It feels so weird that the flood that destroyed so many homes and businesses, including mine, is responsible for us getting the house of our dreams. This morning I heard Miranda Lambert’s song “The House That Built me”, and my beautiful bride commented that we’ll have to call our new home “The house the flood brought us”. The concept in Lambert’s song that a house might help heal a brokenness inside strikes a nerve now. Guess it’s true that God moves in mysterious ways.
Here’s an interesting use of a blog. Yesterday while I was giving a seminar at Auburn University, Marsha Peters asked me to pray for her 23-year-old son Andrew, who is in the National Guard and has been deployed to Bagdad where he is guarding detainees. Since I believe in the power of prayer (scientific studies have also proven it), I promised Marsha I would post this on my blog. So for people of Faith everywhere who read this, please pray for the safety of Andrew Peters.
Guess I’m old fashioned, but it bothers me more and more that people text message in church. They wouldn’t bring a book and read it, or watch TV on their cell phones (I hope), so why is it that they think texting instead of listening to the preacher is any different?
As most of my fans know, it disgusts me that my chosen profession of public speaking is full of phonys and fakers (most motivational speakers are the least motivated people you’ll ever meet, and most speakers who talk about success are totally broke). My friend and colleague “Mr. Z”, who I admire and trust more than anyone in our profession, was the first to inform me of this.
He and Dave Ramsey are the two highest paid people I know. Both are also the least selfish, and put their money where their mouth is.
While I hope that none of my fans ever question my character or integrity, I couldn’t blame you if you do. After all, I work in an industry that has earned itself a reputation that puts it only a few notches above politicians and pastors who cheat on their wives, ambulance chasing lawyers, and used car dealers that roll back odometers. (Ironically, each of those professions also relies on people being fast talkers with a silver tongue).
It’s the first Christmas I can remember. It arrived just seven weeks after the deaths of my father and baby sister. To make matters worse, it was in the heart of the Great Depression. Things were tough. All of us children who were older made what income contributions we could, but the truth was my mother had eight of her eleven remaining children still living at home, and six were too young to work. Understandably, the Ziglar kids were concerned about what kind of Christmas it would be!
The good news is that though our grief was fresh, we still celebrated Christmas. We received no toys that year, but much to my delight in my gift box I found three English walnuts and something I had never tasted before—raisins! They were absolutely delicious. Mama prepared her wonderful molasses candy and we had a small cedar tree. And my mother read the Christmas story, like she always did.
My sixth Christmas will always have great meaning to me. We celebrated the birth of Christ even in hard times because we believed in Christmas.
Unfortunately, over the years things have changed. The cheerful “Merry Christmas” of yesteryear has been replaced by the politically correct “Happy Holidays!” In the minds of many people we celebrate “holidays.” Not only is Christ not at the center of the celebration, He isn’t even considered to be the reason for the season!
If I seem upset about the changes that I see taking place in regard to Christmas, it is because I am! It’s not because an old tradition is being changed. No, I’m upset that the event that made it possible for me to have a life I could never have imagined is being hidden from view with decorations, wrapping paper, parties and political correctness!
(Click here to continue: http://www.ziglar.com/newsletter/?p=457)
This is from last July, but it seems so appropriate for Christmas. It’s video of my Baby being given away to a single mom.
One reason we love Maury Davis, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Nashville, is because of his steadfast respect for the men and women who serve our country in the military. In nearly every service, he brings a soldier who’s about to be deployed up to the stage to pray for him or her. Today, he recognized PFC J.T. White, who just returned from Iraq, and had him stand as 3,000 people applauded him. Protestors sometimes picket outside the church because they object to this. While they certainly have the right to express their opposition to war, why they would picket a church for honoring the men and women who serve is beyond me. But Pastor Davis handles it with class, by sending them hot chocolate.
It feels great to succeed, but even better to see people who you’ve trained succeed. Today one of my speaking students (I’ll call him Bob) called me after giving his first presentation. Using what I taught him, he made more in an hour than most people make in a week, and he was on Cloud Nine. He ended the conversation with “Thank God and thank Glenn Shepard!” I politely pointed out that while I was honored, I’m just the humble servant here. It isn’t God AND Glenn Shepard that transformed Bob’s career forever. It’s all God, who just happened to work through Glenn Shepard. Bob also deserves a whole lot of credit himself, for doing he one thing most of my speaking students did not – following directions.
(If you missed the video, click here to see it: http://www.glennshepard.com/video/jag8-4-09b.htm )
Jaguar Giveaway
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Glenn,
God Bless you!
Need I say more?
Kristina Czerniachowicz
American Securities, LLC
The Chrysler Center
666 Third Avenue, 29th Floor
New York, New York
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Glenn,
Thank you, thank you for always reminding us that it is better to give than to receive! I have just finished Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University even though we am not in debt and are saving for retirement and I am so thankful that successful folks like you and he are willing to help people with your God-given talents AND are courageous in spreading the truth, that it is by Grace we receive and not of ourselves. Thank you for your work ethic and for your willingness to share your talents and your humbleness in knowing where your strength lies. May you be richly blessed as you bless others.
Because He Lives,
Robin Peregrim
P.S. I have now had the opportunity to listen to your Time Management teleseminar which I purchased on CD. As I knew before I even heard it, it was soooooooooooooooooo packed with great information. I plan to pass it on to my son, who is a full time farmer working on our family farm, and my daughter who is a business manager for a local school district, as well as my husband and, of course, I plan to listen to it a few more times myself.
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That is the coolest thing I have seen done in a while. You always amaze me.
Your Friend,
Eddie Brittain
Cherokee Church
Johnson City, Tennessee
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WOW! What a wonderful blessing you created! I’m in tears – and thrilled for everyone involved! You are such a gem of a heart-based man - Thank you on behalf of all life on this planet!!
With our love,
Judith and Jim
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Wow! It appears you are listening “when God speaks.”
Kay Penn
Staley Credit Union
Decatur, Illinois
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Glenn Shepard you are truly a blessed man! I was fortunate enough to attend one of your seminars….and because of that class, I too became more blessed! I enjoy my emails from you! During my work career of almost 30 years, I have worked for small and large corporations in a management position and would recommend any owner, CEO, HR, president, or management personnel to attend just one of your seminars to truly be able to call themselves team leaders! You are a breath of fresh air! Thanks for your continued education you provide for me and my team weekly!
Lori Sanders
Bond, James Bond, Inc
Montgomery, Alabama
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Glenn,
What a difference you have made in her and her child’s life. Thanks so much for sharing with me. This kind of stuff always chokes me up. God Bless you!!!
Marilyn G. Wallis
KHOZ Station Manager
Harrison, Arkansas
Branson, Missouri
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Glenn,
Just another reason why I believe you are a God-sent man. Thank you for taking care of that woman’s needs, and for giving back some of your blessings. You are awesome, Glenn. Although we don’t KNOW each other, I am glad to know you – for that, it makes ME a better person.
Enjoy your day,
Michelle Lafond
Jacksonville, Florida
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Glenn is such an incredible human being! In my daily madness called “work” (collections) it is so nice to take a break and read his emails. I look forward to them. I always take something away from each one and try to apply it in my life. Thanks for reminding us that there are still lots of good people all around us that keep us uplifted in this crazy world! You “pay it forward” very well!
Reci Taylor
Raleigh, North Carolina
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This is wonderful…..sharing blessings with others. Apparently you get it!!! This is true Christianity. Truly, it is more blessed to give, than to receive. Great email. Thanks so much,
Brenda
Insouth Bank
Brownsville, Tennessee
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Glenn,
Thanks for sharing the giving away of your baby. I did not know (for sure) that you were a Christian. God love’s a cheerful giver.
Best Regards
Walter Joncas
Hy-Save ECT
Cazenovia, New York
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Hi Glenn,
Thanks for sharing!
It did bring a tear to my eye to see her receive a gift – knowing there were no strings attached.
Glenn – I know you did this out of the goodness of your heart – I also believe good things will come to the woman who received it as well as those who were there and who are able to see the video.
Here is hoping that others get in the giving mood and “pay it forward” as you have shown my friend.
Thanks again for sharing – it is awesome.
Sincerely,
Ed Church
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Glenn – Your generosity is inspiring and will be rewarded 10 fold ….. you truly are motivational – not only as a speaker but in your actions.
Warm Regards,
Faith MacPherson
Director, HR Transactional Services
Avery Dennison
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Glenn,
Thank you for sharing and thank you for being such a blessing. I had nominated my daughter who has since purchased her own car and was blessed in getting an almost new car for a really great deal.
I appreciate you.
-Cheryl in Canada
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This was just so very awesome. I had tears in my eyes watching this. There are so many people struggling with just everyday life. I know that God is awesome and he has blessed you, Glenn, to bless others.
Carol Jackson
Patient Financial Services Supervisor
The Community Healthcare System
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That was a good thing you did and you will be blessed for it, wish there were more people doing things like this.
Brian K. Shelton
General Manager
Jack Ingram Nissan
Birmingham, Alabama
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I just watched the video. I am very proud of Glenn for being not only generous but consistantly displaying sound judgement and appropriate compassion! Bravo Zulu!
Natalie R Ventura
President
American Roofing Concepts
Charleston, South Carolina
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Way to go Glenn! You’re a good man.
Stephen Abt
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Thanks for sharing your video. It gives me a warm feeling to know that through all these hard times people like you are there to make it a little easier for someone deserving.
Bless you,
Pat Schwemer
Office Manager
Canal Cartage Company
Houston, Texas
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“What a wonderful feeling”. I feel blessed just knowing you did this.
Congratulations,
Mike Duesterbeck
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Awesome video. Thanks for making a difference in your church and especially in this servant’s life. I enjoyed your seminar, have learned a lot from your program, and enjoy and learn from your e-mails. Have a blessed day!
Chuck Dale-Derks
McClure Engineering
St. Louis, Missouri
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All I can say is Praise God and Hallelujah! You have given and it SHALL be given onto you good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall MAN give unto your bosom. I thank God that we can give as we are giving unto HIM.
I have goose bumps after watching the video, they are still here!!!
I would love to visit your church!!!
Love in Christ,
Linda Yourczek
Beltrami, Minnesota
Glenn's Jaguar Going to a New Home
Well here it is on living color. My Jaguar being given away . It’s exxxxxtremely strange seeing your old car driving down the isle in church. It looked like a scene from the movie “Transformers”, or like it’s being blessed by Pastor Maury Davis.
The woman who got it is a single mom who’s own car died while she was out delivering meals to elderly shut-ins. She didn’t know she was going to get it. Imagine having to get a ride to church, and coming back home with a paid for car!