With the recent warm temperatures, I noticed today that bulbs I planted last fall are beginning to shoot through the ground indicating that spring is near. Plus, it is a feeling of self-satifaction in seeing the efforts of months ago generate growth after a harsh and snowy winter in Virginia.
Last year, in working through Dr. Steven R. Covey's "The 8th Habit", I was particularly taken by the "Rule of the Harvest". In this, Dr. Covey discussed that to reap the harvest, one must prepare the ground, plant the seeds, fertilize, water, and care for the crop in order to reap the harvest. One cannot plant and expect to harvest in a few days or a few weeks. It takes months and understanding the laws of nature.
In our "microwave" and "fast food" society, many expect things to be done without much planning, effort, and preparation. Some things do lend themselves to this mentality. However, most things like fostering trust, building relationships, maintaining relationships, and building character must follow the rules of the harvest.
As the renowned leadership professor Warren Bennis once stated "you cannot simply put a person in a microwave and after 30 seconds pops out a leader".
Words of the Wise.....
Ecclesiastes 10:12 - Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious
Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips. - Ecclesiastes 10:12 (NIV)
Our words reveal our character (Matthew 12:34) and we should choose our words wisely.
The fool makes false assumptions and therefore even more errant conclusions. He babbles on and on without thinking. (Ecclesiastes 10:14)
Let's be gracious with our words today, praying and reflecting before sharing and speaking.
Source: The Daily Bible Verse [dailybibleversehelp@yahoo.com] March 10, 2010
Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address & Lessons Therefrom
I continue to find so much wisdom in the writings and spoken words of President Abraham Lincoln.
His 2nd Inaugural address, spoken just a few months before his untimely death, speaks volumes as to the man's compassion, wisdom, and what Professor Jim Collins refers to as "Level 5 Leadership".
In the midst of a personal conflict last year, I often reflected upon Lincoln's words from this addrerss:
Like those in Lincoln's time who took opposite views on slavery, it just seems paradoxical to me that Christian men and women today, who profess to read the same Bible, worship and pray to the same God, are often at odds with each other and advocate for their own wishes and pursuits at the expense of others and that of the greater good. I harken back to President Lincoln's words that "The Almighty has His own purposes" which may be antithetical to ours.
Over the years, I have often heard many utter the words "the Lord has laid on my heart...." to preface what someone may believe and advocate. Yet, two different people may have entirely different views on the same issue despite professing that the Lord has laid that view on their heart. I do not believe our God to be contradictory so as to lay two different views on the hearts of two different people. So, who is right ? Perhaps neither. Perhaps what one may perceive or believe to be Divine inspiration is merely a deep human preference or desire.
I do not believe that such words should be uttered with casual regularity.
This is not a criticsm or a judgement, but rather just an observation of human behavior and a reminder that perhaps we all must keep the greater good in mind. We should strive to seek a middle ground, not necessarily a compromise, but rather agreement that furthers the greater good and minimzes pain and hurt that our actions may inflict upon others. Sadly, too many of us believe that life, work, and even church life is a zero-sum game with one winning at the expense of another losing.
Finally, Lincoln's words remind me that, as often is the case, I am not always right and need to temper my actions and words accordingly.
His 2nd Inaugural address, spoken just a few months before his untimely death, speaks volumes as to the man's compassion, wisdom, and what Professor Jim Collins refers to as "Level 5 Leadership".
In the midst of a personal conflict last year, I often reflected upon Lincoln's words from this addrerss:
"Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God’s assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men’s faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes."Professor Jay Winik in his masterful "April 1865" work cites that President Lincoln had a Bible on the podium as he spoke that day. Upon conclusion of his final and famous words from that speech of "with malice towards none and charity towards all" he bent down, kissed the Bible, and softly uttered "so help me, God".
Like those in Lincoln's time who took opposite views on slavery, it just seems paradoxical to me that Christian men and women today, who profess to read the same Bible, worship and pray to the same God, are often at odds with each other and advocate for their own wishes and pursuits at the expense of others and that of the greater good. I harken back to President Lincoln's words that "The Almighty has His own purposes" which may be antithetical to ours.
Over the years, I have often heard many utter the words "the Lord has laid on my heart...." to preface what someone may believe and advocate. Yet, two different people may have entirely different views on the same issue despite professing that the Lord has laid that view on their heart. I do not believe our God to be contradictory so as to lay two different views on the hearts of two different people. So, who is right ? Perhaps neither. Perhaps what one may perceive or believe to be Divine inspiration is merely a deep human preference or desire.
I do not believe that such words should be uttered with casual regularity.
This is not a criticsm or a judgement, but rather just an observation of human behavior and a reminder that perhaps we all must keep the greater good in mind. We should strive to seek a middle ground, not necessarily a compromise, but rather agreement that furthers the greater good and minimzes pain and hurt that our actions may inflict upon others. Sadly, too many of us believe that life, work, and even church life is a zero-sum game with one winning at the expense of another losing.
Finally, Lincoln's words remind me that, as often is the case, I am not always right and need to temper my actions and words accordingly.
Hope Amid the Doom and Gloom
A steady diet of economic and business news can dampen the mood of the most optimistic among us.
One of greatest examples of downright stupidity is our country's dependence on foreign energy sources. In essence, we are paying money for foreign oil only to see some of those dollars used to fund terrorist activities against us. That's analagous to handing a perpetrator the gun with which to rob or even shoot us.
But, there are signs of promise and hope emerging; and they are not emanating from Washington, DC. Rather, the private sector is bringing forth new sources of power such wind farms, battery-powered vehicles, compressed natural gas from shale, and Bloom energy. The latter is fascinating as Bloom boxes eventually may be the energy source one day to power our buildings and homes.
Necessity truly is the mother of invention. Even someone as diabolical as Adolph Hitler had his German engineers develop air-cooled engines, eventually used in Volkswagens, to foster greater fuel efficiency and develop the process of liquifaction to extract oil from coal to develop a new source for fuel.
Despite the decrease in the number of graduates coming out of our engineering schools, America can be a major player in the new energy era. For unlike other cultures, our country promotes and rewards innovation, entrepreneurship, and risking taking. Though some of the energy initiatives cited above may require government support and funding, knowing that our country's creative thinking is still at work is both reassuring and promising.
Finally, like the great minds that collaborated on the "Manhattan Project", which produced the dreaded atom bomb, this effort will require the best and brightest from many nations and cultures.
One of greatest examples of downright stupidity is our country's dependence on foreign energy sources. In essence, we are paying money for foreign oil only to see some of those dollars used to fund terrorist activities against us. That's analagous to handing a perpetrator the gun with which to rob or even shoot us.
But, there are signs of promise and hope emerging; and they are not emanating from Washington, DC. Rather, the private sector is bringing forth new sources of power such wind farms, battery-powered vehicles, compressed natural gas from shale, and Bloom energy. The latter is fascinating as Bloom boxes eventually may be the energy source one day to power our buildings and homes.
Necessity truly is the mother of invention. Even someone as diabolical as Adolph Hitler had his German engineers develop air-cooled engines, eventually used in Volkswagens, to foster greater fuel efficiency and develop the process of liquifaction to extract oil from coal to develop a new source for fuel.
Despite the decrease in the number of graduates coming out of our engineering schools, America can be a major player in the new energy era. For unlike other cultures, our country promotes and rewards innovation, entrepreneurship, and risking taking. Though some of the energy initiatives cited above may require government support and funding, knowing that our country's creative thinking is still at work is both reassuring and promising.
Finally, like the great minds that collaborated on the "Manhattan Project", which produced the dreaded atom bomb, this effort will require the best and brightest from many nations and cultures.
Schilling Manor Days - Final Thoughts
My father returned safely from Viet Nam in November, 1968. I recall my youngest brother, who was only three, did not know who he was for a while.
During the '68 Tet Offensive, the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong almost overran Tan San Knut airbase. Years later, my father shared how touch and go things really were until the complete security was restored. As a result of Tet and its lasting impact on us, my mother decided to have family prayer for my father each night. We offered up the rosary every night after dinner and homework. To this day, I believe that God honored our prayers for my father's safe return.
I understand that Schilling Manor eventually closed though the housing units are still in use today. The streets have been renamed and many other things, like our society, have changed. But, one could say that it served an important purpose during a trying time for many military families. For our family, it was home and we felt safe as we awaited the ultimate and safe return of our father.
We lived in Schilling Manor for approximately 13 months. I know that my mother could quote the specific dates of arrival and departure. Though it was only for a short time, the place, the experiences, the people, the commond bond, and the mere community feeling had a significant impact on me. Like my older brother who has gone back to visit, I would like to return one day and walk those grounds that we called home for that season in our life that brought forth many memories. If there was such a thing as a time machine, this would be the place and this would be the time in my life to which I would like to return and relive. After all, this is the place that my brother and I were able to shake the hand of then-Vice President Hubert H. Humphery. Little did I know at the time that I would eventually vote Republican in most elections.
A few years ago, my father came across a book about a family which lived in Schiling Manor. I ordered a copy for the both of us which we did not find very interesting. Perhaps one day, I will attempt to write such a book about our experiences there but juxtapose them against those of our country and the world.
During the '68 Tet Offensive, the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong almost overran Tan San Knut airbase. Years later, my father shared how touch and go things really were until the complete security was restored. As a result of Tet and its lasting impact on us, my mother decided to have family prayer for my father each night. We offered up the rosary every night after dinner and homework. To this day, I believe that God honored our prayers for my father's safe return.
I understand that Schilling Manor eventually closed though the housing units are still in use today. The streets have been renamed and many other things, like our society, have changed. But, one could say that it served an important purpose during a trying time for many military families. For our family, it was home and we felt safe as we awaited the ultimate and safe return of our father.
We lived in Schilling Manor for approximately 13 months. I know that my mother could quote the specific dates of arrival and departure. Though it was only for a short time, the place, the experiences, the people, the commond bond, and the mere community feeling had a significant impact on me. Like my older brother who has gone back to visit, I would like to return one day and walk those grounds that we called home for that season in our life that brought forth many memories. If there was such a thing as a time machine, this would be the place and this would be the time in my life to which I would like to return and relive. After all, this is the place that my brother and I were able to shake the hand of then-Vice President Hubert H. Humphery. Little did I know at the time that I would eventually vote Republican in most elections.
A few years ago, my father came across a book about a family which lived in Schiling Manor. I ordered a copy for the both of us which we did not find very interesting. Perhaps one day, I will attempt to write such a book about our experiences there but juxtapose them against those of our country and the world.
Schilling Manor Days - Part 4 (Sundays)
Both Catholics and Protestants worshiped at the same chapel. I do not recall specifically, but, I believe the Catholics worshiped at 11am though it might have been at an earlier time. Years later, I now wonder where members of the Jewish faith worshiped, perhaps not on Schilling Manor.
The Catholic services were conducted by an Army Chaplain. After Sunday Mass, we took a shuttle bus to Catechism class (Sunday School). Each class was based upon class grade. Some of my classmates in school were also in this class. I remember our classroom being in the basement that also served as a bomb shelter or least had the markings and signs for such.
I recall being confirmed at this Schilling Chapel. The Chaplain and his staff took care of everything including selecting each confirmee a sponsor/witness. As there were very few Catholic men on base, the Chapel brought in civilians from the offbase to serve a sponsor/witness. I did meet my sponsor/witness in advance. Rather, I turned a got a glimpse of him prior to encountering the Catholic bishop. He simply smiled and nodded his head. It was the first and last time I ever saw him.
At the Schilling Chapel, we were introduced to Catholic Folk music as part of the Sunday worship service. The musicians had guitars and tambourines and the music was upbeat. Much to the chagrin of many traditional Catholics, this folk music became popular in the 70's.
I cannot recall any particular sermon that stood out in my mind. I believe my lack of attention is the main cause for this. I do recall how the Chaplain did not like the wine he had to drink as part of the Eucharist. He would grimace when taking an obligatory sip.
As for Sunday afternoons, I recall getting ready for school by doing homework and writing letters to my father and other family. My older brother used to get and share a magazine from his catechism class that featured animated histories on the lives of famous Americans such as Dwight Eisenhauer, Charles Goodyear, and others. Perhaps this fueled my interest in history. My big brother, who is now a high school teacher, loved teaching me things in those days. I just wish that I had been a better student.
Next blog, final thoughts on our Schilling Manor days.
The Catholic services were conducted by an Army Chaplain. After Sunday Mass, we took a shuttle bus to Catechism class (Sunday School). Each class was based upon class grade. Some of my classmates in school were also in this class. I remember our classroom being in the basement that also served as a bomb shelter or least had the markings and signs for such.
I recall being confirmed at this Schilling Chapel. The Chaplain and his staff took care of everything including selecting each confirmee a sponsor/witness. As there were very few Catholic men on base, the Chapel brought in civilians from the offbase to serve a sponsor/witness. I did meet my sponsor/witness in advance. Rather, I turned a got a glimpse of him prior to encountering the Catholic bishop. He simply smiled and nodded his head. It was the first and last time I ever saw him.
At the Schilling Chapel, we were introduced to Catholic Folk music as part of the Sunday worship service. The musicians had guitars and tambourines and the music was upbeat. Much to the chagrin of many traditional Catholics, this folk music became popular in the 70's.
I cannot recall any particular sermon that stood out in my mind. I believe my lack of attention is the main cause for this. I do recall how the Chaplain did not like the wine he had to drink as part of the Eucharist. He would grimace when taking an obligatory sip.
As for Sunday afternoons, I recall getting ready for school by doing homework and writing letters to my father and other family. My older brother used to get and share a magazine from his catechism class that featured animated histories on the lives of famous Americans such as Dwight Eisenhauer, Charles Goodyear, and others. Perhaps this fueled my interest in history. My big brother, who is now a high school teacher, loved teaching me things in those days. I just wish that I had been a better student.
Next blog, final thoughts on our Schilling Manor days.
Schilling Manor Days - Part 3
They all had a common bond in that their husbands were assigned overseas. Most had husbands in Viet Nam.
I recall how some did not drive while others could drive but did not have vehicles. In our neighborhood, mothers who could drive would carpool with those who could not drive or loan their vehicles out.
I recall how one of our neighbors whose mother was British took care of us when my mother went to Wichita, KS for the day to be naturalized as a US citizen. It was the only day I remember that our mother was not home when we returned from school. I recall that afternoon coming to our neighbor's home for TV dinner and watching the news until our mother returned for us.
Those families with teenagers would babysit for the younger children while mothers went shopping.
I do not remember mothers getting together to socialize much. I suspect they were too busy trying to keep their households going. Though I do remember an evening when one of the mothers, sitting under a tree and talking with others, got hit by a long fly ball from our softball game. Fortunately, she was only dazed and did not delay our game too long. I think it was her daugher's neighborhood boyfriend who hit the long flyball. I think they broke up shortly thereafter.
Tomorrow, Sundays in Schilling Manor.
I recall how some did not drive while others could drive but did not have vehicles. In our neighborhood, mothers who could drive would carpool with those who could not drive or loan their vehicles out.
I recall how one of our neighbors whose mother was British took care of us when my mother went to Wichita, KS for the day to be naturalized as a US citizen. It was the only day I remember that our mother was not home when we returned from school. I recall that afternoon coming to our neighbor's home for TV dinner and watching the news until our mother returned for us.
Those families with teenagers would babysit for the younger children while mothers went shopping.
I do not remember mothers getting together to socialize much. I suspect they were too busy trying to keep their households going. Though I do remember an evening when one of the mothers, sitting under a tree and talking with others, got hit by a long fly ball from our softball game. Fortunately, she was only dazed and did not delay our game too long. I think it was her daugher's neighborhood boyfriend who hit the long flyball. I think they broke up shortly thereafter.
Tomorrow, Sundays in Schilling Manor.
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