Monthly Archives: March 2012

Posted on

Pride before the fall

by

http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrischabot/

I threw Pride out of the window

I met a profound man, his name is Charlie. He approached me by inquiring about the type of business that I run. I told that I primarily recycled wooden pallets and he said he was familiar with the business and had even dabbled in it himself. Now, he was driving an ATV and hauling a garbage bin. He asked me if my business was healthy and I replied” thank God that this business is still open”. This set Charlie into story telling mode.

He explained that he worked for a company that had recently downsized from 120 employees to 20 employees. This pull back demoted him from a Foreman who maintained a crew of many workers to the solo act I met. He went on to recall the glory days and how he rode around in a big new truck with air conditioning and his most difficult assignment was to retrieve supplies for his crew. He is a family man who loves the Lord and he knew he had the admiration of his family and church members. He worked his way to the top in this company for almost two decades. He gave me a glimpse into the day of his demotion and said the boss told him he could keep his job if he was willing to drive this trash pickup route. Humbly, he accepted the position for he was one of the lucky ones that maintained his position. For his loyalty he was even awarded the same salary. Over the course of the next few months Charlie said he had to fight back depression because the once mighty man now was pulling garbage behind the buildings. There were no more men to command and no more supplies to retrieve. The only recognition he received was the obligatory “see you tomorrow” from the kitchen help. He told me his wife believed he would seek another opportunity. He recollected telling her that now he thinks he likes his job and plans to stick with it. She was happy and said that she admired him. Then he looked at me with the eyes of experience and humility and said, “I threw pride out of the window” that’s what got me through.
I identified with Charlie because this was my situation also, I had the pleasure of meeting him at the trash dumpster. My big fancy truck is gone and my crew is non-existent but my joy is full. Following are two Bible verses that applied to both of our situation to some degree.
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall

So if you find yourself in any situation that seems to be a set back here are three things to keep in mind.
1. Be thankful that you are alive
You are still alive for a reason and one of them is to be a testimony to others who may believe that they are at the end of their ropes. Being alive means that there is a chance for a successful finish. Like me and Charlie realize that there are people less fortunate than you and you can thrive.
2. Worldly possessions and human accolades are not the true prize
Enjoy the fruit of your labor but do not idolize it. The positions that hard work and faith afford you are just rewards but they do not define who you are. Your character and values define you.
3. Throw pride out of the window
The preceding verses explain the destruction that follows when we are prideful. Haughty is not a word used in our common speech but it gives an accurate description of the actions of many who believe they have “made it”. We are given talents and favor to help mankind. So get rid of any pride that may be lingering around looking to destroy you.

How are you going to throw pride out of the window?

Posted on

What to do while you wait

by

The following is an opening for a chapter in my upcoming book, let me know what you think. The statement, “Occupy until I come,” is taken directly from the bible. The quote from Luke 19, verse 12 and 13, is “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” Patient ability describes what to do while obtaining patience. This chapter gives examples of human nature while pursuing dominance. The entire passage from Luke is used to demonstrate the rewards of occupying (performing transactions repeatedly) while gaining Patient Ability. This principle contains examples and vivid illustrations of patience. Most motivational books are “rah-rah” cheering books; there are certain aspects of upbeat encouragement throughout this principle. The main premise of Patient Ability is to demonstrate that in any worthwhile journey, there are aspects of continued endurance that propel you to success. This principle gives practical advice for lasting victory. Separate phases are outlined for gaining ability while building a crescendo to dominating life.
Patient Ability is the principle in which we must take a self test and determine our valuable attributes. One must honestly dig deep into what makes himself tick. This is the point where we take off the gloves. You must pull back the veil. There are plenty of things you may be good at doing; however, in order to reach your ultimate goals, you must uncover your true, great talent and develop it. You must determine your limitations. What should you do while being patient? We all want to hunt; however, knowing how to gather is a very important aspect of increasing your ability. The real impact makers know how to gather people, resources, and energy.

Posted on

Patience does not avoid hard work, it prepares for it

by

• Schedule the things that will help you achieve your plan first
• Make a schedule and keep it

8/4/11 5:57AM (original writting)

Preparation is one of the pillars of patience because it is what to do in the interim. Preparation has many forms and differs from planning because now words take action. Use mental preparation to form pictures of success and what it looks like for your particular project. These mental sessions cause wonderful thoughts of glory that can sustain you in gaps between tangible results. Thinking will also give you opportunity to navigate around potential challenges. The path of patience chooses purposes that exceed its current comfort level. The problematic work is primarily in your belief system. Belief in a dream dictates effort towards that end. In the middle are challenging steps that give the end a smooth appearance. I often write terrific list that if accomplished would put me in the over achievers Hall of Fame. These list frequently fall victim to excuses and later I become angry at my apathy. To overcome this I force myself to perform the prepared list. Never once have I completed a list without extreme satisfaction. Hard things are not hard if you are prepared properly. Maybe better said, “The prepared mind does not perceive the difficult challenge.”