Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Mending A Fishing Net


"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after." -Henry David Thoreau

UPDATED ARTICLE: How To Mend A Fishing Net

I have had many people come to my web blog looking for ways to 'mend a fishing net'. Most times they end up with my article Mending Fishing Nets that speaks about keeping the 'network' of friends you have in life close and in repair.

But in fairness to those that have commented and are looking for a way to 'really' mend a fishing net, then I provide the following links below to sites that offer real tips on mending fishing nets.

It is a starting place for those in need of net repairing information. I don't receive any money if you click on the link. I just felt it necessary to give those that want that type of site, a link to get there.

And if you need some encouragement because your net is in bad need of repair; read some of my articles and see if it helps.

Mending a Net

DIY Fishing Tips: fishing net repair

How to Mend a Fishing Net

So come back and read a few articles on my site that will give you something to think about while mending your nets. It will help you strengthen the 'net' of friendships and life around you.

Happy Fishing
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Monday, August 03, 2009

Talent Within


"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that, we must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained." -Marie Curie

The quote that I use often is "Believe in your vision, act upon that vision and then realize the vision." Each of us have a talent within that allows us to do great things in this life. The struggle is to believe in it and to have the courage to use that talent. Some people easily express their talent and everyone looks at them thinking what a genius they are.

You can be that genius as well by believing in yourself. A huge step for some of us is in the 'believing' part. You have it inside of you but convincing oneself to bring it to the surface creates tension and doubt. You struggle to nurture it while all along, external forces are saying, "you can do it."

Maybe it is fear of failure that could possibly expose a weakness. We are human and imperfect; failure is simply an opportunity to learn and grow. Or possibly the reason is that we lack self confidence. We convince our self that we will never be good enough. Yet you get up everyday and perform superbly. That alone should be enough reason to know you can do anything.

Is it simple as that? Not really, but you'll never know without trying. It is said that you will miss the target 100% of the time if you never shoot the arrow. That is guaranteed. But if you allow yourself to release the arrow, eventually it will find its mark.

Pull the talent you have within to the surface. Allow yourself to believe. You can achieve what you want in life.
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Monday, July 27, 2009

Open Opportunity


Giving a plug to a great missions organization that could use your financial support. Open Road Missions (ORM) is a non-profit international aide organization dedicated to providing opportunities for people to become involved in the lives of those less fortunate.

Founded in 2007 by Paul OConnell, ORM is currently providing food, clothing, medical care and supplies to needy families in Peru. They work with local organizations to assess primary needs and determine the best possible methods for providing help.

If you would like to support the mission financially, go to Open Road Missions or contact Paul at paul@openroadmissions.com to find out more.
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Friday, July 24, 2009

Opened To More


"Courage is simply the willingness to be afraid and act anyway." -Robert Anthony

There is a small part in each of us that would rather sit behind the closed door. We would rather be complacent in the comfort of the small space we occupy. The idea of opening ourselves to something beyond our controlled atmosphere frightens us.

The artificial lights within our home provide just enough warmth to keep us satisfied. We read the paper, search the Internet and generally create a small piece of life. You feel there is no need to extend your world beyond the front door.

A large world exists beyond the threshold of your home. That world can use someone like you to enter it on a larger scale. The world needs the interaction of you. You need the interaction of the world in order to grow. It is said that a mushroom grows very well in the cool dark and wetness of an enclosed space. It grows even better when fed that four letter word which begins with an 's', a lonely existence in my mind.

But the flower flourishes outside in the world under a beaming sun. It draws strength from the cool rain water and nutrients of the earth. The flower is found by the world to be a source of inspiration. It brings beauty where none exists.

Are you that flower? No, I'm not that eloquent to suggest you are. What you are is someone that can flourish out in the world. Interacting with other people, impacting their lives with even the smallest of what you can offer. All it takes is to open that door and step out. To step out and beyond the walls that surround you will bring so much more to your life.

Try it today; open the door and step through it. Find a way to put yourself out in the world and do something for someone else. It all comes back around eventually. Some may call it 'paying it forward'. In this case, nothing may have been done for you yet. Well, you can start the process first. Be the first one in the chain that 'pays it forward' and it will eventually come back around when you least expect it (but need it most).

Open the door on your life and begin.
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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Mission Ecuador


People who care about each other enjoy doing things for one another. They don't consider it servitude.” -Ann Landers

Today I am writing to make a request for your assistance. My daughter will be traveling to Cuenca, Ecuador on a three month Mission Trip. She will be working with the Verbo Church during her time in Ecuador.

Not long ago, she visited Ecuador on a mission trip with the The C3 Church-Atlanta School of Ministry. After returning from this incredible experience, she made the decision to go back for three months. During her time she will be living in Cuenca with the wonderful family that coordinated all of the events and details of the first missions trip.

While there this time, she will be serving in various departments of the Verbo Church, including the orphanage and clothing outreach programs. Additionally she will be learning how their church is run and operated along with being enrolled in a language school run by the church.

One big reason she is embarking on this missions trip is to assist and better learn how this group is having such a huge impact on their local community. It was very interesting to see this impact and she wants to learn all she can from the church leaders and members. There is a lot that can be learned from these people.

More importantly, she is looking to learn from and in teaching the kids within the orphanage. When it comes down to it, helping these children will have a large impact on their lives.

She already has her plane ticket and is leaving in late August of 2009. The estimated need for her internship will be $3,000. Please consider donating what you can. Every bit helps her reach the goal and any amount is greatly appreciated.

If you feel more comfortable in doing so, you can send your gift through the local church here in Atlanta, address and website given below.

The C3 Church - Atlanta
1065 Walther Blvd
Lawrenceville, GA 30043 USA

WEBSITE: The C3 Church - Atlanta

Just mark your donations for "Pareesa Sarabi-Ecuador Missions". Yes, she is my step-daughter but I'm overly proud to simply call her my daughter. Its a big step for a young adult and going BEYOND your normal walls will help others in a large way.
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Family


"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."
~Desmond Tutu

Recently my wife and I attended a family reunion some distance away. These occur once every two years on my wife's side of the family. It was a great time once again to meet and talk with relatives.

Each reunion, a different family volunteers to plan the next event which is held in many varying places. These reunions can result in upwards of a hundred people attending. Certainly no small feat for the ones planning as cost, location, things to do and of course our final evening dinner together.

This year was no different in planning, but due to the slumping economy, weddings and such...the turn out was smaller. But it was a great time for everyone. The costs were low, the 4th ranked in the nation Henry Doorly Zoo, greats museums such as the Durham Museum or the Joslyn Art Museum along with the Childrens Museum where Elmo was visiting were big hits.

Of course the golfing, shopping in the Old Market, restaurants...there was much to do. So yes, every two years, one set of family members become spokespeople for the local Visitors Bureau. This year, we had a great time and everyone enjoyed getting to see each other once again.

At the end of each reunion, we hold a family dinner. It is here that we all get to be in one place for fellowship, pictures and awards. Yes, awards for the family golf tournament or putt-putt golf tournament. Awards are given for the oldest person, the youngest, the farthest and so on. Small token gifts, but well meaning to acknowledge those in attendance.

A way to let everyone see each other one last time before parting ways in the morning. This year we were able to have the majority of my family attend as well due to the proximity of where they live. Two different families coming together to meet and say hello is a great thing.

It is also a way to let the elders of the family get up and speak to us. This year, my wife's Uncle Mike got up to speak. He reminded us of those that could not make it this year. He reminded us of those that are no longer with us. It was twenty-two years ago that he and his brothers decided that getting together only for funerals was not the way to do it. So eleven reunions have occurred, keeping family members from different corners close and in touch.

So now you are wondering, why all of the fuss over a family reunion? Simply to give you an idea, to plant a seed in your mind, to nudge you to do the same. Whether you have a large or a small family. Or whether it is a close or an extended family, getting together every so often is important.

Enjoy the aspects of family, enjoy being related.
_

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Overcoming Challenges


"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they are supposed to help you discover who you are." - Bernice Johnson Reagon

This year's Atlanta Peachtree 10K Roadrace is over and 55,000 runners gave it their all. From highly trained athletes to the casual walker, each one faced and overcame the challenge of completing this 6.1 mile course on a warm July 4th morning.

For me, the challenge was to volunteer for this great event. Even with the training I had taken to run this event again, it was the spirit of volunteering that moved me. The ability to see some great runners finish and the excellent wheelchair athletes were fantastic. And then there were the thousands upon thousands of individual runners I was able to cheer and congratulate at the finish line.

With these challenges behind all of us, a new one comes before me. The Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. A 13.1 mile excursion down Peachtree Street the morning of Thanksgiving ending at the home stadium of the Atlanta Braves. So it will be a big challenge for both myself and my wife.

For each of us, challenges occur not only in the running or sports world, but they occur in our everyday lives. Each day, a new challenge can present itself to us. The idea is to tell ourselves that we can accomplish the task. To overcome the challenge and find new opportunity beyond it.

Are you defeating yourself before the start by not believing in yourself? Or are you starting with the belief that you can overcome anything? Phrases such as 'going the distance' and 'finishing strong' are words that you tell yourself. But you have to believe in them as well.

Believing in oneself is the first major step in overcoming any type of challenge, the rest is just hard work. Overcome your fear of failure, believe in your ability to overcome any challenge in life.
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Monday, July 06, 2009

Fill In The Gaps



"Our relationships with others is a means to fill in the gaps of each one's life." -Joe Primm

As we go about trying to live our life, we find that we have gaps in what we are and what we can do. It may be a lack of knowledge in something such as how to cook a meal or balance a check book. Maybe it is trouble finding a job or trying to overcome the emotion of losing that job.

Our life also has exactly that just mentioned, a gap in understanding of certain emotions we encounter. How should one feel when something quite exciting or suddenly sad occurs. It seems to be a never ending struggle to fill those various types of gaps in our life.

This is where each of us can allow our relationship with others to take each of us to greater levels. Collectively we can help fill some of those gaps in someones life. In return, others can fill the gaps in your life as well. It is these 'inter-connections' that can make all of the difference in the world to another person.

A close friend that provides you with support when things are going rough is a gap filled. A spouse there to lift you after a tough few days of work is a gap filled. Anything missing in one's life can be a gap filled.

When I think of my spouse, there are so many parts of me that I could not fill on my own. She has qualities that bring fullness to my life as a person. It is a well worn and some say 'corny' line from a movie, but "she completes me." The gaps in my life are filled by all that I am not, by all that she is.

We can chose in our life to help fill a gap in someone else's life. To care for another person by being a friend, a mentor or something much deeper is a gap filled. Our relationships with others is a means to fill in the gaps of each one's life. Do not be the type of person that enlarges that gap in their life. Be the type of person that fills the gap.
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Monday, June 29, 2009

Birthday Wish


Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.” - Pamela Vaull Starr

The youngest of the eight turns 19 today, the last teen of so many children we have raised. My four boys and my wife's four girls, one final year with a teenager in the house. So let me get this out of the way first;

"Happy Birthday To You !!"
"Happy Birthday To You !!"
"Happy Birthday Dear Jake-man !!"
"Happy Birthday To You !!"

Sounds better in written format and it will not chase off readers of this article. But as any parent, we are proud of all our children and their individual talents. On his birthday though we turn attention to the youngest. Surely his brothers harass him on being the 'baby' of the family, but he stands on his own.

His musical talent, song writing skills and guitar playing amaze me immensely. The band he co-founded called Electric Eel House Surprize (EEHS for short) is getting close to releasing their first CD. They have had a very successful first live appearance at a local night club where many bands get their start.

Of course, the parent in me wants him to get that college degree to 'safe guard' him against the cruel statistics of the music business. If anything, the knowledge can help guard him against the cruelty of the business itself. But my greater want is for him to reach for his dreams, to be successful and share his talent with the world.

It is anything that any parent would want for their own child. We simply want it for all eight of our children. But again, today it is Steve's birthday and our wish is for him to have success. He will work for it, he will earn it, he will enjoy that success.

Be a cheer leader for yourself, but be a cheer leader for your children. Lift them and if need be, lift them up and past you. There is no feeling like it in this world. And should they fall, you will be there to catch them; to help dust them off; to help push them back up again. Your life will be rewarded far beyond imagine.

So happy birthday Steve, happy birthday everyone!
_

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Tomorrow

Birthday Wish message for my son and for the child of anyone .... tomorrow !
_

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Lifting Up


"The truest help we can render an afflicted man is not to take his burden from him, but to call out his best energy, that he may be able to bear the burden." - Phillips Brooks

Every day we have two choices to make in dealing with other people. One, we can put them down and discourage them. Or two, we can encourage them and help lift them up. And in your own life, you have experienced both choices as people interact with you.

It is tough enough going through various circumstances in life without others beating you down. I have to stop and ask myself as well on many occassions if I'm lifting or pushing down others. So I won't claim to be an innocent in this part of life.

But I do work on it and believe if others thought more about their actions, each of our lives would be better. At the very least, we would have more encouragement to endure some of the trials we go through.

So think about your own actions towards others and try to lift them when possible. Soon enough, it may be you that requires some lifting as well.
_

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Living Attitude


"Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe." - Voltaire

I will admit that I am not very good when it comes to being sick. The kind of sick that is the minor kind like a flu or head cold. My way of battling is to hunker down, drink lots of water and try not to talk very much. Hopefully I am not a whining type of sick person, but only my wife would be able to tell.

When I think about being sick though, I always wonder how I would react to the big ones. When surgery is required or some greater form of cancer or disease. Those would be the things that a person really has a right to be whiny about. And when I look back at others I have watched go through a major ordeal, it is not being whiny that I saw in them.

A good friend of ours had a form of brain cancer many years ago. She was healed and has had many years of healthy living. Then recently, there was a concern, a spot that appeared again. The worst could be thought and the worry came back over, yet she braved it with great faith and resolve.

The spot was revealed to have been just old scar tissue and is not cancerous. She never lost her faith during this ordeal. She smiled, she lived and she fought off all of the bad things that could have overcome her. Never a 'woe is me' came from her on what could have been completely different.

I also remember watching my Mother go through her fight with Pancreatic Cancer this past year. While she had symptoms (knowing what we know now) back in late 2007, she was diagnosed in January of 2008. It is said normally that by the time it is diagnosed, it is already too late.

But my mother fought the good fight, trying the various rounds of chemo treatments bravely and always with a smile. And as she lay in her final days with family gathered around, she continued to teach us with stories and laughter. Her faith is what kept her in good stead through out. She told us at one point that "prayer was for us before we knew what prayer was."

I do not know each of your beliefs on prayer nor do I write to convince you to pray. For me I find prayer comforting in many ways, believing in my faith to help pull me through despite what is happening in the natural. I learned from my mother and many others, that you approach sickness just as anything else two ways. One is to give up and foster a bad attitude. The second is to fight it and keep a good attitude about it.

I choose the second option to live life, fight pain, or approach anything that happens with a good attitude. It will keep my mind clear and energy available to focus on the great things that can happen. Never do I want to waste that on complaint and woe, neither is useful. In the summation of my life, people will have enjoyed being around me through all the ups and downs of that life. And I will have lived a greater life because of it.
_

Monday, June 22, 2009

What Inspires You

I came across this video made through Intel by Sir Ken Robinson, author and expert in the field of human resources. It is a short but interesting view into what inspires him.



Yet the point isn't to show you who or what inspires other people. The point is for you to examine your own life and try to understand who or what inspires you.

When you do, it will help you better understand who you are. So take some time and find those inspiring people and things in our life. Do those things lift you up or drag you down? If they drag you down, discard them and find new inspirations. If they lift you up, learn from them and draw upon the strength they can give you.

By allowing yourself to be inspired by those that lift you, will one day find you being the inspiration to others.
_

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Roll Away The Stone


I listened last night to a wonderful speaker name Jurgen Matthesius give a new perspective, at least for me, on letting go of our old ways. You know those things that you carry like a wagon full of stones, never letting go of past hurts or complaints.

He spoke on a Bible verse, John 11:38 in which Lazarus is raised from the dead. Now most readers know I do not get into religion in my writings. But this story told by Jurgen was a beautiful spin on letting go of those past issues. To "roll away the stone" and "step back out into the light" gives us a new life.

I will likely write more about this as it is still sinking in. It is a story that can help you get on with life and experience a renewed chapter of greatness. So if interested, pick up and read the verse and subsequent verses. Then sit back and think about all of the past things you drag along behind you.
_

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Belief In Miracles


"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
- Albert Einstein

The word 'miracle' comes from the Late Latin word miraculum, a wonder, marvel or amazing event. The Merriam-Webster dictionary calls it an "extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs." Or an "extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment."

There are many different stories told through out the ages of miracles. From the Bible story of Jesus turning water into wine, to Dr. Paula Mahone at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa who delivered septuplets in six minutes. The wide and varied examples of miracles would fill a multitude of books.

You are probably wondering if I believe in miracles and the answer is yes. There are things that happen in life that are simply unexplainable. But not only the unexplainable, I marvel at what we as humans can and continue to accomplish. Whether it be from divine intervention or something else, 'everything is a miracle' in my eyes.

You can find miracles in your everyday life as well. Though you might ask, "why should I believe in miracles?" My way of thinking is that by believing in miracles, we open ourselves to possibilities that otherwise we may not have considered. It will allow us to try things that without the belief would not have been tried. Others have called this type of belief a form of desperation. I call it courage to accept the impossible.

Common sense would tell you that a man could not lift a car to save another man's life, but it did happen. Or that a young boy accidentally shot in the head would live to walk out of a Brooklyn Hospital. On the surface you would say neither of these could happen, but they did. Is there an explanation, probably of some sort, but they are amazing and a belief in the miraculous certainly didn't hurt.

So as you see a wondrous sunrise or a spectacular sunset, everything in between can be viewed as a miracle. Amazing events that fill our lives each and everyday.
_

Friday, June 12, 2009

Marriage Of Figaro

Today is a big day for my daughter Sarra and Chester. A wedding of two wonderful people will occur this evening. It is exciting and full of possibility when two people begin to share their lives together.



May the loving memory of today's event live on and hold them in good stead for an entire lifetime of togetherness. I wish this for them and for all married and soon to be married couples.
_

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Career Change

Federal Art Project, WPA, [between 1936 and 1939]

"To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly." - Henri Louis Bergson

Another great day ahead of me as my oldest son ventures back home from where he lives in Denver, Colorado. Another of those guys that is walking through a door of change currently.

For the past several years, he has been both Executive chef and Sous chef, having done very well at it. But the nature of that profession can be very difficult in terms of hours and days worked. The longevity in any one location can be short as well as other demanding aspects of the job.

He has made a career decision to go back to school and learn a new profession. It is a big step and one that has its own challenges. But it is a step out in faith to go for something that will change his life. His story is similar to those in my book, CHANGED LIVES in which a step towards something new is what begins the journey.

So while you sit and worry about your current circumstance, life if moving on with or without you. The only person that can achieve things for you, is you. By making that first step through a door of decision will put you on a path to something new.

For advice on seeking a new career, I suggest a good informational site on the USAA website. They offer a checklist and "no, I get nothing as an endorsement". It is one of several great sites out on the web providing great advice.

So make that decision and walk through that door. So many have and so will you.
_

Monday, June 01, 2009

Salute To Change


Big, big day as my son Dan is returning from Germany where he was stationed with the 1st Armored Division. He is an Iraq war veteran and is being transferred back to a base here in the United States. It has been nearly a year and half since last seeing him.

This is a man that was slowly driving himself down further into the depths of nothing. He was out of high school, drifting around trying to figure out his life and falling even further.

It was on his own that he made that decision to join the military. He made that decision to change his life. It is a decision much like those made by the people from my book, CHANGED LIVES. There will be tough times and there have been during his change of direction, but he is heading in the right direction. He is made it to the level of Sargeant, earned awards and doing very well at this time.

The point in sharing this with you is that along with being proud of my son, it also shows that you can make a change for the better. Even when all seems to be going down hill, the push back up can happen.

So stand tall, know that change can happen, life can get better.
_

Friday, May 29, 2009

Possibility


Impossible is a word humans use far too often.” -Jeri Ryan

As I end up a week of providing short excerpts from my book CHANGED LIVES, the lasting impression should be one of possibility. I firmly believe that you can make a change in your life if needed. I also believe that we can each achieve quite a bit by first believing in that word again, possibility.

~~~~~~
Without grabbing hold of a new way of thinking, a new way of approaching life, I could not move to a better life. I began to shed the ‘victim’ mentality and accepted a new attitude. As the days passed, I even returned to the building by the crossroads. Possibility was once again in my heart and mind.

Then it happened as it does to everyone that chooses to change. For some it is a chance encounter, to others it is a friend making a suggestion. It comes in many different forms and not always as a bolt of lightening. Many times it is a subtle change of wind that causes us to take that next step. From that moment of change, in the pouring rain in the depths of sorrow, my path was now brought back to this door of opportunity.

“And I stepped through the open door.”

~~~~~~

For myself, possibility was to move on from what was a very difficult time in my life. It allowed me to start this web blog to encourage others. It allowed me to write two books so far. None of this is my professional work and I earn nothing from a monetary view point. What I do earn is knowing that people get moved to action in their own lives.

All of us need that little bit of encouragement or push to move on in life. This blog and the books are meant to help in a small way. So I hope you read the book, take a little bit of something from it and then pass it along. You can think of it as that pebble dropped in the water. The ripples that you set in motion will impact another and another and another....
_

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Change In Latitude


"Change has a considerable psychological impact on the human mind. To the fearful it is threatening because it means that things may get worse. To the hopeful it is encouraging because things may get better. To the confident it is inspiring because the challenge exists to make things better." -King Whitney Jr

What happens when you open the door and the whole landscape is different? Are you ready to step through that door of change?

In the book CHANGED LIVES, there is one such man that changed everything.

~~~~~~

After ten years as an assistant pastor of a church, I moved to the South American country of Peru. I started my own non-profit organization and began helping others in need. Wow, that was so easy to write; a few keystrokes that contain a major life reroute.

Leaving my old life proved to be a tough assignment. When D-Day arrived I needed some coaxing. There were good friends of mine that gently pried me out of my familiar world.

Those birthing pains continued as I arrived in Lima, Peru on a cold and clammy July night. You must remember that it would be the middle of winter in the southern hemisphere.

~~~~~~

A change in latitudes is sometimes what one needs to truly make a difference in their life. When you decide change is needed and you open the door, be ready for the unexpected. And then walk through and embrace all that it has to offer.
_

Friday, May 22, 2009

To Climb The Mountain



"To climb a mountain, you must first walk through a door of decision to climb it." -Joseph Primm

In the book CHANGED LIVES, Kristien talks about a life spiraling out of control. So many things had happened in his young life and he was allowing those circumstances to be his excuse.

Many people find that succumbing to circumstance is an easier route to take then overcoming. If we can blame it on something else, we feel it justifies our pain or guilt. Yet we only drive ourselves further into the ground.

As Kristien told me his story, I wondered how many 'bottoms' one could reach.

~~~~~~

One night, at my mother’s home, my brother was having a party. Naturally we were drunk as can be. I had started that morning with my brother. My mother was not amused by the party and started trying to talk some sense into a few of us. It escalated to an argument and I lost my mind.

I pulled a knife on my own mother. I started screaming while cutting myself and pointing the knife at her. Luckily my oldest brother was there to beat me down and take the knife away. I can still remember to this day the way I felt the next morning. I called my mom and apologized.

We talked it through a bit and we got a number for a psychiatrist from our pastor. This was one of the best things I could have done in my life.


~~~~~~

The process isn't simple and the set backs can be many. It is the choice to walk through the door that is the first step in climbing the mountain of change.

_

Thursday, May 21, 2009

The Oak Door


“Every wall is a door.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson


In my book CHANGED LIVES, the chapter called "Choice at the Crossroads" talks about my early years. It is those times of your life that tend to form the 'first' you. These early years will cement much of who you are.

We each have to learn where we came from in order to better understand who we are today. With that knowledge, we can better make choices that will allow us to change.

~~~~~~

It was during these formative years that I developed the ‘good son’ mentality. Do what was told of you, do it to your best and then do it even better. Being raised on a farm in eastern Nebraska allowed one to work hard as well. It was not always easy, but there are no complaints when one doesn’t know anything different.

My father had a depression era view on many things. Save as much money as you can, reuse as much as you can and old stuff can be considered new if you are seeing it for the first time. Take old oak doors for instance, the old heavy ones that you rarely find these days.

There can be many uses for these doors if you put your mind to good use. On our small farm we raised hogs, the type that end up in the grocery store and on the dinner table. If you look at pictures of them in story books, they are cute and seemingly cuddly. To raise them is a different story and is a lot of work.

There are days that require you to divide them up, some for fattening, and others for market. The process can be quite challenging and it was the oak doors we used. An oak door with door knobs intact makes a great way to separate hogs. These doors are also quite heavy for a young boy that didn’t have the physique of a football player.

We would find these doors at the old trash dumping location near our hometown. This dump was a ravine, back again during those times before much stricter regulations. That which we could not burn was taken to this dump.

Most times we returned with more then we took. This is the ‘new stuff’ I referred to earlier. My father had a great ‘eye’ for things that could be potentially used on our farm. He could spot an old oak door many yards away. One such day he found one laying about half way down the ravine. All we had to do was climb down, attach a rope and pull it back up. I was the available son and was instructed to ensure that I tied up to it securely.

So down I went
....
~~~~~~

What things stick in your mind, that form much of your thought process today? Tomorrow, pieces of other lives.
_

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Changed By Choice


"Each of us literally chooses, by his way of attending to things, what sort of universe he shall appear to himself to inhabit." - William James

A few excerpts this week from my new book are my offering this week. There will be those that can take comfort from reading this book, while others will know someone (maybe them self) that can use the words to inspire them.

So as I begin, here is something to start your day.
~~~~~
In the course of life, each generation will ask itself if it has had it better or worse then the other generations. The comparisons are generally hard to make as experience, time and more importantly circumstance dictates what happens. In general, it is just life happening around us. One generation or another is just lucky or unlucky enough to live during that period.

What becomes important is how you work your way through both the good and the bad. Yet there are so many of us that struggle to learn how to change in meeting challenges in our life. Our tendency is to float through life blissfully unaware when things are going good. When bad times befall us, we do as Elijah did in the bible verse of “1 Kings 19”. We go and hide in a cave wondering if we are worth any more effort.

It is during those times that we need the strength to proceed on to a greater life. We need someone, such as God, to ask us, “What are you doing here…” We need to know that we are not the only ones that have gone through a tough time. And we need a glimpse of the possibility that exists for each of us.

The good news is that change can occur. Change has happened in the lives of other people and it can happen in your life. All it takes is finding an open door of opportunity and choosing to walk through it.

As my mother lay in her final hours, she talked of seeing many doors before her and not knowing which door she was supposed to walk through. The answer is that you will know which door is the correct one. It will be the door that opens up and shines with brilliance to light your way.
~~~~~
I do not mean to say that it takes death for you to see and choose. Those doors of possibility exist today, waiting for you to walk through. You will know which one is correct. You can begin by reading a book, mine hopefully or any others that tell the story of others that made a change in their life. Now is the time to do something.
_

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Foot Prints Of Change


Today is the second day that distribution of my book grows to many more outlets. It is a neat process to follow and watch as its availability grows. Your own dreams will take time to grow and develop as well.

In the coming days, I will provide excerpts from the book. I will also look forward to hearing your comments. The ability to take a dream and develop it into thoughts and actions is in every one of you. Begin by simply doing something.

I began by writing one blog article. I developed my own style over time and as I wrote, I read more articles and books. Before I knew it, I had written hundreds of articles and worked through much of my thoughts for the second book.

So take a step forward and make movement in your life. Change something in your life and let it grow.
_

Monday, May 18, 2009

The New Phone Book Is Here


It can be much more official now, "The new phone book's here! The new phone book's here!" The line comes from a movie starring Steve Martin called, "The Jerk". At one point, his character Navin is so excited about the delivery of the new phone book.

His friend Harry says, "Well I wish I could get so excited about nothing."

Navin responds, "Nothing? Are you kidding?! Page 73, Johnson, Navin, R.! I'm somebody now! Millions of people look at this book every day! This is the kind of spontaneous publicity, your name in print, that makes people. I'm impressed! Things are going to start happening to me now."

Well, I have that same excitement about my new book, CHANGED LIVES. Distribution has started and it can be found online at most any location including Amazon and Lulu online stores.

The ISBN number is 978-0-578-01674-0 and is my second book, the birthing of new words for all to read. So I would really appreciate some feedback on the book. It is a great read and actually feel it is a great book to give out to others that need some inspiration to move on in life. I have given out dozens and hoping for a ground swell of support.

I am also working on possible speaking engagements and turning my 'little project' into that 'big project' my friend Dean Sweetman spoke about. All it takes is a little excitement about what otherwise might be considered nothing.

So get excited, the new phone book is here!!
_

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Spread The News



"Things do not change; we change."
~Henry David Thoreau

I have been writing for a number of years now and still take wonder in reading the works of 'real' writers. I have friends locally here in Atlanta that I know are classified as professional writers. They each give me encouragement to continue and improve my writing skills. Inspire and motivate others, that is the whole point.

Each of my articles is intended to provide a simple view (mine of course) of what you can do to live a better life. As we grow older we tend to allow negative thoughts of what we can and can not do consume our lives. We forget that we can change ourselves for the better. The place or circumstance we are in doesn't have to be "all there is" in our life.

If I can give you a boost when something has you down; give you some inspiration to try something different when nothing seems to be working; or give you another way of looking at your life when no one else will, then I think the writing is worth every word written.

Over the next few days, I will be giving you bits and pieces from my book called "Changed Lives", which is my second book. The stories are a journey into the lives of people faced with a decision. Each of the people made a change, they stepped through the open door and allowed themselves to experience possibility.

As a note to my books (available at LULU.COM and other online outlets), the proceeds go to charities that I support. These charities are geared to help others and are part of the 'ripple' effect I have written about many times. Please support me in these efforts and order a few books. Simply hand them out to those that need the encouragement. I have given out hundreds of these books and the feedback has been great. Again, it makes a change in someones life; it opens a door for them to make a choice.

Step through the open door before you, help spread the news, help spread the word of change.
_

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Beautiful Rain

Rain showers my spirit and waters my soul.~Emily Logan Decens

It is all a matter of perspective. You can choose to be sullen by the cloudy day or rejoice in it. The following video is from John Poland and it is said, "Tears add to the rain. Happiness makes the sun shine."


Beautiful Rain © copyright John Poland & Stanley Rumm 2009

Of course it all comes back to, "is the glass half empty or half full?" I'd say half full and the rain only fills it more. So much is good about the life we live and if a little bit of 'Beautiful Rain' falls, enjoy the wonder of it.
_

Monday, May 11, 2009

Strength To Decide


"It is truly said: It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide what to do." -Chow Ching

Early in the morning, the alarm awakens us to another work day. Rattling our mind from the quiet recess of dream and slumber. We may roll over and take refuge in the snooze button for a few more minutes. Yet we eventually remove ourselves from the bed and prepare for the day ahead.

It certainly didn't take much physical strength to move from the resting state to a state of movement. The strength came in your will to rejoin others in the daily tasks at hand. It is the 'will' to do something that takes the most strength.

In every decision you make, there is a battle within the mind to either stand still and do nothing, or take a step forward in action. But as you notice each morning, it isn't the physical act of taking a step but the decision to take that step which requires strength.

When I begin a new book, I always battle the negative aspects of doing so. Will people purchase it, will people like the book and will they actually be able to take some measure of goodness from it? The battle of time and work involved sit like a rugged mountain in the middle of my path. Is it worth the effort to climb it one more time? But with each book, the will to proceed grows easier. I have reached the peak, seen the other side and know the effort is well worth it.

You can develop the strength of will by continually moving forward. You fight off the desire to remain complacent. If you do not, laying in bed all day will eventually result in bed sores and a not very pleasant life. Get up and move out into the day with the strength of your decisions.

The results will surprise you when you decide to step out in change. It is the decision which is the hardest part. The rest will seem easy.
_

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day of Firsts


It is a special day for Mom's all around the world today as we celebrate Mothers Day. A day in which we get the chance to thank our Mom for all that she is and all that she has done for us.

In my life, it is the first Mother's Day since the passing of my Mom back in October of 2008. It is another of those 'first things' that we go through with the passing of a loved one. The first Christmas, the first birthday, the first of many, many things.

But my brother reminded me of all the joyful firsts we can look back upon with our mother. Each of you have the same 'first' memories of what you mother has done for you as well. She told my brother to, "never be afraid of firsts." The first day of school, your first fight, your first wrestling match, girlfriend, kiss and job.

Never be afraid of the first argument with your Dad, getting married, having children, grand children or even the first loss of a truly close relative such as your mother. There are so many 'first' things in your life to not be afraid of and your mother is telling you not to be afraid.

Even when your mother is not around anymore, her guidance will live on inside of you. Comforting you and guiding you in even more 'firsts' that will occur in your life. Take the time to honor and thank your Mother today. Let this be a 'first' of many ways you will show her the love and wonder that she deserves.

Happy Mother's Day Mom...we miss you but your constant love for all of us lives on inside forever.
_

Monday, May 04, 2009

Faith As 'Proof Of Existence'

Those that regularly read my blog posts, I normally stay away from what some may call 'religious' speak. The following was on my heart and wanted to share with others. I am not trying to convert or preach to you in this piece, just sharing and allowing you to take what you might from it. So please allow me this little bit of leeway for today and as always, your comments are always welcome.

~~~~~

As our great pastors at C3 - Atlanta always do, they always preach on those things most relevant in my life. I guess that I should feel sorry for other members of the congregation as those sermons are always written for what is going on in my life. For that I apologize to each and every one of you.

This past Sunday (May 3, 2009) was no different in Pastor Dean Sweetman's return to the pulpit, speaking on faith as a tangible and real thing. All of my life I have had faith in a 'believing' sense of what I can not see, hear, touch, taste or smell. Those are most of the physical senses that we have and are those which give us 'proof of existence' in life. Yet I never thought of faith as having a substance to itself. It has always been just something I was supposed to have.

At this point, you may wonder about a man nearing the age of 50 and still questioning faith. It happens to all of us and we continually learn through out our lives. For me, I've always questioned and tried to learn more about my belief. Faith has never been in question, but the example of it being a bridge between the natural and the spiritual shines a new light for me.

Now why in the world would I need a new perspective on faith in my life? Well, my wife Laura and I have eight kids, three grand kids; both of us come from large families with aging parents. This doesn't make our circumstances any harder or more intriguing then anyone else. It simply makes us human and like you, we have our opportunities in life to get our faith tested.

With those tests of faith that we are working through, I have been searching for new inspiration on how to let faith work for us. It isn't enough to just say, "I believe and all will be well." God has expectations for us and so many times we will simply go to the natural. It is those things that I previously mentioned, the physical 'proof of existence' that we run to many times.

Yet the bridge of faith from physical to spiritual is just as real as anything we could touch or see. So it is this bridge that I am envisioning to help us achieve what God has called for us. If we step out in faith, knowing that the bridge will be there, even though we can not see it, keep walking and the bridge will appear. With each step I take, the stronger the connection of my faith to what God has planned for me becomes.

It will be the bridge of faith that gives me proof of God's love for me, for you and for all the world.
_

Thursday, April 30, 2009

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.
_

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

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.
_

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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.
_

Friday, April 24, 2009

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.
_

Thursday, April 23, 2009

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.
_

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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!
_

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

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."

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

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.


_

Friday, April 10, 2009

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.
_

Thursday, April 09, 2009

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.
_

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

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.
_

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

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.
_

Monday, April 06, 2009

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.
_

Friday, April 03, 2009

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."
_