We are often dissatisfied, suspicious and annoyed when others fail to live up to our expectations or their commitments. We view co-workers as slackers, untrustworthy, lazy or incompetent. We may view our children as rebellious. We even look at those closest to us questioning their motives. Most often, the root of “their problem” isn’t them, it’s their failure to meet “our expectations.” We can’t control the actions, decisions or behaviors of others. We aren’t ill intended; we just want others to meet our expectations, do their fair share. But, author, Adam Phillips (2024) tells us that:   ..read more

“So do you like this one? What do you think?” I was in the dressing room helping my future mother-in-law choose a dress for our wedding. I wasn’t keen on the color, but it fit fine. However, the neckline was low and quite revealing. How could I gently share my opinion when that fact was staring back at me in the mirror? Her eyes scanned the hemline and slowly moved upward, evaluating every aspect of the dress. And then her horrified look said it all when she zeroed in on the bodice. “I can’t wear this! Oh! Why didn’t you say something?” Facts are things known or proved to be true. In the court ..read more

How do you know you are insecure? What behaviors show up when you are feeling insecure? “For the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.” Proverbs 3:26 NLT Dead works are those works that we do by our own efforts which often result in frustration and discouragement. Insecurity is a ramification of trying to do life using our own might and power. Perhaps you experienced this during the past week? A negative emotion will quickly crash your picnic when you are insecure, usually in the form of self-doubt which is fueled by fear or worry that you will not measure ..read more

In a world filled with noise, where words are often spoken without consideration of their impact, the wisdom of ancient scriptures offers us timeless guidance. Psalm 141:3 resonates with a profound truth that transcends time and culture: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” In this fast-paced digital age, where our words can travel across the globe in an instant, the importance of mindful speech cannot be overstated. This verse from the Psalms serves as a reminder of the power and responsibility we hold in the words we choose to use. Join us on a journey o ..read more

Frontiers in the life of a leader, either a pastor, CEO or a leader in any capacity, revolve around conquering territories, making a significant impact, and achieving personal and organizational goals. Just like the biblical figure Joshua, who led the Israelites to conquer new lands, leaders today must take bold steps to make ends meet, advance their vision, and gain new grounds in their respective fields. Breaking frontiers in leadership, whether in the family, workplace, church, or society, requires a deep sense of responsibility and a commitment to being a shining example of Christ in all e ..read more

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV, emphasis added). Sometimes, five minutes is all it takes to learn a lesson that will stay with you forever. Leadership Is Caught More than It’s Taught… I’m totally convinced that leadership lessons are most effective when they are “caught” as opposed to simply being “taught.” I guess that’s why we often hear people say that they can’t hear what we are saying because our actions speak louder than our words. It was ..read more

It was Super Bowl XXIII between the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Francisco 49ers. With only three minutes and ten seconds to go in the fourth quarter, the Bengals were leading 16 to 13. Joe Montana and the 49ers were on their own eight yard line. Randy Cross and his teammates were anxious about their prospects of actually pulling out a victory and becoming champions. And then Montana joined the huddle and a calmness settled in. His cool demeanor set the tone for what was about to happen. “We knew because of Joe we were going to win. He didn’t have to say it. We felt it.” When others have con ..read more

Whose voice are you listening to that is influencing your sense of safety, worth and value?” In Lights on Leadership Training, we refer to 3 fields that are always at play. We get to choose how much focus, power and attention we give to each one. Our choice of focus makes all the difference in the outcomes we experience: The Personal Field: is everything that is going on inside of you: your thoughts, perceptions, values, judgements, filters, beliefs, ideas, faith. Your connection with God dwells in your personal field. The personal field is our greatest space of empowerment when we ground our ..read more

“Say what?” “Can you hear me now?” These familiar jingles have been used in popular commercials to get our attention. The catch phrases invite us to listen in. Hearing is what we do in response to an audible voice, startling noise or soothing music. According to Google, ‘to hear means to perceive with the ear the sound made by someone or something. However, listen means, ‘to give one’s attention to a sound, an act of listening to something.’ Hearing happens when we catch a snippet of someone’s conversation; we are drawn in with interest and choose to engage ourselves in processing the content ..read more

From an early age, one of Jesus’ characteristics was His single-minded focus. Distractions come in all shapes and sizes: fleeting thoughts, overheard conversations, background noise, emails, phone calls, knocks on the door. All these and more can keep us from focusing on the person or task in front of us. What can you learn from Jesus’ focus? How will you guard your heart and mind today in order to stay focused? “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”—Luke 2:49 Prayer: Jesus, show me how to order my day and my life so that I stay focused o ..read more