"Is Your Tuner Out?", Proverbs 29

"The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea."

Proverbs 27:7

"Spiritual Blindness"

There are many fantastic and exhilirating moments we will miss in life by being spiritually blind. The God of the universe who protects wisdom and knowledge and is the giver of life, sees all things. I've always wondered why "faith" pleases him, the faith to believe that he is a good God, even when our own pondering doesn't reveal his plan. Sin deadens our senses, but a sold out dedicated love for Jesus reveals much.

We think we know so much, but the truth is we know so little about God and his plan to use us for his purposes.

Regarding the poor. I have had moments of poverty and moments of plenty. In America, our poor are rich. In reality, it is hard to even categorize many people as poor when compared to the severe poverty suffered in most parts of the world. So, if you think you are poor and struggling, you may actually be rich and not even recognize that fact. Sure people are hurting financially, but many have squandered their wealth or failed to plan for the hard times (I've been there too). We believed the hype about credit and lived beyond our means for too long.

Now, we can be in severe need and faced with few options due to lack of funds. It's in those instances that we are able to lean on the provision of a God who is trying to get our attention. When we have been there, we can relate to others and be prepared to meet a need. If you are rich in spirit, you are never really poor. God provides the richness we seek. We need to open our eyes to see what he is doing in these times and trust him with a plan that makes sense for our lives.


"Perservering to the End"

Proverbs 27:18 - "If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed."

You and I have been blessed to be in business, work for a great company, or lead a wonderful organization. What is God calling you to do with your life? How can he use you to make an impact for the Kingdom where you are? I have seen many Christian businessmen incorporate their faith in their business and workers do the same.

I admire a friend of mine who has one of the most successful business radio shows in our market here in Houston. He is really good about mentioning God in his broadcasts and crediting him for such a prosperous city. He is quick to point to the wisdom of the bible and how business men and women should inlcude him in their business practices. I am especially proud of companies like Chick-fil-A, Kingdom Racing (www.KingdomRacing.net), Sherwood Pictures, PureFlix Cinema, The WEll DONE AWARDS (www.WellDoneAwards.com), GodTube, and others who are coming onto the scene to demonstrate the power of God in business. We onlyhave one chance in this life to get it right. Time to get our tuners tuned.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

Seeing the Future, Proverbs 28

"When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it— But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out."

Proverbs 28:2
Can you see the future? A lot of consultants and economists trying to predict the economy nationally and globally. Many seem to be leaning towards more government control. Even Google CEO is telling us to trust the government! Yikes, we are in trouble.

I don't know if Obama is the man or not. I must admit I am one of the 58M who didn't vote for him and still have my doubts. I hope he succeeds in keeping our nation safe and gets our economy humming. I think the answer should come from the private sector, not the corporate conglomerates and bloated governmental institutions, but the mom and pop businesses and those on an accelerated trajectory path who are raising capital and hiring skills and talents in demand. People need to be encouraged to start their own business. We all have the seeds of greatness, but few are offering that route to the populace at large.

If we are going to reward those who pay no taxes and those who aren't creating jobs, I think we are going to be in a tight fix. Of course, I don't want to predict anything.


"Less Talk, More Do!" Tom Peters (one of my favorite leadership consultants)


"People In China Are Starving For Your Job" by Tom Peters

Proverbs 28:12 - "When good people are promoted, everything is great, but when the bad are in charge, watch out!"

Ever had a bad boss? I have. In fact, I started my company in 1999 to be my own boss and I am tougher on myself than any I have ever had. I work longer hours, I push myself to do more, and my clients expect no less. What did I get myself into?

Well, compared to the instances of serving under a politically calculating boss, a thankless task master, or someone that just lacks professionalism, I am in heaven. I know many people who are frustrated, hate their job, and wish they were doing something else. Sadly, many of us rarely get to utilize all of our talents and skills and feel like we are wasting away. Ask God for a vision. Let him plant a seed in your heart and believe him for an opportunity. You do have a bright future, if you are looking for it.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.27.09 "So, You Want to Be Famous?", Proverbs 27

"Don't brashly announce what you're going to do tomorrow; you don't know the first thing about tomorrow."

Proverbs 27:1

Andy Warhol

Have you gotten your 15 minutes of fame yet? I like being positive about the future, but have learned that you never really know how things are going to turn out. Solomon was a big believer in diversification and of course his wisdom made him very successful and famous. In an era of challenges and changes, there are many questions we may have about the future. Wisdom, it seems, is more critical in these fast-moving times. Maybe we should boast less and work more at making our dreams a reality?


"Beverly Hills" by Wheezer

Proverbs 27:21 - "The purity of silver and gold is tested by putting them in the fire; The purity of human hearts is tested by giving them a little fame."

I have had the opportunity to work with celebrities and been on TV and radio myself many times. I enjoy sharing may expertise in Marketing with others in the hopes that my advice and insights will help someone in business. I've only had one person ask me for an autograph which was kind of cool. I enjoy working with authors, media personalities, actors, musicians, and directors, etc. Most seem to take their fame in stride, others seem to forget their past.

We see the headlines of those that crash and burn. People love to be appreciated; in fact, it is a common need. Do an expriment. Tell someone how much you appreciate them and see their reaction. Now, imagine a roomful of fans and one can see how easy it could be to believe in one's own hype.

If you are on a trajectory to fame, it is important to keep your humility. Appreciate people and they will appreciate your example even more. I enjoy reading stories or seeing famous people who offer acts of service to the community, not those who use their fame to blast our country and tear down others.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

Cracked Pot, Proverbs 26

"Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery."

Proverbs 26:23

I don't personally know any evil people. I'm sure we come across evil people every day and we may never be aware. I recently thought of an encounter I had with an executive that was kind of creepy. This guy was from Russia and seemed to be an oil executive of sorts. I was called in to make a presenation with some other executives from other companies (a huge round table). This guy was the lead and he had offices in Houston and New York (I read his card) and seemed to be taking "pot shots" at my discussion.

I answered the man's questions, but it just seemed he was more interested in attacking my experience than looking for a way to work together. My position was that this group called me, I was already busy. I was here to help if they saw a way for me do do so. I had worked on a few projects like theirs and they needed a solution to bring their global membership together and open lines of communication and prove the association's value to its members.

As I readied to leave, he got up close to me and he looked at my lapel pen that was on my suit and he asked me what it was. I told him it was a "United States Marine Corps" lapel pin and that I was a former United States Marine. He looked me in the eye and said "Is that so?" and "I said yes sir!" He said nothing else and just stared at me and I left the room.

I never heard from him, but I did get an e-mail from one of the team members thanking me for my presentation. She seemed apologetic for her senior member. I just brushed it off.

I don't know if the guy was evil or not, but he did give me the creeps.


"Hit Him" by Dr. E.V. Hill, Promise Keepers 1993

Proverbs 26:24-26 - "Your enemy shakes hands and greets you like an old friend, all the while conniving against you. When he speaks warmly to you, don't believe him for a minute; he's just waiting for the chance to rip you off. No matter how cunningly he conceals his malice, eventually his evil will be exposed in public."

Not everyone is your friend. Americans are very friendly, we make friends fast; however, we should be on guard. My first instinct is to trust and be friends with everyone, but I have learned that, that can be a mistake. You can even find someone who seems to be "Godly" and find that they have some growing up to do before you can really engage them properly. Some people you do have to keep at a distance and those few close friends, should be welcomed with open arms and gladness.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.25.09 Misunderstood, Proverbs 25

"Don't jump to conclusions—there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw."

Proverbs 25:8
Have you ever been misunderstood? If you haven't, you may be doing something wrong. I have developed a saying over the years "Your motives will always be questioned, but do good anyway." It hurts when people think something about you that isn't true. The hardest thing for people to do is change their mind, so in most cases you don't even want to try. Let God be the judge and let him fight your "public relations" battles. You will be the victor soon enough. Then everyone will understand.


"Prepare for Rain" scene in Facing the Giants

Proverbs 25:14 - "Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces."

Are you a rainmaker or a storm cloud? My family and my clients are counting on me to make it rain. When it comes to producing, the big lesson I have learned is you don't stop until it rains. I have had many clients quit on me before I quit on them, but that doesn't change the situation. The Lord has taught me to move past the setbacks, the disappoinments, and connect with the clients who think the same way. They realize that to do something great doesn't happen over night, we must prepare for rain and that takes work and planning.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

Save a Life, Proverbs 24

"Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, 'Hey, that's none of my business,' will that get you off the hook? Someone is watching you closely, you know—Someone not impressed with weak excuses."

Proverbs 24:11-12
The future looks promising. It has been said that advancements in all forms of technology and knowledge will seem like light years compared to the changes that have happened in the last century. Time and progress flew from 1900 to 2000. Inovations from 2000 to 3000 will be incredible, buckle your seats we are in for a wild ride.

If people are perishing on this journey, we have to do something now. How can you and I really make a difference? What is your calling? You and I have been given talents and abilities that could literally change the world we live in for the better. Before God gives us his blessing, he will search our hearts and determine what benefit we bring to the Kingdom.


"Charity Water"

Proverbs 23:24 - "It's wrong, very wrong, to go along with injustice."

People have varying views of justice, but God's view is what really matters. Many claim there is no God, yet the world they invision would not exist without evil being reigned in by justice. What are some of the injustices you see in the world? Before you call it an injustice check it out with the bible first, then get behind the cause. For example, is there such a thing as a just war? Is the death penalty right? What about abortion? Should drugs be legalized? What about prostitution? Euthenasia or Global Warming? There are many moral issues we have to deal with and sadly, many of us lack wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in these matters (including this author). Our decisions mean life and death to someone. We will be held accountable, so it is wise to discern the heart of God on these matters and act accordingly.

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org

1.23.09 The Shudder, Proverbs 23

"Dear child, if you become wise, I'll be one happy parent. My heart will dance and sing to the tuneful truth you'll speak."

Proverbs 23:15-16

"The Zulu Dolls" (Jamming to Life)

Are you a nervous parent? I am. I mean I love being a dad and I hope I am preparing my children well for the future. You never really know how they will turn out. The training we give them is something we hope they keep (we should pray over our children daily). Sadly, I do know of parents who have lost their children early and it breaks my heart to think about those instances.

We almost lost our oldest due to choking. My wife was changing our new born Kayla on the changing table, Kayla was under a year old then. My wife did not realize that Kayla was chewing on a rice chex and as she laid back, it fell into the back of her throat and blocked her air way. My wife came to my home office screaming for me to help her. I thought it was something minor and it was something I could fix with a few pats on the back. What I tried didn't work.

I had to run down to my neighbor's house who was a trained EMT. He was hardly ever home (he worked two jubs to support his family). As I ran to his house, my daughter Kayla went limp on me several times and was turning blue. As I tried to help her, all I could do was say "Jesus help me." Fortunately, my neighbor was home and the door to his home was wide open. I rushed into his house without knocking and he knew exactly what to do and saved her life. I shudder thinking about it now, but God intervened on our behalf. Now, you know why I am still a nervous parent. God is good.


"Angel's Singing" by Kayla Valadez (a song she wrote)

Proverbs 23:22-25 - "Listen with respect to the father who raised you, and when your mother grows old, don't neglect her. Buy truth—don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight. Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents. So make your father happy! Make your mother proud!"

Are you a good parent? I bet you are. Our children are a blessing and if they turn out good, we have a lot of celebrating to do. God bless you and your family!

On Mission, On Assignment, and in the ZONE!

Andy Valadez
e-mail: andy@marketingdynamics.org