Tag Archives: #talent

Spirituality

The Innovative Blacksmith

John Deere made an observation. He was born in Vermont, trained as a blacksmith and found work in Grand Detour, Illinois.

Farmers in the Midwest had a challenge. The thick, sticky soil slowed down their plows. The soil would stick to the blades, requiring farmers to stop often to clean the blades. Deere came up with an innovation that changed farming. He created a plow made from steel. The soil rolled off the steel blades instead of sticking to them. This adjustment not only saved farmers time, but it increased their productivity as well.

People can get stuck doing things the same way. You have heard the non-visionary types say “but we’ve always done it this way.” It’s the visionaries who change the world. You might have noticed that they are the ones who get ridiculed, too. That’s okay. Other people can’t see what the visionaries see.

Today, the John Deere company is a worldwide company that manufactures tractors, combines, harvesters, construction equipment and more. The company has over 70,000 employees. A simple blacksmith with an idea created a legacy that changed the world of farming. Not bad…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Newness

We love new things, don’t we? That new car smell is one that stays with us. It hits the senses in a good way.

Newborns have the softest skin ever. It’s really remarkable. Only after exposure to the elements is when we “toughen up” a bit. We are able to soften ourselves to the touch by using oils and creams, but it doesn’t get us to the level of a newborn baby.

What about old ideas recycled as new? In New York City, the new Mayor has brought the idea of socialism to the great city. Socialism sounds good, but it doesn’t work. It has never worked but he makes fiery speeches that make it sound attractive to the masses. It’s interesting to note that one of his campaign promises was broken on the first day. Instead of free buses and subways, the cost to ride them went up!

Each day is a new opportunity to make a difference in this world. We want our lives to matter, to count for something. We have the ability to make this happen, but it’s up to us to act.

Remember what the author of The Book of James told us: “faith without works is dead.” God gave us unique talents. He expects us to use them…

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Spirituality

Show Yourself

You have read where I said, don’t waste your pain. Don’t waste your talent, either. You were given unique abilities to be used to advance God’s Kingdom on this side of eternity. Everything we have is for God and His purpose, not our own.

You know what you are good at. Something inside of you lights up when you are using your talents. You are the only one who has your ability. My encouragement to you is to work on improving yourself so you can be effective. If you keep your talents hidden, that’s selfish.

You will only find the fulfillment God has planned for you by bringing your talents to the surface. Be fearless. Find your purpose.

I will say it again. Don’t waste your pain. Don’t waste your talent, either…

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