Pro-Choice Difference Makers

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 American as apple pie.  So the question is not whether one should be pro-choice, it is rather a debate about the quality of the choice or choices one makes.  Sadly, along with many other words, this compound word has been hijacked, and become a euphemism for murder in the liberal political agenda.

Some would have us believe that pro-choice only relates to abortion.  I submit that once conception occurs, the choice for the partners ends.  Their choice was during foreplay, and, ultimately, copulation.  Once the egg is fertilized it is an individual; a human life.  Rather than being a "product of conception," as some affirm, the embryo contains the full genetic information of a distinct human being; 23 chromosomes from the mother and 23 chromosomes from the father.  When the embryo implants itself in the wall of the uterus, the viability and existence of that life lies purely in the hands of God, and should not be subject to whims of human intervention.  This little human being, when aborted, is never given a choice!  She or he becomes a fatality; the result of an irreversible choice.  

Abortion is not a matter of choice.  Chastity vs. wanton behavior is!   Self-control vs. licentiousness also demands a choice.  Once a choice is made, the only thing that remains is the consequence.  And, as a wise man once said, "You can choose your choices, but you cannot choose the consequences of your choices."

Difference Makers must confront the errant doctrine of postmodern politics.  Refuse to accept the redefinition of our culture to accommodate those unwilling to live within the boundaries of disciplined choices.  Let's be pro-choice in the manner our Founding Fathers intended us to be!

Spirit Guided v. Market Driven

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 the Spirit of God (Ephesians 5:18). Our lives are to be governed by the high principles of God's law, and the divine leading of His Holy Spirit. We are not to be driven by "market forces" alone, but to measure those forces by the canon of God's Divine Revelation.

A new dichotomy, however, has become the cultural norm. It would seem that such Spirit guidance has no worth in the marketplace. Many seek a clear separation between what is "spiritual" and what is "secular." This expectation presents Christian believers with a genuine conflict. How can one be continuously guided by God's Holy Spirit, yet unable to exercise such guidance within the marketplace?

This author submits that such a dichotomy does not and should not exist. One cannot separate his spiritual moorings from his daily thoughts. Choices will always be made in relation to what one holds dear. Opinions are the result of ones convictions and values.

Unfortunately, modern culture seeks to prohibit that which is popularly deemed as "intellectually untenable." Such an argument excludes any possibility of honest debate. It permits the creation of a "truth" while stating that there are no absolutes. It denounces those who hold Christian value-based views as bigots, closed-minded and unintellectual. Candidly, such harassment itself should expose the fallacious nature of the secular debate.

What was once based on character, integrity and truth is now awash with realitivistic dogma. Such demagoguery ill serves the debate. If the secular argument is indeed superior, let it stand the test of a sincere debate. Drop the bias toward a godless society. End the put down of those who would hold to Christian values. Put the secular progressive agenda to the test by revealing its presuppositions.

In a truly free society, such differences are debated without malice. One who holds to a Christian world view should be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks of the reason of his or her hope (1 Peter 3:15). Such debate refuses to disparage a person with whom one disagrees. Rather, it demands a firm grasp of that which one seeks to put forward, and a trust in the Author of Truth to embed His Truth in the heart of the listener. Those with whom we debate will be convinced by God's Spirit, not by our vitriol or oratorical eloquence. Perhaps it's time to return to the direction of God's Spirit and refuse to be drawn into the muck and mire of the "politics of mutual destruction."

Let's make a difference in the marketplace!

Energy: Potential or Kinetic

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 possess the equivalent of potential energy. Reflection on this point begs the question, "Do I want real change or am I merely creating soundbites for the benefit of those around me?"

Potential energy is the energy an object has because of it's position, rather than it's motion. An object held in ones hand possesses potential energy until it is dropped and becomes subject to the pull of gravity. A new battery possesses potential energy until it is appropriately connected to the device for which it was purchased. So resolutions possess only potential energy until some force is applied that puts one's resolve into motion.

An object will tend to remain at rest until some external force acts upon it and overcomes what is known as inertia. Change only comes when inertia is overcome through an outside force. This force must be sufficient to release the potential energy and create what is known as kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses as a result of its motion. The release of energy into motion is impacted by many factors including, but not limited to, velocity, mass, and friction.

This same principle can be applied to someone seeking a permanent change in their lifestyle, habits, health, etc. Is your "energy" potential or kinetic? What will cause you to overcome your natural state of inertia to achieve the resolutions you've established? What external "force" will you use to overcome the inertia in your life this year?

Make real change possible by allowing your energy to be put in motion by overcoming the tendency to "remain at rest." Change the habits that create ease and "force" yourself out of your comfort zone. Once in motion, refuse to stop until your goal is attained. Make your resolutions "revolutions" that change your destiny. While you do this, remember . . .

Always make a difference!!

Habits - Friend or Foe?

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 what I unwillingly found myself to be."

In a day when personal responsibility is lacking, this quote reminds us of an undeniable truth, i.e., you are the sum total of your habits. Habits either elevate you to the next level of achievement or they shackle you to your not so productive past. They prod you to continue on despite the obstacles, or they allow you to make excuses for failing to excel.

Have your habits become an "armed enemy" against you? Are you willingly becoming what you unwillingly find yourself to be? Are your habits an "iron chain" binding you to an attitude that obviates change and progress?

Augustine did not allow the iron chain of this armed enemy to keep him from his high calling. As a theologian he went on to record a marvelous compendium of religious writings that have served the church since the fourth and fifth centuries. Augustine found freedom in Jesus Christ and the principles he declared. As a result his habits became his best friends instead of his enemies. The chain of bondage was released and he was free to willingly become what Christ had chosen him to be.

What habits are helping or defeating you? Are you willing to change those habits into productive friends that enable rather than disable advancement? Your lack of progress and change cannot be blamed on others if your habits are not designed to implement such.

Seek those habits that will help you get to where you want to be. Make them a part of every day. Don't compromise their fulfillment for any reason.

Stay tuned for some additional thoughts and suggestions for difference making habits.

Always make a difference!

Others

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 put some context to this blog, I was raised as an only child. As a result, I considered everyone to be at my "beck and call." (Should you wish to verify the use of this phrase, check it out at the Word Detective.) Such an attitude creates angst both for the "attituder" and the "attitudee." Knowing this, I have made measurable strides as an adult extending myself to others and learning to follow the Apostle Paul's admonition to the Philippians, "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4, NASB). Yet the struggle remains!

Reading a blog entry this morning reminded me of the importance of self-sacrifice and love in relationships. Here's a sample:

"We decided a while back that the best scenario would be a home environment and as Bill and Janet’s home is not wheelchair accessible we extended an invitation to them to come and stay with us until other arrangements could be made. Janet is staying in our guest room upstairs and Bill is staying in our office which is now a bedroom for him and it has a full bath attached which is convenient. It seems to us that the Lord, once again, provided this home for us for more reasons than we knew at the time."

How many of us would sacrifice our new home, and all its amenities, for the benefit of someone else? In a day of selfish ambition, it is refreshing to find some who still practice the Golden Rule. These folks are the real DifferenceMakers in our society.

Perhaps you know of others who are making a difference at "street level." Share them so DifferenceMakers can publish their contribution.

Happy 4th of July, and spend some time remembering the DifferenceMakers who made this great nation possible.

Always make a difference!

The Pressure's On!

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 seems to become the rule. Short staffing creates a tremendous amount of pressure on any team. Leaders, however, see opportunities to improve a negative circumstance.

Today was no exception. A team member noticed a coverage need, and volunteered to fill that need. Though this should seem like a common sense action, in today's egocentric world very few will jump at the opportunity to vary their schedule for the benefit of the team. Such team members deserve to be publicly complimented and offered further leadership development opportunities.

Second, pressure provides an opportunity for your best to be revealed.

Pressure is revelatory. It always provides a glimpse of what is inside a person. Consider your actions during the most recent pressure packed event. What did it reveal about you? What characteristics were evident to those around you?

A Difference Maker will learn to let the pressure bring out his or her best. I am reminded of the words of Paul the Apostle writing to the Roman church, "We continue to shout our praise even when we are hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary - we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" (Romans 5:3-5, The Message)

When negative circumstances are seen through the eyes of opportunity, one will allow the pressure to develop positive characteristics that enhance the lives of others and improve the conditions in which they operate.

The pressure's on! What will be your response?

Always make a difference!

Courage vs. Fear

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 of people around the memorial, the mood was quiet and respectful; a fitting tribute to those given no respect by their assailant.

Especially moving was the small memorial to Professor Liviu Librescu. As I reflected on the selflessness of this courageous man, I was reminded that courage is not the absence of fear, but the realization that something is more important than the fear.

Professor Librescu was a teacher in the truest sense of the word. His respect for the life of his students cost him his own. Such a lesson must not be lost on our culture.

Rick Warren, in his bestselling A Purpose Driven Life pointedly reminds us that our existence is not about us. Dr. Librescu embodied this axiom. He was indeed a DifferenceMaker. Sadly he lost his life doing so, but let us not lose his lesson.

We honor those who lost their lives at the Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. May we never forget the lessons this horrific event provides.

A Rosie By Any Other Name . . .

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 Mexico.

One's right to use profanity is not in question. As abhorrent as it may seem, this author is willing to die for any ones right to freedom of speech. That, however, is not the issue. With freedom comes responsibility. Freedom, in other words, has limits. And, in a free nation, those limits must be self imposed.

Perhaps Soren Kierkegaard had it right when he said, "People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for freedom of thought which they seldom use." Common sense would dictate that you think before your speak. Isn't that what grandma always told you? A preacher's wife once corrected this author by saying, "You need to weigh your words!" And, for the record, she was right.

Rosie O'Donnell has been the recipient of much justified critcism. Whether she is funny or not will not excuse her crassness and vulgarity. She represents what might be termed a new cultural order in which anything goes without regard to its offensiveness, rudeness or truthfulness.

For me, a Rosie by any other name would still smell bad.

How about you?

Always make a difference.

There is Hope!

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 cut it, the massacre in Blacksburg, VA reveals a terrible void in our cultural matrix. I submit that the gaping hole in our social fabric begins and ends with the philosophy of relativism.

There can be no doubt that the pathetic actions of a deluded young man were wholly his responsibility. Regardless of the cultural influences, one must be accountable for the choices that he or she makes.

Relativism, birthed by Secular Humanism, is a philosophy that effectively removes the ability to place blame for any action. As such, to declare that something is either good or evil becomes impossible. The argument of a relativist would be, "What is evil to you may be good for someone else." This circular reasoning condemns a culture to anarchy.

One must begin to face the fact that this world has some basic truths that are inviolable. We must define what is good and what is evil. To do so requires that a society envelope themselves in a system that does not vary with whim or caprice; a system that is founded on inalienable rights endowed by a Creator. Such began this grand experiment called America.

DifferenceMakers invites you to a conversation around this topic. There must be a groundswell of common sense citizens to rise up and say, "Enough is enough." If you have an interest in this discussion, please leave comment. Let it be known, that not all comments are created equal. One must express their opinion clearly, cleanly and concisely. All profane or derogatory comments will be immediately expunged from the record. Reason must prevail if we are to have a productive dialog.

Let's make a difference in this rapidly declining culture.

The Box Full of Love

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 the responsibility.

On several occasions, the boy's teacher heard the aunt tell Todd, "If it weren't for my generosity, you would be a homeless orphan." The teacher tried hard to make Todd feel valued, and she encouraged his interest in making things.

Just before the Christmas break, Todd shyly presented her with a small decorated box." It's beautiful!" the teacher gushed. Todd replied, "There's something special inside my mom gave to me before she died. She said it's the one thing I can give and still have plenty left. It helps you feel better when you're sad and safe when you're scared."

As the teacher started to open the box, Todd warned her, "Oh, you can't see it."

"Well, what is it?" she asked kindly.

"It's love. And you're the first person, since my mom, who I love."

The teacher hugged Todd and whispered in his ear, "I'll treasure this forever. It's the best gift I ever got." She kept the box on her desk always. Whenever she was sad or scared, she opened it and the love inside never let her down.

Years later, Todd sent her the tassel he wore for his graduation from medical school. It's been in the box ever since.

In truth, the gift that keeps on giving is not diamonds; it's love. The more you give away, the more you have left.

Make a difference in someone's life today by sharing some love.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Prophets of Can't

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 enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."

Edgar Guest composed the following poem. I hope it gives you a proverbial shot in the arm, and helps to energize you when the going gets tough.

CAN'T

Can't is the worst word that's written or spoken;

Doing more harm here than slander and lies;

On it is many a strong spirit broken,

And with it many a good purpose dies.

It springs from the lips of the thoughtless each morning

And robs us of courage we need through the day:

It rings in our ears like a timely sent warning

And laughs when we falter and fall by the way.

Can't is the father of feeble endeavor,

The parent of terror and halfhearted work;

It weakens the efforts of artisans clever,

And makes of the toiler an indolent shirk.

It poisons the soul of the man with a vision,

It stifles in infancy many a plan;

It greets honest toiling with open derision

And mocks at the hopes and the dreams of a man.

Can't is a word none should speak without blushing;

To utter it should be a symbol of shame;

Ambition and courage it daily is crushing;

It blights a man's purpose and shortens his aim.

Despise it with all of your hatred of error;

Refuse it the lodgment it seeks in your brain;

Arm against it as a creature of terror,

And all that you dream of you someday shall gain.

Can't is the word that is far from ambition,

An enemy ambushed to shatter your will;

Its prey is forever the man with a mission

And bows but to courage and patience and skill.

Hate it, with hatred that's deep and undying,

For once it is welcomed 'twill break any man;

Whatever the goal you are seeking, keep trying

and answer this demon by saying: "I can!"

Making a Difference . . . because I CAN!

Immigration . . . Get Back on Track!

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 boycott in the name of amnesty. When one considers the number of people waiting to immigrate to our fine land legally, it seems that amnesty would violate the qualities of fairness and justice.

Some would argue that the "illegals" are merely trying to improve their standard of living or provide a better life for their families. While this is certainly noble, breaking the immigration law of our nation to do so invalidates their honorable cause. Someone wisely said, "It is never right to do wrong in order to get the chance to do right."

It is time for our lawmakers to exercise justice, tempered with mercy.

• Enforcing existing immigration laws is Step One. Rather than photo op enforcement, apply the law equitably and justly.
• Nail the businesses that employ illegal immigrants. Provide them with the tools necessary for enforcement and make them accountable for compliance.
• Provide an opportunity for illegal immigrants to leave and make request for legal entry. Those who chose not to leave must be held to account for their unwillingness to comply with our laws. If there is a legitimate reason for their inability to return to their homeland, provide a process for evaluating their mitigating circumstances.
• Secure the borders! Use our military to enforce the borders. Build the necessary structures to prevent illegal penetration. Install the latest technology to assist our military in the process of detecting and apprehending illegal perpetrators.
• Establish a guest worker program that will enable those with economic needs to fulfill their responsibility to provide for their families and loved ones. Make the enforcement simple by issuing a tamper-proof card that MUST be presented to any United State employer before being placed on the payroll.

There is no doubt that we are indeed a nation of immigrants. Ours is a respected tradition of welcoming many from other lands. Emma Lazarus best stated the goodness of our nation when she penned, "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore; Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door" (The New Colossus, November 2, 1883).

Any of the above listed categories are welcome in these United States. We merely ask that they honor our laws and traditions. Let's bring common sense to the table! Stop the political squabbling and, above all, stop worrying about who is going to control the next Congress. Let's do the business of the people because it is right, not merely expedient.

Thanks for reading. Always make a difference!

Worth Pondering!

"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 firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall proceed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel: we shall be divided by our little, partial, local interests; our prospects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, or conquest. I therefore beg leave to move that henceforth prayers, imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business; and that one or more of the clergy of this city be requested to officiate in that service."

--Benjamin Franklin: Speech in Convention for forming a Constitution for the United States, 1787.

The "Art" of Persuasion

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!!!

It's All About . . .

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 defines statesman as, "one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship." By this definition, an obvious dearth exists in our current national leadership on every level.

While the readership of this blog is rather limited, this blogger believes it is time for a groundswell of grassroots activists to rise up and say, "It's not about you, Mr./Ms. Politician!" It's all about "We the People!" Sadly, "We" have lost interest in the political process because of its complexity, crassness and carnality.

Much discussion is going on about the 2006 mid-term elections. The Democrats are salivating at the opportunity to recapture control of the legislative branch. The Republicans are sweating over the hapless faux pas' that the esteemed leadership continue to make and the ethical lapses in which others are caught. How about "We the People" rise up and let them ALL know that we have the opportunity to vote out 435 congress"people" and replace them with genuine leaders that have the public's interest at heart and not the political pork or project.

Thanks for reading Differencemaker's diatribe. We can make a difference in the political pollution of our culture. Let's start now!

Always make a difference!

Values

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 competence
This 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 meet the challenge, doing the job properly and better than almost anyone else.

General Managerial competence
Unlike technical/functional people, these folks want to be managers (and not just to get more money, although this may be used as a metric of success). They like problem-solving and dealing with other people. They thrive on responsibility. To be successful, they also need emotional competence.

Autonomy/Independence
These people have a primary need to work under their own rules and steam. They avoid standards and prefer to work alone.

Security/Stability
Security-focused people seek stability and continuity as a primary factor of their lives. They avoid risks and are generally 'lifers' in their job.

Entrepreneurial Creativity
These folks like to invent things, be creative and, most of all, to run their own businesses. They differ from those who seek autonomy in that they will share the workload. They find ownership very important. They easily get bored. Wealth, for them, is a sign of success.

Service/Dedication to a cause
Service-oriented people are driven by how they can help other people more than using their talents (which may fall in other areas). They may well work in public services or in such as HR.

Pure Challenge
People driven by challenge seek constant stimulation and difficult problems that they can tackle. Such people will change jobs when the current one gets boring and their career can be very varied.

Lifestyle
Those who are focused first on lifestyle look at their whole pattern of living. They not so much balance work and life as integrate it. They may even take long periods off work in which to indulge in passions such as sailing or traveling.

During a very challenging and informative course offered through my employer, I assessed my own values according to the aforementioned Career Anchors. It was eye opening and something that I wish I had the privilege of considering early in my work life.

The highest priority in my career is a sense of service or dedication to a cause. This explains my yearning to make a sincere difference in this world, and why I am seldom motivated by the mere acquisition of things. It also challenges me to prioritize my activities according to what is integral to satisfying this need.

Two anchors tied for importance in my professional priorities; life-style integration and entrepreneurial creativity. Whatever I do must blend with my family obligations, and provide the opportunity to be creative and participate in the successes of the organization for which I work or own.

What are your career anchors? Which of these anchors can you not live without?

Values are the root system of your career. They provide the "anchor" when the circumstances around you buffet.

Always make a difference!

Making A Difference

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 difference" is sometimes used to cover up a poorly executed or even ill-conceived business plan?

Every new year brings the opportunity to assess how much of a difference one has made in the lives of those with whom he works and lives. Even the "best laid plans of mice and men," may result in outcomes that are less than stellar. As I reviewed my own 2005 goals, my performance appraisal for 2005 would likely be judged as "needing improvement" in almost every area.

As such, I have decided to ascertain my priorities anew. I have determined to look at my life according to four areas:

1. My Values
2. My Personality
3. My Skills
4. My Interests

Because of this reassessment, Difference Makers will be taking a decided turn that will reflect these four themes. My expectation is that I will be able to measure how much of a difference I have made in 2006.

I urge readers to similarly reassess their own values, personality, skills and interests. Perhaps you'll discover something that will enhance your "performance appraisal" as well.

Always make a difference!

'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!!