Leadership

When I worked in business, one of my roles was to lead teams to come up with system requirements to automate Boeing, a large defense and aerospace company.  I was there for ten years.  My Mom used to ask, "You lead teams of men?  How can you do that?"

Quite honestly, I needed to earn money.  But the truth about good leadership is that it requires listening to the team.  There was no way I could tell the team how to do their jobs.  But with faith, and prayer, I was able to ask the right questions and document requirements.  I always got the job done.  The guys lovingly called me, "Mad dog."  It still makes me laugh because I have a high pitched squeaky voice and am not the mad dog type hahaha.

I never forgot how effective listening is in leadership.  It's about standing up against rudeness and letting everyone have a say.  It's about allowing the experts to come up with world class ideas (without killing each other).  People really appreciate that.  At one point one of the guys said, "Why don't we just say we did this and don't?"

I panicked and prayed.  The words spilled out of my mouth, "This is America, with freedom comes responsibility.  We owe it to our managers to do the job right."

One of the guys stood up and said, "We shouldn't even be asking such a question."

I envisioned the American flag waving in the conference room.  We went on to finish the job.

What made me feel successful was when I saw the pride on the faces of my team members as we finished projects and solved problems.  I was just the facilitator for these guys.

So when I heard Romney, in the debate, say he would reach across the aisles in Congress.  And allow people to speak, I smiled.  Obama insisted you have to tell people what to do.  But I know the difference between dictating and disabling, and allowing people to do the job.  I've seen it first hand.  The agenda must be clear.  The details need to be sorted out by our Representatives, Senators and the President.  This is America, with independence comes responsibility.  They owe it to our people to represent us well, listen to us and do a good job.

The story of how Jesus fed the 5000 is a great example of leadership.  Naturally Jesus is the best all-time leader.  He always included the disciples.  They needed to learn the truth so they could carry on with His work to build the Church.  Also, God has always loved people.  He became the sacrifice for our sin.  It makes sense He would want to be with people face to face.  The only time He didn't bring the disciples along was when He was crucified.


John 6 

1…Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2  And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on  the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 

5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7  Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.”
It makes me wonder if Jesus heard tummies growling or if He just knew they were hungry.  He always knows what we need even if it's not exactly what we want.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.”  Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 
He listened to ideas.  He provided their needs and there were leftovers!  Jesus started small with 5 loaves and 2 fish.  There are many uncertainties in our world today.  But, we can be sure Jesus will supply our needs.   Nothing is impossible for Him.

12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” 15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
Becoming a human king wasn't Jesus' agenda.  He became the King of Kings, our Savior.  He didn't allow His agenda to be changed.
ESV

Feel free to comment if you like : )

Today!

"Memories of my Grandma"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved. 

Guess I'm not the only one going bonkers over the elections this year.  I just saw an ad from JetBlue. They are offering free flights out of the country, if our candidate doesn't win the election : )  One thing I love about the USA is the sense of humor.  

We agree budgets need to be cut.  All the nations seem to be struggling with their economies.  Our President will be making military budget cuts, before the soldiers come home.  Sometimes my mind goes into a loop trying to understand the thought processes.  Bring them home and no budget cuts will be necessary...  Maybe I'm too simplistic.  My husband yells at football on TV.  I yell at the politics.  The cats go upstairs and sleep... err hide? 

I had a hard time sleeping last night, worrying about the future of the world.  Oy!  God has a plan and I need to keep the faith.  His shoulders are way more capable of carrying the weight of the world than mine.  This morning I prayed again for the military, and all these verses came to mind.  Guess He knew I needed to quit worrying!

Isaiah 43
18 Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old.
19 Behold I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.

I shouldn't dwell in the past.  Yesterday is gone.  I don't want to miss the new stuff today.  I can shoot photos on the same trail and come up with something new everyday.

Matthew 6
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 Do not lead us into temptation.
But deliver us from the evil one.
Focus on today.  Make it the best today ever.  I thank God for all we have today.

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Tomorrow isn't here and what I do today, will impact tomorrow.  I need to get some paintings done.  Gotta keep shooting those photos.  Still praying for Israel and the military.

My Grandma was good at keeping busy.  She watched sports while knitting, crocheting, or tatting.  One game on the TV, another on the radio.  She was born in 1896. I don't remember seeing her worried.  She didn't seem to have time for that.  Yet, she experienced some real adventures in her life.  The first man on the moon, a world war, the depression, the first TV sets, the hippies...    


Jeremiah 29
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Things will work out for us too.  Here on earth, or in Heaven.


Feel free to comment if you think of something : )

Good news

The TV News keeps bringing more and more bad news.  Last night I was troubled and remembered the Lord's prayer.  Sometimes I simply don't know where to start : )  With all the stuff building up, it's getting harder and harder.  So glad He gave us a prayer to recite.  After I prayed, I felt peace and joy.  This is way out of my control.

Jesus told us to pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed by Your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts
As we forgive our debtors,
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one,
For Yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. 
Amen.
Matthew 6:9-13

At times, it feels like I'm watching a speeded up version of Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins series, Left Behind.  So many nations are rising up against each other, ok us.  Our Administration continues to focus on a movie being responsible, but the world leaders believe the President is responsible to solve the problem.  It doesn't appear the world leaders want to hear about a movie.  At this point we can't say for sure if this is the end times.  Because Jesus said, 

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.  But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only."  Matthew 25:35-36

It appears some of the old Biblical prophecies could be fulfilled, but no one knows for sure.  I'm debating about writing about the prophecies.  I hesitate because they can be so misinterpreted and the last thing I want to do is spread more fear.  The Mayan calendar isn't in there, sorry.  My theory about the calendar is the guys who started it, got bored, and decided to work on football instead.  Just a thought...  

The good news-

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  Genesis 1:1
The heavens and earth aren't fragile things man put together.  They are God's workmanship.

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.  Psalm 24:1
God, not man, has ultimate authority over what happens.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,  but that the world through Him might be saved.  John 3:16-17
God loves us all.  Even those who are different.  He didn't send Jesus to condemn us all to destruction.  He came to save us.  

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
No one is beyond His love or ability to forgive.  We just need to believe and confess, to allow Him to be Lord of our life.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4
Jesus will come to take us home to Heaven, the New Jerusalem.  We will not fear anymore. 

This is a very important year to remember to vote!  And, please pray with me for Israel.  The leader of Iran verbally said his goal is to completely destroy Israel at the United Nations.  Hard to believe it's real, but it is... this is in the prophecies.

Feel free to leave a comment if you'd like me to go through the prophecies.  I'm still undecided.

Scripture & a Snapshot

"May God bless the military"
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I was out shooting and saw this medical helicopter flying overhead.  I imagined how many horrors the medics must see in the field.  It would take more than courage to be able to do such a job.  It reminded me of the verse above.  Then I thought about those fighting on the ground and wished this would all end.  I hope they can all come home soon.  Jesus promised their sacrifice won't go unnoticed.  I am grateful for them.

In America, a rogue "Pastor" posted a youtube movie.  I really don't understand his intentions.  Instead of the hope of Christ, he brought more violence.  Our country has laws against "Hate Crimes."  Yet this movie was deemed "free speech" by our Administration.  More soldiers were killed and wounded.  Evidently, "Hate Crimes" doesn't apply to foreign nations or American Muslims.  Doesn't make sense to me.  Seems like they should just take down the movie.  I am grateful for England and the other nations who are working together.

In the midst of all the craziness, one thing remains true.  God is still on His throne.  No actions go unnoticed by Him.  I found this great quote:

"The love of God is never idle."  Francis of Assisi

Things may seem dark but His light is still there.  Sometimes we just have to look up.  Here's my prayer.  I must admit it's hard for me to know what to pray.

Dear Heavenly Father I lift up the soldiers overseas to You.  I pray You will guide them and protect them.  Help them not to give up and return to their homes and families soon.  Forgive us all where we've failed You, and help us to move forward in the right direction.

In Jesus Name, Amen.


Side note- I graduated from New York Institute of Photography, my fears were wrong.  I am very grateful and have a new peace.  Now that I'm done I'll have more time for my blogs again.  God bless!  And feel free to comment if you think of something.

Eagle Wings

"Like Eagles" 

Corel Painter

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Still waiting to hear from New York Institute of Photography about my photos... tap, tap, tap.  I'm not a very good waiter.  I go through thoughts of, "I failed!  No one wants to tell me!"  Then there's, "Eesh it's only been a week..."  I have to laugh at myself.  So what's the worst thing we can do while waiting?  Sit and think about why we're waiting haha.

This is my husband's favorite verse.  The Lord tells us to wait for Him.  Even in these photo assignments, He has a plan.  Maybe he wanted me to draw an eagle today : )  ... and practice drawing...  We don't know right now, but it'll all be clear one day.  The great part about waiting, is this verse promises we'll gather strength.  Anxiety does the opposite.

I'm still not exactly clear where this trail is leading.   I am sure the best thing I can do is keep working at it.  

I actually found the verse below before I got married.  Sometimes I would get so anxious thinking I'd never find someone.  Then I realized we are all so much more attractive when we're happy and busy.  I have more to talk about and share when I'm with others.  I used to make a date with Jesus.  Just spend the day with Him, thinking about His Word.  It's a great experience to include Him in everything.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands…
1 Thessalonians 4:11 NASB

I love the simplicity of this verse.  Makes me want to keep busy while I wait.  It'll all work out fine in the end.

Feel free to comment if you like.

Only Jesus

I just submitted my final photo projects to the New York Institute of Photography last Friday.  I shot and re-shot photos looking for perfection.  There's 2 that concern me quite a bit.  I was dwelling on them until I felt anxious and worried.  I realized if I didn't send them in, I'd never finish...  Even the director of NYIP said that we won't do perfect shots.  No one's perfect.  And they will let me know if I need to make changes.  Sometimes I get that way when I mess up too.  I just can't let things go.  As Christians we will never be perfect either.  That's why we need a Savior.  The Bible does promise there will be a day when we'll be perfected in Christ.  But not this side of Heaven.  Letting go of my photos, and sin feels awesome!  The weight is gone, now I can do what I love.

I've been reading a book about Martin Luther (1483-1546), Storm by Reg Grant (it's a great book).  Luther was caught up in his sin.  No matter how many actions he tried to perform, he never felt forgiven.  He was reading the Bible and learned his sin is forgiven by God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).  He was so relieved he wanted everyone to know about this.  So he demanded the Bible be made available to everyone.  He was a monk who couldn't keep his mouth shut.  I can't even count the number of versions we have available today.   I am so grateful to be able to read it anytime.

John 5:30-47


Jesus is talking to the religious leaders.  Jesus and the Father are one, so Jesus can't exist without God.  
30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

John the Baptist told the crowds about Jesus.  He bore witness of Jesus and prepared the way for Him.
31 “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. 33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 

His works, and actions are His testimony.  But the leaders were too blinded by their desire to follow the law.  Hope my actions speak louder than my words.
34 Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. 35 He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light. 36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. 

The Scriptures contain His testimony.  So glad God used Martin Luther to get the Bible out.
38 But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. 39 You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. 

Even if we memorized the whole Bible it wouldn't save us.  Only Jesus can.  So easy, yet sometimes hard.
40 But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

Obeying the law of Moses alone can't save us.  Like Martin Luther realized, our works aren't enough to find forgiveness with God.  We can't purchase a ticket to Heaven.  We only need to have faith, to believe.
41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
New King James Version (NKJV)

Those pesty sins, we try scrubbing and soaking but they won't go away.  Like the old hymn says, "What can wash away my sin?  Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

Scripture & A Snapshot

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

I'm not always a peace maker.  You can ask my husband : )  This verse is on my calendar for August 2012.  At first, I read it and thought, "I want to be a peace maker."  It's such a wonderful word, "peace."  Then I remembered that dirty look I gave someone last week.  I was grumpy to begin with so I'm not so sure it was an official "dirty look."  But it wasn't encouraging that's for sure.  I think about always smiling whether I feel like it or not.  Fake smiles don't work very well on me...  People know.  God knows when I'm faking it.  He's not impressed.

Maybe making peace isn't about outward appearance and smiles.  Last Sunday our Church had no electricity.  We had a bad storm and the township was knocked out.  It even made the News on TV.  We got to Church and only the Choir Director and Pastor were there.  They figured no one would show up, so they were preparing to shut down.  Something about it made me remember times of worship with no music, no lights, just candles.  Just singing to the Lord.  So I encouraged the Pastor and Choir Director to sing some simple hymns.  After all Jesus said, "Where two or more are gathered in My Name, I will be there."

So we proceeded with a simple service.  Slowly people came, climbing over tree branches and maneuvering the streets.  The Church was half full : )  We sang "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty" (one of my favorites).  The Pastor's message was on how God always starts small and then builds.   An example of this was how Jesus fed the multitudes with some bread and a fish.

As we walked out the door, I had to laugh with the Pastor.  God had provided a living example for us.  In the midst of a disaster, we found peace.  I don't think it's just about smiles, it's about His warm presence in us.  Worshiping together brings a harvest of righteousness (faith).  It's about listening without judging, letting His light shine, making peace.

Feel free to comment if you like : )