Mountaintops

Everyone wants to be on the mountaintop. King of the hill. The only problem with most people is that when you get there... you're alone!

A true leader brings people with him to the top! But, how??

For one thing, when you're at the bottom or the valley...notice this:

"You plant seed in the valleys not on the mountaintop. Typically nothing will grow there on the top!" Valleys are the hard times...when you need others around you just to make it another day.

Keep pressing to the top! Just bring your "valley friends" with you!


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New Technology Update

I admit it. Geekness resides in me. But..lately I've noticed more than ever our lack of connectivity with each other the more "connected" technology makes us.

When is the last time you wrote and mailed a letter and instead of an email? I was going to write a dear friend of mine an email tonight...but I think I'm going to mail a note instead. Sure..it's slower and takes more time to accomplish the desired task than an email, text or tweet. But that's just the point isn't it? Remember the movie "Book of Eli"?

Take some time and write someone a note and mail it. They'll be more appreciative of the fact you took the time than you know.

And besides...it keeps our government workers employed. :-)

Hurry up?

Why do people rush out of the gate at the airport? They sure take their time getting off the airplane only moments before.

Now I understand connecting gate rushing... But really..everyone else?

I mean you just flew 500mph to get here and now you're gonna hurry up?

:-)



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:TUL airport

Trusted Companion

Sitting here waiting on my flight has caused me to reflect once again on those things we hold dear...

The truth is...everything I need is in the bag. Laptop, crackers and advil. And a few notepads to write on.

It's amazing the amount of carry-on luggage people cling to...That they really don't need.

Its the same when you let go in your emotional life... You're much more mobile...more free.

So come on...ditch the luggage.

Now where's that Starbucks...


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:DFW Airport

Mind virus outbreak for the New Year?

Hey...it's coming.... 2011.

Don't let the mind viruses begin to creep in and tell you that you don't measure up and you won't keep those new year's resolutions. Make a conscious effort to rid yourself of those thought patterns in your life right now...and rid yourself of those friends that keep telling you that you're not gonna make it.

I remember when I began losing weight almost 8 years ago. I had 55 lbs to lose. But I was amazed at how many friends and even some people really close to me told me it wouldn't happen or even tried to derail me reaching my goal!

Well I did reach my weight loss goal and all of those negative people are out of my life these days. Strange how I don't miss them!

Get ready! 2011 is going to be great!

EGO life

I am constantly struck by how many of us operate out of the ego rather than what we think we're doing... we think its out of love, friendship, civic duty or even religious conviction at times.

I challenge you to do this. Evaluate every action you make today, every word you say and thought that you think. See how many of those are really about "YOU". Maybe it's not the blatant egotistical behavior that we've all seen in others but I bet you'll see the subtle ways we try to get our way or "work" it to our benefit.

I'm in no way saying I've got this area handled in my life...but I'm trying. And.... that's what we're supposed to do...live everyday becoming a better person.

Live beyond your ego and see your life change in unexpected ways. Remember, this won't happen all at once. It's a journey you're on.

Live well.

Gene Bailey - Speaker

Definition of Commitment

Over the years I've heard a lot of people describe what commitment is. I think this sums it up best:

The next time you sit down to breakfast and look at your eggs and bacon remember this... The chicken was involved but the pig was committed!

I bet you'll post this one!

Live well.

Gene

Authenticity

Well....I had to take a break from writing the book. After some real soul searching on a few topics I am ready to proceed again! Here's just part:

There are 4 areas or "Authenticity Gaps" that we all must deal with in life:

1. Finances
2. Relationships
3. Character
4. Spirituality

You could actually blend #1 and #3 but character goes so much deeper than just money related issues. Think about these 4 areas. Are you really being authentic or "real" in each of these 4 areas?

I'm excited to see what the future holds with this piece of my life on paper...or ebook.

I welcome your thoughts. Post them here or email me at gene@genebailey.com.

Live well.

Do I want to do this?

What started out as a book project on teaching authenticity has now turned into an autobiography. You can't get much more authentic than that. Of course if I don't tell the truth...then it will be in vain.

I'm telling it all. Marriage, divorce, sickness, pain, ministries...you name it. While this isn't going to be a tell-all book on ministries...I will bring out stuff no one ever heard. Besides, if I really told everything...you wouldn't believe it!

YIKES!

Ever have a time when someone you weren't expecting somehow got a little too close to finding out who you really are on the inside?

Making a decision to write the next book on authenticity has been more challenging of a journey than I expected. I know I've come a long way in being more transparent in my own life...but then I realize there's another door...another closet.

So here's today's realization... it's a journey not a destination.

The important thing in life is to always becoming a better listener, a better parent, friend, spouse...etc. The minute you've got it licked...Guess what? Now you gotta deal with your ego!

Enjoy your life journey today and everyday...

And oh yeah...I'll tell you later. =)

2010

Well... it's the new year. A time of resolutions. Can you feel the breeze? It's all that "turning over a new leaf" that's happening today. Don't worry...the breeze will calm down soon.

I've done it and so have you. This wanting to be a better person is actually a good thing! Don't ever stop trying to better yourself...accomplish new goals and overcome shortcomings in your own life. That's a part of living!

On the other hand... don't beat yourself up over not losing that 30lbs in the month of january that it took you 20 years to put on. Sometimes those resolutions are the right ones to make but they have their own timeframe. Just roll with it...do it TODAY. After all, you don't know what will happen tomorrow!

I've done some studying on the brain over the past few years. Interestingly enough the human mind takes what you say or believe as fact and your body follows.

So guess what? The book of Proverbs really was right when it says: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Decide today that this is going to be a great year. Then no matter what comes your way...it will be.

Living Beyond The Ego

I am constantly struck by how many of us operate out of the ego rather than what we think we're doing... we think its out of love, friendship, civic duty or even religious conviction at times.

I challenge you to do this. Evaluate every action you make today, every word you say and thought that you think. See how many of those are really about "YOU". Maybe it's not the blatant egostitical behavior that we've al seen in others but I bet you'll see the subtle ways we try to get our way or "work" it to our benefit.

I'm in no way saying I've got this area handled in my life...but I'm trying. And.... that's what we're supposed to do...live everyday becoming a better person.

Live beyond your ego and see God move in your life in unexpected ways!

Airline Recession?

Okay, here's the deal....

I have been sitting in the Miami airport trying to get home all day....and I mean ALL day. It's interesting to see just how many people are flying to Dallas especially since it isn't a big tourist spot.

So if this many people are flying...and the airlines are overselling EVERY flight..what the heck is going on with the economy?

If I write a book about President Obama do ya think he'll talk to me too?

:)

Sorry, Pres...

First Church of the Front Porch

I was in Haiti.

Not in the bustling city of Port au Prince but far outside any normal civilization that we would recognize. The land is barren, the temperature is hot and humid and the sky is darker than anything you’ve ever seen at night.

While I was there I had the chance to slow down and chat with new friends I had made on the front porch of the building we were staying in. Some brilliant soul had brought rocking chairs from America. There’s something about a rocking chair that says “Chill…sit down for a spell. Let go for a few minutes. Relax.” So we did that. We sat. We rocked. And we talked.

Over the next few hours we talked about our life experiences, our triumphs, our tragedies and our dreams. We got to know each other. We encouraged each other and we laughed at each other.

It’s been a few days since we all left and went back to our individual lives in different parts of the States. But I realized something. Out there on that porch in between swatting mosquitoes and trading stories we had experienced something that brought us all closer together. We had church on the front porch. We didn’t sing songs, have announcements or even take up an offering. But nevertheless we did indeed have church. Confessing your faults to one another, encouraging each other, and having good relationships with those around you. Isn’t that what church is supposed to be? Maybe we didn’t crack a bible open but we did more “church” in that time than I’ve experienced in some 4 hour “church” services. Didn’t He say He’d be there in the midst of 2 or 3 that are gathered in His name?

Maybe we ought to return to the front porch concept for church. Put down all your religion and all your pre-conceived ideas of church and just be real. Let God use you in the most “real” way He can. Get to know new people…make friends. After all, it’s not about you is it?

Funny how I had to go to Haiti to have good fellowship… Maybe I just slowed down long enough to recognize it when it came “rocking”.

So here are my new 4 Steps to Success for a Happy Life:
Sit. Rock. Relax. Share.

The First Church of the Front Porch…come on... pull up a rocking chair…

Recession Confessions

Before you get all weird on me and think I've gone overboard again...listen up!

What is inside you WILL expand into your life. This is a fundamental truth! If you are thinking you are getting sick...guess what? You'll get sick! If you think the economy is bad and you might lose your house, your job, your cars, etc... you will!

I am in no way minimalizing real life issues many of us are going through in this present economy. BUT... what I am saying is do not let those thoughts dictate your outlook on life!

Did you ever notice how you don't want to hang around a negative person too long? Why is that you ask? SIMPLE...we don't like to be around negative input....it only brings you down. Pretty soon you'll be thinking about your own negative issues. What's fun about that?!

So... cheer up! And as my Dad always says: "Look up! You'll see more!"

Best-Seller

What is it about a book that can change your way of thinking? Maybe even your way of life? Books have been around a long time.... even the most primitive writings are the earliest forms of communication we've seen.

Don't believe it? Look at the number 1 best selling book of all time: the Bible. This single book, no matter what version it sells...continues to blow away all the competition.

It's truly a book about changing lives. I've only written one book and am working on the second. It's a long arduous process yet rewarding at the same time. Not that I will ever compete with the Bible mind you!

Just like this blog....writing releases what's inside you and gets it "out". I encourage you to write. Even if no one sees it. It does you more good than you could ever know.

Drama Finds Me

The last few years for me have been one bizarre personal episode after another. After awhile I started thinking I was crazy but then...I realized three things:

1) Sometimes I did things that brought on issues and problems. In other words, I made mistakes. I hate to admit it...but it's true.

2) Sometimes other people make mistakes too. Unfortunately, those mistakes have fallout...and you have no control who is in the fallout zone. It stinks, but it's true.

3) When your destiny you decide to pursue there will be many people who are intimidated you are ready to step out in faith and do something you never did before. It reminds them of their own failures and their acceptance of mediocrity. Unfortunately these people are usually the closest ones to you.

I heard someone say a long time ago: "If you are going to stick your head above the crowd, expect a few tomatoes!" I never realized how true that is!

What's my point? Well let me sum it up with something I heard someone say a long time ago; "When you are in a barn and there is activity there, you're going to have to deal with the crap."

If nothing was happening there would be no need to muck the stalls. There would be no crap!

So here's to activity...and the part that comes with it. Why? Because something is happening! There is activity, there is progress!

Lighten up. We all deal with crap in life.

Interesting quotes I found...

If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.~Benjamin Franklin

If I have been able to see farther, it was only because I stood on the shoulders of giants.~Sir Issac Newton

This is courage … to bear unflinchingly what heaven sends.~Euripides

Unbreakable

When you say the word "unbreakable" the first thing that comes to my mind.... my first black plastic comb I got when I was a kid.

It was cheap and you could do anything with it. As a kid seeing that word molded into the comb meant one thing: I had to try to break it! I would twist it, bend it, fold it and contort it every way I could to see if I could somehow break the unbreakable. But... just as it was labeled, it never broke!

One thing I didn't expect was with all that contorting to my comb it didn't go back to perfect shape. It didn't break but it sure wasn't the same. Never could get all the kinks out.. the teeth were bent beyond repair. But it still worked. It wasn't broken just beat up a little. If I had never put my comb through all that torture it would have remained the same indefinitely.

We can learn something from my little black unbreakable comb. People most of the time don't break. We're pretty resilient but not perfect, we may be bent up in a few places and show a lot of wear..but we're not broken.

In our relationships with our spouse, our family, friends and colleagues we need to be cognizant of how we interact with each other. A little more tenderness will go a long way. Our words can bend and bruise each other. Even when we don't mean it and we try to put things back in place...sometimes it just isn't the same.

Take a look around you. We're all bent up and bruised a little...but unbreakable.