Good Works

Weekly Thought – March 1, 2022

Fred purposefully created opportunities for conversations. For example, he invited a small group of friends from across the country to join him for a weekend of thinking, eating, and “just plain fun.” One of the topics was “doing good.” This excerpt is from his observations on the topic.

Good Works

“He went about doing good” was said of Christ. He was intentional and purposeful about his everyday circumstances. Recently I met a young man, unhappy in his computer job, wanted to quit and work full time giving his Christian testimony. I asked if his plan was to go to churches where he would be warmly received and applauded. He actually said that was his plan. All those I’ve seen who do this are not worth shooting in six months. The veracity of his testimony was at his computer job, not on a church platform. We are to share our testimony while at work, not as our work.

Christ didn’t go about doing good when He was in a good mood. Nor did He go about weighing His opportunities looking for the “greatest good,” He did what was at hand. When we focus on the highest good it is easy to ignore the small bits of good. We can get immobilized waiting for meaningful, significant contributions. There is no small good versus large good, There is no hierarchy of good in God’s economy. It is a chain that links human history together living out God’s plan.

I read a story about football player Steve Largent, former Pro football player. When he was six his father deserted the family. His mother remarried a drunk who abused them. He hated to go home after school. He heard about an after school meeting for teens where they served punch and cookies. Giving him a reason to stay away from home he started attending Young Life meetings. Through YL he came to know Jesus Christ. I doubt that the lady who baked the cookies and fixed the punch thought she was engaged in great Kingdom work. She was going about doing good, leaving the outcome to the Lord.

The American church is caught up in celebrity Christianity. Emphasis on visibility, popularity, and prosperity alter the scriptural teaching. Very few are called to a public platform… probably even fewer than we currently have. I met a woman who was a minister after speaking at a national conference. She was struggling with her calling. We talked about it and she wrote me saying, “Fred, I don’t have to be famous, do I? I don’t have to be well known to be a faithful Christian, do I?” Then she went on to tell me about an experience. She went to visit a classmate of her daughter’s who was jailed for prostitution and drugs. As she sat down with the girl she asked, “How are you?” The young woman defiantly answered, “Just fine, okay?” I answered her, “That is good. I just want to tell you God loves you and I would like to be your friend.” As I said this the girl got up from her seat, moved to me sobbing. We stood there hugging. I doubt this woman ever preached a more eloquent, inspired sermon. Right there in her daily circumstances she was going about doing good.

This week carefully think about: 1) How clear am I on the opportunities to do good? 2) What is before me right now for doing good? 3) Who models day to day intentional following Jesus?

Words of Wisdom: “There is no small good versus large good. There is no hierarchy of good in God’s economy.”

Wisdom from the Word: “So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. “ (Galatians 6:9 NET Bible)

Good Humor

Weekly Thought – February 22, 2022

Fred studied philosophy, applying his principles and truths to life. One area of particular interest to him was humor. He took very little at face value, but diligently investigated subjects. These thoughts certainly exemplify this exercise.

Good Humor

Good humor is a way of looking at life. It believes nothing is perfect. In this it gives us the freedom to relax a bit and laugh. It recognizes that we all have our good and bad days. Good humor operates with the slippage of a belt drive, not the exacting gear teeth which are unable to give without breaking.

The best thing about humor is that it grows out of our need for it. The more we desperately need it, the stronger it develops. For example, the inner person is saved from destruction by a spirit of good humor even while the outer person is being tortured or tormented. This humor is for the persecuted. It has kept our spirits up even during bitter periods when cynicism was poured out like acid or depression felt like a malady.

When the illogical masquerades as logic it must be treated with humor. For example, I heard about the hippie caught in a house before stealing anything was asked by the owner, “What are you doing here?” “Man, everybody has got to be somewhere” was his reply. There is such logic to that statement it just has to be funny.

Natural humor occurs so frequently that we don’t have to work to be funny. In fact, those that try for laughs strain the interaction. We rightfully resent anyone who manipulates a situation into a setting for one of oft-told stories or smart-alecky remarks. Being used as a foil isn’t appreciated. When humorous comments come naturally they bring laughter. Otherwise it feels like an imposition.

Often we think of humorous and serious as being antithetical. Actually, they are two sides of the same coin. They are simply two separate ways of expressing the same thought, not two different thoughts. The most profound thought can be expressed humorously in the right setting with respect. Most people that so they opt for serious communication thinking it will be heard and received. When we think of humor as a variation, it gives the freedom to be bi-lingua. We can speak two languages with equal fluency having the ability to move from one to another with ease and appropriateness.

Humorist William Zinsser found in his Yale writing class that “students strove at first for humor, hoping to bag a few truths along the way. We ended up striving for truth and hoping to add humor along the way. Ultimately, we realized the two are intertwined.”

This week think about: 1) Who makes me uncomfortable with the constant effort to be funny? 2) How can I develop my own sense of humor? 3) When have I used humor to protect myself from pain?

Words of Wisdom: “Good humor is a way of looking at life.”

Wisdom from the Word: “A joyful heart makes the face cheerful, but by a painful heart the spirit is broken.” (Proverbs 15:13 NET Bible)

Inside/Out

Brenda’s Blog – February 22, 2022

“It shocked me to see the interior of that gnarly piece of wood.”

I love wood – the smell, the look, the craftsmanship which it encourages – I love wood.

Do you know what a burl is? Have you ever noticed a deformity on a tree that looked like a tumor growing on the exterior? That could be a burl. They grow as a response to a wound, an injury, or infestation. It is the tree’s natural response to an offense.

Woodworkers value them for the patterns which exhibit when they are properly excised from the tree and then opened up with their saws. Startling beauty emerges which is highly sought for veneers, decorative pieces, or classic design.
Burls go from grotesque to gorgeous.

Another example of this principle is a geode. Have you ever gone to a science museum and oohed and aahed at the colorful crystals inside gray, unremarkable stones? “How can something so ugly on the outside be so beautiful inside?” That was the question from my young daughter?

Do you ever feel the wounds of the world? Do you feel the weight of carrying these burdens created by injury, or infestation? Take heart. Your emotional or spiritual burl may be the find for the Master Craftsman who will apply His tools and form you into something glorious for His work.

Do you sometimes think of yourself as invisible, or ordinary? Think of the shining crystalline interior which will be exposed when the right artist strikes at just the right angle, opening your beauty to the world.

The next time you drive past a tree and are almost repulsed by the giant knobs sticking out. They are burls with interior treasure. Smile and give thanks for this wonderful secret!

Gratitude for Freedom

Weekly Thought – February 15, 2022

Fred, born in 1915, grew up in war time American history. His career flourished in the post war 1950s. His respect for the United States never waned. A childhood injury which left him disabled precluded his entry into the service, but he was extremely proud of his brothers who served. His observations are well worth comparing with today’s environment.

Gratitude for Freedom

I remember the remarkable remembrance of the Statue of Liberty’s 100th birthday. A friend challenged me to consider whether we are making an idol of the Statue. I certainly don’t think so, but we should keep it as a symbol, not an idol.

A symbol is an object used to represent an abstract idea, while an idol is the object of excessive devotion. The Statue as a symbol is all about freedom…the freedom of opportunity to express personal responsibility. I don’t hear anybody saying they came to America because they were irresponsible and want our great welfare system. Constant remarks about opportunity for the family highlighted the celebration. So many made who came made an investment of their sacrifice for their children.

The Statue symbolizes freedom without government oppression. I was impressed how grateful the immigrants were to become Americans. The thought occurred to me “Are we as committed and proud to be Christians?” Chief Justice Burger said, “As Americans we owe exclusive allegiance.” Christ said, “If you would be my disciple, take up your cross daily, and follow me.”

A friend once asked me an intriguing question: “If we knew that next July 4th would be the second coming of Christ, would our nation prepare like we did to relight a torch on a statue over 100 years old?”

As I watched that celebration it oiled my old rusty heart. I was reminded that freedom is really a means, not an end. It is an environment which permits the use of personal responsibility. I speak to annual Chambers of Commerce meetings and hear them talking about freedom producing our standard of life. It did not. The free enterprise system could be available to almost anyone but if they were not responsible it would fail. We are seeing this as totalitarian regimes fail worldwide but capitalism doesn’t naturally flourish. It was our Christian, born of Puritan faith, sense of responsibility resulting from the belief that one day we would stand before God and be judged. This was the engine that drove our system.

We are always grateful for the privilege of being an American, but always aware that it is our stewardship of God’s gifts that is the ultimate measure.

Political freedom is a blessing but spiritual freedom has eternal, everlasting significance.

This week carefully consider: 1) How do my thoughts about freedom line up with Fred’s? 2) Are there symbols in American life I have made into idols? 3) What ways do I express gratitude for God’s blessings?

Words of Wisdom: “I was reminded that freedom is really a means, not an end. It is an environment which permits the use of personal responsibility.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NET Bible)

Close Call

Brenda’s Blog – February 8, 2022

“I nearly passed out and didn’t even realize it.”

My friend is the mother of two disabled children who experienced a kitchen fire recently after forgetting a pan on the stove in the midst of intense child care. As she related the story she talked about smoke inhalation and how dangerous it is. “People die from smoke more than from actually being burned to death. It is so sneaky. Afterwards I recognized how close I came to passing out and dying. I was brought out of the house just in time.”

It is made me think about other life experiences. Have you ever found yourself teetering on the precipice of a potentially disastrous decision only to be given a touch of God’s fresh wind which cleared your head and gave you the strength to make a good choice? Sometimes we climb into a boat to calmly float down the river totally unaware of the rough water ahead which overcomes us.

A Facebook post from my friend Ronnie Cunningham on the importance of habits struck a chord. My Dad used to emphasize the critical nature of habits as the raw material for our character. Habits, good or bad, become our autopilot, don’t they? Actually, that is very good that we don’t have to rethink every reflexive action in life. We are blessed to have an inbuilt system for much of daily living. But, if they are bad habits we can nearly asphyxiate without even knowing how endangered we are.

Safety courses always tell us to “be aware of your circumstances… be alert.” Isn’t that good counsel for decision making? Shouldn’t we measure each choice in light of the ramifications and the long range outcomes? Are we walking in wisdom with our eyes wide open?

My friend was caught off guard by an insidious colorless, odorless gas which enveloped her. Thankfully, she gasped for air and ran out the door just as she felt the overwhelming desire to close her eyes. May we live in such a way that the cloud of bad decisions and bad habits not cover us. We want to know how close we are to the edge of the cliff before we succumb. Let’s strive for clean air!

Living Simply

Weekly Thought – February 8, 2022

Fred believed in establishing a lifestyle and then disciplining the use of money within that framework. He didn’t adhere to the philosophy of spending to impress, join in, or establish social position. He defined the simple life in more than monetary terms – it was a complete way of looking at life – and living it fully. In this excerpt he quotes from some favorite writers on the subject.

Living Simply

Living a simple life means we come to the point of defining a lifestyle to which we can then apply common sense organization.

Richard Foster says, “Contemporary culture lacks both the inward reality and the outward lifestyle of simplicity. Inwardly, modern man is fractured and fragmented. He is trapped in a maze of competing attachments. One moment he makes decisions on the basis of sound reason; the next moment (decisions are made) out of fear of what others will think. He has no unity or focus around which life is oriented.”

We can see evidences of a simple life around us. What are they? Where are they? I think the Quakers do a better job than most others in fully understanding the dynamics, the beauty, and the elegance of the simple life. Therefore let me quote to you:

“Experiencing the inward reality liberates us outwardly. Speech becomes truthful and honest. The lust for status and position is gone, because we no longer need status or position. We cease from showy extravagance, not on the grounds of being unable to afford it, but on the grounds of principle. Our goods become available to others. We join the experience that Richard F. Byrd recorded in his journal after months alone in the barren arctic, “I am learning that a man can live profoundly without masses of things.”

Francois Fenelon, my spiritual mentor, says it this way: “When we are truly in this interior simplicity, our whole appearance is franker, more natural. This true simplicity makes us conscious of a certain openness, gentleness, innocence, gaiety, and serenity which is charming when we see it near to and continually with pure eyes, o how amiable this simplicity is.”

To paraphrase… we possess natural charm. I was on a television talk show with one of the plainest women I have ever seen. She had a bony facial structure topped with short gray hair. She was wearing absolutely no makeup. I saw no beauty in her face. Yet when she came over to talk following my part on the show, she suddenly was one of the most naturally charming women I had ever met. There was no pretense, no phoniness. She used no studied compliments, no choreographed repartee, no effort to make me like her, and no fear of my disliking her. She had natural charm.

When we have nothing to hide, we can afford this openness. When we have no more need to be a power player, we can be gentle. I like to describe it as being a velvet-colored brick. We can have the innocence I see in men like Billy Graham. It is not naivete; it is a genuine innocence without guile.

We can have the gaiety, the zest of living, and not the pseudo, hyped-up enthusiasm that feels like it is sprayed out of a can. We can have a genuine zest for living and serenity, for we own ourselves and we are not for sale. Even more importantly, we are not trying to buying anyone.

The simple life is more than “simply living.” It takes consideration, evaluation, formulation, and action. When we take the true measure of what really counts we can move toward simplicity. We define our lifestyle and shut out all other voices that would draw us away.

This week think about: 1) How much do I want the simple life? 2) How much do I want the simple life? 3) What assessment should I be undertaking to look honestly at my life?

Words of Wisdom: “We can have a genuine zest for living and serenity, for we own ourselves and we are not for sale. Even more importantly, we are not trying to buying anyone.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Then he looked at wisdom and assessed its value; he established it and examined it closely.” (Job 28:27 NET Bible)

Participation, not Observation

Weekly Thought – February 1, 2022

Fred’s speaking ability gave him access to audiences throughout North America and beyond. His philosophy was: “speak to express, not to impress.” Respect for the audience was foundational for Fred. Preparation and prayer always formed the infrastructure for any address, meeting, or conversation. Thinking about the art and science of speaking intrigued him lifelong.

Participation, not Observation

One way we can improve our speaking skills is by remembering our goal is not simply to have people sit quietly while we talk, but to have their minds actively engaged by the subject matter.

One of the common mistakes made by speakers is trying to create false feelings by over dramatization. Telling sob stories, getting teary, or yelling are tricks which hinder genuine communication. Listeners quickly realize the speaker isn’t depending on the subject matter for a response, but on the theatrics. When people are thinking more about how you are saying something than what you are saying, your effectiveness is lost.

The minute someone starts yelling, people mentally distance themselves. Many preachers think they are doing this for emphasis, but generally it doesn’t work that way – it deemphasizes.

If I want to say something really important, I’ll lower my voice – and people will usually lean forward to hear what I am saying. In a sense, you’re attaching intimacy to a point by lowering your voice. You are saying, “This point means something to me. I’m telling you something from my heart.”

By increasing the volume, often the point comes across as part of a performance rather than a heartfelt point you are making to another person. If you want your audience to fully digest what you are saying – don’t perform. Attempt to be conversational. Audiences tend to connect with the material.

I don’t the audience to be observers. I want them to participate because the whole object of speaking is to influence attitudes and behavior. How do I encourage participation? Not necessarily by being entertaining. If people are listening for the next story or next joke, I’ve become merely an entertainer. I need to be smart enough to know when my material is getting inside them. I may need to make them laugh or I may need a pointed statement. But when they are genuinely listening and understanding, they are participating.

My goal is not to have people say, “Oh, you are such a great speaker.” When I hear that I know I have failed. If they are conscious of my speaking ability, they see me as a performer… they have not participated. My goal is for people to say, “You know, Fred, I’ve had those kind of thoughts all my life, but I’ve never had the words for them – now I do.” I have given them a handle for an idea; I’ve helped them crystallize their thoughts and experiences.

This week think about: 1) What is my goal when speaking? 2) How can I develop my communication skills by focusing on the audience? 3) Who can help me strengthen my speaking skills?

Words of Wisdom: “If you want your audience to fully digest what you are saying – don’t perform.”

Wisdom from the Word: “My soul will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.” (Proverbs 23:16 NET Bible)

Forever Password

Brenda’s Blog – January 25, 2022

“Access codes are a pain – I am going to use just one and put it on a post-it note on the front of my computer.”

Remember those early days of PCs when being locked out due to forgotten access codes created additional stress? Also do you remember the solution? In our office every enormous desktop computer had a yellow post-it note with passwords listed (often with strike-outs as the company required regular changes…).

As the word entered our vocabulary it made me think about the spectacular relevance of our God and scripture. In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus he brilliantly writes of the work of Jesus the Christ and summarizes: “For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” I can still recall the moment I read that verse in “the computer age” and marveled at the application.

Jesus is our access code, our password, our entry –

In the ancient world access was the permission to enter or the means of entrance. That hasn’t changed since the Spirit led Paul to dictate those words, never knowing the powerful use in the 21st century. To me it is a glorious use of word time travel. God gave Paul words which would translate into cyberspace.

And, this password never changes – it is the “same yesterday, today, and forever.”

So, as you struggle to open your device by digging deep to pull back the letters(upper and lower), numbers, and special characters, think of the gift God has given by His once and for all, never to be lost passcodes. In the gift of Jesus He opened the door for all of us to come into the presence of the Father.

There is no anguish to remember the right words, or effort to attempt multiple combinations… there is one forever access, one and only one name that works: the name of Jesus.

Good Habits

Weekly Thought – January 25, 2022

Fred believed habits were the foundation of character – good and bad. He supported thoughtful consideration of personal and professional patterns, especially when analyzing any needed changes. These excerpts from a 1961 keynote address to the Printing Industry of America shows Fred’s forward thinking.

Good Habits

Nearly every organization runs on habit, just as we do personally. Most of our daily activities are habitual. This is one of the problems in reorganization. When the habit structure is changed it slows down activity. Successful reorganization requires time to rebuild habits.

Here are a few good habits to cultivate in your business:

1) Create a spirit that will withstand challenges. Don’t let people come with their reasons why it won’t work. Simply respond, “I know that. Tell me what we will have to change for it to work.”
2) Healthy change is good – status quo is usually no good. I like to think “status quote” is Latin for “the mess we are in.”
3) Accept ideas. You as a leader will have to accept a new idea before your organization will accept them.
4) Don’t delay failure. I have a friend who told me, “Fred, I never delay cutting short a failure that is funded with my money.” Good leaders don’t waste business dollars, either.
5) Get management on the offense. How many times do you see management fighting back instead of leading?
6) Develop the habit of good work. A friend of mine who is President of a pipeline company has developed the habit of training his employees to step back from their job and say, “That’s good.” In the news recently there was a story about a 12 year old boy who saved his sister from a house fire using rescue techniques in the Boy Scouts. The news reporter asked him what he thought. He confidently responded, “I did a good job.” That is a great habit.
7) Evaluate your sources of pride. The other day I met with a company’s leadership team. They quickly told me of accomplishments and sources of pride. On analysis, many of these were obsolete and should have been jettisoned long ago but their pride didn’t allow them to this examination.
8) Work smarter, not harder. Too many businesses brag on employees who are the hard workers. Unless this effort is combined with smart working, I give no credit. Taking time to think through a task, not just spend time working on it is working smart.

I haven’t told you anything you don’t already know. My job isn’t to tell you anything new, but to remind you good habits are a key to successful living. Find one habit and make it work for your organization…and your personal life, as well.

This week think about: 1) What are my most productive habits? 2) How long has it been since I did an evaluation of work (family, faith, friendship) habits? 3) Who can help me do an objective assessment?

Words of Wisdom: “Nearly every organization runs on habit, just as we do personally.”

Wisdom from the Word: “But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.” (Titus 2:1 NET Bible)

Fruitful Mentoring

Weekly Thought – January 18,2022

Fred knew at an early age he wanted to stretch others. He understood the value of being mentored even though that word wasn’t in the current vernacular in mid-century America. His thoughts on the subject stretch others even 15 years after his trip to heaven.

Fruitful Mentoring

In a healthy mentoring relationship all the cards are put on the table. For that to occur, there must be trust between the two. I am careful to keep confidential anything that is shared with me. I once said I will die holding in confidence years of stories and private conversations. I consider it a privilege and great responsibility to be given that level of trust.

Though I have been mentoring for over forty years, I have never successfully improved anyone’s character – nor have I endeavored to do so. I am convinced the only way to improve character in adults is a spiritual experience. Sophisticated individuals may learn to mask or hide their flaws, but under pressure their character will fail… usually when they can least afford this failure. Dishonesty, laziness, anger, greed, selfishness, and lack of cooperation – all are examples of character flaws.

Another critical aspect of healthy growth is climbing and plateauing. We progress by climbing and then plateauing for assimilation… and repeating this process over and over. Sadly some reach a permanent plateau, seduced by comfort and routine. It is the mentor’s responsibility to see in the mentoree potential unseen by the individual, then motivating the process repeatedly until full talent and potential are realized.

Assisting in the Identification and development of what I call a person’s uniqueness is the clear responsibility of a mentor. Beyond that is the instruction in the joy of accomplishment. I learned this from my mentor, Maxey Jarman. Whenever I get low I immediately start to do something that I feel will be worthwhile. The joy of living returns.

The great operatic star Beverly Sills personified this attitude. One afternoon at a cocktail party held in her apartment one guest said, “We better leave, Beverly has to sing tonight. She protested, “No, I don’t have to sing tonight – I GET to sing!”
I want the mentoree to understand he has control. Sometimes it becomes nonproductive and needs to end. I never question why. Sometimes it becomes unproductive and it needs to end; I accept this as normal.

Mutual respect is crucial. I have never had any success helping anyone I did not respect. I have tried before, but it always failed miserably.

As a young man I recognized my life’s theme was going to be stretching. In fact, I have asked my family to engrave my headstone “He stretched others.” Mentoring has been an effective way of living out that desire.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who are my mentors? 2) What are areas of needed character development?3) What is my uniqueness?

Words of Wisdom: “Character flaws cannot be changed by mentoring – only by a spiritual experience.”

Wisdom from the Word: “An honorable man makes honorable plans; his honorable character gives him security.” (Isaiah 32:8 NET Bible)

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