Category: Holiday Joy

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Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year

The holiday season is here and there’s no better time to express my deepest gratitude to all of you! Thank you for showering me with unwavering support throughout the year. My heart is full of joy and gratefulness. Above all my family and I send to you our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!

As we count our blessings this festive season, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for being an integral part of my journey. For being my blessing! Your support has not only made this year fruitful, but it has also taught me the power of tribe and resilience.

To say thank you here is a YouTube Christmas Playlist for you to celebrate this season. It is a compilation of some of my favorite Christmas collaborations, concerts, and music over several years.

Reflecting on the Past Year

Looking back on this year nearly gone by, after releasing an album and book in 2022, I spent a lot of time working on behind the scenes items and producing the music tracks for my next project.

Judith Singing “Wonderful Counselor“

A couple of Rotary clubs invited me to speak and therefore, I made some great connections.

While I did release an EP, “Tears of the Past,” with five different mixes, I was more excited to bless my sweet friend by producing a special rendition of her favorite Hymn “Be Thou My Vision,” for her birthday. This classic yet timeless Hymn features her lovely and talented daughter on the lead vocals. It warmed my heart when she received it with tears of happiness.

Finally, I am excited to share that have recently been approved as an artist for a music sync licensing library. Shout out to Jere B for dropping the dime on this resource. I am in the process of loading my catalog into the library and should be done by the time you read this blog. Music Supervisors will now have access to my music for placement into film and TV. This is a HUGE dream of mine, and while my niche is specific, you never know where you will hear one of my productions next. It is humbling and exciting!

What’s Next in 2024

Coming in 2024, a first! A country music album from songs I have been hanging on to FOR YEARS. I mean I wrote one of the songs when I was a baby teenager. Consequently, this album will not be like anything I have ever done before. There are some really heart felt, tear-jerkers that anyone can relate to. One of the songs was inspired by the death of my friend, the same age as me, who died in 2021 from COVID. Naturally, some edgy, rock-country crossover’s are planned to showcase my military background and ardent patriotism. I have 13 songs planned and some of them are produced, ready for vocals. More to come folks!

Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year!

So without further fanfare, Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year to ya! My journey through 2023 would never have been as successful and fulfilling without your love and support. Your listening to LeBaker’s music, your passionate engagement on social media, and your heartfelt messages of encouragement are all the driving force behind every step I took last year. Your unwavering belief in me helps give me the strength to do what I am born for!

Wishing you Joy and Peace in the year ahead. As we bid farewell to 2023, let us welcome 2024 with hope and excitement. My prayer is that in the upcoming year, the Lord will shower you with endless blessings, abundant joy, and infinite possibilities. May you be uplifted by the company of loved ones and embrace each moment with gratitude and appreciation. Remember to live well, laugh often, and love much as you create countless memories to treasure.

Keep up the Support for this Small Business

    • Listen on your favorite streaming services, YouTube, and Rumble
    • Like, subscribe & follow LeBaker Music | Judith Baker on your favorite platform
    • Add a song to your playlist
    • Give my latest book, Bigger Than Me to someone for Christmas
    • Book me for your next speaking event or leadership training (I do remote training)
    • Be wary I will never private message you to ask you for money!

#LeBakerMusic, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #MerryChristmas #HappyNewYear #HappyHannukah #entremusician #musicianary

 

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Remembrance on Memorial Day

Remembrance on Memorial Day.  Admittedly I am always surprised when people get military holidays mixed up. Nevertheless, I know everyone has not worn the uniform. In any case, we all can pause to remember the sacrifices so many made that gives us our freedom.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday of May. In short, this day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the brave men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military.

Decoration Day

National Anthem, Idaho a very long time ago 🙂

Established after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” this commemorative day was born in remembrance of the Union soldiers who gave their lives. Over time, it became the Memorial day of our time. Notably a day to pay tribute to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

On Memorial Day, Americans across the country participate in parades, ceremonies, and visit cemeteries to honor our fallen soldiers. On this day flags fly at half-mast until noon. Subsequently flags are then raised to full mast as a symbol of the country’s resilience. Additionally, many families and friends gather to remember and celebrate the lives of their loved ones who gave their lives for their country.

Remembrance on Memorial Day

It is important to remember that Memorial Day is not just a day for grilling and picnics. It is a solemn day to remember the sacrifice of those who have served and died to protect the freedom and ideals of the United States. As we enjoy our freedoms and liberties, we should take a moment to reflect and recognize the bravery and sacrifice of these men and women who gave their all.

Freedoms Not Free

Remember Freedoms Not Free and enjoy this song to commemorate

News & Reminders

    1. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the LeBaker Music – YouTube Channel
    2. We are now on Facebook
    3. Do you know some one that needs an attitude adjustment?

#LeBakerMusic, # Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #memorialday #veteran #freedomsnotfree

 

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5 Thanksgiving Leadership Lessons

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Just in case you are asking the question what do Thanksgiving and Leadership have in common, well a lot. Let me introduce you to 5 Thanksgiving leadership lessons.

Every holiday family leaders make meal decisions using leadership skills for Thanksgiving tables across the country. Mothers, Grandmothers, and Thanksgiving planners have learned many leadership lessons over the years. These superheroes who work tirelessly, on every holiday to provide a bountiful feast have navigated the waters of conflict resolution, resource management, and decision making. These are an example of leadership skills. We can learn and benefit from these family leaders based on five (5) lessons they learned which I am sharing in this blog. Consequently, they may not even realize how their leadership techniques have shaped and molded families for generations. Here are the 5 Thanksgiving Leadership Lessons you can put in your Leadership tool kit.

Lesson 1 – Make A Decision

With the various options available such as what to eat, what’s for dessert, traditional meal or something different someone will make the decision. When making decisions there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration. Just like in business this can create conflict and frustration. Naturally, a leader must realistically expect different ideas and expectations. Here are some simple reminders for better decisions.

    • What is the goal or desired outcome, to illustrate, cook a Thanksgiving meal
    • Examine the options, for example, traditional or maybe Italian for the meal
    • Identify the effect of the decision, consequently one of your guest has a restricted diet that will influence the food on the final menu
    • Make the decision, finally, you made the command decision to have Italian this year for your Thanksgiving meal

Lesson learned: Identifying your business goal, considering options, challenges, and opportunities will boost your decision-making ability.

Lesson 2 – Plan Like a Pro

The best-laid plans are not always foolproof. Let me elaborate here. Say you made the decision to prepare your Italian Thanksgiving feast with Lasagna, Italian garlic bread, salad, and all the trimmings. The guest arrive, are settling in, but you are informed your Sister-in-law is newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease. She must avoid anything with wheat because of gluten. Are you prepared to have an alternative ready for her to enjoy? Doing some pre-work in your planning is beneficial to mitigate risk and plan for unforeseen circumstances.

The Mayflower Compact

A leadership example to demonstrate the importance of including external factors in your planning is the Mayflower Compact. In November of 1620, 41 men crafted a document to quiet a rebellion. Furthermore, this document established the laws the Colonists agreed to follow. Consequently, by examining civil behaviors that could pose a risk to the success of the Colony, the Mayflower Compact was crafted to provide governance to bind them together. Ultimately, the Mayflower Compact would lay the foundation for the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States.

Lesson learned: In addition to the obvious items on a to-do list, dig deeper, come up with what-if scenarios, and ask open-ended questions to reveal and identify ways to address unexpected challenges.

Lesson 3 – Be Kind

Let us revisit the gluten sensitive Sister-in-law. While arriving and expecting to eat a good Turkey dinner she must choose how she will react when she realizes her choices are limited. Subsequently, as a leader in her family, her children are watching how she responds. Aware of the facts that 1) leadership is influence and 2) it is more effective to be kind – she thanks her host graciously. Likewise, she points out how hard her host worked to prepare such a lovely meal for the family. With reassuring kindness, she states “she will feast on salad and cranberry sauce and bask in the ambiance of being with family and making memories.” This is the side of leadership you may not find in a textbook.

Lesson Learned: A kind word in an uncomfortable situation can change the mood and provide a deeper respect for a leader because people are watching how you react.

Lesson 4 – Know Your Limits

This may be easier said than done depending on your personality. Furthermore, we may not realize we have reached the limit until that line is crossed. From the extroverted perfectionist and people-pleaser to the introvert that needs all the facts to make a decision each leaders limits are different. Consequently in business and at social gatherings often something will push us beyond our limits.

Leaders who know how to navigate these challenges don’t have a magic formula, they have “emotional intelligence” or EQ. Psychology Today defines EQ as “the ability to understand, manage, and effectively express one’s own feelings, as well as engage and navigate successfully with those of others.” Healthy ways to activate your EQ include:

    • Getting plenty of rest before a big event especially for introverts
    • Stay cool under pressure and don’t let others push your buttons
    • Get over trying to please everyone because of the fear of rejection
    • Avoid jumping to negative conclusions
    • Let go of the things not in your control

Lesson Learned: Leaders with high EQ manage their emotions when pushed past their limits.

Lesson 5 – Listen More, Talk Less

In his book, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect,” John C. Maxwell says,

    • “High achievers listen well to everyone
    • Average achievers listen only to superiors
    • Low achievers avoid communication and rely on policy manuals…”

Incidentally, we can gather from John’s comments that there is a method to listening well. Listening more and talking less will help any leader make a connection that goes beyond words.

5 Thanksgiving Leadership LessonsLet me illustrate. Remember our gluten sensitive Thanksgiving dinner guest. Since we we keep going back her perhaps we should give her a name. She seems elegant so lets call her Elle. Now let’s give our Thanksgiving Lasagna making Sister-in-law a name as well. We will call her Narcissa.

Both of these lovely Mom’s sit on the board of a non-profit organization. In addition, they just had their quarterly board meeting 2 weeks ago. During that meeting Ellie brought up the topic of the Company’s Christmas Dinner and the need to provide options for people who have dietary restrictions. Furthermore, Ellie shared her new diagnosis and used her own story as an example and asked the Board to consider meal options for the next meeting. While Ellie was talking, Narcissa was so focused on her board updates and making sure she presented the information perfectly that she didn’t hear what Ellie shared.  Now this scenario is completely hypothetical to drive home the point of actively listening. So if your name is Ellie or Narcissa it is purely coincidental.

Lesson Learned: Leaders listen with more than their ears, they listen with their heart and mind to build a relationship built on respect and trust.

In Conclusion A Challenge

I hope you have enjoyed the lessons learned from Ellie and Narcissa. While there are challenges for all of us to overcome in this Thanksgiving season, may we find ways to intentionally be thankful for all the blessings that have come our way.

Furthermore, don’t limit your thankfulness to just Thanksgiving day. Keep the grateful momentum going. Here is a simple challenge for us, myself included. After Thanksgiving is over spend the 1st week in December being thankful for those you lead at home or at work. Here are 31 inspiring suggestions for expressing thankfulness.

Resources

#LeBaker Music, #Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #HappyThanksgiving #leadershiptips #leadershiplessons #leadership #holidaycooking #williambradford #mayflowercompact

 

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Happy Veterans Day

It is a great honor to wish all Veterans and their families a HAPPY VETERANS DAY! From our Veteran family to yours we have some fun and informative stuff in this blog for you!

    • A high-level view of the history of Veterans Day
    • What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
    • Seven John Maxwell leadership tips for times of crisis
    • Resource links – including a link for Veterans Day discounts honoring our Vets
    • Last but not least the video of our original song “Freedoms Not Free”

Veterans have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. We at LeBaker Music challenge everyone to show them love and support. That can range from something as simple as a shout out on social media or a thank you card. Some of them are dealing with mental trauma and physical disability that progress with age. They need help just like we all do when we go through traumatic and life altering situations. It is never to late to reach out!

Royal Connections

To understand how Veterans Day transpired we need to back up and briefly revisit the history of our world. The role European royalty plays in the turn-of-events leading to World War I (WWI) is astounding. In 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, ignited the smoldering spark of tension between European nations. Political instability erupted like a volcano about to explode. As a result, alliances solidified creating the “Allied Powers” and the “Central Powers.”

Notably one of the tragic aspects of this political outburst is the majority of the European rulers including the wife of the Archduke were all the offspring of Queen Victoria, so they were cousins of some degree. Furthermore, prior to the outbreak of WWI, Queen Victoria’s grandchildren served as (or had married) the kings and emperors of the German, Greek, Norwegian, Romanian, Russian, Swedish, Spanish and United Kingdom governments.

World War I

To provide perspective the Allied Powers included the countries: Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Romania, Japan and the United States. The “Central Powers” included Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire. Russia supported Serbia and it was a Serbian that murdered the Archduke and his wife. World War I began on July, 28, 1914 when Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. It was a terrible, undiscriminating war taking the lives of 16 million soldiers and citizens abroad. In addition, the war lasted more than three-years.

The fighting roared and both sides dug long, deep, ditches called “trenches.” In the horrors of trenches soldiers fought and lived for weeks. Lack of sleep, infectious disease and the constant exposure to moisture caused “trench foot.” Many soldiers fought enduring the pain of “trench foot” as dead tissue spread across their feet while loud munitions continuously exploded. It’s no wonder the soldiers that survived the brutality of WWI returned to their homes “shell-shock.” We now refer to “shell-shock” as post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

History of Veterans Day

At the eleventh hour on November 11, 1918, the guns, cannons and fighting of WWI stopped. The Germans entered into “armistice.” November 11th initially became “Armistice day.” Armistice is a formal agreement for waring parties to enter as a  cease fire while negotiating peace.

As a side note, one interesting turn of events was the downfall of the Ottoman Empire due to their alignment with Germany. Because of the British victory in the battle of Beersheba, Britain gained possession of “Palestine.” Palestine, which included the Holy Land is the “State of Israel,” today. But that is a blog for another time.

Armistice Day was first celebrated in November of 1920. On June 4, 1926, the U.S Congress officially passed a resolution that yearly, November 11th be observed as “Armistice Day,” by Presidential proclamation. On May 13, 1938, by Congressional act, Armistice Day was declaimed a Federal Holiday.”

As we all are well aware WWI, nicknamed “the war to end all wars” by President Wilson was not the last war. The outcome of WWI, the “Treaty of Versailles,” became a major catalyst leading to World War II. By 1954, America found itself reeling from the stalemate of the Korean War and plunging into the Cold War. The Veterans of the later wars and conflicts lobbied to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day in honor and memory of all Veterans. Congress approved and President Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. It is reported that the last surviving Veteran of the Civil War, a Union Army drummer-boy, Albert Woolson, who was 104-years old, celebrated along with Veterans of the Spanish-American War, and the Philippines War during this historical occasion.

Random Interesting Fact

The last American Veteran of World War I, Frank Woodruff Buckles died on February 27, 2018 at the age of 110. Frank was a leading advocate for creating the Washington D.C. World War I memorial monument.

Difference Between Memorial And Veterans Day

What are the major differences between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It’s fairly simple, Veterans Day honors those living who served our country. Memorial Day honors those who sacrificed their lives for our country. You can celebrate Veterans Day by tagging a family member that has served in the military on social media or give them a call. You can celebrate Memorial Day by attending a memorial service at a National Cemetery, and/or observe at 3pm, on that Monday the National Moment of Remembrance.

Leadership Tips for Times of Crisis

What can we learn from the events of World War I. As a John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer and Coach, reflecting on the history in this blog drives home the point King Solomon made that there is nothing new under the sun. Just as it is in war, it is in business. Leaders rise because they choose to reflect instead of react. In war the wrong reaction will cost lives, in business the wrong reaction will cost money. When leaders are in crisis or the crisis is swirling around them here are seven questions John recommends from his teaching ‘How to Turn Adversity into Advantage.”

    1. What happened to me today?
    2. Did I learn anything about myself today?
    3. I need to hear myself say _____________.
    4. What must I do in this crisis?
    5. Can I use a crisis to become more relatable to others, explain how?
    6. How can being relatable to others be of benefit in times of crisis?
    7. What are the action steps I can take from the answers to these questions?

Freedoms Not Free

In conclusion, enjoy this original Patriotic song written, produced and recorded by “The Judith” and provided courtesy of LeBaker Music.

Resources

#LeBaker Music #Beextradorinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #intentionalleadership #turnadversityintoopportunity #veteransday #Veterans #leadership #jmtdna

 

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year this season. Thank you for your support and encouragement of LeBaker Music.

Historically this year has been the most challenging year that I have seen our world face in my lifetime. While it remains to be seen how many uncertainties will play out, I for one prefer to “Keep Movin On.” As a person of faith it is a good time to reflect on what we have to be grateful for. Furthermore let us leave behind the things we could not control. I have heard the term “can I have a do over?” For me, no thanks!  Consequently, I will take a pass on any 2020 do over. Join me and together let’s embark on a 2021 mission to encourage others.

 

New Christmas Song

Therefore, on the note of encouragement here is a new Christmas song and video from LeBaker Music and Zoey The White Lioness. We are excited to present this pop-rock cover of “Joy To The World “along with a Holiday greeting in our video.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isiah 9:6 (ESV)

Enjoy!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! May God bless you!

News and Updates:

    1. I was honored to be a guest on “Future Fit” hosted by Mary Eniolu of “Can Do Academy.” Check us out in this streamed Christmas Keynote Concert and learn a few pointers for overcoming barriers as we lean into 2021.
    2. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the LeBaker Music – YouTube Channel
    3. Don’t forget to like the LeBaker Music Facebook Page so you don’t miss updates

#LeBakerMusic #Beextraordinary #womeninbusiness #entrepreneur #johnmaxwellteam #Christmas2020 #MerryChristmas #HappyHolidays #JoyToTheWorld.