"SOME JUST CAN'T SEE IT"

“Some Just Can’t See It”
Taken from: The Journey From Success to Significance
By John C. Maxwell

Sometimes even an accomplished leader with a compelling vision has trouble getting everyone to buy into his dreams. That was true in the early 1950s when a friend of television pioneer Art Linkletter tried to convince him to buy some land. His buddy, a movie executive who had been a close family friend for years, drove him out into the country to look at some property. After driving for more than twenty-five miles, they turned off the main road and drove through fields and groves of trees. There wasn’t a person for miles. They saw grazing horses and the occasional abandoned shed.Art’s friend began explaining his next bold venture, an amusement park unlike anything the world had ever seen. It would be its own little world and it would contain areas with names like “Fantasyland” and “Tomorrowland.” Art’s friend said it would be called Disneyland.Art Linkletter thought his friend Walt Disney was crazy.Who in the world is going to drive twenty-five miles to ride a roller coaster? he thought to himself. Linkletter later wrote, “I had such admiration for his business acumen and his show-business savvy that I hardly knew how to tell him I thought he was making the biggest, most ruinous mistake of his entire life.”After painting a verbal picture of his vision, Disney said to Linkletter, “Art, financially I can handle only Disneyland itself. It will take everything I have as it is. But the land bordering on it, where we’re standing now, will be jammed with hotels and motels and restaurants and convention halls to accommodate the people who will come to spend their entire vacations here at my park in just a couple of years. I’ve bought all I can afford. And I want you to have an opportunity to get some of the surrounding acreage because it will increase in value several hundred times in the next five years.”Walt Disney had no agenda with his friend other than to add value to him. He wanted to share an opportunity. But Linkletter just couldn’t see it. He made excuses and said he would look into it later.“Later will be too late,” responded Disney. “You had better move on it right now.”Disney was right of course. And Linkletter never forgot his walk back to the car because he later figured that it probably cost him about a million dollars per step.Art Linkletter and Walt Disney never let this incident get in the way of their friendship. They remained close up until Walt’s death. As you seek to enlist people into the fulfillment of your vision, don’t be discouraged when people can’t see what you do. And don’t despair if people you respect won’t take the trip with you-even if you’re inviting them to do it for their own benefit. Celebrate when people choose to join you. And keep loving those who don’t. That, too, is significant.The world steps aside for those who know where they're going!!!

When your vision is clear enough YOU are UNSTOPPABLE!!!
 
Thanks to Teresa Nitti for sharing this inspiring story!

VIDEO UPDATE SOWING SEEDS OF LOVE {SSOL}

If you would like to learn more about SSOL, check out this short video from a talk I did at my home church in Florida. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBAnQgJkNZE&feature=share

If you want to read about everything going on down here in Panama please continue reading!
I have teamed up with, Panama Christian Evangelism, a local Christian Church and medical clinic. SSOL utilizes three classrooms in the church and implements the following projects, geared toward the indigenous children and families of Panama:



1. Teach fundamentals for ages three through six, taught in Spanish and English.

SSOL curriculum includes numbers, colors, letters, shapes, manners, and reading. Our hope is to provide the children with a chance to comprehend the basics and gain a head start before entering National School.


2. Develop a reading and writing program for women and mothers, taught in Spanish

Most indigenous women are not given the opportunity to learn to read and write. SSOL believes every woman should be given the gift of reading and writing, and plans to develop a curriculum that will teach the basics.


3. Create an After-School Program

SSOL has created a voluntary After-School Program for children. Children have the opportunity to come to the project to receive a nutritional snack, sing Christian songs, and attend a short bible study. The program continues with “Brain Power Hour”. Brain Power Hour is designed to help and assist children with school subjects, one-on-one reading, exam study sessions and more. SSOL wants to establish an educational foundation that encourages learning and growth.


4. Administer English Classes

SSOL offers basic and intermediate English classes. Classes are open to all community members interested in learning English. Panama is a thriving country that continues to grow, largely due to tourism. SSOL hopes that English (as a second language) will help create job opportunities for the indigenous and Panamanian people.


5. Team Sports and Creative Activities

SSOL has added this aspect of the project because every child involved in our ministry has chosen to participate. SSOL wants each child to explore their talents, whether it’s baseball or art, in a fun and safe environment.

6. Bed Time Stories at the Local Orphanage (off site)

One of Lindsey’s favorite memories as a child was cuddling up with her family and reading bed time stories.

Though orphanages do their best to create a loving environment for the indigenous children, they are often overcrowded and understaffed. SSOL provides the love and nurturing that these children want and need. SSOL assists during the bedtime process, helping children brush their teeth, put on pajamas, and cuddle while reading bedtime stories.



Sowing Seeds of Love has created these six separate programs that allow the indigenous children and community to grow and excel – each program is designed to provide the resources that encourage growth, with the gifts God has given each individual. Most importantly God has allowed SSOL to start each program and build loving and trusting relationships with the children. Out of the relationships and programs, He presents the most beautiful bridge SSOL is able to share about Jesus, His gospel and creating disciples.

We want to raise up “seeds” that will honor Jesus Christ, live for Him and continue His work!

I LOVE YOU MORE

This is guaranteed to make you smile. Enjoy!

ONE LIFE AT A TIME

"Contribute your unique gifts to the world!" Remember, if you help one person or a hundred million people, you are making a difference! This is one of my favorite parables to read. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I do.

STARFISH PARABLE

Once upon a time there was a philosopher who would walk along the beach every morning thinking about how to help the world.

One day as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a figure moving back and forth, rhythmically dancing to the day.

This gave him great pleasure, so he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young woman and the young woman wasn't dancing, but instead she was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.

When he got closer he called out, 'Good morning! What are you doing?'

The young woman looked up and replied with simple joy, 'Throwing starfish in the ocean.'

The man looked puzzled and said: 'I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?'

'The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die.'

'But, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!' said the man.

The young woman listened politely. She then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea past the breaking waves and said with a smile...

'... but I made a difference to that one'.

BEDTIME STORIES

What was one of your favorite childhood memories? I remember sitting and playing Barbies for hours with my sisters, playing "mermaids" in the ocean, reading books as a family, riding bikes and the list goes on. The older I get the more I appreciate the quote on quote little things in life {like reading}, which in turn, are the bigger more meaningful things.

I remember lying in bed and having my back rubbed by my parents as they read our bedtime stories. Good Night Moon, Miss Rumphius and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, are the most prominent books I remember and loved. Even babysitting for my favorite families, I love the memories of lying in bed with the kids, rubbing their backs and reading books before tucking them into bed.

Once again, thank you to a more than generous donation from Shanna, she came to Panama with a load full of Childrens' Spanish books. From Dr. Sesus to Sponge Bob to Curious George the children sit in awe as I read each page. As I looked at their faces while reading, the memories of when I was a child began to flood my mind and bring me happiness. Reading plays an important role in the lives of every child. From the learning aspect to the intimate one on one time they share with family, friends or a role model. Realizing the importance of reading and the beautiful memories I have of reading, I decided to start a "Bedtime Story" outreach at the local orphanage. It is an amazing time to cuddle up with children, rub their backs and read.

I absolutely cherish the two hours I spend with them before bed. I can not begin to comprehend what life would be like without parents, yet these children are incredibly resilient and have more love to share than you could ever imagine. Last week, saying "Good night, sweet dreams" and giving them hugs, you could feel the love in the room. They are a true testimony that LOVE and will conquer the world. "One of the clearest ways we love 'with actions and in truth' is through giving to others... Giving that is not motivated by LOVE is worth nothing" Francis Chan {Crazy Love}.

PLAIN AND SIMPLE

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." Dalai Lama

Peace, Love and Panama

They love our hikes through the coffee fields.
I have never seen these kids laugh as hard as they did after I fell flat on my back chasing Azael {in the green shirt}. I guess that is what happens when you try to be the "cool teacher"!

LIVE TO LOVE

Shannita-Bonita! In the short amount of time that I have been in Panama, two of my best friends have visited, Kaitlin and Shanna. I feel incredibly blessed to share my dream, SSOL, and my new life with them!

Shanna and I have been through so much together...and I couldn't quite picture my life without her.

Her honesty, knowledge, openness and "allowing" God's plan to prevail makes her one of the most fascinating and beautiful women I have ever met. Everyday we spent together was a chance to learn and challenge one another, while continuing to build relationships with the children. Shanna and I have amazing and beautiful memories from Guatemala and I thank God for giving us a chance to create new ones. During her visit we were able to share our time and love with the people and children of Panama.

The majority of our conversations were centered around how can we live life by the Spirit and not by the Ego {aka the devil}. I know it is much easier said than done, but if we consciously choose LOVE, we can't help but view the world in a completely different way. I believe this Cherokee Proverb depicts the "battle" going on daily, inside of each of us.

An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life...
"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.
"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.
"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.
"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,
"Which wolf will win?"
The old chief simply replied,
"The one you feed."

As you go forth in this day, I challenge you to make a conscience effort to live by and honor the SPIRIT. Try not to pass judgement, and try to see the world as God views the world - always forgiving, always honest, always compassionate, always joyful and ALWAYS LOVING...

Note: Shanna and her friends raised over $1,000 to buy underwear, socks, shoes and Christmas gifts for the families and children near Boquete, Panama!!! THANK YOU {from the bottom of my heart}