Great Quote Thursday

Few Christians who view their work as a chore have much of a witness on or off the job- Larry Burkett

Leadership Session with Tom Kilgore

Tom Kilgore, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), shared with some of our staff during a meeting yesterday morning. He is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a man of much wisdom. Some of what he shared included the following:

Improvements must be quantifiable and noticeable.

Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.

Every organization must discuss substance and style. Substance is getting things done. Style is doing things the right way.

A motto at TVA- Better. TVA strives to be better every day. Every week. Every month. Every year.

What people help create, they will be committed to.

You are responsible for your own career.

Ephesians- Part 3- But God

On Sundays, we're continuing our study through the New Testament book of Ephesians. Here are some thoughts on this week's passage, Chapter 2: 1-10:

Paul expresses that we were, in effect, dead men walking. Zombielike. Without life. But God (v. 4), because of his great love for us, changed everything.

Often when the word "but" is used, it's not a helpful conjunction. Things usually transition toward the negative. For instance, sometimes when I need to apologize to my wife for something I've said, I'll often phrase it something along the lines of, "I apologize for what I said earlier, but the only reason I said it was......." and I get to take another attempt at pointing out something that I think was an issue. Most people when pulled over for speeding may admit they were speeding "but it was only 10 miles over the speed limit". Usually what comes after the word "but" is not good.

But when God did what only God could do, it was a beautiful moment. Because but for God's love, we would be without life. Dead men walking.

Book Review- Lee: A Life of Virtue by John Perry

A new release from Thomas Nelson's "The Generals" series, John Perry, author of the New York Times' bestseller, Letters to God, crafts a biography that highlights the virtues of Robert E. Lee. Drawing from his previous work on the life of Robert E. Lee's wife, Mary Custis Lee (Lady of Arlington), Perry sets about to defend the memory of the great Confederate general. For example, Perry notes on the back cover, "Lee considered slavery a moral outrage" and in the book's introduction, he notes that Lee "probably never owned a slave in his life". However, Perry also shares that Lee's wife (and Lee by marriage) inherited nearly 200 slaves from her father upon his death; there were always slaves serving in the Lee family home at Arlington; and a "servant" who had served the Lees at Arlington was alongside Lee throughout the Civil War. So while Lee may technically have never owned a slave, it is difficult to determine from the facts of his life that he considered slavery a "moral outrage".

This work, as well as the George Patton book in the Generals series, attempts to characterize and highlight the nature of both men as deeply spiritual. Yet in each book, the information the authors share is not entirely convincing. It's as if the authors desire to present the men as without fault. Also, in several portions of the book, the author comes across as an apologist for the causes of the Confederacy. This, in addition to the lack of historical notes or a significant bibliography, make this short volume a disappointment.

I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

Being the Church

As part of our church's efforts to "Be The Church", today a group of almost 40 young adults from Sevier Heights Baptist Church spent time leading worship, sharing the Gospel and feeding the homeless at a local ministry called Angelic Ministries as part of Angelic's weekly "Music, Message and Manna" program.

We had a great time. Doing good work. Being the church.

Fun on Friday

In response to last week's Fun on Friday, I've been informed by two friends that Wrangler really does make "Real. Comfortable. Jeans".

Interesting how as the Major League Baseball season winds down that the standings are always so tight. Announcers talk at great length about the games to be played as teams come down the stretch, with much emphasis placed on the last few games of the season. But when you think about it, a "meaningless" game in early May or a game during the dog days of August counts just as much as a game in the season's final week.

Great Quote Thursday

Opportunity knocked but it looked like work so no one answered- E. Ray Jones

My Pleasure

"My pleasure". If you've ever been to a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, you've heard those words. In response to an order for a chicken sandwich or a soft drink refill request you'll hear, "My pleasure". That type of quality customer service is as much a part of Chick-Fil-A's corporate culture as the cows and "Eat mor chikin".

And when I think about it, I can't remember if I've ever had an experience with a rude Chick-Fil-A employee. Certainly some experiences to CFA restaurants are better than others but not because the staff member is rude or discourteous.

In the fast food industry, that's quite an accomplishment.

Fun on Friday

When watching sports on TV, I see lots of commercials for Wrangler Jeans. But outside of Brett Favre and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (who are in the commercials), I don't really know alot of people who wear Wrangler. Wonder if they really are "Real. Comfortable. Jeans."?

Just watching promos for Man vs. Food on the Travel Channel upsets my cholesterol level. Really, though, how long can Adam Richman host that show before he just blows up? It can't be healthy.

Was in a local library recently and on the shelf was a complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica's.........from 2002. Wonder how long it's been since those have been used? From encyclopedias to the Google search in a decade or so, the rate of access to information has been exponentially amazing.

Great Quote Thursday

Whatever you are, be a good one- Abraham Lincoln

Ephesians- Part 2- The Power of Know

On Sundays, we're continuing our study through the New Testament book of Ephesians. Here are some thoughts on this week's passage, Chapter 1: 15-23:

Paul emphasizes how blessed we are in Christ. He wants to make sure we "know" (v. 18):
the hope of His calling (v. 18); the riches of the glory of His inheritance (v. 18); and the exceeding greatness of His power (v. 19). Paul goes on to detail the power and majesty of God the Father as displayed through Christ the Son, ever reminding us that we are abundantly blessed because of what Christ did on our behalf on the cross. The power of know is to "know" that God has blessed you, that He is with you always.

Many are familiar with the children's story of The Little Engine That Could, the "I think I can, I think I can" story. Recently, my family was at the zoo and my youngest son was attempting to traverse a rope ladder (with Tonya in close pursuit) and we overheard him say "I know I can, I know I can". Knowing some difficulties he's had to overcome, that was a beautiful moment.

Here's The Point: When a moment of crisis occurs, a follower of Christ must "know" that He cares for them. There may not be time to think or hope He's there, you need to "know" it.

Ephesians- Part 1- Adoption

On Sundays, we're beginning a study through the New Testament book of Ephesians. Here are some notes from the first lesson from Ephesians 1:1-14:

Ephesians is possibly a general letter to the early churches rather than a letter to a specific group based on the lack of individual, detailed information that Paul often included in his letters.

In verses 4 and 5, Paul tells us that "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world" and that He "predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ". To think that God thought of me before time began is almost unfathomable; He has alot going on you know. But in recent months, this passage has taken on an extra significance for me.

We have some great friends of our family who are currently going through the adoption process, soon to adopt two young children from a foreign country. To hear them tell of how adoption has impacted them to see the story of the Gospel and the gift of salvation so much more vividly, how adoption is such a clear representation of God's love for us, has been prevalent on my mind.

And while I continue to pray for our friends as well as for two children I've yet to meet, I'm reminded that though not from a foreign country, God adopted me out of sin when I was just a young boy. For that I am eternally thankful.

Great Quote Thursday

That which grows fast withers as quickly; that which grows slowly endures- Josiah Holland

Book Review- The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews

A wonderfully animated book, "The Boy Who Changed the World" is the children's version of author Andy Andrews' book, "The Butterfly Effect". Written to encourage children that every action that they take is important, Andrews focuses on the story of Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug who through a series of events and situations is connected to the well-known inventor, George Washington Carver.

As the book makes the linkages from Borlaug to former Vice President Henry Wallace to inventor Carver to Carver's adoptive father, Missouri farmer Moses Carver, children are reminded that they are important, that they can make a difference and that they can change the world. These are lessons that every child needs to hear.

The book is animated by Philip Hurst in a bright, colorful, vivid manner that can keep a child's interest. The artwork is quite child-friendly from the cornfield surrounding a childhood Borlaug to the scientist Carver in his laboratory to the synopsis page near the end. There are butterflies depicted throughout the book as well.

Because of its focus to encourage children to be responsible and to understand their impact on their world, I enjoyed this book more than I did Andrews' "The Butterfly Effect".

I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

Book Review- The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews

A quick read, along the lines of gift books, The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews attempts to remind the reader of the importance of every moment, every action. From the back cover: "Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world". Andrews references the work of scientist Edward Lorenz to explain the butterfly effect or as it is more scientifically known, The Law of Sensitive Dependence Upon Initial Conditions, to lay out this premise.

Andrews tells the Civil War story of Colonel Joshua Chamberlain of Maine and his heroic role in the battle of Gettysburg and explains the importance it played in a chain of future events. However, Andrews then links a list of assumptions to the extent that he claims that because of Chamberlain's actions the United States was victorious in World War II and in saving Europe from the clutches of Adolf Hitler and the continent of Asia from the advances of Emperor Hirohito and his Japanese forces!

The book also shares the linkages between Moses Carver, a Missouri farmer in the 1800's and the feeding of billions worldwide. This story is also shared in a children's book, "The Boy Who Changed the World".

The concepts that every life impacts others and that every life matters should not be forgotten. However, although an interesting take on the "six degrees of separation" or "ripple effect", Andrews' book "The Butterfly Effect" makes some assumptions that are a bit stretched.

I reviewed this book in conjunction with Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze program, was not compensated for this review and the opinions expressed are solely mine.

Book Review- James K. Polk by John Seigenthaler

Being from Knoxville, I've always been intrigued that the state of Tennessee was the home state to three U.S. Presidents in a relatively brief span of time in the mid-1800's (Andrew Jackson, James Polk and Andrew Johnson). Much has been written of Jackson, he of the fiery temper and strong and effective, although often divisive, leadership. On the opposite spectrum is Johnson, who achieved the Presidency by default upon Abraham Lincoln's assassination, who twice faced impeachment charges and is generally regarded as one this country's worst Presidents. And then there is Polk.

Serving as President in the span between Jackson and Lincoln, Polk is included in a group of former Chief Executives whom are not highly noted in history (others include Tyler, Pierce, Fillmore, Buchanan). Many are lowly regarded for their poor leadership, yet Polk's accomplishments stand out in comparison. The back cover notes by author John Seigenthaler provide a brief snapshot of Polk's presidency:

"James Knox Polk surely is history's most underappreciated president. Few Americans have any awareness that in four years he engineered the annexation of Texas, bluffed the British out of Oregon, waged war with Mexico to take California and New Mexico, enlarged the country's land mass by a third and made the United States a continental nation. To read his presidential diary is to be retrospectively introduced to a chief magistrate who was tough-minded, strong-willed, egocentric, sometimes petty, usually predictable, often duplicitous, and always partisan. He served but one term by his own choice, pledging as a candidate that he would not seek reelection. He kept his word. A complete workaholic, he left office worn and ill and went home to Nashville to recover his health. It hardly seems fair that three months after leaving the White House he was dead".

Upon reading Seigenthaler's concise yet quite detailed account of Polk's life, my impressions of Polk include the following: he was very driven; he was probably too beholden to Andrew Jackson; he was an ultra-partisan politician; his ability to keep a detailed journal/diary while President was impressive; he was probably not highly likable; he was obviously quite effective. Seigenthaler is fair in his presentation of both Polk's qualities as well as his weaknesses.

Seigenthaler includes notes throughout the book, a detailed bibliography and a chronological history of Polk's life. This was an excellent book that I can highly recommend if you are interested in learning more about the 11th President of the United States. Based on this work, I will also be likely to read other works by Seigenthaler.

Fun on Friday

College football kicks off this weekend and the NFL kicks off next week. Glad football is back.

Speaking of the NFL, I've watched enough preseason game action to be reminded that NFL players are required to wear some ugly NFL officially designed caps and visors. Not NASCAR cap ugly, with the flames and all, but still some bad designs.

Recently, we tried one of the new banana berry smoothies at McDonald's. Our 3 year old, Turner, was not impressed. Apparently, it was a bit too sour for him. After taking a small sip, he replied, "Ooo, that hurt my feelings".

Great Quote Thursday

Every choice we make is ultimately a spiritual decision- George Barna

Quality Customer Service

At the Target store in Maryville, TN is man a named Bill. I don't know Bill. I don't know Bill's last name. I only know he's "Bill" because that's what his name badge says.

In the check-out area at the front of the store, he often works the express lane. As my family is a regular Target guest, we've been through Bill's line on several occasions. In each instance, he's provided excellent customer service. Always a "how are you today?". Always a "did you find what you were looking for?". Always a "thank you" and a "have a good day". In addition, he takes time to speak to our boys and that's always a plus.

And over time, here's what I've noticed. Unless we're in a real hurry or unless we can walk directly up to another cashier, we'll wait and go through Bill's checkout lane. Why? Because he provides quality customer service.

Which makes me wonder, do I provide quality customer service where I work? What about you?