Family

What is the Upside to a Down Economy?

August 2, 2012 By kwmccarthy

Financial challenges rip at a misplaced sense of security. These can be very challenging and humbling times. My business has been hurting this year because I allowed myself to be in a position where a client could stiff me for a large sum of money. The ripple effects touch every aspect of my life and business.

Because we're working as a team and as a family, good is coming out of the hardship. How about you? Please share your comments or story of the upside of a down economy. Your thoughts may inspire, comfort, or encourage someone in a similar situation to see things in a more positive and productive light. Hope need never be lost.

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Bishop Greg Brewer Installed in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida

March 25, 2012 By kwmccarthy

Yesterday, I witnessed for the second time in my life the consecration of a bishop in the Episcopal Church. The Rev. Gregory O. Brewer was installed as the Fourth Bishop of Central Florida. In addition to greeting Bishop Brewer, I also had the pleasure of hugging retiring Bishop John W. Howell and his predecessor, Bishop William H. Folwell. Three out of four ain't bad! Bishop Gray died a number of years agos so no hugs there!

One of the most remarkable traditions and moments in the ceremony is captured in my photo – the consecration. In the center of the photo on stage and what looks like a cake frosted with red, white, and gold are bishops from across the US encirling, laying on hands, and praying over then Rev. Brewer.

This is the moment! Here is Apostolic Succession in action or commonly referred to as the laying on of hands and prayer.

Many people wonder what is consecration of a bishop? A minimum of three Bishops are required to ordain an Episcopal Bishop. Apostolic Succession may be compared to a family tree where the laying on of hands and prayer are traced "genealogically" through the generations to Jesus laying hands on Peter. In the Episcopal Church their is an unbroken chain thanks to Bishop Seabury of Scotland.

I'm personally excited about Bishop Brewer's ministry returning to my home diocese. Bishop Howe offered a strong orthodoxy and voice in the midst of turbulent times in the Episcopal Church. Few men are such stalwarts of the faith and so gifted as a preacher and teacher. Bishop Brewer brings a pastor's heart, a keen intellect, and welcoming arms to an orthodoxy in risk of being lost. Something is brewing in Central Florida with Brewer.

Below are comments he made on Jan. 21, 2012 at the Annual Convention of the Diocese of Central Florida. Listen to his vision casting message about Compassionate Charimatic Character. Here is a rich example of a leader setting a course for a vision to be developed in anticipation of being on-purpose [my term].

Bishop Brewer, may your ministry be blessed. I look forward to your spiritual authority and leadership.

Christian Women in Business: ONPURPOSE@WORK: Join me live on air Oct. 19!

October 15, 2011 By kwmccarthy

Christian women in business face unique challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur, president, or CEO or simply dreaming of a small business start-up we'll explore the many opportunities and pitfalls of business ownership. (Men are welcome too!)

Jory Fisher has graciously invited me to be her guest on her radio show October 19 (Scroll below to call in and listen). We'll address how you can be ONPURPOSE@WORK. I'll be awarding a scholarship to ONPURPOSE@WORK to a deserving entrepreneur so you'll want to tune in to listen so you can learn how to earn by being yourself, prospering, and making a difference.

Be On-Purpose!
Kevin

Details about Heart & Soul for Women of Faith

Heart & Soul for Women of Faith airs live Wednesdays at 12 noon Eastern / 9 am Pacific. To listen live online, click on Heart & Soul at BlogTalkRadio.com. To listen by telephone, please call 1.347.326.9296. If you wish to participate in the discussions either by phone or in the chatroom, you must register your name and email address first with BlogTalkRadio by clicking on “register” on the home page of the site.

All shows are archived on my BlogTalk Radio host web page for 24/7 access and for iTunes and MP3 downloads. They are also available on my website: www.womenfindpurpose.com

“A ‘Balanced’ Life” a Poem on Life by Kevin W. McCarthy

July 25, 2011 By kwmccarthy

A "Balanced" Life

A balanced life is what I sought,

Only to have a life that was not.

My battle for balance was constantly fought,

Yet, time and again I found myself caught.

I planned, I managed, I strove to obtain.

With burnout, frustration, and a worn out brain.

Time I did “manage” with feelings distraught,

Where the harder I tried, the less I got.

A balanced life captured my thought.

Advice and coaching I often sought.

So coaches and counselors I did retain

To inspire, encourage, and help me retrain.

I listened and learned and did as I ought,

Yet my sense of my self continued to rot.

Day after day I did not obtain,

A life in balance – I could not sustain.

Daily my Father saw my deep pain,

Finally, he asked of my earnest campaign.

I told of the experts and advice I had bought.

He listened long. Then, I asked what he thought.

“A balanced life you will not obtain.

It’s an illusion sure to drive you insane.”

About the balanced life I so anxiously sought.

In essence he said, “All is for naught.”

Could my experts’ advice be words all in vain!

Dad’s contrary words were too simple and plain.

Defensive and righteous, I took a pot shot,

“If not balance, what else have you got?”

He answered, “A balanced life is what you’ve sought.

Instead, try this one simple thought:

Live your life integrated. It will go as it ought.”

A different perspective my Father had brought.

Intrigued and delighted his words fell as rain,

To my parched soul truly going insane.

How do I integrate? How do I maintain?

Were questions resounding deep in my brain.

“In the beginning, when you were begotten

A purpose was given, you’ve long since forgotten.

Search your heart and all its terrain.

Your purpose lies dormant, yet steadfast and fain.

“Ignoring your purpose causes work with strain.

Why worry about balance if it isn’t germane!

Align to your purpose, live as you ought.

Listen, my love, to the words that I’ve taught.”

His words were startling, and hard to contain

For Balance, my idol, he had just slain.

No more was my stomach tied tight in a knot.

For a balanced life I no longer sought.

In the heart of my heart I had learned a lot

Of ordering life on Dad’s integrating thought.

Gone were failings and feelings distraught

Where the harder I tried, the less I got.

I’m sparked by my purpose so simple and plain.

Integration, not balance, now keeps me so sane.

The gift of hope in my heart does remain.

For being on-purpose I can surely sustain.

Recovering the Diamonds, a short film by Nic Askew

June 20, 2011 By kwmccarthy

Nic Askew of Soul Biographies produces gently disturbing films on-purpose. Having been in a maximum security prison for three days (not nights) as part of a Kairos Prison Ministry, I related to Juan's initial reaction to the prisoners. Recovering the Diamonds provokes a natural prejudice for self-defense within an extreme and dangerous environment of criminals. Yet Juan offers hope and insight juxtaposed with Nic's compelling questions.

Invest 8 minutes to view Nic's film. What if you are committing an imprisoning crime upon persons who don't fit your concept of a person worth knowing?

RECOVERING THE DIAMONDS from Nic Askew on Vimeo.

On-Purpose Profile: Carrie Wilkerson, The Barefoot Executive

January 20, 2011 By kwmccarthy

This morning, I kicked off my shoes and listened to Disney Entrepreneur Center.

Carrie plays in the noble space of helping professionals, business owners, those in career transition, and other self-employed persons work more successfully from home. She trailblazed her way and is marking the path for others to follow in her footprints.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you know that I’m a fan of the creativity, productivity, profitability, and contribution that starting and owning a small business offers. Business can be a pure vocational expression of your purpose, and, therefore, an opportunity to be on-purpose. Because of a similar heart to Carrie, my On-PurposeME program is designed for the SOHO (small office, home office) start-up or running business owner. You just can’t know enough.

Carrie is a great model for creating on-purpose work at home business. Sitting in the front seat and I could see it in her eyes. She’s having the time of her life doing good while doing well with maintaining defined personal boundaries and a strong commitment to her marriage, family, and clients.

For years, I’ve been teaching that life balance is a myth. Carrie shared those nearly identical words with those in attendence. Coincidentally, my On-Purpose Minute on Tuesday was entitled: Do You Want More Balance In Your Life? (Be sure to look for the link to my poem: A Balanced Life.)

Here’s my recommendation to you, visit Carrie’s website (click the banner below). Subscribe to her email and video messages. You’ll find that she brings a fresh encouragement and spirit similar to me when it comes to being true to yourself and taking the leap into business ownership.

Watching Carrie in action was educational and engaging. If you are a fan of On-Purpose and fit the target audience of wanting to be a work from home business owner, then jump bare feet first over to Carrie’s website and get a little cyber sand between your toes.

Brand Backstory:

Carrie shared that in 2003 her husband, aka Mr. Barefoot, tagged her as the “Barefoot Executive” while she made the career transition from high school teacher to stay at home business executive / owner. She was running around the home conducting business in her barefeet and he lovingly made the observation. Carrie made note of his term of endearment. Three years ago, she birthed her business of helping others make the great escape from the corporate world.

I had to chuckle when she said, “I’m from Texas. We understand branding. It is the way we keep track of our cattle and keep people from stealing them.” It was a great reminder that business branding is rooted in some pretty practical stuff! With Carrie’s help perhaps you, too, can leave your footprints in the sand… on-purpose, of course.

PS – yes, Carrie Wilkerson spoke to us in her jeans and barefeet!

PSS – Special thanks to my friends Wendy Kurtz and Roy Reed for organizing and inviting me to the event at the Disney Entrepreneur Center.

Wendy Kurtz is President of Elizabeth Charles a niche PR firm that helps authors, speakers and executives get their message and medium into the media and into people’s lives.

Roy Reed is a Partner in Consensus Communications, a strategic public relations firm whose currency of choice is trust.

Is Your Smart Phone Making You Stupid?

January 17, 2011 By kwmccarthy

The smarter our smart phones get, the dumber we're becoming behind the wheel of a car.

Teens get blasted for texting and driving, but let me tell you, it isn't just kids. While I don't text and drive, I do have my unsafe moments of cell phone use. Those of us who are older and "wiser" are guilty of our own set of cell phone violations – looking up numbers, dialing while driving, reading email, etc…

There's a line in this video, "What is worth losing your life over? That text message?" That question stopped me dead in my tracks of cell phone usage.

You see, even though my car is equipped with bluetooth and I've got two hands on the wheel, I find myself looking up phone numbers, dialing, and pressing send while driving. No more even just a little distraction for me. Watch this, join me, and let's live longer, healthier lives while driving safely for us and those other people on the road.

Really! How busy are you that it can't wait until conditions to text or call are safe?

The On-Purpose Leader Experience Preview

January 5, 2011 By kwmccarthy

Are you searching for answers in all the wrong places?
Do you question if you're on the right path for your career or life?
Has your life plan not gone as planned?
Are you wondering, Just who am I?
How many times have you tried to figure out what you should do with your life and gotten it not right?
Do you find frustration has become an all too familiar friend?
Do you have a blessed life and want to make it even better?

Sounds like you're ready for The On-Purpose Leader Experience! Preview it by CLICKING HERE!

Thank you to the Central Florida Christian Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this event. This On-Purpose Leader Experience will be led from a Christian worldview.

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