Want to Make God Laugh?

Has God ever asked you to do something? Has He ever spoken to you at all? I mean, have you ever heard His voice, or received direction from Him in another way? If so, how did you answer? Have you ever told God "No"? In other words, how do you know what God wants from you and how would you answer?

We recently studied Luke 5 : 1-11 in our Young Adults group. Jesus is teaching near a big lake when crowds of people force him to board a small fishing boat and put out a little from shore. Once safely distanced from the crowd, He sits down in the vessel and teaches the people from the boat. I suspect His voice carried well along the surface of the water to the ears of the audience.

After He finished, He does something unexpected. He asked Simon to take the boat out into deeper water. He says, "... let down the nets for a catch". There it is... Jesus is asking Simon to do something. Now... if I were Simon, I would have said something like, " Dude... I am the fishing pro! You are a wandering preacher. I believe I can do this fishing-thing much better than you." Not smart you say? Well, here's what Simon actually said: "... We've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything." Sounds like a definitive "No" to me! It's a valid and logical argument, right? But, Simon continues... "But, because you say so, I will let down the nets". Simon doesn't sound real optimistic here, but because Jesus asked him to do so, he will.

God has never spoken to me audibly, but He has in a variety of others ways. The most common way is through His written word.... the Bible. I read it often, almost everyday - certainly weekly. The Bible is chocked full of examples worth following. I can find leadership examples, relationship examples, marriage examples, forgiveness examples, financial examples, plus a myriad of others. Through these examples, God shows me the right way... in His own way, He's speaking to me. He also speaks through circumstances around me, and though other spiritually mature people with whom I interact. But, His word is clearly the mechanism that directs me the most. This is how I know what to do.

So how do I respond? Usually, like Simon, I think my way is better. I think I know how to do it better than God does. Yep, it's true. I think I can play God better that He can.... I can use my own skills, strengths, logic, relationships, connections, problem solving, etc. Basically, when God asks me to do something, I often say "No". That's initially what Simon said. But almost in the same breath, Simon realizes that Jesus is special and that, maybe, just maybe, he should do what He asks.

Simon follows Jesus' request and ends up catching so many fish that their nets began to break. They actually had to get folks from the other boats to help haul in the nets. The boats became so heavy that they began to sink. Needless to say, the fishermen were astonished! By following a simple request from Jesus, they realized that nothing is impossible with God, and that there is benefit in following God's way of doing things.... in other words, God's plans.

So, you want to know how to make God laugh? Tell Him "your" plans....

Mr. Toyoda Goes to Washington...

Last week we witnessed an extraordinary event when the President of Toyota Motor Corporation testified in Washington D.C. at a House of Representatives committee hearing. While it is common knowledge that these opportunities give the representatives, yet, another political window to grandstand a bit, it also provides the public a chance to see and hear from top executives that often are seldom seen and heard. I never dreamt that I would see Mr. Akio Toyoda in this venue, much less treated as he was. I understand that everyone has an opinion and different viewpoints, but frankly, I was hurt and embarrassed at the way he was treated. "Guilty!" seemed to be the collective cry of the interviewers! Even though they were there to seek answers and gather facts, they appeared to do nothing more than denounce and belittle any attempt Mr. Toyoda made to testify.

Akio Toyoda

But really..... it's what I expected. Many of our political leaders are only interested in doing the things that promote their own political careers, by stroking the egos and wishes of their constituents - no matter who gets trashed in the process. The line of questioning was so biased it was almost comical - although I know the Japanese at the front table found no humor in it. There were so many comments that were simply inaccurate and lacking a factual basis. As much as the representatives tried to look informed and intelligent regarding the topic, it was clear they were not, and were simply regurgitating comments and information handed to them by their ill-informed staff.


I have met Mr. Toyoda several times. The latest was when he visited our engine plant in Huntsville in May, 2009. He is a charming, intelligent, warm-hearted leader that genuinely cares for Toyota's team members and our customers. When I picked him up at the airport in my Sequoia, I said "Welcome to Alabama, Mr. Toyoda." He said, "Thank you. I came to see your face." We had a wonderful visit with him before he departed for his next stop. But, on the way back to the airport, I asked him to sign a car magazine that one of our team members had given me. He did so, graciously - even writing a personal note!

February 24, 2010 Congressional Hearing

As one of my colleagues noted, "If an American executive, say.... Bill Gates, had to fly to Japan and do the same thing, I know he would have been treated with much more respect and dignity." I tend to agree. I have been to Japan 35 times in the last 22 years. Every time, I have been treated with the highest regard by the most polite people I have ever met - no lie! It doesn't matter if it's a high ranking executive or a taxi cab driver. Try to get high regard and politeness from a taxi cab driver in the U.S. - or from members at a Congressional hearing...

Mr. Toyoda visits Huntsville

Nevertheless, I was so proud of Mr. Toyoda's perseverance and tactfulness. I believe he genuinely represented his worldwide employees very well. After the hearing, he spoke to the many dealers and team members that had traveled to Washington in an effort to show support. Mr. Toyoda had to stop a couple of times as he choked-up while thanking everyone for their support. He said he could really feel it!

The Toyota Corporation is the most honest, dedicated, "customer-first", high integrity company that I have ever seen. Toyota is not perfect, but once we see a problem, we fix it ASAP. We implement countermeasures to ensure it doesn't happen again. There really isn't such a thing as a "Best Practice" because we are always looking for ways to improve everything. We will get better and stronger as a result of the latest recalls. What started out as a public thrashing of the world's #1 automotive company's president, will no doubt come back to haunt the competition in the near future. Be careful what you ask for... Toyota will propel to the next level of Safety, Quality, and transparency like never before seen in this industry.

Maybe I should thank the House committee members for waking us up.... there is a renewed energy and commitment in the company that will no doubt.... Move us Forward!

Read his Op-Ed piece in the WSJ.

Update on the Fam....

Wild, Crazy & Wonderful! Things around our house are quite a bit different from this time last year. Let me give a quick update:

Jordan is scheduled to graduate from Taylor University this May. In early July, he will marry Bethany and begin the next phase of his life. Wedding plans are in full swing, job hunting is heating up, and I'm still putting money into his checking account. It's OK.... but it will be like a pay raise once he finally graduates. I'm really proud of our son, and I look forward to welcoming his lovely bride into our family. He is definitely marrying up!

Caitlin still wears KY!

Caitlin has lived with us in Huntsville since last December. In January, she began taking classes at Calhoun College. She's doing great! Caitlin lived on her own for a while in Lexington and worked at Starbuck's, where she learned the intricacies of coffee-making. Her culinary skills are also quite impressive. But, honestly, I'm sick of watching the litany of Food channels. She would tell you she's tired of me watching sports and news channels. But, it has been a pleasure having her with us. She has helped us around the house, helped baby sit, and is doing well in school. I'm very proud of Cait!

A Million Dollar Smile!

Speaking of baby sitting.... Daniel, Lauren and Savannah (our only grandchild), also moved in with us last December. Having a baby in the house has rocked my world..... after all, it's been 20+ years since this guy has changed diapers. The good point is that there are 4 other capable diaper changers in the house. So, when it's time for a change, I conveniently act like I'm checking an email on my Blackberry. They haven't figured this out yet, so let's keep it a secret... Savvy is a wonderful baby! If all grandchildren are this pleasant, I recommend a bus load of them. She turned 7 months old on the 23rd, and she's starting to get her own personality. She's knows what she wants, when she wants it, and wonders what's taking you so long in giving it to her. She has no teeth yet... she rolls but doesn't crawl... and she and Cody get along famously.

Proud papa!

Lauren is working part-time at a Christian radio station, and Daniel is full-time at Verizon. I don't know how long they'll stay with us, but we are enjoying the season while we have it. I suppose they are still adjusting from life in Sydney, Australia, versus life in Alabama. But, we're glad they are with us and are proud and blessed to have them around.

Tami is busier than ever. She is a discussion leader in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), prepares a meal and our home every Monday night as we host the Summit Crossing Young Adults, babysits Savannah when Lauren and Daniel are both working, mentors other young women, and takes care of me. For that, I am thankful. She is an extremely giving person who always puts others ahead of herself. Savvy will be an even better young lady by having Tami as her "Gami".

What Did You Expect?

What did you expect?! Have you ever heard this from someone.... maybe a parent or spouse? Have you ever done something that didn't turn out quite like you expected, only to have someone ask you about it in a tone that screams, "You are such an idiot!"?

Case in point.... When I was in elementary school - maybe about 4th or 5th grade - I spied a small bird perched atop a fence about 50 feet from where I stood. Without much deep thinking, I picked up a dirt clod - maybe a bit smaller than a baseball - and heaved it with all my might toward the bird. It only took a few seconds for my worst fear to be realized. I had hit the bird dead on!! I was horrified! The bird simply fell to the other side of the fence and suddenly my life was over! Honestly, I could have thrown that chunk of dirt 500 times and never hit that bird. Actually, I never knew if I killed the bird or just dazed him - I didn't stay around long enough to find out. I suspect that I ran home, crying to my parents. I also suspect that they asked me the proverbial question: "What do you expect to happen if you throw dirt clods at little defenseless birds?" I'm sure they didn't call me an idiot, but I sure felt like one. I still remember the event to this day.

I suppose we all do things without much thought, only to be surprised at the outcome. Let's face it though, I was aiming at the bird. Is it so strange that I actually hit it? Fast forward to today. Maybe we're not throwing dirt, but we are using words that can do just as much damage. In fact someone once said, "The more dirt you sling, the more ground you lose." Every action generates a reaction. Every time we use words, they will generate some kind of reaction. I need to ensure that I am thinking before I speak.

But there are also times when you are not the clod-thrower, but instead, the bird on the fence. Others can say and/or do things that can impact you either positively or negatively. Maybe it was never their intention to hurt you, but sometimes the clod hits the mark. The impact of someone else's actions can often have long lasting effects on us. Forgiving and forgetting is the recommended solution, most will say.... but, let's face it, it's not that easy. I'll discuss this topic in a future post.... it deserves much deeper attention.

Forty-one years later, I've never hurt another bird! I'm sure I've done plenty of goofy things without thinking, but when it comes to birds, they are off limits! But I've never forgotten the learning point: Don't be surprised at the outcome if you do something without thinking. After all "What do you expect?"

Haiti: Can We Learn Something?

Devastation, hopelessness, Armageddon, 1000's dead, disease, rubble, why?..... These are only a few of the words you can find in the opening paragraph of most stories describing the state of affairs in Haiti. I can imagine that the video, the pictures, the stories we see and hear out of this country are not truly representative of the actual horror that is really being experienced by the people of this poverty-strickened nation.

Why? I wonder how many locals and people around the world have asked that question. They were struggling to make ends meet even on a good day.... much less after a crushing, devastating earthquake. I have never been to Haiti, but my wife and two daughters have visited several times. They traveled to this island-country on Christian mission trips to build relationships with the Haitians, to work in the orphanage, to teach, and to construct buildings. They fell in love with the people and still communicate with friends even today.

Why would God allow this to happen to the people of the 3rd poorest country on the globe? I don't know. It's the age-old question. Some have stated that God is punishing them because of the strong following that voodoo commands. Some have stated that God is creating an open door for many to see his love through the rescue, relationships, and rebuilding that will surely follow this tragedy. Some have stated that it is surely a random act of nature.

What is our response? Do we even care? Do the tragic reports and pictures really move us to any type of action? It's easy for us to sit in our living rooms and simply turn the channel. If we were actually there, seeing images with our own eyes, we might be motivated more urgently. Tami & I have been supporting a young couple in Northwest Haiti for a while - even before the earthquake. Curtis and Danielle have dedicated their early married lives to the people of Haiti on behalf of God. Now, they are in the middle of the mess. I know they never could have dreamt of this scenario... but there they are! God is giving them the opportunities of a lifetime - like never before!

Most of us have never experienced what the people of Haiti are currently going through. God willing... we never will. But God's ways are not necessarily our ways. There are so many viewpoints that we never consider. I usually think I am a pretty good thinker, but I never think about all of the possibilities. There always might be a better way... a better outcome.... a better long-term result.

So, maybe we should learn from the experience in Haiti, even if it didn't actually happen to us. Let's take someone else's experience and trials and consider how we can apply it to our lives... how we can mature, grow, deepen our own thoughts about life, relationships, and character. Maybe we should learn to be happy with what we have. They have nothing... nothing! We really do have everything compared to the Haitians. Let's stop wanting more and appreciate the excellent lives we currently live - compared to nothing...

My wife says the Haitians are a happy-people. Never complaining about what they do not have. Tami always felt a bit guilty when she would return from Haiti to her life of "excesses" back in the States. It's hard to believe they are still happy after 200,000 - 250,000 people have died, but maybe they have a perspective that we can't even imagine. I suppose so... I only hope that even I can learn from their experience about how important it is to appreciate being alive and loving others, while you can. It could all be gone... and at some point, it all will be....

Check out Northwest Haiti Christian Mission on the web.....

Time to Quit?

Number 57.... this is my 57th blog posting since I began last June. I really never dreamed that I would actually have anything to say... much less say in public via the internet. Thank you to those who have kept up and keep checking back. I've had over 7,200 hits since the beginning.... another unbelievable stat.

But lately, I've been struggling with whether I should continue. Honestly, I've not been very motivated to continue. After thinking about it and talking with a friend (I guess I was Thinking Out Loud), I've come to surmise that I've been very cautious in my writings. I usually write only about "surface" topics. Of course there are times when I write about some special events or subjects. But mostly I have refrained from giving my true opinions regarding "less-safe" topics.

This may be the reason I've lost a bit of motivation.... so, one solution is to stop blogging. Another option is to take the leap and begin to post my true opinions and reactions to topics that, up 'till now, I've purposely avoided. All risk aside, I would blog about topics such as current events, politics, the media, religion, relationships, industry, leadership, etc.

There are specific reasons why I have avoided these subjects, but I've determined that I have also shown a lack of courage in avoiding them. My opinion is just that... my opinion. You may or may not agree. But, for the most part, I really haven't voiced much of my opinion... at least not on subjects of depth. Is it worth the risk? Should I step out and reveal a side of me that has remained below the radar?

If you have a preference, let me know!

Letter to the Editor

This was published in the Sunday, February 7, 2010, edition of the Huntsville Times as my letter to the editor:

First let me apologize for the trouble and concern we have caused our customers with recent recalls. Those affected should be receiving letters soon explaining the steps you should take to allow our dealers to resolve the issues. The remedies are simple, effective and thoroughly tested. Our dealers are working overtime to ensure the job is done fast and right. We know what the problem is, we know how to fix it, and fixes have already begun.

Two core values of The Toyota Way are ensuring we keep our Customers First and that we build Quality and Safety into every process. We are obviously not perfect – but when we see a problem, we fix it as soon as possible. It is fundamental to our Toyota culture.

Even though many media reports have been warranted, please remember that we are trying to do the right thing regarding these recalls. Here in Huntsville, we have always strived to be a good corporate citizen, provide stable employment, and continue to expand our local engine plant. We recently announced an additional 240 jobs and millions of dollars in additional investment. We are very proud of our team members at Toyota.

I understand that this situation for Toyota is rare and may be a much bigger media event than normal. But, I hope the citizens of this community will see through some of the negative press and remember that we are committed to the Customer, committed to our Team Members and committed to this Community.


Sincerely,

James T. “Jim” Bolte
President
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Inc.
One Cottonvalley Drive
Huntsville, AL 35810
256-746-5149

I'm Freezing!

Can you say "I Love Granddaddy?"

It's almost mid-January in North Alabama and I feel like I'm living in Northern Canada instead of Huntsville, Alabama. This morning it was almost single digits as we awoke to a bright and sunny day. Signs of our brief, albeit exciting, snowfall remain from a couple of days ago. We received a whopping 1/2 inch of measurable snow. Mostly it was simply blowing around on the streets, but nonetheless, everyone around here was excited to see the white stuff. Schools closed preemptively, as much for the temps as for the precipitation. In this area, as soon as bad weather is even forecasted, the bread and milk fly from the shelves. Not sure why everyone always goes for those particular staples, but they do.

Cody enjoying the Snow!

Of course, the main reason that this kind of weather creates angst, is because the city is not really prepared to handle and accommodate the snow & ice - since it occurs so infrequently. The city does a good job dispensing sand and cinders, but salt doesn't get used very often. It also means that folks don't have much experience driving on the icy roads - roads that are also quite hilly in some areas. Ice braking, steering, scraping, etc., are seldom used skills that are honed in this TN Valley city.

Dad & Jim at the UK - U of L Game

Even though the weather is suspect, the Alabama Crimson Tide Football team isn't. Come on, say it with me.... "National Champions!!" Around here football is king! Even if you are not a rabid Tide fan, you have to be impressed with an undefeated season and a National Championship. It's good for UA, the SEC, and the state. Now... it's basketball season: Go Big Blue!!

No Worries! We have Plenty!

We are enjoying living with our new "housemates". However, we are naturally going through many more basic household items, such as food, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent, etc. Did I mention toilet paper? But, it's OK!

Caitlin in Her 2009 Corolla

Caitlin has enrolled at Calhoun Community College and is looking for part-time work to help pay for gas. She loves to drive! Daniel has a job interview next week and Lauren & Savannah are keeping us entertained. Savvy seems to be changing everyday. She is a very pleasant baby and smiles all the time. She's starting to make all kinds of joyful little noises - baby talk, I guess. I'm still trying to get her to say "I love my Granddaddy the most...". So far.... she just squeals... We're still working on it. Stay warm...

Christmas 2009...

The Annual Christmas Day Outing

Well, Christmas 2009 is over. It was especially magical this year. Of course the highlight was having Jordan, Caitlin, Lauren, Daniel & Savannah with us. We even had Jordan's fiancee, Bethany, stay a few days with us before she departed for Detroit. Some of us visited the Galaxy of Lights, while others went to see Avatar in 3-D. We sang a few carols as Jordan played the guitar, and we kept Savvy entertained as we created lyrics on-the-fly about why she shouldn't cry on Christmas Eve.

After we read Luke 2, Tami always gives each family member new matching pajamas or

sweatshirts on Christmas Eve. This year we all got Alabama sweatshirts - in honor of the #1 BCS football ranking. Daniel refuses to wear his, being a devout USC fan from the west coast. Some bad habits are sometimes just hard to break....

Christmas morning was the same as always in the fact that Jordan sent us a text message from his bedroom inquiring as to whether or not he could come downstairs to check out what Santa had delivered. Interestingly, Jordan is always the first to awake early on Christmas morning. Every other day of the year he rises somewhere between 10 - 11:30 AM. With holiday tunes

playing in the background, we opened all of the gifts and enjoyed seeing each other's reaction to what was given. We seem to always "over-do-it" at this time of year. But, we have some family members that just have big hearts and love to give.

A New Eagles Jersey!

After all of the wrapping paper has been collected and trashed, we head off (in our matching sweatshirts) to do one of my favorite traditions of all. Several years ago we realized that some folks are still working of Christmas day. While almost every store, gas station, and restaurant are closed, Waffle House (or Waffle King) is still open. So, we always make a trek to the 24-hour local eatery to enjoy(?) a full breakfast and deliver a custom-scripted Christmas Card for our server. Of course, we never know who our sever will be, but it's fun getting to know them and talking about their family a bit before we leave. We always leave a big tip and sometimes get to see their face light up as we depart the front door. This is the coolest part of my holiday. It's also the one and only time I eat at Waffle House all year...

We use the downtime to watch football, basketball, Christmas movies, and play a few board games. Last night we played "Killer Bunnies". Cool game! It's an actual board game for ages 13 & up. It's all about keeping your bunnies alive and collecting carrots. Sounds like an appropriate holiday activity, right? Caitlin & Jordan were the big winners.

Only one thing is missing this year.... While I have decided to be called "granddaddy" in honor of my 93 year-old grandfather of the same name, Tami has yet to decide on what Savvy and others will call her. It makes it tough when you say to Savvy: "Hey Savannah, do you want 'what's her name' to hold you?" Tami is kicking around several options, but for now, we're calling her "No-naay" --> Sounds like Grandma "No Name", right? I suspect she'll choose a name soon.... Merry Christmas!

Time For a Change...

Tami, Savannah & Cody

Things are a bit different now... Last week many things changed for Tami, Cody & me. On Wednesday, Caitlin, our 23 year-old daughter arrived from Lexington. Late Thursday night, our 21 year-old son, Jordan, and his fiancee, Bethany, arrived. Then on Friday evening, Lauren, Daniel & Savannah (our almost 5 month-old granddaughter) arrived from Australia (by way of CA). It's been wonderful to have a house full, albeit a bit different.

Having a baby in the house is, no doubt, the biggest change. It's been decades since I've actually changed a diaper... Most folks say it's like riding a bike - but riding a bike does take a dose of courage for some - Changing diapers is no less scary. Riding a bike requires you to use most of your senses. Changing a diaper makes you wish you had fewer senses... I'll keep you posted.

Oh, I also remember how often you need to change your clothing because someone decides to "urp" on your shoulder. So far, I'm the only one she's spit-up on... not once, but twice. I look at it as a kind of bonding, that, so far, only she and her Granddaddy have together...

I've been doing a lot of observing since the whole crew got here. It's quite hilarious to watch the adults make "baby noises and faces" at Savannah. She is very personable and pleasant - almost unbelievably so.... but, she's got to be cracking up inside while listening & looking at all of the crazy noises and faces the rest of the family are making...

At church yesterday, Tami, very subtly, ended up holding Savannah in her arms and standing by the main door as everyone departed. It was kind of like she suddenly became a "greeter" at the end of the service. But actually, I think she just wanted to show off her newly arrived granddaughter. Quite proud she was!

Maybe the biggest adjustment to be made, though, is by Cody, our almost 3 year-old flat-coated retriever. He is absolutely intrigued by the new baby! Although certainly curious, I believe he is also a tad bit jealous. He's very gentle around her, but also very interested in the new addition. New smells.... new sounds... new things - like strollers, play pens, wet wipes, diapers, pacifiers... Cody has chewed up one pacifier already....

Yep, things are definitely different around here. But, it's all good! Maybe Tami & I needed a little change in our lives.... maybe a little bit more excitement.... more activity.... more flexibility. One thing's for sure.... I don't need more practice in loving and appreciating my family. I've got that covered.....but diapers?... that's another story....