The Road Ahead

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller

In a song called "Home" by Phillip Phillips, the opening lyric is "Hold on, to me as we go, as we roll down this unfamiliar road." And as we begin a new year, 2014 will have its share of hills, pot holes and stormy weather. Through each and every twist or triumph, we will be successful together.

I will do my best to motivate you.

I will do my best to inspire you.

I will do my best.

No matter the road we take, if we take it with others the journey will never be lonely. The journey will be exciting and fruitful because of our joined experience. The destination will wait for you so enjoy the road side distractions, the rambling conversations and the unexpected encounters.

Stay inspired throughout the year my friends.

Opportunity Steps Up

"No great man ever complains of want of opportunity." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The following story is from an unknown author but illustrates how problems can be turned into opportunities. We each face obstacles in our lives which can be turned around with focus and persistence. The idea of being 'stubborn as an old mule' will get you results from time to time.

Once upon a time a farmer owned an old mule who tripped and fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule braying and was unable to figure out how to bring up the old animal. It grieved him that he could not pull the animal out. He'd been a good worker around the farm.

Although the farmer sympathized with the mule, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened. He had them help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and quietly put him out of his misery.

At first, the old mule was puzzled, but as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, he had a thought: he ought to shake off the dirt and step up. And he did just that.

"Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up." Even though he took painful blows of dirt and fought panic, he just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

It wasn't long before the old mule stepped up and over the lip of that well. What could have buried him actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

Change the circumstances and change your world. And stay inspired my friends!

After Christmas Returns

“A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.” ― Seneca

A recent news article detailed the five top reasons people return or exchange gifts after Christmas.

1. It is not the recipient’s taste.
    Did you really think I would look good in aqua pink green?
2. It is the wrong size.
    Do I really look that thin to you?
3. It will never be used.
    The chimney umbrella seems like a neat idea!
4. It is too personal.
    Thank you for the thong swimsuit!
5. It suggests you think the recipient should change something about themself.
    Twelve steps to what?

There may have been the odd one or two presents under the tree yesterday, but just remember that most people give from the heart and that was the intent of the "dogs playing poker" velvet tie you received.

Enjoy the after Christmas after-glow.

Stay inspired my friends!

What Is His Name

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ― Charles Dickens

I wish for you to allow me to indulge my faith this time of year. For you see it is my belief his name is Jesus. And as common as I am in this world, so it is that he came to us.



Stay inspired my friends.