I hope & trust this post finds you having a great day as a beautiful new day begins to dawn on the Texas Gulf Coast. This is a special Friday in the Haslam family...it is the last Friday we will have any pre-teens in our home. Yes, the Little Preacher turns 13-years old next Monday. Such a blessed journey with each of our Tender Warriors!
This morning I want to share a few things with you, more tools for your toolbox if you will. I hope & trust you will find them useful as you strive to be an intentional, positive influence.
The first thing I want to share with you is a quote that I think absolutely nails it! It inspires my Soul...
"Some people say, "Once you learn to be happy you won't tolerate being around people who make you feel anything less." My Christ says, "Your job is to get off your self righteous butt and start reaching out to the difficult people because my ministry wasn't about a bunch of nice people getting together once a week to sing hymns and get a feel good message, that you may or may not apply, depending on the depth of your anger for someone. It is about caring for and helping the broken hearted, the difficult, the hurt, the misunderstood, the repulsive, the wicked and the liars. It is about turning the other cheek when someone hurts you. It is about loving one another and making amends. It is allowing people as many chances as they need because God gives them endless chances. When you do this then you will know me and you will know true happiness and peace. Until then, you will never know who I really am. You will always be just a fan or a Sunday only warrior. You will continue to represent who you are to the world, but not me. I am the God that rescues." - Shannon L. Alder
Another quote...it starts with a choice, a decision.
"Your one decision to be a positive leader will not only impact your life, but your relationships, your family, your friends, and your team. A life touches a life that touches a life. A person changes and they help others change. A leader inspires others and develops more leaders. The seed you plant today becomes the harvest you enjoy tomorrow." - Jon Gordon
Here is another tool from Jon Gordon...you will see a lot of him this morning. You can find many more tools from Jon at JonGordon.com.
My Best Advice for Graduates
and Anyone with a Dream
"1. Where you are now is not where you are going to be.
2. You don't have to be perfect to start. Just start.
3. Don't be afraid to fail.
4. Sometimes you have to lose a goal to find your destiny.
5. You are here for a reason. You have a purpose and you are meant to live and share it.
6. You don't have to be great. You just have to have a great desire to be your best and bring out the best in others.
7. Ignore the critics. Just show up each day and do the work.
8. Stay Positive. God has a plan!
9. If you believe your best days are ahead of you, they are. The best is yet to come." - Jon Gordon
A reminder...
"Don't rush the future. There is a process that seeds must go through in order to become all they are destined to become, and you must go through this same process to become the person you are meant to be and do the work you are meant to do. You may want things to happen NOW but more than likely if you got what you wanted NOW you wouldn't be ready for it. The purpose process prepares you, strengthens you, shapes you and grows you to be successful, not in your time, but in the right time." - Jon Gordon
Critically important...
"Your kids need your affirmation. They want to know you are proud of them, believe in them, and love them. Show them and tell them." - John Finch
"7 words every child needs to hear - 'I'm very proud to be your Dad.'" - John Finch
A great rule for men, husbands & fathers...
"We only have 1 rule at Duke and we call it the man's rule. 'Be where you're supposed to be! Doing what you're supposed to be doing! As well as you can possibly do it!'" - David Cutcliffe
What type of leader will you choose to be?
What is Servant Leadership?
- Servant-leaders achieve results for their organizations by giving priority attention to the needs of their colleagues and those they serve. Servant-leaders are often seen as humble stewards of their organization's resources (human, financial and physical).
- Servant Leadership is not a concept or a principle. It is an inner standard of living.
- Some may suggest that servant leaders are weak. However, nothing could be further from the truth. They model integrity, where their thoughts, words and actions flow from a consistent desire.
- Servant leaders are not leaders on the basis of their position or leadership role, but rather lead according to their calling, vision and principles. - Unknown
What Will Your Influence Be...?
"Someone saw something in you that enabled you to believe you could lead.
(Be that person for others.)" - Unknown
Another reminder for Dads...
"Your actions show that your words are true. Speak loudly through what you do so your kids will believe what you say." - John Finch
Another tool from Jon Gordon...
"Every moment of every day we have a choice to think positive thoughts that make us feel good or negative thoughts that make us feel bad.
The key is to start paying attention to your feelings and thoughts and when you are feeling bad, switch to a thought that feels good.
You may not like your job but you can be thankful that you have one. You may not like sitting in traffic but you can be thankful you have a car when others do not. While your life may not be where you want it to be you can choose to believe that the future is bright and great things are happening every day.
Your thoughts and perception will determine your reality.
Here are a few actions you can take to help:
1. Take a piece of paper and draw a line down the middle. On the left side make a list of your common negative thoughts.
2. Now, change your perception and replace your negative thought with a positive thought. Write these on the right side of the paper.
3. This week pay attention to your thoughts and feelings and choose the thoughts that make you feel more positive.
It may sound like a simple exercise but it work. Git it a try. You'll be glad you did." - Jon Gordon
What are you fighting for?
"Life is about relationships, not accomplishments.
It's as simple as this: You can have the eloquence of an orator, the knowledge of a genius, the faith of a miracle worker, the generosity of a philanthropist, or the achievements of a superstar, but if you don't have love in your heart, it is worth zero. It doesn't count. The only thing that matters to God is this: Do you love Him, and do you love other people?
One day you're going to die and you're going to stand before God. When He evaluates your life, He's not going to look at your bank account or your list of accomplishments or your grades. He won't care about all your sports trophies. He's not going to look at your endorsements or your resume.
God is going to evaluate your life on one basis: your relationships. He's going to ask, "How much did you love me and other people?" That's called the Great Commandment. Did you love God with all your heart, and did you love your neighbor as yourself?" - Jon Gordon
A lot of tools...now we just gotta choose to use 'em! :)
Please don't hesitate to contact me if there is ever anything I can do for you or your family. I will always help you any way I can. You can reach me at kevin@whatwillyourinfluencebelcom.
Have a great day, a wonderful weekend and please cherish your precious families.
Kev
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