Growth is rarely achieved on the mountaintops

Growth is rarely achieved on the mountaintops

The fall weather has been a nice relief after a very warm summer and sets the tone perfectly for the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities. Nearly four centuries ago, a bedraggled group of pilgrims were finally celebrating a bountiful harvest following 12 long months...
Honesty affects our lives in multiple ways

Honesty affects our lives in multiple ways

Folks, this is a biggie. If I would ask for a show of hands for everyone that proclaims to be honest, every hand would shoot up, right? I know I would say that I am very honest in all of my dealings. Now, if I ask for a show of hands of those that at times give false...
Integrity: Something that must be earned

Integrity: Something that must be earned

If I were to ask you what the one most important thing is that your parents gave to you, what would it be? I’m guessing that the answers would vary from money to education, or maybe your first car. It could even be your family’s business that your parents poured their...
Anything worth pursuing begins with a dream

Anything worth pursuing begins with a dream

A Challenge to Overcome  In 539 B.C., Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonian Empire. It was during the time of the Babylonians that the Hebrews were taken into exile far from their homes. Unlike the Babylonian kings before him, Cyrus allowed these captives to...
Accountability

Accountability

“I’m sorry, it was my fault.” When was the last time you heard this sentence uttered by someone in a leadership role or in our country‘s government? (Probably never, unless it was a sitcom or a cartoon.) How often have you heard that in your workplace? How about in...
Patience is a Virtue

Patience is a Virtue

Never has our world been less patient than today. We prefer our food drive-through ready, our conversations as quick as we can tap out a text on our smartphones, and when we need to make a purchase, we skip the trip to the hardware store or Wal-Mart and simply hop...
Compassionate People

Compassionate People

If there were a magical remedy that would make you happier and healthier, would you buy it? It seems like something you’d find in an old apothecary jar with fancy script spelling out the words, “Snake Oil.” Well, I’m going to give you the remedy for free, and it...
Lodestar Guidance Review

Lodestar Guidance Review

Hi, I’m Ivan J. F. Miller and I live in the middle of Holmes County’s Amish Country. My greatest passion is helping others—especially young people—find and fulfill their dreams and goals. God has allowed me to be involved in building relationships most of my...
Important Lodestar News

Important Lodestar News

Over the past 25 plus years, I have come to understand that character has been the catalyst for our success at Weaver Leather. It has created a culture that directly reflects the principles we have always taught and modeled. I have also witnessed the demise of...
Lead from the Heart

Lead from the Heart

I believe that leadership starts with the heart, and when your heart is in the right place, relationships are formed. Leading with your heart first tells people that they are more valuable than just their position or what they can do for you as their leader. Leading...