Benjamin Disraeli served as the Prime Minister of Great Britain and is credited with the quote “Never complain, never explain.”
Who really wants to follow that advice? Step right up. But here’s why it makes sense.
Never Complain – the burden of leadership can be heavy. Decisions, people, change and demands can bear down on us.
What good does complaining do about it? Some may say that it just feels good, but does it help to solve the problem? No, it does not. Complaining just delays the fact that we need to work on solutions.
Never Explain – Should you be open to discussion? Yes. What this means is that there is no time or place for making excuses for your decisions.
Take responsibility for your decisions, don’t offer constant excuses. Oftentimes, silence is golden.
As a leader you have enough to do. Don’t compound your problems by complaining and over explaining.
Who doesn’t want to experience the best part of life? It comes by what we give, not what we receive, and comes by what we give purposely.
We are kind and generous on purpose. Some days it is harder than others, but that’s where the on purpose comes into play.
Being kind may simply be not being mean to someone. Not gossipping or talking badly about them can be a way that you are kind, or stopping those who are.
Today, live life on purpose, and for the purpose of giving kindness and generosity to those that you come in contact with.
I’m cheering for you.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can practicing intentional kindness and generosity transform your daily interactions and overall outlook on life?
2. What are some practical ways you can consciously choose to be kind and generous, even on days when it feels particularly challenging?
Your Divine Purpose
Matthew 5:13-16 ESV
[13] “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
[14] “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
[15] Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
[16] In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
As a Christ follower, your purpose is both profound and beautiful. Jesus calls you the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16).
Salt preserves and enhances flavor, just as you are called to preserve goodness and spread love in the world. If salt loses its taste, it loses its purpose—remain focused in your faith and in your actions.
You are also a light, shining brightly in a world that can often seem dark. A city on a hill cannot be hidden, nor should your light be concealed.
Your good works, driven by love and faith, help to light the path for others, guiding them toward God.
Let your actions and words reflect Christ’s love, so that through you, others may see His glory.
Embrace this calling with joy and determination, knowing your purpose is to bring light, hope, and the love of Jesus to everyone you encounter.
Christ is the only true light and it is given to others through you. Be salt. Be light. Live with a purpose that points people to the truth of Jesus and brings all the glory to Him.
Be Blessed!
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. In what specific ways can you actively preserve goodness and spread love in your daily interactions to fulfill your role as the salt of the earth?
2. How can you ensure that your actions and words consistently reflect the light of Christ, guiding others toward God’s glory?
One of the reasons we wanted to live in the Iowa Great Lakes region full time was for the access to a wide variety of live music.
Last year we went to the Bachman Turner Overdrive (BTO) concert in Okoboji. It was a blast and provides what I think is a good thought for us all to remember.
Randy Bachman’s unwavering passion for music is an inspiring testament to the enduring power of doing what you love.
At 79 years old, he continues to rock the stage, proving that age is no barrier when your heart is invested in your craft.
His dedication serves as a reminder that pursuing your passions can bring joy not only to yourself, but also to those who are fortunate enough to experience your artistry.
Bachman’s commitment to his music speaks volumes about the resilience and fulfillment that come from staying true to one’s creative calling.
By refusing to give up on his musical journey, he not only reaps personal rewards, but also spreads happiness and inspiration to generations of fans.
His story encourages us all to keep pushing forward in the pursuit of our dreams, regardless of obstacles or time.
Don’t give up on pursuing your dreams and living your destiny. Live your purpose on purpose.
I’m cheering for you.
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How does Randy Bachman’s enduring passion for music illustrate the importance of staying true to one’s creative calling despite the challenges and passage of time?
2. In what ways can pursuing one’s passions positively impact not only the individual but also the broader community?
Fan into Flame: Embracing Your God-Given Calling
In life, we all possess unique gifts and callings that are meant to shine brightly, illuminating the path not only for ourselves but for those around us. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 reminds us to “fan into flame the gift of God” within us.
This powerful message encourages us to live out our God-given purpose with the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline given to us by God.
Just as Randy Bachman continues to rock the stage with unwavering passion, you too must stay committed to your divine purpose, regardless of the challenges or the passage of time.
Your dedication not only brings personal fulfillment but also spreads joy and inspiration to others. Remember, age or obstacles are no barriers when your heart is invested in what you love.
So keep pushing forward, keep your flames burning bright, and live out your purpose with relentless faith, knowing that you are equipped and empowered by the Spirit of God.
Be Blessed!
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. How can you actively “fan into flame” the unique gifts God has given you, ensuring that you stay committed to your callings despite life’s challenges?
2. In what ways can your dedication to nurturing your God-given talents positively impact those around you, spreading joy and inspiration?
We have talked about pursuing all of them over the past few weeks. Now, as we close “The Pursuit” I want to share some thoughts on what I believe is the most fulfilling, yet the most challenging to maintain. The Pursuit of Purpose.
As you and I continue to live day by day, month by month, and year after year, time passes quickly and if we are not careful we end up with wasted time because we lose our purpose. Time we can never get back.
Finding our purpose is like discovering the light that guides us through the darkness, and the darkness can overwhelm us if we lose that light.
It’s about unearthing what truly ignites our passion and gives our lives meaning. Pursuing purpose isn’t just about achieving goals or fulfilling duties; it’s about understanding the profound impact we can have on the world and ourselves.
Each day is an opportunity to align our actions with our deepest values, to contribute positively in the lives of those around us, and to grow.
Embracing our purpose brings clarity, motivation, and a sense of fulfillment. It’s a path that encourages us to dream big, persevere through challenges, and celebrate our unique contributions.
Remember, purpose, like success, isn’t a destination but a lifelong journey of exploration and growth. A lifelong journey. My goal, as I enter my 63rd year on this earth in a few weeks, is to never quit pursuing purpose.
So join me, step boldly into the adventure of discovering and living your purpose, and watch as your life transforms into a testament of inspiration and impact.
Let’s Pursue Our Purpose!
I’m Cheering For You!
Questions to Ponder and Pursue
1. What actions or activities ignite your passion and give your life a sense of deeper meaning?
2. How can you align your daily actions more closely with your core values and purpose to create a positive impact on the world around you?
Some days you just never know, so live and appreciate each day, and those around you. Cherish the small moments, for they are often the most precious.
Everyone is likely going through something, and if not, something could happen in an instant to change that.
Remember, you are not alone in your struggles, and others may need your kindness as much as you need theirs.
Then the question will be, what will you do? Will you be available to listen? To serve? To speak as needed?
In moments of uncertainty, the simplest acts of compassion can be the most profound.
In times of need, the only remedy that I know helps and brings peace and comfort is to turn closer to God and His love. Trust in His plan, and lean on your faith.
Psalm 23:1-6 ESV [1] The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Remember, God’s love is unwavering, and His guidance is ever-present. In Him, you will find solace and strength.
Take comfort in knowing that His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life.
Made For This Moment 