Here’s to the Uncommon Ones
I love when I see someone pursuing a big mission or dream. There’s something about it that transcends the norm—especially when it comes at a cost. These are the people who truly inspire us, the ones we remember long after they’re gone.
Presence Looks Like This
This weekend, I had the opportunity to learn from one of the greatest leadership minds of our time—not just locally, but worldwide. Dr. John Maxwell. He’s written nearly 100 books, been an influential speaker and teacher for decades, and remains a source of wisdom for leaders great and small.
Wearing Hats That Fit
Some people call it "wearing a lot of hats." It’s a common phrase, especially when you're involved in a mix of work, relationships, and community efforts. But this week, as I reflected on the range of roles I stepped into, it hit me: it’s not just about wearing many hats—it’s about wearing hats that fit.
When to Roll Up Your Sleeves
There are a ton of articles out there on delegation and why great leaders become masters at this art. I absolutely believe that our focus should be primarily on the things that only we can do, and that we should allow others to handle tasks they are capable of executing well. However, from time to time, even leaders need to step up and complete the task at hand—regardless of what that work looks like. There is something profoundly impactful about a leader who truly understands how to get the job done.
Freewill: We All Have to Make A Choice
This morning, I had the chance to talk with someone older and wiser than I prior to our morning Bible study. He's older, but boy, does he still have energy! He's one of those guys you aspire to be when you're in your 70s. God willing, I will be!
Serving Others + Being Served: How We're Called to Live.
Serving is something that most of us aspire to do. We often think of it in terms of volunteering or giving up our time to advance a noble cause. But service opportunities are all around us every day. They don’t always have to take place at a local church, soup kitchen, or nonprofit. In fact, most often, these opportunities are "served up" right before our very eyes—in the midst of our day-to-day lives, usually with and for the people we interact with most.
Fanning the Flame: Highlighting the Strengths of Others
Recognizing the strengths of others is a crucial skill, yet it is often easier to acknowledge abilities that align with our own priorities or values. When someone excels in an area we naturally appreciate, their talents stand out. However, when their strengths lie in domains unfamiliar to us, we may overlook them.
Following Instructions: Sometimes It Actually Works...
In this day and age, most of us have gotten very good at improvising and using tools to figure things out on our own. Information is readily available—endless videos, tutorials, and step-by-step guides assure us that we can do almost anything ourselves. We’ve learned to rely on our own resourcefulness and have even convinced ourselves that expert advice or leadership is for others.
Momentum: Knowing When to Act!
Life has a funny way of timing things. Opportunities, challenges, and flurries of activity in both our personal and professional lives often seem to come all at once. And then, just as suddenly, we may find ourselves in seasons of waiting—times of preparation, reflection, and wondering what comes next.
Need to Be Refreshed? Freely Give!
Last night, we had an incredible evening with our Tithe Foundation community. The growth we’re experiencing isn’t just exciting—it’s 100% fueled by the Holy Spirit. I’ve never had more joy than identifying opportunities to support our amazing nonprofit partners and watching the Body of Christ come together to provide exactly what’s needed in their ministries.
Big Game Moments: Prep Like David
As an athlete, I can vividly remember the way I felt on game days. Specifically, when we were playing a rival or a top-ranked opponent, the anticipation was awesome. Even if we were favored to win the buildup to those matches was an experience in itself.
Be Strong and Courageous: Joshua Style
This week I've had some great reminders of why we need to lean on the Lord for our strength, even when the vision for our work is clear. I love what I do, and week after week, God continues to make a way for His plan to play out through the various activities that are taking place. When we align our will with God's, the fulfillment we get from the effort is outstanding.
Information Does Not Equal Wisdom
Today I had coffee with someone who I believe to be a wise man. He's been knee deep in business and ministry since I was stealing milks from the middle school lunch line. If anyone from St. Paul in Fenton, MO is reading this, I owe you about $11.90 from the Spring of 1990.
Investing in Your Greatest Partnerships
I've come to realize on my journey that going it alone is virtually impossible for a mission that lasts. Things can move quicker when done solo, but put to any test of scale and over time, cracks soon form. Like many leaders, I've had my share of issues in relinquishing control. But this isn't just an issue of outlasting and scaling work—it's also about having others to share life with. With that comes the effort, the sacrifice, and also the celebrations.
Mission Fields: You're In One
This morning, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of men for early morning Bible study and encouragement. Our focus was on our various missions—both within our companies and within our personal networks. The question arose: Are we building a life, or are we aiming at heaven? The answer, in short, is BOTH. While we are here on earth, we participate in eternity.
R-Words | These 4 are Good for Us
I've written some this week about slowing down and taking intentional steps. Rest, reflection, and re-charging are definitely important aspects of work. We don't often think of these words as being related to action and work, but God sure did. Even in His initial creation in Genesis 1-2, He reflected on what He had brought forth and rested after six days of labor. We, too, should model this trend so that we can return with newfound energy and direction for our efforts.
Revelations: Keeping an Open Mind
Keeping an open mind is not typically one of my strengths. Using my mind, yes. Always being open to new things or ways that seem foreign to me, not as much. However, practicing this lately has led me to some fantastic discoveries personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Slowing Down: Your Productivity Will Thank You
Slowing down is not something that is praised or rewarded in business. Many leaders acknowledge its importance, but the practice of truly reflecting or recharging happens sparingly for most of us. In my experience, we typically write off a needed slowdown due to a lack of time or an abundance of activity that demands attention. These, of course, go hand in hand.
Intentional Steps: Learning from the Mountain
My family and I are enjoying a quick Spring Break trip to Arizona. The blue skies are truly a blessing. In my opinion, one of God's greatest gifts is feeling His sun shining on your face and warming your body. In Ohio, we go without this blessing for a few months every year, so it's nice to have a day or two of reprieve in some sunshine.
Perception: We Do Not See Things the Way They Are
I love the variety of conversations and viewpoints I get to hear each week. I’m consistently reminded of a quote that was drilled into my head for years while participating in Built To Lead training with Chet Scott:
“We do not see things the way they are, we see things the way we are.”
Ain’t that the truth.