1. Do not lie.
2. Be present. Listen as people speak to you.
3. Focus on the positive.
4. Laugh, have fun.
5. Focus on your character not your profile.
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“…are being transformed…” – Apostle Paul, 2 Corinthians 3:18
Sin has left its mark upon us, even before it became our own.
Paul Benger – 22.8.23The image of God has been dulled, lost, contaminated within the whole of humanity.
But
God, who is rich in mercy with his love wherewith he loved us has made us alive with Christ, by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4
And now, Paul says, we are being transformed, the image of God is being restored as we contemplate Jesus Christ, who is:
The image of the invisible God, the first born overall creation.
Colossians 1:15.And
The Sun is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of his being. Hebrews, 1:3
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In every journey, whether personal or professional, there are those who stand at the forefront, setting the pace and inspiring those around them. These individuals, often referred to as front-row leaders, possess a unique blend of qualities that not only drive success but also leave a mark on the people and projects they touch. In this blog post, we’ll explore the defining characteristics of a front-row leader and understand why they are so crucial in any team or endeavor.
1. A Catalyst for Change: Front-row leaders are the spark that ignites transformation. They recognise the need for progress and take action to make it happen. Their innate ability to inspire change in themselves and others is what sets them apart. Whether it’s a new approach to problem-solving or an innovative idea, they’re always ready to go beyond the status quo.
2. Shouldering Responsibility: Taking ownership of tasks, decisions, and outcomes is second nature to a front-row leader. They understand that leadership is not just about being in the limelight but also about being accountable for the team’s achievements and setbacks. This sense of responsibility fosters trust and respect among team members.
3. Challenging the Average: Front-row leaders are not content with mediocrity. They push boundaries, continuously striving for excellence. By raising the bar and encouraging others to do the same, they create an environment that fosters growth and development.
4. Embracing the Burden: The weight of leadership is no easy load, but a front-row leader willingly welcomes the challenges that come with it. They understand that true growth often arises from adversity. With their unwavering determination, they transform difficulties into opportunities. They are defined by taking responsibility and not how they are perceived by others.
5. Grace under Pressure: Amidst the chaos and pressure, front-row leaders maintain their composure. Their ability to carry the weight of their responsibilities with grace, steadfastness and poise is an inspiration to those around them. They demonstrate that staying calm and collected is a crucial skill in navigating through tough times.
6. Building Bridges: A front-row leader’s influence extends far beyond their immediate circle. They have a skill for bringing people together, fostering collaboration, and building strong, cohesive teams. Their inclusive approach not only enhances productivity but also creates a sense of belonging among team members.
7. Leaving a Legacy: Front-row leaders don’t merely achieve goals; they leave a lasting impact. Through their efforts, they elevate the status quo and leave things better than they found them. Their legacy lives on through the continued growth and success of the individuals and projects they’ve influenced.
Front row leaders leave things better than they found them
8. Leading the Charge: In times of challenge and conflict, front-row leaders are at the forefront, rallying the troops with a resounding battle cry. Their unwavering dedication and determination inspire others to persevere, even in the face of adversity. They are atmosphere change agents and healthy culture carriers. Thermostats not thermometers.
9. Leveraging Strengths: Rather than focusing on weaknesses, front-row leaders identify and leverage their strengths. They understand that harnessing their unique abilities not only benefits themselves but also empowers the entire team.
In conclusion, a front-row leader embodies a rare combination of qualities that make them not just effective leaders but also inspirational figures. Their capacity to catalyse change, shoulder responsibility, exceed norms, and maintain grace under pressure sets them apart as exceptional individuals. These leaders bring people together, leave an enduring legacy, and lead with strength and conviction. In a world that craves impactful leadership, front-row leaders stand as shining examples of what is possible when one takes on the role with dedication, purpose, and authenticity
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So you started something new. Maybe a new fitness regime or a new bible reading plan or even a new diet and it can be so easy to fall into the trap of trying to be perfect. At first, you’ve got so much momentum. You’re opening the Bible, you’re hitting the gym or you are counting your calories just the way you planned.
Then you hit day three and something comes up. The kids are going crazy, work requires you in early and last night? Well last night you stayed up later than you expected sorting out that behind schedule project.
You end up missing that workout, you fall behind on your Bible reading and you grab that food that you said you will never eat again. And the worst thing, you feel like you failed.
Feeling like you failed so often causes us to lose steam and it’s not long before habits are back to normal and we realise it’s three weeks since our life was on track. Does this pattern sound familiar?
It’s because you are a victim of perfectionism
If it only takes one bad day to move into the failure camp, this will become a self-defeating mindset from the start.
Life is a marathon, not a Sprint and because of that is so important to focus on the bigger picture and not dwell on those times when you slip up.
As a person of faith, I’ve always been amazed at how God views and comments on people who are seen in the Bible as heroes of faith. For example David. When God speaks about David, he calls him, “A man after my own heart.” When we look at David, we might see that he was an adulterer, a murderer and a warmonger, I think God sees him differently because God doesn’t focus on the moments, or even seasons of failure no matter how great, but he focuses on the big picture of the whole life that David lived. A life pursuing and seeking after God.
Another example is Abraham. When the Bible speaks about Abraham, it says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Abraham is seen as the father of Faith, the example of believing in and trusting in God.
When we look at the life of Abraham, we see that Abraham tried to fulfil some of the promises of God in his own strength and he had extended periods of doubt when he did not think the promise would come to pass. Yet again though, we see God, not focusing on those moments and seasons, but on the whole of his life, where he obeyed what God had said and trusted him.
Don’t let perfectionism derail you from pursuing your goals, it’s a marathon, not a Sprint. And if you feel like you failed recently, just begin again.
Begin again today!
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Glimmers are moments of awe, happiness and wonder. They create a sense of calm. They contribute exponentially to mental fitness.
Plan a special moment with someone you love
Feel the Sun on your face.
Make a new connection
Ponder the wonder of the universe and its creator.
Have a stimulating conversation
Do something kind and good to help another person
listen to some of your favourite music
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In a world bustling with constant activity and endless distractions, it’s easy to overlook the importance of beginnings and endings. Whether it’s a project, a relationship, or a personal goal, the way we start and finish things can significantly impact our experiences and outcomes. The adage “first impressions last” holds true, but let’s not forget that the final moments are equally potent. In this blog, we delve into the significance of paying attention to both starting and finishing, and how they shape our lives.
The Power of Beginnings
The start of any endeavor is laden with potential. It’s where we set the tone, establish our intentions, and embark on a path that could lead to success or failure. The initial steps we take can influence our mindset and motivation throughout the journey. Think about the excitement of a new project, the anticipation of meeting someone for the first time, or the thrill of pursuing a dream. Harnessing this energy and channeling it effectively can pave the way for a smoother ride ahead.
4 Tips for a Strong Start:
- Clarity: Define your goals and purpose clearly. A vague beginning can lead to confusion down the line.
- Commitment: Fully engage with the task at hand. A half-hearted start will breed lackluster results.
- Preparation: Equip yourself with the necessary resources and information. A well-prepared beginning minimizes hurdles.
- Positivity: Cultivate a positive attitude. Optimism at the start can help you tackle the challenges that come more effectively.
The Art of Endings
On the flip side, endings hold their own significance. They provide closure, allowing us to reflect on the journey we’ve undertaken. While beginnings are about potential, endings are about growth and transformation. How we wrap things up can leave a lasting impression on ourselves and others. The emotional impact of an ending can colour our memories of the entire experience.
Tips for a Thoughtful Finish:
- Completion: Strive to finish what you started. An incomplete ending can leave loose ends and feelings of dissatisfaction.
- Reflection: Take time to reflect on the journey and lessons learned. This introspection leads to personal growth.
- Gratitude: Express gratitude for the experience and the people who were part of it. A sense of closure is uplifting.
- Celebration: Celebrate achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledging progress boosts self-esteem and motivation.
First or last
I recently came across this from James Clear.
Sometimes the first move is the most important. The first set in the gym. Now you’re working out. The first sentence. Now you’re writing. The first call. Now you’re in the game.
Other times, the last move is the most important. The last brick. Now the building is built. The last line of code. Now the app works. The last round of revisions. Now you can ship it.
Recognising the significance of both beginnings and endings encourages us to approach each phase mindfully. Often, we’re so eager to start that we rush through beginnings, and similarly, we sometimes neglect endings in the pursuit of the next endeavor.
In conclusion
Paying attention to starting and finishing is about appreciating the journey as a whole. Whether it’s a new project, a relationship, or a personal goal, how we initiate and conclude can shape our perspective and determine our satisfaction. So, let’s embark on our endeavors with intention, navigate the challenges with resilience, and bid adieu with gratitude.
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Every Friday, I post a few thoughts about being mentally fit, I’ve called it, “The Mind Gym.”
When we feel out of shape physically we go to a conventional gym and start to do some exercises that will improve our physical fitness. As a society we are out of shape mentally. We have record levels of anxiety, hopelessness and depression. That’s why I wanted to create something that might help with our mental fitness.
Go outside
Take 5 deep breaths
Call to mind a great memory
Smile
Think of something you are truly grateful for
Contact someone you are truly grateful for
Tell yourself you are loved
Listen to some favourite music
Think of something you are looking forward to
Meet a friend
Let’s work together towards mental fitness. Don’t just accept being out of shape.
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Introduction
In many circles, leadership is often associated with positions of power such as CEOs, presidents, and managers. However, in Jewish tradition, this is not the case. The Torah actually emphasizes the potential for everyone to be a leader, promoting the concept of shared leadership based on Jewish values. It’s a pretty cool idea, don’t you think?
The Idea of Leadership in the Torah it
In Jewish tradition, leadership is rooted in the idea that each individual has a distinct purpose and role in the world. This belief can be traced back to the story of creation, where God creates humankind in his image and charges them with the task of caring for and cultivating the world. The Torah teaches that every person possesses a divine spark within them, and that it is their responsibility to utilize their talents and abilities to improve the world.
In addition, leadership is not limited to a select group of individuals. Every person has the potential to be a leader in their own unique way. Consider Moses, for instance. Initially, he was hesitant to take on a leadership role, but he eventually embraced it and guided the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses’ story illustrates that leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but rather by assuming responsibility and employing one’s talents to benefit others.
Implications for Individuals and Communities
The idea of shared leadership has some pretty important implications for both individuals and communities. For individuals, it means that they have a responsibility to use their talents and abilities to make a positive impact on the world. And even if they don’t have a fancy title or position, they’ve still got the potential to be a leader.
For communities, the idea of shared leadership means that everyone has a role to play in creating a strong and vibrant community. Leadership shouldn’t just be concentrated in a select few people. Instead, it should be distributed among many people. This approach to leadership can create a more inclusive and collaborative community, where everyone’s contributions are valued and appreciated.
Plus, the Jewish idea of shared leadership encourages folks to recognize their unique talents and abilities and use them to serve their community. This approach to leadership values every person’s contribution, regardless of their title or position, and promotes a sense of community ownership and responsibility.
Another key implication of shared leadership is that it promotes a culture of collaboration and teamwork. When everyone is encouraged to contribute their ideas and talents, it fosters a sense of collaboration and mutual respect. This can lead to the creation of more innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.
Conclusion
The Jewish idea of leadership is definitely a game-changer. It challenges us to rethink our assumptions about who can be a leader and what leadership looks like. It teaches us that everyone has the potential to be a leader and that leadership isn’t limited to those with titles or positions. By embracing this idea of shared leadership, we can create more inclusive and collaborative communities, where everyone’s contributions are valued and appreciated. Furthermore, this approach to leadership promotes a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect, which can lead to more effective solutions to complex problems.
For further reading on this I recommend the book below.
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As a church we are continually striving to have a “who’s next” culture, to empower the next generation and continually raise up new leaders.
Here are 10 signs of that culture being missing.
1. You see the same faces all of the time.
You don’t want to stop seeing those faces but creating a who’s next culture means introducing some new ones.
2. It’s hard to get into the circle.
Circles close really quickly. You see it in teams, in breakouts, in foyers and meetings. There’s a circle and you’re not in it. Teach people to widen the circle, to invite someone in.
3. People protect their space.
People have a scarcity mindset not an abundance mindset. The think, perhaps even subconsciously, ‘more for you, less for me.’ Teach people that we live in an abundant Kingdom.
4. Envy is strong.
The bible teaches us to “Rejoice with those that rejoice…” when people struggle to celebrate the wins of others, “who’s next” is under fire.
5. No prayer about it
We stop asking and believing that the new will come, that things will grow and others will be added to us. “Pray,” Jesus said, “to the lord of the harvest that he will send forth labourers into the harvest fields.” Matthew 9:38
6. There’s no focus on development and no counsel is sought.
Proverbs 15:22, “Without counsel, plans fail. With many advisors, they succeed.”
7. Ministries have no evangelistic spirit… no on ramps.
It’s just us, – this is what we like, this will keep us happy…
8. There’s no investing and no inviting.
Teams, groups that are designed to raise leaders spend time investing and inviting.
Go for it, Create a who’s next culture.
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I thought that every Friday, I would post a few thoughts about being mentally fit, I’ve called it, “The Mind Gym.”
When we feel out of shape physically we go to a conventional gym and start to do some exercises that will improve our physical fitness. As a society we are out of shape mentally. We have record levels of anxiety, hopelessness and depression. That’s why I wanted to create something that might help with our mental fitness.
Here’s 3 exercises for today.
1. Focus on the positive.
- Write down three things that you are grateful for, do it now, you’re in the gym.
- Remember, something great that happened in your life. Something that gave you peace, made you laugh or was just the best time ever. Think about it, see it in your mind, take your time rehearse it over and over.
2. Move
- Go outdoors, enjoy nature, outdoors has more power than you think.
- Stop scrolling, take a walk, do something.
3. Meditate
I love to meditate on scripture.
- Be still
- Be quiet
- Notice your breathing, breathe deeper
- Take a verse of scripture, just one, think about it as you breathe, try this one
- “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;” Lamentations 3:22 ESV
The power of these exercises is in the doing, not in knowing you should do them but actually doing them.
Let’s work together towards mental fitness. Don’t just accept being out of shape.
