track. Some people go so frantically they don’t recognize they’re going in circles… their pace keeps them from seeing they have passed the same place repeatedly. They are only conscious of speed, not direction.

2) There is quite a difference between hope that is based on something and blind optimism which is not. For example, those people who say, “I could quite drinking any time I want to”, are blindly optimistic; those who quit and say, “I will get over the terrible urge” are hopeful.

3) There’s a difference between a talk and a communication… and it mainly hinges on response. People generally hear a talk; people generally personalize communication and take action.

4) Oswald Chambers points out the difference between “God is love,” and “God is loving.” We define loving, but God defines love.

5) There is a difference between those who take from life and those who get from life. Taking is an aggressive act; getting denotes receiving something offered as a gift. We cannot take blessings from God; we simply accept what He gives – what He chooses for us to get.

6) There is certainly a difference between self-development and self-fulfillment – we develop into a spring of fresh, flowing water; when we focus on fulfillment we too often end in a dead sea. Development is the means to the end of being more capable of helping others; fulfillment is simply the end in itself.

7) There is a difference between a sponsor who will lend you their influence and credibility as you grow and a mentor who will join with you to develop your talents.

8) It is important to know the difference between characters faults and irritating habits. I have a friend who constantly sniffs while he talks (it makes me want to run away!) and one who lies. One is an irritating habit while the others is a character flaw. There is a considerable difference.

9) There is a difference between strong will and stubbornness. The first should be (and usually is) cause oriented; the other reflects self-will.

10) There is a distinct difference between regret, remorse, and repentance.

This week think carefully about: 1) How good am I at making distinctions and recognizing differences? 2) Which one makes me particularly stop and think? 3) What is the role of discernment in a mature life?

Words of Wisdom: “There is a difference between wanting to be right and wanting to be good.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;” (Proverbs 2:10 NET Bible)

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)

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