Category | Relationships

Imagine what it would be like with no problems, no difficulties, and no troubles. You're probably thinking of how peaceful and easy your life would be, but others, the rest of us, would see a weak person with nothing to offer, nothing of substance, and nothing of interest. The things we hold most valuable in people are born out of adversity, not ease. Imagine watching a movie that only detailed how easy everyone had it, with nothing to overcome, nothing to triumph over, and nothing to strive for. You would be bored stiff. If nothing every bad happened to the good guys, if they didn't have to struggle,...

---

Most people see obedience as a duty, an act of fulfillment because you have to. But obedience is so much more than that. Ultimately, it can convey love like little else can. When we obey because there is no other choice, it is not really obedience. When we obey out of fear, it is not really obedience. Obedience is an act of love--much more so than most of us really understand. Let me see if I can explain. As a father, there is nothing more precious to me than when my children choose to obey me. When it is their choice, of their own will, it shows that they have bought in to my value system,...

---

Humility is often an unrecognizable quality in one's self. You cannot achieve humility by trying to be humble, simply because the effort to be humble requires you to be anything but humble. Humility is the absence of pride and ego. Achieving humility is not about suppressing your pride, or hiding your ego--which is what most of us do in an effort to be humble. But merely hiding it is not true humility. This, interestingly enough, really struck home one day while I was watching the old TV series 'Gomer Plye USMC'. They portray Gomer as somewhat of an idiot, but a happy, joyful, and fun loving...

---

Ever tried to penetrate the tough guy facade? Or been turned away by the 'I don't need you or anyone else' face? There is a secret to winning someone's heart. This article does not guarantee that you will it merely equips you with the best tools to do so. It does not matter if the situation is a boy trying to win the heart of a girl, a parent trying to get through to his rebellious teenager, an employer trying to help a disgruntled employee, or a wife trying to break down emotional barriers in her husband, the answer to accomplishing this is the same: understanding. No one can win another's...

---

I am going to ask you to participate in figuring out your priorities and the proper means to set them. If you'll do this with me, this article can help you understand your priorities better. First, make a list, in order, of everything that is important to you. Start with what you feel like is your greatest priority and list them in order of importance. Your list may look something like this: 1. God 2. Wife / Husband 3. Children 4. Job 5. And so forth Got your list? Good. Now, let me make some statements about your list that hopefully will get you to rethink your priorities. 1. The main...

---

I am a firm believer that our personalities are shaped throughout our lives. I am a living example of someone who's innate nature-being an introvert-can be altered or changed. You don't expect an introvert to do a lot of public speaking. Yet I do. This is because the nature of a person isn't set in stone. However you are, you can change. I believe in accepting people for who they are. That doesn't mean that we must exclude improvement to the relationship and to the character. Accepting someone for who they are means that you allow them into your life with all their faults and weaknesses. If they...

---

Teenagers sometimes crack me up. They go around spouting platitudes that they want to be unique, different, their own man or woman-and then dress like their friends, do their hair the same way as their friends, adopt the same mannerisms as they do, listen to the same music, pick up the local slang, adopt the popular color coordination, and exhibit the same attitudes as their friends. In effect, they become carbon copies of each other in their quest for individuality. The truth is, God made us all individually unique. That does not mean that we are mature within that uniqueness. Someone with...

---

Have you ever been misunderstood, taken the wrong way, or categorized and stereotyped incorrectly? Find out why this happens and what you can do to be perceived correctly by those around you. WORDS DEFINE YOUR PERSONALITY Essentially, you define yourself to those around you by the words you use. People do judge you by the words that come out of your mouth. Your ability to communicate--or lack thereof--is what ultimately defines you in the eyes of those around you. I remember a time in college where I gained a reputation for being cold and distant. This puzzled me greatly since I neither...

---

BE APPROACHABLE Those leaders who are standoffish, distant, and unapproachable quickly find discontent in the ranks of his or her followers. A good leader always has time for his followers. Remember, without them, you would not be a leader. A good leader always has an ear for the problems and issues of his followers. Even military commanders will tell you that morale is essential to the overall performance of his troops. Being approachable is a gigantic morale booster. It is always hard to follow someone who does not have time for you. Make time to become a part of the lives of your followers....

---

LEARN TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY A leader that cannot communicate his or her passion, plans, goals, or vision will invariably flop. Without the ability to convey your vision, desires, goals, or passion to those who are following your lead, you will lose them either to confusion, a competitor, or through frustration and even bitterness. Words are the most valuable tools in a leader's toolbox. Words can motivate the languid one, encourage the dishearten one, strengthen the weary, bring hope out of darkness, establish relationships, give direction to the confused, bring understanding to the ignorant...

---