1.22.09 The Duck, Proverbs 22

"A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered."

Proverbs 22:3
Much was made of the "show throwing" at President Bush at a recent press conference in Baghdad. The President's quick reaction avoided further embarassment. Many who have hated Mr. Bush for his stances cheered the assailant; however, the simpleton who initiated the attack went on to say he wish he hadn't.


"Pimp Gets Clobbered"

Proverbs 22:24-25 "Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious—don't get infected."

Should Christians be prepared to defend themselves or their loved ones? The answer is yes. You'd be surprised by how many say "No!" I feel sorry for their family members. You definately don't want to start a fight and you don't want to hang around angry people. You must however be prepared to defend yourself (possibly others) from attackers and evildoers. That is a principle that is part of a Godly heritage.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.21.09 The Plan, Proverbs 21

"Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind."

Proverbs 21:5
"The Thinker" by Auguste Rodin

Are you a planner? I wish I were a better planner. I have been more of a "visionary." In essence, I have a clear scene in my mind that I know can happen and I move towards that picture. Fortunately, the steps have been directed by God (although I am not always obedient).

I haven't achieved everything that I have put to my mind, but I have seen many accomplishments in my life; because of my trust in the Lord. I never believed I would be alive this long (I am 43 now). As a youth, I was a free spirit and wandered where my soul led. God intervened in my life at age 17 and changed me (althought I am still a work in progress).

I don't really plan my days well, I really rely on where God wants to go for the day. I am very methodic and diligent in what I do, but it seems like God is the driver and he allows me to play a role in some really cool things. I enjoy my work and the Lord lets me meet people who are better planners than I and offer them a piece to the puzzle they have been seeking that allows them to accelerate their plans.

A lot of my plans are bigger than even I think is possible, but God shows me that with him all things are possible. I am a dreamer and a doer. I place no limits on what God can do and will do in my life. Do you limit God?


"Facing the Giants" song by Casting Crowns

Proverbs 21:31 - "Do your best, prepare for the worst—then trust God to bring victory."

Wise words. We never know what will work out in our plans. We just know that we are to do. Have you had a victory in your life lately? Are you seeking a victory? Imagine what that day will look like for you and your family and ask God to bring the victory. Hunger for his presence in your life and your days will be victorious. Do your best.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

A Bargain, Proverbs 20

"The shopper says, 'That's junk—I'll take it off your hands,' then goes off boasting of the bargain."

Proverbs 20:14

My mother is a shrewd negotiator. She loves to shop at boutiques and will only pay what she thinks something is worth, which is usually way below what the seller thinks it is worth. Somehow, she winds up getting her way.

This verse is a great reminder. If someone is talking really bad about something you are selling them, then they may really value it. Maybe it is wise to stick to your guns and sell it for what you think it is worth or more.


"Spiritually Immature People Seek Revenge"

Proverbs 20:22 - "Don't ever say, 'I'll get you for that!' Wait for God; he'll settle the score."

Are you a revenge seeker? I've never said this to anyone that I can recall, but I must admit that I may have wished that God would zap a few people. Thankfully, he hasn't listened to me in my flashes of anger against another. We must look to the future and understand that God is working in each of our lives. So, if someone harms you, it may be tough, but we must forgive. Sure there are times when justice must prevail and your legal rights may need to be enforced. Seek counsel in those instances, but most things that happen to us don't require action, only forgiveness.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.19.09 Lift the Fork, Proverbs 19

"Some people dig a fork into the pie but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth."

Proverbs 19:24
Ever heard the old saying "I'll take a stab at it" or "I'll try"? This is the same thing as the verse above. These are people who put forth just enough effort, but don't complete the task at hand. I have been guilty of this myself, but am working harder and harder at completing the job. When I hear someone tell me they are going to "try," I know they aren't.

I have a hard time with people who rarely return calls or reply to e-mails that concern them. So many people cost themselves opportunities. It is rampant!

I was challenged by a business owner I respect who asked me to be sure and remind people to capitalize on their opportunities fully. So, I have written and talked about this subject in the media. "Lifting the fork" could be as simple as calling a few people back. Speaking of, I have some phone calls to make and a few e-mails to reply to.


"Rudeness"

Proverbs 19:29 - "The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way; only a slap in the face brings fools to attention."

Know any rude people? I've been rude on occasions and I have to repent in those instances. We sometimes call it having a "sense of humor." Sure we should be willing to laugh at ourselves, but laughing at others won't get us very far.

My wife and stopped into a wine business in Fredricksburg, TX and the lady behind the bar was really short and rude with people. She seemed very unhappy to be serving her customers and it looked like she was the owner. She poured quickly and avoided small talk with her clients. We actually saw her get very argumentative with a couple. The lady wine taster, was so upset by the barkeep's demeanor that she walked out. The snobbish bar tender kept herself entertained with the flury of people who popped in, but we could sense that she probably won't have her business for very long. Word of mouth travels fast.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.18.09 Crushed, Proverbs 18

"A healthy spirit conquers adversity, but what can you do when the spirit is crushed?"

Proverbs 18:14

Have you ever been crushed? I have, many times. In those moments, I have found God there to carry me through.

I remember losing an opportunity in the United States Marine Corps. I had been selected for an Officer program that I had worked hard to get. I had my heart on training to fly the attack helicopter, The AH-1W Super Cobra.

I remember when I first heard the sound of the Cobra on Camp Pendelton in 1988 (it was loud) and I was impressed with all of the battle gear and technology that came with it. This was my dream and my wife and I were looking forward to the "Officer and Gentleman" moments that would materialize in our lives (after 3 years of hard work to get accepted into this program). Sadly, I was notified that 6 of us had been cut from the prestigious opportunity, before we even had a chance to become officers. I was crushed and I was even more saddened to have to tell my wife the bad news. In all honesty, I thought she would leave me. Have you ever been so crushed, that you thought your life was basically over? God has a plan.

Shortly after getting the bad news, we went to war and have been at war ever since. So, I look at my life now and I wonder if things worked out for the best afterall. I have a great family and wonderful opportunities to do more for the Kingdom on the front lines.


"Hope Lifts"

Proverbs 18:15 - "Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights."

Do you love to learn? I love to read books, watch movies (from a Market research point of view), and keep up to date on what is happening in our world in all forms of media (i.e., print, radio, TV, social media, etc.). I especially enjoy working with children who have a zest for life. Fortunately, most of us never lose our child-like qualities.

A friend of mine who has a client that has built a chain of successful restaurants. He claims that he, got many of his ideas from his children. As a result, many people now have nice places to take their family. Ideas are very valuable to me. I have found that an idea is worth $10 or $10M, depending on the eye and the mind of the beholder.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.17.09 Past Due, Proverbs 17

"It's stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay."

Proverbs 17:18

Are you laden with debt? I hope not. My wife and I put each other through college and had to carry a certain amount of debt for a while. Fortunately, we are out of debt and feel very fortunate to be able to breath a little better knowing that we have no car payments or credit card bills that we have to face every month. There was a time, when we "charged" or were living beyond our means. With kids around, we still feel the financial pressures, but God has provided. Need to get out of debt? Seek advice and counsel and then stick to your plan.


"Eliminating Debt"

Proverbs 17:27 - "The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm."

In sales, there is a time when the salesman must shut up. This moment comes right at the time when the prospect is ready to buy. Say something at this moment and the sale can go right out the window. It isn't natural to have silence. Our inclination is to talk in those instances. Try saying fewer words in your next interaction. I think we learn more by listening, but our inclination may be to talk. I am guilty of this too often, but I am learning.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.16.09 Mensch, Proverbs 16

"A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation."

Proverbs 16:21
I enjoy being able to offer Marketing advice that is helpful to my clients, friends, and family. God has given me a gift to understand the times through my studies of media in all forms. The pyschology of the age is something I have been able to glean from from my constant review of the news, reading of books, watching movies, reviewing websites, radio talk shows, social media, etc. The right idea or recommendation at the right time can make all of the difference in the world.

Having a network of clients who can depend on my recommendations has earned me favor. In essence, by focusing on serving and being a giver, I have found that more doors are opening faster than I can keep up. I especially value those friends who can give wonderful advice to me. I keep those friends close.


"6/7 Factor"

Proverbs 16:26 - "Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder."

I still remember the best hamburgers I have ever tasted. My sister and I would mow yards together in the mid 70's. After completing our job, we would ride our bikes to the local Dairy Queen, where we ordered large Root Beers, Hunger Busters with Cheese, and fries and onion rings. She and I would always find a way to make money so we could go do the things we enjoyed. We would often hang out at the mall playing arcades, go to the movies, have a large cheesy pizza, or an occasional rock concert to include the t-shirt that we wore to school. Those were the good old days. What are you hungry for? Has work gotten humdrum? Dream bigger!

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org