There’s a song that speaks about life’s ups and downs.
I get nervous when I’m happyI get nervous cause what comes up must come down (“Nervous” by X Ambassadors)
A client shared the story of a professor he had while studying at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. The professor talked about the seasons and cycles of life. And how to manage life’s ups and downs.
His challenge to the students about life’s ups and downs
When you are in the ups, don’t live in fear of the down times to come, but use the ups to prepare for the downs.
My childhood in a minister’s home exposed me to the stories and principles of scripture.
Joseph comes to mind. He interpreted Pharaoh’s dream of the skinny cows swallowing up the fat cows as seven years of plenty to be followed by seven years of famine.
Pharaoh asked, “What should we do in preparation for the seven lean years?” Joseph told him to gather excess grain during the years of plenty to distribute during the lean years. Pharaoh saw the wisdom in this suggestion and put Joseph in charge of the project.
A quick aside about life’s ups and downs
Sometimes sharing wisdom leads to responsibility and authority to bring that wisdom to reality. Just keep that in mind as you prepare to speak. I didn’t see Coronavirus coming and my 2020 plans didn’t account for a global pandemic. Evidently this is true of my clients as well.
But some of my clients had used their years of plenty to prepare for lean years they knew would come. In prosperity, they were preparing for unknown challenges they knew were coming.
Other clients have been casting about to come up with plans to meet the evolving challenge they now face. Both will survive, but those who were preparing are thriving in spite of the body blows they have taken along with the rest of the world’s economy.
I’m not sure where you find yourself, but it is not too late to apply this wisdom to your present as well as to your future. The ups will be followed by downs. We know this. Just make sure that next time you are up you are preparing for the downs, not living in fear, but in anticipation.
My Challenge To Clients
I’ve been challenging clients to celebrate during this pandemic, not a celebration of denial, but a celebration of recognition. So many clients are making good decisions, wise decisions that will prepare them for the future.
My point…
These good decisions don’t just happen.
This isn’t luck. This is the result of effective leadership, healthy cultures, and determined preparation. Many businesses that were counting on luck are no longer operating. The fact that yours persists is not an accident, and is worth celebrating. Don’t allow happiness to make you nervous. “What goes up must come down” is a truism. How we manage those ups and downs is what matters.
About:
Dr. Stephen Julian is President of Julian Consulting, a firm specializing in team health, effective communication, and leadership development. He has worked with leaders and their teams for nearly 30 years in a variety of settings – including Africa, South and Central America.
The amazing gift of Biblical Forgiveness is seriously misunderstood and highly underrated. Although Biblical forgiveness might seem hard, it benefits you in both this life and the next. Here’s how.
The Amazing Gift Of Biblical Forgiveness Is God’s Gift To You
God loves and forgives. And He offers that forgiveness with no strings attached. For this life and the next.
That is the most amazing…the most liberating message of the Gospel. That God doesn’t just love us. He wants an eternal relationship with us. And through Biblical forgiveness, we are released from the bondage of sin.
Sin is what weighs you down. Separates you from God. And makes Him seem distant. But He’s not. And you’ll discover that when the wall of sin comes down.
The Amazing Gift Of Biblical Forgiveness Is Your Gift To Others
The amazing gift of Biblical Forgiveness is not to be kept for yourself. But to share with others.
And honestly? This may seem daunting. Perhaps, you may even think, impossible. Because pain can run deep. And some ugly wounds appear beyond healing. But they aren’t.
In fact, God doesn’t just ask us to forgive others. He expects it. Not in our own strength. But through the power of His grace.
And in the same way that He sets us free, we in turn, can set others free. So that we all experience joy.
Biblical Forgiveness Is Your Gift To Yourself
Now that just sounds weird. Why would the victim…the one hurt, need to be set free? After all. You’re innocent! You didn’t ask to be injured. Violated. And besides, set free from what?
The fact is, that even as an innocent victim, over time, the pain can change into bitterness and resentment. Turning your heart dark. Robbing you of joy. Shutting you off from God’s love. Holding you captive.
And it eventually becomes your sin. Your prison.
But forgiveness releases it. Reopens your heart to give and receive God’s love. And restores your relationship with Him and others.
The truth? Forgiveness is not easy. Or instantaneous. But an ongoing process of turning the pain and bitterness over to God. And as you do, God’s Spirit restores and revitalizes your heart. Changing it now and forever.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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To find normal is tough during these co-vid times.
If you know the 1970 song by Chicago referenced in my title, then you may have hummed the next line: “Does anybody really care?”
On a recent Tuesday evening, I was among the same four people who have been trapped inside our house for the past two months. I said, “Well, at least tomorrow is Friday.” The other three sat there for a moment and finally someone asked, “Wait, is tomorrow really Friday?” I screamed, “NO. Tomorrow is Wednesday.” (It wasn’t a scream of anger, but of emphasis.)
Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?
What’s normal?
Prisoners of war found that keeping track of time was both difficult and essential to find normal. Losing track of time contributes to a sense of malaise, confusion, and lack of motivation.
As Karen Carpenter sang, “What I’ve got they used to call the blues. Nothin’ is really wrong.”
While parts of our world are reopening, much of what we considered normal will not be experienced for some time to come. Some portions of the old normal are gone, never to be part of the new normal that is emerging.
It’s interesting that the way we watch TV today compounds this challenge because we rarely associate shows with days of the week. Growing up, we knew that The Brady Bunch was on Fridays. Today shows are on whenever you have time to watch them.
My encouragement? To find normal keep a normal track of time.
We have taken to ordering out on Wednesdays, “hump day.” The funny thing is that I’ve never cared about hump day because I have had significant control over my schedule for most of my adult life. But in the midst of this pandemic we’ve discovered that having some markers throughout the week help to maintain a sense of momentum.
Here are three quick ideas to be adapted to your situation. I hope you’ll create your own responses that are effective for you.
To find normal keep a natural rhythm to each day and week.
We are going to bed later and getting going later. But we are trying to keep our weeks in rhythm by attending church each Sunday and looking to Saturdays as a day for home chores.
To find normal reflect on what you were doing one year ago and predict what normal one year from now may look like.
Place today, this week, this month within the context of your life flow.
To find normal, weather permitting, Judy and I walk in the mornings.
This is a way that we can exercise while discussing a wide range of topics from parenting to planning. This allows us to get the day off on the right foot (so to speak). Don’t lose track of time. The consequences are real and they aren’t pretty. Find and maintain your rhythm. A normal. When that socially distanced neighbor asks, “Hey, do you know what time it is?” you can smile and respond, “As a matter of fact, I do.”
About:
Dr. Stephen Julian is President of Julian Consulting, a firm specializing in team health, effective communication, and leadership development. He has worked with leaders and their teams for nearly 30 years in a variety of settings – including Africa, South and Central America.
Reclaim your heart for God. You can reclaim your heart for God. Or maybe claim it for the first time. Sure you’ve messed up. We all have. And David who killed Goliath messed up too. Big time. And yet, scripture says David had a heart for God. So if David reclaimed his heart for God, there’s hope for all of us. Here are three steps to reclaim yours.
To Reclaim Your Heart For God You Must Recognize Its Condition
Is man basically good or evil? You can argue it either way, right? There are many examples of both. The Bible, however, simply calls us sinful. In other words, we have the capacity for both good and evil. Isn’t that what we actually see in the world?
Sin is the heart condition that separates us from God. And we all sin. Lying, cheating and stealing are just a few obvious ones. There are many other things we do as well. Also things we say and even think about. Seriously. Do I have to spell them all out for you?
The point is, when you let sin rule your heart, you act in all kinds of…well, sinful ways. But you don’t have to let sin rule. You can invite God’s Spirit to rule instead.
To Reclaim Your Heart For God It Must Be Transformed
It was a time after defeating Goliath that David committed adultery and then committed murder to cover it up. Two more examples of sin. But when confronted with his wrong doing, he confessed his sin and repented before God.
Confession and repentance open the door to transformation. Why? Because when you confess and repent, God forgives. Simple, but not easy. Because confession and repentance require humility.
And that means taking responsibility for your actions, rather than make excuses and blame someone or something else. That’s what David did. And we all have to do too. That’s when your heart is transformed.
Transformation doesn’t happen because of what you do, but what God has done. God’s forgiveness wipes the slate clean. Makes you new from the inside out. Lets you start over. And reclaim your heart for God.
Your Reclaimed Heart Must Be Guarded
When you reclaim your heart for God, it’s not one and done. Because sin is persistent and pervasive. And there’s a spiritual enemy seeking to drag you down. And relentless on his spiritual attacks.
That’s why even though God transforms your heart, it quickly and easily fills back up with sin. And so you must sincerely and regularly repeat the whole confession and repentance process.
You have to guard what you let into your heart. And manage what stays there. Play defense and offense. By also pursuing a life that moves towards God, rather than away.
As you reclaim your heart for God, you also reclaim a life of purpose, meaning and eternal significance.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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An entrepreneurial get’er done leader makes things happen. And will roll up the sleeves and get his hands dirty. Here are three attributes of an entrepreneurial get’er done leader.
An Entrepreneurial Get’er Done Leader Demonstrates Vision
Vision isn’t always a special revelation. It uses common sense. Considers future possibilities. And chooses the best one for your organization.
So rather than a mystical mantra, it follows current events. Watches markets and consumer trends. And listens to what people say and do.
In other words, vision frames a future picture that paints your organization into it.
An Entrepreneurial Get’er Done Leader Is Strategic
Once direction is set, entrepreneurial get’er done leaders form a plan to get there. One that makes sense. Is easy to communicate. And turns a vision into material form.
Hence, it generally involves…
The Right People…
With the right skill set. Working in their sweet spot. In order to reach peak performance. And ultimately benefit the bottom line.
The Right System/Process…
So you work more efficiently. And save on costs. Perhaps it’s automating tasks. Or a better workflow process.
The Right Technology…
Like state of the art equipment or software programs. To help your team work better, faster and smarter.
An Entrepreneurial Get’er Done Leader Executes Plans Successfully
Entrepreneurial get’er done leaders carefully and skillfully execute plans. Additionally, they’re creative and innovative. Cool under pressure. And face things head on.
As a result, they don’t assign blame. But focus on problem-solving and forward movement. And encourage team collaboration.
Furthermore, they’re action oriented. And dig in to help. Because they lead by example rather than command. And use influence and encouragement to build teams that strive for excellence.
The Incredible blessing of Biblical grace begins with a simple understanding. You don’t earn or deserve it. But it’s a gift.
However, when you accept the gift of grace. Embrace it. And purposefully invite it into your worldview, it transforms your life. And the positive impact you have on others. Here’s how.
The Incredible Blessing of Biblical Grace Comes From God
God is the author of grace. The idea originator. It’s something He doesn’t have to offer. But does anyway simply because He wants to.
I step towards Biblical grace by recognizing that God is completely perfect, holy and righteous. And I am the exact opposite. Imperfect, unholy and unrighteous. I fall way short of God’s standard.
And here’s what’s really incredible. God loves me anyway. And cleared a path for me with Grace. Through the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Grace rejects the idea of what I can do. And celebrates what God has done.
The Incredible Blessing of Biblical Grace Sets You Free
People today are in incredible bondage. It’s everywhere you look. In the rage. The fear. And driven by a sense of hopeless desperation.
So what’s gripping you? Because it’s different for everyone. Maybe politics. Porn. A job. Finances. And of course, the list goes on. So fill in the blank.
Because there are real problems that must be addressed. And no, God might not magically make everything better. Poof!
But grace provides freedom. Because bondage isn’t always something that only grips you.
Bondage can be something you’re holding on to.
And this is why grace is so powerful. Where God encourages and reassures. And He says simply. “Relax. I’ve got this. You can let it go.”
That’s when you fall into God’s arms. Are washed in peace. Filled with joy. And you discover the truth that sets you free.
The Incredible Blessing of Biblical Grace Is Meant To Be Shared
The most wonderful thing about Biblical Grace is that you and I can share it with someone else. It’s what God expects. What everyone wants. And needs.
To be able to say, “yes, I know you’re imperfect. Me too. And since God has offered me this incredible gift, I share it with you too.
Grace gives others the benefit of the doubt. And step away from judging and condemning others. Because that’s God’s job anyway. And someday, I will have my turn too.
And when I am gracious to others, I imitate God. Which furthers the Kingdom of God. And in a sense, offers it back to God.
Where Biblical Grace is Shared Peace Prevails
Grace has a calming affect. It relieves the pressure of performance. I can strive for perfection while knowing I’ll never attain it. And that’s okay.
Even though I’ll keep striving for it. Not because I’m trying to earn anything. But because I am experiencing the incredible blessing of Biblical grace. And I’m motivated by gratitude.
Grace puts me at peace with God. Which promotes peace with others. And transforms where change is most impactful. In the heart. And from the inside out.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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