I speak several languages…American, English, Canadian, some Australian…but whenever I am visiting a non-English speaking country, there is one phrase that I always learn…THANK YOU! Merci, Gracias, Arigato, Danke, Tiramisu!

I have discovered that this one expression alone will work wonders. It will open doors. It will establish relationships. It will be the starter thread that creates a blanket of affection and trust. Learn the power of the word THANKS.

Rudyard Kipling was one of those authors who was very successful in his lifetime. A British newspaper criticized him, ridiculed him and called him a mercenary. They said, “He is now writing just for the money. One word of Kipling today is worth a hundred dollars.”

This past week, all around the world we paused to pay tribute to the life of Billy Graham, considered by many to be the most influential preacher of the 20th century. Billy Graham was a wise and dedicated man who was solely committed to spreading the gospel across the globe. He has been quoted often, and in many situations, and today, I’d like to once again use Billy Graham’s words as we discuss our Mindset and how we view the ‘every days’ of life. Life is not just about the ‘big’ things, although those are the most visible. Rather, it is the ‘every days’ that make us who we are, so that when those large, defining situations arise, we are ready to handle them because we have prepared every day.

For the past week and a half - all around the world - we have been united in watching the 2018 Olympics. We are amazed by the ski jumping. We are thrilled with the figure skaters, and we cheer for the bobsled teams. We collectively celebrate the almost 3,000 athletes competing in the Winter Games, and we are always in awe at the incredible feats they can accomplish.

Did you ever want to be an Olympian? Did you dream of what you would do with the whole world watching? What does it take to be at that level of achievement?

A friend will help you move. A good friend will help you move a dead body! None of us would be where we are today without the connections of the people around us.

When I consider what has helped me grow as a leader, I always return to the relationships in my ministry and in my life. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes, “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”

Knowing this is true, I want to give you three points about relationships that I have found valuable.

Anyone can play the game, but aggressive playmakers change the game. That's what we are talking about on this week's podcast.

I encourage you to take a moment and listen to this week's podcast on aggressiveness.

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The key to long term success in any area of your life is determination. Without determination failures become fatal and setbacks become defeat. You have to be determined to be steadfast and to stay in the fight for the long haul!

I encourage you to take just a few minutes and listen to this week's podcast on determination.

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