Out of Business and Out of Work
Published May 2, 2013 | 
In a recent conversation with a business leader we discussed some of the reasons for what we both see as a continuing decline in business and commercial well-being. Therefore, my challenge for us all to develop our full life force and seek to build a personal life economy is still in the forefront of our thinking and counsel.
I also realize that few of us can think of strategy and plans for the future as just an intellectual exercise. We are often too busy and may be even limited in our creativity to do that. So perhaps a little emotional urgency is helpful to us all.
So can I ask you to prepare for an online radio program I will be producing for early next week entitled,
Out of Business and Out of Work.
Here is my thought request. What if you knew that in 3 years your business as presently structured would be no longer viable, or that your job would be eliminated. You have been given the gift of knowing that now.
If that was true, what would you do differently now? We have some ideas that might be helpful to you but you can help yourself by just taking some thinking, planning, and praying time to see what wisdom comes to you.
Then let’s visit.
Standing For The Movie Credits
Published April 26, 2013 | Many of you followed my suggestion and joined me in seeing the film “42″ which centered on the story of Jackie Robinson and the breaking of the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947. I suggested you also read The Wall Street Journal article about the film. I was deeply challenged and blessed by the story and many of you were too. In case you missed it, here is the story:
Jackie Robinson – Man of Faith
The film was a master work of art. From my many years of performing via drama, radio, television, speeches, seminars; and even in planning a worship service at church, I know that there is an incredible amount of backstage work involved in these events.
Lots of good folks who are never seen or heard make the show go. Because of my sensitivity to that I often make a point of staying and watching all of the film credits. You begin to see all the work involved, and it’s my simple way of honoring those folks who do the work.
I was sitting toward the back of the theater when I watched the film and when it ended the audience applauded. That’s rare and says something about the film. I was moved and stayed and watched the credits; in fact I even stood in a simple gesture to honor the folks who had produced a good thing; a work of art that was good, beautiful, true, and touched our hearts.
Bless them, and bless the memory of Jackie Robinson, Branch Rickey, Pee Wee Reese, and their families.
The Number You Won’t See & You Have to Believe
Published April 15, 2013 | Sixty six years ago today sports history was made as Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and stepped up to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first “Negro” in the Major Leagues.
I look forward to seeing the film on the story of his life simply entitled “42″, which is the number worn by Jackie in his career. Today you will not see that number on the back of any other big league player. It has been retired in honor of the man who wore it with great honor.
But did you know that Robinson credits much of his success to the words of The Bible. That’s right and the story is told in a wonderful article that appeared in The Wall Street Journal this past weekend. You must read it.
A few weeks ago I startled some of you by saying that one of the great enemies of your success in life is unbelief. I stand by that statement and submit the story of Jackie R # 42 as evidence for my belief.
So get a good start to your week by reading the story of man of faith who had a great mentor, a believing mom, and from time to time had to get on his knees.
I am deeply challenged and blessed by his story and I hope you will be too. Here is the story:
Jackie Robinson – Man of Faith
Indeed you have to believe.
The Four Killers
Published April 4, 2013 | I am more and more convinced that our happiness and personal success are mostly the results of the inside personal work we do on ourselves. The hope that an improving economy and the marketplace will bring the personal success and happiness we seek is a false hope indeed.
From time to time I seek to share some life strategies and practical suggestions for improving your life and business. However I was recently reminded that in spite of all we seek to do, there are four great killers of our success that we all need to deal with. They are:
Pride
Worry
Selfishness
Unbelief
These are the “weeds” in our heart and mind that will choke off our fruitfulness and joy in life. So please think about these four killers and what they might be doing to you in these difficult but yet opportunity-giving times.
Some Good Friday Walking My Dog Thoughts
Published March 29, 2013 | I was going through some of my old articles and radio scripts in preparation for a book and came across this radio script from a number of years ago. i thought it would be worth sharing again on this Good Friday
Well it is the end of March and Spring is officially here.
The warmer weather and longer days make it easier for me to take my dog for a walk.
Since my dog is huge, and weighs over 120 pounds, I have to admit that sometimes it seems that he is taking me for a walk. But we both enjoy the exercise
I enjoy my dog and in many ways I remember things about God when I walk my dog.
I’m not trying to be cute and never want to be irreverent.
But think about this. It seems that my dog loves me and our family unconditionally.
No matter what we do to him, he wants to be with us and show his affection to us.
It is interesting that in a very famous poem God’s love is called, “The hound of heaven.” God literally goes after us, loves us, and won’t let us go.
My two daughters know that they can take a walk in the park and feel much safer knowing that literally the big dog would die to protect them from harm.
And being the master of a big dog, and a gentle dog, I have learned something else. My dog looks like a lion but is gentle as a lamb.
Often the little neighbor dog comes over and torments our pet. Literally our beast could take care of the little nuisance with one big bite.
He has great power but never uses it to hurt the other animals.
Jesus had the power of God behind him and could have sent his tormentors to their eternal destiny.
But he loved even them, did not hurt them, indeed he died for them.
Scripture says, “No greater love is this than that a man or woman lays down their life for a friend.”
The love of God lays it down even for an enemy.
These are things I think about when I walk my dog!
Blessings on you and yours, from our heart to yours, at this Holy time.
Jealousy
Published March 25, 2013 | In the Christian tradition this week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday is where the faithful are asked to take time to reflect on their lives in the light of their faith. It’s a time for introspection and for changing the way we live our lives.
And this past week my good friend Jay sent me the final version of the manuscript of his new book that I am helping him publish and promote. The two came together for me.
One of Jay’s powerful insights is that we live in a world full of jealousies. Jealousy is pervasive in our world today. Jealous people are hurtful, even dangerous. They will envy your freedom, success, and well-being.
Jay shares how he had to deal with folks who saw his life-seeking achievements, and rather than celebrating with him took delight in putting him down or taking critical shots at him. Be wary of such folks.
If you take time to read the Passion story of The Christ in the Christian Scriptures you will see the world of jealousy rise up and take action. I came away from the convergence of these stories and prayed deeply that I will always seek to be an encouraging person; one who delights in the well-being of others.
I want to not only enjoy true success but to share it fully with others. Please join me and determine never to be an envious, joyless, jealous “victim.” Don’t live or even think that way.
And another reminder for the week. My mentor Sarah Young reminds me that the more we pray, the more answers we will
receive.
Take time to seek to “right” and “write” your life just a little bit this week.
All the best and I look forward to reading your book before next Easter time.
The Wolves of Worry
Published March 5, 2013 | Do You Want To Be Great?
Published March 1, 2013 | That is a question I often ask of folks who seek my help in performing at their best and making their mark in the world? How would you answer that question. One of the ways we bring forth the power of our Full Life Force is to deal with that question, with all your heart, mind, and soul. I have written a small coaching booklet on that question and I will be telling you more about that soon.
But right now I want you to hear about greatness from a man whose life and writings have touched my heart and soul in many ways. His name is Henri Nouwen who achieved academic and professional greatness but in the years before his death gave it up to be a care-giver for mentally and physically challenged adults. I encourage you to search for Henri Nouwen and see what the search engines and The Spirit reveal to you.
But for your thoughts this weekend can I offer a brief meditation that touches me and I wish to share with you to help you answer that important “greatness” question. Here it is.
Hidden Greatness
“There is much emphasis on notoriety and fame in our society. Our newspapers and television keep giving us the message: What counts is to be known, praised, and admired, whether you are a writer, an actor, a musician, or a politician.
Still, real greatness is often hidden, humble, simple, and unobtrusive. It is not easy to trust ourselves and our actions without public affirmation. We must have strong self-confidence combined with deep humility.
Some of the greatest works of art and the most important works of peace were created by people who had no need for the limelight. They knew that what they were doing was their call, and they did it with great patience, perseverance, and love.”
Just let that sit on your head and sink to your heart this weekend as you work, rest, worship, and renew yourself for the life opportunities and challenges ahead of you.
All the best and blessings,
When Can I Write an Endorsement For You?
Published February 25, 2013 | So at one time we took a towel and made a cape and tried to fly. After awhile most of us grow up and stop trying to fly and do great things and settle for less, much less than our hearts long for.
But every once in awhile a real live grownup puts on a cape and tries to fly again, do what they love, and be what they were made for. Jay stopped selling insurance and started to fly. So if you have a heart for flying and not just getting old and dying, you need to hear his story and start taking flying lessons. Read this book as if your life depended on it. It just might.”
All the best and blessings,
Make Something – Another Full Life Force Factor
Published February 21, 2013 | Make Something – Another Full Life Force Factor
Living and working with your full life force is our ongoing challenge in these series of posts. How can we live with our full human and spiritual powers by doing small and yet significant things to give us the energy, vitality, and generosity to achieve good things?
I have discovered the importance of making things. Most of us never do. We manage, market, move, and message things all the time. That’s fine but making things is good for us.
Recently in an online flyer a famous New York City pen shop showed a simple but elegant black and white pen with a price tag of $1100.
Now I would suggest that anyone who spends $1100 on a pen needs some help. But it inspired me to make a similar pen with my collection of counter top scraps.
And so I made a black and white “fine writing instrument” Here it is.
I think it is rather nice. Would you like one? it won’t cost $1100.00, not even close!!!!
It was good for my spirit to design and make the pen. Whenever I make a pen my spirit is renewed and the forces that give me life are recharged.
So go and make something!
Best and blessings on you and your creation.
Stan
PS – and remember that life is too short and too long to go through it writing with an ugly pen.
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