by Andy Wood on October 28, 2008
Here’s a little exercise we actually take worship service time to practice occasionally. Follow the instructions carefully (yes, I mean I want you to actually do this):
- Take a deep breath
- Let out half of it.
- Hold
- Smile
- Repeat the following out loud, in a calm soothing voice:
“No.”
Repeat this exercise regularly, just for practice, and as needed in live game situations.
Not, “No because…”
Not, “Maybe later…”
Not, “Let me pray about it…”
Certainly not, “See if you can find somebody else, and if you can’t, I’ll see what I can do.”
Learning to graciously, kindly refuse is one of eight steps to building or rebuilding margin in your life. Margin has to do with creating gaps – cushions of time, money, energy, or spiritual strength that act as living shock absorbers for those who have them.
Imagine how it could revolutionize your attitude, relationships, productivity, and health if the next time somebody says, “Got a minute?” you actually do! [click to continue…]
by Andy Wood on September 2, 2008
The LifeVesting Cycle
Stage 1: Allocate your resources
Stage 2: Explore the possibilities.
Stage 3: Follow your passion.
Heart Island and Boldt Castle (Click picture to enlarge)
George Boldt had the touch. And everything he touched seemed to prosper. The son of poor parents, Mr. Boldt came to America in the 1860s from Prussia. George was a man of tremendous industry and organizational skill. With daring and imagination, he became the most successful hotel magnate in America. He was also the president of several other companies, and director of the Hotel Association of New York. For George, to “dream” and to “do” were the same thing. However fantastic his dreams, they happened.
But business wasn’t his passion.
Louise was.
And what he did, he did for her.
As a testimony to his love for his wife, George purchased an island on the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands Region, and had it carved into the shape of a heart. He renamed it Heart Island and began preparing for the greatest achievement of his lifetime – a Valentine’s Day present for his wife. You’ve heard that a man’s home is his castle? For George, this was literally true. He would build Louise a castle.
George spared no expense. He invested $2.5 million (in 1900 currency), bringing in the finest artists and most skilled craftsmen for the project. He imported marble from Italy, stone from Scotland, and art from the treasures of Europe. The towers and spires rose imperiously over the waters of the St. Lawrence, and the castle looked as if it would rival those that dot the Rhine. Rising six stories from the foundation level of the indoor swimming pool to the highest tower room, an elevator served the 120-room mansion with its 365 windows. In all, there would be eleven buildings, including a clock tower, a power house, a playhouse, and a gazebo.
Then in January 1904 tragedy struck. [click to continue…]
by Andy Wood on March 26, 2008
Okay, first take a look at the following 60-second video. SPOILER ALERT BELOW! Then click on “Read the rest of this entry” if you’re on the home page and let’s talk about it.
Please enable Javascript and Flash to view this Flash video.
[click to continue…]
by Andy Wood on January 20, 2008
Sometimes a picture’s worth, well, you know…
My dad sent me this. Look at it closely.
I can sure relate… imagine sitting in this and punching the gas at a red light. “Gentlemen (and ladies)! Start your diversions!”
Sometimes where you’re pointed and where you’re headed aren’t exactly the same direction.
by Andy Wood on November 1, 2007
I need to get my head examined. (All right… Who said “amen!”?) More on that in a minute. First, a few random stories, all converging at the same point.
Last week I was in Dallas and had a strange and expensive experience. [click to continue…]
