by Clarence E. Stowers | Apr 9, 2009 | Christian, Christianity, Church Issues, Communication, Politics, Preaching, Vision, Worship
Free-wheeling capitalism has always been the heart of the US Economy but the recent $700 billion bailout, a level of government intervention not seen since the Great Depression, is hardly unprecedented. Historically, the Federal Government has not only taken stakes in banks, steel mills, and coal mines but have even seized control of everything from railways to savings and loans. Unfortunately, when it comes to you and I, we would be hard pressed to make their list. Consequently, If you STILL believe the government will bail you out – think again!
As Believers, we’ve already received our bailout!
So what does the bailout mean for me? The word power occurs 57 times in the New Testament. It is a word used to describe the most powerful bailout that ever happened, an event that separated A.D. from B.C. That event was the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Consequently, that resurrection power is available to change your life! So, please join us this Easter at the Mars Hill Baptist Church and experience a heartfelt worship experience coupled with a timely Word from God. Additionally, we will unveil our “new & improved” video venue which is additional worship experience using video technology to reproduce our live worship experience.
Easter Weekend Schedule
Good Friday
Friday, April 10, 2009
12 Noon & 6:30PM
Easter
Sunday, April 12, 2009
8:00 AM & 10:30 AM (Live)
8:00 AM & 10:30 AM (Video Venue)
by Clarence E. Stowers | Feb 4, 2009 | Book Reviews, Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Success, Vision
With 2009 destined to be a tough year for a lot of people, I thought now would be the perfect time to review Marcus Buckingham's book , The Truth About You which aims to empower you to enjoy higher satisfaction and performance in life and work.
If you are someone who still is not sure what to do with your life, then this is probably a great book for you to pick up. It includes a DVD, the book and a notepad, all of which make for a very interactive experience. If you are already in tune with your strengths and how you want to spend your life, and you are one of the 2 out of 10 people Marcus mentions that get to play to their strengths at work, then there are still some solid nuggets in the book for you as well.
The book discusses how successful people can build their dream jobs. The philosophy of the book revolves around 3 myths that hold you back from building your own dream job.
"Your strengths aren't what you're good at, and your weaknesses aren't what you're bad at."
“When it comes to the job, the 'what' always trumps the 'why' or the 'who'."
“You'll never turn your weaknesses into strengths.”
It also explains the differences in your strengths versus your weaknesses in a way that you probably have not thought about. Ensuing chapters provide 5 pieces of advice (a chapter for each) to stay on your strength path and succeed in both work and life.
In short, if you're really yearning to discover more about your strengths or weaknesses, give this book a try. Pick the book up and read it. Then give it away to a young person preparing for a new career path. And then treat yourself to a new copy.
To read the first 12 pages click “read” on the widget below:
Disclaimer: I was given this book by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, as part of a program for book reviewers, but given no direction to follow nor compensation for this review.
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 28, 2009 | Communication, Decisions, Empowerment, Leadership, Other Stuff, Success
IT'S TIME FOR A MID-WEEK CHECKUP…
So far you've learned:
1. MAKE DECISIONS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS
2. PREDICT THE OUTCOME FOR ALL DECISIONS
TODAY:
3. NEVER MAKE AN IMPORTANT DECISION AFTER 3PM
Make meaningful decisions in the morning to early afternoon. Numerous studies have shown the mind to be most alert during the first few hours of the day. As the workday wears on, you will be tired, sluggish, and tend to rush through decisions because you are not thinking clearly. So try to avoid making important decisions after 3pm. Consider this time the end of your day. If you have the option, always ask to sleep on big decisions. This gives you time to consider all factors and make an informed decision in the morning.
4. BE STRATEGIC
Having a strategy is synonymous with developing a plan of action. A strategy serves as a guiding force when you are faced with decisions that have many factors. Therefore, developing a strategy for attacking multifaceted decisions is absolutely necessary. In fact, don’t allow yourself to make a single decision until you have a plan. First figure out how you will make your selections and then begin to make your choices based on the criteria you’ve established.
So, how are you doing?
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 23, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Leadership, Success
Well, it's Friday & we've come to the end of this series. So far you've learned:
1. KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
2. WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
3. RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
4. CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
5. MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
6. CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
7. MAKE AN ACTION BOOK
8. MAKE SURE YOUR PLAN IS REALISTIC
TODAY:
9. REVISE YOUR PLAN AS NECESSARY
It is important to revisit your goals in light of shifting priorities and realities. For example: Your goal is to pay off a credit card. Your plan includes increasing your income and paying $300 per month to creditors. During the time that you set these goals, you were working overtime and had extra cash to put toward debt. However, after company cutbacks, overtime was removed from your budget and you became unable to make the payments. At this point you should revisit your goals and assess if your reality fits your original plan. This ensures you are always in line with your plan.
10. GET HELP ENACTING YOUR PLAN
Most of us prefer to accomplish our goals on our own. In fact, the so-called "American way" is to try and solve our own problems and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. For some, it’s a matter of privacy and for others a matter of pride. However, if you need help executing a section of your plan, you should immediately seek support. You will find that many people you already know have the skills to help you. It is important to remember that every successful person has enlisted the help of people in their network to achieve their goals.
It is my prayer that this week's Tips for Success has been helpful as you strive for excellence.
Enjoy your weekend!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 22, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Success
So, how are you doing so far?
So far you’ve learned:
- KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
- WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
- RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
- CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
- MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
- CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
TODAY:
Organization is important for keeping your plans alive. A good way to accomplish this is to create an action book. Your
action book should include a page for each of your goals. On each page, list the necessary steps to reach the goal and the date by which you intend to accomplish each step in the plan. Leave room for notes so you can make changes as necessary. Give your action book a table of contents with page numbers for easy reference. Get creative with your action book by writing an inspirational message that relates to the particular goal at the top of the page.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR PLAN IS REALISTIC
Warren Buffett once said, “I don’t look to jump over 7-foot bars; I look around for 1-foot bars that I can step over.” Buffett was commenting on the importance of being realistic when you make plans. Instead of resolving to earn an extra $100,000 this year; start by vowing to save an extra $1,000. Plan to buy nothing unless it is on sale by at least 30%.
Remember, that your goals would be things you are willing and able to do. Make goals that are possible to accomplish this week and build the bigger goal with each passing week.
I know, it’s hard work, but, it’s the BEST hard work you’ll ever do!
by Clarence E. Stowers | Jan 21, 2009 | Communication, Empowerment, Success
IT’S TIME FOR A MID-WEEK CHECKUP…
So far you’ve learned:
- KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH
- WRITE A PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT
- RESEARCH WHAT OTHERS HAVE DONE
- CREATED SHORT & LONG-TERM GOALS
TODAY:
5. MAKE YOUR GOALS MEASURABLE
Loose goals such as “I want to be happy” are immeasurable and therefor frustrating because they are not specific. When creating your goals, articulate measurable ones that can be clearly reached. For example, if you want to save more money this year, write “I want to save $3,000 by Decembers 31.”
Then, make a list of the amount you plan to deposit each month. After each transaction, put a check mark next to the month and amount. As you mark off the months, be sure to add up the sum of your deposits so you can track how close you are to your goal.
6. CREATE A TIME-LINE FOR ACTION
Time-lines are a must when outlining a plan of action. Without deadlines and time frames, even the best plans tend to drag on indefinitely. Designating specific time frames is universally recommended by experts in every field. For instance, if you plan to invest (not a bad idea since prices are down), write, “I will invest $500 in Company A by May 1.” Do this for each of your goals. Next, create a “goal calendar” where you write down these dates. Hang it in a prominent place; this will keep your deadlines at the forefront of your mind.
