ALL ABOUT EXCELENT

GAJAH PUN MAU TERBANG

2009-11-12T16:33:00.000+11:00

GAJAH PUN MAU TERBANG - Free videos are just a click away

"I love you not only for what you are, but..."

2009-07-16T17:38:00.000+10:00

by:Roy Croft

“I love you,
Not only for what you are,
But for what I am
When I am with you.

I love you,
Not only for what
You have made of yourself,
But for what
You are making of me.
I love you
For the part of me
That you bring out;
I love you
For putting your hand
Into my heaped-up heart
And passing over
All the foolish, weak things
That you can’t help
Dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out
Into the light
All the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked
Quite far enough to find.

I love you because you
Are helping me to make
Of the lumber of my life
Not a tavern
But a temple;
Out of the works
Of my every day
Not a reproach
But a song.

I love you
Because you have done
More than any creed
Could have done
To make me good
And more than any fate
Could have done
To make me happy.
You have done it
Without a touch,
Without a word,
Without a sign.
You have done it
By being yourself.
Perhaps that is what
Being a friend means,
After all.”

Why Does God Allow Evil?

2009-07-16T17:28:00.002+10:00

by Rick Warren

The horrific mass murder of innocent Americans leaves all rational people shocked, angry, grief-stricken and numb. Our tears flow freely and our hearts carry a deep ache. How could this happen in our nation?

As mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, neighbors and coworkers begin to share their stories of the horror, this tragedy will become even more personal. As it becomes more personal, it will become more painful, and as our pain deepens, so will the questions. Why does God allow evil to happen? If God is so great and so good, why does he allow human beings to hurt each other?

The answer lies in both our greatest blessing and our worst curse: our capacity to make choices. God has given us a free will. Made in God's image, he has given us the freedom to decide how we will act and the ability to make moral choices. This is one asset that sets us apart from animals, but it also is the source of so much pain in our world. People, and that includes all of us, often make selfish, self-centered and evil choices. Whenever that happens, people get hurt.

Sin is ultimately selfishness. I want to do what I want, not what God tells me to do. Unfortunately, sin always hurts others, not just ourselves.

God could have eliminated all evil from our world by simply removing our ability to choose it. He could have made us puppets, or marionettes on strings that he pulls. By taking away our ability to choose it, evil would vanish. But God doesn't want us to be puppets. He wants to be loved and obeyed by creatures who voluntarily choose to do so. Love is not genuine if there is no other option.

Yes, God could have kept the terrorists from completing their suicidal missions by removing their ability to choose their own will instead of his. But to be fair, God also would have to do that to all of us. You and I are not terrorists, but we do harm and hurt others with our own selfish decisions and actions.

You may hear misguided minds say, "This must have been God's will." Nonsense!

In a world of free choices, God's will is rarely done! Doing our own will is much more common. Don't blame God for this tragedy. Blame people who ignored what God has told us to do: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

In heaven, God's will is done perfectly. That's why there is no sorrow, pain or evil there. But this is earth, a fallen, imperfect place. We must choose to do God's will everyday. It isn't automatic. This is why Jesus told us to pray, "Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."

The Bible explains the root of evil: "This is the crisis we're in: God's light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness ... because they were not really interested in pleasing God" (John 3:19, Message Translation). We're far more interested in pleasing ourselves.

There are many other questions that race through our minds during dark days. But the answers will not come from pollsters, pundits or politicians. We must look to God and his Word. We must humble ourselves and admit that each of us often choose to ignore what God wants us to do.

No doubt houses of worship across America will be packed in the coming days. In a crisis we cry out for a connection with our Creator. This is a deep-seated, universal urge. The first words uttered by millions on Sept. 11 were "Oh God!"

We were made for a relationship with God, but he waits for us to choose him. He is ready to comfort, guide and direct us through our grief. But it's your choice.

Difficult Conversations

2008-11-01T08:42:00.001+11:00

By Justin Pinkerman

If you've ever had to fire someone, reject a request for a raise, or give a negative performance review, then you have firsthand knowledge of the stresses surrounding difficult conversations. These conversations are filled with tension, tend to be emotional, and threaten to blow up if the wrong words are chosen. Anticipating the unpleasantness, we are tempted to handle them indirectly or avoid them altogether. However, as author Holly Weeks writes, "dodging issues, appeasing difficult people, and ignoring antagonisms is costly for managers and companies alike." In her article, "Taking the Stress Out of Stressful Conversations," Ms. Weeks gives instruction on navigating difficult conversations. Her advice is immensely valuable for leaders facing tough talks.

KEYS TO NAVIGATING TOUGH TALKS

1) Clarity

In an effort to soften the blow, some leaders mislead difficult conversations and unintentionally create confusion. For instance, to avoid seeming overly stern, a leader may adopt a friendly, non-confrontational tone while attempting to deliver a sharp and serious message. The mismatch between the leader's posture and the leader's talking points leaves the listener feeling confused.

At other times, leaders simply talk around problems or euphemize to the extent that their core message loses its meaning. When initiating difficult conversations, a leader should use honest and direct language. Although it may not seem easy, clarity will help to facilitate resolution of the problematic conversation.

Preparation Tip: Before the conversation, write down the brief content of your message and devise a strategy for delivering it.

2) Neutrality

Difficult conversations serve as emotional pressure cookers. When personal grudges and past injuries exist, a tough talk may unleash a torrent of anger and hurt. A leader must stay neutral and refuse to allow negative emotions to derail a difficult conversation.

While you cannot control the emotions of the person you're speaking to, you can make an effort to defuse them. Monitor your nonverbal messaging by adopting calm facial expressions, body language, and voice intonation. A poised demeanor goes a long way in draining the negative emotion out of a challenging conversation.

Preparation Tip: Before the conversation, take mental inventory of the mannerisms you adopt when angered. Awareness beforehand will help you to avoid provoking your listener with negative nonverbal signs in the heat of the moment.

3) Temperance

Avoid escalating a difficult conversation by moderating the use of extreme language. When speaking, phrase your ideas with words that convey your intent with respect. Heed the words of Wendell Johnson: "Always and never are two words you should always remember never to use."

Preparation Tip: Role-play a difficult conversation with a friend to rehearse your lines. Although it may seem awkward, it's the best preparation for a tough talk.

7 Reasons Why Speakers Flop

2008-11-01T08:38:00.001+11:00

By Mark Sanborn

Few qualities create a more vivid impression of a leader than the ability to speak in public. The higher a leader rises within an organization, the more frequently she is called upon to address others. Ironically, hapless leaders are offered little or no training to develop their speaking skills. A fortunate few ooze natural communication talents, but the vast majority must labor to sharpen their speaking skills of else suffer from their deficiency.

As a professional who makes his living giving speeches and seminars, I have sat through hundreds, if not thousands, of executive presentations. Most of the speeches I have heard (or endured) have been less than memorable. Far too often, the presentations have been painful, not only for the speaker, but also for the audience trying to feign interest.

The majority of presenters, even those who flopped dramatically, were well-intentioned. They had a message they believed was relevant, or a passion they were eager to share. Moreover, they stood to gain something, whether support, respect, or credibility, by delivering a masterful presentation. Clearly, nobody sets out to destroy his reputation with a mind-numbing speech. Why, then, do communicators fail so miserably when they have every incentive to excel?

Thoughts and emotions require technique to be successfully communicated. Consider putting in golf. Without technique, it doesn't matter how brilliantly you wish to hit the golf ball, or how shrewdly you've accounted for the slope of the green and the speed of the putting surface. In the end, only good form and practiced skill allow you to consistently make great shots. Public speaking is no different.

Public speaking, like any skill, must be developed. The more often you speak, the better you become — IF you learn from your mistakes. The fastest gains to improve your speaking ability come when you eliminate potential sources of disaster. While I've observed great creativity in flopping a speech, there are seven common reasons why speakers fail.

1. A disregard for time

Long-windedness — speaking beyond the allotted time — may be the easiest way to alienate an audience. Strangely enough, it seems to be epidemic among business leaders. Speaking overly long is rude and smacks of arrogance and self-importance. It suggests to the audience that the speaker values his presentation greater than the time of his listeners or anything else on the program.

The length of a speech shouldn't be a function of title or power, but a function of how long a person has agreed to talk. Start on time and stop on time. Not only will your audience respect you for it, but also you will demonstrate respect for your audience.

2. Unclear purpose

Here's the million-dollar question of any presentation: What's the point?

I'm puzzled by the number of leaders who ramble through a speech without saying anything of substance. I'm equally dismayed by the number of leaders who cram 21 bullet points into a 30-minute presentation. Communicators frustrate people when they rattle off reams of information without pointing the way to practical application. If you cannot identify a concise, worthwhile purpose for the presentation, you probably shouldn't be making it.

Design your speech the way the pros do. Begin by asking, "At the end of this presentation, what do I want listeners to think, feel, and do?" Good presenters speak to the head, the heart, and the hands.

3. Inadequate preparation

There is no excuse for "winging it." The best speakers are borderline neurotic in their preparation--even if their demeanor suggests otherwise. Presenters who come across as brilliantly unscripted likely spent hours practicing in order to appear "off the cuff."

If you paid for a ticket to a Broadway show where none of the actors had practiced in advance, you would demand your money back. Too bad the audiences of executive leaders don't get the same privilege. Each speech is a transaction. Your listeners are paying attention, and you owe them a worthwhile presentation in return.

4. Failure to capture attention

The scarcest resource in the world used to be time; today it is attention. The average listener is bombarded with messages from many different sources. From email to radio to voicemail to cell phones, everybody is trying to tell us something, and your attempt to give a speech is just one more bombardment.

Your content and delivery had better grab the audience's attention right out of the shoot. You don't have the luxury of "warming up" your audience. Hit them square between the eyes with something that will break their preoccupation with the thousands of other stimuli clamoring for their attention.

Most importantly, make your remarks relevant. Postmoderns are less interested with the question "Is it true?" and more interested in the question "How does it affect me?" Yes, you need to be intellectually honest to prove your points, but never forget to demonstrate that your message matters to the listener.

5. Pomposity

Ego-driven leaders are more concerned with what followers think about them than with what followers do because of them. Rather than influencing their listeners, pompous leaders attempt to impress the audience. In doing so, they manipulate rather than inspire.

A preoccupation with self is deadly to a communicator. Self-absorbed leaders speak in order to get their needs met rather than to meet the needs of the audience. Unfortunately for speakers, audiences are quick to pick up the scent of a pompous communicator and they will tune out any presenter perceived as arrogant.

6. Boredom

Today's audiences are filled with people who were raised on MTV. This generation spent its formative years watching music videos that contained 150 images in the course of a minute. For them, watching a talking head is about as stimulating as staring at a blank computer screen.

A speaker who entertains never fully flops. Don't get me wrong: entertainment by itself is not a worthwhile goal for an executive presenter, but is sure beats the alternative, which is to be boring. For a speaker, the value of entertainment comes from its ability to mentally engage listeners. I've found the best way to educate is to slip good ideas in on the wings of entertainment.

Great restaurants know that the presentation of cuisine is as important as its preparation. Speakers would be wise to take note: presentation and perception go hand-in-hand. The best communicators use the sizzle to sell the steak.

7. False endings

I've seen the following scenario play out hundreds of times. A speaker starts to conclude, even tells the audience of her intent, and then tells a pithy, witty story. The audience responds favorably, and the speaker gets a rush. "Wow, they liked that. I've got an even better story," she thinks to herself. And then she ends again with another story/quote/challenge. Like a junkie in search of another fix, the speaker keeps ending until there is no positive response, but rather visible signs of disgust. By then, it is too late to recover.

Conclude concisely. Each false ending weakens the message in front of it. A simple rule to remember: good endings only happen once.

Summary

The beginning of excellence is the elimination of foolishness. You can ramp up your speaking performance by analyzing your last presentation with these seven questions:
Did I stick to my allotted time?
Did I develop and present purposefully?
Was I thoroughly prepared?
Did I capture attention at the very beginning?
Did I positively influence listeners?
Was I appropriately entertaining, or at least not boring?
Did I end only once?

An affirmative answer to each question virtually guarantees that your next presentation won't be a flop. Not only will your communication be flop-proof, but you will likely be perceived as an articulate and effective speaker.

Leading in a Climate of Fear: How to Take the Reins during a Recession

2008-11-01T08:37:00.001+11:00

By Justin Pinkerman

Have you ever gone through a haunted house? I once visited one that was so frightening I was required to sign a waiver before entering. Terrifying doesn't even begin to describe the experience. Grotesque figures to make your skin crawl, ghoulish creatures lurking in the darkness, maniacal laughter and blood-curdling screams - this one had it all. I even had a live rat dangled in front of my face. Needless to say, I never intend to go back nor do I recommend haunted houses to anyone.

The way news outlets sensationalize the present economic turmoil, I almost feel as if I'm back inside the haunted house. Broadcasts walk me through the cobwebs of foreclosed homes, parade me past the tombstones of Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, and invoke the ghosts of the Great Depression. Images of deathly pale stock traders spook me into despairing for my 401k. I am told debt prowls in the shadows, and warned about the grisly fate of America's future.

Likening these economic times to a house of horrors is overly dramatic, but today's market does share a common bond with a haunted house: the power to elicit fear. In the present hour, leaders must step forward to alleviate apprehensions and forestall panic. Let's look at the qualities that must be demonstrated to lead during a downturn.

1) Visible Presence

In times of uncertainty and fear, people look to leaders more than ever. They need assurance that someone is working on their behalf and rallying to their cause. In the aftermath of 9/11, Rudy Giuliani was ubiquitous in New York City. Whether conducting news conferences, attending memorial ceremonies, or directing public officials, Giuliani's presence sent a message of resilience and recovery. His demeanor seemed to symbolize the mood of the Big Apple - tough, courageous, and undeterred.

Sixty years before September 11th, Americans endured tragedy at Pearl Harbor. Our nation's leader, President Franklin Roosevelt took the mantle of leading Americans as the United States entered the Second World War. As he had done during the Great Depression, Roosevelt made his presence felt through his famous fireside chats. At a time when few Americans had television, Roosevelt entered into their homes over the airwaves to calm fears and address the threats facing the country.

2) Clear Communication

Aside from making his presence felt, President Roosevelt's fireside chats gave a unifying message to all Americans. While affirming that times were tough and sacrifice was needed, Roosevelt clearly communicated that America was up to the challenge. FDR understood that fear festers in silence. That's why he faced it head-on through his famous quotation: "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."

3) Credible Hope

"Leaders," said Napoleon, "are dealers in hope." During tumultuous times, leaders must cut through the gloom and doom with rays of light. When stocks drop and layoffs soar, people are moved toward fear, and they are tempted to look at worst-case scenarios. In these moments, leaders must point people to a brighter tomorrow in order to counteract the destructive emotions of fear.

When introducing hope, leaders should be careful to avoid speaking in abstract terms. Hope should be mixed with substance. Before people can see the light at the end of the tunnel, they need to be confident they are walking through the darkness in the right direction. Along with optimism, leaders must offer a concrete action plan to arrive at a better tomorrow.

4) Difficult Decision-Making

During a recession, leaders inevitably arrive at unenviable decisions such as scuttling popular projects or reducing payroll. Time and again, they must make tough calls that affect the livelihoods of their people and partners. Author Tim Elmore advises leaders to take the following actions when making difficult decisions:
Accept tough calls as a requirement of leadership (influence comes with the weight of responsibility and that weight is heavier in hard times)
Do your homework (avoid make panicked choices; think them through)
Seek counsel
Set a deadline (don't delay what is difficult; confront hard choices)
Understand the emotions of making a tough call (some decisions involve pain; prepare for the hurt and find safe havens to express it).

5) Personal Renewal

For inhabitants of war-torn neighborhoods in Iraq, fear is a frequent companion. As coalition forces attempt to stem violence in the country, politicians speak of the ongoing effort to win the "hearts and minds" of the Iraqi people. Their rhetoric has merit. Heartfelt support and intellectual consent from Iraqis is surely essential to rebuilding the nation.

However, before leaders can capture "hearts and minds," they must master their own thoughts and emotions. A climate of fear takes a heavy toll on those leading the way. At a time when efforts must be redoubled just to stay afloat, leaders naturally run low on energy. After making a series of agonizing decisions, leaders may be tempted to succumb to toxic thoughts of hopelessness and frustration.

When surrounded by turmoil and confusion, leaders, more than ever, must carve out quality time with loved ones, draw upon their faith, and seek beauty in art and nature. These activities serve as reservoirs of peace and renewal. Unless leaders are regularly re-energized, they will lack the strength to fend off the grip of fear in their organization.

Why the Best Leaders Are the Best Leaders

2008-11-01T08:36:00.001+11:00

By Dr. John C. Maxwell

From 1996 to 2007, manager Joe Torre led the New York Yankees to the playoffs every year - winning an astounding 17 series in the post-season. Over those same 12 years, the Los Angeles Dodgers did not win a single playoff series. This past season, Torre departed New York to coach the Dodgers. The result? The Dodgers won their first post-season series in 20 years, while the Yankees missed the playoffs altogether.

Ask Yankees and Dodgers fans, and they will tell you that Joe Torre's leadership matters. However, they may not be able to tell you exactly why Joe Torre is an excellent leader. What's true of the fans in New York and Los Angeles is true for many of us. We experience the effects of leadership without understanding the cause.

In this article, I hope to make plain why the best leaders are the best leaders. In a nutshell, remarkable leaders give their best to their people, and get the best from their people. Let's look at how this happens.

The Best Leaders Give Their Best to Their People By...

1) GROWING

People naturally follow leaders they respect as being more advanced than they are. For this reason, personal growth is directly proportional to influence. If you desire to gain followers, then pay the price of getting better.

To give people your best, you have to elevate your leadership capacity. Consider the metaphor of walking up a narrow staircase - you can only go as fast as the person in front of you. When leaders stop growing, they quit climbing and impede the progress of everyone following them. However, when leaders grow, they ascend the stairs and create space for those behind them to climb higher.

Personal growth involves challenging yourself, and pushing beyond the realm of comfort. When is the last time you did something for the first time? How long has it been since you felt in over your head?

2) SERVING

"Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile."
~ Albert Einstein

Serving others is an attitude issue. Unfortunately, many leaders operate under a king-of-the-hill mentality. They attempt to pull down anyone above them in order to secure the top spot for themselves. In doing so, they clutch at power, grapple for control of company resources, and strive to dominate others. Seeing relationships as win-lose propositions, they ultimately burn bridges and isolate themselves.

The best leaders take an entirely different approach. Rather than dragging down anyone who threatens their position, they extend a hand to lift the performance of teammates and coworkers. They function with a mindset of abundance as opposed to an attitude of scarcity, and they wield their influence to prop others up rather than to elevate themselves. Over time, they are honored for the contributions they have made to the lives around them.

All leaders serve. Sadly, some serve only themselves. Serving is a motives issue, and the crux of the matter boils down to a simple question: "Who?" Does a politician serve the public or his pocketbook? Does a CEO serve to benefit her shareholders or to support her lifestyle? The best leaders set a tone by serving and prove they are deserving of being out in front.

3) MODELING

Growing leaders have something to share; serving leaders have something to give; modeling leaders have something to show. As V.J. Featherstone said, "Leaders tell, but never teach, until they practice what they preach." The best leaders embody their values. Their passion exudes from every pore and demands respect.

The Best Leaders Get the Best from Their People By...

1) LISTENING

The smartest leaders realize the limitations of their wisdom, and they listen to their people in order to capture invaluable insights. However, leaders don't just listen to gain knowledge, they also listen to give their people permission: permission to challenge the process, permission to test assumptions; and permission to take risks. Nothing turns off an up-and-coming leader like the deaf ear of a superior. The best leaders don't simply listen to incoming ideas; they proactively draw them out of their people. They listen actively, not passively.

2) RELATING

Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. To touch a heart, a leader has to be open to disclosing his or her identity by sharing personal stories and owning up to professional weaknesses. Mysterious or aloof leaders may be successful decision-makers, but they won't get the heartfelt loyalty that comes from authentic relationships.

As simple as it sounds, making a person feel known correlates powerfully to their job satisfaction. In fact, Patrick Lencioni lists anonymity as one of the top indicators of a miserable job. Leaders dignify their people by studying their interests, learning about their families, and finding out their hobbies. Conscious of the power of connection, the best leaders refuse to be barricaded inside of an office, and they take responsibility for relating with others on a regular basis.

3) TEACHING

Gifted teachers have a way of making students out of disinterested bystanders. The best leaders have an infectious thirst for knowledge, and they take pride in cultivating knowledge of their craft and awareness of their industry. A leader's teaching ability depends upon ongoing personal growth. As Howard Hendricks said, "If you stop growing today, you stop teaching tomorrow."

4) DEVELOPING

The best leaders understand the differences between training people for tasks and developing people to be better leaders.
Training
Developing

Focus is on the job
Adds value to specific things
Helpful for a short time
Changes a performance
Focus is on the person
Adds value to everything
Helpful for a lifetime
Change the performer

The best leaders view their people as appreciable assets and prioritize investing in the talent on their teams.

5) MOTIVATING

After one of my presentations, an audience member approached me who was visibly indignant about my speech. "Why is motivation last on the list?" he demanded. "Well," I replied, "because if you listen, relate, teach, and develop your people, then they will be motivated!"

Sustained motivation comes by creating the right environment for your people and by doing the right things consistently to nurture them. Consider a flower. It cannot grow in the Arctic; it requires a climate conducive to growth. Yet, even in the right environment, the flower must be planted in hospitable soil, exposed to sunlight, watered, and freed of weeds.

First Place Is Not An Easy Place To Stay

2008-05-29T14:33:00.001+10:00

First Place Is Not An Easy Place To Stay
by Dr. John C. Maxwell

Of the original Fortune 500 companies listed in 1955, only 71 remain on the list today. Companies once deemed indestructible have fallen by the wayside. Corporate titans of enormous influence have completely disappeared in the span of a few decades. Staying power has been rare atop the Fortune 500. Instead, the list has undergone a steady turnover from year to year. Reaching the top is a monumental achievement, but remaining there may be the most spectacular feat of all.

The fate of the Fortune 500 begs the question: Why haven't the best of the best been able to maintain success?

In this edition of Leadership Wired, we'll explore reasons why first place is not an easy place to stay, and we'll look at suggestions to help leaders keep hold of the top spot.

FIRST PLACE ERASERS

The biggest detriment to tomorrow's success is today's success. Winning carries with it a slate of temptations dangerous enough to topple the grandest of corporate CEO's. I call these temptations the first place erasers. Falling prey to them is a surefire ticket to the second tier.

The Momentum Myth - Leaders presiding over good times and high profits begins to relax. Comfort sets in, and the leaders lose their edge. Hard work and a sense of urgency are replaced by naive optimism and idleness. Falsely believing they can coast, leaders fall asleep at the wheel. The end of their vigilance coincides with the end of their time at the top.

The Reputation Factor - Leaders begin to place their position above their production. They live off of yesterday and their best moments. Having already notched big victories, they quit fighting to reach their potential. Consequently, they drive the organization downhill toward mediocrity.

The Entitlement Mindset - Leaders believe they have a right to be number one. Oftentimes these leaders have been given their position rather than having earned it. Expecting preferential treatment, they have an underdeveloped work ethic. As a result, they are unable or unwilling to make the sacrifices required to stay in first place.

The Revolving Door - Leaders quit attributing their success to talented performers at all levels of the organization. People tire of laboring in obscurity, and they move on to new opportunities. Leaders fail to patch the slow leak of talent leaving their teams, and they eventually sink from first place to the middle of the pack.

The Ego Issue - The ego issue trips up leaders who cannot face or admit failure. Since their identity is wrapped in their accomplishments, they do not take ownership of mistakes. To avoid taking responsibility for poor decisions, they may have remarkably high degrees of denial or self-deception. Out of touch, they cannot steer the ship to a first place finish.

Playing Not to Lose - Leaders become cautious and defensive of their perch at the top. They begin to be motivated by fear rather than purpose. Instead of playing to win, they play not to lose. Risk averse and small-minded, they are deficient of the boldness and courage necessary to command a first place team.

HOW TO STAY IN FIRST PLACE

To preserve their first place status, leaders should give extra attention to their passion, practices and people.

Passion
When passion fades, so does a leader's trustworthiness. Gallup conducted a poll in which passion ranked as the leading indicator of credibility within an organization. The results of the survey are hardly surprising. After all, if the leader isn't excited about the purpose of the organization, then why should he or she be trusted? On the flip side, when leaders passionately sacrifice, commit, and invest in their business, they earn the respect of followers and the good faith of constituents.

Passion creates energy. When a leader exudes joy and excitement, he or she magnetically pulls co-workers and customers into a shared vision. Passion is exceptionally strong when linked with a leader's values. When leaders demonstrate principled passion, they are able to appeal to the moral and emotional instincts of those around them.

Practices
Leaders don't rise to the pinnacle of success without developing the right set of attitudes and habits. Healthy habits, practiced consistently over time, will always reap dividends. On the contrary, occasional compromises of values eventually snowball into poor decisions with negative consequences. To keep hold on number one, a leader has to make every day a masterpiece.

People
The best leaders are humble enough to realize their victories depend upon their people. When finding themselves in first place, leaders recognize they are indebted to the ingenuity and talent of those they lead. To stay in first place, leaders have to hand out credit and shine the spotlight on the contributors all around them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Leadership@Large
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leadership Lessons from the Mortgage Mess

Drive through the typical American neighborhood these days, and you will see disturbing signs of the housing collapse. Whether advertising homes for sale or foreclosures, these signs stand as evidence of leadership failures in the mortgage market.

What happened to create the mortgage mess? What leadership lessons can be drawn from the situation?

Although the housing decline has been fueled by a variety of complex factors, the mortgage mess was predicated upon a basic human vice - greed. No segment of the industry has been exempt from greed, and the behaviors of homebuyers, mortgage brokers, and investment bankers alike have contributed to the crisis.

THE (FORMER) HOMEOWNER

Homebuyers yielded to the great American temptation of living beyond their means. Many undertook obscene amounts of debt to finance homes that their income could not support in the long run. Lacking the discipline to save for a down payment, they recklessly entered into interest-only loans or adjustable rate mortgages. As long as the home value increased, they stayed afloat. However, when home prices plunged downward, these buyers found themselves living in homes worth less than the money they owed for them.

The Lesson: Patience
Walk before you run. Get rid of consumer debt before making major purchases. Build savings before you build a home.

THE (BROKE) MORTGAGE BROKER

During the housing bubble, mortgage brokers profiteered at the expense of uneducated homebuyers. Since the brokersê pay was based on commission, they had incentive to push consumers into buying bigger houses than they could afford. Brokers pressured homebuyers to overstate their earnings, and deceived them into making dubious choices on their mortgages.

For a time, the brokers raked in money. Then the economy took a downturn. Suddenly, everyone was looking to sell and no one wanted to buy. Business for the brokers went dry. As homeowners began to face foreclosures, the mortgage industry fell under greater scrutiny. News outlets exposed the most flagrant abuses committed by brokers, and society began to view them as dishonest middlemen. Consumers began bypassing them to work directly with lending institutions, leaving many mortgage brokers jobless.

The Lesson: Honesty
Ethical shortcuts lead to unsustainable successes. While deceitful mortgage brokers amassed wealth, they unwittingly sabotaged their careers and livelihoods.

THE (BANKRUPT) INVESTMENT BANKER

Impaired by greed, investment bankers leveraged their portfolios too much in the hopes of cashing in on soaring home prices. Through an array of complex schemes, they over-invested in high-risk mortgages that had been made to borrowers with poor credit.

As the housing market crumbled, investment banks could no longer sell funds laden with mortgage-backed securities. The value of their securities tumbled as homebuyers defaulted on their loans at record-breaking levels. Giants like Bear Stearns collapsed, the repercussions echoed throughout Wall Street.

The Lesson: Contentment
Not content to turn a modest profit, investment bankers attempted to squeeze every penny of profit from the booming housing market. They ignored the wisdom of a balanced portfolio, and they tried to tilt the scales in their favor by burying questionable investments into complex hedge funds. In the end, they rode the crest of the market for too long, and when the wave fell, they crashed hard.

-------------

Starting Over

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." ~ Confucius

Rarely does a person coast through life without having to start over after a major setback. Consider the following situations in which people must start anew.

Factory workers in America have had no choice but to start over as their manufacturing jobs have been outsourced internationally.
Hurricane Katrina victims have been forced to start over after their homes, businesses, and schools were destroyed by the storm.
Thousands of households have been forced to start over after losing their homes in the mortgage crisis.
In the Winter 2008 edition of Leader to Leader Journal, Robert L. Dilenschneider writes a revealing article about being forced to start over professionally. After losing a position of far-reaching influence, Dilenschneider journeyed through a season of joblessness before regaining his footing. His experience yields healthy insights for leaders going through the painful trial of getting back up after being knocked down.

Let Go of Humiliation

The difficulty of starting over professionally (polishing the resume, learning new job skills, etc.) pales in comparison to the personal humiliation of hitting rock bottom. Dilenschneider warns against two unhealthy responses to the hurt that accompanies a serious setback: (1) self-pity and (2) desire for revenge.

Self-pity focuses pain inwardly. By succumbing to self-pity, people heap blame upon themselves in both real and imagined ways. They interpret negative circumstances as evidence of their worthlessness. At worst, such behavior may cause the person to spiral into depression. At the very least, it takes a toll on their self-esteem and undercuts their confidence.

The desire for revenge focuses pain externally. When finger-pointing or assigning blame, you're more likely to amplify your hurt than to heal it. Don't play the victim. As long as you cede responsibility for your setback to someone else, then you've surrendered your joy and wellness to their control.

Hold tightly to hope

Don't let yourself become accustomed to the darkness. As surely as the sun will set tonight, it will rise again tomorrow. Life has a rhythm. Sometimes failure presses down on us, but just as often we triumph against the odds. As you start over, concentrate on your talents and replay successes in your mind. Surround yourself with encouragement and the support of family and loved ones.

As Dilenschneider recommends, learn from the ordeal of staring over. Find purpose in failure, and mine it for invaluable insights. View adversity as a test of your strength rather than proof of your weakness. Remember: people with hope are elastic rather than fragile. When they fall, they don't break; they rebound.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book Review
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.:: Hug Your People: The Proven Way to Hire, Inspire, and Recognize Your Employees and Achieve Remarkable Results
by Jack Mitchell (Hyperion, 2008)

Do you remember the ugly sweater? The one your aunt gave to you at Christmas when you were nine years old? The sweater you buried so deep in your closet that it wouldn't be rediscovered for decades? On top of being a crime against fashion, the gift was a flop because the gift-giver hadn't invested the effort into discovering your preferences or style.

Thankfully, not all gifts are wool sweaters. There's something special about unwrapping a present that's perfectly in step with your taste and interests. Over and above getting a gift you love, you receive affirmation that someone knows and cares about you. The perfect gift makes you feel valued at a personal level.

In Hug Your People, Jack Mitchell shares how the power of personalization attributes to the legendary work culture at upscale clothier Mitchells / Richards / Marshs. As CEO, Mitchell makes hugging his people a top priority. For Jack, hugging serves as a metaphor for personalized praise, encouragement, or friendliness. His company is infected with huggers, and, consequently, his retail stores have become some of the most sought after workplaces in New York City.

Mitchell encourages his associates to develop holistic relationships with one another that transcend the artificial boundaries of personal and professional. He advises managers to connect with those they lead, "as real people rather than as job responsibilities." His premium on personalized relationships translates into an environment where people are both understood and genuinely cared for as individuals.

As a writer, Jack Mitchell's style seems to be a reflection of his personality: upbeat, authentic, and fun. Throughout the book, he liberally doles out exclamation points while casually drifting in and out of stories about friends and colleagues. Some writers can be heavy on motivation and light on applicable content, but Mitchell deftly mixes the inspirational and the practical.

The book's highlights are too numerous to recount during a brief review, but a few areas merit special attention:

* Chapter Two's tips on hiring to fit culture;
* The emphasis on expectations rather than rules in Chapter Ten;
* The entire section on inclusion (Chapters 22-27).

Additionally, nearly every chapter sounds out Mitchell's recurring mantra: "Personalization delivered positively with passion."

Hug Your People floods the reader with reminders that the foremost ingredient of successful business is people. Author Jack Mitchell advises leaders to appreciate, admire, and connect with the uniqueness inside of every person. Mitchell writes with passion, wisdom, and the credibility of having a track record of impressive success. LW subscribers are highly encouraged to embrace his management philosophy as spelled out in Hug Your People.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quick Quotes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MONEY

"A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart." ~ Jonathan Swift

"Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." ~ Will Rogers

"A penny saved is a penny earned." ~ Benjamin Franklin

"Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master." ~ Alexandre Dumas

"It comes down to this: either you control money, or it controls you." ~ T. Harv Eker

First Place Is Not An Easy Place To Stay

2008-05-29T14:33:00.000+10:00

by Dr. John C. Maxwell

Of the original Fortune 500 companies listed in 1955, only 71 remain on the list today. Companies once deemed indestructible have fallen by the wayside. Corporate titans of enormous influence have completely disappeared in the span of a few decades. Staying power has been rare atop the Fortune 500. Instead, the list has undergone a steady turnover from year to year. Reaching the top is a monumental achievement, but remaining there may be the most spectacular feat of all.

The fate of the Fortune 500 begs the question: Why haven't the best of the best been able to maintain success?

In this edition of Leadership Wired, we'll explore reasons why first place is not an easy place to stay, and we'll look at suggestions to help leaders keep hold of the top spot.

FIRST PLACE ERASERS

The biggest detriment to tomorrow's success is today's success. Winning carries with it a slate of temptations dangerous enough to topple the grandest of corporate CEO's. I call these temptations the first place erasers. Falling prey to them is a surefire ticket to the second tier.

The Momentum Myth - Leaders presiding over good times and high profits begins to relax. Comfort sets in, and the leaders lose their edge. Hard work and a sense of urgency are replaced by naive optimism and idleness. Falsely believing they can coast, leaders fall asleep at the wheel. The end of their vigilance coincides with the end of their time at the top.

The Reputation Factor - Leaders begin to place their position above their production. They live off of yesterday and their best moments. Having already notched big victories, they quit fighting to reach their potential. Consequently, they drive the organization downhill toward mediocrity.

The Entitlement Mindset - Leaders believe they have a right to be number one. Oftentimes these leaders have been given their position rather than having earned it. Expecting preferential treatment, they have an underdeveloped work ethic. As a result, they are unable or unwilling to make the sacrifices required to stay in first place.

The Revolving Door - Leaders quit attributing their success to talented performers at all levels of the organization. People tire of laboring in obscurity, and they move on to new opportunities. Leaders fail to patch the slow leak of talent leaving their teams, and they eventually sink from first place to the middle of the pack.

The Ego Issue - The ego issue trips up leaders who cannot face or admit failure. Since their identity is wrapped in their accomplishments, they do not take ownership of mistakes. To avoid taking responsibility for poor decisions, they may have remarkably high degrees of denial or self-deception. Out of touch, they cannot steer the ship to a first place finish.

Playing Not to Lose - Leaders become cautious and defensive of their perch at the top. They begin to be motivated by fear rather than purpose. Instead of playing to win, they play not to lose. Risk averse and small-minded, they are deficient of the boldness and courage necessary to command a first place team.

HOW TO STAY IN FIRST PLACE

To preserve their first place status, leaders should give extra attention to their passion, practices and people.

Passion
When passion fades, so does a leader's trustworthiness. Gallup conducted a poll in which passion ranked as the leading indicator of credibility within an organization. The results of the survey are hardly surprising. After all, if the leader isn't excited about the purpose of the organization, then why should he or she be trusted? On the flip side, when leaders passionately sacrifice, commit, and invest in their business, they earn the respect of followers and the good faith of constituents.

Passion creates energy. When a leader exudes joy and excitement, he or she magnetically pulls co-workers and customers into a shared vision. Passion is exceptionally strong when linked with a leader's values. When leaders demonstrate principled passion, they are able to appeal to the moral and emotional instincts of those around them.

Practices
Leaders don't rise to the pinnacle of success without developing the right set of attitudes and habits. Healthy habits, practiced consistently over time, will always reap dividends. On the contrary, occasional compromises of values eventually snowball into poor decisions with negative consequences. To keep hold on number one, a leader has to make every day a masterpiece.

People
The best leaders are humble enough to realize their victories depend upon their people. When finding themselves in first place, leaders recognize they are indebted to the ingenuity and talent of those they lead. To stay in first place, leaders have to hand out credit and shine the spotlight on the contributors all around them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Leadership@Large
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leadership Lessons from the Mortgage Mess

Drive through the typical American neighborhood these days, and you will see disturbing signs of the housing collapse. Whether advertising homes for sale or foreclosures, these signs stand as evidence of leadership failures in the mortgage market.

What happened to create the mortgage mess? What leadership lessons can be drawn from the situation?

Although the housing decline has been fueled by a variety of complex factors, the mortgage mess was predicated upon a basic human vice - greed. No segment of the industry has been exempt from greed, and the behaviors of homebuyers, mortgage brokers, and investment bankers alike have contributed to the crisis.

THE (FORMER) HOMEOWNER

Homebuyers yielded to the great American temptation of living beyond their means. Many undertook obscene amounts of debt to finance homes that their income could not support in the long run. Lacking the discipline to save for a down payment, they recklessly entered into interest-only loans or adjustable rate mortgages. As long as the home value increased, they stayed afloat. However, when home prices plunged downward, these buyers found themselves living in homes worth less than the money they owed for them.

The Lesson: Patience
Walk before you run. Get rid of consumer debt before making major purchases. Build savings before you build a home.

THE (BROKE) MORTGAGE BROKER

During the housing bubble, mortgage brokers profiteered at the expense of uneducated homebuyers. Since the brokersê pay was based on commission, they had incentive to push consumers into buying bigger houses than they could afford. Brokers pressured homebuyers to overstate their earnings, and deceived them into making dubious choices on their mortgages.

For a time, the brokers raked in money. Then the economy took a downturn. Suddenly, everyone was looking to sell and no one wanted to buy. Business for the brokers went dry. As homeowners began to face foreclosures, the mortgage industry fell under greater scrutiny. News outlets exposed the most flagrant abuses committed by brokers, and society began to view them as dishonest middlemen. Consumers began bypassing them to work directly with lending institutions, leaving many mortgage brokers jobless.

The Lesson: Honesty
Ethical shortcuts lead to unsustainable successes. While deceitful mortgage brokers amassed wealth, they unwittingly sabotaged their careers and livelihoods.

THE (BANKRUPT) INVESTMENT BANKER

Impaired by greed, investment bankers leveraged their portfolios too much in the hopes of cashing in on soaring home prices. Through an array of complex schemes, they over-invested in high-risk mortgages that had been made to borrowers with poor credit.

As the housing market crumbled, investment banks could no longer sell funds laden with mortgage-backed securities. The value of their securities tumbled as homebuyers defaulted on their loans at record-breaking levels. Giants like Bear Stearns collapsed, the repercussions echoed throughout Wall Street.

The Lesson: Contentment
Not content to turn a modest profit, investment bankers attempted to squeeze every penny of profit from the booming housing market. They ignored the wisdom of a balanced portfolio, and they tried to tilt the scales in their favor by burying questionable investments into complex hedge funds. In the end, they rode the crest of the market for too long, and when the wave fell, they crashed hard.

-------------

Starting Over

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall." ~ Confucius

Rarely does a person coast through life without having to start over after a major setback. Consider the following situations in which people must start anew.

Factory workers in America have had no choice but to start over as their manufacturing jobs have been outsourced internationally.
Hurricane Katrina victims have been forced to start over after their homes, businesses, and schools were destroyed by the storm.
Thousands of households have been forced to start over after losing their homes in the mortgage crisis.
In the Winter 2008 edition of Leader to Leader Journal, Robert L. Dilenschneider writes a revealing article about being forced to start over professionally. After losing a position of far-reaching influence, Dilenschneider journeyed through a season of joblessness before regaining his footing. His experience yields healthy insights for leaders going through the painful trial of getting back up after being knocked down.

Let Go of Humiliation

The difficulty of starting over professionally (polishing the resume, learning new job skills, etc.) pales in comparison to the personal humiliation of hitting rock bottom. Dilenschneider warns against two unhealthy responses to the hurt that accompanies a serious setback: (1) self-pity and (2) desire for revenge.

Self-pity focuses pain inwardly. By succumbing to self-pity, people heap blame upon themselves in both real and imagined ways. They interpret negative circumstances as evidence of their worthlessness. At worst, such behavior may cause the person to spiral into depression. At the very least, it takes a toll on their self-esteem and undercuts their confidence.

The desire for revenge focuses pain externally. When finger-pointing or assigning blame, you're more likely to amplify your hurt than to heal it. Don't play the victim. As long as you cede responsibility for your setback to someone else, then you've surrendered your joy and wellness to their control.

Hold tightly to hope

Don't let yourself become accustomed to the darkness. As surely as the sun will set tonight, it will rise again tomorrow. Life has a rhythm. Sometimes failure presses down on us, but just as often we triumph against the odds. As you start over, concentrate on your talents and replay successes in your mind. Surround yourself with encouragement and the support of family and loved ones.

As Dilenschneider recommends, learn from the ordeal of staring over. Find purpose in failure, and mine it for invaluable insights. View adversity as a test of your strength rather than proof of your weakness. Remember: people with hope are elastic rather than fragile. When they fall, they don't break; they rebound.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book Review
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.:: Hug Your People: The Proven Way to Hire, Inspire, and Recognize Your Employees and Achieve Remarkable Results
by Jack Mitchell (Hyperion, 2008)

Do you remember the ugly sweater? The one your aunt gave to you at Christmas when you were nine years old? The sweater you buried so deep in your closet that it wouldn't be rediscovered for decades? On top of being a crime against fashion, the gift was a flop because the gift-giver hadn't invested the effort into discovering your preferences or style.

Thankfully, not all gifts are wool sweaters. There's something special about unwrapping a present that's perfectly in step with your taste and interests. Over and above getting a gift you love, you receive affirmation that someone knows and cares about you. The perfect gift makes you feel valued at a personal level.

In Hug Your People, Jack Mitchell shares how the power of personalization attributes to the legendary work culture at upscale clothier Mitchells / Richards / Marshs. As CEO, Mitchell makes hugging his people a top priority. For Jack, hugging serves as a metaphor for personalized praise, encouragement, or friendliness. His company is infected with huggers, and, consequently, his retail stores have become some of the most sought after workplaces in New York City.

Mitchell encourages his associates to develop holistic relationships with one another that transcend the artificial boundaries of personal and professional. He advises managers to connect with those they lead, "as real people rather than as job responsibilities." His premium on personalized relationships translates into an environment where people are both understood and genuinely cared for as individuals.

As a writer, Jack Mitchell's style seems to be a reflection of his personality: upbeat, authentic, and fun. Throughout the book, he liberally doles out exclamation points while casually drifting in and out of stories about friends and colleagues. Some writers can be heavy on motivation and light on applicable content, but Mitchell deftly mixes the inspirational and the practical.

The book's highlights are too numerous to recount during a brief review, but a few areas merit special attention:

* Chapter Two's tips on hiring to fit culture;
* The emphasis on expectations rather than rules in Chapter Ten;
* The entire section on inclusion (Chapters 22-27).

Additionally, nearly every chapter sounds out Mitchell's recurring mantra: "Personalization delivered positively with passion."

Hug Your People floods the reader with reminders that the foremost ingredient of successful business is people. Author Jack Mitchell advises leaders to appreciate, admire, and connect with the uniqueness inside of every person. Mitchell writes with passion, wisdom, and the credibility of having a track record of impressive success. LW subscribers are highly encouraged to embrace his management philosophy as spelled out in Hug Your People.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quick Quotes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MONEY

"A wise man should have money in his head, but not in his heart." ~ Jonathan Swift

"Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." ~ Will Rogers

"A penny saved is a penny earned." ~ Benjamin Franklin

"Do not value money for any more nor any less than its worth; it is a good servant but a bad master." ~ Alexandre Dumas

"It comes down to this: either you control money, or it controls you." ~ T. Harv Eker

Charismatic Leadership

2008-05-29T14:21:00.001+10:00

by Dr. John C. Maxwell

William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli were two of the fiercest political rivals of the 19th century. Their epic battles for control of the British Empire were marked by intense animosity that spilled over from the public arena into their personal lives. Ambitious, powerful, and politically astute, both men were spirited competitors and masterful politicians.

Though each man achieved impressive accomplishments for Britain, the quality that separated them as leaders was their approach to people. The difference is best illustrated by the account of a young woman who dined with the men on consecutive nights. When asked about her impression of the rival statesmen, she said, "When I left the dining room after sitting next to Mr. Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England. But after sitting next to Mr. Disraeli, I thought I was the cleverest woman in England."

What distinguished Disraeli from Gladstone was charisma. Disraeli possessed a personal charm sorely lacking in the leadership style of his rival. His personal appeal attracted friends and created favorable impressions among acquaintances. Throughout his career, Disraeli's charisma gave him an edge over Gladstone.

UNDERSTANDING CHARISMA

Of all leadership attributes, charisma is perhaps the least understood. At first glance, charisma appears to be an invisible energy or magnetism. There's no denying its presence, but it's hard to put a finger on its source. Some mistakenly believe charisma is a birth trait—embedded in certain personalities, but completely absent in others.

I believe charisma is both explainable and learnable. I also believe charisma helps to boost a leader's influence. That's why I included it in my book, The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader. In this lesson, I'd like to examine the causes of charisma and teach you how to increase the charisma you display as a leader.

THE QUALITIES OF A CHARISMATIC LEADER

Charisma is defined as, "The ability to inspire enthusiasm, interest, or affection in others by means of personal charm or influence." Leaders who have this special ability share four things in common:

1) They Love Life

Leaders who attract a following are passionate about life. They are celebrators, not complainers. They're characterized by joy and warmth. They're energetic and radiant in an infectious way.

Look no further than the smile to illustrate the power of charisma. When people see a smile, they respond with a smile. If you're skeptical, try it. Smile at cashiers, waiters, co-workers, etc. You'll find your smile earns a reciprocate smile almost every time. We are hardwired to take on the energy of those around us. Leaders who love life have charisma because they fill the room with positive energy.

2) They Value the Potential in People

To become an attractive leader, expect the best from your people. I describe this behavior as "putting a 10 on everyone's head." Leaders see people, not as they are, but as they could be. From this vantage point, they help others to build a bridge from the present to a preferred future.

Benjamin Disraeli understood and practiced this concept, and it was one of the secrets to his charisma. He once said, "The greatest good you can do for another is not to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." When you invest in people and lift them toward their potential, they will love you for it.

3) They Give Hope

People have an inner longing to improve their future and their fortunes. Charismatic leaders connect with people by painting tomorrow brighter than today. To them, the future is full of amazing opportunities and unrealized dreams.

Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "Leaders are dealers in hope." They infuse optimism into the culture around them, and they boost morale. While attentive to the current reality, they do not resign themselves to present circumstance.

4) They Share Themselves

Leaders with charisma add value to people by sharing wisdom, resources, and even special occasions. They embrace the power of inclusion, inviting others to join them for learning experiences, brainstorming sessions, or simply a cup of coffee. Such leaders embrace team spirit and value togetherness. As a result, charismatic leaders are not lonely at the top.

When it comes to charisma, the bottom line is othermindedness. For leaders, the greatest satisfaction is found by serving. They find great pleasure celebrating the successes of those around them, and the victory they enjoy the most is a team triumph.

SUMMARY

In closing, charisma has substance. It's not manipulative energy or a magical gift endowed upon select personalities. Rather, it's an attractive blend of learnable qualities.

Furthermore, charisma compounds a leader's influence. Without it, leaders have trouble inspiring passion and energizing their teams. With it, leaders draw out the best in their people, give the best of themselves, and find the greatest fulfillment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Leadership@Large
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Finding Your Voice

"One word expresses the pathway to greatness: voice. Those on this path find their voice and inspire others to find theirs. The rest never do." ~ Steven Covey

One of the expressions bandied about by political commentators this season has been of a candidate "finding a voice." In fact, in the space of about two months, seemingly every candidate found his or hers.

* On November 11, 2007, TIME contributor, Ana Marie Cox, wrote about Senator Barack Obama "finding his voice," at a Democratic dinner party in Iowa.
* During post-debate coverage on November 28, 2007, CNN's David Gergen asserted, "I think that the most presidential tonight was John McCain, who's found his voice again."
* On January 9th 2008, Jack Horowitz of the New York Observer wrote about Hillary Clinton's primary election victory in New Hampshire. The headline? "Hillary, Triumphant, Finds Her Voice."
* On January 16, 2008, Ana Marie Cox raised the question, "Has Romney Found His Voice?" in her article on Mitt Romney's first-place finish in the Michigan presidential primary.

In an April blog post, Stephen Covey tackles the nebulous concept of a leader's "voice." He feels that leaders "find a voice" when they 1) Tap into Talent 2) Find What Fuels Their Passion 3) Are Burdened with a Need 4) Take Action to Meet the Need.

Step 1: Tapping into Your Talent

Tapping into your talents starts with understanding where you excel. It involves recognizing your strengths and positioning yourself to leverage them. To tap into your talent consider the question: What am I good at doing?

Step 2: Fueling Your Passion

When you take part in activities that fill you with positive emotion, you are fueling your passion. Pursuits that spark your passion bring excitement, enthusiasm, joy, and fun. To fuel your passion, ask yourself: What do I love doing?

Step 3: Being Burdened with a Need

When a problem in society lodges itself in your heart and won't let go, then you have been burdened with a need. Perhaps, the need is an injustice you wish to remedy. Maybe it's a disease you would love to cure. Whatever the case, a burden gnaws at your conscience. To take stock of your biggest burden, wrestle with the question: What need must I serve?

Step 4: Meeting the Need

Once a need has arrested your attention, then you can find your voice by taking action. A need compels you to do something besides criticize from the sidelines. To meet the need, think about this question: How can I align my talent with my passion in order to meet the need that burdens me?

-------------

Five Questions for Leaders With Newfound Authority

The most revealing chapter of a leader's journey begins when they ascend to their first position of influence. Much can be deciphered about a person's character by observing how they wield authority.

Don't misinterpret me; leadership transcends titles, and influence cannot be confined to positions of rank or seniority. Nonetheless, newfound authority carries the weight of responsibility. How a leader responds to that responsibility can be a measuring stick of their overall fitness to lead.

When leaders are handed authority, they enjoy broader latitude to exercise their leadership style. As positional leaders, they are able to implement their ideas more freely and instill their values more directly. The decisions they make at this critical juncture may either launch their careers or stunt their development.

In his blog for Harvard Business Publishing, Bill Taylor poses five questions aspiring leaders should consider as they assume the reigns of authority. For rising leaders, or those mentoring a leadership rookie, his material will be particularly beneficial.

Five Make-or-Break Questions for Aspiring Leaders

1) Why should great people want to work with you?

Money without mission attracts mercenaries. Talent "for-hire" flows to the highest bidder, and refuses to drop anchor. In the absence of a compelling vision, leaders find themselves presiding over a collection of individuals rather than leading a team.

As Bill Taylor writes, "great people want to feel like they're part of something greater than themselves." By offering more than a paycheck, an aspiring leader attracts values-based performers. Such employees are likely to forge emotional ties to the organization, take ownership of its mission, and invest themselves to accomplish its vision.

2) Do you know a great person when you see one?

"When it comes to evaluating talent, character counts for as much as credentials," writes Taylor. Aspiring leaders are wise to hire people who, in addition to being competent, fit smoothly into the company's culture. To do so, it may be necessary to endure the inconvenience (and extra work) of a longstanding opening until a suitable candidate surfaces.

3) Can you find great people who aren't working for you?

Aspiring leaders may want to polish their sales pitch to attract star performers from outside the organization. According to Taylor, "Leaders who are content to fill their organizations with people actively looking for jobs risk attracting malcontents and mediocre performers."

Talent will not beat a path to your door. The best leaders are actively on the lookout for key contributors. They look to hire, not when the need arises, but whenever they locate peak performers.

4) Are you teaching great people how your company works and wins?

In an effort to showcase their leadership skills, insecure leaders may rally their team to outperform others within the organization. The result: a counterproductive spirit of competition instead of togetherness.

Smart leaders are wary of silos. They define the win for their team and connect that win to the company's overarching strategy. They recognize the power of a "we" mentality. As such, they prioritize connecting the performance of their people to the overall success of the company.

5) Are you as tough on yourself as you are on your people?

Bleed your creed. Undemonstrated or uncertain commitment on the part of a leader has a corrosive effect on that leader's influence. Followers resent leaders who are unwilling to make the investment they demand of those they supervise.

Oppositely, leaders who pay the price to fulfill lofty self-expectations earn the right to place high standards on their people. By doing so, they are imbuing their authority with authentic influence.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Book Review
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

.:: The Breakthrough Company: How Everyday Companies Become Extraordinary Performers
by Keith R. McFarland (Crown Business, 2008)

As a newcomer to Hollywood, Brad Pitt spent his days in a giant chicken costume, not as an actor, but as an employee of El Pollo Loco.

Jerry Seinfeld worked as a light-bulb salesman and peddled jewelry on the streets of New York before making his breakthrough as a comedian.

Prior to gaining celebrity status, Whoopi Goldberg worked for a mortuary, giving cosmetic treatment to prepare bodies for open-casket funerals.

BREAKTHROUGH

Breakthrough is the bridge from anonymity to stardom. It's the pathway from average to highly-acclaimed. In The Breakthrough Company, author Keith R. McFarland explores how businesses transition from ordinary to extraordinary.

An endorsement on the book's dust jacket, "Good to Great for those small enough to think big," accurately sums up of the book. Indeed, McFarland shares Jim Collins' passion for research and penchant for extracting pearls of wisdom from a sea of data. In fact, McFarland cites a conversation with Collins as a major inspiration for his decision to write The Breakthrough Company.

As the basis for the book, McFarland conducted an exhaustive study on small, unknown companies that made big leaps to become industry leaders and Wall Street darlings. Along the way, he identified several commonalities of breakthrough performers, and he spends the bulk of the book expounding on those qualities.

McFarland posits that small companies can learn behaviors to increase their odds of achieving breakthrough. In the brevity of this review, it isn't possible to flesh out the many rich concepts he offers. However, here's the shortlist of his brightest ideas:

:: Crowning the Company (Chapter 3)

Entrepreneurs inhibit breakthrough when they crown themselves as the sovereign leader of the company. Instead, leaders who inspire breakthrough, "Serve their companies instead of having their companies serve them."

:: Building Company Character (Chapter 5)

A statement of values is worthless unless the values are put into practice. A company's habits of behavior are what count. "Everything else is just PR."

:: Navigating The Business Bermuda Triangle (Chapter 6)

Like the famed Bermuda Triangle, startups have a danger zone in which they may lose their way and never be heard from again. This area is the stage of growth at which the benefits of being small must be scaled into sustainable advantages - regardless of size.

SUMMARY

It's worth restating how the meticulous research undertaken by McFarland contributes to the force of his ideas. His leadership observations rest on a bedrock of in-depth analysis rather than personal opinion or popular theory. Keen insights, at times counterintuitive and surprising, spring forth from his incisive investigation of breakthrough companies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Quick Quotes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CHARISMA

"How can you have charisma? Be more concerned about making others feel good about themselves than you are making them feel good about you." ~ Dan Reiland

"There is no personal charm so great as the charm of a cheerful temperament." ~Henry Van Dyke

"Charisma is a sparkle in people that money can't buy. It's an invisible energy with visible effects." ~ Marianne Williamson

Diversity: Far More Than You Can Imagine

2008-05-26T15:07:00.000+10:00

By Erwin Raphael McManus

One of the questions I am asked the most is concerning Mosaic's diversity. Usually when a person refers to diversity they're dealing with ethnic or racial differences. I understand why this is such an important focus in our culture. The need to deal with the ever growing segmentation and the tensions that ensue have made diversity one of our culture's most significant issues. In this past year, for example, the Academy Award winning movie Crash powerfully unwrapped the complexities involved in a world where very different people are coming together and have to figure out how to live together.

Mosaic represents somewhere around 70 different ethnic groups. Just this past week we baptized someone from Finland, had a first time guest who was a Russian-Jew, and once again faced the challenge of how to integrate them into a community where we also have to deal with transplants from Michigan. Ironically the tremendous success we've had in bringing the world together hasn't happened as a result of what you'd expect. I haven't spent the last 15 years preaching, teaching, or even focusing on racial reconciliation. My experience and observation tells me that those churches that actually raise the banner of reconciliation and diversity rarely accomplish it. Whatever measure of success we have experienced in this arena comes from a very different focus. We have spent an endless amount of time and energy identifying, nurturing, developing, and maximizing the uniqueness of every person.

Rather than trying to create a rainbow coalition of white, black, brown, and whatever other colors our eyes might see, we have instead taken on a far more complex challenge. Racial reconciliation is like trying to fill a box of crayons with blue, red, yellow and green. Granted, they're beautiful and the bases of every other color, but you're still dealing in primary colors. Imagine expanding from the four-pack of crayons to the 64 pack filled with a seemingly endless array of color and opportunity. Reach in and pick a color. Turquoise, Indigo, Silver, Coral, Magenta, Tangerine. To the casual artist some colors seem redundant. Many of us are incapable of identifying the nuanced differences. But to the skilled artisan, those nuances are absolutely critical for their full creative expression.

It's the same when building human community. If all you see are the primary colors, you'll always be limited, even though all the potential in the world is there. When you begin to see people beyond the surface to the real uniqueness that resides within them, you'll wonderfully discover that the diversity you hoped for was just a starting point. What you'll come to discover is far more than you could have imagined.

Choosing To Trust

2008-05-26T15:06:00.000+10:00

By Andy Stanley

rust is the currency of relationships. Great leaders cultivate a culture of trust, and thus a culture where relationships thrive. But how do you foster trust between members of your team?

For some, trust is not the intuitive choice. However, I believe it is just that. A choice. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul says that along with forgiving, enduring, and bearing all things, love believes all things. We must reconcile the scriptural charge to believe all things with the fact that it is not always easy to do. If we believe it is possible for us to choose to love, or be kind, or be patient, then we must also believe we can choose to trust.

But the gap between what we expect of people and what they actually deliver makes it hard to trust. We can either fill that gap with trust or with suspicion. How we handle these opportunities is the greatest determining factor in the success or failure of the relationships in our organizations.

I started by saying that trust is the currency of relationships. Currency implies an exchange of one thing for another. Relationally, we give trust, and we expect trustworthiness in return. But trustworthiness is not a synonym for perfection. Trust is not built on flawless character, but on authenticity. I will extend trust to people who will admit their imperfections. It is people who defend their infallibility who make me suspicious.

There are situations that merit suspicion. What's important is how we handle them. When over time a person's actions erode our trust, and we believe those actions leave the organization vulnerable to harm, we have a responsibility . to talk to that person about it, (not the rest of the team), to address the gap, and give that person the opportunity to re-establish their trustworthiness. Trustworthy people will address the suspicion they've created.

I wish this principle were easy to implement. It's not. But it is crucial for building a strong team. Here are three things to keep in mind when a trust versus suspicion issue surfaces:

1. When there is a gap, choose to trust.
2. When you see others filling the gap with suspicion, come to the defense of the suspect.
3. If what you see continues to erode your trust, go to the person directly.

Great leaders create a culture in which people have learned how to trust. Modeling biblical trust as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the greatest leadership strategies you can employ. Biblical trust is not denial - pretending that you don't see behavior that erodes your trust. It's not withdrawal - refusing to confront. The key is to choose to trust. When it becomes impossible to fill the gap between expectation and behavior with trust, ask for clarification.

Trust is the currency of relationships. Trust is a dynamic your team cannot afford to be without. Model it. Extend it. Choose to trust.

Sleep Therapy

2008-05-26T15:05:00.000+10:00

By Lauren Winner

Last night, I pulled one of my very few all-nighters. Though not uncommon in my college years, my capacity to stay up all night and be anything approximating coherent the next morning has declined as I've marched through my twenties, and now the all-nighters happen very rarely, once every two years or so, and only when I am truly desperate.

But the storied all-nighters are just the most extreme example of something many of us do quite a lot: chip away at needed sleep in order to do something else. Usually that something else is work.

A simple glance at my email Inbox tells me that I am not alone in sacrificing sleep in order to squeeze in a few more hours of work. Last Tuesday alone, I received 23 work-related emails that had been sent between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. This creeped me out. The next night, in fact, I had some trouble falling asleep, because I lay in bed worrying about the correspondence that was accumulating in my email account, the possibly pressing matters I would need to address in the morning, and the number of hours the next morning that I would have to devote not to preparing to teach my afternoon class, but to replying to email. Worried that I would be left without enough time for class prep, I rolled over and set my alarm back from 6:30 to 5:00, resolved to use the extra 90 minutes of wakefulness for email.

Wakefulness, actually, may not be the right word. For though I "gained" 90 minutes in which I was awake, I actually lost wakefulness. Sleep specialists are virtually unanimous on this: we human beings cannot lose sleep without decreasing our attention span, our response time, our cogence. I may have been awake for 90 extra minutes, but I was less wakeful all day long.

According to National Sleep Foundation, the average adult sleeps 6 hours and 58 minutes per night during the work week. Compare this to 100 years ago—before Mr. Edison's marvelous invention—when we slept about 9 hours a night. Indeed, we are a nation of people who are chronically sleep deprived. Those pre-Edison people were right in line with the 8 to 10 hours of sleep specialists say we need.

Sleep more: this may seem a curious answer to the question of what Christians can do for the common good. Surely one could come up with something more other-directed, more sacrificial, less self-serving. Or more overtly political—refusing to serve in the current war.

But for the moment I am sticking with the small, if challenging, task of becoming more well-rested. Not only does sleep have evident social consequences, not only would sleeping more make us better neighbors and friends and family members and citizens. Sleeping well may also be part of Christian discipleship, at least in our time and place. For not only might a counter-cultural embrace of sleep witness to values higher than "the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things"

A night of good sleep—a week, or month, or year of good sleep—also testifies to basic Christian story of Creation. We are creatures, and we are creatures with bodies that are finite and contingent. The unarguable demands that our bodies make for sleep are a good reminder that we are mere creatures, not the Creator. For it is God and God alone who "neither slumbers nor sleeps." Of course, the Creator has slept, another startling reminder of the radical humility He embraced in becoming Incarnate. He took on a body that, like ours, was finite and contingent and needed sleep. To push ourselves to go without sleep is, in some sense, to deny our embodiment, to deny our fragile incarnations—and perhaps to deny the magnanimous poverty and self-emptying that went into His incarnation.

French poet Charles Peguy makes the point well:

I don't like the man who doesn't sleep, says God.
Sleep is the friend of man,
Sleep is the friend of God.
Sleep is perhaps the mot beautiful thing I have created.
And I myself rested on the seventh day..
But they tell me that there are men
Who work well and sleep badly.
Who don't sleep. What a lack of confidence in me.

Peguy's words have perhaps never been more fitting: to sleep, long and soundly, is to place our trust not in our own strength and hard-work, but in Him without whom we labor in vain.

PRO-CALSIS2GO NEW AND IMPROVE

2008-02-04T07:17:00.001+11:00

http://www.procalis2go.com/?edizakaria

ProCalis2GO…. New!! Improved!!
Confidence on the go!!

ProCalisX is now available in a trendy new form, ready to travel with you wherever you want to go. ProCalis2go. Always with you. Be ready, wherever you are!! ProCalis2go is available in convenient strips of 10 pills each. Just slip it into your wallet.

ProCalis2GO is an OTC non-prescription oral tablet used to improve erectile function in men.

ProCalis2GO is packed with a powerful blend of potent herbs and vital ingredients tailored to enhance your sexual experience. Get in control and let ProCalis2GO take you right where you want to be!!! Impress your partner and see your sex-life zoom into orbit!! Feel the confidence; enjoy the experience, again and again!!!

ProCalis2go is a heady mix of potent herbs and vital ingredients specifically intended to enhance your entire sexual experience. Take control of your sex life. Choose ProCalis2go today!! Give yourself unbelievable sexual prowess and impress the hell out of your partner. Get the confidence, score again and again.

ProCalis2GO acts in just 15 minutes. Yes. Just 15 minutes. So if you’re suddenly in the mood or your partner is, just pop ProCalis2go and you’re raring to go in no time at all. With the natural stimulants and herbal aphrodisiacs in ProCalis2go helping you, you can perform again and again, as many times as you want.

The best part is that the goodness of ProCalis2go lasts 24 hours. So you can plan a seduction or you can take a quickie or two, or three!! It’s all up to you.

In case you were worried about side effects, ProCalis2go has none. Not one side effect. It’s totally safe to use. You won’t need a prescription either. ProCalis2go will not result in any side effects like you’d get with free with recreational drugs like Viagra®, Cialis® and Levitra®. All you’ll get is the confidence and ability to perform again and again.

ProCalis2go is made from pure high quality ingredients like Saw Palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, Guarana Seeds and a unique blend of other vital ingredients.

ProCalis2GO. Very easy to take. Just pop it like you take any other pill, and be ready in just 15 minutes.

ProCalis2GO. Now available in strips of 10 pills each. Don’t go anywhere without it!!

EXPLODE

2008-02-02T04:16:00.000+11:00

What Is Xplode?

Xplode is a pure hit of untapped energy that will detonate your mind into the stratosphere. This is a new generation party pill that will give you an energy boost and an electrifying buzz for 6 hours and still keep you buzzing throughout the night.

What is present in Xplode?

Each capsule of XPLODE contains the following ingredients:

Citrus aurantium (10%) 400 mg

Caffeine 75 mg

White willow bark (10%) 75 mg

Tyrosine 50 mg

Yohimbe (8%) 15 mg

Cayenne fruit 15 mg

Vitamin B3 Niacin (83% RDA) 5 mg

Vitamin B5 (100% RDA) 2 mg

Vitamin B6 (p-5-p) (150% RDA) 1 mg

How is Xplode different from other party pills?

Xplode is not like any other party pills & is different in many ways:

* Xplode is natural & contains no harmful ingredients like BZP and TFMPP
* Xplode will fill you with energy to party till dawn without any comedown effect the next day
* Xplode is absolutely safe for everyone
* Xplode is the best legal alternative to harmful & illegal drugs

How long do the effects last?

The effects of Xplode last for as long as 6 hours. Xplode provides hours of euphoric highs with the desire to party more. With Xplode you are ready to ignite your energy and enjoy an all night bash.

What will happen if I mix Xplode with alcohol?

Xplode contains natural ingredients, so there won't be any problem if you mix it with alcohol. Products containing BZP and TFMPP can cause dehydration and are harmful when consumed with alcohol. Xplode doesn't have any of these chemicals & hence is safe to mix with alcohol too.

Are there any side-effects to taking Xplode?

Consuming Xplode has shown no side-effects as it is purely made of natural compounds. As a precautionary measure, you should avoid taking the pills whilst on any medication or if you are pregnant.

Is there any risk of death by taking Xplode?

Xplode is super safe. It is absolutely free from harmful ingredients (BZP, TFMPP) seen in other party pills. This new energy boosting pill will get you happy and high without any trace of side effects. Xplode is nature's alternative to life taking drugs.

How many capsules should I take for the best effects?

To keep yourself on your toes for an all night bash, take 2 capsules with a large glass of water or juice. These capsules will keep you buzzing for 6 hours. Incase you run out of energy after 6 hours just charge yourself with these high voltage pills.

Is Xplode available everywhere?

Xplode is the new alternative to all harmful drugs. It is available in all countries as it contains the finest & most potent natural elements & is legal to keep in any part of the world.

What if I don't have a credit card or don't want to use a credit card over the Internet? How can I order?

Ordering with a credit card is safe through our secure order page. We ensure highest security for our customer's credit card. Incase if you don't have a credit card or you are not comfortable in using your credit card over the internet you have the following options to make your payment:

1. Via bank wire
2. Via Western Union

You may click on your preferable option at the top of the payment page.

Is my credit card information secure?

Yes. We use secure terminals to process credit card information. Once your card is charged, the credit card number is encrypted and cannot be accessed again.

How much are the shipping charges?

We charge a flat rate of $14.95 for shipping through Registered/ Airmail & $29.95 through FedEx.

Once I place my order how long will it take until I receive it?

We ensure the fastest modes of delivery. It usually depends on the mode of shipment and the destination where goods are delivered to. We dispatch your order within 24 hours of processing your payment transaction. Shipping, depending on your locale, takes between 5 - 20 days for Registered mail/ Airmail ($14.95), or 3-6 days for FedEx ($29.95) although delivery times are typically shorter. Your order will be sent from one of our international dispatch centers closest to your location to get you your order as fast as possible. Although highly unlikely, if after 20 business days you have not received your package, please contact us and we will do everything we can to assist you and rectify the situation.

What kind of packaging do you use?

We use plain brown paper packaging to ship our products. Your privacy is maintained throughout and there is no mention of the package contents anywhere on the outside.

What is your guarantee or return policy?

We offer a 60-day money back satisfaction guarantee for most of our products. If you are not completely satisfied with our products, please return them for a refund of the product purchase price (excludes shipping and handling). Contact our support department if you need more information about your refund & any other issues.

How can I contact you?

Please click here to contact us
http://www.xplodepills.com/faqs.php?edizakaria

INNOVATIVE BLEND OF HEBAL ELEMENTS

2008-02-02T04:12:00.000+11:00

Craved for the ultimate Snowman Experience but never wanted to trap yourself in its vicious cycle of bad effects or its never-ending addiction? Or could risk all of that but feared the risk of being caught & landing behind bars forever?? What if you get all the best effects of the Snowman Experience with no strings attached? Think it’s impossible…well it isn’t! Cok-N, an innovative blend of herbal elements, can give you more than just the Snowman Experience but in a licit & safe way. Each capsule is sure to send you to a whole new world where there are no limits or boundaries. Cok-N allows you to unwind & enhances your energy levels like no other paty pill can. Achieve absolute ‘Nirvana’ with Cok-N natural party pills.

SPECIAL FOR YOU....
ORDER NOW

MAX PASSION

2008-02-02T03:50:00.000+11:00

A cock ring is most often used to make an erect penis harder and bigger, to keep it that way for a longer amount of time, and to delay and heighten orgasm. Cock rings work by constricting blood flow, keeping blood in the shaft of the penis. When a wearer finally does ejaculate, the sensation is more intense, since it took a longer time to come, and because the penis is filled with additional blood.

The MaxPassion Vibrating ring is a perfect gift for him or her, this comfortable cock ring will take your love-making to a whole new level. You'll both get to enjoy stronger orgasms and the special closeness that comes from knowing you've experienced such an intimate time together.

ONLY $9.95

Product Description:

* The MAXPASSION Vibrating cock ring can stimulate the pleasure and sensation in lovemaking, as well as prolong ejaculation, increase the length or orgasm, and intensify the sensation.

* MAXPASSION pleasures both male and female, at the same time.

* MAXPASSION is designed for optimal clitoral sensation, when worn on the base of the penis during sex or can be inserted into the Vagina, or Anus for maximum pleasure.

* MAXPASSION can stimulate a mans sexual arousal and prevent impotence and E.D. in long-term use.

* MAXPASSION can be used with condom or alone.

* MAXPASSION is suitable for all ages.

PLEASE, ORDER NOW!!! ONLY $9.95

Makes You Feel 18 Forever!!!

2008-02-02T03:44:00.000+11:00

Man18 is an invigorating blend of potent herbs and essential ingredients expressly intended to gear you up for an exhilarating sexual performance. Man18 is an OTC non-prescription product which is available in handy strips of 8 capsules.

The best benefit one can get from Man18 is that it works within 30 minutes and its amazing effects can keep you going on for as long as 24 hours. Man18 is a unique formula that gives unbelievable sexual dexterity to perform incessantly. Man18 takes care of all your erectile deficiencies without any humiliating doctor’s visits or nasty side effects.

Choose Man18 today and see your sex-life zoom into the orbit!! Impress the hell out of your partner. Get the confidence, score again and again…

PLEASE ORDER NOW!!!

Recent Testimonials

Man18 really worked for me. Although at first, I was a little skeptical about these pills doing anything about my impotence, Man18 came as a blessing to my boring sex life. Man18 is not like any other anti impotence pill; these pills give me a power punch to stay up for hours and have a lasting sex experience every single time.

Thanks,
Jim

PLEASE ORDER NOW!!!

Comprehend Your UNTAPPED Energy With Each Pill Of FROZEN!

2008-02-02T03:39:00.000+11:00

FROZEN is a legal party high that will never make you feel agitated while using it. FROZEN is actually a unique specialty blend of powerful herbs and chemicals. These are sure to bring out your hidden energy and get the grin out of the grind. FROZEN is an alluring pill that also comes in a mini pack giving you the advantage to flaunt it at parties without any care or bother. If you are looking out for a pill solely created for intensifying and quickening your sensations, FROZEN is just that & more. This New-Age party pill is here to blow out your mind & launch you into your world of fantasies.

You won't find harmful ingredients such as BZP & TFMPP in FROZEN. Countries like the USA & Australia have banned party pills that have such dangerous elements. By creating FROZEN we not only give you a better option to these dangerous drugs but also ensure that you have a healthier tomorrow. FROZEN can give you a powerful volt of pure energy that will revitalize your life forever!!!

Get prepared to rejuvenate your dose of pure energy with FROZEN. Fuel up your body & soul with the best de rigueur sensation and give yourself a smooth & incessant high with pure energy. Frozen keeps you full of zip all night long! This ultimate social party pill gives you the best frenzies ever and astoundingly freezes you by its efficacy every time on the dance floor.

Unlike any ordinary herbal highs FROZEN is a semi-synthetic legal high that is prepared from a specialty blend of powerful herbs & chemical compounds which are strong but at the same very safe to have. Try them today & we guarantee that you'll feel the difference without disappointment! CLICK on the dancing people to know more on FROZEN!

ORDER??? http://www.genbuck.com/?id=edizakaria

Stop Hair Loss And Induce Hair Re-Growth, Now …………

2008-02-02T03:33:00.000+11:00

Precisely! That’s the reason why Herbofinax is YOUR ultimate solution to Hair loss

Find out why Herbofinax is preferred to stop hair loss:

1. Available online, just a click away : You may order from your home/office, at your convenience, privately and securely. With easy navigation and simple check out procedure, buying Herbofinax will be a delightful experience.

2. No need of prescription: Herbofinax is a non-prescription formula. So, forget about those embarrassing and time consuming visits to doctor.

3. Zero synthetic and harmful chemicals : Herbofinax is made of all natural components like herbs, vitamins and nutrients. They are combined and processed at the optimum temperature and working conditions (as per WHO GMP norms) so that the formula gets encapsulated has its best efficacy, without any side effects.

4. Privacy comes first , in our policies. The orders are discreetly packaged in brown envelops and shipped world wide. Be rest assured for your email and payment details, as it'll never be shared with any third party for any reason.

ARE YOU ORDER? Click This...

NUNEM MAILS

2008-01-31T06:32:00.000+11:00

All Honest Members will be paid

Members
• FREE Membership
• All Emails Worth $80
• $800 signup bonus before 8000 members!
• No downline required for payout!
• $8888 Payout
• $8 referral bonus !
• Fast Payments For Honest Members
• Payments are made via PayPal, eGold, MoneyBookers, StormPay, EvoCash, AnyPay, NetPay, Neteller, E-Bullion, Money Order or check!
• International Members are Welcome!
• Receive eMail on the best products
• Receive eMail on the best opportunities
• 4 Ref levels of commission under you
Level 1 - 10%
Level 2 - 8%
Level 3 - 6%
Level 4 - 4%

Advertisers

• The most cost effective advertising
• Guaranteed Clickthru Ad Options
• eMail Advertising or Banner Advertising
• Advertise to 100% opt in membership
• Members are eager to receive your ads.
• Absolutely no Spam!
• Advertise to 1000's or as little as 500
• We will customize your Ad Campaign
• Reliable, Friendly Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Account Questions:

Am I allowed to have more than one account?
We allow one account per individual. There may be more than one account per household, however each person registering an account must have a separate computer and separate ISP to participate in our program.

How can I log into my account?
Log in at http://www. numenmail.com

How can I cancel my account?
Go to your user info page and at the bottom of the page you enter your username and password, then click cancel.

How can I cancel receiving your newsletters?
Your membership in our program allows numenmail.com to send you email messages and advertisements. You may not cancel receiving email ads from numenmail.com without terminating your membership in our program and forfeiting any and all earnings. Log in to your account and click the "User Account Info." Link. At the bottom of the page you will find the option to "Cancel Account".

How can I change my personal information?
Log in to your account and click the "User Account Info." link. You will be able to edit any of your information except your name and member ID.

I live outside the US, can I join?
Yes, we welcome all international members.

I have Web-TV, can I join too?
Yes, though some programs will not allow WEB-TV users to join their program, we welcome WEB-TV users. Our efficient tracking method allows WEB-TV users full earning privileges.

Earnings Questions:

How much do I earn by participating in paid-emails?
Each advertiser pays a different amount per unique visit. These amounts change frequently so we cannot give an exact amount for each visit, however we do give you a large percentage of the amount we earn.

When can I request payment?
You may request payment after you have earned the minimum payout.

How can I request payment?
As soon as you reach payout, you will see the redemption option appear in your account area, after submitting your redemption request, we will validate your account, and then begin the payment process. You will also have the option to redeem your earnings for discounted advertising with us. When you qualify, you will see what options are available to you in your account area.

When am I paid?
After your payment request is made and your account is in good-standing we will issue payment to you within 30 days.

How am I paid?
Payments are made via PayPal, eGold, MoneyBookers, StormPay, EvoCash, AnyPay, NetPay, Neteller, E-Bullion, Money Order or check!

Referral Questions

How can I refer other members?
You may place a link with your referral url to numenmail.com on your website. You may add your referral url to your email signature. You can give out flyers or advertise in any way you wish except for Spamming.

What is my referral link?
Your personal referral link can be found on your personal "Referral links" page.

What can I earn through referrals?
Members will earn 10% of their direct referral earnings, 8% of their indirect referral level earnings, 6% of their 3rd level referral earnings, 4% of their 4th level referral earnings

Are my referral earnings working?
Yes, it takes many paid emails received by members to have referral earnings show up, even for members that have 100's or 1000's in their downline. Referral earnings are displayed once a referred member has earned their referring member at least 1 full cent. Technically a member with 1000 referrals that have each earned him/her 1/2 cent has earned $5.00 but their earnings will not be shown until an individual member has earned them 1 full cent.

Advertising Questions:

I have a website I would like to advertise, where can I find information on your different programs and costs?
Visit our advertisers section of the website for complete details.

I have questions not answered on this FAQ page, what can I do?
Contact Us and supply as much information as possible so we can solve the problem in a timely manner.

Quotations About Life's Purpose

2007-10-25T07:24:00.000+10:00

The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life which is required to be exchanged for it, immediately or in the long run.
Thoreau, Henry David

Look and you will find it-what is unsought will go undetected.
Sophocles

You are a child of the Universe, no less than the moon and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should.
Ehrmann, Max

Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives.
Anonymous

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.
Schweitzer, Albert

The question is not whether we will die, but how we will live.
Borysenko, Joan

Our deeds determine us, as much as we determine our deeds.
Elliot, George

We were not sent into this world to do anything into which we can not put our heart.
Ruskin, John

Life is a promise; fulfill it.
Mother Theresa

An age is called Dark, not because the light fails to shine, but because people refuse to see it.
Michener, James

Great minds have purposes, little minds have wishes
Irving, Washington

The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo

The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose
Leider, Richard

If you can not find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it? Dogen Belief consists in accepting the affirmations of the soul; unbelief, denying them.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo

"I have done my best." That is about all the philosophy of living one needs.
Yutang, Lin

Develop an interest in life as you see it; the people, things, literature, music-the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people. Forget yourself.
Miller, Henry

You are what your deep driving desire is; As your deep driving desire is, so is your will; As your will is so is your deed; As your deed is so is your destiny.
The Upanishads

That is happiness: to be dissolved into something complete and great.
Cather, Willa

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.
Shakespeare, William

Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve.
King, Martin Luther

Each small task of everyday is part of the total harmony of the universe.
St. Theresa of Lisieux

Seeing yourself as you want to be is the key to personal growth.
Anonymous

The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.
Aurelius, Marcus

If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.
Newton, Isaac

I would rather fail in a cause that will ultimately triumph than to triumph in a cause that will ultimately fail.
Wilson, Woodrow

Long years must pass before the truths we have made for ourselves become our very flesh.
Paul Valery

Time is but the stream I go a-fishin in. I drink at it, but while I drink I see the sandy bottom and detect how shallow it is. It's thin current slides away, but eternity remains.
Henry David Thoreau

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau

Intense feeling too often obscures the truth.
Harry Truman

The mark of a good action is that it appears inevitable in retrospect.
Robert Louis Stevenson

Fortune is like glass--the brighter the glitter, the more easily broken.
Publius Syrus

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.
George Bernard Shaw There are no eternal facts, as there are no absolute truths.
Friederich Nietzsche

Time will explain it all. He is a talker, and needs no questioning before he speaks.
Euripides

The purpose of education is to replace an empty mind with an open one
Malcom Forbes

.Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.
Benjamin Franklin

Life's Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.
Benjamin Franklin

The education of the will is the object of our existence.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

.Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret.
Benjamin Disraeli

There is an art of reading, as well as an art of thinking, and an art of writing.
Disraeli

There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.
George Eliot

Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.
Aesop

The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.
Edward Phelps The days that are still to come are the wisest witnesses.
Pindar

However gradual the course of history, there must always be the day, even an hour and minute, when some significant action is performed for the first or last time.
Peter Quennell

"It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live."
‚ Marcus Aurelius (121-180)

"Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved."
‚ D.H. Lawrence

If you don't have time to do it right you must have time to do it over.
Anonymous

You cannot teach a crab to walk straight.
Aristophanes

The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold.
Aristotle

.Nature does nothing uselessly.
Aristotle

A great city is not to be confounded with a populous one.
Aristotle

.Half the work that is done in the world is to make things appear what they are not.
E.R. Beadle

Success is never final.
Winston Churchill

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.
Confucius

When you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it--this is knowledge.
Confucius

Virtue is not left to stand alone. He who practices it will have neighbors.
Confucius

A good book has no ending.
R.D. Cumming

There is only one way to come into this world; there are too many ways to leave it.
Donald Harington

The only reward of virtue is virtue; the only way to have a friend is to be one.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

.So much of our time is preparation, so much is routine, and so much retrospect, that the path of each man's genius contracts itself to a very few hours.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is impossible for a man to be cheated by anyone but himself.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nothing endures but change.
Heraclitus

There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.
William James

Luxury is more deadly than any foe.
Juvenal

My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.
Clarence Buddinton Kelland

It takes less time to do a thing right, than it does to explain why you did it wrong.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

What we obtain too cheap we esteem too little; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.
Thomas Paine

Life is not a spectacle or a feast; it is a predicament.
George Santayana

It is not good to be too free. It is not good to have everything one wants.
Blaise Pascal

Life is but a moment, death also is but another.
Dr Robert Schuller

no eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn -jim morrisonContributed by jessica carr

I would rather be ashes than dust; I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brillant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot; I would rather be in a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow than in a sleepy and permanent planet; the proper function of man is to live, not to exist; I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them; I shall USE my time. ---Jack London
contributed by Heath Batz

You see the Earth as a bright blue and white Christmas tree ornament in the black sky. It's so small and so fragile - you realize that on that small spot is everything that means everything to you; all of history and art and death and birth and love.----Russell Schweikart, astronaut
contributed by Heath Batz

Such as we are made of, such we be.---William Shakespeare contributed by Edmund

You only live once- but if you work it right, once is enough. --- Joe E. Lewis contributed by Sara Grunden

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved -- loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -- Victor Hugo
Contributed by Carol

We teach what we live.--unknown
Contributed by Bill

In men whom men condemn as ill,
I find so much of goodness still,
In men whom men pronounce divine,
I find so much of sin and blot,
I do not dare to draw a line ,
Between the two where God has not
unknown contributed by Lesa

"From time to time, to remind ourselves to relax, to be peaceful, we may wish to set aside some time for a retreat, a day of mindfulness, when we walk slowly, smile, drink tea with a friend, and enjoy being together as if we are the happiest people on Earth." -- Thich Nhat Hanh
Contributed by Robin Garrison

Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.
T.S. Elliot

In three words, I can sum up everything I've learned about life; it goes on!-----Leo Buscaglia--contributed by Kathleen

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didnt get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.---Buddha----contributed by Kathleen

It is better to deserve an honor and not receive it, than to receive one, and not deserve it!----- Mark Twain----contributed by Tom

Never does a man portray his character more vividly than his proclaiming the character of another.-- Winston Churchill-- contributed by kathleen

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced; live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.--- Cherokee Saying
contributed by Krystal

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.
--- Emily Dickinson

Keeping the Heart

2007-10-22T17:36:00.000+10:00

Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.—Proverbs 4:23

By John T. Read

In casing about for a scripture suitable to the new year, one that could easily be kept in mind and be of constant benefit to us, this admonition from the sayings of Solomon was chosen from among the many that could have been used, as being particularly appropriate. It is taken from a chapter dealing especially with the course of wisdom and was the inspired utterance of one who had been divinely endowed with wisdom and understanding.

Shortly after Solomon ascended the throne of the Lord in the place of his father David, God appeared unto him in a dream and asked what he should give him. Solomon, sensible of his youth and lack of experience, and awed by the responsibility of judging the myriads of God’s chosen people, requested that he might be given an understanding heart to know judgment and to discern between good and evil. This request so pleased the Lord that he said to him:

"Because thou has asked his thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; behold I have done according to thy words; lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor; so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, and keep my statutes and commandments as thy father David did walk, then I will [also] lengthen thy days."—1 Kings 3:5-14

In all probability the foundation for Solomon’s wisdom had been laid in the guidance of the Lord during his youth; and a large part of the honor and riches which he inherited as king, had been built up by the providence and foreknowledge of God before he came into office. But long life was made dependant upon his faithfulness in walking in the Lord’s ways, which constitutes the course of wisdom.

Solomon soon had opportunity to demonstrate his understanding heart. This he did by manifesting much astuteness in deciding the contention of two women over the motherhood of a child to which each laid claim. His unique method of demonstrating which one was the mother of the child gained the approval of Israel and has come down in the records of scripture as a testimony to his understanding of human nature.

But the best testimony to the greatness of his understanding has been in the wisdom of the proverbs that he set forth. According to the statement in 1 Kings 4:32, Solomon uttered 3000 proverbs and 1005 songs or psalms, which means that we have only a portion of them in scripture.

The Purpose of Proverbs

The first seven chapters of Proverbs are addressed to sons and since "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning" (Rom. 15:4), they are particularly applicable to all who have become the "sons of God," and, grouped together with chapters eight and nine, they voice the praise of wisdom.

The purpose for which the book of Proverbs was written is given in the first five verses of chapter one: "For gaining sagacity and intelligence, for a grasp of wise teachings, for training in right conduct, in duty, goodness, and integrity, for imparting insight to the ignorant, knowledge and sense to the young, for understanding maxims and proverbs, the sentences of sages and their aphorisms" (Moffatt). And then he further adds: "Let the sage, too, listen and learn, let the intelligent know how to handle life." Rotherham translates this last verse: "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a discreet man, wise counsels will acquire." In other words, a man may be wise and discreet even though he be young; for wisdom does not consist in knowing everything there is to be known, but in the right application of that which we do have and know.

Solomon’s Reign Typical

Many things concerning Solomon and his reign were typical of the thousand-year reign of Christ. Solomon was chosen of God and endowed with wisdom from on high—so is Christ—he was declared to be without equal in wisdom and understanding, either before or after his time—the same is true of Christ but on a much grander scale. He was exalted above all kings, and all paid him homage and brought presents—the same again is true of Christs for all kings shall bow before him. As a result of his wisdom and righteous judgments, Solomon’s reign was a time of peace and prosperity, for "Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon" (1 Kings 4:25).

Again in "A Song of Solomon" (Psa. 72), it is said of the reign of Christ: "In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea [antitypical of Solomon’s dominion, 1 Kings 4:21], and from the river unto the ends of the earth. . . . The kings of Tarshish and the isles shall bring presents; the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. [1 Kings 10:1-10,] Yea, all kings shall fall down before him; all nations shall serve him."

Besides wisdom, God gave him riches, glory, and honor. His fame spread throughout all the world. Then too, in the beginning of his reign, he built a house for the habitation of God, a place where God did hear and answer prayer (1 Kings 8:28; 9:3). The stones of that temple were prepared during the reign of David but the erecting of the temple took place under Solomon in the glory age. Likewise the living stones of the great antitypical temple are taken from the quarry of this world and are prepared under the direction of the Lord during this age of the Church’s warfare, suffering, and death; but the erecting of the temple will be the first work of the Glory Age, after Christ takes unto himself his great power and awakens these living stones, that he may assemble them unto himself as head stone to form "the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens" (Heb. 12:23; Rev. 3:12). It is our opinion, based upon the evidence of events foretold, that the last of these living stones are now receiving their final tests and polishings necessary to prepare them for their eternal resting place. And so it behooves us to give heed to the words of wisdom of which our text is part.

The Heart—What It Signifies

The admonition of our text is "Keep thy heart with all diligence." Why is the heart singled out in this admonition? Why not doctrines or the mind or the tongue? The wise man has not left us in doubt as to the reason: "For out of it are the issues of life." But just what does the heart signify? Why do the issues of life depend upon its condition?

The literal heart is the most vital organ of the human body; through its operation and control of the blood stream, it supplies oxygen and nourishment to all the other parts and carries away the waste products that they may be eliminated through the various means by which this process is accomplished. The operations of all the many organs and functions of the body depends upon the heart. If it becomes affected by weakness or disease, then all the bodily operations suffer impairment. We think and feel because the blood stream supplies life and vitality to the brain. It is because of the vital part that the heart plays in our ability to function as human beings that it is employed to represent the motivating elements of character that determine what we become.

In scripture the heart is used to picture the emotional rather than the purely intellectual part of our thinking. Our desires and affections are represented as coming from the heart, and so constitute an outward indication of its true condition. The study and grasp of truth that calls forth no sentiment in connection therewith will have no beneficial effect upon the life; but if such study includes an appreciation and a desire to order our lives in accordance therewith, then the emotional part of our thinking, the heart, has been called into action and there will be a proportionate result in our lives; for "with the heart the man believeth unto righteousness." The unemotional perception of truth will not lead unto righteousness; but the heart perception, that which calls into play the emotions, will do so, and will become evident in the outward life; for "with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Rom. 10:10).

Much of our thinking concerns only the reasoning ability of our minds. Some men have studied the Bible just as they would study a book on mathematics, and whereas this may have its effect upon their store of knowledge and increase their reasoning powers, yet it will not transform the moral course of their lives., Therefore we are not told that "as a man thinketh so is he," but "as a man thinketh in his heart so is he." It is the thinking that includes the emotional operation of the mind that determines what we become in character.

In his first letter to the Corinthian church, chapter eight, verse one, Paul states that "knowledge puffeth up but love builds up." Love, in this instance, would be synonomous with wisdom, for wisdom causes one to act so as to make the best use of his knowledge. In the connection in which this scripture occurs, the best use of knowledge would be to refrain from eating meat that had been offered to idols, lest there be a danger, in partaking of such meat, of causing a weaker brother to violate his conscience by doing the same. To take advantage of the knowledge that an idol means nothing, under such circumstances, would only tend to puff up; whereas, to be self-controlled, in order that a brother be not harmed, would result in becoming more God-like.

The Keeping of the Heart

Though the emotional part of one’s thinking is largely the determining factor in what he becomes at heart, nevertheless this emotional (heart) thinking must be controlled through the will, and the will in turn, must be subject to guidance through the operation of the purely reasoning faculty of the mind in its apprehension of the principles of God set forth in his word.

The kind of love thus begotten does not originate in human sentiment or in the natural likes and dislikes but is the result of desires and emotions based upon the principles that activate God. The exercise of God’s love is not dependent upon being pleased with its object. It was while we were enemies and strangers that the love of God operated to provide our redemption through the gift of his only begotten Son to die for us. And so godly love is not merely sentiment—that is, a mental attitude, thought, or judgment permeated or prompted by feeling—but is kindly, charitable thoughts, words, and acts motivated by principle.

The keeping of the heart consists largely in keeping the desires and affections centered upon things above. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead [to all earthly life, hopes, and prospects], and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:1-3).

The doing of this is not an easy task but, as our text indicates, will require the utmost diligence and persevering application. The natural tendencies of the flesh and the allurements of the world all tend to draw us away from the narrow path that leads unto the life. Satan leaves no stone unturned in his endeavor to deflect our desires into other channels. He turned Eve’s desires toward the forbidden fruit. The desires of Solomon, whose words of wisdom our exampled in our text, were turned aside to the seeking and pleasing of many wives. Unsanctified desire is the cause of all our downfalls.

James says, "A man [Christian] is drawn away [from the straight and narrow path] by his own lust [desire that has become inordinate]" (James 1:14). The same Greek and Hebrew words have been translated both as "desire" and "lust," depending evidently upon the character of the desire. Peter says: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2:11). Then Paul says, "Walk in the spirit and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16).

Inordinate desire, in so far as the saints are concerned, is not restricted to things that would be looked upon as evil, but includes anything that would draw us away from our covenant of sacrifice and full submission to the will of God. As Paul explains (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23), "All things [not sinful] are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient [margin, profitable]; all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." "I will not be brought under the power of any."

Some let their desires for art, music, literature, science, philosophy, business, or sports occupy all their time and attention. Any one engaged in any of these pursuits is almost compelled to give his full time and attention if he would become a success in the eyes of the world. So the faithful follower of Jesus, who may have to earn his daily bread in some such manner, is at a disadvantage, humanly speaking, but not so actually; for he finds that time and effort, redeemed from such pursuits in the service of the Lord and the study of his word, is not only well repaid, but is vitally essential to spiritual welfare.

Then, too, some have a consuming desire for glory and honor of men. They covet office and power, the direction of large enterprises, and the supervision of successful activities in a social or religious way. The sects and organizations of Christendom have given much opportunity to those who have an inordinate desire for leadership and control over God’s people. So it behooves each one of us, in the year now beginning, to examine carefully our motives and desires, that our hearts may be pure in our Father’s sight.

The keeping of the heart, therefore, will have to do with the control of the desires and affections that they may reflect the glory of the divine character. This will have to be the object of our daily striving if we hope to make our calling and election sure for the conditions of the heart will determine the conditions (outcome) of life. Most of those chosen of the Lord have appeared insignificant in the sight of men; but as God said to Samuel when he sent him to anoint David: "Man looketh upon the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart." He judges our works by what he sees in our hearts. He is able to know the intent and the motive that activates us and to judge by the loyalty and obedience manifested just what our lives would be if we had perfect organisms through which to operate.

Just what this year may bring forth none of us know; but praise God, we do know that nothing can pluck us out of his hand or separate us from his love if we continue to trust him.

Playing The Game of Your Life

2007-10-22T16:51:00.000+10:00

Five Christian values sports can teach us

by Katie Brazelton and Gail Armatys

Many people would agree that some of our Christian values become obscure as we watch our sports heroes perform. Too often, family time is minimized, productivity at work falls, fights erupt on the field and in the stands, coarse words are exchanged, money is wagered and lost, bodies and hearts are broken. Is there anything good about sports anymore? Yes! In fact, sports can exemplify and teach biblical principles. Let's look at a few examples.

Be prepared. Athletes learn quickly that physical and mental preparation is critical to their success. Memorizing the playbook, practicing plays, lifting weights, and studying films are all part of a player's training. Likewise, preparation in spiritual disciplines is important to the unique impact we make for Christ and the level of joy we find on the journey.

"... be prepared in season and out of season." (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV) This instruction from Paul refers to our readiness to share God's Word. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (NIV) Based on these two verses alone, we can see that preparation is essential to the game plan God has for us.

Everyday you suit up to play the game of life. You have a role to fulfill and lives to touch. How do you prepare? Do you pray, fast, keep a journal, confess sin, meet with an accountability partner, or enjoy a Bible study? How would you answer if you asked yourself each morning, "Am I prepared to respond in obedience when God calls on me to make a play?"

Persevere. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1 NIV)

Watch a great running back carry the ball. He twists and turns, ducks and dives. Often he is thrown off course and tackled. Other times he strips free from the attempts to stop him and scores. Before each play, he huddles with his captain to find out what he is expected to do next. That is perseverance.

Twisting, turning, ducking, falling, does this sound like your life? Ann Platz, author, book illustrator, and mentor to women, says that she perseveres by viewing roadblocks as times of refreshment and joy. "I finally figured out that roadblocks are often God's test of our character; other times they are just life or the enemy's plan to use discouragement to halt our journey of spiritual growth. I am convinced that obstacles can become incredible doors of opportunities to those who choose to pray their way through them." (Praying for Purpose for Women, page 83)

When there are roadblocks in your life - circumstances or people who bring you down - how do you respond? Do you stop, turn around, and run the other way? Or do you press on, gain wise counsel, and stay focused on God and the path he has just for you?

Practice self-control. A professional athlete's workout regimen requires discipline and self-control in order for him/her to stay in the game. All of them know that regular training and practice is essential to success. Their incentive to live disciplined lives is found in the pay-off of victory.

As Christians, we have incentives, too. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever." (1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV)

The words 'strict training' in this verse imply self-control. Galatians 5:22 tells us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. It is fundamental to Christian life. As we respond to the challenges set before us in a spirit of self-control, Jesus is revealed. Football players win games through self-control, and Christians win the delight of our Lord - decidedly, the more preferable of the two.

Use your talent. John Wooden, the legendary coach of the UCLA Bruins, says this about talent, "No matter how you total success in the coaching profession, it all comes down to a single factor - talent." ( First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently: Marcus Buckingham, & Curt Coffman, 2003)

In the book, First, Break All the Rules, the authors, in an effort to dispel a major fallacy among managers, declare that one cannot teach talent; one can only hire those with talent.

From a Christian perspective, this makes perfect sense. What these authors seem to imply, knowingly or not, is that talents are predetermined within us. They cannot be taught because talents are given. "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:6 NIV) The Great Giver of Grace has blessed each of us with the specific gifts and talents we need to live out his plan for our lives.

Just as a coach knows his players and their talents, God is aware of every single one of your talents and skills. The question is this: Are you aware of your talents, and are you using them?

Focus. In sports, focus is placed on the outcome, the excitement, and often on a "player of the game" - a hero. The joy the athletes and fans feel as they focus on these things is temporary, lasting only until the next challenge, the next big game. In Christian life, focus is also placed on the outcome, which is life everlasting; it is on the excitement of the purposes God has given us; it is on our hero and savior (our Lord God Almighty). "True joy is not based on our circumstances. It is based on our acknowledgment of what Jesus has done for us." (Pathway to Purpose for Women, page 222) Unlike the temporary joy of winning a game, the Christian life reaps everlasting benefits.

Preparation, perseverance, self-control, using our talents, and focusing on God are all important pieces of our Christian life. If we look closely, we may find these practices exemplified in our favorite athletes as they compete. Then, when asked if there is anything good about sports anymore, we may answer with a resounding, "Yes!"

About Katie Brazelton and Gail Armatys

Katie Brazelton, Ph.D., M.Div., M.A., is the author of the runaway-selling, Pathway to Purpose for Women series, with her recent, best-selling anchor book being translated into 10 languages. She is the founder of Life Purpose Coaching Centers, InternationalTM, which trains Christian men and women internationally to become life purpose telephone coaches® and intensive, two-day, life plan facilitators. Visit www.pathwaytopurposeministry.com for more information. For years prior to Katie's book series' launch in 2005, she was a licensed minister at Saddleback Church. Now, she has begun the process of fulfilling her 1995 God-given dream of opening 200 Life Purpose Coaching Centers. Gail Armatys, M.S., was trained by Katie Brazelton as a Christian life purpose coach® and life plan facilitator.Gail is also a certified mediator, has her master's degree in marriage and family counseling, and is co-founder of a private college in Houston, Texas. Katie and Gail can both be reached at WomensInfo@LifePurposeCoachingCenters.com, if you reference the name of this article.

Growing Through Patience

2007-10-22T16:23:00.000+10:00

by Rick Warren

Patience is a mark of maturity. If you want to grow spiritually, plan on adding a good deal of patience into your life. When babies don't get what they want immediately, they get very upset. Most children are very impatient: they don't know the difference between "No" and "Not yet." Maturity involves the ability to wait -- to live with delayed gratification.

Patience begins by changing the way you look at something. When I'm impatient, I have limited perspective. All I'm seeing is myself; my needs, my desires, my goals, my wants, my schedule, and how you're messing up my life. First, develop a new perspective. Find a new way of looking at the situation or the person that is giving you problems.

Would you like to know the secret of success? Here it is. If you want to be a successful husband or wife, learn to see life from your spouse's point of view. If you want to be a successful parent, learn to see life from your child's point of view. If you want to be a successful businessperson, learn to see life from your customer's point of view. If you want to be a successful employer, learn to see life from your employee's point of view.

Look at the situation from the other's perspective and discover why someone feels the way they do. I don't know of anything that has greater potential for reducing conflict in your life than to put yourself in the other's shoes.

Look at what the Bible says in the Book of Proverbs. The writer explains, "A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11). Notice the word wisdom. Do you know what wisdom is? Wisdom is seeing life from God's point of view, getting God's perspective on the situation. From that perspective I gain three important insights (1) I'm only human; I'm not God. Of course God knows that. But He wants me to acknowledge it also. I'm not perfect and I'm not in control. In fact, most things in life I can't control. I'm only human. (2) Nobody else is perfect either, so I shouldn't be surprised or overly upset when people make mistakes or let me down. (3) God is in control, and He can use the situations, the irritations, and the problems that come into my life to accomplish His purposes for me.

Another verse in Proverb declares, "A man's steps are directed by the LORD" (Proverbs 20:24). This means you may experience some divine delays, some heavenly interruptions in your plans. Sometimes the Lord will put irritating people in your life for the purpose of teaching you to get a new perspective. Look at it from God's point of view.

All through the Bible, God equates patience with maturity. Proverbs 14:29 tells us, "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick tempered man displays folly." Patience is a mark of maturity.

How about you? Is there impatience in your life? Are you exasperated with someone or something? Think of how you can look at that person or situation from God's point of view. Get as new perspective. A man of understanding and wisdom, who sees life from God's point of view, is a person who is growing toward maturity in Christ.

Adapted from The Power To Change Your Life by Rick Warren.