Don’t be a “can’t do it” person…Be a “can do it” person…

Some people are just naturally wired to kill other people’s dreams. Others live in a world of caution and fear, never wanting to take a risk…always opting for the safest side of the street. Sometimes that’s not in an attempt to be negative, but just the way a person is wired…

I realize there is a place for the questioner…There are people inclined to find holes in an idea in an attempt to strengthen it (I use this tactic sometimes to challenge deeper, more critical thinking about an issue.)

I am not advocating running blindly…I’m not impressed when someone comes to me with an idea with no intent to research, collaborate with the team, set goals and objectives, or develop a plan to accomplish the idea…

I like common sense….

BUT…

I also know that life is full of risks….

I realize that in order to achieve anything of significance some chance for failure must be on the table…

Personally, I am far more motivated when I hear “You can do it” or “Give it a try” than “We’ve never done that before” or “I don’t know if that will work”.

If your tendency is to naturally be a skeptic or if you find yourself normally on the negative side of an issue, try taking the positive approach for a change…You may just discover you like it!

Are you more likely to be a naysayer or an encourager of risk?

I have personally enjoyed the leadership interview series I have done over the last six months. I am slowing down that series, but I want to recap them for you here in case you missed any of them. Combined, these posts could almost be a leadership book. The wisdom in these interviews, from these great leaders, are like gold when read together. See for yourself!

Here are the 10 question interview posts I did in the order they appeared on my blog. You can click on the name to read their interview.

Ben Arment – Story Conference
Pete Wilson – Cross Point Church
Tim Stevens – Granger Church
Jarrett Stevens – Soul City Church
Wayne Elsey – Soles4Souls
Carlos Whitaker – Worship Leader
Mac Lake – The Launch Network
Geoff Surratt – Seacoast Church
Scott Williams – LifeChurch.tv
Jenni Catron – Cross Point Church
Scott Hodge – Orchard Church
Dave Ferguson – Community Christian Church
Ben Stroup – Generis Group
Jon Acuff – Stuff Christians Like
Kent Shaffer – Church Relevance
Cheryl Smith – Consultant
Steve Keating – LeadToday
Chris Walker
Susan Bordewyk
Eldon Kelley
James Castellano
Patricia Zell
Dave Baldwin
Lantz Howard
Chad Rowland - Grace Community Church
Bob Fryling – InterVarsity Press
Gerry True – Oak Hills Church
Richard Westley
John Maxwell
Michael Hyatt – Thomas Nelson Publishers
Charles Stone – Ginger Creek Community Church
Brad Lomenick – Catalyst

I may throw in some good interviews occasionally, but this will be the end of this series as a regular Tuesday feature.

Did you learn from any of these? Is there someone else I should consider interviewing?

I’m so grateful for the opportunity this week in Sierra Leone. God has blessed us greatly, but there are a few things I know I won’t as easily take for granted.

Here are 10 things (and people) I won’t easily take for granted, thanks to my time in Sierra Leone:

1. Cheryl, Jeremy, Nate & Mary
2 My church and extended family
3. Air conditioning
4. Hot (or even warm) showers
5. Flushable toilets
6. High speed wireless Internet
7. Not having to sleep under a mosquito tent
8. Ice/Refrigeration
9. Paved roads
10. Knowledge of what I’m eating

Realizing even more how blessed we are as Americans!

What are you taking for granted these days?

(There will be more reflective posts and pictures to come. Internet is limited to a few minutes per day at this point.)

In case you missed my earlier posts, I’m in Sierra Leone for a couple weeks. I will share more later, but wanted to give a quick update. We are here to teach and train pastors for Africa for Jesus and it has been an incredible experience so far.

Here are 10 things I’ve observed/learned the first few days here:

1. I take for granted warm shower and air conditioning

2. The African people love to worship…and they know how. When they pray, God’s Spirit is present.

3. Grilled goat meat is not bad.

4. Women (and a few men) who can balance enormous weight on their heads and walk miles…amaze me!

5. African people have huge hearts.

6. Temperature is relative. In the upper 80′s here some have on coats and jackets…while I sweated.

7. The hearts and desires of people don’t change much because of cultural differences.

8. The power of Christ to change a life is not limited by demographics or geography.

9. Children are precious at showing unconditional love. I understand more why Jesus encouraged the children to come to Him.

10. People are even more loving when they are shown love.

Can you identify with any of these from your observations of life?

I’m out of the country, so I’m not doing my own giveaway today, but I would like to make you aware of one. (Plus I did give away some stuff Tuesday!!!)

A couple months ago I was approached by Beacon Advertising to advertise on my site.  I had put off doing something like this, but I do still have a child in college and the extra funds would help. (It’s not much, but every bit counts.)  Anyway, I researched the company and found them to be very reputable.  They do the work for me, so if you want to advertise on this blog, you go straight through them HERE.

I’m happy to announce that Beacon Ads is giving away $630 worth of Logos Bible software.  This is an incredible deal and it’s easy to win.  Details HERE.

I have personally used this software and highly recommend it.

What Bible software do you use?

In case you missed it, I’m sharing some of the top posts I have written, according to the activity they have received.

Here are the top posts on parenting:

Teaching Children Honesty
Teaching Children Cooperation
Having the Sex Talk with Children
7 Tips for Surviving the Terrible Threes
Building a Lasting Connection with Children
Building Spiritual Maturity in Your Home
10 Principles for Effective Discipline
Parenting by Grace: A Model
10 Easy Steps to Spoil a Child
7 Things I Should Have Taught My Sons

What is your greatest current leadership challenge?