tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76244992011-07-28T12:47:13.506-04:00"We make a difference when our uniqueness is clothed in the grace and truth of Jesus Christ, not when we capitulate in order to become credible in a pagan society." --Joseph Stowell, Perilous PursuitsDifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.comBlogger821100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-69884063843180786752011-03-24T22:17:00.002-04:002011-03-25T00:05:00.758-04:00

As I was considering the past nine weeks since becoming a part of Rob's Big Losers, I began to get a little discouraged about the physical struggles that have prevented a consistent exercise regimen, and the slower than expected loss of weight. The longer I thought, prayed and meditated on the situation, however, I was reminded that the successes I have enjoyed far outweigh the failures.First,

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-67207039958821283962011-03-13T15:01:00.000-04:002011-03-13T15:02:22.166-04:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Setbacks are part of progress. I would be hard pressed to list a project of any magnitude or value that didn’t have circumstances that hindered progress at one time or another. My journey to better

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1646139009400508672011-02-21T21:44:00.003-05:002011-02-21T23:53:55.075-05:00

After some physical setbacks in weeks three and four, I attended the first Boot Camp for Rob's Big Losers last Saturday. Those who have been privileged to serve our country and endure a genuine military boot camp know that the process is rigorous, failure is not an option, and the rewards, while delayed, are worth the effort.Our Boot Camp was held at the Eastside Y on Saturday, February 19 at 8:

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-42106487857120203782011-02-05T20:34:00.002-05:002011-02-05T21:23:03.414-05:00

@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 10pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Wow! Maintaining a focus on a healthier lifestyle became more challenging during Week 2. Letting the pressures of work and life create excuses was a real temptation. Such decisions, however, would have

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-43423872178344574322011-01-28T00:24:00.002-05:002011-01-28T01:35:19.060-05:00

DifferenceMakers was begun as an attempt to bring positive reinforcement for following through on choices that enhance the quality of one's life, vocation or relationships. Unfortunately, life happens, and distractions can draw one away from what's important to address what is urgent. Sadly, urgency can become addictive, creating an environment filled with "emergencies." Well, it's time to

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-53988315607491176872009-01-17T21:11:00.006-05:002009-01-18T17:50:20.190-05:00

Dear President Bush:As your service to our nation comes to a close, please accept this expression of sincere appreciation. Clearly, your administration, and you particularly, exemplified a tenacious courage to follow the guiding principles of freedom. While the pollsters and pundits attempted to undermine your policies and practices, your vigilance to protect our citizenry from additional harm

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-49537521826864022932008-12-25T17:15:00.004-05:002008-12-25T18:24:45.003-05:00

Christmas, once esteemed to be a very special holiday, has become nothing less than a battlefield in the culture war. How sad that in this day of "tolerance" the enemies of the Christian faith must engage smear campaigns to achieve their goal of a Godless society. Witness the display in the Washington State Capitol.No one denies that America provides each citizen the right to have and hold

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-51768271390829494412008-12-15T22:29:00.003-05:002008-12-18T23:04:15.448-05:00

Making a difference requires one to step away from the status quo, and evaluate what is truly important. Sadly, too few ever make the needed sacrifice and, as a result, settle into an auto-pilot lifestyle that is governed by societal and/or cultural norms, rather than on verifiable truth.One young family recently experienced an "ah-hah" moment that provided them a reality check on their

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-63508337319621881302008-08-30T18:27:00.003-04:002008-09-01T22:33:20.191-04:00

Before you ignore this post, read on.I believe in being pro-choice.  I like having a choice in cars.  I enjoy the choice of neighborhoods from which I may pick a home.I love the choice that supermarkets offer in food and other household items.Having a choice of restaurants, clothing stores, building supply outlets, etc. makes a community more appealing and diverse.Choices are, in fact, as

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-43960811707896643422008-05-09T21:22:00.004-04:002008-05-19T22:03:24.332-04:00

A sign at a church reads, "The church is Spirit guided, not market driven." How profound ! In our culture, the "market" seems to drive everything, including the church.To be clear, this author believes that ALL of life is to be Spirit guided. The Apostle Paul instructed the Ephesian church (meaning the people who comprised the community of believers in Ephesus) to be continuously controlled by

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-52308546030325298472008-01-01T10:21:00.000-05:002008-01-29T11:17:42.656-05:00

As we began a new year, the penchant for setting "New Year's Resolutions" grew exponentially. One cannot watch television, listen to radio, or read editorials without some reference to what will be done differently in the coming year. Sadly most resolutions lack firmness of purpose, and merely speak to one's superficial desires based on societal or cultural influences.Most so called resolutions

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-73034452062661005072007-09-26T22:12:00.000-04:002007-09-26T22:51:16.634-04:00

As I read a devotional piece this afternoon, I was introduced to a quote by the theologian Augustine. The quote jumped off the page and pierced my stubborn will. Augustine wrote, "I was bound by the iron chain of my own will. I was rather an unwilling sufferer than a willing actor. And yet it was through me that habit had become an armed enemy against me, because I had willingly come to be

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-90338069871688634162007-07-04T08:10:00.000-04:002007-07-04T09:04:03.003-04:00

I awoke early this morning and decided to get on the computer to review bank accounts and peruse the web (that's the same as "surfing the web" for you byte heads), and visit some websites from some memorable experiences and relationships. In the process, I visited the website of friends who recently went through a very harrowing experience and rediscovered the importance of family and friends.To

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-44461849343833840952007-05-29T22:17:00.000-04:002007-05-29T23:08:44.337-04:00

Today was a very busy day! Three day weekends are always great . . . until Tuesday! This past weekend was no exception. A Difference Maker, however, always looks for the lesson or lessons in the hardships. Two such lessons were found in today's turmoil.First, leaders always emerge when the pressure is on.For any manager, scheduling is an issue. No matter how you plan, it seems that the exception

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-10245228643166360202007-05-27T21:18:00.001-04:002007-05-27T22:09:43.082-04:00

My wife and I just returned from a trip to the Christiansburg, VA area. Since Blacksburg, VA is just a few miles from Christiansburg, we decided to visit Virginia Tech and pay our respects to the 32 innocents that lost their lives at the hands of a deranged young man.Our visit to the temporary memorial, set up to honor the victims in front of Burrus Hall, was very moving. In spite of the number

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-14020945564250103872007-04-25T20:55:00.000-04:002007-04-25T21:24:21.620-04:00

How one can be excused for using public profanity, in a speech nonetheless, and escape being vilified is beyond this author's comprehension. There was a time when one's speech was guarded by decency in consideration of others. Even those who weren't raised in an upscale, "proper" household knew the boundaries of decency. It seems those boundaries are now as porous as our border with

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-23553961333528897522007-04-19T22:23:00.000-04:002007-04-25T20:54:25.481-04:00

How can one make a difference in this world?What are the core truths around which a culture can huddle in times of chaos?Where can one go when they are disillusioned at best, and despondent at worst, with the seeming inconsistencies in a "politically correct" world?These are only a couple of questions that come to this authors mind when I review the events of the past few days. No matter how you

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-19684576805858173652007-02-14T20:40:00.000-05:002007-02-14T20:52:15.608-05:00

Here's a story that I "borrowed" from Jim Gentil and his Positive People Power Newsletter. For more information check out his website by clicking on his name above. Enjoy the story . . .The Box Full of Love An 11-year-old boy named Todd was struggling to adjust to the death of his mother. His father had abandoned the family long ago, and Todd was living with an aunt who made it known she resented

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-9698292221506236662007-02-08T22:41:00.000-05:002007-02-08T23:05:58.884-05:00

How many struggling individuals have surrendered their dreams to the Prophets of Can't. Sad is the state of the person who allows their hopes, dreams or aspirations to fall prey to the "poor spirits" spoken of by Teddy Roosevelt, "Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorius triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits (emphasis mine) who neither

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1146190310017734622006-04-27T21:20:00.000-04:002006-04-27T22:11:50.063-04:00

It is this writer's belief that the whole immigration issue has long gone off track. Perhaps it's political naivete or simplemindedness, but suffering illegal activity seems dissonant with our constitutional republic. Yet, massive protests have erupted in the name of illegal immigrants, and now a national boycott by these immigrants is being planned for May 1st.Many activists are promoting this

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1144201530522328302006-04-04T21:44:00.000-04:002006-04-04T21:45:30.536-04:00

"I have lived for a long time 81 years; and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings, that "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it." I

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1141567676447802342006-03-05T09:04:00.000-05:002006-03-05T09:07:56.456-05:00

I found this blog post while checking through a recently found website. I urge anyone who needs to persuade others to read and re-read Selling Chocolates. I speaks to a defining principle of persuasion. Think of the difference we could make by using similar practices. Happy reading!Always make a difference!!!

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1140276239915954612006-02-18T09:48:00.000-05:002006-02-18T10:23:59.980-05:00

Have we lost the concept of the Golden Rule in our culture? At every turn one can read, see or hear sorry examples of self-centered finger pointing and outright lies. The political climate, in this authors estimation, is the sorriest. Is it time to clean house in Washington, D.C.? What would it be like to have 535 genuine statesman who thought first of others? Merriam Webster's dictionary

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1137431970245457472006-01-16T11:28:00.000-05:002006-01-16T12:19:30.320-05:00

Edgar H. Schein, Professor of Management at MIT has identified eight themes/values in which every person will prioritize their professional preferences. These themes, called Career Anchors by Professor Schein, are as follows:Technical/Functional competenceThis kind of person likes being good at something and will work to become an expert. They like to be challenged and then use their skill to

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1137365056523636952006-01-15T17:14:00.000-05:002006-01-15T17:46:51.053-05:00

Has "Making a Difference" become a cliche? More and more I've seen and heard the phrase used and, yes, abused.What does it mean to make a difference? Can one quantitatively or qualitatively assess the difference they are making? Is it possible that "making a difference" is merely a marketing catch-phrase intended to make a consumer feel good about a product or service? Could it be that "making a

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1135433363662401122005-12-24T08:40:00.000-05:002005-12-24T09:09:24.560-05:00

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Festive Kwanza! I would continue, but I'm not sure I know all the holidays being celebrated around what is traditionally Christmas Day. There has been a lot of controversy about the use of "Merry Christmas." While I am clearly a Christian that celebrates the birth of Jesus our Savior, I'm not sure I buy-in to either extreme in this controversy. I do, however,

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1134966487998142162005-12-18T23:20:00.000-05:002005-12-18T23:28:08.006-05:00

Just came out from three dark and chilly days of no electric power. We "weathered," please pardon the pun, the days with our gas logs and gas water heater. Our ice storm hit Thurday, December 15th in the early morning hours. By 6:30 a.m. on Thurday, our power, along with thousands of others, was out. By the time it was all over, more than 600,000 people . . . that's right, 600,000 . . ., were

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1134618371069239542005-12-14T21:43:00.000-05:002005-12-14T22:55:47.446-05:00

The Bible is replete with references to money. In particular I think of Paul's letter to young Timothy where he wrote, "Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1134343036893427872005-12-11T17:50:00.000-05:002005-12-11T18:17:16.956-05:00

As a "Thank You" I was given a copy of a book published by the American Heart Association entitled No-Fad Diet. As with all books, I took the time to preview the pages and get a feel for the outline and objective. Without reading the book, I can tell you that the basic outline is so common sense that it, the outline, provides a good basis for motivation. Here are the three primary objectives:

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1134012790195767852005-12-07T22:23:00.000-05:002005-12-07T22:33:52.676-05:00

Thanks for the help with the sidebar. It's amazing what a difference six little characters can make. A misplaced HTML character can create a whole lot of havoc. Guess that's what happens when a novice attempts to play in the big leagues.Lesson learned: Pay attention to details! While some may say "Don't sweat the little stuff," it is the "little stuff" that makes the difference between mediocre

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1133843198326412582005-12-05T23:25:00.000-05:002005-12-05T23:26:38.326-05:00

My sidebar's fallen and won't move up!Any suggestions? I guess it's not nice to fool with blogger nature.

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1133496696103571892005-12-01T23:10:00.000-05:002005-12-01T23:11:36.116-05:00

"All that you now have is the sum of choices you have made in the past. All that you will create in the future is the sum of choices you make from this moment on." --Skip Downing

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1133232116716808872005-11-28T21:08:00.000-05:002005-11-28T21:41:56.760-05:00

The late Larry Burkett outlined six "Basic Biblical Minimums" for any business or business leader in his book Business by the Book. The six minimums are very common sense, but often disregarded. These six standards provide a measuring stick against which any business should be assessed:Total honestyBe accountableProvide a quality product at a fair priceHonor your creditorsTreat your employees (

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1133108696805740072005-11-27T11:17:00.000-05:002005-11-27T22:39:01.713-05:00

I am currently reviewing the move by Passport LLC and its move to merge into Oasis Lifesciences. Passport has established a solid reputation, in this blogger's opinion, for integrity and quality. Its leadership has been focused and demostrated a sincere interest in the distributor network.Most impressive is their willingness to lay aside personal ego and benefit for the greater good. This speaks

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1132977833820978602005-11-25T22:26:00.000-05:002005-11-25T23:58:53.673-05:00

I'm learning, after 52 years, that verbal commitment doesn't guarantee productive action. I can say it, write it or memorize it, but until I DO IT, all the verbiage is worthless.The Nutrition Action Health Letter December 2005 edition has an interesting article entitled "While You Wait:The Cost of Inactivity." An interesting quote by Miriam Nelson of Tufts University in Boston says, "If muscle

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1132849866793927352005-11-24T11:27:00.000-05:002005-11-24T19:38:44.663-05:00

By the President of the United States of America.A Proclamation.The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1132628271051023672005-11-21T21:35:00.000-05:002005-11-21T21:57:51.106-05:00

At dinner tonight, my family and I enjoyed some homemade potato soup. This soup is very popular in our house and has become a "tradition" of sorts. For years our Christmas Eve meal would include beef stick and cheese balls from Hickory Farms and a big pot of mom's delicious homemade potato soup.In addition to the soup, I enjoyed an egg bagel and two taquitos. As we were finishing, I saw that an

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1132108924902159832005-11-15T21:16:00.000-05:002005-11-15T21:42:04.953-05:00

Last week was a bust as far as my exercise plan. Exercise - 0; Laziness - 7. I guess the road to hell is indeed paved with good intentions.What now? Should I reconsider? Should I just quit and admit that I'm too old to change my lifestyle? Am I trying to do something that is impractical or unrealistic?The answer to all of the above is . . . Stay the Course!Writing a schedule is the first step. I

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1132022326268260672005-11-14T21:36:00.000-05:002005-11-14T21:38:46.266-05:00

Just changed the template for my blog . . . and lost everything that I had done previously. Hard lesson! I spent about two hours rebuilding, and I'm still not convinced that I included everything.Sorry for the confusion. I'll try to do better in the future when I make any changes.Just a little note . . . Change isn't bad, but be prepared for the consequences!Always make a difference!

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1131829014428137662005-11-12T15:35:00.000-05:002005-11-12T16:01:41.916-05:00

Phew!! This action stuff is hard work. But . . . I refuse to give up!Too often difficulty has caused me to give in to my inherent weaknesses. Rather than confront my faint spirit, I rationalize and make excuses. Our pastor defines an excuse as "the skin of a reason, stuffed with a lie." How accurate!Perseverance is a central quality in all who excel. Consider Thomas Edison, George Washington

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1131592640963848592005-11-09T21:16:00.000-05:002005-11-09T22:20:08.280-05:00

May I digress? Of course I can! This is my blog!Am I the only one put off by the continued partisan sniping among politicians? While I personally hold to conservative political positions, by and large, I retain the right to listen and be objective when someone of a differing opinion speaks. Further, I refuse to whine, stomp my feet, hold my breath or perform any other sophomoric antic to try to

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1131498661305483942005-11-08T20:01:00.000-05:002005-11-08T20:12:12.986-05:00

Winston Churchill said, “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” On day three of my journey I appear to be very successful by Churchill's definition.While my intentions were good, my expectations were less than fulfilled. However, my enthusiasm hasn't waned, and I'm pluggin' on.I have yet to meet my activity goals, but am staying on course and shooting for

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1131326904636567082005-11-06T19:52:00.000-05:002005-11-06T21:01:26.476-05:00

The time has come! Let the action begin!!Let's establish some baselines from which I can assess progress. First the physical characteristics:Height: 5' 11"Weight: 230 lbs.Waistline: 41"Bicep: 15"Thigh: 25 1/2"Chest: 44"Hips: 47 1/2"Next, what is my desired outcome:Weight: 185 lbs.Waistline: 34"Bicep: 18"Thigh: 20"Chest: 42" Hips: 38"Now, what activities will I undertake to obtain my desired

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1130898465227240462005-11-01T20:47:00.000-05:002005-11-01T21:31:11.796-05:00

The first challenge for me is to take my planted posterior out of my favorite recliner. Physical activity, even of moderate-intensity, has been shown to result in health benefits. Research has shown that a cumulative 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week provides such benefits as improved energy, reduced stress and help in managing chronic health conditions such as

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1130815179951017692005-10-31T21:18:00.000-05:002005-11-01T20:47:39.273-05:00

Writing has become a sort of hobby for me. Unfortunately, like most fledgling "authors", the time to write is a perpetual challenge. Life's demands seem to increase while the hours appear to grow shorter. Well, I shall once again attempt to "learn forward" and find ways to fulfill my dream of making a difference through the written word.Since undergoing heart bypass surgery in January, 2004, I

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1094345292594435562005-06-02T21:25:00.000-04:002005-10-31T22:21:36.876-05:00

The difference between those who manage to move forward and those who keep getting the same results is the amount of effort they put into preparation and learning from their experiences. -- Michael OliverMichael Oliver's quote is functionally related to Network Marketing. It, however, spurs a thought, in my mind, that all of life is about "learning forward." An experience in my workplace today

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1095508733307055872005-05-28T10:49:00.000-04:002005-05-28T10:50:39.923-04:00

"Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts." – Lao-tzuWhen I first graduated from college, I entered the teaching profession. As a young, energetic, first year teacher, I learned early to, in the words of the great American philosopher Barney Fife, "Nip it in the bud." While reading MLM Today I was reminded of a sign I put up in my

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1115951222832701712005-05-12T22:23:00.000-04:002005-05-12T22:44:44.190-04:00

General Douglas MacArthur penned the following prayer in the early days of World War II as a spiritual legacy to his son Arthur. It was made public after the general died in 1964. Read the thoughts and consider how different our world would be if every father lived and prayed this way.Build me a son, O Lord,who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, brave enough to face himself when he

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1111771841037015762005-03-26T23:49:00.000-05:002005-03-26T11:53:32.146-05:00

"I know that the seeds I sow I will harvest, because every action, good or bad, is always followed by an equal reaction. I will plant only good seeds this day." - Og MandinoReaders of Difference Makers have probably noticed that I am a collector of quotations that can make a difference. One of the benefits of reading a lot, is the potential to pick the brain of one wiser than I, and utilize the "

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1111684321986703602005-03-24T12:00:00.000-05:002005-03-24T12:12:01.986-05:00

Could it be that someone is really interested in changing the perception of the masses regarding network marketing? Is it possible that a company has come along that has the interests of the industry at large at heart? MLM Blog has offered some very practical tips on how to evaluate both network marketing and professed MLM/Network Marketing companies. How refreshing to see a company that isn't

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1111514502647649792005-03-22T12:48:00.000-05:002005-03-22T13:01:42.646-05:00

Can one really know "the truth?" Are there absolutes that govern the affairs of this world? How can you claim to know "the truth" and yet remain tolerant of those with whom you disagree? At the risk of brazen self promotion, I have begun another blog entitled Truth in the Marketplace. This blog has been in my mind and heart for some time. It will differ from Difference Makers in that the

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1110764454374948512005-03-13T19:59:00.000-05:002005-03-13T20:53:56.476-05:00

Perseverance in the face of difficulty is a trait to be desired. Our age seems to promote a "throw away" mentality. If the trials are too difficult, simply get rid of the problem.It was once said, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." That statement might now be rendered, "When the going gets tough, the tough are already gone."While reading a daily devotion from the book Streams in

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1110511651120497582005-03-10T21:54:00.000-05:002005-03-10T22:27:31.123-05:00

The quality of initiative has served our nation well. How grateful I am that Thomas Edison took the initiative to invent the light bulb, Alexander Graham Bell, the telephone, and, more importantly, George Washington Carver, peanut butter. Men like Franklin, Jefferson, Hancock, and others, initiated this grand experiment we call America. Women like Florence Nightengale, Susan B. Anthony and

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1109694162835563592005-03-01T10:29:00.000-05:002005-03-01T11:30:31.943-05:00

While I have chosen to limit my involvement in any homebased business for the time, I am a firm believer that the concept, whether a cottage industry or some form of direct sales, is rooted in the moral fabric of our nation. The proverbial butcher, baker and candlestick maker all supported their homes with the spirit of industry and fair trade. What's more, they passed their industrious spirit on

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1095901212257382932005-02-19T13:26:00.000-05:002005-02-19T13:26:33.263-05:00

I'm not sure where I found this story, but it has had a profound impact on my life. Perhaps there is someone in your world that needs some encouragement and affirmation. "As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and said that she loved them all the same. However, that was

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1100053185186275392005-02-17T19:30:00.000-05:002005-02-19T13:29:50.150-05:00

Sorry for the delay! As previously promised, here are my thoughts regarding my core values.Integrity speaks of uncorrupted virtue. The word comes from integer which means "wholeness." Remember those "whole numbers" in math class?Integrity was once a hallowed value. It supplied an anchor in the stormy trials of life. John F. Kennedy once said, "we must never forget that the highest appreciation is

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1099020923022022192004-10-28T23:10:00.000-04:002004-10-28T23:35:23.023-04:00

Values speak of worth. We often hear of "family values" or "traditional values." These speak of positions or beliefs that are of sufficient worth to warrant a strong defense. Core values are essential principles that represent the very heart of our beliefs or standards. These are positions or practices of great worth. They keep the "blood" flowing in every pursuit. Without a set of core

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1098928653157823682004-10-27T21:45:00.000-04:002004-10-27T21:57:33.156-04:00

After a rather lengthy hiatus, I've decided to return to the blogging world. During the past month, I have spent a great deal of time considering what I really wanted to accomplish both in blogging and in business. What I have determined is that the key to both is found in the title of this blog. No matter how you cut it, the key to success is truly making a difference. The problem, I found,

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1095301557733219152004-09-15T22:17:00.000-04:002004-09-15T22:59:53.546-04:00

The following story challenged me to live as an example before others. While it speaks of the perception of little children, we are wise to observe that our every action, attitude and activity is lived on a stage. Everything we do sets a pattern that others will follow. Character and ethics are far more caught than taught. When words conflict with actions, the actions will be mimicked, and the

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1094462015475535482004-09-06T05:10:00.000-04:002004-09-06T05:13:35.476-04:00

Heading to Jacksonville, FL to assist with hurricane relief. Hope you have a difference making week. Will probably not have the opportunity to blog while gone. "Live and work to make a difference, to make things better." Make today a special day in someone's life. Remember, Always make a difference!

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1094419616379704422004-09-05T17:16:00.000-04:002004-09-06T02:03:29.913-04:00

I'm not sure where I found this article, but it struck a chord with me as I re-read it today. My daughter has a cassette tape of character building songs. One of the songs is "Nobody Likes a Grumbler." How easy it is to fall prey to a pessimistic outlook. It's easy to grumble about why things are the way they are. But, my friend, while the outlook may be bleak, YOU choose what kind of day you

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1094331917669267282004-09-04T17:04:00.000-04:002004-09-05T17:31:47.930-04:00

It would be my belief that every human above the age of zero has heard the story of the tortoise and the hare. Realizing that I don't have the benefit of being omniscient, I have included a version of the fable for those who have not. The Tortoise and the Hare There once was a speedy hare who bragged about how fast he could run. Tired of hearing him boast, "Slow and Steady", the tortoise,

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1094082953174360682004-09-01T19:32:00.000-04:002004-09-01T19:56:33.196-04:00

I just finished reading a post on MLM Today entitled Make The Most Of The Moments. I was not only touched by the personal incident cited, but moved to make some changes personally that will positively impact the relationships in my life. My wife and I were privileged to raise three sons, and then, seven years ago, we were graced by the birth of a little girl. Our boys' youth blazed past me as I

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1093116739161827672004-08-21T15:21:00.000-04:002004-08-21T15:32:19.160-04:00

A new blog, Confessions of a Network Marketing Junkie, deserves your visit. This well thought out and well presented information is absolutely worth reading. Not only is it written well, it is relevant and informative. Particularly interesting is the posting Leads...I need to buy leads...NOT! Here is a treasure trove of options that will help you get the word out about your business.

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This will probably not be a popular post. But, popularity is seldom a proper motive for taking action. It seems the politics of destruction has come to the weblog world. It's not enough that the professional politicians have been slinging the mud, now intelligent (?) adults reduce themselves to the tactics of children, all for the sake of proving they're right. My hope is that this post will

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1092707797622293102004-08-16T21:52:00.000-04:002004-08-17T07:00:01.080-04:00

MLM Today presented an article from one of my favorite magazines of the past, Upline. The magazine presented practical articles that related to many facets of the network marketing industry. Sadly, this magazine is no longer published, but I'm glad to see someone resurrecting articles like "End of the Day Questions for Professional Networkers", written by Karl Jacobsen. Mr. Jacobsen sees the big

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090877239534942312004-08-14T22:25:00.000-04:002004-08-15T16:52:59.050-04:00

Once again my wife sent me material that will make a difference. Hope it makes a difference in your life. Thanks, Sweetheart! Keep 'em comin'! "If you focus on results, you will never change. If you focus on change, you will get results." --Jack Dixon Change is one of the constants of life. For most people, change presents life's greatest struggle. "We ain't never done it thataway before," is

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1091988791955944212004-08-08T13:51:00.000-04:002004-08-08T16:50:26.363-04:00

One of the foundational principles of Hefty Health & Wellness is integrity. Our mission statement says, "Integrity means we will never purposefully misrepresent our motives and/or products. Our customers and team members can expect us to be above reproach and honest in every detail." Our search for a business model that embodies this value, ended when we found PASSPORT, LLC. The Founder and CEO

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1091884168325365202004-08-07T08:51:00.000-04:002004-08-07T09:09:28.326-04:00

Forgive me for using an article that isn't original with me, but as King Solomon once said, "There's nothing new under the sun." This article contains a principle that has been an incredible help to me. I hope it helps you as well. Most people who attempt new things are reluctant to strike out on their own. They seek for someone to guide them and provide safe passage through the early days of

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1091327920162294172004-07-31T22:10:00.000-04:002004-07-31T22:38:40.163-04:00

We're taking an emergency trip to visit with one of the most influential Difference Makers that has ever impacted my life. He is a man of modest means with a generous spirit. He is man of unyielding principle, but gentle in every respect. His life is a classic American story. His mother was an immigrant from Czechoslovakia at age 17. She raised eight children on a very meger income. Some

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1091241892562240322004-07-30T22:42:00.000-04:002004-07-30T22:44:52.563-04:00

"Your character is the anchor that grounds you, the compass that guides you, and the magnet that draws others to you. Being aware of your character gives you confidence and increases the probability of achieving your desired results." -- Sara Jane Radin, Peformance Advantage Systems

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1091067907722213892004-07-28T22:25:00.000-04:002004-07-28T22:25:07.723-04:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090974184818016682004-07-28T21:51:00.000-04:002004-07-28T21:52:15.650-04:00

Let's review Aristotle's quote: "The only way to achieve success is to have a definte, clear, practical ideal--an objective.  Second, have the necessary means to achieve your end--wisdom, money, materials and methods.  Third, adjust all your means to that end." As I reflected on this quote, step number three seems to be the hinge upon which the door of success swings.  We can dream about

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090701515635307182004-07-25T21:56:00.000-04:002004-07-25T21:58:12.240-04:00

Aristotle said that our ideal, or objective, must be definite, clear and practical.  He then said one must "have the necessary means to achieve your end -- wisdom, money, materials and methods." The Means  Some would say that the ends of success justify the means.  One of my experiences in a "home-based" business used many questionable tactics to permit participants to attend meetings that

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090799216289834002004-07-25T19:37:00.000-04:002004-07-25T21:59:36.613-04:00

This "quiz" was sent to me via email by my wife.  Thought it was good enough to deserve a new post on our blog.  See how you do.    You don't need a pen, pencil, or paper. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prizeName the last half dozen

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090628421997327992004-07-23T20:17:00.000-04:002004-07-23T21:10:52.043-04:00

Much has been written about success.  Many programs promote themselves as the means to achieve success.  Isn't it interesting that success continues to evade the masses?  Is there a secret to this elusive dream?  Can success really be achieved apart from pure luck or "political" connections? Aristotle presented a simple formula: "The way to achieve success is to have a definite, clear,

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090293015725664962004-07-19T22:58:00.000-04:002004-07-22T20:18:36.116-04:00

"When you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, the time will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them."                                                                                                        --Zig Ziglar A number of years ago a prominent investment firm asserted, "We make money the old fashioned way.  We earn it!"  Sadly, we have

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090122908136052192004-07-17T23:27:00.000-04:002004-07-17T23:55:08.136-04:00

E. Stanely Jones once said, "Most people plot and plan themselves into mediocrity, while now and again somebody forgets himself into greatness."  Dr. Jones understood that the blessing of life is not to promote ourselves or our agenda, but to live to make a difference in the lives of others.   As I read through various forums, blogs and websites, I'm struck by the number of people and

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1090035687867112412004-07-16T23:08:00.000-04:002004-07-17T15:00:45.693-04:00

Dr. John Maxwell wrote an article in his free monthly e-newsletter Leadership Wired entitled "Playing Over Their Heads."  He says, "Your job as a leader isn't to bring out the best in your people.  Through words and example, your goal is to get them to play over their heads--to do things they normally couldn't do and achieve beyond their gifts and abilities."  He adds, "Passion is an essential

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1089933347937349992004-07-15T18:55:00.000-04:002004-07-15T19:28:48.360-04:00

At a fundraising dinner for a school that serves learning-disabled children, the father of one of the school's students delivered a speech that would never be forgotten by all that attended.  After extolling the school and its dedicated staff, he offered a question.  "Everything God does is done with perfection.  Yet, my son Shay cannot learn things as other children do.  He cannot understand

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1089851129297017182004-07-14T20:12:00.000-04:002004-07-14T20:29:11.603-04:00

Reading Maria Shriver's book Ten Things I Wish I'd Known--Before I Went Out into the Real World. She reminds us that we need to identify what stirs the creative juices and persistently pursue what we love to do. Maybe that goes against the grain. Maybe your closest and dearest friends will mock you or question the wisdom of your choice. As long as your passion is legal, moral and ethical, as

DifferenceMakershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12200125951509070105noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7624499.post-1089759801624057462004-07-13T18:58:00.000-04:002004-07-13T19:03:21.623-04:00

Life was never intended to be a self-absorbed experience. Created as social beings, we are intended to live and work to make a difference. Join me daily for ways to make a difference in your life, your family, your income and your influence. Contribute positive ways you, too, are making a difference in your community.

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