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

Wise Heart, Proverbs 16

"A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction."

Proverbs 16:23

I don't know if I have a wise heart, but I want one desperately. I want to deal with people justly, to make the right decisions, to have a life that is blessed, and to help those who can't help themselves or who need the right advice and counsel. I like to be counted as trustworthy, gracious, thoughtful, considerate, and reliable. In a world of judgment, we often make decision too quickly and categorize people instantly. I have been guilty of this and have had it done to me. I have found that when I have made judgments about people, I have been wrong. In what sounds like a "Yogism" - "You never get to know people, until you get to know them", I have met some of the greatest contacts through the less likliest people.

It is better to value people, get to know them, and undertsand their needs, concerns, and personal life challenges. Honest interest in people opens doors for you and them.


"Why I do what I do" with Guy Kawasaki

Proverbs 16:19 - "Better to be lowly in spirit and among the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."

Sharing plunder is the act of taking from others what is not rightly deserved. The oppressed suffer the loss, but realize that God is in control and justice will prevail. This happens everyday around the world. The proud may boast in their limited victory, but judgment is just around the corner. Bad things happen to good people and when bad things happen, this makes us realize just how much we need God. When you got nothing, you still have God, and he takes you into a secret place that fortifies. He is our victor. A temporary loss is just that.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

11.16.08 Faith Under Fire, Proverbs 16

"A violent man entices his neigbor, and leads him down a path that is not good."

Proverbs 16:29

From the movie "End of the Spear"

Chance are you and I have never had to test our faith like many who have gone before us. Many of these faith stories are truly inspiring. To have such faith requires sacrifice and a shedding of our own will and agenda (that is really difficult). To be truly righteous is a life's work.

When reading Proverbs, I find that I have to place myself at a point of desparation. Placing myself in the shoes of others or visualizing a time of great need. Actor/evangelist Kirk Cameron likens it to "lion's den faith". Fervant prayer avails much.

I do recall watching the movie "End of the Spear". A movie about missionaries who chose to lay down their life for their faith. They had weapons to protect themselves, but they chose to reach out to a warrior tribe and died in their obedience to Christ. Their blood sacrifice led to an open door to reach this tribe forever.

Now, I am a former Marine and my inclination is to "lock and load" on target when facing dangerous people. It is hard for me to imagine, the faith it takes to trust in the Lord for the outcome. Found this incredible story, where the outcome wasn't so bleak, but risky none the less.


The Story of Missionary E. P. Scott, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name"

Proverbs 16:6 - "Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil."

To be faithful is to be in constant communication with our father. I often find myself second guessing my actions. Did I make the right choice? What is the eternal impact of decisions I will be making? Lord help me to make the right choice. How can we avoid evil? The Lord says to fear him. To love and to be faithful.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

The Honeycomb, Proverbs 16

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

Proverbs 16:24


I love honey in my coffee. My wife rarely buys it for me because she says it is very expensive and too much honey isn't good for me. So, on occasion I get a surprise jar of honey that I savor for the duration of its utility in my coffee, on my toast, or by itself. I remember as a child, buying the kind of honey that has a honeycomb in it. I used to love to pull out the waxy structure and chew on it. Oh it was so good!!

Honey is written about throughout bible as a sweet and sometimes bitter experience. There is a balance that keeps it sweet.

I never thought about it, but I call my wife honey and my young girls honey. Life is sweet.

"Show Me Your Glory" by Third Day

Proverbs 16:7 - "When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him."

Are your ways pleasing to the Lord? Do you have enemies? The walk of a Christian may create friction and tension. It cost Jesus his life, which he was willing to pay. Jesus warned us that we will be persecuted for our faith. You are bound to create enemies for your dedication. I like this verse in that it offers a hope that peace will prevail and our enemies will be at peace. Are you in a lion's den today? Do you feel outnumbered and surrounded?

Proverbs 16:13 - "Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks truth."

Are you a truth teller? My tendency is to embellish. Make things sound better than they are (which they usually are). We have heard the term "sugar coat". I have also seen people that are brutally honest to a fault. They are very honest about the faults of others, but blind to their own. No one wants to feel like an idiot and many "truth tellers" love to prove their point by clubbing others over the head.

I think honest lips are truthful and may be spoken in a way that captures the attention and the intrique of the wise. However, there are times when truth needs to be spoken in a way that may not be pleasant to the hearer. Both work, but discerning which is needed may be the challenge. Do you have an example of how truth has brought value to your life?

Proverbs 16:21 - "The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction."

Do you have a discerning heart? Do your words promote instruction? Teachers love to to teach. In fact, there is an old saying that goes, "A teacher learns more than the student". The shear act of sharing wisdom and knowledge opens hearts and minds. I make a point to tell my girls that they are so smart! I know that some parents tell their kids that they are dumb. Imagine what happens to the child's thought processes for either of these scenarios.

I am not trying to puff my children's egos or make them falsely confident. My goal is to have them believe they are smart to the point that they are motivated to get more information and enjoy learning. Each new discovery is the foundation that will indeed make them truly smart.

If a child thinks they are dumb, why should they try? Adults need to hear encouraging words too. Be honey to the soul.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org