Family Time
In 1931, an out-of-work architect, Alfred Butts, wanted to do two things. He wanted to invent something that would help families be together and hoped that his idea would provide income. Butts used one big insight to develop his idea. Because the Great Depression has cost him his job, giving him time to think, he […]
Positive Power
I recently heard a story about a man who was so depressed he visited a psychiatrist. When the doctor asked him if anything had caused his depression, the man replied that two months earlier a cousin had died and left him $100,000. Then the previous month his great aunt died and left him $500,000. The […]
God’s Surprises
Robert Moffat was a dedicated missionary to South Africa during much of the nineteenth century. When he returned home on furlough, he sensed a need for more than rest. He felt a divine compulsion to encourage other men to come to Africa to spread the message of Christ. This was a time when most of […]
Expand Your Mind and Expand Your Opportunities
The MACBOOK. The IPOD. The IPHONE. All were designed by Steve Jobs and his team. Apple Computer and Pixar Films mostly originated from his fertile mind. The world is different because of his creativity. Steve Jobs was the adopted son of Paul and Clara Jobs of Mountain View, California. Paul was a skilled mechanic and […]
Eyes on the Goal
Young Clarence had an unusual way to pay for college. He trapped frogs and sold them to the Bronx Zoo. When his part-time business failed to meet his second-year tuition, he dropped out and moved from New Jersey to New Mexico to work for the U S Department of Agriculture as a taxidermist. Clarence left […]
Find Your Champion
In 1977 a professional musician from Texas named Randy Brooks wrote a Christmas song. He based it on childhood memories of his family, especially his grandmother. Randy performed his song at local events for the next two years. While in Lake Tahoe he met a touring couple whose van had broken down in the resort […]
Looking for Heroes
I recently read an important and inspiring story of a young man who spoke about his search for heroes. The 28-year-old was asked to speak to a youth group in the Midwest. He recognized this as an opportunity to affirm his belief in the American Dream. He grew up in poverty so severe that he […]
The Agreeability Key
Barry Sonnenfeld began his career as a cinematographer in Hollywood. He was so good he eventually became a major film director. He has directed several highly popular films, including the Addams Family, and the Men In Black movies. He is known for his expertise with cameras and lighting but is best with people. He is […]
The Flames Will Not Hurt You
As I am writing this, this week is the five-year anniversary of our life-changing house fire. The flames took our home (we had lived there since 1988) on May 20, 2020. Amy and I were in the back yard when we heard the approach of fire trucks. Our son Jonathan, home from Law School, was […]
Big Belief
Several years ago I was speaking to 3,000 people at a sales training conference in Atlanta. The crowd overflowed with excitement and positive energy. The purpose of the meeting was to provide opportunity and skill development for new business owners. When I finished, I walked down the steps at the side of the stage and […]