tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78889829590343918142024-03-13T17:01:43.655-07:00Intentionally Leading...Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-75768172136627384332014-06-15T20:38:00.000-07:002014-06-15T20:48:09.484-07:00Father's Day <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Truly thankful to have had the privilege of having two fathers in my life. My first father went on to be with The Lord ten years ago. He loved me deeply and taught me more about living life than I ever realized when he was alive. <br><br>My second father also loves me and is teaching me the value of slowing down and listening to people and not always being in a rush. <br><br>I now have the privilege of being a father to 3 children and truly desire to love them and enjoy them. Teach them what is important in life and to live intentionally while hear on earth. <br><br>We live at times as if this is as good as it gets in life and that is dangerous to me. I believe there is a home that we will go to when we breathe our last breath and I believe their is a Father in this home we desire to be. Thank you Lord for being our Father even when we live a life of constant rebellion here on earth. <br><br>Happy Father's Day. </p>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-76207024043476832622012-12-20T04:15:00.000-08:002012-12-20T04:17:39.013-08:00Celebrating Christmas <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Christmas is one if my favorite holidays of the year. Being around family/friends, fun meals, celebrating traditions, and everyone loves opening presents. <br><br>I was talking with my children recently and asking them, "Why do we celebrate Christmas?" they started chirping up and saying because of Jesus's birthday. <br><br>I want to have fun doing all the above but I want to do it through the lens of Jesus, our Savior, and celebrating the hope we have now and eternally. Have a wonderful day and a wonderful Christmas! </p>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-84405279809861655792012-10-19T12:38:00.000-07:002012-10-19T13:15:47.694-07:00How are we living the dash in our life? <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Have you ever thought about the dash in your life? The dash in our life is the line between when we are born and the day we breathe our last breath? <br><br>We are all busy and going in so many directions and sometimes it is hard to just stop and reflect on how we are living. If someone came up to us and said you have 6 months left to live, what would we do? If we say we would make drastic changes, that might be a good sign that we need to reevaluate our priorities.<br><br>Let's live intentionally with no regrets.</p>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-87968276377575242902012-02-02T20:32:00.001-08:002012-02-02T20:32:51.382-08:00Taking time to love the little ones <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Life can get so busy and we can be doing some really good stuff and checking off the To Do's left and right. Then you come up for air and see those precious little faces saying, "I need you Dad". That's when you need to step back and realize how crucial it is to love and adore those entrusted to you.<br><br>My youngest son is 2 1/2 years old and is wide open. He loves life and loves being loved on. I will come home from work and before I get ten feet into the house, I hear him yelling and running through the house trying to get to me. There have been a few times when I haven't given him my 100% attention at first due to his mother and siblings getting hugged or kissed. And it want last long before he starts to say, "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me". <br><br>I scoop him up, start to kiss all over him, tickle him and he eats it up! Then I just think about the big picture. Isn't that like all of us? We all want to be loved and appreciated. Make sure you let those around you know you truly love and appreciate them before they have to say, "Look at me, Look at me". Have a great day!</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuYTBnQLJ76puPjhLG90xVLzi2lYrVah86GC8L798unBxM_PnKAyEQqRPeq27_j-Q1sF1-OqNWaY-WVcKYSZg7YRpvUZSiBWtLyt88FlFj_IwZ787q0W7JKcmihzSH7Vr6jqHQ2f2VZAI/'></div></p>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-16850482353164569002012-01-21T07:08:00.001-08:002012-01-21T07:08:18.160-08:00A Father and a son and a grandson <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'>Many of you know that my father died about nine years ago from heart disease. He was a great father and man. Truly grateful for him and what he did for me my entire life. He was also a great husband to my mother. They were married for 42 years. They modeled to us how to love and serve each other. What is also amazing is that I had no idea the Lord was going to allow me to have another father. My mother remarried a few years ago to Ted (Ted also lost his wife to an illness) and it is beautiful to see their love for each other. My entire family loves Ted and so glad we are all together. <br><br>Several people use to ask me what I thought about my Mom and Ted getting married and how I was dealing with it. My response has always been the same. If the Lord wanted my first father to be married to my mother, he would be here married to her. The Lord wanted him home with Him in heaven. <br><br>What is also incredible is the love Ted has for us and our children. This weekend my oldest son and I are hunting with Ted and having a blast. The meals together and conversations are priceless. Honestly, it doesn't matter if we see a deer because we will always have this chapter in our life to reflect on in the future. <br><br>Ted and Slade Mitchell (my son) were leaving to go hunting together and as I was walking away to go to my spot, Ted called me back and got the three of us together. He said he wanted to pray for us. He did and then we went our separate ways. I just keep thinking about what happened and keep smiling. These are memories that will stay with me for a lifetime. They are also foundational building blocks for my son. I know throughout his life, he will relive these memories and have great thoughts. It just reminds me how precious life is and how fast it moves. It doesn't matter if you are a hunter or not, we need to make time for these opportunities and be intentional.<br><br>Have a great day and make some fun memories.</p><p class='bloggerplus_image_section'><div class='bloggerplus_image_section' align='left' style='clear:both;'><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaewwB7YKDdtdvuvLT6WtbD1J4a920n547N34cBIKZ3B0yD55W8KlLGlRvNus7Y0qaqES8fPjTpHpbG_DjTfUWn5pJrGZAcbqjyfJ4_tHmOWjzWQgfkE81aagOy-wPVZ4kKnAYEcALTWE/'></div></p>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-53622437581178269952011-11-27T18:17:00.001-08:002011-11-27T18:17:44.281-08:00Making memories for life.... <p class='bloggerplus_text_section' align='left'>We went off yesterday to get our Christmas tree and truly had a great time. Looking for the perfect tree, getting sap all over your hands and trying to set it up in the house without having half the needles fall off when bringing it through the door. Look forward to setting it up with all the family and telling the story about each homemade ornament. The children are growing up fast!</p>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-9773484537465844562011-08-02T21:01:00.000-07:002011-08-02T21:01:48.996-07:00The Thrill of FootballMy oldest son is growing up faster than I realize and I know he will be gone before I am ready for him to journey on. He has been wanting to play organized football and this past weekend we went through the process of getting him equipped. He went from the little guy that wobbled when he started to walk to a boy who is ready to learn a new sport. Tonight he had his first practice and he called to tell me he loved it and is exhausted all in the same breath. I can't wait to watch and see how he matures and grows with this sport.<br />
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Side note-When we were driving to get his helmet, he was listening to me talk on the cell phone to several different people. When I hung up with the last person, he looked at me and said, "Dad, you should write a book on leadership". I asked him why and he said you just should. I was instantly reminded that my life with him and everyone is a chance to serve and lead people even when I don't realize people are watching. Being intentional with people isn't by accident!Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-10433642625609683302011-06-21T11:48:00.001-07:002011-06-21T11:48:24.847-07:00Fellowship of Christian Firefighters International Family Conference 2011 I have the privilege of being the conference speaker for this group and truly loving this opportunity. It has been a joy making new friends around the country. <br><br>My theme for this week is "Intentionally Living" and I pray that every one of us will live each day desiring to leave a legacy that will impact the souls of people to His glory. <br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-18582138318253935022011-02-12T15:10:00.001-08:002011-02-12T15:10:20.914-08:00Determination When you think of the word determination what or who do you think of? We might think of our parents, military leaders, George Washington, graduating from school, athletes/sport teams, teachers, running a race, past accomplishments, and the list could go on and on. From this point forward I will always think of a man named Clay Dyer. <br><br>I had the privilege of being invited to attend a Wild Game Dinner hosted by the Bay Community Church (thank you Bryan). As I have said before, I always like including my children whenever possible to invest in their life. This was a perfect opportunity because my oldest son, Slade Mitchell, and I love hunting and anything to do with the outdoors. Slade Mitchell invited a good buddy of his, Jimbo, and we were ready to see some great deer mounts, eat lots of wild game, make some new friends, and most of all hear the guest speaker Clay Dyer (professional bass fisherman). Some of you might start rolling your eyes and saying, "here comes another testosterone story about the biggest buck killed or a story about a bass caught that grew 5 more pounds after re-telling the story to all their buddies at work". <br><br>This story will definitely not fall into that camp and hopefully leave you thinking about determination in a new light. I first heard of Clay Dyer when I saw a documentary about him and his career as a professional bass fisherman. What is amazing about him? It's not his accomplishments of fishing with the best in the world, the thousands of bass he has caught, being a professional in a sport, traveling all over our great country, but that he has done all this while not having any legs, no left arm, and only half a right arm with no fingers or a hand. <br><br>Clay was born this way at birth and from the moment you talk to him you would think he is just like anyone else who has what he is missing. His attitude is contagious and after listening to him I walked away saying to myself, "this is one man determined to make the most of life with a CAN DO attitude!".<br><br>I love meeting peole who strive to live life with the desire that I can accomplish anything the Lord will allow me to do. Clay shared some great stories about his journey and he also let us know how powerful/foundational the word DREAM is in his life. He spelled it out for us letter by letter and I think we can all learn from it personally and share it with others. <br><br>D ~ Determination-never give up<br>R ~ Resources-use what you have to the fullest <br>E ~ Effort-give it your all<br>A ~ Attitude-paramount to have a positive one<br>M ~ Motivation-to be the best you can be<br><br>He also encouraged me with his faith and trust in Jesus Christ and how he lives his life to bring Him honor and glory. He didn't have a woe am I or mad at the world attitude because of his condition. Slade Mitchell, Jimbo and myself also talked about the one word Clay hates more than anything else and that is the word CAN'T. It was powerful and I truly believe that night listening to Clay will burn into their heart and memory for life. If you would like to learn more about Clay check out his website at www.claydyerfishing.com. <br><br>Life can/will throw us some pretty fast hard balls and we will be knocked right off our saddle. My encouragement to myself and you is to remember what a man named Paul said hundreds of years ago that has passed the litmus test of time, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Phillipians 4:13 <br><br>Let's live each day we are here on earth with determination and a zeal for life. <br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-6317505291480523482011-01-30T19:12:00.001-08:002011-01-30T19:12:43.403-08:00My Beautiful Bride I remember one day when an older mentoring friend came up to my side and put his arm around my shoulder as our wives were in front of us talking. He said, "Slade you sure do remind me of myself." I said, "How is that Mr. Crosby?" He said, "Because we both married way above ourselves."<br><br>I think about that night and conversation often and know without a shadow of a doubt how true Mr. Crosby's comment was and is in my life. I remember the first time I saw Wendy that I knew I wanted to get to know her. That was 18 years ago and I am so thankful that the Lord knew that this was exactly the helpmate I needed. <br><br>I have so many great memories of doing fun things together but what I really love is just being with her. We have laughed and we have cried together and I know that she loves and cares for me just how I am. There are plenty of times in my life where I just look in the mirror and ask myself why in the world did I make a mountain out of that molehill. <br><br>When I read what Paul says in the bible, "Husbands love your wife as Christ loved the church" I just shake my head in defeat at times and ask myself, "Why can't you realize how great you have it Slade?" Then the Lord reminds me of His grace through Christ and the grace I can have with Wendy. As we continue to grow older together I pray that the Lord will help me to be more intentional with Wendy and to be way more grace giving and a heart to die more to myself and to serve her more in the little things as well as the big things. <br><br>I want to encourage us all to hold that special person in our life more. To purposely stop the other person and look them in the eyes and tell them how thankful you are for them and how much you love having them in your life. To hold their hand tight for no special reason. To write a special card and hide it where they find it. Go out on a date, plan the whole thing and do something that would be fun and romantic for them. The list could go on and on. <br><br>One might say, well they don't deserve any of this from me until they earn it. It is amazing how a soft touch or words spoken gently can touch a heart.<br><br>Thank you my dear Wendy for your love and kindness to me and may I continue to learn how to love my beautiful bride like Christ loved the church. <br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-19774961675261404362011-01-22T13:09:00.001-08:002011-01-25T15:00:11.628-08:00FriendshipsToday I am sitting next to my oldest son Slade Mitchell in a shooting house deer hunting. This has become a hobby that the two of us love doing together. As we were driving up to the camp we had a blast talking about hunting stories and in my mind, I kept thinking how fast the time is going with him as a child. I am truly thankful to the Lord for these times together and being able to build a foundation for a friendship for life. Today we were riding a four wheeler and I was sitting behind him just hugging him and thinking one day he might be doing this with one of his children. <br />
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We also have a tradition that when I come home from work that we go at it in the living room wrestling. He loves trying to take me down and show me how strong he is getting. I better enjoy it while I can because one day he will be faster and stronger than me. <br />
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I am loving this season in our life together hunting and truly thankful for one of my dear friends Clark Alday. I met Clark back in the early 1990's through his brother-n-law Seth (who I had the privilege of discipling when he was a student at Troy State). The Lord blessed me with letting me know these men. Seth is far away now in Maryland but Clark lives here in South Alabama and we have been hunting together for years but our friendship goes much deeper than being in the woods. We have had some great times together but we have also cried on each others shoulders over the years. I know Clark loves me and my family and I am truly thankful for his friendship. At the beginning of hunting season, Clark sat with Slade Mitchell wanting to make sure he felt comfortable shooting his rifle. He was truly loving and patient and that made a big impact on Slade Mitchell. Several weeks later Slade Jr. was telling me while we were hunting don't forget to breathe correctly like Mr. Clark said to do. <br />
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There are so many great friends I have been blessed to have over the years who have loved me and my family. I pray that I would not let life pass me by and not thank those who have impacted me over the years. I also pray that I would be more intentional with my friends and their kids. It makes a difference.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: #ebf2ff; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia", "serif"; font-size: 15.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love how Christ reminds us to live in Matthew 22:37-40, "You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the greatest and first commandment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is my prayer for us all as we touch people's lives and build friendships.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsgHHj9OZyQZjYhbQeMVkkiaobLpDEm-Vp32EX1puY2LdFDKxZAc-df-yhrRafISqjDi-GRot5mOmrMbzlq0p1BWKYj0Ep1HTdJ7ymep5fb4Fb_6J_btSwQuqCr_oVlTv7YdJEzI8Yo-5/s1600/Slade%252C+Slade+Mitchell%252C+and+Clark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsgHHj9OZyQZjYhbQeMVkkiaobLpDEm-Vp32EX1puY2LdFDKxZAc-df-yhrRafISqjDi-GRot5mOmrMbzlq0p1BWKYj0Ep1HTdJ7ymep5fb4Fb_6J_btSwQuqCr_oVlTv7YdJEzI8Yo-5/s320/Slade%252C+Slade+Mitchell%252C+and+Clark.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pictured:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Slade McLendon, Slade Mitchell McLendon, and Clark Alday</span></div>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-87032997447265610562011-01-01T11:59:00.001-08:002011-01-01T11:59:41.960-08:00New Year Can you believe it is already 2011? Where does the time go? Did you achieve what you wanted to this past year? Do you know what you want to achieve this year? What books do you want to read? Who do you want to try and meet this year? Is there someone you need to reconnect with this year? Are you going to do something this year that you have dreamed about? Do you need to tell someone special in your life how important they are to you? <br><br>The list could go on and on. Be intentional this year and live life to the fullest. <br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-17001617310218178122010-12-23T05:49:00.001-08:002010-12-23T05:49:54.736-08:00Celebrating Christmas When you hear the word Christmas, what do you think about? Maybe great memories with your family going to get a tree and decorating it and telling the stories of homemade ornaments and why they are so special. Helping those who are in need. Cooking favorite recipes just right for the holidays. Putting up stockings, wreaths and lights all over the house and front yard because you love coming home and seeing all the fun festivities. Drinking hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows. Going on that special hunting trip. Dreaming of those special gifts you have thought about for months and hoping that someone (Santa or loved one) will make it happen. Seeing family that you haven't seen all year. And the list goes on....<br><br>I remember when I was little being at my grandparents home with all the cousins and our families and having a blast. Santa Claus was as real to us as our parents. Then it happened. All the kids heard all these noises outside and then something was on the roof with bells jingling. It was a madhouse, kids were screaming with joy because Santa (my uncle) had made a brief fly over and we all knew we had to get to our homes and be in bed or Santa wouldn't be able to come and bring the presents. As we were rushing to get home, I remember telling my parents, brother, and sister that I just saw Santa and the reindeer and dad had to go faster so we could beat him home. I made a pretty big deal about it and I am sure I lost a little credibility in the trust arena. In looking back I don't know how they held it together and didn't bust out laughing. <br><br>Maybe are memories were not good and the thought of celebrating Christmas was depressing and not fun. <br><br>Whatever are memories are, I want to share with you a great story that was shared over 2000 years ago. I shared this yesterday with my company and every time I read this I just reflect on truly how great Christmas is and why we really celebrate this holiday. I want to encourage us all to have fun in preparing for Christmas and making fun traditions and healthy memories but let's do it in observance of the birth of our Savior. Have a wonderful and great Christmas!!<br><br>Luke 2:10-14<br><br>"But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."<br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-27982843164536303512010-12-01T18:38:00.001-08:002010-12-01T18:38:38.410-08:00Watching him grow It is hard to believe that our little man is 15 months old. I remember when he was born and having a 911 crisis when his plumbing started to work before I could put his diaper back on. <br><br>Where does the time go? <br><br>I am loving the privilege of watching him grow on a daily basis. We just got his first pair of tennis shoes and he thinks he is hot stuff. I am also amazed at how he watches my every move. Recently I came home from work and was hugging my cutie pie (wife) and looked down at him and saw a big grin break out on his face and then he came waddling over to get into the middle of us hugging. <br><br>I pray that I will love and model to him how we are to grow up and live. Lord please guide me and equip me in the way I should live. <br><br>Let's love those we are around in life. <br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-56636258217782147802010-11-26T05:52:00.001-08:002010-11-26T05:52:54.558-08:00Working with Purpose Do you ever wonder if what you do really matters? Does anyone know or even care what we do? Am I making an impact in life or are we flying around like debris in a hurricane just making a big mess when the storm ends?<br><br>We all ask questions verbally or in heart about these questions. All of us want to know that our life has meaning and purpose. I came across this reading below from Charles H. Spurgeon "Morning and Evening" and loved the soft reminder that we have a huge purpose in life and to be excellent in all that we do with the short amount of time we have. <br><br>Have fun working in whatever you do!!<br><br>"Morning and Evening" by Charles H. Spurgeon<br><br> "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."<br>Ecclesiastes 9:10<br>"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," refers to works that are possible. There are many things which our heart findeth to do which we never shall do. It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful, we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart, and talking of them; we must practically carry out "whatsoever our hand findeth to do." One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories. Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of work, but do just the things we "find to do" day by day. We have no other time in which to live. The past is gone; the future has not arrived; we never shall have any time but time present. Then do not wait until your experience has ripened into maturity before you attempt to serve God. Endeavour now to bring forth fruit. Serve God now, but be careful as to the way in which you perform what you find to do--"do it with thy might." Do it promptly; do not fritter away your life in thinking of what you intend to do to-morrow as if that could recompense for the idleness of today. No man ever served God by doing things to-morrow. If we honor Christ and are blessed, it is by the things which we do today. Whatever you do for Christ, throw your whole soul into it. Do not give Christ a little slurred labor, done as a matter of course now and then; but when you do serve him, do it with heart, and soul, and strength.<br>But where is the might of a Christian? It is not in himself, for he is perfect weakness. His might lieth in the Lord of Hosts. Then let us seek his help; let us proceed with prayer and faith, and when we have done what our "hand findeth to do," let us wait upon the Lord for his blessing. What we do thus will be well done, and will not fail in its effect.<br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-42106796130394893722010-11-25T04:09:00.001-08:002010-11-25T04:09:39.179-08:00Happy Thanksgiving Have a joyful and wonderful Thanksgiving today! Remember that we will never get this day again but have the privilege of making today a masterpiece!!<br><br>Let those who you are with today know how much you care for them and make sure you let them know how thankful you are for them. Maybe there is someone in your life that you need to call today and let them know you are thankful for them. Maybe today is a time to mend a broken fence. <br><br>God bless and have a fun Thanksgiving!<br>Slade<br><br>PS <br>We can't change what comes at us in life but we can decide how we will respond to the journey of life. Choose to respond with a positive attitude. <br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-39286845992308041452010-11-22T13:42:00.001-08:002010-11-22T13:42:27.041-08:00Learning from others Today I had a chance to meet with a great friend and co-worker today. It is amazing how much you can learn from others when you stop talking and start listening. <br><br>Thanks Neil for a great day!!<br><br>Slade<br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-9538949463067275442010-11-18T06:55:00.001-08:002010-11-18T06:55:45.041-08:00Serving others Thanksgiving is right around the corner and many family traditions will continue to be passed down. I hope we all have an incredible time with family and friends and create some great memories. <br><br>I also want to share this verse, from Mark 10:45, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”<br> <br>Think about starting some new traditions with your family. Maybe it is providing a meal to someone in need (homeless, widow, someone at a low point in life). Maybe it is just inviting someone over to have Thanksgiving with you because they have no one else to spend this day with. Maybe it is calling or writing someone who has touched your life and thanking them for their impact. <br><br>Let's think of ways that we can serve someone today and this holiday period. If you have children, make sure you include them. Remember the saying, "more is caught by seeing it in action than just hearing about ideas". Have a fun time with loving and serving others. <br><br><br>Make today a masterpiece,<br><br>Slade<br><br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-2987810746425260372010-11-13T11:19:00.001-08:002010-11-13T11:19:11.677-08:00Dancing with my daughter The week had come to a close at work. My oldest son was spending the night with a cousin. I just put down my youngest son and was ready to get into some kind of "action movie" or watch a football game. I was just ready to chill and watch some testosterone flying across the screen. As I was passing through the living room, I saw my precious little princess (my daughter Merri-Broxton) snuggled up next to my precious big princess (my wife Wendy) watching a chick flick "What a Girl Wants". I have to admit, it looked like a picture perfect moment. Until my daughter said, "Dad, I want you to snuggle up right next to me and watch this movie with Mommy and I". <br><br>In my mind, I was thinking why didn't I go through the other room, in stealth mode, and barricade down in our room watching a man's movie. Then that thought was instantly erased when she looked up at me with those precious blue eyes and said "Please Daddy". That is when I said I would love to watch this with you and Mommy. We cooked some popcorn and burrowed up underneath some blankets and pushed play. From that moment on, I knew this was exactly what God wanted me to be doing this past Friday night. We laughed together, stopped the movie and watched Merri-Broxton dance for us, and I caught my self several times looking at Merri-Broxton and thinking how fast time has gone by with her so far and how much I love her and my family. Towards the end of the movie, low and behold, I busted a leak and the tears started flowing on one scene. My wife squeezed my hand and then my little princess wanted to dance like the father and daughter in the movie. Off the couch I came and dance we did. I will cherish that night, our hugs, our dance, and looking into hers eyes and telling her how much I love her. <br><br>Thank you Lord for letting me walk through the living room and make a memory for life. <br><br><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiOMqYlJkHDZkBZBPF6DelQGIxKhmAOPcOGhk1nKbfm0MaHATdqXyCbAzjxlASExxBqUVVgA_ebjFFy-mY044QqSYgJPxJGGAwSDMzEJGWKZTp0dbCBIuj38o3bCjcoVNZXS9LxBLyXb8/'><br><br>Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-25092275343442422662010-11-10T19:15:00.000-08:002010-11-10T19:15:49.151-08:00What do we want to accomplish?I had the opportunity to talk to a lady who worked at a hotel this morning and towards the end of the conversation, I asked the question, "What do you want to accomplish today?". She looked at me and thought for a second, and then started to tell me her exact job responsibilities that she had to accomplish before she clocked out. She then started to tell me what she had to accomplish at home and the more she talked the more I sensed her frustration with all she had to accomplish. I noticed on the back of her t-shirt the mission statement of her hotel and I must say I was pretty impressed. It talked about the attitude and desire to be the best they could be. I proceeded to ask her what she thought about the mission statement and she said, "I don't have a clue what is on the shirt". You need to know that she wasn't ugly towards me at all but her attitude towards life seemed to communicate "I am just trying to get through the day, nothing more". <br />
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We have the opportunity every day to accomplish so many things and sometimes I think we let the day go right by us and we have not made an impact on anyone, our family, co-workers, etc. We have the right to love life, make people laugh, leave them encouraged, see the best in life (even when the walls are falling down around us), serve someone without expecting one thing in return. Tomorrow is a new day that we can accomplish great things in this world.<br />
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My parting words to her were this, "You have such a great opportunity to impact so many people everyday because you will be the first person the guests of this hotel will see when they wake up. You have a chance to brighten their day and leave them ready to tackle life". She gave a small smile and we parted for the day. <br />
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Have a great day and let's accomplish something tomorrow above and beyond our normal responsibilities!Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7888982959034391814.post-87711699568916789482010-11-09T21:29:00.000-08:002010-11-09T21:29:37.180-08:00Reflecting and Living life IntentionallyWhen was the last time you just stopped to reflect on life? To just sit back and soak it all in and look at those around you. Life is moving as fast as ever and the stress comes daily. Make time today to just enjoy the gift of life and the beauty that is all around us. While flying today, I looked out my window and just marveled as the sun just peaked up and glistened on the trees below. I don't stop enough to appreciate all the blessings around me but am thankful that tomorrow is a new day and I have the opportunity to make a masterpiece with those I come in contact with. Enjoy the moment and make sure that you make the most of the day because we will never get this time back again.Slade M. McLendonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17412983752314443203noreply@blogger.com1