enlarge your heart...

Today was a great day at the Thompson house. We participated with our church today not in having a service but rather actually worshipping by serving. At True North Church today we called it "Enlarge Your Heart Sunday". Rather than meeting in the theater as normal we all gathered outside the theater for a brief moment of fellowship and encouragement... then we all received our challenges for the day. It was exciting for me to see the spirit and enthusiasm that so many had about daring to take risks and serve our community in some unique ways.

My family actually drew 4 challenges from the challenge box and decided to go for it on each one. Here were our challenges...

1. Buy a bag of non-perishable groceries and go to the exit ramp at South Saunders and I-40. Wait until you find someone there or near that area in need and give the groceries away.

2. Buy some donuts or make something at home. Deliver it to the fire station at 1695 Timber Drive. Thank them for the way the serve our community.

3. Pray at the flagpoles of these local schools... Aversboro Elementary, Timber Drive Elementary, and Vandora Springs Elementary. Write a letter to school administrators and let them know what you've done and that you appreciate their service.

4. Go to the grocery store. In an effort to spread some Christmas cheer take the cart of the person behind you in line and pay for their groceries as well.

We were encouraged on each challenge to pray for those we encountered to be touched by God and also be prepared to answer questions for anyone asking why we were doing these acts of kindness.

I had read a blog earlier in the week that reminded me of how narrow the way is that we have been called to follow. Being a Christ-follower comes with no promise of being easy. The challenges though to this life are rewarding beyond belief! Today I was thrilled to experience some of these challenges with my family and lead them by example in following Christ. I only wish I did this more in everyday living. As an overflow from my day's experience that has become my aim - to enlarge my heart in everyday living and set an example for my kids to follow!

We fulfilled each of the above challenges and even more. We were able to meet a man named Phillip to whom we gave the groceries we purchased. The kids saw him sitting alone in a parking lot near I-40. It was a bit intimidating to pull in and approach him, but the risk was well worth the reward. He was very much in need... didn't know what he would do with his day other than wait for the rescue mission to reopen at 6:00 so he'd have a place to sleep. He was very appreciative and asked for God to bless us. I think it was eye-opening for each of us. We also took the donuts to the fire station and they appreciated our thoughtfulness. We travelled to the schools in Garner and prayed for students, faculty and staff at each location. Hearing the prayers of my children really inspired me today. I also went back in and paid for the groceries of the person behind us in line. They were really taken back but deeply appreciative. It just felt like one of those God moments! The moment today when my heart was really hit hard was at dinner... just before eating Nate asked if he could pray... when he did he prayed for all the people (specifically Phillip) that we had met and prayed for earlier today. His little heart was really drawn to these acts of service.

This whole Sunday came as a result of concluding our series "How The Grinch Stole Christmas". If you recall in the end of this fun Christmas story the Grinch's heart grew three sizes. I'll end my thoughts from today with the Grinch's own words...
"maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store... maybe Christmas... means a little bit more!"

thankful... really?

Well, it's Thanksgiving day and I feel humbled as I sit and begin to share this thoughts. I guess I'm feeling like there are often times I say thank you but don't really live out a real heart of gratitude. We're taught to say "thank you" from early childhood because it is the right thing to do. I'm certainly not suggesting that we not say "thank you"... I just want to challenge us to go beyond just saying the words.

I think when we realize how important the people are that God has so strategically placed in our lives we can begin to experience the emotion of true gratitude. I'm thinking about these people today... the people God has put in my life and I'm very thankful...

my family - my wife and children - my Mom, Dad, brother and Angela's family...
my friends... those that I share fellowship and community with...
my church... great folks who encourage one another to follow Jesus...
my coworkers and employees... who are committed to working together toward success...
my ballplayers... a team of young men who respond everyday to great challenges on and off the court
my mentors... so many that have had great impact on my life over the years...

and so many more...

I am very thankful today that my life's joy is directly related to all of these people God has purposefully put in my path to enjoy the journey with!

Let's all find ways to show true gratitude today!

sales authenticity...

Authenticity is not a part of system selling. Systems and sales plans focus on the selling process... big mistake. Authentic people create buying atmospheres where the potential customer recognizes how they benefit, how they profit, how they produce...

Remember... "People don't like to be sold, but they love to buy!"

Authenticity of any sale is not in the system or plan ... it's in the salesperson. If you're authentic, you don't have to say it or even prove it. It shows and speaks for itself. That's the most powerful part of being authentic... if done properly... it's unspoken ... there's no hype ... it's just real!

Sales folks ... BE AUTHENTIC! DON'T BE FAKE! THINK MORE...BE MORE... AND DO MORE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS... because you care!

livin' on a prayer...

A new series started last week at True North Church and I've been challenged all week long from the thoughts shared last Sunday. We've been challenged to memorize some Scripture verses over the next few weeks about prayer.

This week has been Psalms 139:23-24 ... "Search me O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

Is there anyone else out there who is a little restless or uneasy about giving full access to their heart and thoughts? Not an easy thing to do... because I'm certain that in giving such access something will be found that I will not like... but it has been a good week just making myself sit and rest before the Lord and let him look into my heart... listening to Him for His leading... if you haven't done this in a while... stop now and do it!

Some provoking thoughts shared last Sunday:

Secret sin can't coexist with peace. We must allow the Lord full access and full reign for peace to be a reality!

There's no healing that comes from hiding. Maybe there are some things we should all surrender to God... and even let some dear friends know about some things in our lives so that we no longer have to hide them. True healing and freedom comes when there is nothing hidden.

Pray with me... "Search me O God and know my heart..."

day date with Angela...

I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning... Angela and I have decided to spend part of the day together... we're going to breakfast together and do some Christmas gift planning! It will be a lot of fun ... I love hanging out with my beautiful wife!
Love you honey!

proud of kids...

Every parent is proud of their kids ... but just need to give a shout out to them...

Luke has recently made his high school JV basketball team at Garner High School. He is performing well in early practices and I think he is going to have a great season.

Noah and Nate have recently finished up fantastic fall baseball seasons. Both had a great experience and became one of the best players on their respective teams. They just wrapped up end of season parties and brought home trophies and awards. They are great boys! Now they're both getting ready for some hoops!

Hope is the one I'm extra proud of right now. She has been doing gymnastics for several years now and continues to get better and better. In the past she has been reluctant to participate competitively, but has decided to go for it this weekend. This Saturday afternoon she'll be competing in her first event of the season. I'm so looking forward to watching my beautiful daughter do her thing!

If you can't tell... I love my kids!

off to a great start...

Wake Tech basketball is here and we're rolling full speed ahead with our inaugural season. What an experience this has been. Serving as the Assistant Head Coach at the Junior College level has been a tremendous learning and rewarding experience thus far. I'm not sure how it happens between a coach and players that have never known each other... but I have fallen in love with the guys on this team and the chemistry they have together. There are certainly challenges as with every team, but these guys just seem to respond really well when pushed to the next level.

The season thus far has led to a 4-2 early record. The two losses were both heart-breakers... a 4 point loss to a highly ranked Division 1 team and a 2 point buzzer-beater loss in double overtime (138-136). We won our first conference game last night against Catawba Valley Community College 75-72 after being down by 13 points at halftime. It was a great and spirited comeback.

We will be off for another game against a Division 1 team Brunswick Community College tomorrow evening. Wish us luck!

Go Eagles!

random thoughts from my weekend...

Well, following a long week and trying to wind down for a weekend can sometimes be difficult. This one has been challenging for me. Here's sort of how it has gone...

- wrapped up Friday at work finalizing some significant projects and putting together some more proposals

- received a really nice card and gift certificate from my administrative assistant... the card was thanking me for being a great boss since it was "boss day" ... what's funny is that I had no idea! Thanks Michelle!

- watched a couple of more baseball games that Noah and Nate played in... one game was a winner, the other not so great... Noah got beaned in the head - the ball pitched hit his helmet and he fell like a rock - can't remember the last time I ran so fast - they couldn't keep me off the field - he's okay though, just a little scary!

- ran some errands and did some batting practice early Saturday morning with the boys

- went home to Dunn NC in the afternoon to participate in the 2009 softball reunion game ... it was old church softball team ... it was a really long time ago and you could tell ... the team that was assembled to play us had about 7 guys younger than 25 and the average age of our team was probably around 45 or so ... all of team left either limping or hurrying home to ice down

- lots of good feelings as the softball players honored my dad who was the team coach for many years... all had great things to say about the impact he had on them... me too Dad!

- now getting ready to speak tomorrow at True North Church... excited about it but a little nervous... it has been a while since I have spoken... and wow did I get a tough topic... we are in the middle of a series called "Relationships 101"... our pastor had to go to Iowa for a family funeral so I get to fill in ... the topic tomorrow continuing the series is "Men and Women: There's a Difference" ... anyone agree?

- also getting ready to fly out tomorrow afternoon to Austin TX for some business meetings... it will be good meetings but not looking forward to being away from my family... I will miss them!

proud of my boys...

Just getting home late tonight from two baseball games... Noah and Nate both played tonight at the same time... so I stand between two fields turning to watch one hit and then the other... cold and rainy but lots of fun with exciting endings!

Nate's team was down 14-12 going into the last inning. They got two runners on with one out and Nate gets a hit to drive in two runs and tie the game. He moves to second on a ground out... and then with two outs another batter gets an infield single and Nate scores all the way from second base for the winning run.

Noah also had a big night with at least four really good defensive plays at first base. Early in the game he had a line-drive single knocking in two runs for his team. In the last inning Noah hit a deep drive to right-center field that one-hopped the fence. He came all the way around for an inside-the-park three-run homer. It was the deepest hit ball I've seen hit in his league this season. He crushed it! Everyone was talking about how far he hit it!

yep... proud of my boys!

love small groups...

Angela and I just a couple of weeks ago began a small group in our home for True North Church. We met tonight for the second time. I am so excited about the people that God has put together. We are learning a lot about each other and what it means to celebrate the great things God has done and is doing in our lives ... as well as what it means to comfort and encourage in the struggles of everyday life. I have always enjoyed being a part of a small group... this one feels special...
We started studying Ephesians tonight. I really enjoyed the discussion and interaction. We had a great conversation about grace and some of the monuments or memorials of grace in our lives. God always comes through!
"Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us!" Ephesians 2 (MSG)

season is about to begin...

October 1 marks the beginning of the college basketball season. Practice begins at a full speed ahead pace. For those who don't know yet I have accepted a volunteer position at Wake Tech Community College as the Assistant Head Coach for the new basketball program. I am excited and am learning to love a group of 17 young men. It's way more than basketball to me ... these young men need lots of leadership and guidance in their lives ... many of them have experienced difficulties and challenges that we have escaped ... I am really enjoying the challenge of impacting their lives and preparing them to be great basketball players.
Anyway... looking forward to a great first season at Wake Tech. It's definitely going to be exciting. Find our schedule on the college website and come check out some games.

reunions with great people...

Yesterday Angela and I had the privilege to join a great group of folks for a short picnic time at Pullen Park in Raleigh. The group was a bunch of NC State alumni that were students involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship while I was on staff there. It was a lot of fun to see where life has taken so many of these students and to talk about the great successes and disappointments over the last 10-15 years ... as well as show off our children. Hope went with us and everyone thought she was beautiful... we had to show pictures of the boys to everyone... they didn't want to miss the football games on TV. Everyone said Angela had not changed at all... she still looks young and beautiful (I agree!)...
We received many thanks from various students for the time we invested in their lives during their college years. Many pointed back to those days at crucial times when they made big decisions about following Christ. I was humbled (even cried later in the day) to think about the impact we had as God used us on the campus with these students. To hear of all the ministries and churches that are being impacted by the servant hearts of these old students was incredible.
So I guess I'd like to suggest that you be alert and focused everyday... you never know what kind of impact you are having on someone watching you.
Thank you Lord for the opportunity to serve those students so many years ago! Thanks for allowing the to serve in ministries all over the world today!

baseball brings back memories...

Both of my young sons are playing fall baseball this year. Noah and Nate are both following in Dad's footsteps and becoming really good little first basemen. Watching them play and practice hard ... watching them have tremendous highs following a big hit or a great fielding play ... watching them struggle emotionally after a strike out or a mistake ... all of it brings back memories. I have enjoyed watching them so much, and remembering that it is just a game ... and it is meant to be fun. I have always been so competitive and that is so hard to remember sometimes ... but I have learned to celebrate with them as they achieve and comfort them when they are disappointed.
They both have earned game balls from their respective team. I'm so proud of them... both are really good athletes... Nate struggled early on, but after some Daddy time and correcting his swing on the tee Nate is hitting the ball all over the field... they usually bat him lead-off... he is so much fun to watch. Noah's league is a bit more challenging as the kids are now pitching... he is learning to think hit versus taking a walk and is getting better at it... Noah is a phenomenal defensive player at first base - no dropped balls all season so far ... and in a 12-11 game the other night the opposing team had a chance to win in the last inning with the tying run on second base ... with 2 outs a batter hit a line drive between first and second and Noah lunged and stretched out and stabbed the ball right out of the air for the 3rd out... what a play!
If you can't tell... I really love my boys!

never quit...

Yesterday had a tough ending to it. If you didn't know yet... I am one of the new assistant basketball coaches at Wake Tech. It is the first year of our program, and I'm enjoying the thrills and challenges that come with coaching. Early evening on yesterday though was tough. One of our players destined to be a starter and significant scorer for our team was injured and had an MRI done yesterday. I went with him to see the doctor to have the results reviewed. His entire ACL and lateral ligaments are shot and he is done for the season.

It is difficult to face the challenge of losing him for the team's sake, but seeing the devastation on his face and in his demeanor was really tough. You could tell that he was just ready to throw in the towel and give it up. I found myself trying to be an encourager (a cheerleader of sorts) to spur him on to crash through this quitting point and never quit. Reconstructive surgery, rehab and 6-9 months later he could be playing again. Staying focused and never quitting is the main deal right now for him.

The situation caused me to think about life and the journey of following Christ. I prayed for the ability to stay focused and determined and to never quit.

"... start running - and never quit! ... Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever ... " Heb 12:1-2 MSG

learn to love...

"Watch what God does, and then do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn't love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that!" Ephesians 5:1-2 MSG

authenticity is important...

An old sales adage says... "in sales, it's not who you know; in sales, it's who knows you." Authentic salespeople are well known.

The more authentic you are perceived to be... the more likely they will buy from you.
In other words ... do they trust you?

You want to be well known... you do! You need them to trust you!

To be known and trusted by your coworkers is not enough. To be known and trusted by your customers almost counts. To be known and trusted by your potential customers... now that counts! To be known and trusted in your industry... now that really counts.

the power of nice (continued)...

Negative impressions are like germs...

If you're aloof to someone you think doesn't matter people unconsciously react to that. If you were to scream at your server in a restaurant you might get faster or better service but you can be sure that those who are dining with you will be silently telling themselves they're ready to go!

Positive actions are like seeds... rude gestures and remarks are like germs - you may not initially see the impact but they are there... silently infecting you and everyone around you.

To keep from spreading such germs you must be extremely conscious of your environment and the people around you... BE NICE!

an equation for strength...

Just thought I'd do a little blogging on some thoughts from some of my reading the past couple of weeks...

reading a book about working from a position of strength... it's really good...

the book suggest that when you're not able to use your strengths, chances are you...
dread going to work ... have more negative than positive interactions with your colleagues ... treat your customers poorly ... tell your friends what a miserable company you work for ... achieve less on a daily basis ... have fewer positive and creative moments...

don't want to be that person!

TALENT (a natural way of thinking, feeling, or behaving) X
INVESTMENT (time spent practicing, developing your skills) =
STRENGTH (the ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance)

don't neglect or ignore your weaknesses ... but give some time and effort to applying your strengths!

secondhand Jesus...

This a a very thought provoking book I'm currently reading... I thought this small portion of the book went well with some of the thought Jon was sharing at True North Church just yesterday...

The book reads... "Poverty and mediocrity are not Christian virtues, nor are they requisites for spiritual growth. But if we're not careful, we can subconsciously believe that greed is okay, that selfish ambition is not ungodly, and that as long as I am becoming successful, God must be in it. Yet somewhere along the way, we have added God to a house of idols. Our devotion to Christ is truthfully only one allegiance on a long list of loyalties. We want to rise to influence and be admired by many; we want to live in comfort, with only the best things for our kids; we want to be loved by all, validated as a real man or a real woman; we want to retire at 55 with several million a year to live on; we want to be remembered as a true pioneer, a trailblazer, a history maker. Oh... and we want to obey and follow Christ. But I'm sure He wants all those things for us anyway. As a matter of fact, He will bring about all those things - after all, doesn't the Word say that He will give us the desires of our heart?"

So here's the quetion I'm asking myself and you today... What's more important -- happiness? influence? success? fame? platform? or God?

God just wants me to be happy?

Yesterday was another great day at True North Church. I really enjoyed the whole day ... and leading worship was a lot of fun ... seemed to be a lot of excitement!
The series Jon McClarnon is teaching right now is really good... "Spiritual Urban Legends" ... and he is addressing some questions or thoughts each week that many have just accepted to be true but are not really true at all. First week... "there are many ways to God?" and this week "God wants me to be happy?"

It was great to be reminded yesterday that God's ultimate purpose is not to make me happy... but rather blessed! I was reading this morning as I was thinking through Jon's teaching in Jeremiah 17... it says...

"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose hope is the Lord for he shall be like a tree planted by the waters which spreads out its roots by the river... and will not fear when heat comes; but its leafs will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."

We are not promised that heat will never come or that there will never be seasons of drought... so we may not always be happy... but we are promised to be blessed if we trust in the Lord. I am thankful today that God loves me enough to not just be concerned about my happiness but rather about what is best for me!

the power of nice..

Conventional wisdom shouts out "NICE GUYS FINISH LAST!" Nice has an image problem. Nice gets no respect. If you are called "nice" that usually means the other person doesn't have anything better to say about you. Nice is considered to be passive... even wimpy.

I disagree... NICE may be the toughest four-letter word you ever hear. It means being confident that being very nice and placing other's needs on the same level or even above your own will get you where you want to go.

Most of the time it is the small kindnesses - smiles, compliments, favors - just being nice that make someones day and can even change lives. The power of nice will help you open doors and improve your relationships. Nice will not only finish first but those who use its power will end up happier as well.

Being nice is great place to start on a journey to great success and achievement.

who do you trust?

I've blogged about the trust factor in business recently. Remember that most people want to do business with people they trust. Think about the people you trust. These would probably be the people that you would go to at your most significant time of need... these are the folks who have the ability to influence you as you make big-time decisions. Try listing the top 5 people you trust...

Why do you trust them? Do you believe they have your best interest at heart? Do you believe they have no hidden agenda in the relationship? Do you believe they are always telling you the truth? Is there an unspoken good feeling when you're with them or when you talk to them?

Is so... we should strive to create those feelings and beliefs in the people we pursue to do business with. If they believe you have there best interest at heart... that you have no agenda other than helping them... they will feel good and trust you!

need improvement?

What gets measured gets improved!

Most sales people want to grow... they want to do more... and be better... to take pride in their work - but they need targets to shoot for. Unless they have clearly defined goals, the path of least resistance is sure to be the chosen course.

I remember in some of formative years of ministry away from business a pastor used to say to me... "Just give them a target at which to shoot!" He always reminded me that volunteers always wanted to work but many times just didn't know what to do. I think sales people get in that same rut ... not knowing what to do next. With a target for improvement that can all change!

Ask yourself this question: What activity can I measure to track my own progress? You must determine where you are now and where you'd like to improve. You should then set realistic targets for improvement. Such targets will help you break old habits and inspire new thinking.

Start measuring... start improving!

there's always a sale!

Just doing some reading this weekend and thought I'd catch up on some blogging thoughts today...

One of the books I'm catching up on is The Sales Bible by Jeffrey Gitomer... good stuff!

In the business world a sales person is the most important person. Absolutely nothing happens in our business until a sales person sells something... lots of things happen after that... products are ordered and delivered, services are scheduled and set up, people are paid...

Sales people... think about this: a sale is always made - either you sell the customer on yes, or the customer sells you on no!

TRUST IS A MUST!

I read this statement again recently...

"all things consider equal, customers want to do business with someone they feel like they can trust..."

I also read the following statement...

"all things not considered equal, customers still want to do business with someone they feel like they can trust!"

So all you folks out there is sales world ... or really anywhere ... don't forget how important it is to be trustworthy. Trust is not something you request... you earn it!

but God...

Just re-reading some things from past experiences this morning and was encouraged again by this verse...

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Through my years of following Jesus, these two words have become some of my favorite ... and I whisper them to myself often... "But God..."

When I feel like I have messed up... feel like I have failed... feel like I have come up short... "But God..."

L.I.P. back on track...

Last week threw the L.I.P. program off track a bit. My schedule had me travelling all over the state... I didn't miss by much driving 1,500 miles last week... whew! But today I took an hour and went to the gym to get back on track. Got my hour in...
L.I.P. for Mon Aug 17 complete! Feeling good about it!

learning to pray...

I've been so challenged recently by the Elijah series that Jon has been teaching at True North Church. I've become extremely motivated by the words of James 5:17... "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours..." or maybe better said... "Elijah was a man JUST LIKE US!"

Elijah offered up some powerful prayers that produced powerful results. His prayers were humble, specific, persistent and expectant. I want my prayers to bold like those of Elijah. I want to be persistent in prayer... pray until God does something like Elijah.

We had a couple of areas set up for prayer yesterday at church and several folks took shifts to pray over prayer cards and other needs. My 15 minutes was challenging for me. As I read through all the hurts, needs, and challenges that people in my own church are experiencing I was convicted of how much I get distracted by my own busy schedule and tend to ignore the needs of others. I want to be one who prays bold prayers to God and expects Him to do great things. I have decided to position myself to be displined to pray for others, for our country, for my church, for my business, for my employees, for our mission and purpose. Join with me and let's pray together and believe God for some great BIG things.

Elijah did it... and he was a man just like us!

refreshing rain!

Tonight was a great night down in Hilton Head. I'm here working a convention for my company and celebrating my 17th anniversary with my beautiful and wonderful wife Angela. After shutting down the table this afternoon Angela and I rode down to Hilton Head High School and played some tennis together... always lots of fun with her on the court! Then it began to rain! The cool rain felt so good that I had Angela drive back to our hotel (Main Street Inn - fabulous place!) and I walked back in the rain. It was about a 20 minute one mile walk and felt incredibly refreshing. I was soaking wet from head to toe but felt really clean and rejuvenated.

I'm having trouble sleeping tonight so I'm up reading a little and was reminded of a verse in Acts...

3:19 reads... "Repent therefore and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

So tonight I'm just giving consideration to even the simple things that I may need to turn from so that I can feel the same type of refreshing emotionally and spiritually as I did earlier tonight physically. If you know what it feels like to be refreshed in the presence of the Lord then you know what I'm talking about and what I'm longing for.

My prayer tonight is that we might all feel that clean and rejuvenating sensation as we strive to follow Jesus!

solutions... focus on the right thing sales people!

I was reading a blog from a writer I read often (Seth Godin)... he made the following statement that got my attention:

"The more clarity you can get about what a successful solution looks like, the more likely you will be to have a delighted customer when you're done."

All my sales people know that my push is to sell solutions not products or services... it could be that our products and services don't make a difference... or maybe if we tweak what we're doing we could offer a solution that makes a huge difference... I think too many times we use solution terminology but all we're really doing is focusing on the solution (product and service) we want to offer rather than really digging into a potential customer's problem to discover what a great solution might be. We really need to get our minds on the problems we've been given to solve rather than the same things we always offer.

Every customer is different... every situation is different... every problem needing a solution is different...

Let's dig in and come up with some solutions that make a difference!

glory to God forever!

I heard this new song "Glory to God Forever" by Steve Fee a few months ago and I've just been singing it over and over again in my heart. It is really simple but speaks of something so massive and powerful. I believe that God has put in us a song, a thought, a word, an idea, an attitude that when shared produces nothing but glory to God forever!

I've been reading recently in the book of John, and something in chapter 9 has recently jumped out at me. It is the story where Jesus spat on the ground to make clay, and He rubbed the clay over the blind man's eyes, had him wash them and receive his sight. Following that tremendous miracle the religious leaders sort of made a mockery of it and asked what he had to say about the man who opened his eyes. They were trying to point Jesus out to be a sinner because it was the Sabbath. So here's what really got me...

v.24 ... "so they again called the man who was blind, and said to him, Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner!" v.25 ... "He answered and said... whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know... that though I was blind now I see!"

How many times do we get caught up trying to figure something out about God...? One thing I know... that though I was hurt now I am healed... that though I was afraid now I am secure... that though I was in need now I have provision... that thought I was dying now I am alive!

What do you know He has done for you? GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOREVER! Give Him your life and ask Him to let it be His and for His glory!

God is strong!

The One Prayer series that we've been experiencing at True North has been really good for me. I have been challenged to rethink some of the ways I consider God and what I really believe about Him. Today's message was no exception. Francis Chan spoke to us on the theme "God is Strong!" This follows "God is Love" ... "God is Able" ... and simply "God is"...

Today I was challenged to consider God's strength and reminded of His awesome power! The question was thrown out ... "why are we always so afraid to... ___________" ... to talk to someone, to help someone, to give to someone? Do we not believe that God can handle things?
Reminder: He is STRONG!

Psalm 115:3 ... "But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases!"

Second reminder: the very power that raised Christ from the dead lives within you... if you believe and follow Christ!

What's there to be afraid of? The Creator is on our side!

sales philosophy...

Last week I wrote about the simple meaning of sales... Hard Work!

Now ... how you think about, feel about, and live the philosophy of how you sell will set the stage for your success. Thinking, feeling, and living your philosophy makes you a better salesperson ... and a better person too. What is your philosophy?

My sales philosophy is simple... here it is:

1. Bring value to the table from the start... offer value from the word go!
2. Find a way to help others.
3. Do my very best... love what I'm doing!
4. Ask lots of questions.
5. Develop long-term relationships that lead to loyalty and trust.
6. Have fun!

the meaning of sales...

there is no fastest, easiest, best way to make a sale...
there is no list ready for you of all those who want to buy your product and services...

here's something I heard once and have used it in my sales efforts...

the one-word meaning of sales is WORK!
the two-word meaning of sales is WORK HARD!

can't depend on being lucky... being in the right place and the right time...

success comes from WORK... insane success comes from WORKING HARD!

thank you...

One to one interaction with your kids can be phenomenal at times. Luke and I were engaged in a conversation on the way to Columbia SC. He decided to just come hang with me for a couple of nights while I am out of town on business. We were discussing the uncertainties in the lives of so many people we know... the kinds of things that lead to people choosing to end life, choosing to leave their marriage, choosing to not pursue their dreams, choosing to not follow Christ, and so on...
We talked about what is means to follow Jesus and lean on His unchangingness (don't really know if that's a word... but we both understood each other)...

then there was a short pause and then Luke says... "Dad, Thank you... (pause again)... for living that way!" Can't tell you what it meant to me to hear him say that to me! There's no one else I rather demonstrate that lifestyle to than my kids! Sometimes I forget they are watching me.

This made me think of when Peter (with John) said to the lame beggar in Acts 3... "look at us..."

Are we living lives that we want others to look at...?

birthday party day 2

Nate's birthday party this weekend spilled over into Sunday... the two friends spent the night with us, went to church at True North with us on Sunday morning, and then came the fun-filled afternoon...

We played putt-putt, rode go-carts, and played nearly everything the arcade had to offer...

What a birthday!

Persuasion in sales... do it the right way!

Explain what, why and how!

Explain what's in it for them and their business!

You must be sincere!

You must be believable!

Ask good questions!

Communicate! Don't dodge the issues!

Paint a visionary picture!

Your reputation precedes you! Is your exceptional? or less than that?

Your history is success... or it's not!



want to get your way in sales? want to be able to be really persuasive?

Conquer this action list!

great day for a birthday party!

I have to say that I can't believe 8 years have gone by so quick... Nate's birthday isn't actually until Tuesday of next week but he had two friends over today and they have partied hard all evening (still going!)... You have three kids and then the fourth comes along and you don't know how you will love them as much as the others, but Nate is one that steals your heart... he's exciting and witty and just lots of fun... love you Nate-dog!

Today was filled with much excitement... Alexis and Atlas are the two friends that have joined us for the evening... The party started with one hour of slip-n-slide with suds! Amazing how slippery a little soap can make things... races, dives, football catches were all a part of the slip-n-slide fun...

After a little clean up the boys sat with Nate has he opened presents... the party was a Hot Wheels theme and he got lots of cars... 31 Hot Wheels to be exact! He got a model car and a remote control car! Too much fun! You can see his excitement in the pictures.

After pizza for dinner there was the lemon cake from heaven that Grandma makes... that is what Nate said he wanted and she brought over this morning! Comment from Atlas... "Nate, your grandma makes the best cake in the whole wide world!" ... that statement made while licking the lemon icing off his fingers...

Now there settled in watching a movie... CARS! You had to know it!

Oh yeah... there was Hot Wheels Wii for a while... too fast for me!

as stated... great day for a birthday party!

sales week...

What a week of sales meetings and travels... busy is good right now though... I haven't felt great physically this week but have really enjoyed my work... I am really excited about the new reps and consultant on my team... really feel like they're going to do good things for SEED COMM.

Week consisted of assisting one of our young Va Beach sales reps with developing strategy that significantly helped him, spending time with a manufacturer's rep on Tues and learning about some really cool products to put in my team's tool bag, sales team development in Charlotte for a full day on Wed (all the new team members... discussions about overcoming challenges, stepping out of comfort zones, exploring new sales markets... great day!), sales presentation for over 30 administrative decision makers for an entire school district, and then today working with a loyal customer and exploring opportunities to get them further training and future implementation that impacts their stated purpose...

that's a lot ... but a really great week!

Bible Basketball Draft Board?

We had an interesting conversation over lunch on Sunday... I have been meaning to put this out because it was kind of fun... I haven't really had time this week but I am up tonight and can't go to sleep so I thought I'd let you in on the fun...

Many times when were out the three boys (Luke, Noah and Nate) create their own sports draft and take turns drafting various players to see who can create the best and most talented team. Their strategies and ideas can often times be hilarious and this time was no different.

Since we had just left church (True North... great place by the way!) they decide to draft the all-time Bible Basketball team and here's what the board looked like at the end...

Luke's picks:
Moses (he's a great leader... he could raise the ball the split the defense and drive right down the lane)... you see where this is going?
John the Baptist?
Job (can take all the punishment you can dish out... BRING IT ON!)
Thomas (that's the name of the best 10 year old AAU player we've ever seen... so take him)
Timothy (Timothy Duncan, of course)

Noah's picks:
Paul (Chris Paul, of course)
Shadrach
Meshach
Abednego (they have to be a good choice... according to Jon that morning... it's impossible to burn these guys!)
James (that's the King... Lebron James)

Nate's picks:
Peter
David
Esau (with a name like that he's got to be a good pick)
Nathaneal (his namesake... the best player in the world... YOU KNOW IT!)
Pharoah (he owns the courts!)

Hope's picks:
Noah (not because she thinks her little brother is good)
Daniel
Esther (she can distract the King ... you know Lebron that is!)
Ruth ?
Cain (he's killer!)

Angela's picks:
Enoch (he walked with God... so if God is the referee, isn't he going to call travelling on Big E?)
Abraham
Silas
Rahab?
Caleb (fearless)

my picks:
Joshua (he'll run circles around your defense?)
Luke (my boy is a pretty good shooter?)
Joseph (must be athletic... he served in Pharaoh's courts... must have played tennis?)
Goliath (need a big man in the middle)
Michael (the archangel Jordan!)


so who would you pick? what would be your creative team?

persuasion or manipulation?

Is there a difference? I think so... at least in my sales approach and the model I am trying to teach my sales team...

Manipulation is a high-pressured style of convincing. It is typically short-term and a quick way to get what you want. I hear phases such as this... "the sales guy is just playing on my emotions" ... "that sales rep is just too pushy" ... "she just won't take no for an answer"... These phrases are results of sales tactics or techniques. Manipulation will only get you what you want for a moment.

Proper persuasion on the other hand will get you what you want repeatedly over and over again... Proper persuasion comes when you create harmony between yourself and the ones you are trying to convince. The reality is you persuade them to trust you... you continue to persuade them with proven ability (you produce confidence)... you continue to persuade them with integrity.

Manipulate and make a sale. Persuade and make a fortune.

comfort zone...

I had a sales meeting in Charlotte today with three new employees of our company. I'm really excited to have them on the team... they each are going to do great things! I like to challenge or motivate my sales team any opportunity I get... Today we talked about the familiar comfort zone. Everyone has heard someone say "you need to get out of your comfort zone" ... so this morning in Charlotte we explored the reasons WHY? we should do just that...

We can't live out on the edge every second of every single day... so maybe there are sometimes the comfort zone isn't so bad after all... here's what I think - we were created to be resilient and resourceful... in and out of the comfort zone...

In the comfort zone...

Most of the game is played. We must learn to play well in the middle of the field as well as working hard to score at the end of the field.

People often lose interest. There is great need for change and challenge... without it people get bored and settle into a rut. We must exit the comfort zone and create some adventurous experience.

Mistakes are not as costly. The comfort zone is a great place to practice, because mistakes in this area don't have to seem so permanent or detrimental. We can learn in the comfort zone.

Victory can't be achieved. There's actually no guarantee to win outside the comfort zone, but it's almost definite that you'll never win without working hard, doing what doesn't fell natural, or stretching yourself beyond normal abilities.

So ... like I am trying to motivate my sales team to do... let's learn to live full and work hard in and out of our comfort zones.

move

I am so excited about the conference that Luke went to a week ago now. He returned home with a new excitement about following God and putting Him first in his life... according to him even before basketball. He was challenged while there to remain passionate about the talents and gifts that God has given him and use them for His purposes... I can't remember a time when Luke has been so emotional and expressive about wanting to follow God... it makes a Dad excited!

He received a challenge at the conference to find a way to build a playground in an area of need in our community. He had lunch with me and Jon (pastor at True North Church) and his friend Jordan a couple of days ago and started putting some ideas together... Pray for him and those that will join to help me follow his passion!

Psalm 119:32... "I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me how..." the Message

the essence of selling yourself...

I'm currently doing some sales enhancement reading and I'm continuosly being reminded of this concept of selling myself... "they buy you first"... It's all about credibility... that is your credibility... What effort are you putting into your image and your presentation? You have to work as hard at selling you as you do at selling your products and services. With several new sales and consultant employees I am putting more and more emphasis on this right now...

If you sell YOU then your products and services have a chance... if you can't see YOU then your products and services have absolutely no chance!

Some stuff is OK ... and some stuff is not OK...
it's OK to be real ... it's OK to be excited ... it's OK to believe in yourself and sell YOU!
it's not OK to be fake... it's not OK to be boring... it's not OK to be unprepared and make excuses!

happy selling today!

date nights with daughters

Hope and I went to see a movie last night over in Cary. We saw "Night at the Museum" and it was funny. The movie time at White Oak was changed during the day and we missed the start time and Hope was devistated. It told me though how much she was looking forward to spending some time with me. Fortunately it was showing later at Crossroads in Cary. It wasn't really even about the movie though for me. Just spending some quality time with my daughter just hanging out (nothing serious) was really cool! I am going to do it more often. She's a pretty cool girl!
Dads... if it has been a while since you took your daughter out on a date... give it a try!

Col 2:6-7 (the Message)

challenging to me today...

"...just go ahead with what you've been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him! You're deeply rooted in him. You're well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you've been taught. School's out; quite studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.

Coach K ... building a world-class team

Coach K is probably not my favorite coach in the world... and Duke is certainly not my favorite team, but I am reading his book about the Gold Medal Olympic team and there's some good stuff in it. I am sort of reading it through my "team-building" filter if that makes sense...

Coach K says, "You do not select a team, you select a group of people and then work together to develop into a team. In other words, teams don't instanteously become, they evolve. To do so, you need time, goals, and competition."

Time: for relationships, for establishing standards, to get motivated, to get on the same page...
No time: for excuses, for surprises, for internal turmoil...

Goals: a purpose for which the team unites and prepares...

Competition: creates the basis for training and preparation, may be the very reason you have a team

I will use some of these thoughts as I continue to build a "world-class" sales team!

people don't like to be sold, but they love to buy

At our SEED COMM sales meeting last week we discussed the concept of earning... working hard for the loyalty and relationships with our customers. We concluded that if you build relationships you can earn a fortune! If you think you don't have time for relationship building because you are too busy making sales then find something new to do -- you won't last very long is sales. Here's something to think about ... everytime you call a customer it doesn't have to be to sell something!

Action...

I was doing some sales reading this morning and here are some of my thoughts and questions for my sales team:

Question 1: What are you willing to do to achieve your dream?
Question 2: What are you willing to do even if you must do so for free?

Thoughts:

> Success begins by beginning.
> Success continues with consistent action.
> You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!
> The first two letters in the word "goal" are G-O!
> Anybody who brags about what he is going to do tomorrow probably did the same thing yesterday.

Happy Father's Day!

I'm just sitting in my booth at the 2009 Trial Lawyer's Convention at Sunset Beach... I'm thinking about my dad and about my children and how much I enjoy being their dad! I love watching Luke, Hope, Noah and Nate grow up. Luke and Hope present their teenage challenges but are both really great kids. Noah and Nate still love to play and seem more playful and energetic everyday. I love spending time with them! We're getting ready to have a fun day by the pool... the boys and I will play golf later today... then a full day at the beach tomorrow.

Lots of thanks out to my dad today... you taught me a lot of things growing up but the greatest thing you taught me was the love of a father. I still carry the MLB baseball in my truck as a daily reminder of a father's love (if you want to know the story behind this...ask me later).

So... the work of a dad is hard and long... but greatly rewarding!

A quote I read this morning said... "All of our successes are the same. All of our failures, too. We succeed when we do something remarkable. We fail when we give up too soon."

Thanks today to all the remarkable dads who didn't give up too soon! Happy Father's Day... have a great day!

reading thoughts...

the best quote of the day from my plane reading...

"Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

my thoughts... to avoid trying new things a lot of people develop attitudes that keep them safely stuck right where they are... attitudes that suggest: It's not important! I don't have the time! I already have the answer!

hoping that my time with my sales team at Infocomm 2009 will inspire them to avoid such attitudes and instead pursue opportunity with a passion for work!

great flight companion...

Today on my flight from Atlanta to Orlando I boarded the plane fully frustrated by the delays and missed flights. The perfect flight companion calmed me down and helped me enjoy the next hour and half flight. His name was Ayden and he was 5 years old. He was travelling with his Mom, Dad and two brothers. Guess where they were going? Disney World of course! He spent about the first 45 minutes or so describing to me all the scary rides he planned on taking while at Disney. He was a kid with a plan and filled with excitement. He had some chewing gum. He said he chewed it to help his ears not hurt and that if my ears started hurting I could have some of his gum. I had a lot of fun for those few moments ... I forgot about everything else that was frustrating me and enjoyed listening to his excitement. With about 20 minutes left and beginning our descent into Orlando he leaned over in the middle of a sentence a fell asleep.
Enjoy Disney Ayden!

Psalm 2:12 the Message

"...but if you run for God, you won't regret it!"
I really liked that thought this evening!

L.I.P.

I made a big decision today to really get serious about getting more healthy! I have been flirting with exercise and dieting for short periods here and there, but today I began the full-out L.I.P. program (Lee-Improvement-Plan). So what you're going to hear from me over the next several months will be bunch of L.I.P. The plan's not easy so encourage me and pray for me! The plan has three elements (physical, personal, professional) and I'll write about them each. I really dug into the physical part of L.I.P. today with an aggressive three mile walk in the heat of the day (soaking wet with sweat), began the 200 situps program with my initial test (I did 34...200 feels a long way from there), and I put my bowflex and gym plan together. I also drank a lot of water today. I feel good tonight though...I'm determined to really make some physical improvements! The personal part has to do with some personal devotion and reading stuff and the professional part has to do with some personal changes with my business/work life.
We'll I'm off and running! Pray for me!

to the woman I love...

Today is Angela's birthday! Happy Birthday to my special lady! We were talking last night and realized that we have reached the point now where we have spent more birthdays together than the ones we had before knowing each other. I am lucky, blessed, fortunate (whatever you want to call it) to have met Angela, fallen in love with her, and spent this many birthdays together! Today is her special day... looking forward to a great dinner alone tonight at Ruth Chris.

good for you...

what a challenging message yesterday at True North... really reflecting today on whether or not I really appreciate the things God has blessed me with or do I look at what others have and want it... and think it's not fair? I want to be able to see what others have and say with sincerity "good for you"...
the ice cream being served during the service was the kicker! awesome!

reflections from the weekend...

It was a busy weekend for me trying to get everything in and recover from a long trip to Calgary...
Basketball on Friday night and most of day Saturday... team played hard but results were not great although we did qualify for nationals...
Fell like I spend every spare moment at my computer attempting to catch up on missed work from last week while gone...
Sunday was another great day at True North Church... if you're in the area you should check it out one Sunday morning... 10:00 am at White Oak Cinemas...
Sunday afternoon/evening... drove with family over to Winston-Salem for mother-in-law's 65th birthday party... had a good time with the whole family... they have built an addition on to their home and it really looked great!
Sunday night...Luke and I watched the Magic and Lakers... we really don't like the Lakers... looked like goal tending to me on the last play of regulation!
then...back to the computer to get ready for another week!
Whew!

O Canada!

Just thought I write a few thoughts about my quick trip to Canada! I really like it there...it was beautiful...about 70 degrees everyday and daylight until 10:45 pm... you could actually go play golf late at night if you wanted... if we had that kind of daylight here I'd probably get a few more holes in! I one great meal at Saltlik Steakhouse in Calgary! The Alberta beef is outstanding...what a steak! The business portion of my trip was fantastic. I was there for a managers meeting with Smart Technologies. The vendor invited 16 dealers/resellers from around the county and we were fortunate enough to be one of those. Smart is a phenomenal company with innovative technology products. There are some great new ideas coming out soon... can't wait! Our future partnership with Smart looks full of potential!
Glad to be back home!

quitters never win?

I was thinking today about something I read this week... "Quitters never win and winners never quit...bad advice! Winners quit all the time... they just quit the right stuff at the right time."
I realized the depth of truth in this statement today as my basketball team played in the USSSA state championships. There were several times during the game we had to quit the right stuff at the right time to be winners. When the other team put in their two long range shooters at the same time we had to quit playing zone and go to a pressure man defense.
In sales ... in ministry ... in parenting ... on and on... we should have the courage to quit the wrong stuff early... refocus and stick with the right stuff at the right time!
My prayer for you is to have the guts to do it!

stuff Jesus made up...

I'm looking forward to the start of the new series tomorrow at True North Church...
Come check it out ... it is certain to be great! My friend Jon will help us explore the things Jesus was attempting to communicate through parables... and I will be leading worship again tomorrow...
then I quickly leave for the airport to fly out to Calgary for business for 4 days....whew!

wide awake...happiness is now!

I was challenged by some reading this evening. I'm reading Erwin McManus' book "Wide Awake". I was also reading my every Tuesday sales caffeine fix from Jeffrey Gitomer. Both reading strangely connected with each other. Gitomer suggested that "after" is a very self-defeating word. We convince ourselves that our lives will be better after something... after we get a better job, after we make more money, after we start a family, after the kids move out... or whatever. However, happiness is a choice ... the "after" mentality robs us of the present and guides us to wait without taking any action ... yet happiness is now! In McManus' book the suggestion is made that many of us have that little bit of sadness the greets us every morning when we awaken. We were certain this was the life we always wanted ... a life to kill for ... yet that life is killing you. That little bit of sadness... maybe it's there because you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing. Maybe you're not living the life you're supposed to be living. Your dreams are only real while you're sleeping... you're not dreaming wide awake.
So if you're out working today - or you're just hanging out today - or you're taking care of kids today - or you're travelling today... choose happiness... awaken the hero within... NOW... not "after" something!
My prayer this evening is that you could have a sense of awe that your life could be extraordinary... that your career could be extraordinary... that your marriage could be extraordinary... that your parenting could be extraordinary... NOW!

understanding God's will...

I heard a great message yesterday from my friend Jon at True North Church. He was talking about the desire of most of us to discover the will of God for our lives... wow, those just sound like really big words. It was challenging to consider that most of the times the Bible speaks of God's will it relates to who we are (character) and how we live vs. what we do or the decisions we make about what we're going to do.
My prayer today is that we can all grow in our understanding of who God has called and made us to be.