Quotes of the Week 12.18.09

This is going to be a new consistent blog post – Usually every week I try to grab quotes I’d like to memorize and record them on my iphone and listen to them often so I can get them in my head and heart. I’ll now also be sharing them through blog posts so I have to write them out, and as always, I hope they add value to your life!

• “There’s not lack of people that need ministered to, but there is a lack of people who have something to say when they’re ministering.” -Keith Moore

• “Character is the complete sum of all of your thoughts” -James Allen

• “If we lack faith our leadership will never have power, if we lack love, our leadership will never have purpose.” -Gerald Brooks

• “Long before people follow you, they hear about you.” -Gerald Brooks

• “When you learn a lesson, find ways to live it, or else you’ll have to relearn it.” -Gerald Brooks

• “People want to change their circumstances, but they’re unwilling to change themselves.” -John Maxwell

• “If life gives you a chance to watch, then get on the front row.” -Gerald Brooks

• “Learn when you don’t have to lead.” -Gerald Brooks

• “It’s the changed life, not the crowd that makes the difference.” -Gerald Brooks

• “Any time your stage time exceeds your prayer time, you’re in trouble as a leader.” -Gerald Brooks

6 Things Servers at Restaurants Wish You Knew

8 Months ago I picked up a side job being a sever at Houlihans. When my manager interviewed me he said, “I believe everyone needs to work as a server at some point in their lives.” 8 months later . . . I’m not sure I’d say everyone needs to, but I will say that as a server, you can definitely learn a lot of lessons about life. Here are some I’ve learned:

6 Things Servers Wish People Knew

• We Make $2.83 an hour and depend on Tips for the rest of our income – When I was in High School, I didn’t tip people. I was totally ignorant how dependent servers are on tips. Be a blessing to your server!

• We Make Mistakes, Be Understanding – We do our best to create an excellent experience for you, if we mess something up, it wasn’t intentional, it was accidental. How do you want to be treated when you mess up?

• 20% is the New 15% - This could be wrong, but I’ve noticed that anything less than a 20% is disappointing! (I recognize that the server should deserve it though!)

• Don’t Stay at Your Table for 5 Hours – Servers make money by moving tables. We want you come to and enjoy yourself and have a great experience, but keep in mind that the average server will have 3-4 tables. If you occupy one for 4 hours, that’s 3-4 tables that could have come and went and left us with tips. Be mindful!

• Christians Rarely Represent God – you can pray at your table, speak blessings over your server, and a handful of other things, but IF YOU LEAVE A BAD TIP – you discredit anything you’ve done or said. You end up pointing people away from God.

• Servers are People with Real Lives - this does not excuse poor service on the servers part, but most people think servers are just someone they can devalue. Please keep in mind that they have a personal life to and could be having the worst day of their life – be an encouraging customer, not one who will tear a server down.

Any servers out there? What are some things you wish people knew about you?

What My Friends Have Been Teaching Me Lately

Isn’t it amazing that friends can change our lives just by something they say mid conversation? That happens a lot to me! Here are some sweet things my friends have taught me without even realizing it:

Zack Blair - “Surround Yourself with People that Scare You”- This has helped me so much – get people around me who know so much more than I do that they scare me and have them invest in me. It’s taking me to another level.

Chris Martin - “Be the best ____ (Your name or ministry) “Bubba Smith” You can Be - It’s so easy to try to be those you idolize isn’t it? I’m learning who I am and how to become the best Bubba I can be, regardless of what others think.

Mike Steidel - “Be a Great #2″- Being a youth assistant puts me in a support role of my pastor. I’m really enjoying learning how I can add value to him by serving him and being a great number 2 guy.

Laura Steidel - “You’re Loved for Who You Are, Not What You Do”- This is changing my life. So often, I try to cover up insecurities in my life by accomplishing things. It’s very hard for me to find my value in who I am, instead of what I do, but I’m determined to get there!

Nathan Hurst - “What are You Doing to Making Yourself Indispensable?” – I’m recognizing that I’m moving beyond a level in leadership where I can just lead by passion. I need to start developing skills and actually build teams, people, etc. in order to take the next step. I’m excited for this next season!

What have your friends been teaching you?