Mining for Understanding

Weekly Thought – November 14, 2017

Fred’s desire to stretch others was not just a youthful mission statement. It was an uppermost motivation his entire life. Asking questions to facilitate the stretching process was a well-honed skill. We continue with Fred’s probing questions and brief answers he gave in a casual conversation shortly before his death. These are questions he used in conversations over years and can be found under the category of mentoring questions in the Leadership Library of www.breakfastwithfred.com

BWFLI is initiating a new project in 2018: The What’s Next Roundtable. Frequently students remark that uncertainties about the future weigh heavily on them. We will be conducting a three module event focusing on mentoring, networking, and character. We are scheduled for 5 campuses during 2018 and are working on 2019. Please pray for this effort. And, financial support is always welcome as we seek to “stretch and bless the next generation of leaders… to the glory of God.”

Mining for Understanding

1) What are my most pleasant memories, the most painful? Were they things I did or were they done to me? I think we can have painful memories from both things we did (or didn’t do) as well as things done to us unjustly. If they were mistakes, we must try to rectify them; if they were sins, we must repent. The pleasant memories are generally related to successful achievements or good relations. A friend of mine spoke of creating pleasant memories in each stage of life as “memory insurance.” As a family we always talked about putting deposits in the “memory bank.” Mary Alice and I focused on memories and experiences rather than possessions. Journaling so that your family can enjoy these times is a good practice. I think we would all be surprised at the number of pleasant remembrances we have. The longer one lives, the more they accumulate. It is a challenge to many older people to focus on the good times, and release the bad. Crochety old people are the grumpy ones who dwell on the negative. Also, it is important to make good memories for others through encouragement, apt words, and helpfulness.

2) What are my sources of inspiration, motivation, and information? I am very selective in my choice of authors, friends, and associates. My friend Charlie “Tremendous” Jones always reminds us that “except for the places you go and the people you meet, you will be the same person 5 years from now as you are today.” I choose my sources carefully. I also do not believe I have a moral imperative to read, listen to, or converse about everything someone else thinks I should. When time and energy are limited, I have a responsibility to guard both.

3) What is the place of hobbies and recreation in your life? Hobbies for me are a source of learning, not escape. When I took up golf at 50 I wanted to know everything I could about the game. Music has always been a great part of my life. I respect great talent in any field so the gathering of talented people could be considered a productive hobby. This question is always an interesting one to ask. There are those whose leisure life is much more accomplished than their career, so you will see a great deal of enthusiasm to discuss this topic.

This week think about: 1) How am I accumulating good memories? 2) What is my plan for personal growth and development? 3) Does recreation have a proper and appropriate place in my life?

Words of Wisdom: “As a family we always talked about putting deposits in the “memory bank.” Mary Alice and I focused on memories and experiences rather than possessions.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I will remember the works of the Lord. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago!” (Psalm 77:11 NET Bible)

Thinking About Healthy Living

Weekly Thought – November 7, 2017

Fred intensely considered his direction, reassessing at regular intervals. He knew revectoring was a critical element in successful living… just a degree off can end up as miles off course eventually. He asked himself questions to ascertain his footing.

Thinking About Healthy Living

1) What triggers positive self-talk and what triggers the negative? Self-talk is a discipline. While positive is helpful, the negative is seldom constructive. My friend Zig Ziglar says you must get rid of “stinkin’ thinkin’.” Self-deprecation can be a formula for comedy routines, but in ordinary life it generally is hurtful. Strangely, positive daydreaming can be helpful by preparing you for better situations as long as it isn’t sheer fantasy. I believe in understanding my gifts and reinforcing the way I use them. We all have messages from early years which are not helpful, but we need to look at them realistically, distill any truth, and discard the rest quickly. I am convinced we choose to live in a positive or negative mood. I know we have genetic predispositions, but we can discipline ourselves to live in a mood which is productive. And, as I like to remind myself (and others)… it is critical to understand my constructive strengths and my destructive weaknesses.

2) What do I really care about in life? Viktor Frankl, after coming out of the concentration camp put together his notes into his signature work on Logotherapy titled “Man’s Search for Meaning.” He wisely pointed out that three other theories of psychiatry were simply roads to meaning rather being the destination of meaning. The three other were: sex, pleasure, and power. Frankl points out that people’s real search is for meaning. This can be defined broadly. Most people I know would like to make a difference and to know that their life counted for something. For Christians, we have a definition that is based on Scripture. I believe that is the only authentic and truly satisfactory source. So, what I care about most is maximizing my gifts and being the man I was born to be which encompasses being a husband, father, friend, and colleague of integrity and honor.

3) What is my genuine sustained passion? To find your sustained passion I think you have to check your brain and see how often you think about a subject. What do you find yourself coming back to? What books do you gravitate toward? Who do you seek out to discuss the topic? If it is a passion, you will be thinking constructively and anticipating progress toward your objective. You will find you include it often in conversations with family and friends. When our children were teenagers Mary Alice and I could tell someone special was on their mind long before they disclosed it because their name popped up in conversations more than they recognized. They were always surprised when we weren’t surprised at the new interest. Our minds and hearts are closely linked.

This week think about: 1) How often do I check my direction to make sure I am on track? 2) Who helps me monitor my progress? 3) What do I love to think about?

Words of Wisdom: “It is critical to understand my constructive strengths and destructive weaknesses.”

Wisdom from the Word: “From whom does he receive directions? Who teaches him the correct way to do things, or imparts knowledge to him, or instructs him in skillful design?” (Isaiah 14:40 NET Bible)

Asking Key Questions

Weekly Thought – October 31, 2017

Fred’s view of uniqueness was practical and pragmatic. He believed we had gifts given by God for use. He strongly advocated the search for personal design and the thorough, purposeful application. In his questioning he probed motivation and inspiration.

Asking Key Questions

1) What type of work do I do best: project, administration, individual, or team? It is important to know. If one is project oriented then they want to complete and move on to the next thing. Administrators like to keep perfecting the system. A family friend used to say his style was keeping it “cheap and cheerful.” He liked to engage in a project, finish it to his satisfaction, and leave the maintenance of those with systematic gifts. Those we call one-man operators are generally entrepreneurial and have a hands on management style. I have a friend who is a great executive consultant does not have a secretary – he is strictly a loner and thinker. I remember hearing Roger Staubach, great Cowboys quarterback, say he didn’t like golf because it was too individual – he liked to play on a team. It is critical to understand our skills, and our enjoyments. The more we know about how we are wired, the more effective we can be in our work environments. Of course, we all have to exist in situations where we must participate and function in less than ideal parameters, but when possible operating out of understanding results in higher achievement.

2) Do I lean on first impressions or do I wait and see? Those with gifts of discernment usually size up situations and people more quickly. However, we all get general feelings in the first few minutes. Even so, we must leave room for impressions to change. Some people and situations “grow on us” as we watch. It is easy to over-value colorful personalities and give less attention to the more quiet ones. Our society puts a premium on the out-going, extroverted style. Often, though, in the long run my wife Mary Alice is proven right when she advises me to step back and recognize that “still waters run deep.”

3) How many long-time friendships have I maintained? This is a question I often ask. Although it is not a hard and fast rule, I generally find people who have few long-time friendships and changing relationships tend to be opportunistic about them. They use the term “networking” as a euphemism for use and discard. When I hear them unfold their stories, the pattern of change crops up over and over: houses, jobs, friends, and even wives. Long-term friendships hone us; those who know us year after year inform and influence us – as we do them.

4) Do my friendships change with my current conditions? True friendships do not change, but acquaintances do. Most of do not have a plethora of true, long-lasting friendships because the investment is great. But most of us have many acquaintances who enrich our lives and make it much more pleasurable. There are situational relationships such as common commitments, career projects, community involvement, church, or family activities. These change as our situations change. Mutual interests are at the core of these. However, the mutuality of true friendship is generally rooted in years of trust and helping each other. My friend Ron Glosser finished every phone conversations with these words: “How can I help you?” He understood I felt the same way.

This week think about: 1) Who is my closest friend? 2) How perceptive am I at judging character at? 3) What attracts me to people and situations?

Words of Wisdom: “It is easy to over-value colorful personalities and give less attention to the more quiet ones.”

Wisdom from the Word: “As iron sharpens iron, so a person sharpens his friend.” (Proverbs 27:17 NET Bible)

Reality Touchstones

Weekly Thought – October 24, 2017

Fred believed strongly in reality. He regularly reminded those around him to “stay current on the facts” and to “operate from the what is, not what you wish it were.” His questions reflect this emphasis.

Thank you for your ongoing support of the website, the Weekly Thoughts, and the BWFLI events. Each week we hear from you all about the influence of not only Fred, but those who follow after him in desiring to stretch and bless. Your encouragement strengthens us.

Reality Touchstones

1) When do I see myself as an exception to the rule? This is an important question to answer. I understand one of the common denominators of criminals is their assumption the rules do not apply to them. I see Christians asking God for miracles rather than going through the hard work of producing what He has already given them the ability to achieve. I do not believe God is in the business of producing spoiled brats. God functions largely, I believe, by process. Therefore, a divine process is just as divine as the miracle. Also, when we expect to break the rules and win we are not only fooling ourselves but setting a terrible example for those around us.

2) How strong is my will to win? I never know how strong my will to win is until I get into a possible losing situation. Our will to win and our desire to win are connected. It is important to strengthen the will in small matters so when the big situation comes along you can count on the ability of your resolve and persistence to kick in. The will to win is just like muscle development — it takes practice.

3) Am I a better starter or finisher? Most people are better starters because there is a certain excitement in the beginning. Finishing requires diligence and hard work. When our son asked me to tell him about the important people in my life he asked me “did he finish well?” after each story. I had not thought a lot about this but I gave it great thought and sadly realized many started strongly, but finished weakly. A friend asked me to meet him at the club for lunch one day. He began by saying he was 63 and felt he was at the ¾ mark. He knew I was on the home stretch and wanted to know about finishing well. I told him about the African runner who competed in the Olympics. Just short of the finish line he pulled his hamstring and fell crippled to the track. His father jumped to the ground and helped his son limp to the finish. When asked why he got up he replied, “My country sent me here to not just start, but to finish.” Point well taken!

Think about this week: 1) How can I strengthen my will muscles? 2) What am I doing right now to make sure I finish well? 3) Who can help me keep my focus clear?

Words of Wisdom: “The will to win is just like muscle development – it takes practice.”

Wisdom from the Word: “For your loyal love extends beyond the sky, and your faithfulness reaches the clouds.” (Psalm 57:10 NET Bible)

Keep On Questioning

Weekly Thought – October 17, 2017

Fred’s final book was entitled Breakfast With Fred. The publishers gave it a tag line: “Mentor to a generation of leaders.” Although that is not numerically measured, the anecdotal information is readily available. His wisdom which he quickly attributed to God, was a gift for which he was grateful. Another gift was his wife of 67 Mary Alice whose 102nd birthday would have been October 18th.

Keep On Questioning

(The AM/PM group asked Fred to capture some of the mentoring questions they discussed monthly. Later on, the BWF Project asked him to give his thumbnail answers to them. Fred had no preparation – these are his top of mind responses while lying in his hospital bed.)

1) How do I use small bits of time? I organize them to use these small snatches of time. Expect them to come and when they do then be prepared to utilize them. For an example, one of the greatest female executives I know carried note cards with her. Whenever she had to wait and had a little bit of extra time, would write personal notes and keep up with her friends. Red Motley, CEO of Parade magazine used these times to write personal notes in red pencil. Grady Wilson of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said the organization had the habit of using extra moments to contact friends. A businessman I knew in Chicago would walk between appointments and quote memorized scripture. Another friend of mine runs every morning, praying for hundreds of people while he covers mile after mile. Too many people think they have to make plans to write elegant letters requiring great time and crafting. Most people appreciate quick notes which show they are on someone’s mind. These little bits of time can be productive if we are creative and practical.

2) Am I more efficient or effective (i.e. orderly or organized)? Our esteemed friend Elizabeth Elliot was on a few days of vacation where Mary Alice and I were. In a conversation she asked if I were orderly. I knew my wife would give a truthful answer saying I was casual (usually known as sloppy). I told Elizabeth I was not orderly, but organized. I think orderliness takes too high a priority for many. Being organized means that while it looks disorganized (especially to my very neat wife) it isn’t because I can put my hand on anything I want. Being able to get my work done makes the difference. I often remind Mary Alice of the scripture admonition to not worry about the mess created when the donkey is threshing the grain. I am sure that is my paraphrase! In defense of orderliness it is an excellent quality in a manufacturing environment because it promotes precision. I always looked for it as I visited plants.

3) Am I called or driven? As I remember Gordon McDonald had an interesting book showing the difference between being called and being driven. To me it is a matter of doing what you enjoy and in line with your talents than doing something you have let yourself become required to do. I have long thought most situations in life either challenge us or threaten us. If we have a positive attitude about our opportunities then I think of them as challenges. If we are afraid and withdraw from opportunities then it seems we are threatened. Challenges give us confidence and energy; threats enervate us.

This week consider: 1) Am I called or driven? 2) How well do I use my time? 3) Which do I value more: orderliness or organization?

Words of Wisdom: “I have long thought most situations in life either challenge us or threaten us.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Corinthians 14:40 NET Bible)

What Are You Thinking?

Weekly Thought – October 10, 2017

Fred answered these mentoring questions as a website exercise. He didn’t spend days or months preparing and crafting answers. He demonstrated his own principle: “speak from the overflow.” His disciplined thought life enabled him to engage in this activity because his life was preparation.

BWFLI will be initiating our Mentoring Roundtables in 2018. These questions will be foundational to a curriculum consisting additionally of articles, Fred Saids, You and Your Network, and conversation starters. Continue praying for us as we firm up our schedule, team members, and materials.

What Are You Thinking?

1) Do I put people in my life who personify desirable traits? I have found personifying desirable traits a valuable tool. Early in my business life I picked out six traits I thought would be helpful. I found six individuals who personified each of them. I hung a picture of these six on my office wall. I hung a picture of Christ at the top with a mirror for me to reflect my own image at the bottom. You should be looking for people who exemplify positive traits. For example, I had one picture of a man who personified graciousness; and another intellectual integrity. I found I could sit in front of these pictures and evaluate my growth in these areas. I think it was helpful for these men to know what their picture meant to me.

2) What are bad habits that may be building into reflexes? I have made a list of bad habits that I should try and eliminate. Some are temper, financial irresponsibility, cynicism, untruthfulness among others. I have to remember that unless it is prominent enough to be destructive, I don’t make it a primary concern. One that needs to be monitored and managed is the desire to be liked by my peers.

3) Do I have a friendly critic and what are their qualifications and responsibilities? I am more concerned that a critic is truthful than their being friendly. I imagine I used the word “friendly” to mean objective and interested in my development. Anytime I am criticized I should ask if the criticism is true. This is difficult since we tend to demean our critics. I like the old adage: “My critics are the guardians of my soul.” Be sure that any critic is skilled in the area of their criticism. I believe Proverbs indicates that a genuine, skilled critic will be more helpful than one who flatters you. One of my most successful friends says “I will accept no criticism from anyone who does not have something to gain from my success.”

4) How do I promote constructive criticism? Appreciation of valid criticism and changing as a result of it is generally enough to create another’s freedom to offer constructive observations.

5) To whom am I really accountable? I am only accountable to those who are expert enough to be helpful. Generally, we should be accountable to an outside source rather than ourselves. If we declare ourselves to be the only authority we have a great tendency to make exceptions favoring our behavior.

This week consider these: 1) What analysis have I done to identify my strengths and weaknesses? 2) Who are the people who personify the traits I consider important to my personal development? 3) If I chose six characteristics, what would they be?

Words of Wisdom: “Be sure that any critic is skilled in their area of criticism.”

Wisdom from the Word: “With God are wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” (Job 12:13 NET Bible)

Ideas to Ponder

Weekly Thought – October 3, 2017

Fred would agree with our Christian higher educational leaders who value character as the foundation of a God-honoring life. Many of the questions Fred asked explored personal integrity.

Ideas to Ponder

1) Am I a follower as well as a leader? Until we follow well we certainly cannot be effective leaders. I have never wanted a leader who had not had successful experience in following. In fact, seldom in life do we have complete and sole responsibilities for leadership only. Someone well disciplined in following understands well the principles in leadership. For example, in sports the quarterback follows the coach but leads the team.

2) What are the key relationships in my life? We need to relate well to our immediate family and honor our parents. We also need to commit to the relationships with worthwhile friends because they can be a lifetime asset. It is also healthy to develop good relations with our role models and our mentors. And of course, our spiritual relationship is primary and foundational.

3) Can I define my philosophy of life? Our philosophy, like our character, is the source of most of our important decisions. A good philosophy will make you useful. I have often said a right philosophy of life will see you successfully into the grave while a right theology will you successfully through the grave. To me a correct philosophy is one of stewardship not ownership. The Scripture says we have nothing but what we have received and so we are responsible for our gifts without having a right to them.

4) How do I value my time? Someone has said “show me your date book and your check book and I will tell you who you really are.” As we grow older we particularly understand the importance of investing time, not just spending it.

5) What am I currently doing for personal development? Our thoughts, actions, and decisions will largely determine who we will become. The more balanced we are in each area of our life (for example, career, family, faith, finances, physical, emotional, mental) the more productive we can be. No one other than Christ was truly balanced but that doesn’t mean we should neglect any areas. I find writing down my personal development plan is effective for accomplishment.

6) Do I learn chiefly by reading or hearing? Generally we are more proficient in one or the other. I have worked with and for highly effective executives who have a clear tendency toward one learning style. It is important to know your own style. Personally, I am a very slow reader but I retain a great deal. I take notes on almost everything I hear which works well for me in processing and applying the principles.

This week think about: 1) How prepared am I to answer these questions? 2) What helps me the most about Fred’s questioning process? 3) What question would I ask Fred if I could?

Words of Wisdom: “To me a correct philosophy of life is one of stewardship not ownership.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The Lord values the lives of his faithful followers.” (Psalm 116:15 NET Bible)

Asking Myself

Weekly Thought – September 26, 2017

Fred practiced mentoring by listening, asking questions, and applying principles. His ability to ask astute questions was part of his discernment gift which he developed through discipline and focus. We continue to provide questions he proposed to one of his monthly breakfast groups.

Thank you for praying for BWFLI. As we develop our 2018 and 2019 schedules, we do solicit your support.

Asking Myself

1) What are my areas of greatest discipline? We are most disciplined in the area in which we desire the most progress. For example, we can be highly disciplined in particular areas of our lives while remaining relatively undisciplined in others. I know musicians who are serious about their practice, but care little about their personal appearance! Or sadly, a singer may strive to perfect the singing skills while remaining a moral reprobate. Greatness always requires strict discipline. Exceptions and the desire to live that way are the enemy of discipline.

2) What do I learn and retain easily? I learn and retain those things that are most natural to me. I am convinced this is one of the indicators of our uniqueness. What I learn (and want to continue to learn) is a sign of my giftedness.

3) What destructive weaknesses do I have and how am I trying to buttress them? There are two things I need to know about myself – my constructive strengths and my destructive weaknesses. If the weakness does not work against the strength, I do not spend much time correcting it. I believe in developing my strengths and buttressing my weaknesses. I find a person will work much harder to improve strengths than correcting weaknesses. They have more energy displaying strengths than overcoming or improving weaknesses.

4) Do I expect more perfection from others than I do from myself? Generally we expect more perfection from others than ourselves because we understand our own limitations and not those of others. However, there are those who impose such high expectations on themselves they become difficult to work for and work with.

5) Am I willing to share credit easily? One of Canada’s most successful construction CEOs had this sign on his wall: “I can accomplish almost anything so long as I don’t care who gets the credit.” I find a great many problems in business are caused by those who want credit. Generally, they end up in competition with everyone.

This week think about: 1) Which question hits me hardest? 2) How can I use these questions in mentoring others? 3) What is God teaching me through Fred’s words?

Words of Wisdom: “I want to know two things: my constructive strengths and my destructive weaknesses.”

Wisdom from the Word: “After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” (Luke 2:46 NET Bible)

Mentoring Questions

Weekly Thought – September 19, 2017

Fred met monthly with men named “The AM/PM Group.” They met in the morning (AM) and Peter McNally (PM) organized it. The purpose was challenge and growth. The members gave Fred a photo-shopped picture of themselves as taller than real life with the inscription: “You stretched us.”

BWFLI has the privilege of relationships which continue beyond the campus events. During the hurricane disasters we have joined in prayer with several of our schools affected by the destruction. What a privilege to connect with these institutions of Christian higher education during these times.

Mentoring Questions

1) How do I define integrity? To me, integrity is when all the parts do well what they are supposed to do.

2) What are my allergies (things that turn me off emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically)? I want to have an allergy to error, superficiality, and elements of a weak character. As my friend Steve Brown says, “The things that God dislikes I should dislike. The things He likes I should promote.”

3) What equally touches my head and heart? One of the most difficult things emotionally is to get the thoughts from our head into our hearts. Yet out of the heart are the issues of life. This means we must have our emotions join our mind before we are effective in what we do.

4) When do I feel guilty? A Christian should never feel guilty, but repentant in response to conviction. Once we confess we can be assured of His forgiveness. Sin should not be met with guilt, but with confession and forgiveness. One of the mystics said often our guilt is worse than our sin. This is because our guilt is self-imposed.

5) What can I concentrate on at length? Our passion should be for that which needs doing, is worth doing, and is do-able. If I can’t do it, then it is foolish to spend time thinking about it. I am strong on concentration because it is a discipline. I find focused concentration is one of the hallmarks of successful men and women. Solutions come through long term concentration.

6) How much change can I comfortably undergo? Change is always necessary for improvement. But change is not always improvement. Evaluation is required by comparing past, present, and consideration of the future to determine its value.

7) What necessary disciplines do I have (or lack)? Discipline is the ultimate result of habit. We must first decide what habits are necessary in every area of our life, and then we must practice until they becomes reflexes. Once they are reflexes then they easily become the disciplines which we do automatically. We should occasionally review our disciplines to make sure they are applicable to our progress and development.

Think carefully about this week: 1) Which of these questions should I think about this week? 2) Who needs me to ask them one of these questions? 3) How can I develop the skill of self-examination?

Words of Wisdom: “We must practice our habits until they become reflexes.”

Wisdom from the Word: “When the queen of Sheba heard about Solomon, she came to challenge him with difficult questions.” (1 Kings 10:1 NET Bible)

The Sporting Life

Weekly Thought – September 12, 2017

Fred followed sports and enjoyed the company of athletes. He appreciated the discipline and the “price they paid” they displayed. One of his closest friends, Bill Glass (founder of Behind the Walls prison ministry) exemplifies character and devotion. Recently, his lifetime love, wife Mavis Glass, went to heaven. Please pray for the Glass family.

The Sporting Life

Sports are valuable. They teach us not only how to play, but how to live. We see the value of opposition: mano v. mano, defense against offense. The one or the team who handles opposition best wins.

What if they decided to do away with the oppositional factor in sports? What if they decided to just play nice and not challenge each other? What if the quarterback stood still so it would be easier for the defense to sack him? The crowd would become the opposition, wouldn’t they? They would boo both teams and probably walk out of the stadium. The game is thrilling and exciting because of the tension and the one against another. Sports thrive on opposition.

Life is like that, too. As we face struggles and overcome, we grow and succeed. We get stronger as we shoulder one burden, shove aside one temptation, climb the hill of adversity – and claim the victory flag. Life with no challenge weakens us.

The hand is a miraculous creation… the oppositional thumb sets us apart from other creations. (Also, we have a soul… I haven’t wandered into evolutionary thinking). When the fingers press against the thumb we are able to life, grip, and twist. When we lose the use of those digits we are then crippled. When I was five I fell on a glass jar, severing the artery in my wrist. The inadequate medical care has taken the use of my right hand away. I can use it as a claw, but the smooth movement of thumb and finger doesn’t exist. I learned from a friend in the insurance business that disability claims for a thumb have a higher pay-out than for a regular finger. Opposition is important.

In life we learn to operate with opposition in such a way we maximize our efforts. We don’t look at it as an enemy, but see it as an opportunity for development. Just as positive stress and tension are necessary for a healthy life, the presence of opposition is crucial for proper growth. The confidence we experience as we learn to manage opposition well leads us to further wins.

Be thankful for opposition for it is key in success.

This week think about: 1) How often do I bemoan opposition rather than seeing its value? 2) What is creating an oppositional force in my life right now? 3) How can I maximize the adversity in my life?

Words of Wisdom: “We get stronger as we shoulder one burden, shove aside one temptation, climb the hill of adversity – and claim the victory flag.”

Wisdom from the Word: “In times of prosperity be joyful, but in times of adversity consider this: God has made one as well as the other, so that no one can discover what the future holds.” (Ecclesiastes 7:14 NET Bible)

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