Friday, June 18, 2010

Talent Is Never Enough

We are highly recommending John Maxwell's book, Talent Is Never Enough.

"One of the paradoxes of life is that the things that initially make you successful are rarely the things that keep you successful."

John Maxwell has a message for you, and for today's corporate culture fixated on talent above all else: TALENT IS NEVER ENOUGH.

People everywhere are proving him right. Read the headlines, watch the highlights, or just step out your front door: Some talented people reach their full potential, while others self-destruct or remain trapped in mediocrity. What makes the difference? Maxwell insists that the choices people make - not merely the skills they inherit-propel them onto greatness. Among other truths, successful people know that:
  • Belief lifts your talent.
  • Initiative activates your talent.
  • Focus directs your talent.
  • Preparation positions your talent.
  • Practice sharpens your talent.
  • Perseverance sustains your talent.
  • Character protects your talent.
It's what you add to your talent that makes the greatest difference. With authentic examples and time-tested wisdom, Maxwell shares thirteen attributes you need to maximize your potential and live the life of your dreams.

Father's Day

As a father, can you honestly say the following?
  • I often discuss things with my child.
  • I praise my children for things they do well.
  • I know what encourages my child.
  • I am a good example to my children.
  • I try not to vary much in the way I deal with my children.
  • I read the scriptures with my children often.
  • I express affection to my children.
  • My child and I often do things together.
  • I know what motivates my child.
  • My children know what to expect from me.
  • I pray with my children.
  • I tell my children they are special to me.
  • We have a family worship time in the home.
  • I teach my children skills.
  • I talk about spiritual things with my children.
  • My child and I have fun together.
  • I tell my children I am proud of them.
[National Center for Fathering]

10 Hard Questions

Too many times we believe that being busy is equal to being godly … when the Bible says quite the opposite.

Psalm 46:10 SLAYS me every time I read it … CONVICTED!

David said in Psalm 23 that the Lord makes him lie down in green pastures and leads him beside still waters.

The LONGEST, most detailed command in the 10 commandments is the one on rest.

Yet, all of us … especially those in the ministry … wrestle with this. One of our MAIN temptations is being busy … here are a few questions we can wrestle through to see how busy those of us in ministry are …

#1 – How many times a day do you check your email? Is there really any reason to check it as often as we do?

#2 – How many times a day do you check twitter?

#3 – How many times a day do you check your facebook page?

#4 – When you go home to do spend time with your family … or merely “tweet” about how you are spending time with your family?

#5 – Do you tell your kids you are too busy to go to their game … but then go to the game of the church members kid so you don’t get into hot water with them? (BTW … good luck explaining that one to your kids in 20 years!)

#6 – Do you have a time during the day when you turn off your cell phone so that you can uninterrupted study time, prayer time and time with your spouse?

#7 – Do you always have to have noise around you … such as do you always have to have the radio on in the car OR the TV on at home, even if you are not listening to/watching it?

#8 – How much time do you spend commenting on blogs and social media sites? (honestly, don’t know too many certified blog commenters that are actually changing the world!)

#9 – Are you accessible at any time of the day by anyone who needs you? (LOTS of pastors LOVE to make this claim … usually at the expense of their family and their own walk with God. If you want to walk with Jesus you can’t do it by always having a crowd around … you’ve got to have some time set aside.)

#10 – Are you willing to make the adjustments that you need to make based on the nine questions above? If not then you are most likely addicted to noise and being busy … which looks good to others but absolutely destroys our walk with God.

PSALM 46:10!

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