It's Not Where We Start! It's Where We Finish!

As we look forward to 2013 with plans and resolutions...I am motivated to reflect on several moments from 2012 to not only encourage myself to never settle for what masquerades superficially as "What Is", but rather to focus on "What Is Yet To Come!" Hence...the title of this blog post: "It's Not Where We Start! It's Where We Finish!"

What I discovered and appreciated with the start of a new year was the opportunity to reevaluate and refocus my career goals. With prayer, guidance, amazing love from my Lord, family and friends, I started this “Bright Ideas! Brighter Future!” blog and renewed my Lamp Public Relations & Marketing business. Through those actions, I met "life changing" people and made strides that I never imagined possible. With that said, here's a reflection and dedication of my Top 7.5 Audacious New Year Ideas that may be life-changing for you too:

1. Reconnect with Friends/Business Acquaintances: If you escaped the holiday season without sending any Christmas cards or writing an annual family letter...use the month of January to reconnect with friends and business acquaintances and tell them what your goals are for the new year. By doing this in early 2012, I was able to help with the publicity of two local media/public relations events ~ one for the Harlem Globetrotters through MetraPark and one for Women of Faith. Also, by June...a grade school friend connected me and my business with a friend of hers who was looking for some strategic marketing and planning expertise for her new business, Prairie Preservations

One of the publicity stops with Harlem Globetrotters Ant Atkinson allows time for my kiddos to come meet this basketball hero.

2. Use Social Media to Expand Your Network: Since starting my Twitter account at  (https://twitter.com/lampprpro) in Nov. 2010 at the annual American Agri-Women convention, I've significantly expanded my circle of influence.  For example, during a February weekly online Twitter chat through AgChat Foundation,  a farmer-led foundation "empowering a connected community of agvocates", I connected with an independent, Maryland-based filmmaker, Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios, who reached out to me about helping him market and promote a project called the Wheat Harvest Movie (now called the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film). Knowing the scope and magnitude a project like this would entail, I was able to connect with a local independent communications consultant and in April we collaborated our businesses for this project and were named the National Executive Co-Coordinators. 

 3. Appreciate Where You've Been...So, You Know Where You Can Go:  The Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film allowed me and Team GAWH several opportunities to travel back to my hometown area of western Nebraska. Growing up near Scottsbluff and having been away from the area for more than 20 years, I never imagined a national/international project would have hometown ties. I consider it an honor and privilege to have come from such a stable and encouraging upbringing, so I am able to take that experience and enthusiasm with me wherever I go. One of our trips to Scottsbluff included working with Teresa Scanlan Miss America 2011, who hails from Scottsbluff/Gering, on a public service announcement and appearing with her and the filmmaker on KNEB Radio to promote the film.

Above: Teresa Scanlan Miss America 2011 and Jody Lamp, National Executive Co-coordinator, Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film. Below: Conrad Weaver of ConjoStudios; Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011; and Jody Lamp of Lamp Public Relations & Marketing, appear with Kevin Mooney of KNEB Radio on News Extra.

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4. Find Your Passion to Empower Others: While working throughout the spring and summer developing and implementing the strategic marketing plan and fund development program for the film, for a few months I also wrote a weekly agricultural-based column for the Gering Citizen newspaper. With the help of national AAW president, Karen Yost, in May, my business partner and I were able to work once again in western Nebraska with local business leaders to help start a NEW AAW affiliate ~ the Western Nebraska Agri-Women.

New members, congressional and AAW representatives at the inaguration of the NEW Western Nebraska Agri-Women event in Scottsbluff/Gering, NE

5. Believe the Unbelievable...... Believe that you will meet people you have never met before...Believe you will go places, see and do things you never dreamed about before...And most of all...believe in your strengths and capabilities. One of the most spectacular things I  got to witness this past year was the Guinness World Record Breaking Harvest For Kids event when farmers from many different communities in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan area came together to bring in a record harvest of 249 combines rolling down the field in front of thousands of spectators all with the goal of bringing hope to kids around the world through Children’s Camps International. (the following photos appear courtesy of Harvest For Kids)

6. Invest Time in Yourself:  Even if your travel schedule overwhelms you or you think it's selfish to take a break from your family to concentrate on a personal project or dream...DO IT ANYWAY! You'll never regret the time you take to spend time alone. In a blog post I wrote earlier this year called, "STOP!! Smell the Roses!" I shared how my business partner and I carved out two extra days after some business travel to concentrate on our personal projects. My project is four years of researching, organizing and writing of a historical period in the development of our nation's horse/agricultural industries. I continue to be fascinated by my findings and encouraged to press on. I highly recommend never putting off doing today what may not be here tomorrow.  Life is too short and fleeting to take casually. 

 

7. Continue To Learn....School is Never Out for the Pro: Globally and locally, agriculture faces an ongoing plethora of challenges ~ productive landmass decline, food production practices, government regulations, consumer awareness or lack thereof....As I've traveled and worked with my fellow agricultural enthusiasts, organizations and associations throughout the United States and Canada, I'm inspired to pursue a master's degree in leadership education. While researching several options, I've already inquired and met with chairperson at my alma mater's University of Nebraska-Lincoln's department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication. What are you doing to increase and expand your knowledge base?


7.5  And lastly....Never Be Afraid to Let Your "Light" Shine: Even when we think no one is looking...someone is always watching to see how we will rise to occasion, respond to a situation or how we will step out boldly to lead the charge. If you're not satisfied with where your life/career/family goals are at this moment...remember..."It's Not Where We Start! It's Where We Finish!" that counts. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes and bid you a prosperous new year! Go MAKE great things happen in 2013:

Our Deepest Fear

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

 Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. 

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. 

We are all meant to shine, as children do. 

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. 

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

How I Spend My Sept. 11's since 2001

I believe like most Americans do on this day since Sept. 11, 2001, I spend today reflecting and appreciating the blessings in my life: my parents, my husband, my children, my family, my friends, my country, and most of all, my relationship with my Lord and Savior.

One of the most famous pictures from 9/11, photo of three firemen raising the American flag at the site of the World Trade Center attacks. Shot by Thomas E. Franklin, of The Bergen Record, the photo first appeared on Sept 12, 2001 under the title, Ground Zero Spirit. The paper also put it on the Associated Press wire and it appeared on the covers of several newspapers around the world. The photo was a finalist in 2002 for the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news photography.

Sept 11, 2001 ~  
"Where were you when the world stopped turning ....on that September day?"

The north face of Two World Trade Center (south tower) immediately after being struck by United Airlines Flight 175

I will be forever grateful that on that particular Tuesday morning, my day began like nearly every other day had been for me the previous four years.When my husband and I moved to Montana in 1997, the Milwaukee, WI/Lincoln, NE-based public relations and advertising agency I worked for then ~ Bader Rutter & Associates ~ allowed me the opportunity to continue working with them and set up an office in my home.

My husband had already left for work and our nine-month-old son was playing on the living room floor when I turned on NBC News in New York City to watch Katie, Matt, Ann and Al and catch the morning news. By that time, five hijackers had already crashed American Airlines Flight 11 into the World Trade Center's North Tower. I called my mom in Nebraska to see if she had been watching the news earlier that morning and had heard anything. She hadn't, so we said our "love you's" and hung up. Soon after, I watched in shocked as another five hijackers crashed United Airlines Flight 175 into the South Tower.

At that point, I picked up my son and held him as tightly as I could. I knew what was happening could be no accident. I started to rock him more for my own comfort than his. Through tears, I prayed, "Dear Lord ~ please be with all those babies whose mommies and daddies went to work in those Towers today."

I called my husband's work and was talking with his boss when the five hijackers flew American Airlines Flight 77 into the Pentagon. There was no doubt that our country was under attack and would never be the same.

 What Are You Thankful For Today?

What I was thankful for in 2001 and what I am thankful for and passionate about in 2012 has only intensified. Beyond the blessings I mentioned earlier, I consider it great honor and privilege that I continue to work with individuals and businesses in the public relations and marketing field advocating, promoting, educating, and sharing information about all aspects of agriculture.

Everyday I awaken with an attitude of gratitude for the ability to live and work in these United States of America. Herein lies my passion:

Meeting up with my fellow ag advocate and dear friend, Heidi Nelson of Harvest PR & Marketing, at the Ag Media Summit in Albuquerque, NM

"Amber Waves of Grain" ~ The beauty of an eastern Montana wheat field right before harvest

Talking with  Conrad Weaver, executive film director for the Great American Wheat Harvest (Wheat Harvest Movie) documentary film, and Tracy Zeorian of Zeorian Harvesting & Trucking, who was here all the way from Manley, NE to harvest spring wheat with her husband, Jim, near Jordan, MT. I wore my Husker hat and shirt to make Tracy & Jim feel at home. Melody Dobson, my business partner and national executive co-coordinator on GAWH took the pic.

Taking a pic of my co-National Executive Coordinator, Melody Dobson, as we meet up with the Zeorian Harvesting Crew, who are featured in the Great American Wheat Harvest documentary film trailer.

May We Never Forget 

This week as I travel to Nebraska for Husker Harvest Days and Kansas with my co-National Executive Coordinator to represent the Great American Wheat Harvest, I find myself recommitted, dedicated and driven to fulfilling the purpose of the life God has granted me. I love what I do. I hope that you in turn love what you're doing, love who your are becoming and love who you are yet to become.

The events of 9/11/2001 are a reminder to us all that life is too short not to love every minute of it.

"Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” -- President George W. Bush September 11, 2001.

 "Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out with pride for the red, white and blue

And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?

Did you look up to Heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself and what really matters?"

"But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, Hope and Love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is Love......." 

Lyrics from "Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning" by Alan Jackson

STOP!! Smell The Roses!

Home = A Place to Hang Your Hat

I love hats! And the hats I wear typically have a story or a sentimental reason or I just wouldn't adorn them. Until recently, I hadn't realize how attached I had become to one particular hat of mine until I misplaced it or simply lost it! I couldn't pinpoint when, but suspected missing my 131st Kentucky Derby hat around the same time I had traveled back to western Nebraska for the American Agri-Women Informational Summit and stayed at my new "home away from home" the Scottsbluff Barn Anew Bed & Breakfast.

Scottsbluff Barn Anew

The Long Shot

For at least the past 20 years, my cousin who lives in Indiana takes a short drive south across the Ohio River and crosses the Kentucky border to Louisville. She heads to a gift shop near the historic Churchill Downs horse racetrack and gets my dad his April 18th birthday gift in the form of the current Kentucky Derby's souvenir logo t-shirt and hat. 


In 2007 after accumulating quite a collection, my dad gave me his 131st Kentucky Derby souvenir hat ~ a black colored baseball cap with the the famous Twin Spires embroidered in white stitching and a red rose. On May 5, 2007, a gray three-year-old colt named Giacomo, a 50-1 long shot, came down the center of the historical race track with hall of fame jockey Mike Smith to win the second-greatest payoff in Derby history. Giacomo's owner received a first-place check of $1,639,000 for the victory.

Giacomo, a 50-1 long shot winner of the 131st Kentucky Derby

The 2010 Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Churchill Downs holds a special place in my heart as my dad and I were able to attend both horse racing days that year. When I was younger, we owned Quarter and Thoroughbred horses, on and off the track. And every Labor Day weekend, we've traditionally made our way to a racetrack ~ to hear the Call to Post, see 120 pounds of jockey maneuver 1,200 pounds of muscle down the stretch and cheer the winners across the finish line. So, it should be no surprise that I have nearly every word of every scene of the movie Secretariat memorized. 

More than three thousand years ago a man named Job complained to God about all his troubles and the Bible tells us that God answered. 

"Do you give the horse its strength or clothe its neck 
with a flowing mane? 

Do you make him leap like a locust, 
striking terror with his proud snorting? 

He paused fiercely, 
rejoicing in his strength and charges into the fray. 

He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing, 
He does not shy away from the sword. 

The quiver rattles against his side, 
along with the flashing spear and lance. 

In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground. 

He cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds."

So, for the record, to have lost my favorite Kentucky Derby hats was disappointing.

Back at the Barn

Last month for the third time this year, my Great American Wheat Harvest business partner and I traveled back to Nebraska and stayed once again at Barn Anew. We worked for four days. We traveled two days for the documentary film to meet with potential corporate sponsors. The remaining two days, we carved out time in the Barn's newly renovated Bunkhouse meeting room to concentrate on our own personal projects.


My project has been four years of researching and writing in the making. It was a blessing to finally set aside time specifically devoted to a mission and passion I believe only God could have placed on my heart. To add a special touch to our environment, we arranged with the Barn Anew owner, Cher Maybee, to have a vase of fresh flowers each placed in our working area. The flowers of her choice ~ a fresh bouquet of roses.


As I paused a moment that afternoon to "STOP, Smell the Roses" and take a picture of the beautiful arrangement, I noticed a black colored baseball-style cap on the Bunkhouse wall. Taking a closer look, I realized and exclaimed through joyful tears, "THAT'S MY KENTUCKY DERBY HAT!!!"

I verified with the owners that it had been left there about a month before by one of the guests ~ ME!! 

Moral of the Story:

Had my business partner not convinced me to invest time in developing my own personal project, goals and deadlines; 

Had my husband and family not been fully supportive and believed in my skills and abilities 110% like they always have; 

Had I not taken that one to two seconds of time to just stop and smell the roses;

I may never have found my Kentucky Derby hat and realized that gentle nudge of assurance that I was right where God intended me to be that day. It was a great reminder to not take any day or any person in my life casually and to enjoy and cherish every minute. As the saying goes, Life is not a dress rehearsal!

I'm excited and grateful to be heading to the Ag Media Summit in Albuquerque, NM, later this week for an opportunity to network, learn and connect with my agricultural media, agency and business friends. And to meet and make new friends. I plan to savor each moment. May your week be as equally blessed. 

And remember, Stop!! Smell the Roses!

You never know what treasure awaits you!

Calling my dad to let him know that I had found my 131st Kentucky Derby hat!

 

June 30! Is Your Year Half Over? Or Half Started?

A dedication to the celebration of the life of Mark P. Weiland:

I typically never write or post blogs on Saturdays. But today I make an exception to honor and celebrate the life of Mark P. Weiland, our dearest friend, whose life seemed to be taken from us all too soon. Just two months passed his 30th birthday, Mark, as a passenger in his own vehicle, was involved in accident that I believe can now only be characterize as "it was just his time to go home."

In fact, it was the words spoken by minister that day officiating his funeral that comforted us the most ~ "It was Mark's time to go Home....to be with his Heavenly Father....."

Treat Every Day As A Gift

Not too many days go by that I don't think about our best friend Mark, whom we affectionately referred to as "The Duffer!" I honestly don't recall how he came by that nickname. I'll have to ask my husband to remind me some time, but I think it had something to do with his golf game. It's easy to recall Mark's larger than life personality, his contagious laugh and smile, and most of all, his generosity, kindness and love for his family and friends.

We honor his memory today and everyday since Dec. 30, 2000, when my husband and I named our first child  ~ Mark Michael Lamp ~ after him.  Since then, we remind ourselves to approach each day with an attitude of gratitude, with purpose, passion and conviction to do what is right and what is best for the greater good, to treat others the way that we would like to be treated and to honor God with our actions and words in the process.

 "The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short,

 but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark." ~ Michelangelo

Find Your Passion! Make Great Things Happen!

I take my purpose and passion to promote agriculture and to be an advocate for the industry as a whole very seriously.  In my last blog post, I talked about setting a 52-day goal to see what you accomplish. With that said, how do you view today ~ June 30, 2012?? Half Over?? Or Half Started?? While you evaluate your answer (and I hope share it with me as well) thank you for allowing me an opportunity to share examples of what putting action to your dreams and goals can accomplish in less than six months:

• Sign new contracts and be named a co-National Executive Coordinator for a documentary film like the Great American Wheat Harvest:

 

• Meet new, like-minded people and become business partners!

 

• Meet an Advocate for Agriculture, like Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan!

•  Help start a NEW Affiliate for the American Agri-Women!

 Certainly, these accomplishments reflect my dreams and goals. I'm a firm believer that any one of us can accomplish what we can not begin to fathom or comprehend when we let go of the ungodly and unnecessary obstacles in our lives. During a sermon, I heard one of our pastor's say, "People who start well are a time a dozen. People who finish well are rare and special." 

Be RARE!! Be SPECIAL!! I plan to view June 30, 2012 as HALF-STARTED!!  

I know that's how my friend Mark P. Weiland would see it.

And I know that is what my Heavenly Father has called me to do too!! How bout YOU??