The summer of 2010 I had a great experience watching as my son began his coaching career. He was coaching his oldest son, Parker, in the ways of baseball. Technically it was T-Ball, which is very different from baseball.
True, in T-Ball there are all the elements of baseball. There are bats, balls, bases, gloves, unruly fans, aka parents, and a chance to play in the outdoors on a team.
Different in that everybody gets to swing at the ball on the T. Everyone gets to run the bases, no one gets called out. And no one really knows what is going on, except for those unruly fans, In the end, the most important lesson is what “after game treat” was brought to share among the team members.
I share this as the World Series of 2010 is in mid-stream. The San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers are playing the best-of-seven to see who gets to claim the title “World Champion.” Texas has never been to the Series, and San Francisco hasn’t won a Championship since 1964.
I share this information to lead up to a thought I came across in the writings of Og Mandino, a great philosophical author on the elements of success. He wrote a series of “Worlds Greatest Salesman” and introduce scrolls, which read often, would help anyone interested in rising above mediocrity to find the inner fortitude to do so. I was introduced to them while serving as a missionary for my church, back in the 70’s.
Today, I struggle with the elements that create success, and how it is defined. I also struggle to remember that one of the elements of creating success is that there is a ratio of contacts to sales that is true in every business. This quote comes from The University of Og Mandino.
Success has the intrinsic character of a batting average. It is not all of a piece, not every hour nor every day is uniformly successful. Rather, there are upturns in success separated by valleys of failure. I successful television producer, responsible for turning out an intensely complex and difficult program every day remarked.
“I’d go crazy if I tried to judge every day’s performance against an absolute standard of perfection. All I try for is a good batting average. I know very well that sometimes I’ going to foul out, but so long as I get my share of singles and doubles, perhaps an occasional home run, I don’t mind the inevitable errors or strikeouts.”
So, too, a successful life will have its days or even years of failure. These are not blights upon such a life, but merely the inevitable failings which bear testimony to the fact that success isn’t easy.
Success is not anything like T-Ball. You do not hit each inning. You do get thrown out, and sometimes you even strike out “looking.” If you are going to put the ratios to work, you must at least “go down swinging.”
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
A Second Chance
I received a call from a friend of a friend, who was interested in learning more about my business. I had never met Troy in my life. My life was about to add another story,
I met Troy for lunch and, as is my nature, asked him to share his story with me. This, in brief, is some of what I learned.
Tory had been in the advertiging business, selling penny per/household coupons. As we talked, I knew of his business, and we shared names of printers that we had both used in our past. He was quite successful and had a wonderful business model, with little competition. He was in print, radio and television. He owned several Corvettes, a large home, had six figures in the bank, and was on a roll. He loved fast cars. He had a "Kit Ferrari" custom built. He believed he was on top of the world and had no need for God nor his religion. He could do it all on his own.
In fact, he had approached his church leaders to remove his name from their records. Hasta la vista!
He says God had other plans. As he left the church building, and before he arrived home, he had crashed his fancy Corvette If you know anything about this car, it is pretty-much fiberglass on wheels. He was in a coma that lasted around 30 days.
When came to, he had lost parts of his vision, mobility, abilities, and more. It wasn't all of what he lost, but the road from there shows the extent of his losses. He quickly realized he may have "had it all" but in reality, the bank owned most of it. That, in a nutshell should describe where his life has gone.
Today he is a humble man, working his way out of debt, out of a horrible situation. As part of his "second chance"at life, he was asked out-of-the-blue to participate in a movie shoot for the LDS Church. He had no acting background, and they liked that. It was his look that they loved. He has now actually had several photo shoots, articles in newspapers, featuring his likeness and radio interviews announcing the that LDS Church is looking for people who have the appereance of "middle-east ancestry" for future movies about the New Testament.
He is very grateful that God gave him a second chance. I learned to quickly love this man, his journey, and his story. He plays a roll that in someways very much is true to life. In his darkest hours, those who could help, those he trusted turned. The good Samritan was there by his side. And remains there today, in his heart
Wonderful story.
Follow this llink to read more about the film and to watch the 5-minute clipl
http://new.lds.org/church/news/lds-motion-picture-studio-seeks-actors-for-new-testament-project?lang=eng
I met Troy for lunch and, as is my nature, asked him to share his story with me. This, in brief, is some of what I learned.
Tory had been in the advertiging business, selling penny per/household coupons. As we talked, I knew of his business, and we shared names of printers that we had both used in our past. He was quite successful and had a wonderful business model, with little competition. He was in print, radio and television. He owned several Corvettes, a large home, had six figures in the bank, and was on a roll. He loved fast cars. He had a "Kit Ferrari" custom built. He believed he was on top of the world and had no need for God nor his religion. He could do it all on his own.
In fact, he had approached his church leaders to remove his name from their records. Hasta la vista!
He says God had other plans. As he left the church building, and before he arrived home, he had crashed his fancy Corvette If you know anything about this car, it is pretty-much fiberglass on wheels. He was in a coma that lasted around 30 days.
When came to, he had lost parts of his vision, mobility, abilities, and more. It wasn't all of what he lost, but the road from there shows the extent of his losses. He quickly realized he may have "had it all" but in reality, the bank owned most of it. That, in a nutshell should describe where his life has gone.
Today he is a humble man, working his way out of debt, out of a horrible situation. As part of his "second chance"at life, he was asked out-of-the-blue to participate in a movie shoot for the LDS Church. He had no acting background, and they liked that. It was his look that they loved. He has now actually had several photo shoots, articles in newspapers, featuring his likeness and radio interviews announcing the that LDS Church is looking for people who have the appereance of "middle-east ancestry" for future movies about the New Testament.
He is very grateful that God gave him a second chance. I learned to quickly love this man, his journey, and his story. He plays a roll that in someways very much is true to life. In his darkest hours, those who could help, those he trusted turned. The good Samritan was there by his side. And remains there today, in his heart
Wonderful story.
Follow this llink to read more about the film and to watch the 5-minute clipl
http://new.lds.org/church/news/lds-motion-picture-studio-seeks-actors-for-new-testament-project?lang=eng
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Meeting A President's Challenge
It was November, 1976, and I was about to leave Minnesota and fly home to Salt Lake City. I had just about completed my church mission. All that I had left was the interview with the mission president.
I had the privilege of serving with President Douglas Callister. He was a young, dynamic individual. Still in his early 30’s he had served his church as a Bishop and a Stake President. He was the grandson of the very well loved Apostle LeGrande Richards. He was something special. He had taught me more lessons that I could share in a brief blog
*He introduced me to the scrolls of “The Greatest Salesman In The World,” written by Og Mandino. Each scroll encouraged me to seek more than who I was.
*He taught me that people rise to your expectations. He told the story of a regional church leader that expected 100% attendance at all regional meetings. It wasn’t long until he got it. When his turn was over, another regional leader remarked, you are a good region, there is no reason why we shouldn’t have 80% attendance at these meetings. It was the next meeting when he got his results.
*He taught me to love the “Parables of James E. Talmage“. An early Apostle, Talmage had written “parables” for a church magazine. They had been later compiled into a book. I asked him about these parables, and he said they were from a book that was no longer in print. Hadn’t been published for a while. I was discouraged. As a student at Dixie College, I walked into the Dixie Drug, which had all the items a drug store sells, as well as a book section, and you can appreciate my joy as I found a single copy of this wonderful treasure.
*He taught me many other lessons. Some of them stuck and, sadly, many of them didn’t. I do remember that the final challenge in my exit interview was “The next time we meet, before you say anything, show me your temple recommend.”
Well, our paths have never crossed until this past week. I don’t attend reunions, afraid of being judged -- I don’t remember names -- I … you name it, I have the excuses lined up for miles. I never expected to see him again, in person.
He now serves as a member of the First Quorum of 70. It was Saturday night and I had decided to attend a session in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake. He was standing at a door, watching as we filed in. I took the chance, shook his hand and said “You don’t remember me, but I was one of your missionaries.”
It was then I recalled his challenge, and was grateful that I didn’t need to show him my recommend, it had allowed me in, to see him.
I had the privilege of serving with President Douglas Callister. He was a young, dynamic individual. Still in his early 30’s he had served his church as a Bishop and a Stake President. He was the grandson of the very well loved Apostle LeGrande Richards. He was something special. He had taught me more lessons that I could share in a brief blog
*He introduced me to the scrolls of “The Greatest Salesman In The World,” written by Og Mandino. Each scroll encouraged me to seek more than who I was.
*He taught me that people rise to your expectations. He told the story of a regional church leader that expected 100% attendance at all regional meetings. It wasn’t long until he got it. When his turn was over, another regional leader remarked, you are a good region, there is no reason why we shouldn’t have 80% attendance at these meetings. It was the next meeting when he got his results.
*He taught me to love the “Parables of James E. Talmage“. An early Apostle, Talmage had written “parables” for a church magazine. They had been later compiled into a book. I asked him about these parables, and he said they were from a book that was no longer in print. Hadn’t been published for a while. I was discouraged. As a student at Dixie College, I walked into the Dixie Drug, which had all the items a drug store sells, as well as a book section, and you can appreciate my joy as I found a single copy of this wonderful treasure.
*He taught me many other lessons. Some of them stuck and, sadly, many of them didn’t. I do remember that the final challenge in my exit interview was “The next time we meet, before you say anything, show me your temple recommend.”
Well, our paths have never crossed until this past week. I don’t attend reunions, afraid of being judged -- I don’t remember names -- I … you name it, I have the excuses lined up for miles. I never expected to see him again, in person.
He now serves as a member of the First Quorum of 70. It was Saturday night and I had decided to attend a session in the LDS Temple in Salt Lake. He was standing at a door, watching as we filed in. I took the chance, shook his hand and said “You don’t remember me, but I was one of your missionaries.”
It was then I recalled his challenge, and was grateful that I didn’t need to show him my recommend, it had allowed me in, to see him.
Monday, September 20, 2010
A Good Olsen
We all have our favorite stories to tell.
By we, I mean parents. I find that I enjoy sharing one or two stories that show just how good I was at parenting. And, by I, I mean we, Lori and I.
One of those stories is about my son Bret, and how I couldn’t wait to hear his answer in a Sunday School class setting.
I was serving in my church as a Sunday School teacher for kids 16 -- 19 years old. This was a fairly large class, as it covered just about all the kids in high school in our ward. On average we had 15 -- 20 kids in attendance. It was a lot of fun.
What made the class even more fun, was my son, Bret, was in the class. And, although he was a pretty good kid, he liked to debate and ask questions as “one of the gang.”
On one Sunday, our discussion was about keeping the Sabbath Day holy and attending church. Many of the kids complained about their parents demands, antics and pressure to get up in the morning after a late Saturday night to attend church. Why should they be forced to come to church?
Out of the blue, one of Bret’s friends looked at him point blank and said “You can’t tell me your dad never forced you out of bed to go to church!” I looked at my son, wondering what his reaction was going to be. After all, these were his peers. What was he going to say.
Bret’s face turned a little red, having been put on the spot. He paused and gathered his thoughts for a moment and looked at his friend, ready to give his answer. I was waiting to hear it as well.
“I can honestly say that my dad has never forced me to attend church,” he said to unbelievers. “I was raised that Olsen’s went to church on Sunday. I wanted to be a good Olsen, so I have never questioned what I was going to be doing on Sunday morning” he concluded.
As the contestants in the Family Feud game show would cheer, “ Good Answer, Good Answer.”
I love sharing this story. I can honestly say Lori and I never had an argument with our kids about going to church. We might have rushed them through the get-ready-to-go process a time or two, but we never had to force them into the car for the short trip to the chapel.
I share this story today as I enjoyed attending the Primary Sunday program with my grandson as the star. Because of other commitments this day, I shared the bench with my two sons, their wives, three grandchildren, my daughter and Lori. I look forward to the day when the grandchildren are 16 years old and they summon their thoughts together and declare, “I wanted to be a good Olsen!”
By we, I mean parents. I find that I enjoy sharing one or two stories that show just how good I was at parenting. And, by I, I mean we, Lori and I.
One of those stories is about my son Bret, and how I couldn’t wait to hear his answer in a Sunday School class setting.
I was serving in my church as a Sunday School teacher for kids 16 -- 19 years old. This was a fairly large class, as it covered just about all the kids in high school in our ward. On average we had 15 -- 20 kids in attendance. It was a lot of fun.
What made the class even more fun, was my son, Bret, was in the class. And, although he was a pretty good kid, he liked to debate and ask questions as “one of the gang.”
On one Sunday, our discussion was about keeping the Sabbath Day holy and attending church. Many of the kids complained about their parents demands, antics and pressure to get up in the morning after a late Saturday night to attend church. Why should they be forced to come to church?
Out of the blue, one of Bret’s friends looked at him point blank and said “You can’t tell me your dad never forced you out of bed to go to church!” I looked at my son, wondering what his reaction was going to be. After all, these were his peers. What was he going to say.
Bret’s face turned a little red, having been put on the spot. He paused and gathered his thoughts for a moment and looked at his friend, ready to give his answer. I was waiting to hear it as well.
“I can honestly say that my dad has never forced me to attend church,” he said to unbelievers. “I was raised that Olsen’s went to church on Sunday. I wanted to be a good Olsen, so I have never questioned what I was going to be doing on Sunday morning” he concluded.
As the contestants in the Family Feud game show would cheer, “ Good Answer, Good Answer.”
I love sharing this story. I can honestly say Lori and I never had an argument with our kids about going to church. We might have rushed them through the get-ready-to-go process a time or two, but we never had to force them into the car for the short trip to the chapel.
I share this story today as I enjoyed attending the Primary Sunday program with my grandson as the star. Because of other commitments this day, I shared the bench with my two sons, their wives, three grandchildren, my daughter and Lori. I look forward to the day when the grandchildren are 16 years old and they summon their thoughts together and declare, “I wanted to be a good Olsen!”
Sunday, August 29, 2010
The More Things Change
Today there were four Priests (16 -- 18 year old boys) preparing the sacrament. Three of the boys had white shirts and ties, and one boy had a suit coat on. All of the Deacons had white shirts, ties, and some sort of khaki type pants.
I remembered when I was a kid that age and how I dressed. I was like many of the other kids, at the height of fashion. It was the late 60’s and bell bottom pants were all the rage. So were turtlenecks. Most of the Deacons wore sport coats and bell bottoms. Today, it is important to wear white shirts and ties. In the 60’s, it wasn’t as important. In fact, many of us wore white turtlenecks under our coats, or a fancy sweater.
While I sat in the meeting today, I had a vivid remembrance of me standing in front of the congregation with a dark green sport coat, a purple shirt, purple & black striped tie, flair-bottom pants and blue and white patent leather shoes, with a 2 ½ heal. Boy did I look hot. I got the outfit as a graduation from Junior High School.
Thinking back on it, I probably looked like a clown. Of course, we all did. All 12 of us were hip and happening.
I don’t know why remembered that today. Perhaps it is because I haven't changed that much since then. Today I am wearing a cream colored suit with pink and silver tie, while most of the other men my age are sitting next to their wives in a dark blue suit with conservative pin stripe and a power tie.
As they say, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Another Angel Moment
I believe in Angels. Especially Guardian Angels. I have been blessed by angels all my life. Some angels were from this side of the veil. These Angels have helped make my life a wonderful blessing. These Angels were in my life when I needed them the most. Some of them have left me, but a few of these earthly Angels are still around to protect me and support me.
I also believe in ethereal Angels. These Angels are from the other side of the veil. They come and go and serve us, protect us and inspire us. I like the protecting kind the best.
As I said, I believe in Angels cause I am blessed by them. In fact, I was blessed just last night, or maybe it was this morning.
I was coming home after spending a few days helping Holland after surgery. I couldn't sleep and was anxious to get home. So, I got on the road around 2:00 a.m. Just outside of Leeds Utah, the little battery light came on. Then it went off. I looked at the gauge and the little needle began to go down. I was in trouble. I kept driving, hoping to get to Cedar City, but it wasn't to be. Just 12 miles south of Cedar I lost all power, even battery. I was stuck. I opened my laptop and fired up the broadband. I looked up a tow truck on line. I tried to call, but there was no service. I walked to a rest stop 1 mile away, called the two truck, and got a ride to Cedar. It started to hit me that for some reason my laptop got a connection, but my phone couldn't.
The driver didn't know how I got a signal, either. He said it was a REAL DEAD ZONE.
Still, I had his number. Still I knew who to call on the pay phone. How did it happen?
I know. Another angel blessed my life.
I also believe in ethereal Angels. These Angels are from the other side of the veil. They come and go and serve us, protect us and inspire us. I like the protecting kind the best.
As I said, I believe in Angels cause I am blessed by them. In fact, I was blessed just last night, or maybe it was this morning.
I was coming home after spending a few days helping Holland after surgery. I couldn't sleep and was anxious to get home. So, I got on the road around 2:00 a.m. Just outside of Leeds Utah, the little battery light came on. Then it went off. I looked at the gauge and the little needle began to go down. I was in trouble. I kept driving, hoping to get to Cedar City, but it wasn't to be. Just 12 miles south of Cedar I lost all power, even battery. I was stuck. I opened my laptop and fired up the broadband. I looked up a tow truck on line. I tried to call, but there was no service. I walked to a rest stop 1 mile away, called the two truck, and got a ride to Cedar. It started to hit me that for some reason my laptop got a connection, but my phone couldn't.
The driver didn't know how I got a signal, either. He said it was a REAL DEAD ZONE.
Still, I had his number. Still I knew who to call on the pay phone. How did it happen?
I know. Another angel blessed my life.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
On The Road
Today I find myself in the waiting room at Dixie Regional Medical Center waiting for my son Holland. He is having surgery on his foot. He asked if I could come and help. It is a comfort to know that your children are really never too old to need love and support.
He is having surgery on a bone that I have never heard of. It is in his big toe, left foot. He probably hurt it on his mission in Fiji. Who knows.
It is fun to visit for a few days. Holland is living with his brother's family. Bret, Lori Michelle and Faye have made room for him for a few weeks until he moves to Phoenix. It is a pleasure to watch my children interact as families. For instance, I didn't know Lori Michelle (I call her that so as not to confuse her with Lori, the mom) was such a tease. It is a hoot to watch as she riles up Faye about her toys, eating, and Marley their dog. Poor Bret as I am sure both girls gang up on him. :)
I have also had zucchini in several new ways. Last time I was here I had macaroni and cheese and zucchini. This trip I had zucchini fried and even had an apricot and zucchini smoothie. Lori Michelle even has Holland eating zucchini -- and I never could get him to eat it as a kid.
Anyway, while I am here I get to babysit the cutest little Olsen in whole world. Faye loves movies.Which is nice, as this family doesn't watch TV. That makes it all the easier to babysit. So,I will pull out my really old bag of tricks and babysit both my baby and my grand-baby.
Love, you never get too old to enjoy its affects! :)
He is having surgery on a bone that I have never heard of. It is in his big toe, left foot. He probably hurt it on his mission in Fiji. Who knows.
It is fun to visit for a few days. Holland is living with his brother's family. Bret, Lori Michelle and Faye have made room for him for a few weeks until he moves to Phoenix. It is a pleasure to watch my children interact as families. For instance, I didn't know Lori Michelle (I call her that so as not to confuse her with Lori, the mom) was such a tease. It is a hoot to watch as she riles up Faye about her toys, eating, and Marley their dog. Poor Bret as I am sure both girls gang up on him. :)
I have also had zucchini in several new ways. Last time I was here I had macaroni and cheese and zucchini. This trip I had zucchini fried and even had an apricot and zucchini smoothie. Lori Michelle even has Holland eating zucchini -- and I never could get him to eat it as a kid.
Anyway, while I am here I get to babysit the cutest little Olsen in whole world. Faye loves movies.Which is nice, as this family doesn't watch TV. That makes it all the easier to babysit. So,I will pull out my really old bag of tricks and babysit both my baby and my grand-baby.
Love, you never get too old to enjoy its affects! :)
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