“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4

When we are unhappy, we usually blame it on someone or something else. It rarely occurs to us that we must be responsible for our own joy, but that is indeed what we must do. If our joy is based on having all the people in our lives do as we please and on always having pleasant circumstances, there is little hope of enjoying very many days. However, if we take responsibility for our joy and realize we can choose to be joyful regardless of our circumstances, then we can enjoy every day of our lives.

The longer we live, the more we realize that everything in life is a choice. Our enjoyment of life does not depend on what happens to us, but on how we RESPOND to it. We cant control what other people do, nor what our circumstances will be from day to day, but we can control ourselves, with God’s help. He has given us the gift of self-control as one of the fruit of the Holy Spirt. (Galatians 5:23). This fruit resides inside of us and is like a muscle: The more we use it, the stronger it becomes.

You can choose to blame your emotional state on someone or something, but God can teach you that your joy is your responsibility, not any one else’s. Blaming others for our problems, only puts off the inevitable. Sooner or later, we must take responsibility and stop making excuses for our ungodly behavior. We can take ownership and ask God to help us change for the better.

EMPLOYEE NAME	POSITION	BIRTHDAY
Tony Cooper	Service Director	6-4
Naylin Hernandez	Housekeeping	6-4
Chase Gaddy	Chevy Tech	6-4
Dominick Rios-Oquendo	Lube Tech	6-5
Erick Santiago	Kia Tech	6-5
Jonathan Mcguire	P/O Sales N	6-7
Pablo Moreira	Kia Sales	6-8
Ryan Campbell	Finance Closer	6-8
Darrious Wise	Kia Sales	6-9
Mark Brigham	Chevy Tech	6-11
Doug English	Chevy Tech	6-11
Austin Carrigan	GMC Sales	6-14
Patrick Jeune	Chevy Tech	6-16
Steve Chilton	Chevy Service Manager	6-18
Vickie Canady	BDC Receptionist	6-20
Christian Santiago	Body Shop Helper	6-21
Chayton Wodecki	Honda Sales	6-22
Alexis Rylott	North Cashier	6-23
Calvin Byrd	Detail	6-24
Kelli Woodside	Accounts Receivable	6-24
Maribel Rodriguez	Housekeeping	6-24
George White	Wholesaler	6-27
Mike Boswell	GMC Sales	6-27
Kayla Rodriguez	Internet Sales	6-28
Erin Harrison	JMA/Payables	6-29
Adrian Ramirez	BDC Reception	6-30

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

What are the traits of a good leader?

Well, believe it or not, a good leader does not think he or she has all the answers. (Imagine that!) In fact, a new study from the University of Buffalo has shown that compared to egotistical bosses, humble bosses…

1. …lead by example,
2. …admit their mistakes, and
3. …recognize their followers’ strengths.

A pretty good start, I’d say.

Obviously, leaders make things happen. They bring about change. And great leaders communicate clearly their vision and goals. They have clear direction and the ability to motivate others to join them. Sometimes this is for good, sometimes it is for evil. Real leaders delegate. They trust in others to get the job done. Micro-managers constantly destroy the morale of those they are called to lead.

All of these are key traits of leadership…

…but what separates good leaders from great leaders?

I believe it’s one thing – courage.

The courage to do what is right, to do what needs to be done, especially when the heat is on and people are grumbling and the times are hard. Great leaders have the courage to lead others to carry out their vision no matter what the cost.

Where does this kind of courage come from? This courage can be found in the Lord. Leaders, God’s Word says, “Be strong and courageous.”

Strength and courage – key factors to all great leadership.

How many great leaders do you know?