Ted's Thoughts

Book Review | The Power Based Life : Realize Your Life's Goals and Dreams by Strenghthening Your Body, Mind, and Spirit by Mike Flynt

2011-03-14T22:57:00.000-07:00

Mike Flynt provides a boost of positive thinking and stories to challenge the reader to improve themselves in the The Power-Based Life: Realize Your Life's Goals and Dreams by Strengthening Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

I was inspired as I read and a few of the chapters stuck out for me. First, was to understand that my difficulties and how I approach them can influence others and may allow them to handle a similar problem. Remembering that others are watching your response to life around you. One of the other points was to practice mercy. Remembering how I treat others when they make mistakes or need assistance. You never know when life may repay you. Finally, taking care of myself and remembering that I will reap what I sow, with health, money and relationships.

Disclosures:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This is the disclosure I use when I included an embedded affiliate link from Amazon or some other provider:
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | The American Patriot's Almanac - Daily Readings on America

2011-01-02T16:44:00.000-08:00

Thomas Nelson has published an update to The American Patriot's Almanac: Daily Readings on America. Bennett and Cribb provide a compilation of various works to provide a base on American political based literature. The structure is intended to take the reader the course of a year to complete all of the readings. Being a new year, a great time to pick up a copy and begin a reading journey.

If you are looking for a structured reading approach, Bennett and Cribb have an easy format to follow. I wonder how much our thinking would change if we read a book of this type each year including our Constitution and Bill of Rights? Probably would help to check our own personal interpretation of the basis for our country.

Have a great New Year!!

Take this opportunity to revisit the Constitution.

Disclosures:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This is the disclosure I use when I included an embedded affiliate link from Amazon or some other provider:
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review : Living Life In The Zone: A 40-Day Spiritual Game Plan for Men by Kyle Rote Jr. and Dr Joe Pettigrew

2010-10-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Role and Pettigrew provide a sports based devotional for men with Living Life in the Zone: A 40-Day Spiritual Gameplan for Men
. Looking for a devotional that plays with the sports angle and combines with a daily Biblical reading and questions on how application? This may be a book to add to your reading plan for the year.

While not a sports fanatic, the book does provide questions on various areas of your life for improvement including improving yourself, your marriage, how you communicate with your children.

How many men put more emphasis on sports or even hobbies without considering the time they invest the same level of commitment to their family?

Disclosures:
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This is the disclosure I use when I included an embedded affiliate link from Amazon or some other provider:
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Outlive Your Life : You Were Made to Make A Difference

2010-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

Do you get so wrapped up in your life that you forget to take time to think about what impact you have on the world? In Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make A Difference Max Lucado asked us to think about how we can outlive our lives. For many of us including me, I don't think we spend much time reflecting on our legacy. Lucado uses the example of world hunger as one area where we may ask ourselves what we are doing to make a difference? This then would spill over into the example we are setting for our children and others we have a potential influence over.

I found this book to have me stop for a moment and think about what I am doing for others. Am I so wrapped up in my own troubles and stress that I forget to notice how others struggles pale what I am experiencing in my own life. Lucado's book is an easy read, I finished this on a recent plane ride, but the questions he places out there will keep you thinking long after.

What can will you start to do today to outlive your live?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review | Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear

2010-09-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

Do you allow your life to be controlled by fear? Does fear limit your decisions and actions that you take? Max Lucado walks the reader through a few scenarios where we probably have begun to limit ourselves in Fearless: Imagine Your Life Without Fear .

I found in this book that Lucado challenges us to think through why we are fearful in various situations. Why do we look to the worst case scenario and then limit our lives because of this thought process? Have we forgot that God is there with us and will guide us and lead us if we are open to Him. I need to stop the fearful thinking and look to what the end result may be. There is nothing wrong in considering the risks but I shouldn't allow this to limit my behavior.

Are you ready to live your life fearless?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review | Delivering Happiness : A Path To Profits, Passion, and Purpose

2010-06-18T21:42:00.000-07:00

Delivering Happiness is an easy flowing read written in a conversational style. Mr. Hsieh does inform the reader at the beginning of the book of his writing style. Delivering Happiness provides a view from the CEO of how he built Zappos and has created a unique corporate culture. One of delivering 'WOW' to the customer while encouraging a nurturing environment for the employees. From the stories, it would appear Mr. Hsieh is a work hard-play hard person and has found the balance between managing and leading a company. Interesting how the corporate culture continues to evolve as the company grows.

The Zappos Culture is defined by 10 core values:

1) Deliver WOW through service.
2) Embrace and drive change.
3) Create fun and a little weirdness.
4) Be adventurous, creative, and open-minded.
5) Pursue growth and learning.
6) Build open and honest relationships with communication.
7) Build a positive team and family spirit.
8) Do more with less.
9) Be passionate and determined.
10) Be humble.

Do you think that Zappos provides a realistic model for other companies to follow?

For more information on the book please check out: www.deliveringhappinessbook.com

Follow information on Twitter @dhbook

I received a few advance copies of Delivering Happiness and would like to give them away to those who post a response on this blog or my leadership blog. I will announce the winners on Monday, June 28, 2010.

Hsieh, T. (2010). Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose. New York: Hachette Book Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Also, I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: Plan B - What To Do When God Doesn't Show Up The Way You Thought He Would? By Pete Wilson

2010-05-08T22:43:00.000-07:00

I just finished a new book by Pete Wilson, Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?
The book covers those times when the plan we think we are working takes a new path, and the old 'Plan B' has to come into play.

Funny that I read the book on a recent work trip to the east coast. I am not fond of flying and didn't need to read about how plans do not always go as you think they will. Fortunately, in this case all was well with the flight.

I found the book to be an easy read and Wilson uses examples from his personal life and stories from the Bible to show where many times a Plan B comes into play. How many times have we setup a situation only to have a new situation or event occur. The good part is that most of the time the end result still teaches us a lesson and even though we think God is not there, he was with a safety net.

Overall, Wilson provides a simple lesson and you may find the examples repeating themselves. The book is worth reading and I would give to a friend who may struggle with handling the Plan B's om their life.

Have you read this book? How do you handle life when Plan B shows shows up?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

My money's on the pack of squirrels

2010-01-22T18:36:00.001-08:00

The squirrels could win if they gang up and go low and high on the peacock.

I miss this

2010-01-22T18:34:00.001-08:00

I love living in California but sometimes I miss the seasons we experienced living in Pasco, WA.

Book Review: Time Management In An Instant

2009-12-21T00:08:00.000-08:00

Time Management In an Instant: 60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day (In an Instant (Career Press))

Leland and Bailey provide a fairly quick read providing 60 tips to improve your time management. If you are looking for ideas to prompt some inspiration, this would be a good book to keep on your personal productivity shelf or check out from your local library. This book could be used to read each year to stimulate new ideas on your time management.

Book Review: Knockout Entrepreneur by George Foreman

2009-11-11T00:31:00.001-08:00

Knockout Entrepreneur provides George Foreman’s approach to entrepreneurship using his personal story and the analogy of boxing. The overall message of the book is be persistent, honest, and believe in yourself. Foreman’s book will inspire entrepreneurs and those looking for success in their lives.

I found this book to be an easy read, Foreman uses a conversational style and he approaches the book like your uncle who is explaining how he accomplished something. Foreman uses the analogy of boxing to make various points in the book, e.g. know your opponent, have a good team in the corner. The story explains his move form looking only to win, and how Foreman began to look for ways to win and help and inspire others. Much of his transformation comes from his belief in God. If you are looking for some history on Foreman’s career in and out of the ring, and thoughts on taking a positive entrepreneurial approach to business, you should enjoy this book.

Toastmasters Official Podcast - A Learning Opportunity

2009-09-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

Recently, I discovered the podcast produced by the Toastmasters organization. The podcast provides news, information, and interviews of importance to those in Toastmasters. There is also opportunities for education and learning from the leadership in Toastmasters, on one the recent podcasts was an interview with Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Carol Dean Schreiner. Schreiner reviews the purpose and approach for evaluations within a toastmaster meeting. One area Schreiner covers is how a toastmaster should not be intimated when evaluating more experienced members, even a DTM, and we should always look for areas of improvement and positive criticism. If you are looking for ways to improve your evaluation approach and ensure you are building on the TM method, give the podcast a listen.

My first player was a portable 8-track player - Click and Roll!!!

2009-09-09T23:07:00.001-07:00

Texting and Conversation

2009-09-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Keith Ferrazzi just posted an article The Techno-Loner Generation: Are You Raising a Socially Illiterate Child?
on the impact of texting and technology on the children of today. An interesting read and thoughts on what we as parents are doing to ensure our children understand how to keep a balance in communication styles.

Do you think all of this texting is bad for children?

Checking Out a BLOG Course

2009-06-14T00:12:00.001-07:00

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

I get my news from the Internet

2009-04-01T21:47:00.001-07:00

Differing viewpoints and types of news.

My favorite room

2009-02-06T17:42:00.001-08:00

My home office is my place of solace, I have control over the music, what I do, and most of MY stuff is right there for me.

If I had easy access to a helicopter, I'd fly to Grand Canyon this weekend

2009-01-31T22:32:00.001-08:00

Would be awesome to see the view in a helicopter. Could possibly cure my fear of heights...

Why I gave up on "The Immense Journey"

2009-01-31T22:31:00.001-08:00

The book is in a stack by my bed... Just need more time...

If I could tame a wild animal

2009-01-25T19:32:00.001-08:00

Mountain lion, if I can tame a cat, I do anything... hey, hey....hey, give me back my shoe!!!

My first job: Working in a carpet store

2009-01-22T23:40:00.001-08:00

Worked in a carpet store owned by one of my friends. We made minimum wage and I can't even remember what it was now.

When I get home, I change shoes & sweater

2009-01-22T23:37:00.001-08:00

Want to be comfortable.

2009-01-11T11:23:00.001-08:00

Glad scabulous is back on Facebook... now lexulous... let the games begin.. or maybe rebegin :)

2009-01-04T00:54:00.001-08:00

Home safe...cleaning up... ugh...

2009-01-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

Enjoying lunch at the Pine Country Restaurant in Williams,AZ

Use of PingFire with Ping.fm to update your Social Networking Sites

2008-12-25T15:02:00.001-08:00

Discovered a tool called Ping.fm http://ping.fm and then found a tool off Firefox called pingfire that allows you update via your browser. Of course, I can't figure out the blogging update, since I was expecting both blogs to update.

A fun way to keep your facebook, myspace, linkedin and other social networks up to date...

Test Update to Blog from Pingfire

2008-12-25T14:51:00.001-08:00

Learning about new technologies and testing the updating capabilities of Pingfire...

Kids and Homework

2008-12-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

Who is confused about who is supposed to complete homework?

I have a continuing debate about this with my wife and daughter. Using the Socratic method normally frustrates everyone, then I get accused of not helping at all... hmm... so if I don't do the homework, that is not right? One problem is, I can't do it. I haven't been able to actually do the math homework my kids bring home since the third grade. Most of the time, I have to study the examples and then explain the approach... Hey, isn't that 'doing' the homework again?

Anyway, I have a hard time keeping up with my own homework...

Twitter Twatter

2008-12-14T22:47:00.001-08:00

I wasn't sure completely what Twitter is all about, and I am still hoping to play around enough with the application to...get...it. Someone said you have to use Twitter to understand, so I have taken the dive into the deep end. Feel free to follow me and if you have had any noteworthy experiences, please share... okay, excuse me I am getting another Twitter...hmm that's nice...

First Post

2007-06-16T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

I was looking into using the Blog function via Google.

Will see if I use this more.

Ted