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It's Labor Day weekend! Simply a long weekend to most of us. A day to take off and take advantage of the great sales in all the major stores. A day to celebrate the efforts of the common 'working man', by...by...well, by supporting their employers, right? I mean, what better way to show our appreciation than to patronize their place of employment, spending our money with them, and securing their future employment. OK, I guess that's enough sarcasm. With little doubt this is a uniquely American holiday, which has been fully Americanized--I guess I wasn't done yet. I would be interested in knowing just how many folks get Labor Day and Memorial Day confused on the calendar. OK, now I'm really done...honest. I hope your Friday is a good one. I hope you are able to enjoy a long weekend with friends and family, and I hope I beat you to the last (made in China--probably with lead paint) MP3 player Wal-mart has on Monday's super-sale! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.)
Robinson Crusoe fell desperately ill. Just before dropping into a coma, he called for his man Friday to help him. Friday, not knowing what else to do, went outside of Crusoe's tent and danced around and prayed for God to come and help his master. Shortly afterwards, Crusoe awoke from his coma and groggily perceived a shape at the foot of his bed. In panic, he imagined that the angel of death had come to get him. Then the shape came into focus, and he cried with relief, "Thank God! It's Friday!" A teacher was winding up a discussion in her fourth grade class on the importance of curiosity. Teacher: "Where would we be today if no one had ever been curious?" Child: "In the Garden of Eden?" Anyone who knows me, knows that Christian Stewardship is an important part of my life. I guess that is why when I saw this Dilbert Cartoon to really struck a cord with me. If you want to see it too, click here.
"Nothing is easy to the unwilling" -- Nikki Giovanni
This passage is, however, wonderful example of Paul's ability with words. I have no difficulty imagining Paul delivering this message--in a powerful and dramatic way--to an audience of stunned, yet captivated believers. Even though he mostly likely never actually spoke these words (even in their original Greek). In just 16 words to the church of Corinth (about 1950 years ago) and you and I (today), Paul puts forth a charge that is fantastically challenging, and a reward that is unparalleled. The sense of smell is the most powerful sense we have. It is the sense that is most closely tied to memory. It is often the sense we use to distinguish likes and dislikes. Without it, sweetness is lost. This scripture passage gives us the opportunity to be etched into God's memory. Paul equates our essence with that of God's only and perfect Son. At the same time, we take on this role, this aroma, when? When we are about His business. When we are spreading the message of Hope and Salvation to the lost. When we are providing encouragement and companionship to His fellow children--our brothers and sisters in Christ. In just 16 words Paul tells us the same things that I just took 349 words to say (yes, I counted them). Now you too may see something from me and groan. I have a new life goal...to be a sweet, pleasing aroma to God.
   It's that time of the year--"Back to the books!" School has started, while not yet official (give it a couple more days) Summer is over, and life is settling back into a routine--for good or bad. That means it is time to put down the summer beach novel and again pick up that book you know you 'should read'. The good news is, this week I have one that you not only should read, but also one that you will want to read...over and over. The
360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the
Organization by John C. Maxwell While I am a fan of all of Maxwell's book [I just bought "The Choice is Yours" 
tonight--watch for its review
soon.], this particular book most closely resonates with my own
experience and style. It has been a very popular book, and
you may have already read it. If so, please drop me
a note and tell me what you think. If you have not,
I would tell you The
360 Degree Leader should be in
your stack
of "to be read" and fairly close to the top.
I hate it when I hear about something
that "everyone" else already knows about.
Especially when it is something that so closely aligns with things I
hold near and dear. In this case, I'm talking about
goal settings. Specifically, I'm talking about
websites (well, one is a blog really) that allows me to post and
monitor my goals. Of course, you can also monitor my goals and I yours. There are two sites that I found that I like: I have started my list on paper and will post it on one of these two sites. They both have their pros and cons. As I really want to take this seriously (and yet have fun) I am leaning toward the 100 things site. It is hosted by Caroline Miller who I have listened to and liked for a couple years now---even if she chooses the silly title "Life Coach". Check'em out and let me know which one you think is better or which one you have posted your goals on. In the meantime, keep an eye out on www.clmcgown.com on the "Rampant Ego" page for a link to my list. Maybe we can compare! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
email:
funnies@clmcgown.com
phone:
888-819-1760 ext.10
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