Who is going to write YOUR name on THEIR list?

The following is info that I did not create.  It was something that I learned and have subsequently 'SWIPE'd(Steal With Integrity Practically Everything) becuase of the meaning it has for me.  I saw this first in a book by John Mawell Titled "There's No Such Thing As Business Ethics".  I received it again over the past week from Jim Karger, a friend, mentor, and colleague who pens the blog "CrediblyConnect"  (http://www.crediblyconnect.com/) .

In essence, the exercise goes like this, you don't have to write down the answers, just ponder them for about 30 seconds for each question.
1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress...
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?  Not really that easy, is it?

Now, answer this question(I want you to WRITE the answer to this question!):
Name three people who have had a positive influence on your entire LIFE?  Depending on who is reading this, that is likely at LEAST an average of 40 years.  The questions above only ask you to answer questions for the past 10 years at the most.

Much easier, right?

And the point is...we tend to not remember POPULAR people, but we DO remember those who made a difference in our lives because they cared.

Now, first action item.  Take a look at your list of people who have made a difference in your life.  I want you to choose one and tell them Thank You.  Write them a note(not an email, a HAND WRITTEN note...oh, the pain!) and let them know that you appreciate that they made a difference in your life.  It may be someone you haven't seen in 20 years.  That's OK.  If you are reading this, you have access to the internet.  Ever hear of a site called 'Google'?  Go find them.  If they made a diference in your life, then take the effort to find their address.  You will feel great that you did that and they will appreciate hearing from you.  You never know.  It may re-kindle an old friendship.

Finally, I want you to ponder one more question about this exercise:  Who is going to write YOUR name on THEIR list?  If you can't think of anyone immediately, then maybe you need to start making a difference in someone's life in a postive way....TODAY.

Interesting...

A word that should be BANNED from every day conversation.

Have you ever been in the middle of what you feel is a VERY important conversation with someone and you ask "What do you think?" Their response "Interesting" - WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Or, here is a recent one.  I have an important meeting coming up in a couple weeks where I will be presenting an important change.  I receive the agenda and a pre-emptive "This ought to be interesting! ;o)"

I know I am guilty of using this word too much as well.  I use it to describe something that I am just not sure how to respond to.  I use it too often if I haven't been paying close enough attention, or I use it when you ask me what I think about your new shirt.  uh-oh.  Now you will know....

Anyway, I am sure there are times that the word 'interesting' is used in a very polite and genuine way; however, I believe it is used MORE to simply end a conversation and shows the other person I may not be thoughtful enough to tell them what I really think.

Don't you find this interesting?  (KIDDING!!!)

So, when was the last time YOU used the word 'interesting' in a conversation and when you used it, did you really mean it? 

I bet you think about it the next time you say it.  I can hear it now...That $^%^ Gallagher.  I'll give him interesting next time I see him!!!  Leave me your answer by clicking ont he comment below.

Have a great weekend y'all

Book Review - Love & Respect

I just finished reading Love & Respect, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs.

I picked this book up while walking around Family Christian Bookstore one day and I have to admit that at first, I bought it more for my wife than me! Then, as I started it, I was reminded of a verse from Matthew 7:3 - "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's(wife's!) eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?"(NIV) - OUCH! I also had seen a review done by Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, on his blog about the book.

The theme of the book revolves around the often mis-interpreted book in the Bible - Ephesians, and specifically verse 5:33 "However, each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." (NIV). Ultimately, the author describes the problem as the Crazy Cycle:

So, after I got the big "plank" out of my own eye, I was ready to learn in the book.

It comes down to our basic needs:

1) The Love She Most Desires

2) The Respect He Desperately Needs

The author shares great stories from his seminars of husbands and wives looking for the answers. I found myself laughing out loud and reading parts to Chris, saying "Here we are...wait til you hear this." The most humbling ones were "Here I am. I know I do THIS one."

The author used acronyms as ways for husbands and wives to come off the crazy cycle. Men, here is yours: C-O-U-P-L-E = How to Spell Love to Your Wife.

C=Closeness O=Openness U=Understanding P= Peacemaking L=Loyalty E=Esteem

In each chapter, the author gave me all kinds of nuggets. And, ladies, he tried to help you as well with the acronym C-H-A-I-R-S

C=Conquest H=Hierarchy A=Authority I=Insight R=Relationship S=Sexuality

Now, this section was suggested just for the women, but I had to read it anyway. And, I nearly fell off the bed while reading one like when the author quips to the women, "Think about when you get out of the shower versus when he gets out of the shower. When you step out of the shower, he is all eyes, oblivious to everything else. But what happens when he steps out of the shower? You probably say something like, "Please stand on the bath mat." or "Be careful! I just waxed the floor."

I believe this is a great book for couples to read together to improve their marriage and really should be required reading BEFORE marriage. My takeaways included:

1) I need to be sure that I am showing unconditional love she desires all the time to my wife and not hold that love back if I don't feel like I am getting the respect I need

2) My kids are watching and when they are dis-respectful to their mother, it is likely because I am not showing her the love she deserves in front of them

3) The Bible is so clear on this topic of marriage. I sometimes have too big of a plank in my own eye to see it.

There are so many nuggets in this book, it easily gets my highest rating: a "10 out of 10" dogear rating. Now, I know I could give MANY of these books out, but I don't want anyone to feel I am telling them/hi,/her what they need to do. If you want to work to get off of the Crazy Cycle (by the way, it is always there. Nobody is perfect) and on to the Rewarded Cycle, then you should make the choice to buy this book and read it. If you make the choice, I know you will enjoy it! If you allow it, it could change your marriage and, thus, your life!

Are you ready to get off of the Crazy Cycle and on to the Rewarded Cycle?

Relationships and Green Bean Casserole

Where I come from, one of the favorite 'pot-luck' side dishes is 'green bean casserole'. We could debate all day long about who makes the best green bean casserole. Of course, I would say it was my wife, Chris, but she has never made it, so my next best vote would be Mom!! (Although, I am not sure she has ever made it, either!)

So, what in the world does Green Bean Casserole have to do with Relationships? It is very simple: When I 'hear'(or smell!) green bean casserole, I think of some of the times I have gotten together with friends in the past. I think of:

• picnics at home with family
• get togethers with college friends (Susan ALWAYS brought green bean casserole ;0>)
• small group gatherings with friends from church
• the day that Chris and I were baptized with friends in Fort Wayne, IN, when we formally and publicly professed our faith together

So, while it doesn't matter if I really LIKE green bean casserole, (I really don't. I prefer the pasta salad or the pepperoni rolls!) it is simply the memories made that are important and the fellowship/relationships I have built with friends over the years.

I'm hungry...

What is the comfort food that YOU always remember at your favorite gatherings? Does it bring a smile to your face to think about your favorite 'casserole' and the friends or family you spent time with while eating that food?

Pocket Change - Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

If you can connect with others at every level—one on one, in groups, and with an audience—your relationships are stronger, your sense of community improves, your ability to create teamwork increases, your influence increases, and your productivity skyrockets. - John C. Maxwell Excerpt taken from the first chapter of his upcoming book titled: Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

For a sneak peak of each chapter, check out John Maxwell's blog.

Have a great week!!