——–

In November 2003, Marcia was diagnosed with Leukemia, treated for several months, and declared to be in remission the next March. In June 2005, the Leukemia returned in the form of a brain tumor. The only chance she was given for recovery long term was with a bone marrow transplant, which they declined because of the extraordinary process and the slim chance for success.

Instead, Marcia chose to be treated with radiation for the brain tumor and chemotherapy for the Leukemia and was released from the hospital in September, declared as in remission again in October, but given no chance for living past the next year.

Here they are, almost three years later, and she is in good health. They say that they know that this healing is from Jesus, the only One who can heal anything. The One who can heal physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally!

For some the healing comes when a believer meets Jesus face-to-face, but for now He has decided to give Marcia some more years with her husband and with us. To God be the glory, great things He has done – and continues to do.

If you live close to Marietta, Georgia, please stop by their flower shop at Robb’s Flowers of the Field and greet them.
In Christ,

Boyd

Here is an excerpt from the introduction:

 Seeking daily the heart of God is a goal I don’t always accomplish, but it is where I want my heart to wander, as I wake up to start each day. Like the Psalmist who says, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul” (Psalm 143:8). Character calibration by Christ in the morning makes my heart align with heaven’s agenda, and gets me off on the right foot of faith. Time with God is a time saver that I am learning I can’t live without. 

11am – KENNESAW 440 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy Kennesaw, GA  30144 Phone: (770) 499-1849

2pm – ALPHARETTA Northpoint Center6010 N Point PkwyAlpharetta, GA  30022 Phone: (770) 346-0921

See you there! 

April 20, 2008

Dear Anna,

Mom and I are so very, very proud of you. We are impressed with your love for Jesus and your desire to obey Him regardless of the cost. You take very seriously His words, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). Obedience to the Lord is the wisest route you can take in life, because He will only lead you into His very best. Indeed, we are thankful to the Lord for giving us the gift of you on May 3, 1990. As your loving parents we remind you as you transition from high school graduation: remember who’s you are, be who you are and love who you are…

Remember Who’s You Are
Simply put you are God’s. When you placed your faith in Christ you surrendered all control of your life to your Lord Jesus, “…your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3b). Your security is in your Savior, so you can rest assured that He is with you always and will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Be confident of this that even on your bad days you are still much better off than a good day of someone without God in their life. Moreover, you can be bold and adventurous knowing God’s will is not always predictable and safe, so do dare to take advantage of your position of heaven’s royalty by placing faith in your heavenly Father. We pray often for God to “…give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17b). So, be humbled and extremely grateful Anna that you are a child of God and that He loves you unconditionally now and forevermore. You are a cherished child.

Be Who You Are
You already excel well at being your unique self, keep this up and do not allow anyone or anything to stifle your creativity and/or your refreshing humor. Laugh a lot with others and laugh out loud at yourself, because this is how God made you. You are a young lady that knows how to enjoy life. Furthermore, sports will probably be a significant part of your life, because you have always enjoyed staying active and competitive. Use your high energy to serve and encourage others. Your health is a gift from the Lord, so continue to take care of your body as the residence of God’s worship (1 Corinthians 6:19). Lastly you are a giver, because God as given you much, you have the opportunity to invest much in others. Always look for ways to out serve you parents, sisters and friends. Greatness comes in giving to and serving others, Jesus said “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…” (Mark 10:43b). You are a lovely servant.

Love Who You Are
Jesus said the greatest command is to love God and to love others like the love you have for yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). It is imperative that you love yourself well, so you can love others well. Because God accepts you, you can totally accept yourself. You are a gorgeous young lady with as beautiful heart as you have hair. Your smile is infectious and communicates love and compassion. Your personality is fun loving and frank, so use your gift of wisdom and discernment to help others keep from making dumb mistakes. Be courageous and bold to speak the truth in love at the right time and in the right tone for “faithful are the wounds of a friend”. Be yourself and you will continue to attract quality friends who love you for who you are: joyful, wise and disciplined. Anna, above all keep your eyes on Jesus for He will never let you down!

Love Always,

Dad and Mom

Campbell’s experience has been leveraged in the non-profit arena as well, having assisted in the launch of of Camp Highland, Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb, High Tech Ministries and Bravehearts, a ministry aimed at helping college students avoid and/or break out of sexual addiction. Regi has also released a book that describes how he has found meaning and purpose by integrating his faith into his work: About My Father’s Business: Taking Your Faith to Work.  

Regi is an elder at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA, and has been married to his wife for 38 years.  They have two married children and three grandchildren.   

“THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM, AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY ONE IS UNDERSTANDING”—PROVERBS 9:10 

Decision, n.  1) A making up of one’s mind; Resolution.  2) A settling of a question; A giving of judgment.  3) Verdict.  4) Firmness and determination. 

Good, adj.    1) Having high quality, superior.  2) As it ought to be; Right; Proper. 3) Desirable.  4) Honorable; Worthy.  5) Beneficial.  

WHAT KINDS OF DECISIONS DO WE FACE?

•  Decisions of Defined Morality
  • Assertion:  These decisions generally involve clear right and wrong choices as defined by God.  The issue is whether God’s directive will be followed.  
• Decisions of Implied Morality
  • Assertion:  These decisions generally involve an area not specifically spoken to God, but related in principle, such as questions of ethics.  They usually require discernment in the end. 
• Decisions of Simple Direction
  • Assertion:  Sometimes God doesn’t really care one way or the other.  The process is His concern.  God will honor our seeking the right thing regardless of the choice.

 RESOURCES FOR DECISION MAKING 

• Seek The Wisdom of God
  • Proverbs 9:10A
  • Deuteronomy 4:5-6
  • Proverbs 3:13
  • Proverbs 4:7
  • Proverbs 16:16
  • 1 Kings 3:1-15 
• Acquire The Knowledge of God
  • 1 Samuel 2:3
  • Proverbs 9:10B
  • Deuteronomy 8:1-3
  • Psalm 119:11
  • Psalm 119:105
  • Hebrews 4:12 
• Seek The Wise Counsel of Others
  • Proverbs 11:14
  • Proverbs 15:22
  • Proverbs 12:5
• Hear The Holy Spirit
  • John 16:13
  • 1 Cor. 2:10-16 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAJOR OBSTACLES TO GOOD DECISION MAKING?   

OBSERVATIONS 

• Decisions defined by the word “good” inherently require the acknowledgment of the authority behind the word “good”.  If left to ourselves, we will, at best, be inconsistent in the quest for good decision-making. 
• God, as the authority, has spoken.  The knowledge of what he has spoken must be pursed and acquired. 
• The perspective of other believers can play a great role in the decision process. 
• The Holy Spirit can define where wisdom, knowledge, and people fall short.

 “IF ANY OF YOU LACKS WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, WHO GIVES TO ALL LIBERALLY AND WITHOUT REPROACH, AND IT WILL BE GIVEN TO HIM.”  JAMES 1:15 

In Christ,

Boyd

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Questions About Money:

1. What are the risks of making a windfall of money?

2. What has been your experience with people who have come into a lot of money?

3. Are there any verses in the Bible that apply to this situation?

C.S. Lewis made a decision to give away all of the proceeds of his books before he sold the first one. Why? Because he was deathly afraid of what money could/would do to him. Are we afraid of money like him? How would you describe our attitude toward money?

Hebrews 11:6…without faith it is impossible to please God. Where are we tempted to “trust” if we have a great deal of money? How can we fight this?
——————————————————
“What is your attitude toward giving your money to the work of God and to the needs of others? Like many of us, C.S. Lewis experienced some struggles in this area: “I’m a panic-y person about money myself (which is a most shameful confession and a thing dead against our Lord’s words) and poverty frightens me more than anything else, except large spiders and the tops of cliffs…”

1. Yet Lewis also realized that his fears were a hindrance to faith. “For many of us the great obstacle to charity lies not in our luxurious living or desire for more money; but in our fear—fear of insecurity. This must often be recognized as a temptation.”

2. The temptation to which Lewis refers is that of trusting in ourselves and our material resources for security in life, instead of trusting God. This is a perennial temptation for our human nature. The problem, of course, is not what we have, but what has us. And, our attitude toward giving is a very good barometer of what has us—where our trust really lies. Thus, for the sake of our souls we need to give. Not only for the advancement of God’s work and the good of needy people, but also for our own spiritual health.

This is exactly how C.S. Lewis dealt with the matter in his life. Though few people know it, Lewis lived a very modest life and spent very little on himself. He gave away the royalties from his books to a foundation set up for this purpose. Again and again, needy students at Oxford would find anonymous gifts of money slipped under their doors.

How much should we give? Lewis suggested it is better to consider the manner in which we should give: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our charities do not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say they are too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot do because our charitable expenditure excludes them. I am speaking now of ‘charities’ in the common way.”

3. Giving can be a great joy and an exciting adventure if we will follow the teaching of Jesus and the example of C.S. Lewis. And, it will help us grow deeper in a living faith in God.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 NIV

In Christ,
Boyd

It has been said that to know God you must know who God has made you to be… to know who you are… to understand whose you are.

We discover that in coming to know our innermost self we come to know God. (Psalm 51:6)

The journey of discovery we will take together can be summed up with two simple questions or prayers…

Who am I?
Who is God?

In seeking the answers to these questions something very powerful occurs… we discover over time that God will reveal the highest purpose for our lives. In seeking truth, God gives us the clarity and the vision to understand the unique call placed deep within our hearts and our souls.

It is from this place of knowing that we can begin to truly live out God’s purpose and our passion for this life.

If you want to know the status of your automobile you will look to the dashboard indicators. These instruments and gauges will reveal a great deal about the inner workings of your car.

If you want to know God’s purpose for your life where do you look?

The idea of an instrument, a tool, a process that would help us understand who we are and give us insight into what our true purpose looks like became our goal. We asked if we were able to put this process on a single piece of paper, what would it look like? What would this “tool” look like that will assist us in intentionally opening up a space in our lives through which God can begin to reveal who we are and who God is?

The answer became this…

Can you imagine what your life would be like if you had greater clarity on the answers to these questions? God can… and God wants you to know.

During the Life Compass program, we meet as a group for 7 two hour sessions over a 6 month period. In each session we cover one or more of the 9 Life Compass “Life Indicators” (see below) through a series of exercises, discussions, and prayer.

Life Indicators
1. God’s purpose for my life
2. My Passions
3. My most authentic Christ-like self
4. My Belief
5. My Gifts
6. My Fears
7. My Weaknesses
8. My Core Values
9. My Key Relationships

We trust there will be much to celebrate and give thanks for as we experience as deeper sense of connection and a truer sense of who we are. To learn more about Cloud Walk, visit cloudwalk.org.

In Christ,

Boyd

How to Build Your Board of Directors

It’s not easy building a high tech startup. But here’s a tip: When choosing your board, take the time and energy to make solid choices. Picking the right players for your board is critical for your company’s success and will save you many headaches down the road.

Here are some suggestions to make sure your board is a good one:

View the board of directors as an independent body

One of the most common mistakes by entrepreneurs is to “stack” the board with members friendly to their cause. While it may be comforting to know that your position is “secure” regardless of how well or poorly you are executing your duties, it deprives you of the opportunity for an honest, independent performance appraisal. An independent board is in the best position to take an unbiased view of the company’s and the CEO’s performance.

Compose the board of directors of outside members only

Sensitive issues arise in any company. Some of them may be related to the performance of key executives or the CEO. Others may be directly related to the future of the company, i.e., succession issues, financing alternatives or merger/acquisitions. These issues are best handled when the CEO is able to speak freely with his board and seek advice without other members of the management team present. A board with too many representatives from management, in our experience, is far less effective and often results in second-guessing and behind-the-scenes discussions and maneuvering.

Seek a balance of skills on the board

If you raise money from professional venture capital investors, they will usually request a board seat to look after their investment. Most reputable venture capitalists have experience in serving on multiple boards and can be of substantial value to your company. However, they are not likely to be experts in your specific line of business. Seek to balance the board’s composition by adding someone with experience in your market segment. In addition, make sure to include one director with a strong financial background and another who is the CEO or VP of marketing of a successful company in a complementary business segment. These people can provide insight not only on issues specific to your company, but also provide a broader perspective on industry trends, etc.

Communicate frequently with the board members

A board will function best when it is prepared, i.e., the members are up-to-date on the state of company and have had time to think through the major issues. One of the worst mistakes for an entrepreneur is to surface major bad or unexpected news during a board meeting. This forces board members into a reactive posture and doesn’t give them adequate time to reflect upon appropriate alternatives. We always encourage the CEOs of our portfolio companies to call all directors beforehand with a brief overview of the major topics to be covered at the board meeting. If possible, provide all board members with necessary materials for review well in advance of the meeting.

Actively seek involvement of the board

Too many companies view their board as window dressing and board meetings as a nuisance in which the management gives carefully rehearsed “dog and pony shows.” Qualified board members have a wealth of contacts that the CEO can and should tap into, whether potential customers, partners or additional investors. Outside board members can be effective in evaluating the company’s strategy and a valuable resource in recruiting other members to the management team. Don’t hesitate to ask and insist on their involvement in specific issues. If board members are unable or unwilling to spend the time necessary to help the company and/or CEO, they shouldn’t be on the board in the first place.

Listen to advice from the board

The board of directors is a legal structure that provides a fiduciary oversight of a company on behalf of all shareholders. Most of the time the board will agree with the strategy and actions proposed by the management. Sometimes, however, the board may disagree and even insist on a course of action that is different from the one proposed by the CEO and the management team. Heed the advice of your board members. They are not after your job, but are merely doing what is, in their judgement, in the best interest of the company and its shareholders.

If you treat your board of directors as an adversary that needs to be overpowered and controlled, you miss out on the value they can provide. But if you see them as an ally, you’ll be able to tap into a significant resource base with a tremendous payoff to you and your company.

Jim Balkcom is an Executive Coach, Leadership Mentor and Consultant. He is currently serving as the Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army along with running Corporate Psychology Resources, Inc. He is the Founding Partner of Council Ventures, L.P., CEO Council and Investment Committee 2001-Present and serves as the Chairman for Ikobo, Inc., Online Money Transfer. He has also served as the Director of eVault, Inc., the leading provider of online data protection and quick recovery services and software. A native of Atlanta, Ga., he resides here with his wife of 41 years, Linda. They have two daughters and four beautiful grandchildren. Jim is also a graduate of West Point and served in Germany and Vietnam, being awarded numerous medals for his service.

What happens when the joy is gone? It is not fun anymore. What we are experiencing is not what we signed up for. Indeed, a joyless state is not a good place to stay over a prolonged period of time. It may be you just lost a loved one suddenly and without warning. You grieve because of your tremendous loss, but their great gain is they knew Jesus. It is not unusual for joy to rise from the ashes of our grief. Joy does come at dawn after the dark night of the soul. Your heart laments and longs for one more conversation and warm embrace from the dear one departed to heaven. But joy comes when you know they are with Jesus.

Jesus and joy go hand in hand. He understands that joy comes from obedience and faithfulness to God’s call. It was for the joy that was set before Him, that He endured the cross and despised its shame (Hebrews 12:2). Consider Christ, along with His model of endurance and obedience, in the middle of opposition and persecution. Do not grow weary and lose heart. The Lord is your lesson in joyfulness. Jesus never forgot the bigger picture of hope for a better tomorrow. Hope ultimately leads to heaven. Just the thought of heaven’s hallelujahs brings a smile to the face of faith. Joy is set before us in the person of Jesus Christ, reigning on His throne of grace. It is imperative that we stay fixed on Him. Our faith flees when it loses perspective from the Prince of Peace. Joy is found in Jesus. He wrote the book on experiencing joy in the midst of misery.

Joy, at the very least, lies dormant within every disciple of Jesus Christ. Therefore, awaken it from its slumber if you have slid into a joyless state. The Jesus that became your Savior at conversion is still the Jesus that currently is the Lord of your life. Look to the Lord for an infusion of His eternal joyfulness. Joyfulness is found in His hopefulness. Do not allow joy killers to rob you of hope and peace. A naysayer will always be around to remind you of his reality. But a definition of reality without hope is wrong for the follower of Jesus Christ. Indeed, joy is embedded in hope.

Therefore, reject these joyless jabs from revisionists of reality. Instead, seek out companions of Christ set on seeing Him for who He is. Jesus is a dispenser of joy. Yes, certain circumstances are joy crushers. Loss can logically lead to joylessness. However, within a community of faith, you can divert this default toward disillusionment. Allow your loss to lead you to the Lord. Navigate toward His lighthouse of love. Joy knows Jesus. You know His love; this is joy. You know His forgiveness; this is joy. You know His faithfulness; this is joy. You know His mercy; this is joy. Joy is not based on changing circumstances, but on knowing an unchanging Christ. Seek Him in your sad state and you will not have to search far for joy. When you find Jesus, you have found joy. Confusion will try to keep you from Christ, but want of joy motivates you to your Master. It is good to desire joy, because a desire of joy leads to authenticity with Almighty God. Make joy a juggernaut of obedience in your ruthless pursuit of Him. Give joy to the world. Jesus is joy. Giving joy brings joy. Therefore, be a joyful giver of joy!

Men’s Breakfast – Accountability Group
2008 Outline
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another
Proverbs 27:17

Purpose of Group:

To productively build relationships and community, and to participate in prayer, encouragement, and accountability with other men in the small group Bible study.

Frequency / Setting of Group:

Meet for breakfast once a month at same agreed upon location and time, unless another time and place has been designated. Each man will be responsible for his own breakfast payment.

Structure of Group Time:

I) Begin with relational time, general hang out, and breakfast order

II) Open in prayer, person leading/facilitating time opens or appoints another to lead

III) Discuss the following three questions, each on a major aspect of a man’s life. Take time for each guy to answer briefly:

1) Relationship with God: What is God most teaching you these days?

2) Relationship with wife/ family: What are you learning from your family?

3) Relationship with work: What is your number one issue at work?

IV) Discuss topic of the month – Either decided in advance, or a pertinent topic that is brought up by members of the group during question answer/discussion time.

V) Close time in prayer, again person leading/facilitating time closes or appoints another to lead

Group General Guidelines:

1) Everything discussed in the group is to remain confidential, unless otherwise specified.
2) Each participant does not have to answer questions or participate in topics in which they do not feel comfortable.
3) Group members will take turns facilitating the prayer and discussion time.
4) Group members will be asked to make maintaining consistent attendance, though not binding, a priority in their lives. Commitment will be made on a semester by semester basis to follow church calendar.

Future ideas for group:

Blueprint for Life – Life planning and coaching system

Man in the Mirror – Patrick Morley

Love and Respect – Emerson Eggerichs

Conformed to His Image – Ken Boa

Every Man’s Battle – Arterburn / Stoeker

Captivated – John and Stasi Eldridge

Experiencing God – Henry Blackaby

Perfect Leader – Ken Boa

Visioneering – Andy Stanley

Learning to Ask Tough Questions Of Your Surgeon

January 9, 2008/Wall Street Journal

Questions patients and families should ask before surgery…

• Do you perform this operation regularly? What are your results?
• Are you board certified in the surgical specialty in which you practice?
• Do you have any health problems that would interfere with your ability to do this operation?
• What is your success rate with this operation and your safety record regarding complications?
• Will I be involved in marking the surgical site?

…And after the surgery

• Did anything unexpected happen during the operation?
• Is there any change in the post-operative plans?
• Did anything happen during surgery that could complicate recovery?
• Are there any instructions for me in case of bleeding or other problems after surgery?
• When should I next see the surgeon?

Source: “I Need an Operation-Now What?”/Thomas R. Russell/American College of Surgeons