'Tis the Season

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, have some strong convictions about the use of Christmas expressions and terminiology.

Can I be a devotee to my Christian faith and still express sincere best wishes to someone who celebrates a different religious or secular holiday? I believe so. However, the issue goes much deeper than that.

Our culture has grown increasingly secular since the late 1950's and early 1960's. I know, because I was raised at the cusp of the transition and have observed the changes first hand. Our culture, in the interest of what is termed tolerance, has grown increasingly permissive of what was once deemed wrong, anti-social, and, yes, even evil. The result is a culture that has had a "brain switch" and is now intolerant of anything deemed Christian or absolute. Your right to disagree is respected. The truth, however, is apparent in every segment of our culture.

With this being stated, I continue to assert that expressing a sincere best wish to someone celebrating a holiday in which I don't participate is hardly wrong. On the other hand, it is also socially acceptable and proper to wish a follower of Christ a sincere "Merry Christmas."

It is also right for commercial establishments to acknowledge the Christmas holiday and permit their employees to express their Christmas best wishes. Preventing such, embraces a secularism that doesn't conform with the foundational principles of our nation.

Difference Makers wishes each and everyone a joyous holiday. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Festive Kwanza!

Let's celebrate the melting pot called America that permits the practice of our faith without oppression or fear of retribution. Let's make a genuine difference this holiday season.

The Ice Cometh . . .Man!

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 without electric power. Over the next three days we continued on with our daily activities hoping that the power would be on when we got home. After three days and about 12 hours, our lights gloriously began to shine. More importantly, the computer once again became available.

So . . . here we are . . . making a difference!

Speaking of making a difference, kudos to the men and women that came to South Carolina to help restore power to our homes. You're the greatest, and we sincerely appreciate your sacrifice on our behalf!!!

Always make a difference!

"Grandmother, what big eyes you have!"

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 into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, Timothy, belong to God; so run from all these evil things, and follow what is right and good. Pursue a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for what we believe. Hold tightly to the eternal life that God has given you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses" (I Timothy 6:6-12 NLT).

Reading the emboldened statements in context helps me to see that pursuing money for the sake of getting rich opens one up to "foolish and harmful desires" and that some people will wander "from the faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows." Such pursuits don't compare to pursuing godliness, faithfulness, endurance and gentleness.

MLM Blog references an advertisement by a Christian millionaire. The ad represents a get-rich-quick opportunity ($100,000 in the first year). Solomon plainly said, "A greedy person tries to get rich quick, but it only leads to poverty" (Proverbs 28:22 NLT). Over and over Scripture speaks of the error of trying to get rich for the sake of richness. Conversely, Solomon writes, "The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it" (Proverbs 10:22 NLT).

So what is the point? I believe that any effort to pursue riches without God's blessing is futile. As such, one who aspires to build wealth is wise to do so within a life of godliness, faithfulness, perseverance and other Biblical virtues. Such riches bring no sorrow. And, should God not permit the accumulation of riches, learning to live contented with His present blessings would not result in regret.

How sad to see wealthy individuals who lament the emptiness of their life. No amount of money can purchase happiness and inner peace. Only the joy of the Lord can provide a fullness that cannot be taken away.

Am I advocating that no one should work to attain wealth. Absolutely not!! I am simply issuing a warning about get-rich-quick schemes that wrap themselves in Christianity.

The Savior who had "no where to lay His head" offers life in superabundance (John 10:10). This life, however, is not based on monetary wealth or physical profusion. Nor is there any guarantee that wealth would ever result from a commitment to Christ's princples. I assert that using Christianity as a tool for building wealth is wrong, and demands a full-disclosure of the methods for comparison to Biblical standards.

I am increasingly becoming committed to the truth that God blesses those who are faithful to the proper use of wealth. It is interesting to me that there are some who are not Christians who are more committed to "Christian" principles of wealth than many who profess to be followers of Christ. Could it be that their wealth is the result of God's blessing? That's another blog.

Hope these thoughts are provocative, and give place to not allowing the word "Christian" to blind you to the Truth. Let me hear from you!

Always make a difference!!

No-Fad Living

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:

1. Think smart!
2. Eat well!
3. Move more!

Think about these as they relate to any area of your life.

Think Smart

Solomon brilliantly stated, in reference to an insincere host, "As a man thinks, so he is." Our thoughts drive our actions. In order to achieve excellence in any pursuit we must first learn to think smart.

Eat Well

As a heart bypass survivor, I am learning how to make good choices in my eating. Note, I said I am learning. You'd think someone with a foot long incision in his chest and wires holding his chest bone together wouldn't need a lot more teaching. Unfortunately, the further one gets from the operation, the less "the pain" impacts choices.

Eating well also has implications as it relates to what one feeds his mind. In order to think smart, one must feed his mind well.

Move More

Ah, the ever-present activity piece. You know well that this is my nemesis. In this area, failure is not an option. I have begun wearing a pedometer to measure the number of steps I take each day. My goal is to walk at least 10,000 steps daily. To date, my highest number of steps is just over 7,000.

In order to arrive at your expectation you will need to move more. Planning and analysis are essential to any project, but alone they do not produce results. To make more, move more.

Well, there's the start of a series of pregnant thoughts. Thanks for reading and . . .

Always make a difference!

The Little Things

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 and excellent.

All big problems began as little problems. Every addiction began with "Just give it a try." Always attend to the details and pursue what is excellent.

Thanks again for your help and . . .

Always make a difference.

HELP!!

My sidebar's fallen and won't move up!

Any suggestions? I guess it's not nice to fool with blogger nature.

Ponder this . . .

"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

Keeping It Simple

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 honesty
• Be accountable
• Provide a quality product at a fair price
• Honor your creditors
• Treat your employees (associates) fairly
• Treat your customers fairly

One doesn't have to be a professed Biblicist to acknowledge that the listed "minimums" are, in fact, essential to legitimate success.

As I contemplate actively re-entering the network marketing industry, these will be my benchmarks. There is obviously room for expansion, but my goal is to keep it simple.

While I work to increase my physical activity, I plan to use the same resolve in working toward a successful business. In each case my focus remains the same . . . always make a difference!!

Passport LLC & Oasis Lifesciences

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 volumes about their true intent . . . making a difference in a very convoluted industry.

Thanks, guys, for always making a difference!

The "Body" of Evidence

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 isn't stimulated, your body senses that you don't need it. Metabolically, it's expensive to keep up so you start to lose it." Wow! That kinda puts a new spin on the need to get active.

Have you ever heard the argument, "It doesn't hurt anyone but me"? Well, that same mental game is often used to justify inactivity. Until I pledged to make physical activity a priority in my life, I rationalized that my couchitis was only hurting my muscle development. Now, however, I realize that inactivity affects every organ in my body in some way. Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis can be hastened by inactivity. In addition, researcher Steven Blair says, "People who are active are less likely to develop depression."

The research is voluminous. Physical activity is vital part of maintaining ones total health.

The Nutrition Action Health Letter provided the following as The Bottom Line

• To lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer, shoot for at least 30 minutes a day of moderate intensity aerobic exercise like brisk walking, cycling, jogging or swimming.
• To keep off sustantial amounts of lost weight, shoot for 60 to 90 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise.
• To build muscle and prevent bone loss, do strength training exercises at least twice a week using weights you can lift no less than 8--but no more than 15--times.

So much for the words. Now is the time to move forward.

Always make a difference!

A Genuine Thanksgiving

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 soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Accountability & the English Muffin

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 English muffin remained on the table. It didn't take me long to assess that the English muffin, adorned with some natural peanut butter and honey, would be the perfect finish to an already delightful meal. As I reached for the muffin, I was reminded by my newfound accountability partner that I'd never achieve the goals I'd been writing about in my blog if I didn't act upon my professed desires. OOOOUUUUUCCCCCHHHHH!!!!! Needless to say, I didn't eat the muffin, and I'd enlisted my first accountability partner.

My blog was discovered by my wife as a result of my placing the URL in her favorites listing. No doubt, I subconsciously did so with the hope that she would "stand in the gap" and protect me from myself. Subconscious or not, my plan worked! She's on my team and stepped up to remind me of my goals.

If you're having trouble sticking with your goals, just remember the English muffin! Tell someone what you intend to achieve and be ready when they hold you to your word.

Thanks, baby! Gonna make you proud!!

Always make a difference!

Stay the Course!

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 now need to enlist someone who will hold me accountable for my goals. Someone who will, without mercy, hold my feet to the fire.

In a recent interview I was asked, "What are the consequences if one of your employees doesn't meet their daily expectation?" In retrospect, my response should have included:

• continued accountability (reports, checklists, etc.)
• enhanced coaching (observations, feedback, etc.)
• correcting errant performance (verbal disapproval/correction, retraining, etc.)
• rewarding progress (verbal approval, public recognition, etc.)

Such will be the next step. I will document my schedule on a weekly calendar. Each day I will enlist my accountability partner to check with me to confirm adherence to the schedule. My initial goal is to exercise 30 minutes at least three of the seven days. The ultimate goal is to exercise six out of seven days for at least 30 minutes each day.

I have enrolled in a program through my workplace that includes a health coach. This coach will provide guidance as I progress. His/her feedback will help me stop the self deception and excusitis.

The last thing I will do is to establish and document reward checkpoints.

Stay with me as I'll post these "adjustments" tomorrow. Once again, I invite your participation. One purpose of this series of posts it to create a broad accountability. Thanks in advance for your help!

Always make a difference!

Whew!!!

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!

Determination . . .

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 Carver, Abraham Lincoln, and more recently, Rosa Parks. All could have easily yielded to their limitations. Not one of them, however, was willing to cede his or her will to the apparent realities. Winston Churchill, though a poor student and lacking in athletic ability, became a master horseman and cavalry officer, and won the Nobel Prize for Literature. Go figure!

Determined to succeed in developing the habit of daily physical activity, I press on! My failure to follow the established schedule will not control my will. I will persevere and rein in this physical body.

Perhaps you face some habits that seem to have control of your life. Stand up and face them! Admit the REAL problem, confirm a genuine solution and press on!

Let's work together to always make a difference!

Stop the Madness!!

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 get my way.

Politics, by nature, is partisan. I understand that. But being partisan doesn't require the destruction of those with whom I differ or oppose. That, however, is the current climate in American politics.

It has been said that the government is a mirror of the electorate. Arrgghhhh! That is one scary thought. Are we the people that hateful, condemning, and pessimistic? Do we seek ways to tear down the neighbors or associates with whom we have a disagreement? Have we become so prejudiced that we seek ways to personally discredit those whose positions differ from our own?

For the record, I do believe in absolutes. I live according to a Christian worldview. My worldview, without doubt, causes me to take a stand on issues involving morality, ethics and biblical values. That same worldview, however, also causes me to look at each issue through the eyes and the mind of Christ. Jesus urged his disciples to prove their Christianity to the world by their love for one another. What a striking contrast to our current state of affairs!

May I beg our elected officials to tone down the rhetoric and back off the destructive practices? I'm not looking for a "hugfest." Nor am I looking for a watering down of ones strongly held beliefs. What I am begging for is a civilized discussion; a reasoned debate.

Making a difference in our world doesn't result from always being right. It's the product of right principles, rightly applied. Let's be the promoters of making a difference in our political process. Let's be Americans first, partisans next.

Remember, always make a difference!

P.S. Thanks for allowing the digression!

Failing With Enthusiasm!

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 at least four days of activity this week. I have scheduled the time, now I need to add discipline to the equation.

Stay with me! And remember,

Always make a difference!

Lights . . . Camera . . . ACTION!!

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 results?

• Walking
• Stationary bike
• Free weights

My exercise plan will be as follows:

1. Monday - Walking-30 minutes - 6:30 a.m.
2. Tuesday - Free weights - 6:30 a.m.
3. Wednesday - Stationary bike-30 minutes - 6:30 a.m.
4. Thursday - Walking-30 minutes - 6:30 a.m.
5. Friday - Free weights - 6:30 a.m.
6. Saturday - Walking or stationary bike-30 minutes - as possible
7. Sunday - Free weights - as possible

My initial target is to exercise a minimum of three days each week. Eventually I plan to exercise at least five.

This will certainly be a challenge as I tend to be a well-trained lazy person. It is far easier to remain sedentary; inactive. Now, however, is a time for action! Nothing ever changes until one is willing to change him or herself. So, here we go!

I will maintain weekly checkpoints and reward success. Rewards will be non-food related, and provide encouragement to "keep on keeping on." Stay with me . . . and feel free to cheer me on!

Remember, always make a difference!

Let's Get Physical!

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 heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

So, knowing the benefits of physical activity, what prevents me from making the choice to be active? Perhaps it's my willingness to settle for good health.

That's right. Right now I feel fine. I have no pain, no shortness of breath, no apparent heart problems. Sadly, that speaks of an attitude of mediocrity. Someone has been quoted as saying, "When better is possible, good is not enough." Good is often the worst enemy of best, and that's most often true when it comes to our physical well being.

Permit me to once again quote from The Traveler's Gift by Andy Andrews (pg.70):

"A person who moves neither left or right is destined for mediocrity. When faced with a decision, many people say they are waiting for God. But I understand, in most cases, God is waiting for me! He has given me a healthy mind to gather and sort information and the courage to come to a conclusion. I am not a quivering dog, indecisive and fearful. My constitution is strong and my pathway clear. Successful people make their decisions quickly and change their minds slowly. Failures make their decisions slowly and change their minds quickly. My decisions come quickly, and they lead to victory."

Alright, I've made the decision to become physically active. Now I need to discern what the barriers are that prevent me from actually moving forward. I need to find the right combination of activities (e.g. walking, strength training, jogging) that will fit into my schedule. Then I need to plan the activities and place them within my daily schedule. Lastly, I need to establish an accountability, be it extrinsic or intrinsic.

Stay with me as I surmount the "barriers" to becoming physically active. Hey you . . . stop the office pool regarding the odds of my success! In the words of the fictional Joshua Chamberlain in The Traveler's Gift (pg. 71), "I am courageous. I am a leader. I seize this moment. I choose now. I am a person of action."

Always make a difference!

Baby Steps

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 have faced the reality that I must either change some habits or face the consequences of my poor choices. I have taught my children for years that with every choice there is a resulting consequence. Dr. David Jeremiah has said, "You can choose your choices, but you cannot choose the consequences of your choices." As a result, I have come to a point in my life that I must make some choices.

This past Sunday night I watched a portion of Dr. Charles Stanley's Extraordinary Life broadcast. I was impressed with the three areas he has chosen to emphasize:

• Health
• Wealth
• Spiritual Devotion

Each area has presented its own set of challenges to me over the years. Each area has obstacles that I must overcome in order to walk away victorious. I am committed to use this opportunity to grow and move to the next level of service. Difference Makers will become a diary of my daily quest to improve the health, wealth and spiritual devotion of myself and my loved ones.

Andy Andrews has written a powerful book entitled The Traveler's Gift. I quote from chapter 3 (pp. 32-33) and the first "paper" David Ponder is given to read:

"I am where I am today--mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially--because of decisions I have made. My decisions have always been governed by my thinking. Therefore, I am where I am today--mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially--because of how I think. Today I will begin the process of changing where I am--mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially--by changing the way I think.

My thoughts will be constructive, never destructive. My mind will live in the solutions of the future. It will not dwell in the problems of the past. I will seek the association of those who are working and striving to bring about positive changes in the world. I will never seek comfort by associating with those who have decided to be comfortable.

. . . The buck stops here. I control my thoughts. I control my emotions."

Join me, if you will, on this journey. I will attempt to be as transparent as possible through it all. I invite your comments, criticisms and compliments. My effort is to offer my own journey for the possibility of making a difference in the life of someone else.

Always make a difference!

Learning Forward

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 Oliver

Michael 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 illustrates this thought.

The company for whom I work has recently completed a research project concerning predecessor institutions and their relationship to the slave trade. Sadly, two institutions were uncovered that used slaves as collateral/security for business transactions. Such actions are without question to be condemned, and provide lessons regarding the worth of every human being. The value of this research, however, will be compromised if we only use the results to reopen wounds that have long since begun to heal.

A gentleman confronted me about the emerging news concerning the use of slaves as chattel in two predecessor institutions of our company. His diatribe lasted several minutes before I drew him to an office to allow him to vent. Eventually our discussion grew more sedate, and he left with the address of our CEO, and a recommendation that he was welcome to make his feelings known to our senior management.

The lesson? As justified as this man was in feeling a resentment for the abuse of his ancestors, wallowing in the mire of past wrongs will not permit one to learn forward and grow. In fact, our company released the following statement which, I believe, presents a credo for those who wish to blaze a path of success:

"While we can in no way atone for the past, we can learn from it, and we can continue to promote a better understanding of the African-American story, including the unique struggles, triumphs and contributions of African-Americans, and their important role in America’s past and present."

One will never make a difference in life if he or she dwells on past failures. So many aspiring entrepreneurs miss greatness by a hairs width because they fail to learn forward. They allow themselves the "luxury" of self-pity.

Here's a two-step approach to making the best of any situation:

1. Learn from it.
2. Promote a better understanding.

Too simple? Maybe. But, I'm willing to give it a try. Don't complicate the process. Accept what has happened and move on. Learn from the mistakes, and seek to develop a better understanding so the same mistakes aren't made again.

Let's commit to learning forward. I'm convinced that you'll need to be prepared for the abundant returns from your efforts.

Always make a difference!

One Small Step for Man

"Confront the difficult while it is still easy; accomplish the great task by a series of small acts." – Lao-tzu

When 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 classroom nearly 20 years ago . . . "Do It Now!"

I was the proverbial procrastinator. If the task seemed difficult, I would put it off until I felt like doing it. It didn't take long to realize that what appeared difficult soon became insurmountable.

I came across the aforementioned quotation by Lao-Tzu and was immediately struck by its simplicity. Truly we grow too soon old and too late smart, as someone so aptly observed. Why do we not take the small steps to success? Why it is that the nature of most people is to wait until the circumstances are so overwhelming that giving up seems the only viable option? Success is seldom, if ever, an overnight phenomenon. It is born of consistent small acts that lead to the fulfillment of the grand desire.

In my counsel, I echo the words of the late Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up!" Dale Carnegie once wisely opined, "Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by peole who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all."

Whether your challenge is financial, health related, relational, or from some other source, take the first small step today to find the resolution. Don't allow the circumstantial to keep you from the essential! Confront what appears difficult by breaking it down into the small steps and start your journey. Do it now!!

Always make a difference!

A Prayer for His Son by Gen. Douglas MacArthur

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 is afraid,

Build me a son,
whose wishes will not take the place of deeds...Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenges. Let him learn to stand in the storm;let him learn compassion for those who fall.

Build me a son,
whose heart is clear, whose goals will be high, a son who will master himself before he seeks to master others; who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past.

And after all these things are his, add, I pray,
enough of a sense of humor so that he may always be serious yet never take himeself too seriously...

Then, I, his father will dare to whisper,"I have not lived in vain."

Powerful sentiments! This father is passing this prayer along to his sons, and making a commitment to pray the prayer everyday. God willing, such a commitment will not only make a difference in the lives of my sons, but in the lives of those they are privileged to touch!

Always make a difference!

Reaping What We Sow

"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 Mandino

Readers 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 "pickin's" as a source of bite-sized motivation. The quotation above is by Og Mandino. The principle, however, can be found in the Bible in Galatians chapter 6.

In my daily blog browsing, I came across a post in MLM Blog about a failed network marketing attempt called Gold Entertainment. Accompanying this post was a daring comment by one who "jumped ship" to try this new upstart that apparently was said to have the ability to fulfill all one's hopes and dreams. Sadly, the dreams were pipedreams, and the hopes were only wishes.

I admire the comment made on this post. It takes courage to admit when one is wrong. Well stated, Shane, and I am in agreement with your statements about the leadership of Passport LLC.

Now to the essence of my post . . . You will reap what you sow!

Many people look to network marketing as a way to do nothing and gain everything. The vast majority of MLM companies have sold themselves as an easy way to grow rich. As a result, many "get-rich-quickers" follow the pie in the sky only to be disappointed at best, and destroyed at worst.

Frankly, from my own experience, owning your own business is an easy way to go broke. The reason? It takes a genuine vision to make a business successful, regardless of the model used. Full Steam Ahead by Ken Blanchard and Jesse Stoner is a great reference manual for how to develop and maintain your vision.

Find a company that manifests the values important to you. Determine that, regardless of what others offer, you are committed for the long term. Your days of "business hopping" are over. Commit to your purpose, establish your values and develop a mental picture of where you want to be.

Difference Makers urges all those with entrepreneurial aspirations to stop sowing seeds of greed, and start sowing seeds of giving. There is a life principle that says that you must give away that which you want to obtain. Sow the seed of giving in your business and watch the return on your investment.

Sow only good seeds so that you may reap a good harvest!

Always make a difference!

WOW in MLM!

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 in the "numbers game." Who'd have thunk that you can make MLM work without the "curiosity" (i.e., deception) approach?

Kudos to Ty Tribble and Passport! Please take time to read Ty's most recent entry on MLM Blog. Here's someone who is making great efforts to make a difference in an industry that truly represents the entreprenuial spirit!

Always make a difference!

Truth in the Marketplace

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 emphasis will be clearly spiritual in nature. Difference Makers will continue to address the motivational and inspirational topics that encourage readers to not merely live, but live to make a difference.

Truth in the Marketplace will offer readers this writers perspective on how to live the principles of the Christian faith "in the marketplace." The four ideals promoted in Truth are truth, excellence, justice and praiseworthiness. If those ideals are important to you, join in and contribute.

Sail On!

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 the Desert, I came across a poem by Joaquin Miller. I'll not speak for the quality of Mr. Miller's life or character. This poem, however, portrays well the quality of perseverance. It is based on the courageous determination of one Christopher Columbus:

Behind him lay the gray Azores,
Behind the gates of Hercules;
Before him not the ghost of shores,
Before him only shorless seas.
The good Mate said, "Now we must pray,
For lo! the very stars are gone.
Brave Admiral, speak, what shall I say?"
"Why say, 'Sail on! sail on! and on!

"My men grow mutinous day by day;
My men grow ghastly wan and weak!"
The stout Mate thought of home; a spray
Of salt wavewashed his swarthy cheek.
"What shall I say, brave Admiral, say,
If we sight naught but seas at dawn?"
"Why, you shall say at break of day,
'Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!'"

They sailed. They sailed. Then spake the Mate;
"This mad sea shows its teeth tonight."
He curls his lip, he lies in wait,
With lifted teeth, as if to bite!
"Brave Admiral, say but one good word;
What shall we do when hope is gone?"
The words leapt like a leaping sword;
"Sail on! sail on! sail on! and on!"

Then, pale and worn, he kept his deck
And peered through darkness. Ah! that night
Of all dark nights! And then a speck --
A light! A light! A light! A light!
It grew, a starlit flag unfurled!
It grew to be Time's burst of dawn.
He gained a world; he gave that world
It's greatest lesson: "On! sail on!"

Ronald Reagan once said, "A leader, once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must... be undaunted when the going gets tough." Undaunted when the going gets tough! What a concept!

When choosing to make a difference, determine ahead of time that, regardless of the obstacles and/or trials, that you will finish the job! That's what Christopher Columbus did, and look at the result.

Always make a difference!

The Way to Get Things Done!

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 Mother Theresa significantly impacted our world through a willingness to step out in the face of potential failure.

Francis of Assisi best captured the essence of initative when he said, "Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible." Zig Ziglar adds, "You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great."

Tonight I reviewed the first contribution of my son to the blogging world. His blog is titled The Most Widely Read Blog on the Internet! What I admire most about his blog is not the content, but the courage. His initiative shows courage by being willing to begin doing what is necessary. It is far easier to sit back and complain, or leave the "hard work" to someone else. No doubt he will face discouraging times and feel like no one really cares about his interests. Just remember, "More powerful than the will to win is the courage to begin."

Why not get started! It doesn't matter what you do. If you have a dream, sail on!

Your journey begins with the first step. Marquise du Deffand once wrote, "The distance is nothing; it's only the first step that is difficult." Take that first step . . . and make a difference!

Always make a difference!!

P.S. Great job, bud! Looking forward to your continued success.

The Sprit of Industry

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 to the generations to follow by involving them in their business, or arranging for them to participate in apprenticeships with other "homebased" businesses, like the cooper or the blacksmith, etc.

Sadly our culture has largely become one of entitlements, and the spirit of industry has fallen on hard times. Our society is being "trained" by various forms of electronic media and growing soft and pleasure driven.

Over the past 30 years, I have been involved in a number of businesses that are defined as multilevel or network driven. Each one had the concept of industry at its core. Unfortunately, greed became a driving force in a few and the result has been an inverted Robin Hood effect (i.e., "robbing" from the poor and giving to the rich). As evidence I offer my current debt load that grew largely as the result of a blind adherence to principles that ran counter to my gut.

About a year ago I came across a homebased business that seemed to offer something different in the networking business genre. Since I have committed my life to making a difference, I determined to check it out.

Everything I surmised was indeed true. This business WAS interested in making a difference! The products were priced fairly and of superior quality. The marketing plan offered a number of channels through which a fledgling entrepreneur could launch a business and make money immediately. The leadership understood what the average person, who had aspirations of a better life, needed to succeed.

Along the way I grew a little disillusioned because the tone became both defensive and offensive against other such businesses. In my humble opinion, the hyperbole on both sides served only to alienate, and affirmed the preconceived notions some had about such businesses. Professionalism was lost in the tit for tat, and neither side emerged the winner.

The good news, however, is that it would appear that such demeaning activities have ceased and the company for which I have great respect HAS emerged with a renewed vision and a determined leadership. Such is evidenced in a blog on MLM Today. I invite readers of Difference Makers to check out this blog written by Dave Stone. It is my opinion that this company is determined to make a difference in an industry that offers everyone a true opportunity.

Remember, always make a difference!

Building a Difference Maker!

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 impossible, because there in the front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with the other children, that his clothes were messy and that he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson would actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a big "F" at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

• Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners....he is a joy to be around.."
• His second grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."
• His third grade teacher wrote, "His mother's death has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his father doesn't show much interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken."
• Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."

By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents. Some of the children started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.

Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to." After the children left, she cried for at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading, writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become one of the smartest children in the class and, despite her lie that she would love all the children the same, Teddy became one of her "teacher's pets."

A year later, she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that she was still the best teacher he ever had in his whole life. Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school, third in his class, and she was still the best teacher he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate from college with the highest of honours. He assured Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favourite teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then, four more years passed, and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his bachelor's degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still the best and favourite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a little longer.... The letter was signed, Theodore F. Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet another letter that Spring. Teddy said he had met this girl and was going to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and he was wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his mother wearing on their last Christmas together. They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in Mrs. Thompson's ear, 'Thank you, Mrs. Thompson, for believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel important and showing me that I could make a difference.' Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered back. She said, 'Teddy, you have it all wrong. You were the one who taught me that I could make a difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met you!'"

(For those of you who don't know, Teddy Stoddard is the Dr. at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines that has the Stoddard Cancer Wing.)

Won't you be a Mrs. Thompson in someones life today?

Always make a difference!

Integrity - The "Whole" Story

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 not to utter words, but to live by them." There was a day that a man's word was his bond. Today, I fear, that integrity has fallen on hard times. It requires a mettle that is fast fading from the marketplace.

Integrity, in my humble opinion, is the key core value. "To reach a great height a person needs to have great depth," someone once said. A shallow character will never withstand the temptations of compromise.

Henry Ward Beecher said it best when he wrote, "No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has." When one measures his worth by temporal standards, there is always the danger that "whatever it takes" will include less than honest actions or activities. Strive to be, not to have!

To make a difference in today's marketplace will require a commitment to integrity. The high road may not be the easy road, but it is always the right road. Gandhi understood this when he said, "A 'No' uttered from deepest conviction is better and greater than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or what is worse, to avoid trouble."

Always make a difference by being a person of integrity!