New Beginnings

Discovery of America by Salvador Dali

"The beginning, is half the whole." - Aristotle

Last night I was a volunteer in the kids rooms at our church for Wednesday night service. Every fifth Wednesday, the regular volunteers get a break (same thing on every fifth Sunday) and others within the church are called into duty.

I'm not sure what it is, but my wife and I get placed in the infant room each time. It is always a struggle for me leading up to it, but once I get situated it all works out just fine. The idea of herding little infants (up to one year olds) can be an overwhelming thought for some of us.

With two of us working the room with six kids, our work was cut out for us. There was the quiet and content Isaiah; the 'its been a long day' Saxton; sweet and happy Katherine; the inquisitive Kent; 'wow whats that' Langdon; and finally 'everything goes in the trash can' Nolan. Each have their own wonderful and distinct personalities which are slowly beginning to evolve.

As I watched...ok, herded...these kids around, it occurred to me that this is really just a very small start for them. Their lives are just in the very early stages of development with a huge world of opportunity before them. They will be shaped by all that is around them and all that they do. We would say these kids can be anything they want to be.

Yet we can say the same thing about ourselves. In your twenties, forties, sixties, older or somewhere in-between, a new beginning is possible. We each may feel that we are in the 'whole of our life' and that we are past the opportunity of new change. Nothing could be further from the truth, a new beginning can take place at any point along the timeline of our life.

All we have to do is have the courage to try something different. An infant attempts new things out of new born curiosity. They reach out to discover possibility in their ever expanding world. My thought to you is to take your well-learned life and attach that new-born curiosity to it. You will see things in a whole new light and change will once again become possible.
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Stand By Me

Your day can drag on in what seems like a 'you against the world' type of atmosphere. All that you try to do is a lonely uphill battle with no end in sight. You tell yourself that if you try hard enough, you can accomplish it on your own. This can be true at times but is not always the case.

The great thing about our human existence is our connection to other people. There are others that will stand by us and help steady our climb. They offer encouragement, a helping hand or the means to keep moving. As coincidence may have it, a friend of mine sent me the following video.

I was in the middle of writing this article at the time and his email came to me titled, "Something to smile about ..." It is a video put together from street performers around the world performing the classic Ben E. King song, "Stand By Me."



It can put a smile on your face and one of the things to take away from it; we can all stand together, help each other and empower each other to make it in life.
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Expect the Unexpected

EXPECTATION by Gustav Klimt

"If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it; for it is hard to be sought out, and difficult." - Heraclitus of Ephesus

All of us have expectations in life. We expect,

- our kids to be good
- our marriage to be wonderful and exciting
- our jobs to be enjoyable and well paying
- our health to be good with little suffering
- our car to always function properly
- our retirement to be well funded and relaxing
- our death to be pain free and peaceful

But having an expectation and actually having it happen requires some level of work on our part. Many of the above expectations do not simply 'occur' to our benefit. They require that we put time and effort into achieving each of them.

Achievement in each of these or many other areas of our life depend upon us having some level of expectation. Expectation is the yearning for something that we either dream of or envision for our life. It drives us to attempt and reach a goal.

It is with this expectation that we learn to "expect the unexpected" that life will either throw at us or give to us. You can't plan for it, but you can accept that the unexpected will happen. While we tend to accept that bad things will happen, we should put as much effort into believing that unexpected good things will happen as well. If you concentrate on the bad things, you are going to miss the good things that will happen.

So 'expect the unexpected good' that will happen in your life. Move forward towards your dreams and envision the outcome. Before you know it, the reality will occur.
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Vacation Day

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.”
-Robert Orben

Yes - nothing today as I'm on vacation. Attending a Golf Tournament, not playing but sitting and watching for a "hole-in-one" at the thirteenth hole. Its a tough job but someone has to do it.
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Earth Is Under Attack

What was old is once again new. Back on October 30, 1938, Orson Welles performed a radio show about aliens attacking earth. It was based upon a novel written in 1898 by H.G. Wells called The War of the Worlds.

It scared thousands of listeners, mostly those who tuned in late. Each thought it was a live news broadcast of a real invasion. It was estimated by a Princeton psychologist in a study of mass hysteria, that 2 million people were alarmed into thinking an alien advance was happening.



Orson Welles said, "Radio in those days, before the tube and the transistor, wasn't just a noise in somebody's pocket - it was the voice of authority. Too much so. At least, I thought so. It was time for someone to take the starch out of some of that authority: hence my broadcast."

Now take a look at the social media outlet called Twitter. A micro-blogging application that is very popular. I myself 'tweet' quite a bit, almost to a point of obsession some might say. Twitter and similar web applications can be great sources of news informations, general information, the mundane and even breaking news.

But Twitter or "tweets" can be misleading as well. With the ability to 're-Tweet' other peoples comments, a statement of 140-characters or less can spread like wild fire. It is not that much different from Orson Welles radio prank. Think of where one person tells a story and passes it along; the story changes. But with Twitter, the re-Tweet repeats the same message over and over until people take it as truth.

You don't have to be skeptical to the point of obsession. Just remember to get the full story first. If Orson Welles were alive today, he might adjust his quote and say, "Twitter these days, isn't just a noise in somebody's pocket - it is the voice of authority. Too much so. At least, I thought so. It was time for someone to take the starch out of some of that authority: hence my tweet!"

Enjoy the technology that is out there, but don't lose common sense over what you read. For that matter, check what I've said.
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Earth Day

Yes, today April 22 is "Earth Day".

Are you doing anything even in the smallest way to acknowledge our stewardship of the planet for future generations? Regardless of how one might feel about global warming, my whole belief is that its about 'quality of life' for present and future generations.

All that we do while here on earth is about stewardship in a reasonable and smart way. All it takes is doing the small things which collectively add up to large things.

Some of those small things;

- No-Print Day
Surprising how much paper we could actually do without.

- Turn off your computer while on lunch break
Saves energy and money.

- Use your own mug & utensils
Means less Styrofoam & plastics thrown away.

- Skip the elevator if you can
Less energy again and better health for you.

Sensible things we can each do, not only today but each day.

Writers note: The only hard part about posing for the picture above was holding my arms that high in front of a green screen while kneeling in a loin cloth. Really, I'm not kidding!
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The Reason

Believing in a vision is so important. So what is my reason for writing? After all, I try to be a good person every day. I try to encourage people as much as I can when they need it. Isn’t that enough to satisfy the motivational and inspirational needs of others?

It could be enough, but it isn’t enough because I know that I’m capable of more. My own vision is to inspire others to greatness in as many ways as possible. But to fulfill my vision, I have to extend my reach in as many different ways as possible.

Why is this vision the one I have many will ask? It actually forced me to think about it and to write it down. It also happened innocently enough when someone asked, "Why do I bring Christianity into my writing?" It was an odd question because rarely do I speak as if a preacher conducting a revival.

In fact I am always cognizant in "walking the line" of secularism and my religion. I understand there are many people that have different belief systems or non-belief systems as others may say.

In thinking about the question though it occurred to me that maybe it is the writing that brings out my Christianity. The way I write might be exposing my belief system to others. It was likely this exposure the individual was asking about.

There are two things that explain why I do this.

One is that my intent is not to "preach" and "convert" all people through my writings. It may come out in my writing, but it is what I grew up in and is a learned belief.

I am also proud of my beliefs and unashamed to say so. Yet I am not a religious scholar and in no way could I ever pretend to be one. So relax, I'm not here to lay hands on and convert the masses.

The second thing I want to express is that my writing is really about giving one or many people just a bit of encouragement. It is my way of saying, "sure, we all struggle and want a better life." I can not guarantee anything nor will life in general, but many times all we need is just a word or two that gives us the extra push to succeed or get over a difficult time.

But of course this leads to another question, "what am I selling then?" My response is that we are all selling something; a product, a service, a belief or ourselves.

But it isn't about the money, which in deed any money I do make goes to a non-profit organization. The money has been very small but the responses I get from people are really what I earn. Those that respond with a simple, "thank you, I needed those words today" are profit.

It also energizes me into knowing that I am doing some level of good. You see, it was the few simple words of encouragement from others that pulled me through really tough times. Each of us comes through change and it only takes some encouragement from others to push us through.

So my hope is that people keep reading and get some level of encouragement from the words. If it makes a difference even in the smallest of ways, then I am happy for you.

Thank you and remember;

"Believe in your vision, act upon that vision and then realize the vision."

Seven Minute Workout

Attempting to get back into the swing of things after being sick the last three days. But it gave me a chance to catch up on some reading and found the following advice from Dr. Mehmet Oz. It is simple advice for those of us that simply don't exercise as much as we should. The clip below appeared in the April 2009 Esquire magazine along with some other very good articles on health.


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The Passion

Holbein's "The Passion of Christ" - 1524

Here it is, Good Friday, a noted and important religious holiday. It is primarily a Christian rememberance of the crucifixion of Jesus. Since I am certainly not a religious theologian, I will not pretend to teach anyone of the theology behind this holiday.

What I can do is tell you that everyday is a day to be remembered. There are both good and bad days which mark your own life's journey. Some may say, why remember a death of some person from so long ago?

But why then do we remember Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, any number of saints or other political figures? It is because their life had meaning and purpose for us. We both honor and take time to remember how these people impacted our lives. That impact may not seem obvious, but each created change that lives on today.

Your life has a lasting impact on others as well. It is very likely that you will not have a holiday named in your honor, but others will remember you. So this Good Friday, we will remember the death of Jesus, but also remember those that have had an impact in our lives.

Have a Good Friday everyone; enjoy a reflective and peaceful Easter weekend.
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A Simple Life

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler." - Henry David Thoreau

I happened upon a blog post by "Wat da Wat?" during a recent trip around the Internet. The article speaks to "living the simple life" and what it means to the writer. I liked the self-reflection and search that was undertaken.

Each of us are searching for our own view of a 'simple life' as well. Those views remain different and are very personal. The idea is that you seek out the balance you want for your life. By having a better understanding of what you want in life, you will be able to discard that which isn't needed. What remains is your definition of simplicity. It all becomes clearer.

The simple life is what you make it. The same thing goes for a great life, it is what you make it. Imagine, dream and act upon what you want. Life will become much simpler as you figure it out...it always does.
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Where is Matt?

Where the Hell is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.

I have always liked this video because it simply makes you feel good after seeing it. The guy in this, Matt Harding started out with seemingly little ambition. But soon he learned that there had to be more, so he caused movement in his life. He got up and decided to do something different.

The video came about innocently enough in that while traveling with a friend, they got a bit silly and taped Matt's impressive dancing ability. They posted it on the internet and a large company saw; liked it; made Matt an "offer he couldn't refuse".

So there you have it, something to make you smile a bit more today but also something to encourage you to create change in your life. Dance away friends.
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Should You Stop

As I was reflecting on what to write today, I kept glancing towards a Witness Subpoena sitting on the desk before me. It is a court request for me to appear as a witness in a trial regarding an accident in which a motorcyclist was killed.

The accident happened nearly two years ago and the court date delayed several times. My part is that it happened in front of me and I assisted as much as I could. It was the proper thing to do in assisting both the victim and the other party. Simply put, it was a tragic accident that changed forever not only their lives but for those near to them.

But as I look at the subpoena, it occurred to me that I was becoming perturbed by the delays and 'inconvenience' all of this causes me. I had to stop and examine those thoughts. Is this why many people do not stop and assist others in need? There were many that left the scene of the accident, not wanting to involve themselves. I began to wonder if it was worth my effort.

It shook me back into reality, the understanding that it was the right thing to do. It may inconvenience me, but people's lives were at stake then; people's lives are at stake now. I think of both these people, one that died, one that survived and wish that things could have been different. Two minutes later leaving the house for one, having another cup of coffee or any of a hundred different scenarios. But fate brought these two together and nothing can change that now.

I will attend and give my witness statement, other evidence will be brought forth and lives will be changed once again. Yes, the accident did change me in ways but it did not change my belief that stopping to assist someone in need is the right thing to do. I would have wanted someone to stop for me and I am sure that you would have as well.
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The Project

"I'm not in a hurry to do a lot of projects. I am very resolved in each project I take on." - Maya Lin

Your life is your project whether you want to realize it or not. It take four facets in order to get ahead and move forward in life. These are shown above and mean so much when it comes to seeking a great life.

The first one is to "DREAM" of what you want in your life. Great things in life do not normally just fall in your lap. That which you want is very personal and has to be something that you will hold onto as your very own.

Secondly, you have to "BELIEVE" in yourself and what you want in your life. It takes work to hold tight to that which you want. When other people are not providing encouragement or work to ridicule you, hang on and believe in yourself.

A third item is to "ACT" upon what it is you need. Sitting at home wishing and dreaming will not get you closer to the dream. It takes movement or action by you to begin working towards that dream. If its a new home, the simplest action might be to start saving extra money each week. Maybe it is to change jobs, then career training might be the right 'action' to take.

The last thing is to "REALIZE" your dream. It will happen and you will achieve great things. It is very possible that the final achievement may not be exactly what you first envisioned. Yet the end result will be exactly what you needed.

And when the dream is realized, dream again and again and again. Never stop moving forward in life. Enjoy and achieve all that you can. It is possible and it all starts with the sparkle of a dream.
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Ebb and Flow

Ebb & Flow - Mary Wagstaff

William Shakespeare wrote in "Loves Lost Labour"

"As true we are as flesh and blood can be:
The sea will ebb and flow."

Ebb and flow is the flowing out and in of the tide. The physical happening of water flowing in and out. The wave "flows" into the beach and then "ebbs" back out into the vast waters of the ocean. The movement causes changes to the shore in small and sometimes in large ways.

There are sea shells left deposited for wondering eyes to search out and treasure. Gentle layers of sand are slowly shaped and carried back out to sea. It is a constant and almost imperceptible change.

There are then the major events in which a strong storm surge violently attacks the beach front. Wide swaths of beach are reclaimed by the sea, sand castles destroyed and the landscape changed forever.

Our lives and those around us are impacted by the 'ebb and flow' of connections between each of us. Our daily life with family and friends are constantly being affected by relational ebb and flow. Our words and actions that may seem mundane have a long term affect. We either leave small jewels of goodness or take away in a selfish manner. The 'beach' we have established with another person can change over time.

At times there may be a large storm within those relationships where lives can be turned upside down. Homes can be destroyed and the landscape of our existence can change forever.

If you build a strong base and take care of it, the home (relationship) can remain standing even after the storm subsides. It is for us to understand the 'ebb and flow' that is occurring in our own life. By doing so, we can strengthen the foundation of our connections with others. In turn, when a storm comes along, we are better prepared to overcome the fury.

"As true we are as flesh and blood can be: the sea will ebb and flow."
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April Fools Day Quotes

(Image from Nova Reinna)

No one will take me serious with anything I write
today anyway. So here are some famous quotes by other
folks. Enjoy, reflect and enjoy the day!

April 1. This is the day upon which we are reminded of what
we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.
~Mark Twain

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
~Chinese Proverb

If every fool wore a crown, we should all be kings.
~Welsh Proverb

I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it.
~Jack Handey

We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.
~Japanese Proverb

You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people
all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.
~Abraham Lincoln

The trouble with practical jokes is that very often they get elected.
~Will Rogers

A man always blames the woman who fools him. In the
same way he blames the door he walks into in the dark.
~Henry Louis Mencken

A common mistake that people make when trying to design
something completely foolproof is to underestimate
the ingenuity of complete fools.
~Douglas Adams

It is the ability to take a joke, not make one,
that proves you have a sense of humor.
~Max Eastman

I have great faith in fools;
self-confidence, my friends call it.
~Edgar Allan Poe

Suppose the world were only one of God's jokes, would you work

any the less to make it a good joke instead of a bad one?

~George Bernard Shaw
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