What To Do?

Jim Denison’s article about the Presidential races (reprinted below) was spot on. We’ve been blessed to have been able to live in the USA for so long, where being a Christian has always been easy. Now that things have gotten tougher, with persecution and the non-Christian media and society, we must all the more stay strong, keep the faith, and be lights in the darkness. Had Andy Stanley preached that Denison essay the naysayers would’ve said he needs to stay off politics and stick to the Gospel, yet that’s exactly the point of the article.

 

Donald Trump won Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and North Carolina last night. And Bernie Sanders won Missouri, delaying Hillary Clinton's march to the nomination. Six months ago, who would have imagined either outcome?

I attribute Donald Trump's success to five beliefs: (1) immigration and foreign trade are costing us jobs; (2) Muslims hate and threaten us; (3) the religious liberty of Christians is in peril; (4) President Obama is a weak leader who doesn't believe in American greatness; (5) politicians have failed us. Trump's supporters view him as a strong, non-political leader who will build a wall against immigrants and keep Muslims out of America while renegotiating foreign trade and guaranteeing religious liberty for Christians.

I attribute Bernie Sanders's success to two beliefs: (1) the "one percent" are ruining our economy for the rest of us; (2) America should increase the government's role in providing health care, education, and social services. When George Stephanopoulos recently asked Sanders if he wants to turn America into Denmark or Sweden, the senator replied, "And what's wrong with that?"

These political narratives and the circumstances that produced them have created the most polarized political climate America has seen in decades. How would Scripture advise God's people to respond to these strident, chaotic days?

One: Preserve your witness. Guard your words: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice" (Ephesians 4:31). We are to "show perfect courtesy toward all people" (Titus 3:2), especially our leaders (Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17). Christians are to speak the truth, but in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Two: Fulfill your call. I am convinced that God is calling more Christians into public service than are answering his call. New York Times columnist David Brooks suggests four questions we should ask about our calling: (1) Is this problem big enough? (2) Am I uniquely positioned to serve? (3) Has God or nature thrust this problem into my path? (4) Does it keep me awake at night? We need more leaders like Joseph and Moses. How does God want you to engage in public service, to his glory and our good?

Three: Keep the faith. Whoever becomes president, God is still King. He is not subject to our politics. He declares: "At the set time that I appoint, I will judge with equity. When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars" (Psalm 75:2–3). Job was right in confessing to our Lord, "No purpose of yours can be thwarted" (Job 42:2).

So preserve your witness, fulfill your call, and keep the faith. Our country needs Christians to be salt and light, more than ever. G. K. Chesterton: "We do not want, as the newspapers say, a church that will move with the world. We want a church that will move the world."

 

Monday I worked until six and drove straight home. Helped clean to make the house presentable for the contractor. C cooked the baked enchiladas again, making extra to take to a family with a sick child. Watched the Voice as we worked, then Seinfeld as I finished up on the computer. M drove to the grocery store for Ceil.

 

The accident had the Johnson Ferry Road and Roswell Road intersection near me shut down for another 6 hours. Usually during rush hour Roswell Road backs up a half mile at that intersection both ways. Today it will be at least double that. My street is over 2 miles from Johnson Ferry Road, so I plan on coming into to the subdivision using a back route. Roswell will probably be jammed as well.

 

Worked past six last night. I was in no hurry to get home due to the nearby accident supposedly clogging traffic, so I stopped by two thrift stores and Kroger. Found a nice pair of expensive boots.

 

Traffic wasn’t bad and I made it home at 7:45. Earlier Ceil had a contractor at the house giving her a quote. M was at his Bible Study and C was walking Barney with Noelle. Due to the wreck our internet and cable were out all evening, so there was “nothing” to do. I changed clothes and went through emails. Ceil came home and made another grilled chicken salad. I did the dishes and we were both in bed by ten.

 

That Johnson Ferry Road / Roswell Road intersection is busy, but luckily there are available detours on all four sides – all with red lights:

NE: from the Roswell Road light at the Arbys through the Dicks Sporting Goods shopping center to the light on JFRD.

NW: from the light at Dicks into the Target Shopping Center over to Providence Road, then left to Roswell Road.

SW: from the Roswell Road / Providence light across into Merchants Walk, past Whole Foods up to JFRD.

SE: from the JF light at Wendy’s onto East Cobb Drive past the post office to Roswell Road.

 

Wednesday:  Another busy day at work. I’m making some headway on my part of the new high speed off road vehicle. Dialysis is out sick again, and Mr. Challenger is still out with his new baby.

 

At Sunday afternoon’s race a high schooler showed up in jeans to watch his friend. He wasn’t registered, but at the last minute rolled up his pants to mid-calf and kicked off his shoes and ran the race barefoot – and came in second place. My legs are very sore from Sunday’s race, though I need to get moving.

 

Will GT beat Houston? My prediction: GT gets out to a first half lead, then loses the lead in the second half. As the clock ticks down the game will be close. GT will miss some second-half foul shots and will need to make their shots in the last minute to win the game. I’d hate to work in the sports information department at Tech and have to write the article making it sound great to be in the NIT.

 

Back in the old days TV shows used to have a moral. These days TV shows have no morals. There are plenty of other places besides NP where kids grow up too fast. I still recommend Anna’s Veritas and Matthew’s Legacy Community Academy, which this fall moves to the church located behind the Andretti Speed Lab. NP bigwig BilI Willits sends his daughter to Legacy. I know the headmaster and several teachers at the Johnson Ferry Christian Academy. Of course all those schools hold informational meetings for prospective parents/students.

 

It’s fun to play along with Win Chuck’s Dinner. I may be able to make it respectable but still lose. Never been on sporcle.com. Might have heard about it. SI just released their top 100 moments in sports history: www.SI.com/100greatest

Beating Procrastination

How to beat procrastination, another article by Travis Bradberry for LinkedIn. Once procrastination gets ahold of you it can be tough to shake off.  Even highly productive people battle procrastination. The difference is they beat it by using a calculated approach. Procrastination stems from negative emotions that hijack your mood. Once you’re under the influence of those emotions, you can’t bring yourself to work. It is an ever deepening cycle:

Too much time has passed, I’d better start.

I can’t focus. Feeling guilty about wasting time.

Putting this off. Not in the right mood.

To exit the loop you must take control of your mood.

Figure out why. It could be simple (need a break or get something to eat) or more complex (you’re carrying the team on your back or you’re dissatisfied with your job).

Remove your obstacles. By planning ahead you can maintain focus and avoid procrastination.

Jump right in, no matter what. Then you mood improves dramatically, and it’s easier to stay on task.

Cut holes in your project. Break big tasks into smaller bite sized segments to make it less intimidating.

Work in the right environment. Keep yourself away from TV, electronics, etc.

Enjoy small victories. When you check something off your to do list you build new androgen receptors in the areas of the brain responsible for reward and motivation, increasing the influence of testosterone, further increasing confidence and eagerness to tackle challenges – keeping you fired up and moving forward.

Get real. Unrealistic goals make you discouraged and make you succumb to the negative moods that fuel procrastination. Realistic goals keep you positive.

Take control of your self-talk. Thinking “I’m not going to procrastinate” ensures that you will indeed procrastinate. Instead think about what you will do and how great it’s going to feel to have it done. Fix your mind on the action you want to take, not what you’re trying to avoid – don’t think about a white bear.

Don’t be a perfectionist. You can edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. Get going to produce something, then work to make it better.

Focus on results. Getting there may not be fun, but the result is.

Forgive yourself. Beating yourself up just sends you back to the doom loop.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-beat-procrastination-dr-travis-bradberry

Run For Mercy

Interesting weekend. Friday morning I ran/walked three miles, with more running than I had done in months. Worked a full day. At 4:45 M called, wanting to drive out to visit his friend in Douglasville. That’s a terrible drive at rush hour, especially on Friday afternoon. Ceil was over at the DeKalb Farmers Market. I left work and went home to take him. We left at 5:45 and we made it in an hour, but it wasn’t easy. M said he wasn’t spending the night, so I hung around Douglasville until it was time to pick him up. Drove over to Arbor Place Mall at ate a salad at Moe’s, then went inside and walked for an hour until the mall closed down. M and I didn’t get home until after 11 pm. For the day I had gone almost 15,000 steps / 8 miles and my legs were sore.

 

Saturday I cleaned upstairs. We did a little yard work. C went out to pick up some things for Anna. That evening C and I went to eat at Moxie Burger with two Reid and Noelle and Lee and Nancy. We all sat around and talked and were the last to leave. M had gone to the High Museum with his friend Shep, then spent the night and hung out with him all day Sunday as well. I finally added the find my friends feature on my phone, so I could track where my kids were. Anna spent the day in San Diego. Will had driven MC to the DFW airport for her trip to NYC. With the weekend to kill he drove south and spent the night in Waco.

 

Ceil had told me Saturday to sign her up for the 5K on Sunday. The race benefitted a ministry our friends Lee and Nancy support, so I signed myself up as well. We feared rain but by noon the sun was breaking through: perfect weather for a race. The course made a 200 yard loop in the Cobb County fairground, then crossed the street through the grass parking lot, into the woods on a sometimes muddy dirt road which led to the adjacent softball fields, then around the parking lot up the hill to the start. Then you had to run the loop again. After I made it out of the woods on the first lap only two people passed me: my friends Lee and Nancy. I let them finish ahead of me.  On the second lap I was able to pass some participants still on their first lap.

 

A little league team had been recruited to help marshal the course. I jokingly tried to go the wrong way and all thee immediately pointed my the right way. On the second lap I tried the same thing, but the boys weren’t paying attention. Then four boys were handing out water. I chose one kid and complimented him on his green socks. On lap two I stuck with green socks, and this time he had a cup of Gatorade for me. After the race we met two of Lee’s friends that looked like runners. They both won their age groups – as did 60 year-old Lee. I haven’t seen the results, but I may have finished second in the 50-59 year old group – behind Lee’s friend.

 

Back home C fixed a grilled chicken salad. I gassed up her car and packed up Anna’s Jeep, and we drove down to the airport to meet her. They headed straight to Athens.  

         

The party Cam threw for Lilly on Modern Family rings true. Like some of Lilly’s friends on Modern Family it seems like many of middle schoolers may be growing up a little too fast. Parents need to let their kids enjoy her childhood, which is getting tougher and tougher these days. That was what we tried to do as well.

That Dale Murphy poster was cool. It would be nice to get one framed for a man cave (which I’ll never have).

 

I’ve been watching episodes of Sports Jeopardy, hosted by Dan Patrick. Sometimes I think I wouldn’t embarrass myself on the show. Usually they have one older contestant who knows questions that the youngsters whiff on.

Glenn Hubbard is an assistant coach for the Lexington Legends minor league team. This summer the team is giving away 1000 bobbleheads commemorating the baseball card where Hubbard had a snake draped around his shoulders. Supposedly my friend in Birmingham is getting me one.

Email Tips

An email I wrote for work, that also works for personal emails:

Email traffic seems to have doubled since we've moved downstairs. Here are some of my strategies to manage my emails:

I use my in box as a to do list. The there's an email in my in box there is something I need to do in response. My goal is to have zero emails in my in box.

If an email does not apply to me, I delete it immediately. If it's something I may need later, I'll move it to where I know it will be. If the email requires a response, I will immediately hit reply even if I don't have the answer yet. That way I know I can't go home until I send the response. Before I close down at the end of the day I can see if there are any emails I haven't finished or replied to yet.

If I'm on the phone, and as a result of our conversation I need to provide information via email, I'll immediately open up a new email, address it, and type in the subject line, so I won't forget to send the email.

If someone asks for a response, I respond and copy everyone they had copied. I will send a DONE email to advise that a requested task has been completed. I do not send thank you emails, to save time and save cluttering other's emails. I copy my boss on emails where Ryerson may be in trouble, to keep him informed.

Be as clear as possible on emails. If the customer wants to know when something will ship and I'm not sure, I never over-promise. Always plan for the worst-case scenario. If we deliver sooner, I'm a hero.

When there are several back and forth replies to a particular email, I will save the most recent reply (unless it is not needed) and delete all previous copies.

Keep in mind the customer does not "have" to buy from us or respond to our wishes and demands. Treat customers as you would like to be treated when you are buying something in a store or on the phone. Proof-read emails before sending. If needed I can look over your email as well.

The first thing I do when I return to my desk from a meeting or lunch (or just being away) is check my emails. Any hot requests will demand my immediate attention. If a hotshot is needed I call in a truck as soon as possible.
It can take hours for a truck to arrive. Some fabricators close down at 4 or 5 pm. The earlier we call a truck the earlier it can deliver.

I try to keep my in box showing on one of my two screens and use the other screen for my AS400. That way I can keep an eye on any emails that may deliver.

These are some of my email strategies. Feel free to share some of yours.

#californiagurlies

Tabloid Media

The AJC loves to post controversial stories on Facebook to garner website views as well as comments – especially about religion, Chickfila, or SunTrust Park. They updated their Andy Stanley Story but the headline did not include the fact he apologized. “Atlanta megachurch pastor under fire for selfish parents comments.” The first nine paragraphs detailed Andy’s original comments and the reaction to them. Old news. Buried in the tenth paragraph was the only newsworthy information, that Andy apologized – a full week earlier. Only the last three paragraphs dealt with the apology. The story spent the first 67% of the article rehashing the negative and only the last third on the new positive news. Typical AJC.

   

Worked til after 6:30 last night trying to get stuff done. Drove straight home. C cooked chicken stir fry, very good. She had walked with her friend Noelle and was tired from cleaning all day. M had gone over to a friend’s house and didn’t get home until after nine. We watched one of the Jason Bourne movies, which I have never seen before. Pretty good. It wasn’t super violent but more violent than what C is used to.

Had a dream last night that I was hanging out in Westside Atlanta, trying to do something on my laptop but being distracted by what was going on around me. The laptop was on my lap as opposed to a table, making it even harder to type. Scott Morris was walking around but I kept missing him. Then I saw Lang walking around talking to people and taking pictures. I was going to sneak up on him but he saw me and came over. I was still trying to finish something on my laptop but it was taking forever. Then I was trying to figure out what shoes to wear, finally picking a big pair of bright green Nikes. Probably wouldn’t have dreamed about shoes if Lang hadn’t been in the dream.

Got in to work a little late this am. Had to pick up Dialysis at the car shop. Coworker Jonathan’s wife should be having a baby this weekend.

Was taken to lunch today, to the Ruby Tuesday salad bar. Young co-worker Barbara went. We’ve been challenging each other to diet and exercise and not slip up. I had a better week than usual, exercising three of the past five days – including running this morning further than I had in a long time. Weather looks good for next week so I need to keep it up.

RaceTrac emailed me a coupon for a free energy drink. I’m all about free even though I’ve always avoided energy drinks. I sipped on it on the way to work this morning in between bites of Cheerios. Really opened up my lung cavities but made my stomach and head feel a little weird. I probably only need to drink them after exercising. I’ll let you know if I die.

Sounds like Barbara Goldsmith has improved a little.

Mental Tricks to Fight Fat: your brain dictates what and how much you eat – not your stomach.

1. Loud music signals your brain to drink 30% faster.

2. Stop thinking about losing weight (this doesn’t work for me). Know what snacks are healthy and eat them instead of something bad.

3. Mindset determines weight loss. Thinking you’re fat makes you heavier. Research shows that when you think your weight and lifestyle are OK you lose weight, lower your blood pressure, BMI, and waist to hip ratio. Convince yourself that you are active.

4. Ditch your scale (doesn’t work for me). Some studies do show that frequent weigh ins help dieters stay on track, though it may not be for everyone.

5. Stump your sense of smell. Just smelling food can slow the production of the chemical that relays the signal that you’re full. Smell grapefruit essential oil or mint.

6. Time your antioxidants. They keep your brain’s appetite center supplied with oxygen free radicals. Eat leafy greens, carrots, berries, and tomatoes to every meal. Eating them halfway through the meal revs up production of the hormone that tells you that you’re stomach if is full. Eat your salad with your dinner – eating antioxidants on an empty stomach ramps up your appetite.

7. Let go of the perfect you (my problem). Raises the changes you’ll binge eat. Instead focus on your small victories.

8. Fight brain fright. When you cut back calories your brain may go into fight or flight state because it’s afraid of starvation. Instead eat 5-6 smaller meals instead of 2-3 big ones.

Last Hot Stove

At last night’s Hot Stove meeting former Reds catcher Glenn Sutko was a no show (he was tied up coaching travel ball). Instead we played baseball card poker. We were each given an unopened pack of 1993 minor league cards, and we went around sharing players we got. My pack had a Durham Bulls Brad Clontz, a Doug Glanville, and a Brad Ausmus. Also a Derek Jeter. Someone else had a Johnny Damon. Also a Terrell Buckley Macon Braves card. He played cornerback at FSU.

Picture eleven old men sitting around squinting their eyes to see which player lives the closest to Atlanta (Douglasville) or who had the highest batting average or ERA. The one guy younger than me brought his nine year old son, who was pretty bored until the end of the meeting, when everyone gave him all their cards. Well, I kept Jeter.

 

One of the two SABR guys invited me to their March 24th meeting. They used to meet at Manuel’s Tavern, but now they’re gathering at the Hudson Grille in Sandy Springs. Johnny, the Hot Stove leader, goes to every meeting he can. He eats it up. In June he’s leaving a luncheon at Turner Field, driving to Biloxi for a Friday night game, then back to Alabama for the Rickwood Classic.   

 

No more Hot Stove meetings until November. We all made predictions for which teams would make the playoffs. I just guessed. There were 12 at last night’s meeting. All the retirees at the meeting were talking about attending all the weekday day games at Turner Field, Gwinnett, and Rome. Rome has a couple of 10 am starts.

Some of Johnny's bobbleheads, including the rare Rome Hot Dog bobble. 

 

This morning Barney came upstairs at 4 am and pestered me to let him on the bed (move over to give him room to jump up on the bed). I did and then he started licking my head. I was planning on getting up at 5 to go walk/run and knew I wouldn’t get much sleep with him rooting around, so I got my stuff and went downstairs to sleep the last hour on the couch.

 

Busy at work but I’ve just about “caught up.” Today we have meetings at 10, 11, and 3. At least Friday should be slow.

 

Last Thursday Andy Stanley posted an apology on Twitter about his small church comments, and followed it up with a contrite interview that’s on the Christianity Today website. Even then there were self-described pastors responding to his apology with vile comments, calling him out all the more. No church is right for every person, yet people blame the church when there’s not a connection. Just find a place that’s right for them.

 

Mary, Glenn, and Elizabeth have all posted informative updates on Facebook, I guess since so many people know Barbara.

 

Anna’s sorority formal next weekend is at the 755 Club. They’re all riding in busses over there and back.

Weight loss tips:
1. Snap a selfie. Taking a weekly full body shot could help motivate you to shed an average of 2.6% of your body weight in four months.
2. Swap intervals for cardio. Prompts your body to continue burning extra calories long after the workout.
3. Snack then shop. Eating an apple before grocery shopping. Those who do bought 28% more produce and less junk food than consumers who snacked on cookies.
4. Track your progress. People who weight themselves regularly lose more weight than those who don't.
5. Take a 30 minute walk every day and lose an average of 1.6 inches off your waist.
6. Snack on almonds. Much better than muffins.
7. Take a nap. Helps your brain produce chemicals telling you when you're full. Lake of sleep produces a chemical that makes you want to eat more. I'm convinced.

Highest Trade Value

Sports Illustrated’s MLB players with the highest trade value, according to Jonah Keri. Ratings include not only the players performance and ability but also the player’s age, injury history, salary, and years left on his contract – factors most fans fail to consider.

 

Given Atlanta’s recent active trading history you wouldn’t expect any Braves on the list, and there aren’t. No Yankees or Padres, or Cardinals. But does Keri allow the flavor of the month teams more leeway? Sure appears that way, with five Cubs and four Astros. In fact good hit no field Cub OF/C Kyle Schwarber seems destined to become an AL DH, much like former Brave Evan Gaddis.

 

1 Angels Phillies Rangers Athletics Rays Royals Rockies

2 Nationals Twins Blue Jays Mariners Diamondbacks Giants Red Sox

3 Dodgers Marlins Mets White Sox Indians

4 Astros Pirates

5 Cubs

 

50 2B Roughned Odor Rangers

49 SP Taijuan Walker Mariners

48 SP Carlos Carrasco Indians

47 OF Byron Buxton Twins

46 C Salvador Perez Royals

45 OF Christian Yelich Marlins

44 SP Tyler Glasnow Pirates

43 SP Julio Urias Dodgers

42 SP Carlos Rodon White Sox

41 SP Lucas Giolito Nationals

40 39 2B Jose Altuve Astros

39 OF AJ Pollock Diamondbacks

38 SP Jake Arrieta Cubs

37 OF Starling Marte Pirates

36 SS JP Crawford Phillies

35 SP Felix Harnandez Mariners

34 SP Marcus Stroman Blue Jays

33 OF/C Kyle Schwarber Cubs

32 SS Addison Russell Cubs

31 OF George Springer Astros

30 SP Jose Fernandez Marlins

29 SP Matt Harvey Mets

28 OF Giancarlo Stanton Marlins

27 SP Dallas Keuchel Astros

26 C Buster Posey Giants

25 DH Miquel Sano Twins

24 1B Jose Abreu White Sox

23 SS Xander Bogaert Red Sox

22 SP Jacob Degrom Mets

21 SP Clayton Kershaw Dodgers

20 SP Sonny Gray Athletics

19 SP Gerrit Cole Pirates

18 SP Corey Kluber Indians

17 SP Noah Syndergaard Mets

16 SS Francisco Lindor Indians

15 3B Josh Donaldson Blue Jays

14 CF Mookie Betts Red Sox

13 SP Madison Bumgarner Giants

12 SP Chris Sale White Sox

11 SP Chris Archer Rays

10 OF Andrew McCutchen Pirates

09 3B Manny Machado Orioles

08 SS Corey Seager Dodgers

07 3B Nolan Aenado Rockies

06 1B Anthony Rizzo Cubs

05 3B Kris Bryant Cubs

04 1B Paul Goldschmidt Diamondbacks

03 OF Bryce Harper Nationals

02 SS Carlos Correa Astros

01 OF Mike Trout Angels

 

Trade value of these players bobbleheads is an entirely different matter.

Anna's Big Adventure

Drove Anna and Emily to the airport this morning for their spring break trip to LA/Pepperdine/Santa Monica/San Diego. They were pumped. Anna is wearing those high tops every day. Actress Becca Tobin (and her dog) was on their flight. Wheeler grad Tobin starred in Glee. They saw Mitt Romney (above, behind Anna) at LAX.

Evidently Anna has taken after me, including her sneakers in the photos she takes.

 

Took me an hour and a half to get to work. We made great time through downtown to the airport but the northbound side was jammed, so I took Camp Creek to 285 around the west side. Bad idea.

 

Will did his own taxes (using TaxAct) and completed his own FAFSA form. The federal student aid application, which must be filled out for all college students. They're not too bad if you remember your password info. Supposedly there are tricks to the FAFSA and the college scholarship game and it doesn't matter how much money you make.  

 

Speaking of scholarships, MC's brother earned some sort of scholarship to TCU, one of his top choices. He still hasn't decided where he's going.

 

ROB ON THE BRAVES' ROSTER: I think Aaron Blair has a chance to make the team as the 4th starter.  Teheran, Kendrick, Wisler, Blair & Banuelos.

 

After Vizcaino, Grilli and Johnson, the bullpen is pretty much pulling names out of a hat.

 

Flowers and Pierzinski are locks at catcher, but because they are vets, neither one has played much in spring training yet.

 

It looks like Freddie's wrist is better than we had feared.  I think the top 5 in the lineup are pretty set:  Inciarte - 8, Aybar - 6, Freeman - 1B, Markakis - 9 and Oliver - 7.

 

Some combination of Kelly Johnson, Peterson, Garcia, Beckham, Bonafacio and Castro will play 2B and 3B every night.  Four or five of these six will make the team.  That leaves one or two spots for Frenchy, Bourn and Swisher.  I don't think Bourn or Swishers salaries will be a factor with it being the last year of their hefty contracts.

 

ME: last year I wasn't overly impressed by Mallex Smith out in Gwinnett. But I've been wrong before.

Small Church vs Large Church

Last week Andy Stanley ruffled feathers with his comments about small churches. While he usually preaches for 30 minutes at a time, people were circulating a short 2-1/2 minute YouTube clip. One guy defended Andy, saying his comments were directed to the parents in his church, who need to join a small group. North Point has long said the numerical goal they have is increase the number of people in small groups. One of my Georgia Tech friends is now pastor of a small church in New England. I’m sure he has it tough. He often comments on political issues and the state of the world around him. The pastor defended small churches and called out Andy’s words as arrogant, demanding an apology. Another GT friend (a lay pastor) agreed. I shouldn’t have, but to pull their chain I asked if the short clip could have been taken out of context. One said maybe, but the other held firm.

 

I’ve never known anyone to measure his words more carefully than Andy, who never says anything flippantly, particularly in a sermon. Sometimes he says things to get a response. Perhaps this was one of those times. One of Andy’s comments: I’m ok with small churches – as long as they don’t stay small. Andy admitted he was a big church guy, and explained why. One reason: big churches can pool people and resources to make a bigger impact. NP’s Christmas offering raises millions for other ministries around town – including a $75,000 gift to the City of Atlanta to keep youth centers open (that was recently reported by the AJC).    

 

Another point of contention was youth groups. All three of my kids have opted for smaller youth groups than North Point’s. When Passion City Church’s youth group got too big, A and M found Grace Church.

 

Yesterday before preaching Andy did apologize for his comments, and said this week he would apologize more extensively, effectively spending more time apologizing than he spent on his original statement. Guess I should actually listen to both sermons in their entirety before commenting further. I should be glad every word I speak and write isn’t parsed within the skin of its teeth. Andy is not on Facebook and only uses Twitter to educate, encourage, and commend. I’ve never seen him call out others publically. Doesn’t the Bible say to do that in private?

 

WEEKEND: Friday I worked until 5:30 and drove straight home. Anna arrived shortly afterwards. M was at a friends and got home early – before 9 pm. Ceil baked chopped chicken enchiladas, Anna’s favorite. After dinner we watched W&MC’s wedding and reception video. Very nice. You can been seen from the balcony camera, and there’s a shot of Edie talking to Mary Hurt and Becky Norman at the reception. We still need to watch the part where people offer their good wishes.

 

Saturday I cleaned upstairs, then did the dishes in the kitchen. Took both  the Civic and CRV to get the oil changed and cars washed. Drew Kelly also was at Saturday’s GT game. I was watching while getting my oil changed at the carwash. Also new wipers for the Civic. Worked on the computer and helped Will with his taxes. Also went through 500 personal emails that had piled up during the week. For supper C cooked burgers and fries, which really helped with my diet. M went to a sleepover and Anna went to study with Emily at Starbucks. C worked on the computer. I watched a two hour special on Joe Namath, then one about the Immaculate Reception on the NFL Network. Both were good, though I dozed off during them.

 

Ceil has been attended an 8:30 women’s class at Johnson Ferry, so I went to the early service. Should’ve gone to the traditional service but we were running late, so I went in the gym. They showed a video about their school, which was ok except the half-dozen students and parents talking in the video sounded like they were reading an informative pre-written brochure, and not talking naturally. Sunday School was about the 60 mission trips JFBC sends people on, and how to sign up. Less than ten of JFBC’s 60 mission trips are inside the continental US. Most are to impoverished areas. NYC, Chicago, Clarkston, Johnson City and Sevierville TN, two in Georgia, a cancer camp in Florida. Two are to Hawaii. They’ve planted at least one church (Acworth) and now plans for Buckhead. Also working with refugees. NP has a lot of mission trips, not sure how many are in the US. But that NP Christmas offering (money, volunteers, and food) is specifically for the immediate community around the church. Passion does similar stuff.

 

After church I did laundry. Sunday lunch was baked poppyseed chicken and salad. Anna was working on her paper. Later C and A ran errands. I was watching the PGA tournament. C was checking her phone and said “are the Lakers and Warriors playing? Turn it over there.” She has NEVER asked to change over to an NBA game. She had seen where the Lakers were all wearing Kobe Bryant socks. When I changed the channel we saw Kobe on the bench with an ice pack on his shoulder. I quickly found Lang’s article about the socks.

 

Later M came home. He and Anna went to Grace Midtown. Ceil watched the final episode of Downton Abby and I worked on the computer.

Positive Body Language

How body language trumps IQ, another article by Travis Bradberry on LinkedIn (DAVE: I’ll try to keep my personal comments in parenthesis). Lack of confidence can hold you back more than lack of brainpower. This is especially true during difficult conversations, presentations, and other high-pressure moments (I’m skeptical of style over substance, but we shall see).

 

Positive body language includes appropriate eye contact, active engagement/listening, and targeted gestures that accentuate the message you’re trying to convey. Studies show that people who use positive body language (PBL) are more likeable, competent, persuasive, and emotionally intelligent. Here’s how it works:

 

Positive body language changes your attitude – because it has a powerful impact on your hormones.

 

PBL increases testosterone – improving your confidence, causing others to see you as more trustworthy and positive. PBL can increase testosterone levels by 20%.

 

PBL decreases cortisol, which is a stress hormone that impedes performance and creates long term negative health effects. Decreasing cortisol levels minimizes stress, enabling you to think more clearly, particularly in difficult and challenging situations. PBL decreases cortisol levels by 25%.

 

PBL creates a powerful combination – at the same time decreasing cortisol and increasing testosterone, creating the clarity of mind and confidence ideal for dealing with tight deadlines, tough decisions, and massive volumes of work (my job, my life). These people are known to thrive under pressure. PBL helps make you this way even if it doesn’t happen naturally.

 

PBL makes you more likeable. Body language is a huge factor in how you are perceived and can be more important than tone of voice or even what you say.

 

PBL conveys competence. (I hate to see people learning back in meetings. This portrays laziness and disinterest. I try to lean forward or at least sit up).

 

PBL is a powerful tool in negotiation – even virtually (aka video conferencing).

 

PBL improves your emotional intelligence. Your ability to effectively communicate your emotions and ideas is central to your emotional intelligence. People with negative body language have a destructive, contagious effect on those around them. Working to improve your body language has a profound effect on your emotional intelligence.

 

Summary: We often think of body language as the result of our attitude or how we feel. The reverse is also true: changing your body language changes your attitude.

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-body-language-beats-iq-dr-travis-bradberry