Leadershift….More than just a book

24 03 2013

LeaderShift: A Call for Americans to Finally Stand Up and Lead

This highly anticipated book by Orrin Woodward and Oliver DeMille is within weeks of publish date.  Those of you who have followed Orrin’s blog have likely been mesmerized by the little sampling from their book.  His recent article,

Jeff Daniels, American Freedoms & LeaderShift

may take you by surprise. (click on the title to go directly to the article)  Daniels uses language that is not “child-friendly”, but in an abrasive line of truth, he explains our “American Disease”.  I must compel the readers to watch the whole video or you will miss the point of it.  I believe this is the factor that prevents most of America from changing the downward spiral of freedom.  Most pull up or check out or turn off, when they should be driving forward.  Take a few short minutes and really take in the facts.

 Now do your future and the future of our country a service and watch the next video in the article.  What if we could take a small parable and bring it to life?  What if we could put our ego’s aside and started looking at the possibility of “shifting” our country’s future for the generation to come?  What if we could lead them to freedom?  I believe we have two men that have made a decision to give direction to the masses, because they choose hope over fear.  Won’t you join Orrin Woodward and Oliver DeMille and create a “Leadershift”? We can do our Duty to stop the Decline.   Because we can!

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”
Thomas Jefferson to Charles Yancey, 1816

God bless,  Aron

Steel the Mind and Tender the Heart.

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Categories : Character, Following, Freedom, Orrin Woodward LIFE business, Orrin Woodward Team

A Bright Idea: LIFE

3 02 2013

Today we had a guest pastor in to give our morning sermon. His exhortation was fascinating.  It brought me directly back to two recent Blog articles by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward.  Each being a founder of the LIFE company, spoke on the power of truth brings light into the arena and allows more to see.  Chris addressed the issue for “Motivational Myths” and Orrin interviewed Wayne MacNamara after his amazing victory.  I would highly recommend that each one of you read those blog entries.

The pastor spoke on the power of illumination throughout God’s Scripture, and its effect on truth.  Now there is so much to be gained as truth comes into our life.  As we get into a learning mode, we can tend to say that I learned a “new truth” today.  But as we grow older we find that the “new’ truth was always there, it just came into the “light”.  Wikipedia (our always vigilant source of definitions) has multiple meanings for the word “illumination”.  I focused on, ‘ the deliberate use of light to achieve a practical or aesthetic effect’. In the Bible there is a story in the book of Mark about a blind man receiving sight.  It reads, “Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him.  So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.  And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”  Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.”  (Mark 8:22-25 NKJV).

My life was so similar to this blind man.  I drifted through multiple years of my life having encounters with truth, here and there, but only by happen-stance.  As each moment would occur, I would have what Stephen Covey called a paradigm shift.  But it felt like it just wouldn’t stick.  Like the blind man through his transition of sight, his first encounter with sight was one almost of doubt.  He seen “men like trees”. Going from no sight to some sight, how would you determine what a tree or a man looks like.  Maybe his description of a man ( in his mind, remember no pictures, ever) was what we know as a tree and vice versa.  It is not till Christ allow for full illumination of the truth does the man see “clearly”.     This story demonstrates the deliberate use of truth to open our eyes.  We see things in a different light or illumination.

Each man or woman should constantly place themselves among people who will illuminate truth.  For the last 10 years, Mary and I have been around couples and individuals, like the Brady’s, the Woodward’s, and Bill and Jackie Lewis, that have deliberately placed light on the areas of Faith, Family, Freedom, Finances, Fitness, Following, Fun, and Friends.  There goal is to give back some that was given onto them.  They have, as this morning’s pastor stated, “meat to eat that others know not of”.  Are you tired of the milk of life?  It is time to experience the “meat’ of truth illuminated around the LIFE company and the great men and women that are part of it.

God bless,

Aron

Sharpen the mind and Tender the heart!


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Faker vs. Poser : More than the Same

25 09 2012

Chris Brady‘s [best-selling author of Launching a Leadership Revolution and Rascal] recent release through the Team system, “Depth or Psychiatry” struck a chord with me.  He has a statement of “Fakers vs Posers”.  The claim is one of “Fakers” will present a false self and make claims that they have achieved or gained something that they have not, while “Posers” are achievers in process, and have the look and mind-set to attain their goals.  This was brought to life on Saturday when I got a chance to take my son to an old fashion auction.  The items included garage stuff, farm equipment, and whole bunch of firearms.  Talk about a “man-sale”.  Tons of great stuff available, but also, tons of people watching. Everyone registers for a bidding number and talks the “big talk”- what everything is worth and how many items they will leave with.  As consistently as ever,  people act like they know something about something, but when the bidding starts, the “faker” shows the rest of the world he is missing the courage of his previous convictions.  His or her number never comes up in the bidding war.

Chris puts a stark difference between the words of faker and poser, and more important, the titles given to people.  As God would have it, Brady’s talk also aligns with the new release of Oliver DeMille‘s talk “The Culture of Freedom and How to Spread It!” [LIFE 62]. Oliver talks of 5 traits required to turn a nation toward freedom.  One of these traits is “sensus plenior” which means multiple senses.  This is the characteristic of looking at questions, objects, situations, and written words with multiple meanings not just one.  With my want to define both “poser” and “faker” only as the same, Chris raised my eyebrow to something significant different.

Let’s dive into these two titles and see where it leads us.

I first wanted to see how the world defines them.  Wikipedia defines “faker” as a charlatan, someone who fakes, and/or a person who makes deceitful pretenses.  This is a tough title to say the least, but we all seem to know a “faker” when we are around one.  John Eldridge, author of Wild at Heart, gives some insight by stating that every man’s deepest fear is to be exposed, to be found out, or to be discovered as an impostor and not really a man.  This brings back the meaning to the old 80’s song line by Billy Joel, “When that old stranger comes along” .  Some have a mask/false self that allows them to fit in with the “norm”, and as Chris Brady declares in Rascal, the “committee of They” determines the norm.   The problem is that no one knows who “they” are.  Most don’t want to feel like they are outside of the crowd.  But as I researched the data,  it became abundantly clear that the one that is faking knows for sure that they are playing a false game.  The “faker” appears to be self-imposed.  John Owen claims this mind-set  is like a strong castle with a treacherous party residing inside (ready to betray at the first opportunity possible).  The castle cannot be kept safe from the outside   enemy because the real problem is within.   If we are “fake” to our self, we will be eaten from within.  The “faker” knows it and labels themselves as what they have become.  Dale Carnegie states “when dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bustling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity”.

In contrast, Wikipedia defines “poser” as one governed not by the clothes, music, or make-up you wear, but rather by the state of mind and the conformity to their own beliefs.  This is an individual whom is original and self-guided, but gets labeled by others because they cannot see the individual’s vision.  Orrin Woodward once said that a man with a clear vision of his goals looks like a greyhound running after the rabbit around the track.  The only problem is that the spectators cannot see the rabbit.  The “poser” sees the world as it will be, but keeps their feet in reality, in order to get traction to move forward.  Sounds like we need more “posers” and less “fakers”.

Let’s do our part to turn the table toward “posers”.  Posing requires a vision, the clear image of an expected tomorrow.  As Lou Holtz proclaims, “every victory is won before the game is played”  It is about setting the expectation and adding courage.  Vince Poscente in the ant and the Elephant, puts it this way, “Make a commitment to positive dominant thoughts. Shift beliefs, attitudes, and truths so they are aligned with your vision. Envision having the goal rather than merely wanting the goal”.  Now take that commitment and focus on forward.  This is all mixed with a powerful dose of imagination.

Now, each step you take is like practice for the future and will be like “a drop in the bucket”.  With each drop,  the bucket gets closer to full which is the fulfillment of the vision.  Every great athlete or team makes their practices feel, look, and sound like the real thing.  “The more you sweat in practice, the less in bleed on the field” Marcus Lattrel.   Take a lesson from my son, Sam.  No matter the object, he can make his finger, his hand, a piece of wood, a stone, or any toy into a “real” race car.  Is he faking it or just planning for the future through what Einstein called, “the preview of life’s coming attraction”?  In my mind, Sam is a “poser” and you may need his level of imagination to see the truth.

Let’s end this with a great example from Gus Lee’s book, Courage.  –Major H. Norman Schwarzkopf was teaching a class at West Point during the author’s time as a cadet.  One day, the Major decided, “I will teach you the meaning of leadership and courage”.  The author knew that Major Schwarzkopf was a great man, and he was the academy’s most highly decorated combat veteran of the new controversial war in Vietnam.  He said ” Imagine that you and the troops for which you are responsible are on the international border. The enemy can cross it and strike at you without impunity.  But you can’t cross the border and  that order comes from the commander-in-chief.  Now every night, the enemy crosses the border to kill and wound your men, who are Vietnamese Airborne volunteers in your care.  And every night, you chase the enemy, but they escape at the border, where you stop, as you are ordered.  Here’s the question: when the enemy hits you again tonight, do you pursue them over the line?  Or do you follow orders and halt at the border?  The Major asked for questions.  Hands went up.  “If we cross it, will it start a new war?” No.  “If we cross the border, can we destroy the enemy?” Yes.  “If we cross it and get caught, are we in big trouble?” Absolutely. Your president will be very displeased. With you. Personally.  Gentlemen, [should you] STOP or GO?  The author and many others stated to “STOP” with the belief that one should ever disobey orders of the president.  A few wrote “GO” and the major smiled.  He said that there are two kinds of people in the world: leaders and careerists. Leaders have character. They act for what is right and would die for their men.  Careerists are self-centered, and self-absorbed.  They act out of selfishness and sacrifice their men for a promotion.  They save their skin instead of others’.  Careerists can’t lead.  Major finished by saying that leaders cross the border. Destroy the enemy to protect your men. Then they take the personal consequences to their career, knowing that they violated an order but acted for what is right. They feel pride in getting court-martialed and being reduced to private—

You choose–  Faker or Poser. Or as Major Schwarzkopf says, Careerist or Leader.

“Be such a man, and live such a life, that if every

man was such as you, and every life a life

like yours, this earth would be God’s paradise”

Phillips Brooks

God bless,  Aron

Steel the Mind and Tender the Heart.


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Categories : Character, Chris Brady LIFE business, Following, LIFE, Orrin Woodward LIFE business, Orrin Woodward Team

Unified under a Creed

30 07 2012

Sometimes in the affairs of men there is a call for commitment outside of oneself.  A call that endows us to a Creator under a call.  Throughout history there always has stood men and women with causes that required more than a need for work ethic and persistence.  The strength of one is only improved by the strength of others going in the same direction.  When a group makes a decision to stop making a life and begin making a future for those they love, all the world adjusts and mountains can be moved.  If it be the will of God, we send this Creed out to a “few Stout-Hearted Men”.   The world depended upon them; They depended upon EACH OTHER.  God bless, Aron   — Steel the mind and Tender the heart

Band of Brothers Creed

I understand, that as a member of the Band of Brothers that I am part of a great tradition of honor, loyalty, service, unity, and winning.  I understand that, as a member of the Band of Brothers, that I have a great responsibility to uphold this tradition through my attitude, my words, and my actions.

I understand that the CULTURE of a team determines its success, destiny, and legacy.  As a member of the Band of Brothers, I commit to making our culture a winning culture, to be known around the world as what a unified team of champions should look like. As a member of the Band of Brothers, I pledge my SACRED HONOR to help BUILD and PROTECT this culture with my example, my character, and my commitment.

I Resolve….

To buy into the VISION that the BAND OF BROTHERS will be the team with best duplication and the best attitude.  I understand that the BAND OF BROTHERS’ goal is to become the TAPROOT of the TEAM, which is the BEST TEAM with the MOST LEADERS.  I fully understand that what we do now will determine our future for the next 20 years.  I understand that my goals, dreams, freedom, children’s future, country’s future, and ‘The LIFE I’ve always wanted’, all hang in the balance.

 To model the ‘HEART OF A CHAMPION’ through my attitude and my example.  I understand that there is a price for progress and I commit to pay it in full.  I commit to have the faith and courage necessary to believe in this cause and to deserve victory.  I understand that there are always 3 choices: give-in, give-up, or give it all you got.  I will always choose to GIVE IT ALL I’VE GOT.

To model the 4 E’s: Enthusiasm, Encouragement, Expectation, and Edification is attitude, words, and actions.  I understand that principle of ‘Zeal without knowledge is dangerous, but knowledge without zeal is dead”. I understand that as a member of the Band of Brothers, I need to be the thermostat and not the thermometer.  I will set the tone with ENTHUSIASM at all times, including every meeting I attend.  I will ENCOURAGE through acceptance, approval, and appreciation, and to never criticize, condemn, or complain.  I will work to adopt a NO NEGATIVE philosophy in my life and take it everywhere I go. I understand how important EXPECTATION is , and I will work to set a positive, winning EXPECTATION. I will be the example in expecting excellence, but never judge others.  I understand the power of EDIFICATION.  I will learn to speak all the good I can of others to their face, from stage and behind their back.  I will make a point to honestly edify others, especially my leaders with every chance I get.

To be the BEST STUDENT I can be by mastering the Team Tools, the Team System, and the Top 5 books.  No team will know, use, or promote the Team tools, the Team system, the Top 5 books, better that the Band of Brothers.  I know this begins with me.  I will be w walking, talking CD listening to and promoting machine.  I will work to listen, to know, and to promote the Team packs first, the Team system second, and the Life material third.  I understand how important people skills are and I will be ONE OF THE BEST AT DEALING WITH PEOPLE by reading the Top 5 books on a regular basis.

To master the BASICS of the 5 Step Pattern, Team Approach, Power Player, and Game-Planning.  I understand that DEPTH builds POSTURE AND BELIEF and I will never forget it!  I will strive to get in action and to master the 5 step pattern.  I commit to learning and practicing the methods of TEAM APPROACH.  I understand that POWER PLAYER has always been and will always be our play.  I know now that Power Player is my goal.  I know that it is important to have a Game-Plan and to Keep Score.  I understand, that in order to use a coach effectively, that I need to be showing plans and will work diligently to do so.  If I am showing 15 plans a month, I will seek out my coach with a HUMBLE and a HUNGRY attitude.  I will KEEP SCORE by drawing out my team and having it ready for my coach when we get together.  I understand that my team’s goal is to go 10 deep, and I commit to playing my part to hit this goal.

To be a PROFESSIONAL in all I do, which includes attitude, words, dress, and deeds.  I understand that 100% of what I do wrong and 50% of what I do right will be duplicated.  I realize that ATTITUDE MATTERS and resolve to have a great one everywhere I go, but at the time, to have GRACE for others who might be having a bad day.  I will dress sharp for all house plans, open meetings, and seminars.  I understand that 50% of success is just showing up, and therefore, I will strive to go to everything I qualify for: opens, challenge groups, seminars, leaderships, and promotions.  I will try my best to come early, sit as close to the front as possible, and stay late.  I will be the first to volunteer and encourage others to volunteer anytime the TEAM calls on the Band of Brothers, because I realize that this is my team too.  I live the principle of service before self.  I understand that not everyone is going to do what I’m willing to do, but nobody will ever do what I’m not willing to do.

To always have TEAM PRIDE: first for the TEAM, then for the Band of Brothers, and third for my division of the Band of Brothers.  I understand that LOYALTY and UNITY matter.  I will be the LOUDEST and the most ENTHUSIASTIC person at every event, and especially anytime the Band of Brothers or any individual Band of Brother is speaking,  recognized, or mentioned from stage.  I will have the courage to be the first to cheer and the last to stop.  I know that I am part of a very rare ‘Fellowship of the Heart’, and will not take this for granted.

To build and maintain SPEED OF TRUST with my leader and with my team.  This starts and end with LOVE, CHARACTER, AND GRACE.  I understand that character is doing the right thing despite the inconvenience, feeling, fear, or consequence.  I will strive to have my yes, always mean yes, and my no, to always mean no.  I will take pride in having a great speed of trust in all areas of my life including, but not limited to : words, respect, time, and money.  I will resolve any conflict with courage and grace anytime I see or sense a problem.

To build a ‘BATTLE CRY’ culture.  I understand the principle of ‘Iron sharpens Iron’ and therefore, I will strive to listen to Team Talks on my EBC, leave Team Talks, and promote Team Talk on a regular basis.

Lastly, I resolve to be one the many who are going to BUILD and PROTECT this winning BAND OF BROTHERS CULTURE.  I understand that it only takes a few Stout-Hearted men and women, with courage, commitment, and passion, to lead to 10,000 more.  I pledge to be a true TEAM-PLAYER, to have ENDURANCE when it gets tough, to understand the power of DUPLICATION & MOMENTUM, and to always be the EXAMPLE.  I will do everything in my power, God willing, to honor God, to serve my fellow-man, and to build and protect a culture that all the BAND OF BROTHERS can be proud of!!  THE BAND OF BROTHERS lead the way…..

“Give me some men

Who are Stout-Hearted Men

Who will fight for the right they adore.

Start me with ten

Who are Stout-Hearted Men

And I’ll soon give you ten thousand more.

Shoulder to shoulder, and bolder and bolder,

They grow as they go to the fore….


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Mental Fitness Challenge — “I am going to live”

4 06 2012

In the shadow of Memorial Day here in the United States,  I recently finished the amazing story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis in WWII.  The book is In Harm’s Way by Doug Stanton.

This book chronicles the incredible peril of the survivors of this proud ship of the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet .  To give a short summary(very short):”the early morning of July 30, 1945,..the USS Indianapolis, was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine, immediately killing nearly 300 men, and sending as many as 900 others into the black, churning embrace of the vast Philippine Sea, some 350 miles from nearest landfall.  Four days later when the navy finally learned of the sinking, only 321 of these sailors were still among the living”.

The best-selling author, Chris Brady, talks about being “messed-up” watching the movie, Saving Private Ryan.  Not only the intensity of the cinematography but our mind and heart’s feelings of what it must have been on the Omaha beach-head.  This movie is concluded with the great Captain telling the Private that he had better make his life count.  Now I was “messed-up” in this same way following the completion of the this book.  It is the combination of the 1,196 brave sailors that set out to sail against an aggressive enemy,  the USS Indianapolis,alone, on a secret mission to carry the components of the “Little Boy” atomic bomb, the twin torpedo strikes that sunk the majestic ship in 11 minutes, and the 900 men in and 321 men out of the water ratio of 4 1/2 days later due to exposure, fuel-oil and saltwater ingestion, and hundreds of shark attacks.  But maybe the most striking characteristic was the common thread of the survivors mind-set – “I am going to live”.

Wow!  Volumes of books and blogs could and probably are written on this subject of the desire to live.  It can be put in so many different textual forms. I thought I had a fair idea of the mind-set required.  But after the survivors were quoted this passage “I am going to live”, I found more meaning.  How many of us just get frustrated with our commute to work, or “left-lane” drivers, or our coffee is cold, or same dinner again, or even, “it’s raining”?  Our attitude is critical.  What are we telling ourselves?  Bill Lewis, co-founder of the company, Life, states, “Our communication struggles are not primarily a struggle of technique but a struggle of the heart.  Our war of words is not with other people ; it is a battle within.”  How can we survive if we are destroying our lives from within?

At the same time of finishing this book, I completed the 3rd week of the Mental Fitness Challenge (MFC).  The week was spent on topic of Attitude.  God has such a perfect way of putting an exclamation point on the week.  Listening several times to Claude Hamilton‘s CD, Attitude, and reading through Orrin Woodward‘s chapter on attitude in Resolved, there is no doubt one can take specific intent to “live’ again.  As these survivors of the USS Indianapolis choose their attitude despite the situation, we can too!  I look forward to your choice of “I am going to live”!  Live the life God expects of you.  Take the Challenge to help you formulate a game plan and right attitude to achieve your life goals.  I would expect a WIN!!

God Bless, Aron.

Steel the mind and Tender the heart.


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Categories : Bill Lewis Team LIFE, Chris Brady LIFE business, LIFE, Mental Fitness Callenge, Orrin Woodward Team

The Mental Fitness Challenge

7 05 2012

Between the comments by multiple people in my life and two leaders in the world today- Chris Brady and Bill Lewis, I believe everyone should be striving with their family, friends, and co-workers to challenge each other with the Mental Fitness Challenge.

90 Day Mental Fitness Challenge

What a grand challenge!  For the last 10 years, I have been emersed in the self-improvement and leadership environment and as I go through the MFC, I find myself constantly being encouraged to be more.  In a world that believes that just by doing more will translate into a “win”, I feel through the 1st 8 days, I am called to be more.  In the 1st CD (MFC1 – 13 Resolutions for Life), Orrin Woodward talks about true involvement in any worthwhile endeavor requires mind, heart, and will.  He demostrates how the “soul can be schooled” through the improvements of each area.

In the 2nd CD (MFC2- Self-directed Education), Chris Brady coins the phrase “Refe-vival-ssance”  ( I apologize for the spelling. This is my guess of the correct spelling).  This is the concept of three needs in today’s world. 1) Reformation –  A return to the truth in all aspects. 2) Revival – An excitement of multiple generations and individuals talking and living the truth. 3) Renaissance – An appreciation of the beauty of art, music, and literature without the loss of truth.

I will not take away your joy 0f a true challenge of becoming who God meant you to be and being comfortable in your own skin. Grab the package and grab some friends.  I Dare you to take the  Challenge — The Mental Fitness Challenge!!

God bless, Aron

Steel the mind and Tender the heart.


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Life Lessons — An Epic Life

1 04 2012

Chris Brady, best-selling author and Leadership Guru, recently published a blog called “Life Lessons“.  I pray each one of you takes the time to read it and ponder some of its wisdom.  The statement that jumped out at me was “In my journal”.  How many of us keep a journal?  How many of us take the time to record our life?  How many of us take all the great triumphs and trials of life and record them?  How many of us wish we could remember that “one day” “when we did ___”?  Ever stopped to think about why?

Watch this video:Our Deepest Fear

I recently hit one of those mile-stone birthdays and started to think about what has been accomplished under the heading ‘Aron J. Radosa’.  Now, I am not here to get into some deep, philosophical trench on the meaning of life or the aches and pains of time lost.  I believe too many people spend their time on regrets and not on what is now and next.  Back to this whole journal thing,  John Eldredge, author of the best-selling, Wild at Heart, also wrote a book called, “Epic”.  It is a great illustration of what J.R.R.Tolkien wrote, “I wonder what sort of tale we’ve fallen into?” Anyone of history that has made a difference has written a journal.  “In his journal, we find…”  “His writings show us…”  “Her diary gave us a whole new perspective on …”  These statements are found throughout history.  They come from the present time as we look back to gain wisdom and truth.  With this in mind, why are we not writing down our life as we travel through it?

I think it stems from the feeling of insignificance that so many people feel.  Not many feel that they have a tale to tell.  It is as if we just move day-to-day without change.  And to journal this would be the definition of insanity, do the same thing over and over and expect change.  Who would care?  I WOULD!  Until I got around the founders of the LIFE company, I can honestly say my thoughts were more like, “who cares?!?”  But so many people do.  Your story brings life to others.  Being in the strong community that LIFE has created, brings me around true heroes everyday.  I love hearing the story of a trial and a triumph.  I love hearing the story of how people met each other.  I love the story of how someone’s career developed to this point.  I love to ask veterans about their experiences.  I am fascinated by YOUR story.  Now write it down!  Ronald and Nancy Reagan made a promise to each other to write down at least one sentence a day.  As they looked back on that thought, it brought forth the rest of the story ( a little Paul Harvey-ease).  It is as simple as that.

Now picture that wide-open vista.  The rolling hills or the armies stretched across the horizon.  You look to the right and the left and all that is needed is a nod of the head.  A gesture that says “I AM WITH YOU TO THE END”.  You hear the soundtrack of “Last of the Mohicans” or “Braveheart” or “Band of Brothers” playing on the wind.  You are the main character, and it is your story. You play your part.  And write it down for the world to know.

The Bridge Builder

BY WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE

An old man going a lone highway,
Came, at the evening cold and gray,
To a chasm vast and deep and wide.
Through which was flowing a sullen tide
The old man crossed in the twilight dim,
The sullen stream had no fear for him;
But he turned when safe on the other side
And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,
“You are wasting your strength with building here;
Your journey will end with the ending day,
You never again will pass this way;
You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,
Why build this bridge at evening tide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head;
“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,
“There followed after me to-day
A youth whose feet must pass this way.
This chasm that has been as naught to me
To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;
He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;
Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”
Our bridges of tomorrow,  lie in the life and words we leave for the next generation.  Wisdom through your experience will change someone else’s life.
God bless, Aron
Steel the mind and Tender the heart.

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Categories : Character, Chris Brady LIFE business, Following, LIFE

‘Act of Valor’

27 02 2012

    http://www.actofvalor.com/

I must say that some things are beyond words.  I just finished watching a movie called ‘Act of Valor’.  With respect for all military personal, past, present, and future, I can only say that I am indebted.   Thank you for displaying to the world that courage is an action not a feeling.  The film ended with a stirring poem by Shawnee Cheif, Tecumseh.

So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion;respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.

When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.

I pray that truth always stirs you.  God bless, Aron

Steel the mind and Tender the heart.


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Categories : Character, Faith, Freedom

Quietude… Power in the calm

21 02 2012

I recently read an article by J.C. Ryle called “Peace! Be Still!”   This was an amazing description of Mark 4:37-40 where Jesus was awoken by His disciples during a raging storm because of their fear of death. –Pause–  Now I probably lost some readers and threw another group of readers into an analytical lens of how to look at Scripture.  I pray that you all stick around for the duration, because I may learn something.  Oh yah, you may also. –End Pause–

The picture above displays on a small-scale the power of a

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Categories : Bill Lewis Team LIFE, Character, Chris Brady LIFE business, Faith

I was born for the Storm….

17 01 2012

I hope you get a chance to read Bill Lewis’s recent blog, Are You Feeding Your Elephant? , and watch the short video.  What an amazing time of fun and celebration.  Just the thought of taking our buddies for a weekend to play and enjoy life is so exciting for Mary and I.  We build the LIFE business for these times.

Now I know that there may be one or two people out there that look at the adventure of driving cars and may say, “What a waste of time”.  But I would plead with you to continue reading.  Maybe no one else has ever felt like — It must be nice, or They are just showing me what they have and what I don’t have, or I’m not part of that group, or My situation will never allow me to have that.  Well I appreciate your sentiment because I have been there.  I want to give you a glimpse into what I have found.

A couple of years back, I heard a speaker say that she worked under the principle of — Have fun, Make money, and Make a Difference.  At least that is what she attempted to say.  The young lady misspoke and said, “Make funny..”   She quickly made the correction and moved on, but I am not so sure it was a slip of the tongue.  How many have heard that, “Life is fun”?  Some may say “Well, it ain’t fun, for sure!” But what if we could make the decision to Make funny — make our life fun.  Not pursue fun for fun sake, but find the humor in things without losing its importance.  Orrin Woodward– recipient of the 2011 IAB  Top Leader Award, exemplifies this attitude.  I picked him up at the airport a couple of days ago and he had a swagger about him that reminded me of a quote by President Andrew Jackson, “I was made for the Storm, the calm does not suit me”.  Not the steely-eyed conviction that grows with conflict like a General Patton, Maximus, or King Leonidas, which Orrin can produce if needed. But the attitude that whatever is going on, God planned it for good, so I am going to smile and enjoy the growth.  We can learn volumes from this.  What a pleasure to be around people like this.  They don’t make light of the situation, but bring light into the situation.   

What if we could take our moments and feed our elephant with fun?  What could change in our day if we didn’t take ourselves so seriously?  What if we woke up tomorrow and said that we were going to go out today and make someone smile?  What if in that process, you could discover their dreams and give them a picture of it?  Paying off a debt? Traveling to a warm island?  Driving that specific car?  Helping a loved one?  Spending time with a loved one?  Writing a check to a certain charity?

 I highly recommend listening to LLR 473  “Sprezzatura” by Chris Brady.   He illustrates this point so well.  Take time to enjoy and make fun part of your life.

God bless, Aron

Steel the mind and Tender the heart.


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Categories : Bill Lewis Team LIFE, Chris Brady LIFE business, Fun, Orrin Woodward LIFE business

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