The path to Good is often cluttered with Trouble

Sometimes good things fall apart so that even better things can fall together. -- Appreciate Gratitude (@2thank)  
    Remember the story inthe Bible of Joseph and his brothers. That relationship fell apart. Who would have known then it was meant for good?  Even with the future told in dreams, the path to make it happen is unknown to us at times. 
    I don't believe that while Joseph was in the pit, which his brothers threw him it that he thought, "This is a good plan and I am on the right course."  Neither did he think that when he was in jail after being wrongfully accused. There we know he was trying to get out as he asked the cupbearer to "...remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison." But two full years passed with Joseph still in prison before the cupbearer remembered Joseph.
   When the cupbearer did remember and Joseph interpreted Pharoah's dream, things begin to improve dramatically for Joseph. He rose from prison to become second only to Pharoah.
   When settling with his brothers he "said to them, "Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:19-20
   A broken family relationship was restored, but much misery had passed this family along the way.
Could it be that you are travelling a path of trouble like Joseph. Keep up your hope and trust in God for he has said to others, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11
 (c) Ray Ivey

Life can be Frustrating

“Life is not an easy matter… You cannot live through it without falling into frustration and cynicism unless you have before you a great idea which raises you above personal misery, above weakness, above all kinds of perfidy and baseness.” Leon Trotsky - For more see the complete article at http://martinamcgowan.com/2012/11/7-curb-your-frustration/

Peer Leadership is Often Wisdom Despised

Peer Leadership is Often Wisdom Despised  How do we advise and counsel our peers when ambition causes people to resist the counsel of peers for fear of looking weak? But don't we need this for the most effective teamwork to abound?

   Consider this story: Once when a man was faced with a problem, his boss suggested that he discuss it with a peer saying, “He has some knowledge that may be helpful.” So, near the end of the day and after the boss had left, the man mentioned the problem to the peer whom the boss had suggested (indirectly asking for help which men do).  The peer stayed after hours and worked through the problem resulting in a promising solution. They agreed to go to their common boss together to present their work the next morning. When the peer arrived, the man with the problem had come in early rushed into the boss and presented the work as his alone. The boss acknowledged the work of the first man in an open meeting complimenting him in front of the gathering of peers that he had stay after hours and working alone had solved a most difficult problem. 

Take a look at some text from The Pulpit Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:15-16 for another analogy of this issue.

15. “Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man.”   In 2 Samuel 20:14-22, we are told of a certain wise woman who saves her city from a siege through her wise advice to the residents. In the case described in our text, a man poor but wise is responsible for saving his city from a similar attack.

But nobody remembered that poor man. Apparently nothing has been done to commemorate the wise man’s heroic efforts; thus future generations will lose this vital link to their past. Sadly, many people treat God in much the same manner as this wise man has been treated: they accept his blessings each day and even call on him for help in time of need, but when the crisis has passed, so has their faith.

16 “So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.”  In the situation described by Solomon, military strength and preparedness had nothing to do with rescuing the city from destruction. The rescue happened because of the exercise of wisdom. Thus, concludes Solomon, wisdom is better than strength—at least that’s the ideal that one would like to see acknowledged on a regular basis.

In reality, such acknowledgment does not always happen. In the example cited, the poor man’s wisdom is despised; his wise counsel to the people is forgotten. In today’s world, the accomplishments that highlight physical strength (such as those in sports) quite often generate far more interest and receive much more publicity than those that reflect wisdom, especially the wisdom that is grounded in a firm faith in the Lord."

Only when we are humble and respect others with selfless consideration will this issue be resolved by an individual. What are the chances you will?

Peers seeking & listening to the wisdom to a peer is required if teams are to work with great cohesion and unity. That is trust. But we must get over the "look at me and what I've done" mentality to be successful.

(c) Ray Ivey

IS Your Strategy Not What You Say It Is?

Do our actions match our words?
"Bottom line: If the decisions you make about where you invest your blood, sweat, and tears are not consistent with the person you aspire to be, you’ll never become that person. As you continue on your life’s journey, allocate your resources wisely—at work and home." Christensen/Allworth/Dillon
    The article was about business, but it tells truths about our life and relationships.
"If you study the root causes of business disasters and management missteps [and our life's failures, you’ll often find a predisposition toward endeavors that offer immediate gratification. Many companies’ decision-making systems are designed to steer investments to initiatives that offer the most tangible returns, so companies often favor these and short-change investments in initiatives that are crucial to their long-term strategies." Christensen/Allworth/Dillon
    Doesn't our pursuit of near term gratification cause us problems in life; everyday life?
    You can read the entire article at http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-05-14/message-to-managers-your-strategy-is-not-what-you-say-it-is
Clayton Christensen, Harvard Business School (HBS) professor and world-renowned innovation guru, James Allworth, HBS graduate and former Apple employee, and Karen Dillon, former editor of Harvard Business Review (HBR), co-authored “How Will You Measure Your Life?”

THE  ONE MINUTE APOLOGY:  A Powerful Way to Make Things Better: Ken Blanchard, Margret McBride
- - A SUMMARY by Jason Young

I ask myself the following questions, and answer truthfully:

·         What mistake did I make?
·         Did I dismiss another person, their wishes, feelings, or ideas?
·         Did I take credit when it wasn’t due?
·         Why did I do this?
·         Was it an impulsive, thoughtless act? Was it calculated? Was it a result of my fear, anger, or frustration? What was my motivation?
·         How long have I let this go on? Is this the first or repeated time? Is this behavior becoming a pattern in my life?
·         What is the truth I am not dealing with?
·         Am I better than this behavior?

Then I do the following:

Begin with surrender…
·         I am truthful and admit to myself that I’ve done something wrong and need to make up for it.
·         I take full responsibility for my actions and sincerely recognize the need to apologize to anyone I have harmed, regardless of the outcome.
·         I have a sense of urgency about apologizing-I act as soon as possible.
·         I tell anyone harmed specifically what I did wrong.
·         I share how I feel about what I did with those harmed

I complete with integrity…
·         I recognize what I did is inconsistent with who I want to be.
·         I reaffirm I am better than my poor behavior and forgive myself.
·         I recognize how much I have hurt another person by making amends and demonstrate my commitment not to repeat the act by changing my behavior.

http://www.jasonyounglive.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/The_One_Minute_Apology.pdf

The Future: Mountains in the Distance

   The Future has many names: For the weak, it means the unattainable. For the fearful, it means the unknown. For the courageous, it means opportunity.        ~ Victor Hugo
   The is beauty in learning to dance in the rain - to take on life as it comes storming at us - to step out and face the challenges which are presented to us.  In doing so we will come to understand, if we fail, (1) that the learning experience is richer and more valuable than one could get any other way; (2) that we are then better prepared for the next challenge(s) of life itself.
   Consider the song, "I hope you Dance," by Lee Ann Womack and particularly the lines:
        "I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
         Never settle for the path of least resistance
         Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
         Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making"   Also, when you get to the top of one mountain and look over it, you will find more mountains rising in the distance.  Know that this is what life and living are all about. So, "never fear those mountains in the distance" for life is about enjoying the journey and the sights you see along the way and the great joy we experience at the top of each mountain. Be grateful to God who made the mountains and for what they do in developing us.
   Ready for a break? Pause, relax, deep breath, and listen and watch the great visuals with the song "I Hope You Dance" at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KFAa40kZ30
   Have a great day and I hope you dance!!

Harmony

Harmony at work, in a family or among other groups of people is achieved when we recognize AND accept imperfections in ourselves and others with humility, consideration, patience and geniune caring and dedicate ourselves to bringing our the best in both ourselves and others.

When Pride is King

When Pride is King, pettiness abounds, and humility, consideration of others and longsuffering have no place, ~ Ray Ivey

What Can You Do with a Day?

Start by watching this 1:13 motivational video and it will help
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEa0xpWi7C4&feature=related

Interview on Selection as Citizen of the Year

In answer to questions of Azle News, my responses are provided below:

Edwin,

   In answer to your questions let me address them in a different order than you posed them. As I begin, let me say this is bigger than I am and will be hard for me to capture in words.

3) Your response to getting the award???

   Answer: I am very humbled for [three] reasons, first, there are several others who come to mind who possess outstanding characteristics as a ‘Citizens of the Year.’ Second, I respect and admire those who have received this honor before.  Both are groups I try to emulate which includes my good friend Rouel Rothenberger who has be steadfast in his support and prayers for me. We are blessed with generous hearts in this community and I thank God for the opportunities to serve with them. I thank God that He has lifted me up for His work; His glory. And I beg His forgiveness when I fail. I pray that this honor allows me to serve Him better.
  [Third,] When my efforts are recognized and the spotlight is one me, I am humbled for yet another reason. For it is not only me who should be honored, but also my wife. For I am little with without her and am so blessed with her support, caring heart and wisdom that God gives through her. She has contributed immensely to my success. Let that never be overlooked or understated!

1) A little background about yourself and you're lovely wife. (I attached a bio sketch)

2) What community oriented things you are involved in?

            a. Currently: Area Ambassador for the KidsHopeUSA school-church mentoring program,  Azle Ministerial Alliance (AMA) Follow the Flag planning committee and the new AMA Baccalaureate program in May 2012 (in lieu of the one at AHS), Eagle Mountain Pregnancy Help Center Bible teaching program, Boy Scouts of America annual fundraiser, Father’s Heart Ministries, Azle Education Foundation, Azle Community Caring Center, the Azle Church of Christ and the Azle Optimist Club (currently serving as president); Azle Chamber Economic Development Committee. Graduation speaker at the Azle Hornet Academy; the Hornet Academy Outreach Initiative (mentioned in February 7th edition of Azle News)
            b. Past: Building the current Azle Community Caring Center, assisting on the City of Azle Park Advisory Committee in developing our new City Park on Main Street; Azle Christmas parade planning committee; serving as an Elf at the Azle Christmas Parade and Celebration Party at 404 Main Street; assisting in Food Backpack Program; serving on the Jumpin’ Jack Jamboree for three years; Azle Chamber Economic Development Committee; Planning committee for the Father’s Heart Conference 2011; assisting in fundraising and other efforts for the Russell Eagleton Playground for All at Shady Grove Park.

4) Do you have a philosophy of community service -- something that "drives You" to go the extra mile for your community even after retiring?? (I may know a little of this.. but remind me).

  Answer: My father died when I as two, and I watched my mother struggle to make ends meet. She and my grandmother did a good job of raising me and instilled a basic Christian philosophy of being considerate of others and leaving a place better than you found it.
  God has blessed me exceptionally and I am drawn to give back, but specifically to those who struggle each day just to get by.
  Lew Shaffer published a book several years ago entitled, "Reach Out Your Hand." I am honored to have a story on pages 108-111. In that story, I tell of how my life was saved one day in Vietnam (see the complete story attached). I concluded that story with:

“I had survived that day due to the commitment of a few who willingly risked their lives to save me.  Don't we have "people down" today in need of saving?  I think that we are the ones in the aircraft looking down. We have the option to fly away to save ourselves or to choose to do some risky work; expend some of our resources; and reached out to lift another life up. Will we do that? We are answering that question each day as an individual; as a community; as a state; and as a nation.”

“Will we overpower people with military, economic, or military controlling forces? Or will be take the great blessing of God and overwhelm people with the sacrificial giving of Jesus Christ. Will we risk our lives for another?  Christ did. He stretched out His hand and died to save me.” [Then I appealed in the article as I continue to do today, 2012] “Join your church or the Community Caring Center in Azle, or other groups that act in the name of Jesus to reach out a hand in the spirit that Jesus was speaking of in Matt 25:35-40.”

  I retired from a job, but not from life.

  So Edwin, I hope this addresses the question of what drives me.

5) In a perfect world, what would you like to see Azle become?

   Answer: I think we are there in many ways. There are initiatives to fulfill Matthew 25; 22:37-40 and last three paragraphs of my story above. We need only to look at the CCC, EMPHC, the backpack program, the Christmas angel tree project and others. But we can do better and we can do that by nurturing a caring heart that is guided by Christian love.

Our model could be the Macedonian churches found in 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 where we read:

“1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.   5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.” NIV

There are many in Azle who give like that including " they gave themselves first."

What a great place to live!

Serving Others; Serving Him by Servng His
   Ray Ivey
   Joining Others on a Journey to a Destination in the Future

 The 'selection' was covered in Azle News at http://www.azlenews.net/news.asp?Story=19743

The 'interview' has not been published yet.

Characteristics of Successful Operations

Customer Service and clientele who see you as acting in their interest; in a way they can trust.
With that comes loyalty an thus repeat business and PR chatter on your positive qualities. Competent service that delivers what is expected is always embedded in success. Let's talk more on this - later.

Being Strong

  "Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragement, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak." ~ Thomas Carlyle
    I say it is Determination, Dedication, Diligence and Discipline that will bring on our "permanence, perseverance and persistence." 
    And in the memorable words of Forrest Gump, "And that's all I have to say about that."