Attitude. Attitude. Attitude. We hear it all the time. In the classroom, at home, and on the job. The way people subtly communicate how they are feeling about themselves and their environment impacts not only their own relationships and productivity, but it affects everyone around them. Charles Swindoll said: “Attitude, to me, is more important than the…… Continue Reading
Author Archives: Marilyn
Whose Applause Do You Want? An Insight for Lesson 4
There’s one huge difference between “representing” a business, an organization, or simply a group of people and being a “representative” or “messenger” of Jesus. Can you think what it might be? Paul tells the Thessalonians that as a “messenger approved by God”, he is not looking for the applause or approval of men. His one…… Continue Reading
PUT ON YOUR BADGE – Intro to Lesson 4 – May 26 – June 1
Imagine a community, a city, a place where men and women, boys and girls, enthusiastically wore a badge that said, “Christ Follower”. Then imagine even further what it would be like to live there if the reputation of these people who wore this type of identification was consistently individuals who were loving, joyful, generous, and…… Continue Reading
Are You Willing to Listen? An Insight for Lesson 3
Have your ever read Bonhoffer’s classic book, Life Together? I was reminded this week of the section in this book about the ministry of listening. In it he reminds us that “there are many times when ‘listening can be a greater service than speaking.” Why is it that we know this and yet for some…… Continue Reading
OPEN YOUR EARS – Intro to Lesson 3 – May 19 – 25
Christopher Robin spoke kindly words to his dear friend, Pooh, one day. He said, “Remember that you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.” It didn’t take much to turn Pooh’s gloom into a song. At other times Pooh was the one to bring a sunny disposition and…… Continue Reading
How Vulnerable are You? – An Insight for Lesson 2
What are the adjectives that best describe someone who is willing to serve in our military in order to protect the freedoms and democracy of our country? There are certain characteristics that he or she must have whether they are in a place of imminent danger or active combat or in a place of readiness…… Continue Reading
PUT ON YOUR HELMET – Intro to Lesson 2 – May 12 – 18
Did you know that the helmet is one of the oldest forms of personal protective equipment? As early as the 23rd century B.C. there is evidence that helmets were used to protect their heads from swords, arrows and other kinds of blows. Initially (during the Bronze and Iron periods), they were made of leather and…… Continue Reading
Am I An Athlete? An Insight for Lesson One
What adjectives come immediately to your mind when you think of an athlete or a marathon runner? The ones that keep circling in my mind are disciplined and passionate. They’re willing to get up early to practice – every day. They are determined and focused, willing to forego other pleasures and opportunities so that they…… Continue Reading
PUT ON YOUR RUNNING SHOES – Intro to Lesson 1 – May 5 -12
What is that you admire most about people who want to run a marathon and then actually put forth the effort and have the focus to accomplish their goals? It is their dedication and stamina? Is it their focus and willingness to sacrifice other things in order to train well and to be ready to…… Continue Reading
WHAT IS AN ANALOGY?
Why is it that great communicators often use analogies in order to explain a new concept or to clarify an idea? Taking a familiar object and comparing it in specific ways to something that is unfamiliar can help the listener to engage in an active way. There is the element of surprise and mystery as…… Continue Reading