Ch. 20 - Teachability
I really liked this chapter (along with most of the others). We must remain teachable, if we aren't willing to learn then I feel this limits God's ability to use us; we will stop growing and stop hearing His voice. I have referred to the mature fruit many times - once an apple is mature it begins the rotting process (if it is not used for another purpose such as applesauce or pie it rots). I don't want to reach that "I am mature and don't need to learn anymore" attitude!!
Ch. 21 - Vision
Another area I struggle with. I (we) have a vision for our farm - what will need improving, where or how to expand, etc. However, when I look deep inside myself, I really don't have a vision for myself. Something I need to work on.
I have enjoyed reading this book. Sometimes the self reflection hurt - big time. But it has also made me more aware of my weaknesses and my strengths. This book will definitely stay by my bed and be referred to in the future.
"Dear Lord, help me to remain green and teachable that I may grow stronger for you."
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Annette's Nov & Dec book review
Here I thought I was just doing my December review. OOPS! I had started this one and never finished. I finished the book. Overall - 6 stars out of 5.
Chapter 16: Responsibility
"Good leaders never embrace a victim mentality." They work hard, are self motivated (think of themselves as self-employed - like that), don't say things like "that's not my job", and are driven by excellence. I really liked how he said "stress comes from doing less than you can". That is SO true! And as I train other leaders, I am always trying to show that to them! If you would think ahead and prepare, you do less and stress less. Well said Mr. Maxwell.
Chapter 17: Security
KRISTIE, ARE YOU READING THIS? ;-D We just talked about this recently...I think this holds a lot of leaders back. My husband included! At work, he is a driven, organized, forward-thinking leader. But that doesn't always translate to every situation he's in. He doesn't always feel like he has authority. I see this in so many people I work with! "No one can live on a level inconsistent with the way he sees himself." How do you see yourself? Through the eyes of God? Or through a clogged filter accumulated by past experiences, unsupportive loved ones, and perceived failures?
Chapter 18: Self-Discipline
Ouch - we all hate this one. I think this says it all..."Anyone who does what he must only when he is in the mood or when it's convenient isn't going to be successful." This is the clincher! All the procrastinators need to understand this! I also liked that he said we need to challenge and eliminate any tendency to make excuses. Be honest with yourself and just don't go there!
Chapter 19: Servanthood
JESUS! That wraps it all up! I think we've heard a lot about this principle in our church (thank God). Servanthood is intentional...doesn't happen by accident.
Chapter 20: Teachability
This is why we did Signet! And why I'm doing it again next year. The one consistent theme I hear from different leaders is this principle - to remain teachable. Keep learning! And I thought it was really good when he said the leader "who keeps making the same mistakes" makes no progress. Forget your mistakes and keep going, BUT remember what they taught you!!
Chapter 21: Vision
Very well said. There are entire books just written about this idea. (I have some great ones if you'd like to read more.) The Word of God says "without vision, people perish". This is SO important! And if you're a leader, you can serve the vision of others - but you should also seek God about what your personal vision is! You only have this one life. What has He purposed for YOU to do? "Vision leads the leader." So good... I thought it was so insightful when he described the different voices you need to listen to in finding vision. I have never heard it said that way before. I will definitely refer back to this book in the future. So many nuggets and practical things to walk these principles out!
Thanks for reading it with me!!
Chapter 16: Responsibility
"Good leaders never embrace a victim mentality." They work hard, are self motivated (think of themselves as self-employed - like that), don't say things like "that's not my job", and are driven by excellence. I really liked how he said "stress comes from doing less than you can". That is SO true! And as I train other leaders, I am always trying to show that to them! If you would think ahead and prepare, you do less and stress less. Well said Mr. Maxwell.
Chapter 17: Security
KRISTIE, ARE YOU READING THIS? ;-D We just talked about this recently...I think this holds a lot of leaders back. My husband included! At work, he is a driven, organized, forward-thinking leader. But that doesn't always translate to every situation he's in. He doesn't always feel like he has authority. I see this in so many people I work with! "No one can live on a level inconsistent with the way he sees himself." How do you see yourself? Through the eyes of God? Or through a clogged filter accumulated by past experiences, unsupportive loved ones, and perceived failures?
Chapter 18: Self-Discipline
Ouch - we all hate this one. I think this says it all..."Anyone who does what he must only when he is in the mood or when it's convenient isn't going to be successful." This is the clincher! All the procrastinators need to understand this! I also liked that he said we need to challenge and eliminate any tendency to make excuses. Be honest with yourself and just don't go there!
Chapter 19: Servanthood
JESUS! That wraps it all up! I think we've heard a lot about this principle in our church (thank God). Servanthood is intentional...doesn't happen by accident.
Chapter 20: Teachability
This is why we did Signet! And why I'm doing it again next year. The one consistent theme I hear from different leaders is this principle - to remain teachable. Keep learning! And I thought it was really good when he said the leader "who keeps making the same mistakes" makes no progress. Forget your mistakes and keep going, BUT remember what they taught you!!
Chapter 21: Vision
Very well said. There are entire books just written about this idea. (I have some great ones if you'd like to read more.) The Word of God says "without vision, people perish". This is SO important! And if you're a leader, you can serve the vision of others - but you should also seek God about what your personal vision is! You only have this one life. What has He purposed for YOU to do? "Vision leads the leader." So good... I thought it was so insightful when he described the different voices you need to listen to in finding vision. I have never heard it said that way before. I will definitely refer back to this book in the future. So many nuggets and practical things to walk these principles out!
Thanks for reading it with me!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Kristie's Nov Reading
Ch. 16 - Responsibility
I think Mr. Maxwell hit the nail on the head when he said that 'People now focus more on their rights than on their responsibilities.' So many people want to lay blame on someone else instead of stepping up and being responsible. Being 'self-employed' we have to be responsible it is up to us to get our work done, there is no second shift that will pick up where we slack off. In ministry we have to be responsible there is NO room for slackers. Sometimes I think maybe we have to learn to say no if we can't get a task done by ourselves or within a time frame we have to be responsible and ask for help or step aside so the job can get done. Saying no is a responsible thing to do; we can't be 'yes people' and then fail to complete the task. Two more of John's quotes that were good: 'No one can do the minimum and reach his maximum potential.' and 'Failure to hit the bulls eye is not the fault of the target. To improve our aim, we must improve ourselves.'
Ch. 17 -Security
I feel this chapter dealt a lot with self evaluation. Can a person with a lack of self confidence still be secure with them self? Reflecting on it: I know my weaknesses and my strengths (for the most part). I am secure with who I am on this ministry team; however this doesn't mean that I become content and not allow myself to grow and be stretched.
Ch. 18 - Self-Discipline
I think this is an area where a lot of people struggle. I know I struggle with dieing to myself and doing what I know I need to do: devotions, pray time, eating healthier, exercising, etc. But Mr. Maxwell summed it up 'If you have several reasons why you can't be self-disciplined, realize that they are really just a bunch of excuses - all of which need to be challenged if you want to go to the next level as a leader.' Or the next level as a Christian, healthier person, or better spouse.
"Lord, help me challenge my long list of excuses!!"
Ch.19 - Servanthood
This was an encouraging chapter to me, maybe because I have no problems with serving people. I love to do things for others. I feel my day has been a success when 1st: I have made someone laugh or at least smile; 2nd: when I have been able to do something for someone else.
I think Mr. Maxwell hit the nail on the head when he said that 'People now focus more on their rights than on their responsibilities.' So many people want to lay blame on someone else instead of stepping up and being responsible. Being 'self-employed' we have to be responsible it is up to us to get our work done, there is no second shift that will pick up where we slack off. In ministry we have to be responsible there is NO room for slackers. Sometimes I think maybe we have to learn to say no if we can't get a task done by ourselves or within a time frame we have to be responsible and ask for help or step aside so the job can get done. Saying no is a responsible thing to do; we can't be 'yes people' and then fail to complete the task. Two more of John's quotes that were good: 'No one can do the minimum and reach his maximum potential.' and 'Failure to hit the bulls eye is not the fault of the target. To improve our aim, we must improve ourselves.'
Ch. 17 -Security
I feel this chapter dealt a lot with self evaluation. Can a person with a lack of self confidence still be secure with them self? Reflecting on it: I know my weaknesses and my strengths (for the most part). I am secure with who I am on this ministry team; however this doesn't mean that I become content and not allow myself to grow and be stretched.
Ch. 18 - Self-Discipline
I think this is an area where a lot of people struggle. I know I struggle with dieing to myself and doing what I know I need to do: devotions, pray time, eating healthier, exercising, etc. But Mr. Maxwell summed it up 'If you have several reasons why you can't be self-disciplined, realize that they are really just a bunch of excuses - all of which need to be challenged if you want to go to the next level as a leader.' Or the next level as a Christian, healthier person, or better spouse.
"Lord, help me challenge my long list of excuses!!"
Ch.19 - Servanthood
This was an encouraging chapter to me, maybe because I have no problems with serving people. I love to do things for others. I feel my day has been a success when 1st: I have made someone laugh or at least smile; 2nd: when I have been able to do something for someone else.
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