Can We Learn From George Washington?

20 06 2009

GW
Can We Learn From George Washington?

Examples are the most powerful sources of learning. While none of us are like George Washington, we each stand to learn invaluable lessons from him. George Washington had every reason to fail. He lacked experience, he wasn’t a genius, and he didn’t have the best resources available to him. However, because of his faith and perseverance he prevailed. In the end no one did more to define the government of United States of America and ultimately to influence the governments of the world. What can we personally learn from George Washington? What made this unassuming leader stand out? What motivated him? What helped him to have faith, to be persistent? What was his purpose? What were his values? What was his personality like? What were his talents? What were his strengths?


Bookmark and Share
Can We Learn From George Washington?


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Noble Passions, Purpose, Values

Key to Success – Delayed Gratification

20 06 2009

marshmallow
Key to Success – Delayed Gratification

This smple but profound study is a must read Marshmallow Study. Commonsense tells us if we learn to become longer oriented we will see results. Over the years, we have begin to believe, as demonstrated by our behaviors, that quick results is good. Children that have learned to delay gratification in pursuit of something better… You need to read the article to learn more.

Bookmark and Share
Key to Success – Delayed Gratification


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Categories : Noble Passions, Planning, Purpose

Become a Perfect Leader

20 06 2009

Docs
Become a Perfect Leader

Neal A. Maxwell, “. . . A More Excellent Way” p.53-54

1. Jesus loved the people he led. If one does not really love those he seeks to lead, he will soon disappoint or betray them. If followers know the leader loves them, they can trust him and this means the leader can teach them, as a friend.

2. Jesus’ leadership had a purpose which his followers came to appreciate and to share. Without a good purpose, which experience and reason authenticate, a leader cannot find or keep good disciples.

3. Jesus freed his followers from any sense of being forced to follow. He was also very honest in describing the seriousness of the problems they faced together.

4. Jesus gave his disciples meaningful, challenging tasks, not just busy work. This helped his followers to build their own storehouse of good experiences so that they did not need to rely only on the leader and his “storehouse.”

5. Jesus knew he was responsible, not only to his purposes, but to his people. He taught them correct principles and gave the group as much freedom to govern themselves as was possible or wise.

6. Jesus was a good listener. He created a climate in which his followers could talk to him frankly about their concerns or criticisms. He helped his followers to deal with their feelings openly even though with his divine discernment he could read hearts and minds accurately.

7. Jesus often put questions to his followers to help them think through their own ideas and to understand better what he was trying to teach them. A good leader will also put problems before the group for another reason-so the group can actually make a real contribution by its ideas and actions. No mortal leader is so wise he has all the answers all the time.

8. Jesus was consistent in his life; he is not like the chameleon, a lizard-like animal which changes the color of its skin so that it is the same as its surroundings. A good leader should not try to blend into social surroundings which are not consistent with his way of life and still expect to have his followers respect him. The first two disciples impressed by Jesus wanted to learn more about him. Jesus told them, “Come and see.” A good leader must always be willing to have his followers “come and see” clearly what he and his plans are like.
Become a Perfect Leader


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Noble Passions, Purpose, Values

The Parable of the Talents

11 06 2009

Man
The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25: 14-27

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he a gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

He also he that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed.

Bookmark and Share
The Parable of the Talents


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: ,
Categories : Talents

Power of Values

11 06 2009

earth
Power of Values
We hear the term “values” often and it doesn’t mean much. Unfortunately, it is a trite word today. The father of our country, George Washington,took values dead serious. The truest test of a person is how they hold up under pressure. George Washington’s values, or what were referred to as mottos, were “For God and my Country” and “Deeds, not Words.”

For God and My Country

There has been a shameful debate by some as to whether or not George Washington believed in God. True, objective, sincere American History scholars are baffled by the debate. Of course he believed in God. He prayed to God. He pled with God. He also loved the country and what it stood for. He looked to the future with faith.

(For more information on Washington and his faith see http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g011.html)

Deeds, Not Words

It wasn’t just words that demonstrated Washington’s love of God and Country, it was his deeds. Do we really understand and appreciate what George Washington went through? Do we know and appreciate what the soldiers in the American Revolution went through? The process was torturous. George didn’t believe he was qualified to lead the Continental Army against the most powerful military in the world. He wasn’t a genius. The troops were sick and ill prepared. Equipment and supplies were less than minimal. The American Revolution on the surface was nothing more than suicide. And, defeat was too commonplace for Washington and his troops.

Indeed it was George Washington’s values that gave him and others strength.

Here is an extremely important point I would like to make. Washington’s values became his noble passions. His values were who he became.

Are our passions noble? Are we focused on power, fame, or wealth? Or, are they focused on helping others to be all they can be?

Bookmark and Share
Power of Values


Comments : Leave a Comment »
Tags: , , ,
Categories : Noble Passions, Values