This is good too!

Hi Orrin - just a quick question - will you be adding an RSS Feed to this blog site? I love getting Chris's in my Outlook box. :)

-->Mirm!

Mirm, Let me see if I can figure out how to do that. Keep growing! thanks, Orrin

That story does put a real perspective on how our blessings, more often times than not come masked as a trajedy or overwhelming circumstance. Trying to think back of blessings in disguise in my life, I found that I couldn't muster one up right off the top of my head. However, thinking more about the subject I realize that I can't pin point one because there have been so many, great and small throughout my 28 years of life. Is it because the TEAM over 4 years ago taught me to count my blessings and not the circumstances? To confront challenges and look through the obstacles? Perhaps. But I look at where I am today and the chain of events that got me here. I feel like i'm in my "desert experience" as Chris Brady talks about, at this stage in life, but I feel only grateful for the experiences.

On one of your earlier blogs you discussed on the topic of our cultural war going on and you used the example of the mouse trap. That each part designed served a specific purpose and with one part missing the trap was useless. In a similar sense, I feel that if any one critical desicion or event was different I would not be here. I may still be performing as a wandering generality, as you would say! Rather, i've been given an organization through which taught me to read for understanding and to develope myself. Helped me discover my purpose in this world, and most importantly it gave me a relationship with Jesus Christ, which I never had before.

Such small threads accumulated account for an abundance of blessings in disguise. Where will I be 10 years from now? I have a good idea where I want to be, but only God knows and time will tell. But it is the very reason that every morning from my knees I pray for lifes challenges to come my way, to prepare me to be the man worthy of His blessings.

Thank you,
Andrew

Hi Orrin. Look forward to being here each morning! I think this came from Spiritual Depression but I like the response that it is for my good and Gods glory. The trick for me is responding with that in the moment instead of looking at the circumstances themselves. I do believe that circumstances in my life are preparing me for something great, and without your leadership I am not sure I would be even at that basic level of thinking. have a great day!!

Good morning Orrin,

I recently met a gentleman at my place of employment (Bank) that had lost his position with a national retailer with an extended system of distribution, so they Kame apart. (Thank you Mike for the inspiration).
After he lost his position his elderly father fell ill, and he took it upon himself to care for him. During this time his only sibling unexpectedly passed away.
After the passing of his father, and now being 70 years old, his health and physical stature suffered from his heroic effort and love he showed his aging father.
Having ignored his own needs for an extended period of time, he lost track of his finances and was uncertain how he was going to survive on his own. Now being the only surviving heir he inherited his family home with no mortgage and a small amount of money. This to him was a tremendous blessing, yet it appeared that it may need to be sold. Giving this gentleman a large envelope, I asked him to put any statements, or mail that seemed to be of a financial nature into it so we could review it at our next appointment.
To our surprise, he had been sitting on his unknown nest egg. He had received funds that he did not take the time to notice, because he was busy caring for another. After consolidating his funds, he was able to see that he was already set for the rest of his life. He had the belief that he had lost the opportunity while giving his best to his father.

I have to agree one hundred thousand percent! We have had some REAL struggles this year and without God's grace, I would have not gotten through it. My son passed away very tragically a month ago and when I went to tell my grandmother about the accident, the only thing that was in my heart was hymns. I just keep telling myself that God will bless this in some way, something good will come from all of this. We don't know it now, but in time I know that it will be revealed to us.

Orrin,
In 1996 when I was 21 I was diagnosed with cancer. At the time my family was sad and feared for my future, but for some reason I knew it wasn't going to be that big of a deal. I was confident that it was for good and that it wouldn't beat me. At the time I was living alone and for some reason in the recent year or so the relationship I had with my family had deteriorated to the point that I rarely saw them and I was always moody and pessimistic. When I first found out that I had cancer I went out to dinner with my mom and dad, which was very rare being that they were divorced when I was 5. It made me realize how important family and the people you love are to you when the chips are down. The night before I had surgery I was a little nervous, but as soon as my younger brothers got there I was calm. The next day my brothers came with me to the hospital and I wasn't afraid anymore knowing they were there for me. Ever since this experience I am very close to my family and especially my 3 brothers, the relationship we have is amazing and one that we will have for the rest of our lives. I would never trade that particular time in my life for anything, it helped me see what was really important in life and it pushed me to change my priorities.

A sidebar to that story was about 6 months before I was diagnosed with cancer I had a friend who gave me a Bible for Christmas. At the time I thought that it was the strangest gift anyone had ever given me. For many years it acted as a coaster on a table or collected dust in a closet. Even though I felt that I had someone watching over me and helping me through the cancer and its treatments, it never occured to me that it could be a loving God. Through Providence a few years later I was introduced to the TEAM by very thin threads, because of the new information I was exposed to I started to question my beliefs, or lack there of. Now that very Bible that was given to me as a gift so long ago is the one I study from to this day. As I reflect back on my life I see God's hand in it at many different points, I realize all the blessings he has given me in my beautiful wife and three (soon to be 4 on Jan. 2) amazing children. I am very thankful for all the good times and even the bad times in my life. I feel that God has been preparing me to do great things and I am VERY thankful for the opportunity to have the vehicle to make them happen with the greatest group of people on the planet the TEAM! Many are called but few are chosen. I feel like I have been chosen and I appreciate your leadership and teaching along with the other leaders on the TEAM to learn and grow and fulfill my destiny. God Bless Mike

Orrin - I found today's post particularly comforting as we work through our own transition into the Team Leadership model. I attended my first team seminar this month and though the principles Chris and Terry taught were not new to me, I could see how far I had fallen personally from ideals and examples I was striving to emulate years ago. This disparity was convicting and comforting at the same time because it was a dramatic reminder that who we associate with (even inside a team) affects our game, our ability to reach people. If you surround yourself with excellence you may be the worst player in the club, but you're far better than if you find yourself to be the best player in a mediocre club. We have been into our desert for a few years now and were it not for our "perfect storm" we would've missed the opportunity to place ourselves on Team's personal growth trajectory. We are hungrier than we ever have been to stretch and grow, I truly believe we are moving into the next phase of our walk. Thank you for this blog. I really enjoy checking in each morning knowing I will find something positive and foward thinking. Merry Christmas! Forgiven 2

Orrin,

“Great moments are born from great opportunities” That memorable line by Coach Herb Brooks in the movie Miracle was a defining moment in my life on how to deal with problems that arise. Now, that might seem like kind of a weird way to look at a problem, but let me explain. I have discovered that the difference between successful and unsuccessful people is their perception of and response to their problems. In other words what happens to me doesn’t matter nearly as much as what happens in me! In fact in leadership this is what we call a “Challenge Spike”. I have briefly written about this concept in some of my previous posts, but due to the nature of this topic I would like to explain it in more depth.

A “Challenge Spike” is a moment in your leadership growth that stretches past points that you have never been before. In fact you almost feel like giving up and you start saying things to yourself like: “it has been a waste”, “maybe I am not cut out for this”, “Can I survive this”, “is it worth taking on the challenge.” The goal of a “Challenge Spike” is to create mass confusion in your mind that causes you to just throw in the towel, because challenge spikes don’t like challengers! This is a point in a leader’s journey that separates the “Players from the Fans.” The only bit of advice I could give anybody when they face a “challenge spike” is this: When times get tough, we need to get tougher. This is a moment when you need to believe in yourself more than you ever have, surround yourself with people that are problem solvers, be confident, stand your ground, and to borrow the words from the late Jim Valvano “Don’t ever give up, don’t ever give up!”

I believe that when a leader decides to go through a “challenge spike” it quite possibly could be a leader’s finest hour! Why? Because the skills one acquires when defeating a “challenge spike” could not have been acquired any other way! How does a leader acquire those skills? When a leader decides that he or she is going to take on the “challenge spike” they immediately forfeit what makes them comfortable and begin doing what is required to defeat the “challenge spike” even if it is inconvenient or uncomfortable! You see, it is easy to lead when things are going OK. Naturally you feel comfortable because “all your ducks are in order.” This is where a “manager’s mindset” comes into play because you don’t want to rock the boat………but your inner leadership voice is always looking for ways to make things better. You see managers have as their goal to do things right, but leaders have as their goal to do the right thing!

I read a book called “Mind of a Manager, Soul of a Leader” by Craig Hickman and in that book he gave the following example of the difference between Managers vs. Leaders:
Managers build systems and procedures. Leaders build teams and develop talent.
Managers surround themselves with subordinates. Leaders surround themselves with the best & brightest.
Managers avoid risk. Leaders thrive on risk.
Managers find comfort in the status quo. Leaders serve as a catalyst for change & growth.
Managers settle for industry standard. Leaders demand the best.
Managers wield power. Leaders apply influence.
Managers control. Leaders inspire.
Managers formulate policy. Leaders set examples.
Managers instruct. Leaders mentor.
Managers are reactive. Leaders are proactive.
Managers plan. Leaders innovate.
Managers refine. Leaders REVOLUTIONIZE!
Managers reorganize. Leaders reinvent.
Managers pursue the tangible. Leaders seek the intangible.

Now we all have problems don’t we? This year, particularly the last 5 months or so, for me have been very challenging a few different reasons. In fact some problems I just thought man I need a miracle……(I don’t know if any of you can relate :) ) But who I have become in the process might never have happened if the “challenge spikes” never occurred!

A few posts ago I also talked about the formula for a miracle. I learned this formula from bestselling author John Maxwell in a talk he gave called the “7 Lunch Lessons”. The formula goes like this: When there is a need sensed by a few and each individual understand his responsibility and gives his all, regardless of the odds, then Jesus works a miracle.

When we go through life it is hard to know when we are close to a miracle. Every miracle in the bible begins with a problem. A hurt, a need, a problem. There is a relationship between the problems I have and the miracle I need. How many of you would raise your hand and say “I have a problem?” THE BIGGER THE PROBLEM, THE BIGGER THE MIRACLE! Because you want something bigger than you, you are a ripe candidate for God to come down and give you a miracle in your life that is unbelievable. If all you are going to do is build a restroom you don’t need God. So if you don’t have any problems……….you have a problem :)

In fact, most of us will sing songs to God, we will quote scripture, but we will do everything in our power not to get involved with him. Therefore we don’t want a miracle from God we want magic. God in his sovereignty wants to partner with us for the miracle to happen. Without God I cannot, but without me he will not. God wants a partnership.

Remember in times of a challenge spike it will prove to be your finest hour! Don’t allow the confusion and frustration “challenge spike” to set in and cloud your mind from what your real purpose in life is! Your dreams are bigger than that!

Thanks Orrin!

Best,
Matt

Matt,
I love how you compare many desire a miracle without the relationship with Christ. It is sad how many of us treat God as a convenience. In this aspect, we demonstrate a lack of faith in God's abilities. We would rather ask God for a "Get out of Jail Free" card than to establish an intimate relationship with him that will create an innate sense that He WILL take care of us. God already knows what goes on in our life; He just asks for an open line of communication. Let me explain: many will give a daily report to God of the inconveniences in our life as if He does not know they are there! He wants us to have faith that will move mountains! When a "challenge spike" occurs in my life, God is aware of it because He knows it will draw me closer to him. Many ask God to change them to become an instrument for his glory, yet when God starts to mold them, they cry out "God! I need you to take away this burden!"
My youth pastor once shared this quote with me:
"Many will consent Christ should be something; few will embrace Him to be everything!"
As a women of faith it is my privilidge to pursue Christ with reckless abandonment. I will give Him glory every during my Challenge spikes. Try to think of a mountain peak; at the top of the peak (challenge spike), I am closer to the Heavens than if I was at sea level. To encourage others, I pray you will view these spikes as elevations in our life that bring us closer to God.
Thank you Matt for your insight. I will continue to pray for you to grow as a leader. I am proud of you
Love, your sis, Krissy

Thanks for the encouragement Krissy! As you have always done in my life: you have added tremendous value to me with this post. Even though you have always been my little sis', you have always been such a great mentor and example for me as I grow in my faith! Watching you makes me want to get better! Thanks for leading and sharing!

Love You,

Matt

Years ago, I experienced a tragic heart-break. Yet I remember thanking God over and over through my tears, because I somehow knew that over time, the whole experience would make me a better person.

Unfortunately, I forget to remember that very thing when small obstacles get in my way. Big things--I'm with God all the way. Little things--I'm three years old again.

As my dear friend Laurie Woodward told me, sometimes we need those little glitches to remind us that we still have lots of work to do!

BTW Orrin, do you and Chris have any plans to develop some questions or specific statements to help us quantify our scores on the Trilateral Leadership Ledger? When scoring character, for instance, does a zero mean mass-murderer? I'm not trying to be funny; just maybe too melancholy.

I enjoyed the story about the King and his friend. I know it is very difficult to see the positive side of bad events as they unfold. Twenty years ago while in my mid-thirties I thought that I was doing very well in my career, but was unexpectedly fired; they said I had burned myself out. I thought at the time this was the worst thing that could ever happen. My wife had recently quit her job because we just adopted a child that was having developmental problems; that is a different blessing story. I put a lot of pressure on myself and I did not see how we were going to recover. But I started over with a different company in a new field where I moved up in the organization and made a better life for my family than I could have under the old company. Eventually it was shut down by the same management that fired me and everyone lost their jobs. I did not see the positive side of getting unjustly fired at the time, but it was truly a blessing because the event showed me how much my wife loved and supported me and I was given a push to make a change for the better that I would never have done on my own. Getting fired was a blessing in disguise.

Orrin, was wondering if you keep up on the presidential candidates? A co-worker of mine is a Ron Paul fanatic. I heard someone say recently that a million people can sway a vote. Just wondered if you had any thoughts on this topic?

Orrin,
Did you post this just for me? It sure seems like it. I can already see one great benefit from Kline's death. Later on today, dozens, if not hundreds of people will get to hear the Gospel who might not have ever heard it. I am sure that if even one soul is saved as a result of this, Kline will have thought that this has all been worthwhile.
To be honest, this week has been one of the most trying times of my life. I have never spent so much time working so closely with so many people who are laboring under the weight of loss. Being a strong choleric, some times it seems to me like I am surrounded by a bunch of incompetents. It is only through the support of my loving wife, Yvonne, who is also on the TEAM, and the principles which I have learned from the TEAM system that have kept me on a more of less even keel. Thank you Orrin and the rest of the TEAM for all that you have given me.
DaveC

These are some great thoughts on the story. During the trial it is too early to tell how God will use it in your life. Long term thinking is the key in every situation you are going through. Keep learning! thanks, Orrin

Your story about the king reminded me of a story Max Lucado tells about being too quick to conclude something is bad (or even good).

" Once there was an old man who lived in a tiny village. Although poor, he was envied by all, for he owned a beautiful white horse. Even the king coveted his treasure. A horse like this had never been seen before—such was its splendor, its majesty, its strength.

People offered fabulous prices for the steed, but the old man always refused. "This horse is not a horse to me," he would tell them. "It is a person. How could you sell a person? He is a friend, not a possession. How could you sell a friend?" The man was poor and the temptation was great. But he never sold the horse.

One morning he found that the horse was not in the stable. All the village came to see him. "You old fool," they scoffed, "we told you that someone would steal your horse. We warned you that you would be robbed. You are so poor. How could you ever hope to protect such a valuable animal? It would have been better to have sold him. You could have gotten whatever price you wanted. No amount would have been too high. Now the horse is gone, and you’ve been cursed with misfortune."

The old man responded, "Don’t speak too quickly. Say only that the horse is not in the stable. That is all we know; the rest is judgment. If I’ve been cursed or not, how can you know? How can you judge?"

The people contested, "Don’t make us out to be fools! We may not be philosophers, but great philosophy is not needed. The simple fact that your horse is gone is a curse."

The old man spoke again. "All I know is that the stable is empty, and the horse is gone. The rest I don’t know. Whether it be a curse or a blessing, I can’t say. All we can see is a fragment. Who can say what will come next?"

The people of the village laughed. They thought that the man was crazy. They had always thought he was fool; if he wasn’t, he would have sold the horse and lived off the money. But instead, he was a poor woodcutter, an old man still cutting firewood and dragging it out of the forest and selling it. He lived hand to mouth in the misery of poverty. Now he had proven that he was, indeed, a fool.

After fifteen days, the horse returned. He hadn’t been stolen; he had run away into the forest. Not only had he returned, he had brought a dozen wild horses with him. Once again the village people gathered around the woodcutter and spoke. "Old man, you were right and we were wrong. What we thought was a curse was a blessing. Please forgive us."

The man responded, "Once again, you go too far. Say only that the horse is back. State only that a dozen horses returned with him, but don’t judge. How do you know if this is a blessing or not? You see only a fragment. Unless you know the whole story, how can you judge? You read only one page of a book. Can you judge the whole book? You read only one word of a phrase. Can you understand the entire phrase?

"Life is so vast, yet you judge all of life with one page or one word. All you have is a fragment! Don’t say that this is a blessing. No one knows. I am content with what I know. I am not perturbed by what I don’t."

"Maybe the old man is right," they said to one another. So they said little. But down deep, they knew he was wrong. They knew it was a blessing. Twelve wild horses had returned with one horse. With a little bit of work, the animals could be broken and trained and sold for much money.

The old man had a son, an only son. The young man began to break the wild horses. After a few days, he fell from one of the horses and broke both legs. Once again the villagers gathered around the old man and cast their judgements.

"You were right," they said. "You proved you were right. The dozen horses were not a blessing. They were a curse. Your only son has broken his legs, and now in your old age you have no one to help you. Now you are poorer than ever."

The old man spoke again. "You people are obsessed with judging. Don’t go so far. Say only that my son broke his legs. Who knows if it is a blessing or a curse? No one knows. We only have a fragment. Life comes in fragments."

It so happened that a few weeks later the country engaged in war against a neighboring country. All the young men of the village were required to join the army. Only the son of the old man was excluded, because he was injured. Once again the people gathered around the old man, crying and screaming because their sons had been taken. There was little chance that they would return. The enemy was strong, and the war would be a losing struggle. They would never see their sons again.

"You were right, old man," they wept. "God knows you were right. This proves it. Yours son’s accident was a blessing. His legs may be broken, but at least he is with you. Our sons are gone forever."

The old man spoke again. "It is impossible to talk with you. You always draw conclusions. No one knows. Say only this: Your sons had to go to war, and mine did not. No one knows if it is a blessing or a curse. No one is wise enough to know. Only God knows."
Pat McDaniel

this story got me thinking of the time that me and my family had to move from the house we loved because the owners were selling it. we were then forced to move far from the area i grew up in to a completely different atmosphere. We stayed with my grandfather and great grandmother. I didn't enjoy living there at first, but after awhile i got to know them better and they made the time i spent there exciting. We stayed in the area for several months. Got to spend alot of time together and it was a good thing because my grandfather passed away. i was thankful for the time i got to spend with him and for my blessing in disguise.