Early Christmas Morning

For as long as I can remember, the most incredible time I spend at Christmas is the time after the boys have gone to bed.  I like to sit in the dark with the glow of Christmas lights and candles, watching the fire, and listening to meaningful Christmas music.  It may just be my imagination, but Christmas Eve night always seems to be a little calmer than usual.  And, I love to take in the moment.  Sometimes, I walk outside and just enjoy the quiet of the night.  For me, this is the most special night of the year. 

I am not foolish enough to believe that Jesus was born on December 25th.  There is good reason to believe He didn't.  However, I don't get caught up in the technical aspects of this night.  I like to take in the meaning, and the symbolism.  So for me, there is no better way to reflect than to revisit the story itself,

 ¹⁸Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this way: When His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
   
   ¹⁹And Joseph her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
   
   ²⁰But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
   
   ²¹And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins."
   
   ²²Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
   
   ²³"Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel" (which being interpreted is, "God with us").
   
   ²⁴Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife,
   
   ²⁵and knew her not until she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

Merry Christmas!!  May your day be filled with family, love, and the true "magic" of Christmas!!

The Power of Vulnerability

This week at work, I observed many things that were not really what they seemed.  It seems that the employees tell me one thing but within minutes change their story and tell me something completely different.  For example, they say something like, "I love my work.  I love my truck.  For me, it's not about the money".  Then, in the same conversation they say, " You haven't given me a raise.  I need more money.  I have lots of bills to pay to take care of my family". 

But sometimes I am not sure that I don't do the same to them. 

You see, I talk a lot about excellence, and world-class service and sales, and being the best.  Very rarely, if ever, have I talked about being vulnerable.  But maybe being willing to be vulnerable is the key to success.  According to researchers, if we are willing to be vulnerable, we are better able to connect with people.  And if we can connect to people, you are more willing to accept yourself.  And if you accept and love yourself, you will be more free to accept your flaws, to be teachable, and to take risks that help you move forward.

As is often the case, others can make a point much better than I.  Please take 20 minutes to listen to Brene Brown talk about the power of vulnerability.

Some of the points made in the video are:

• Connected people are willing to take relational risks. They are willing to get hurt.
• Overeating and drinking and using drugs are ways that we "numb" vulnerability.  We numb vulnerability because it scares us. But, connected people don’t numb vulnerability. 

So, the painful questions that I need to wrestle with are:

• Can people be vulnerable around me? Do people feel safe to be vulnerable with me?
• Am I willing to be vulnerable, even though it means I could fail?
• Am I grateful even when I am rejected?
• Do I really believe that others are enough, even as they are?
• Am I afraid to be vulnerable?

Honestly, I am afraid to be vulnerable, especially at work.  But, deep inside I believe that our company would be incredible if all of our employees felt safe being vulnerable.  When all is said and done, I have to wrestle with how to foster a culture of excellence and vulnerability.

Is that even possible?

My Weekend at Home

I went home this weekend to visit my parents and my granddad and I had a wonderful time.  I am thankful for the opportunity to still be able to go home and visit the place where I spent my formative years.  I was treated like royalty....a great feeling after grinding it out at work for several weeks straight. 

Some of my observations from this weekend:

• I got to visit with my nephew and niece.  I don't get to see them much and I got to see them even less as they were growing up.  And they are great kids.  They are making a name and a life for themselves.  Things haven't been easy for them growing up, but they have overcome some obstacles and seem to be headed in a good direction.  Keep it up Sam and Zach.  I'll keep watching from the sidelines and visiting you as often as I can.  Stay the course!
• I have an admission to make.  On Sunday night as we started to eat, my father asked my granddad to pray and I opened my eyes and watched him as he was praying.  I wanted to see him give grace.  I always hear my granddad pray, but I don't often get to see him pray.  And it was wonderful.  Granddad seemed so peaceful and happy when he was praying.  He's the real deal.  And an inspiration to all those who are lucky enough to have met him.
• I am not super close to my youngest brother.  Our age difference made that difficult growing up.  But I love every minute I spend with him and we are becoming closer.  This weekend, we tracked a deer that had been shot to see if we could find the carcass or a "gut pile".  After some good detective work, we found that someone had field-dressed the deer.  Our experience in the woods this weekend was memorable and fun.  Just doing the simple things together can mean so much. 
• My parents took me to a dinner theater for my birthday.  It was in a barn and it wasn't super fancy or super professional.  But it was warm and comforting and it was a birthday that I will always remember.  We created memories and I am grateful for those times. Thank you Dad and Shirl!!

Going home means different things to different people.  However, for me it means being able to relax, and talk, and just catch up.  My "childhood" home is a refuge from the busyness of the outside world.  Best of all, it's a place where I can be myself.  Home is where one starts and where they can go back to a re-start again.

A Trip Home

On Friday, I drove down to my parent's house to visit.  The drive down is a drive that I used to take 30+ years ago and one that I used to take more often.  I thought of the times that I came home from college for the holidays.  I thought about my life then and now.  Same road but very different perspectives as I drove it home.

As I drove past the old familiar landmarks, I tried to think about what I was thinking back then.  I used to think a lot about leaving and bettering my self and conquering the world.  I used to have feelings like what George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life expressed. 

But as I have gotten older, the drive back has changed for me.  I now like coming back and driving past the old high school where so many memories were created.  I like seeing the old pizza joint where we would hang out after a battle on the football field and tell our "war" stories and how we conquered the "enemy".  I like driving around the square and remembering a time when we weren't concerned about a mortgage or how to pay for our kid's college. 

The journey that I have taken in my life is not one that I would have imagined or planned for.  It has had more bumps than I could have ever foreseen.  It has had more heartache and failures than I ever thought possible. 

But when I drive back home I also realize that, despite some setbacks and failures, that I am still moving forward and I am still the same person that used to dream big dreams back then.  I realize that, even though things have not gone according to my plan, I am still making strides, that I have been able to provide for my family, and that things are going to be OK.

I like the perspective that coming home gives me.

Ryan Pittman -"We Are All The Same"

I have said it many times throughout my blogs this year, I love track and field and I loved watching Spencer run the hurdles when he was in high school and I now get the joy of watching Josh tear up the track.  To me there is nothing as pure in sports as a start line, a finish line, a clock, and nothing but yourself to get the job done.  In my opinion, track athletes are the best athletes in the world.

This past spring, I witnessed a track athlete that warmed my heart and put a huge smile on my face and had an inspiring performance.  Ryan Pittman was a track athlete that threw the disc and shot for Independence High School.  Occasionally, he would run.

For the past four years, I have announced the track and field events at Independence.  We have a fun meet the combines the girls and boys in each event.  Ryan was chosen to run the last 200 m of a relay at the track meet that I was announcing.  And, truth be told, he got smoked and finished dead last by a mile.  But a strange thing happened on that run.  Ryan was determined to finish.  And he did.  With the crowd chanting his name and giving him a standing ovation as he ran, Ryan finished the race and threw his arms in the air in victory.

Ryan taught us all a lesson that day.  He taught us that all that there is joy in doing your best, perseverance pays off, and if you do your best, you should have no regrets.  So, it is no surprise to me that Ryan is still making a difference.  After he graduated, Ryan started to pursue other passions and adventures.

The following is a video that tells of some of his successes after high school.

Great job Ryan.  You are an inspiration to all of us that know you.

Exhausted and Exhilarated

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Teddy Roosevelt

"Citizenship in a Republic,"
Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910

It's close to midnight and I am both exhausted and exhilarated.  Today, I stepped into the "arena" with a few good people and we decided to be willing to be marred by dust and sweat and blood.  We decided to spend ourselves for a worthy cause, knowing full well that we could fail greatly, but still moving forward with conviction and determination and enthusiasm.  Today, we took the first step to revolutionize a business and to work towards the future by connecting today's action to tomorrow's results.

But today was just a start.  Tomorrow is a new day, and some of our team members will start to think too much and will fall into old habits.  There are tough times ahead for sure.  Whenever you try to change things, people naturally resist and create stories in their head that are fictitious and unfounded. And really, "people rarely change their personalities or moral structures.  Anyone can put on an act for a while, but ultimately the truth will become evident to those who know him.  It's important to understand this, because we sometimes go along with a high "people tax" in the hopes that someone will change his ways.  Unfortunately, it rarely happens, which is why it's wise to select business associates, friends, and, most important, spouses on the basis of common values".  (Action by Ringer)

So how do we move forward?  It's through the day-in-day out implementation of our self-disciplined action that will help us determine where we will be at the end of a week, a month, a year, and at the end of our careers.  We simply can't afford to sit back and allow our future to creep up on us, we have to apply the steps that we took today and apply self-discipline on a consistent basis in order to succeed.

Musical Christmas Memories

Every night, I retire to the basement bedroom at Joel and Jill's house and get some "away" time to re-charge my batteries, review the day, and plan for tomorrow.  It has become my get-away, my "camper" of sorts (but with running water and heat!).  And this holiday season, I routinely turn on the radio and listen to a station that plays majestic, old-time Christmas music.  It brings back memories and keeps my focus on what the holiday season is really all about.  There truly is something special about the Christmas music.  It makes my bedroom seem warmer and more comforting.  I don't think I would have ever sat in the bedroom in my 20's or 30's and listened to this kind of music, but somehow it now seems like an old friend to me.  Partly because it reminds me of Christmas of my youth when my dad would sing in the Christmas Cantata at church, partly because it reminds me of the music I used to hear when I lived with my grandparents.


I know that many people have bad stories or bad memories about Christmas when they were growing up.  Not me.  I can't think of a single bad experience.  From the trips to Grandma's house in the snow, to the tradition of decorating the tree with Shirl while listening to Elvis' Christmas album, to the incredible surprises that we would get year after year, to having a great meal together as a family, I loved every Christmas every year.

And one of the things that connects me to those times is the music.  Call me sappy.  Call me sentimental.  I love this wonderful, time of year.  And I love the music and the memories it creates for me.

Changing Me

It's Christmas time and things are busy at the Martin household.  And things are even busier at work.  We are working on making things function more efficiently and making them more profitable.  We are changing policies and procedures, we are changing passwords, and keys.  We are going to monitor things that we never have.  We're even analyzing our database system to determine whether or not we have the best system for now and for in the future.

Some team members tell me that others are on pins and needles because of all the changes I am making.  Some team members are trying to get on my good side by telling me the "inside scoop".  And most of the team think I am trying to change the entire company.  I have heard some say that I am trying to change the world.

But actually, I am trying to do something much harder than changing the world.  I am trying to change me (with the help of Him).  I am trying to be more humble everyday.  I am trying to be more thankful.  I am very conscious of caring deeply for our company, our employees, our customers, and our subcontractors.  I want to be more thoughtful and I want to help others help themselves. 

I truly hope that some will catch my vision, my vision of changing myself.  And if they do catch that vision and work on themselves, I know without doubt, that we will change our company and become a truly world class service and sales organization.

A Special Canadian Christmas

I think we have spoiled our boys for Christmas almost every year that I can remember.  It's not because we want them to focus on things, it's more because we have been able to and it is so much fun to give.  I'll always remember the looks on their faces on Christmas mornings when they were young, and the time together as a family as they have gotten older.   But, as a family, I can truly say that we have never experienced a Christmas like Marian Jeppson Walker did in Alberta, Canada in 1927.

After moving from Utah to Canada to pursue the rumored homesteading opportunities there, the Jeppsons soon realized that they had missed the great opportunities in Canada by about five years.  Things had gone from bad to worse and, during this Christmas season, the cow had died from starvation and exposure to the weather, the chickens had stopped laying eggs, their clothes were thread bare, and there was very little coal to warm their one room shack on the prairie. 

Swallowing her pride, Mary replied to a letter from her family in Utah, asking them for some modest supplies for Christmas.  But for over a month, long trips into town had yielded no reply or supplies.  One last trip to town on Christmas Eve had produced the same results.  As the children went to bed that Christmas Eve and hung their stockings in anticipation, Mary knew that Christmas would bring only disappointment and pain, but for some reason she could not tell them that night.  

Mary awoke at 3:30 to stir the fire to create some warmth in their home.  And as she was about the go back to bed, she heard a faint knock on her door.  When she opened the door, Mr. Scow, the area mailman appeared, snow-covered and frozen.  He knew the desperate plot of the Jeppson's and had decided to deliver crates from Utah to Mary and her family so that they could celebrate the miracle of Christmas that year.  It had taken Mr. Scow eight hours to make the one hour trip.

When Mary's family awoke that Christmas morning, they awoke to the smell of sizzling bacon, hot cinnamon muffins, bottles of syrup, jars of jam, and canned fruit.  The children's stocking were stuffed with homemade taffy, fudge, and divinity.  The girls received dolls that had been made special for them, the boys had marbles. 

But more special than the gifts and food on that special morning, the love of a caring family from afar, and a determined mailman that literally went the extra mile, the true gift received was a childhood that had been given back to the children along with their hopes, and their dreams, and the wonder of Christmas.

The Great Secrets of Warren Buffet Revealed!!

While I may not agree with Warren Buffet's politics, there is no denying that his business decisions have led him to become one of the wealthiest people in the world.  So how does Buffet do it?  Is he just so much smarter than the rest of us that he can make decisions that we could never understand or grasp?  The answer is no! And I think his formula for success will surprise you.

When Warren Buffet decides to purchase a company, or purchase the stock of a company, he does a few basic things.  First, he does a thorough analysis of the numbers, especially the company's balance sheet. If the numbers are agreeable, he will then spend considerable time meeting with key people in the organization, getting to know them, how they run the business, how they treat their staff, suppliers, and clients.

If all of these things are in place and favorable, Warren Buffet then asks himself three simple questions:

1. Do I like the key people?
2. Do I trust them?
3. Do I respect them?

If any of these questions results in a "no", the deal is off.  Period.  No grey area.  No flip-flopping.  It doesn't matter how good the numbers look, or the potential for growth.  These three, simple powerful questions are the foundation for Warren Buffet's success.

There are a lot of high-quality, excellent, respectable people out there looking for a job.  So, whether it is a relationship, a marriage, a business partner, or you are hiring a sales team, choosing the right people is critically important to your future health and wealth.

Choose carefully!

My December Prayer

Lord God,

I often talk to you about "seasons".  And over the last five years, I have tried to learn to deal with seasons, to accept the good with the bad.  I remember sitting in my camper alone at night and yelling, and crying, and wondering when I would be able to see light at the end of the tunnel.  The things I experienced during my adventure in Kentucky were not life and death (most of the time), but oftentimes they were not as easy as I had been accustomed to.  It was cold in the camper in the winter, oftentimes lonely, and running water is something that I will not take for granted anytime soon.

And when things are tougher than normal, it seems like I talk to you a little more often.  But tonight, I want to stop and say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.  Thank you for the lessons that you taught me during that time.  Thank you for letting me be scared.  Thank you for letting me be lonely.  Thank you for letting me get to know some less fortunate boys and their plights.  Thank you for giving me time to heal.  And thank you for my wife that endured years by herself so that I could regain my self-confidence, have a new perspective on life, and a new appreciation for even the small things.

I am about ready to go to bed, in a nice warm house.  Today I got to visit an old friend that I have known since I was thirteen and reminisce about the "old days" and dream together about the future.  I got to go to my nephew's Christmas concert and see him sing.  Tonight, I got to be a part of a community that is celebrating your birth (whether they know it or not).  I got to talk to people at work and encourage them and build them up and love them and care for them.  And I get to be in a position to try and make a positive difference in their lives.

So, again, I just want to say, "Thank You" God for this holiday season and thank you for this season in my life.  The tough times in my life, and also Your goodness, are proof of your love for me and I know I am blessed.

Goodnight God.

Amen.

St. Nicholas Day

When I was in the third grade, I decided to try and make my father happy by joining the District 50 mini-singers.  I thought that his talent as a Music major in college might be passed on in the genes.  It was not.  But I did have a memorable time in the mini-singers.  I got to play Santa for the Christmas Musical.  One of the songs that we acted out was "Jolly Old St. Nicholas".  The words were as follows:

Jolly old Saint Nicholas,
Lean your ear this way!
Don't you tell a single soul
What I'm going to say:
Christmas Eve is coming soon;
Now, you dear old man
Whisper what you'll bring to me;
Tell me if you can.

When the clock is striking twelve,
When I'm fast asleep
Down the chimney, broad and black,
With your pack you'll creep
All the stockings you will find
Hanging in a row
Mine will be the shortest one,
You'll be sure to know

Bobby wants a pair of skates,
Suzy wants a sled
Nellie wants a picture book,
Yellow, blue, and red
Now I think I'll leave to you
What to give the rest
Choose for me, dear Santa Claus;
You will know the best.


Although the song is catchy and fun for little children, there is a very serious side to "jolly" old St. Nicholas.  Today, December 6th, is St. Nicholas Day.  The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the geographic area that is now Turkey. Nicholas was born to wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian.  Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day, December 6th.  Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so loved and remembered as protector and helper of those in need.

I think we would all do well to emulate the character and actions of St. Nicholas.  He was generous, loved children, took care of the needy, sick, and suffering, and gave his money to the poor.  I wish we recognized St. Nicholas Day here in the U.S., however, I believe the best way to celebrate what this man stood for is to live it!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!!

A Good Lesson from an Unlikely Source

                                                   

                                   

 December can be a crazy month.  As I look at my calendar, every day is full with some type of activity.  I have dots all over my calendar.  It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but so necessary not to get consumed by preparations and planning and making sure that they are perfect.  

I confess.  I am guilty.  

But I am also learning.  This past Saturday night, I had the best, most relaxing night that I have had in quite some time.  It was unplanned, spontaneous, and just what I needed. 

Josh had invited two of his best friends over to help him put up the outside Christmas lights.  When they were done, Josh showered and left to go eat on a date that had been planned previously.  To show my appreciation for their help, I asked Josh's friends if they would like to stay for dinner.  The said they would.  We had a great meal and then one thing lead to another and before you know it, it was 10:45 and we had spent the night watching the LSU/Georgia game, we watched "It's a Wonderful Life, talked mascots, religion, and college choices, had tea and Milanos, and just hung out having good, meaningful conversation.  I know, it may sound strange to hang out with a couple of 18 year-old young men on a Saturday night, but in some strange way, I think it was good for all of us.  

And when the night was done, I was relaxed and energized and appreciative to two fine young men for hanging out and reminding me of the goodness of taking the time to slow down and to connect with others, especially this holiday season.

Thanks Foster and Samuel for reminding an old dog of a few tricks (lessons) that I had forgotten.  You give me hope for the younger generation and I know we will be OK in the future when I hang out with young men like you.