CLASS Blog
- Fishing With Love
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September 5, 2010
By Evelyn W. Davison
There are two good-old-boys in Cut 'N' Shoot, Texas who love to fish. They heard a lot about ice fishing so they loaded up and took off for Canada.
The lakes were solidly frozen. They stopped at a bait shop and spent some time getting supplies and tackle.
Before they checked out, one of them said, "Oh! We better get an ice pick." So they got it, loaded up everything, and took off to the next lake.
- September 5, 2010 | View or add comments
- Knee Job Needed
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July 30, 2010
By Evelyn W. Davison
Cowboy Chuck Walker limped into the doctor's office and said, "Doc, my knee hurts so bad, I can hardly walk!"
Dr. Robbins slowly eyed him from head to toe, paused, and said, "Mr. Walker, just how old are you?"
"58!" Walker announced proudly.
- July 30, 2010 | View or add comments
- Love's Preparation
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June 12, 2010
By Evelyn W. Davison
June is known as Lover's Month. Engaged people often take months and sometimes years to plan a wedding. They are obsessed with preparation. The bride is consumed with the right dress, her size, her hair, etc. The groom is paddling along just trying to just hold on thinking about the right things—the honeymoon, where they will live, food, and family!
Both want everyone to be there and everything to be right. Why? They expect to be perfect for each other. Nothing out of place—nothing left undone. No disasters! Everything bright and beautiful!
- June 12, 2010 | View or add comments
- Out of the Overflow - The Pen Writes!
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June 1, 2010
By Linda Gilden
"...out of the overflow of the mouth, the heart speaks" (and the pen writes!)
Luke 6:45
- June 1, 2010 | View or add comments
- A New Look at Perseverance
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May 31, 2010
By Kim McCormick
People say that life will throw you a few curve balls. I laugh at that. My life has been one big curve ball and it's still curving. As a child, I was shown a picture of a man I had never met and was told he was my father. That gave me a shiver. Got another one when I was suddenly put into a car for a 2000 mile move away from my grandmother who had raised me. Growing up, I felt many special tingles as I was teased into oblivion as the new girl in school as a result of move after move. The advice I received - just persevere.
My life took a wonderful turn when as a teen I met the love of my life. Even then, perseverance raised its head again, as I had to wait years to begin a life with him.
- May 31, 2010 | View or add comments
- Dare to Dream Great Dreams
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May 31, 2010
By B. G. Nevitt
When we were younger, my wife Brenda and I used to go out on dates on Saturday nights, but now that we're older, we go out for breakfast on Saturday mornings. During breakfast, one of the things we always do is to take time to dream of what could be.
As a pastor of a growing church, GT Church in Decatur, IL, together we dream of the next steps for the future of our ministry. We discuss messages, programs, and people. It's fascinating to focus on the possibilities for the days ahead. If a church is going to grow, it must plan for growth.
- May 31, 2010 | View or add comments
- How Do Leaders Pray When They Don't Know What To Pray
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April 30, 2010
By Gerry Wakeland
Have you ever been in a season where you just didn't know how to pray? Or maybe you just couldn't pray. No matter how hard you tried the words just didn't come and if they did they just did not seem adequate. What do you do when that happens?
Recently I was in Chicago. I had my two grandsons in the back of the car and we were heading to the zoo when we came to an intersection. This was not just any normal intersection; it was one of those intersections where at least 3 streets come together. There were cars and traffic lights in every direction. The street signs were bewildering. I have a feeling that someone had been tweaking them to confuse us out-of-towners.
In that moment as I sat at the light I realized that I had just seconds to make a decision. What do I do? Which way do I go?
- April 30, 2010 | View or add comments
- What are you waiting for?
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March 20, 2010
By Gerry Wakeland
Over the last few weeks I have had the opportunity to speak with many of our CLASS Alumni. Throughout these conversations there seems to be a common thread. It goes something like this.
- March 20, 2010 | View or add comments
- A Pocket Parable
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March 19, 2010
By Dr. Sandra Herron
What did you hide in your pockets when you were a kid? What do you keep in your pockets now? Perhaps there is a treasure stuffed into your pocket right now!
- March 19, 2010 | View or add comments
- Initiative is the Key to Making Lemonade
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March 18, 2010
By Pam Christian
Most have heard the old adage, "If life hands you lemons, make lemonade." Excellent advice that we all affirm, but precious few apply. "How do I make lemonade? How much should I make? What do I do with it once I've made it?" These questions are the sort that usher in doubt and confusion that lead to immobility. "When in doubt, don't," is another adage that has its merit, but not necessarily when it comes to dealing with life's lemons.
When faced with a "lemon problem" ask yourself "Which would I rather do, suck on lemons or sip on lemonade?" Let this perspective become your motivator, not doubt and confusion. Then you'll be able to successfully maneuver through any of life's lemons, and also help others.
- March 18, 2010 | View or add comments
- Out of the Overflow - 100-year old decision stands
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March 17, 2010
By Tama Westman
In a recent conversation with my son he asked, "Are you kidding me?" Repeating this at varying heights of emotion. He'd learned that untold amounts of money could be ours if only I'd sign ancestral scrolls.
I don't deny my heritage. I delight in the fact that my great-great grandmother was the daughter of the Chief of the Seneca nation. She was married off at the age of 12 to a traveling shoe salesman from Elmira, NY.
- March 17, 2010 | View or add comments
- Cries and Praise for Easter
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March 16, 2010
By Evelyn W. Davison
Each year on the first day of Lent, I begin an "Ask Fast." From the dawn of that day through Easter Eve I do not ask God for things. If someone asks me to pray for them and there is a need, I honor their requests. But, day after day, I praise God for any need that I have, and praise Him that He is greater than that need.
On early Easter Sunday I go to ground zero, foot of the cross, and listen again to his cries: "Father, forgive them they know not what they do!" followed by, "It is finished!" In remembrance of what He did, I ask his forgiveness and thank Him that his love plan of the ages is polished and perfected not just for me but for all who hear his cries.
- March 16, 2010 | View or add comments
- Call To Active Duty
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February 4, 2010
By Evelyn W. Davison
All across America, there's a shaking going on. People are shaking their heads at how important it is to practice, protect and preserve our rights to pray—anywhere, anytime.
I received a recent news report that there are seven terrorist cell groups who are operating in many of our churches and ministries. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, Bin Deceivin, Bin Stealin, and Bin Missin.
- February 4, 2010 | View or add comments
- What is Jesus' Gospel?
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February 2, 2010
By Bill Gaultiere
To follow Jesus we need to believe his gospel. What was the Good News that Jesus preached, taught, and manifested? Christians have different answers:
"Jesus died on the cross for you so you could be forgiven and go to heaven when you die."
"Jesus came to set us free from oppression and now we need to extend his compassion to those in need."
- February 2, 2010 | View or add comments
- Out of the Overflow - A Lesson in Clay
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February 1, 2010
By Betty Southard
Not long ago I attended a day retreat at the Center for Spiritual Development. I had been so busy for several weeks, and was feeling drained and burned out. I needed refreshment, time and space away from all my responsibilities. Even though I kept up my regular daily time with the Lord, I would often find my mind shifting over to what needed to be accomplished that day. I find it very helpful to get away from home, the phone, computer, all the "shoulds" that confront me everywhere to concentrate on the Lord.
With anticipation, I drove to the retreat center. The day started with some Scripture reading, contemplation, times of silence and prayer. Then we were offered options to do during a scheduled three-hour time of silence. One of the options was to take a hunk of clay, and shape it into whatever form came to mind. Having never worked with clay, I didn't know how or where to begin. Briefly turning to the Lord in prayer, I asked for an idea. Mary, the mother of Jesus, came to mind. My personal verse for the year had been a repeat of her answer to Gabriel, "May it be to me according to your word." A prayer of submission and commitment to do His will. As I thought about Mary, I realized that she gave life to our Lord and Savior. Through that life, Jesus, God has given you and me new life.
- February 1, 2010 | View or add comments
- Blogging from Your Passion
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February 1, 2010
By Lee Warren
I've been a fan of the Kansas City Royals since my uncle from Kansas City came to visit family in Omaha, where I live, when I was a boy. After visiting with everybody, he'd grab a transistor radio, sneak out to my grandparent's front porch and turn on the Royals game.
I followed him.
- February 1, 2010 | View or add comments
- Where is Our Power
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January 18, 2010
By Evelyn W. Davison
Everywhere eyes can focus today, they see trouble. Troubles are right there in your "River City." America is in a changing mode that is being driven mostly by greed instead of need.
Is God still involved in the lives of those whom He created? Is life doomed? Is there hope? Our structure is shaking and people are wavering in their faith, yet, there is power available.
- January 18, 2010 | View or add comments
- Out of the Overflow
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January 12, 2010
By Gerry Wakeland
"For out of the over flow of the heart the mouth speaks." — Matthew 12:34 NI
At the recent writers conference at the Ghost Ranch there seemed to be a common thread that was articulated in many ways by the attendees, the presenters, the editorial staff, even the staff at the Ranch. The theme was this - as Christian communicators, ministers of the gospel, it is imperative that we operate out of the "overflow." We heard this time and time again. In fact, I've read it over and over in the evaluations. But what exactly does this mean?
- January 12, 2010 | View or add comments
- Trigger-Happy Prayer
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January 8, 2010
By Ron Benson
I Thessalonians 5:17: "Pray without ceasing."
Easy for you to say, Paul! You're all "apostley" and holy and perfect. What about us normal people?
I love to pray. It's my constant ceasing that gets in the way. I want to pray more in 2010. What sincere believer doesn't? But how do we stop all that ceasing?
- January 8, 2010 | View or add comments
- Book Review - The Good and Beautiful God by James Bryan Smith
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January 8, 2010
By Robin Stanley
James Bryan Smith opened his keynote at the 2009 CLASS Christian Writers Conference with a surprising statement: "I give you permission to commit the sin of jealousy." We all laughed, and Jim went on to describe himself as a Forrest Gump kind of guy who stumbled into some great moments with some great people, including Richard Foster, Dallas Willard, Rich Mullins and more.
This self-proclaimed "nobody" allowed these "somebodies" to mentor and shape him. Not to become more like them, but to become more like Jesus. We who know Jim or have opportunity to read his work get to realize the benefits of his transformation. He pours himself out in humility, love and friendship. He lives what he teaches.
- January 8, 2010 | View or add comments
- Overcoming Fear at the CLASS Writer's Conference
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October 23, 2009
By Julie Ferwerda
I will be missing out on the writer's conference this year, which is a real bummer. However, I can still contribute by giving attendees (especially newbies) a few words of encouragement, which is exactly what I would do if I were there.
So what do you do with moderate to paralyzing fears? Fears such as:
- October 23, 2009 | View or add comments
- Hiding Behind the Mask
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October 8, 2009
By Evelyn W. Davison
When I hear the word mask, I always think of the Lone Ranger and his buddy Tonto.
Lone Ranger wore a mask, but Tonto was always in full view. It seemed that Tonto had eyes in the back of his head.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto went camping in the desert. After they got their tent set up, both men fell sound asleep. Some hours later, Tonto wakes the Lone Ranger and asks, "Kemosabe, look toward sky; what you see?"
- October 8, 2009 | View or add comments
- A Dream Come True
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September 25, 2009
By Tama Westman
As a child I would sit at the rosewood desk and dream of being a writer. My mother fed my dream by supplying me with foofy pens with feathers on them so I could feel my writing was eloquent and important. In the days before home computers and e-mail, I would spend long hours play-acting at that desk, making pretend phone calls to clients, tap-tap-tapping the numbered keys on the adding machine to ring up sales and writing out long checklists.Some forty years later, not much has changed, except that the dream I had as a child came true! I still spend long hours at the same rosewood desk, calling clients, tap-tapping on the calculator, and writing out long checklists. Long gone are my foofy pens, replaced with a laptop, Sharpies and write on/wipe off pens for the white board.
- September 25, 2009 | View or add comments
- Empty Hearts and Lives are Waiting
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September 15, 2009
By Julie Ferwerda
But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. Philippians 2:17
- September 15, 2009 | View or add comments
- Are You Hitting Your Goals?
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September 8, 2009
By Tama Westman
I saw this tip from Mark Victor Hansen, co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, while I was flipping through the pages of the October issue of Success Magazine (If you don't yet subscribe to Success, I encourage you to up your game today with this monthly issue of some of the best leadership advice going).
According to Hansen, you can create a life-goal list in as little as 15 minutes. Sounds easy. Here's how:
- September 8, 2009 | View or add comments
- All Dressed Up and Nothing to Say
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August 8, 2009
By Golden Keyes Parsons
Have you ever been invited to speak for an event, but didn't have anything to say? I mean you had plenty you could talk about, but you had a feeling that it wasn't Holy Spirit inspired, and you didn't know whether the proposed audience cared a whit about the topic?
I went to a women's seminar last night that was the big event of the "First" church in our little community. I knew a couple of women who were supposed to be there and who had invited me to come. I joined the women walking through the parking lot to the auditorium. There was a buzz of excitement as I turned my ticket in and picked up a program and song sheet. My friend greeted me with a hug and then went about her responsibilities. I found a seat near the back and sat by myself. No one joined me, not even the one gal I knew fairly well.
- August 8, 2009 | View or add comments
- Life in Media Lane
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August 3, 2009
By Evelyn W. Davison
"Don't waste your words!" was something my Mom repeated often when I was young. My having a speech impediment that was wrapped in stuttering brought lots of frustration to me and others.
During the big WWII my dad was drafted into the service, and my Mom had to get a job. As the oldest girl, my job was to do what she could not do for my little sister and brother.
- August 3, 2009 | View or add comments
- The Passing of a Legend
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July 7, 2009
By Gerry Wakeland
This morning I watched the incredibly moving tribute to Michael Jackson, King of Pop.
This is not something that I would normally watch but just minutes before the service was to begin Florence called to remind me that this was an historic event. "Who other than our nation's presidents warrant a tribute, a memorial, of this magnitude?" she asked. So I turned on the television.
- July 7, 2009 | View or add comments
- Overcoming Obstacles
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June 1, 2009
By Evelyn W. Davison
With each personality blend there are weaknesses which, if not harnessed, become obstacles to communication. An obstacle is anything real or unreal that gets in the way of progress or excellence.
We all have them! The point is that while we have them, they don't have to "have" us.
- June 1, 2009 | View or add comments
- Think Small! Putting Heart and Impact into Bible Teaching
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April 9, 2009
By Julie Ferwerda
For a long time I had the hardest time trying to figure out how to reach hearts in my audience for lasting impact. I tended to stick to the safe route of strictly teaching because I felt unable to get vulnerable or to connect soul-deep with my audience. Why? Here were a few of the obstacles that kept me locked in two-dimensional speaking:
- Teaching comes easily and naturally for me. Sharing my heart or "telling my story" does not.
- I have a huge testimony (in every sense of the word), but I could never figure out how to tell it in such a way that would teach, inspire, flow correctly, and not sound whiny or too much about me. So I avoided it.
- My long, disjointed testimony has so many twists and turns, I was afraid of either boring my audience or driving them to Prozac if I dumped it on them all at once.
- I like to teach on a variety of topics. To only tell my testimony would get monotonous and confining for me.
- Frankly, I didn't know how to incorporate my story into my teaching.
So what did I do? Somewhere along the line while using PIER (the CLASS formula for effective and dynamic communication), an idea suddenly took form. Think Small! Rather than tell my testimony all at once (feel the relief), I could break it up into bite-sized chunks for the benefit of my audience. I could polish many parts separately, and use them in a variety of topics to teach different points. By telling my story in smaller pieces as it relates to the teaching topic at hand, it became easier to share about myself without feeling like it was all about me. Best of all, this technique was a perfect fit with PIER!
- April 9, 2009 | View or add comments
- The Billboard of Your Heart
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April 2, 2009
By Evelyn W. Davison
Life is a message written on billboards for all the world to see. My billboard gets bigger every day as Jesus writes new things that fill my heart.
His instruction is always. "Love your neighbor," but He also includes the more difficult thing, "Love your enemies." All of God's creation, the born and the unborn, are our neighbors -- and so are our national leaders.
- April 2, 2009 | View or add comments
- Driven by Vision, Fueled by God
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March 26, 2009
By Tama Westman
God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Your way be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations. – Psalm 67: 1-2 (NKJ)
As a Christian communicator, the above verse from Psalm 67 is the bottom line. The Lord blesses each of us with unique gifts and talents, and it becomes our responsibility and privilege to employ these gifts and talents to minister to and serve His children.
- March 26, 2009 | View or add comments
- Vision...Mine or His?
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March 20, 2009
By Gerry Wakeland
VISION...Mine or His?
Recently Florence and I were having a conversation about the history of CLASS. I recall remarking to her that I would never have dreamed when I first heard her speak over twenty years ago that someday we would be working together or that I would be managing the ministry of CLASS. Do we ever really grasp the potential and possibilities that lie before us? If we could see the whole Big Picture would we embrace it with enthusiasm or just hide under our beds?
Many of us in our early walk learn to cling to the passage in Jeremiah 29:11 that assures us of God's plan for our life, a plan to give us a future and a hope. For some of us that plan takes longer to take shape than we had hoped.
- March 20, 2009 | View or add comments
- Letting Go...Moving On
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March 12, 2009
By Linda Goldfarb
As a syndicated radio talk show host of more than six years, I had developed a nice following of local listeners as well as those who caught my streamed broadcasts globally. Every Saturday morning without fail, I would gather my headset, water, and topic information and head into the station for an hour of fun and quite often thought provoking one-on-one time with my listeners and guests.
When God prompted me to leave my local audience for an unknown global opportunity in radio and E-TV, I must admit, my heart sank as I felt an immediate loss of my friends and status here in my home town. "But what if I fail, what if no one listens in?" Believe me, there was a lot of "what ifs" I verbalized out loud and internally.
- March 12, 2009 | View or add comments
- New Vision, New Excitement at CLASS!
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March 10, 2009
By Linda Gilden
I am writing from the Houston CLASSeminar! What a blessing to see the vision of the new CLASSeminar put into action.
You may ask "What's new about it? CLASS is over twenty years old." On the outside many things look the same. People with a message gather to learn from Florence and the staff. Attendees are eager to receive the instruction. Fellowship times allow for networking and making new friends. But with Gerry's leadership CLASS has a new excitement. CLASS has a new commitment to excellence. CLASS has a new dedication to ministry.
- March 10, 2009 | View or add comments
- Chasing the Goose with Eyes Wide Open
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March 5, 2009
By Julie Ferwerda
Tonight my daughter, who is a senior in high school, expressed her confusion and apprehension about her near future for the umpteenth time. Which college? What to major in? What if I miss out on what God wants me to do? Whose counsel should I pay attention to, and whose is only a deterrent from God's plans for me? What am I supposed to do with my life? I remember all those anxieties and insecurities at her age as if it was yesterday. "God will show you, just be patient," people tried to tell me (and I try to tell her), but it was no use because I did not have the history with God to assure me of His guidance and sovereignty in my life.
In his book, Wild Goose Chase, Mark Batterson likens the surrendered Christian life to a Wild Goose chase, with God being the Wild Goose. You just never know where He's going to take you, but it's sure to be a wild ride. Following God is not for those who cherish predictable, safe, controlled lives, that's for sure. And whether just starting out your adult life or embarking on a calling in ministry, either while trying to discern the movements of the Wild Goose, there's always more uncertainty than clarity!
- March 5, 2009 | View or add comments
- Grab Your Sunglasses and a GPS--Let's Go!
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March 1, 2009
By Evelyn W. Davison
Some days I feel like I have way too many things to keep up with, and as a result, I'm constantly searching for things. Good example of "things" is my glasses. I have four pair of glasses: one for reading, one for the computer, one for driving, and some fun-sun-glasses for playing or cruising.
One would think with all these glasses laying around that I have everything I need to see where I'm going. Not so! Too often when I have a new place to go, I get lost. Then I remember, "Evelyn turn on the GPS!" But sometimes even the GPS doesn't help me get where I want to go, like when my car runs out of gas.
- March 1, 2009 | View or add comments
- Behind the Mask: The Psyche of writers, speakers, leaders
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October 11, 2008
By Evelyn W. Davison
As a typical Sanguine, I love words. As a writer, I measure them carefully. So what does “Behind the Mask” mean? What does the “psyche” of writers, speakers, leaders mean?
To the average Joe, “Behind the Mask” means we are probably hiding something. Something secretive! So for Christians, that does not compute. We are to be transparent, letting the “Light” of the love of Jesus shine forth. My experience with most Christian writers is that they do that. Some have trouble, but most do hang their laundry publicly. Those who don’t, don’t last very long.
“Psyche” of writers, speakers and leaders is a whole different arena. Psyche is a word that the Newagers have captured and made mysterious. In reality, psyche means “soul.”
- October 11, 2008 | View or add comments
- Relevance Is In The Take-A-Way
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July 1, 2008
By Linda Goldfarb
Just because I can talk, do I need to? This is a question I pose to myself on a regular basis, whether in a meeting, at church, at a social gathering, and yes even from the stage.
The first CLASS Seminar I attended, I found these words of Florence Littauer so wise, "You may have something you want to write or speak about, but do people really need to hear it?"
WOW! That was it... do people really need to hear it? Is it relevant?
- July 1, 2008 | View or add comments
- Standing on Shoulders
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May 29, 2008
By Evelyn W. Davison
America is in a “talking crises” today. From every direction we are bombarded with messages of despair and desperation. America is hungry for Good News.
There is little, if any, “fence talk” going on across the heartland. This nation was built on the concept of neighbors talking to neighbors across the fences and walking the talk delivering a bucket of corn or a basket of bread.
- May 29, 2008 | View or add comments
- How Do You Communicate?
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May 22, 2008
By Gerry Wakeland
This is the time of the year when my mail box fills with graduation announcements and wedding invitations. Yesterday I received the graduation announcement of Benjamin Wilson Kent from Forsyth Illinois. It's hard for me to believe that Benjamin whom I met as a little tyke about 12 years ago is graduating from high school. Where does the time go?
As I read Benjamin's graduation announcement I noticed that the school motto for Maroa-Forsyth High School was: Excellence and Pride. I couldn't help but think how Benjamin exemplified this motto in many ways. But one particular instance came to mind.
- May 22, 2008 | View or add comments
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