If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.~Benjamin Franklin
If I have been able to see farther, it was only because I stood on the shoulders of giants.~Sir Issac Newton
This is courage … to bear unflinchingly what heaven sends.~Euripides
Friday, March 02, 2007
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Unbreakable
When you say the word "unbreakable" the first thing that comes to my mind.... my first black plastic comb I got when I was a kid.
It was cheap and you could do anything with it. As a kid seeing that word molded into the comb meant one thing: I had to try to break it! I would twist it, bend it, fold it and contort it every way I could to see if I could somehow break the unbreakable. But... just as it was labeled, it never broke!
One thing I didn't expect was with all that contorting to my comb it didn't go back to perfect shape. It didn't break but it sure wasn't the same. Never could get all the kinks out.. the teeth were bent beyond repair. But it still worked. It wasn't broken just beat up a little. If I had never put my comb through all that torture it would have remained the same indefinitely.
We can learn something from my little black unbreakable comb. People most of the time don't break. We're pretty resilient but not perfect, we may be bent up in a few places and show a lot of wear..but we're not broken.
In our relationships with our spouse, our family, friends and colleagues we need to be cognizant of how we interact with each other. A little more tenderness will go a long way. Our words can bend and bruise each other. Even when we don't mean it and we try to put things back in place...sometimes it just isn't the same.
Take a look around you. We're all bent up and bruised a little...but unbreakable.
It was cheap and you could do anything with it. As a kid seeing that word molded into the comb meant one thing: I had to try to break it! I would twist it, bend it, fold it and contort it every way I could to see if I could somehow break the unbreakable. But... just as it was labeled, it never broke!
One thing I didn't expect was with all that contorting to my comb it didn't go back to perfect shape. It didn't break but it sure wasn't the same. Never could get all the kinks out.. the teeth were bent beyond repair. But it still worked. It wasn't broken just beat up a little. If I had never put my comb through all that torture it would have remained the same indefinitely.
We can learn something from my little black unbreakable comb. People most of the time don't break. We're pretty resilient but not perfect, we may be bent up in a few places and show a lot of wear..but we're not broken.
In our relationships with our spouse, our family, friends and colleagues we need to be cognizant of how we interact with each other. A little more tenderness will go a long way. Our words can bend and bruise each other. Even when we don't mean it and we try to put things back in place...sometimes it just isn't the same.
Take a look around you. We're all bent up and bruised a little...but unbreakable.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
2007 - Year of Open Doors
2006 was a brutal year for me. A 23 year marriage ended and a lot of introspection obviously followed. Hurt feelings over things said and done led to the realization of how fragile life's friendships and relationships really are. It was a hard lesson to learn.
A new year always brings hope for change and resolutions abound in our personal lives and career goals. Me? I'm happy to be here...everyday. A counselor told me once "You can't hurt a dead man." While that may seem morbid, depressing and self-loathing the reality is we can't carry all of life's hurts around. When I finally realized I couldn't change people's opinion of me even if they were right or wrong... I became free to be who I am. Warts and all!
I have made many mistakes the past several years and I'm sure more will come. But I do know this one thing: God is faithful. When I don't deserve the mercy He gives it. When I really shouldn't receive grace He bestows it.
So here's to 2007... a new year full of change and promise. Hope to see you around.....
A new year always brings hope for change and resolutions abound in our personal lives and career goals. Me? I'm happy to be here...everyday. A counselor told me once "You can't hurt a dead man." While that may seem morbid, depressing and self-loathing the reality is we can't carry all of life's hurts around. When I finally realized I couldn't change people's opinion of me even if they were right or wrong... I became free to be who I am. Warts and all!
I have made many mistakes the past several years and I'm sure more will come. But I do know this one thing: God is faithful. When I don't deserve the mercy He gives it. When I really shouldn't receive grace He bestows it.
So here's to 2007... a new year full of change and promise. Hope to see you around.....
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Sleep When the Wind Blows
Years ago, a farmer owned land along the Atlantic seacoast. He constantly advertised for hired hands. Most people were reluctant to work on farms along the Atlantic. They dreaded the awful storms that raged across the Atlantic, wreaking havoc on the buildings and crops.
As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received A steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him.
"Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.
Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, Hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk,? and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.
Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up!? A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"
The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."
Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.
To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured.? Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?
The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.
We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms.
I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.
As the farmer interviewed applicants for the job, he received A steady stream of refusals.
Finally, a short, thin man, well past middle age, approached the farmer. "Are you a good farm hand?" the farmer asked him.
"Well, I can sleep when the wind blows," answered the little man.
Although puzzled by this answer, the farmer, desperate for help, Hired him. The little man worked well around the farm, busy from dawn to dusk,? and the farmer felt satisfied with the man's work.
Then one night the wind howled loudly in from offshore. Jumping out of bed, the farmer grabbed a lantern and rushed next door to the hired hand's sleeping quarters. He shook the little man and yelled, "Get up!? A storm is coming! Tie things down before they blow away!"
The little man rolled over in bed and said firmly, "No sir. I told you, I can sleep when the wind blows."
Enraged by the response, the farmer was tempted to fire him on the spot. Instead, he hurried outside to prepare for the storm.
To his amazement, he discovered that all of the haystacks had been covered with tarpaulins. The cows were in the barn, the chickens were in the coops, and the doors were barred. The shutters were tightly secured.? Everything was tied down. Nothing could blow away. The farmer then understood what his hired hand meant, so he returned to his bed to also sleep while the wind blew.
When you're prepared, spiritually, mentally, and physically, you have nothing to fear. Can you sleep when the wind blows through your life?
The hired hand in the story was able to sleep because he had secured the farm against the storm.
We secure ourselves against the storms of life by grounding ourselves in the Word of God. We don't need to understand, we just need to hold His hand to have peace in the middle of storms.
I hope you enjoy your day and you sleep well.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Rhythm of Nature
Okay....at the risk of sounding like I've totally snapped here goes:
Did you ever notice how many normal everyday events have rhythm or frequency? When you're stopped at a traffic light istening to the radio....do you notice the people crossing the street in front of you seem to walk with the beat of the song playing in your car? Weird, huh?
Birds flap their wings in rhythm, a cat has a built in pace when it walks or runs...otherwise it would trip over itself. The seasons have a cycle...or a frequency to them... all in sync with the climate. The rain blows through and the sun comes out... the daytime follows the nighttime. And so on...
What about your personal life? The human body has a frequency or rhythm. Any husband can attest to this dynamic! What about relationships? Ooooo... really getting spooky now, huh?
Who could deny a higher power with all this rhythm in our world. And more importantly....why is it that some people just...can't....dance?
Did you ever notice how many normal everyday events have rhythm or frequency? When you're stopped at a traffic light istening to the radio....do you notice the people crossing the street in front of you seem to walk with the beat of the song playing in your car? Weird, huh?
Birds flap their wings in rhythm, a cat has a built in pace when it walks or runs...otherwise it would trip over itself. The seasons have a cycle...or a frequency to them... all in sync with the climate. The rain blows through and the sun comes out... the daytime follows the nighttime. And so on...
What about your personal life? The human body has a frequency or rhythm. Any husband can attest to this dynamic! What about relationships? Ooooo... really getting spooky now, huh?
Who could deny a higher power with all this rhythm in our world. And more importantly....why is it that some people just...can't....dance?
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Lighting Up
Recently I was at the Las Vegas Airport where there were many signs notifying the public of the fines associated with taking lighters and/or matches on the plane. Even checked baggage was to not have lighters, etc.
Big boxes were strategically placed in the security lane to allow those last minute smokers to dump their arson making materials before a hefty fine would be imposed...
The only trouble with all that was....
Once I got on the other side of security and made it all the way to my gate I noticed 2 smoking areas with dozens of people in there. I thought nothing of it...then it hit me. How could they light up?
Guess what? They had lighters! and matches!
Where did they get them? I shudder to think of the possibilities....
Big boxes were strategically placed in the security lane to allow those last minute smokers to dump their arson making materials before a hefty fine would be imposed...
The only trouble with all that was....
Once I got on the other side of security and made it all the way to my gate I noticed 2 smoking areas with dozens of people in there. I thought nothing of it...then it hit me. How could they light up?
Guess what? They had lighters! and matches!
Where did they get them? I shudder to think of the possibilities....
Friday, April 07, 2006
The Little Things
Listening. Smiling.
Holding. Loving. Sharing, caring and laughing.
Saying "thank you". Holding the door for someone. Allowing that car to cut in front of you and have that coveted parking place.
All of these things are free but mean a lot to those you come in contact with. Maybe we should live today and "pay it forward".
See what happens.
Holding. Loving. Sharing, caring and laughing.
Saying "thank you". Holding the door for someone. Allowing that car to cut in front of you and have that coveted parking place.
All of these things are free but mean a lot to those you come in contact with. Maybe we should live today and "pay it forward".
See what happens.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Friends
At the risk of sounding too sappy I must admit one thing: Thank God for real friends. We need them. Last year I spoke at several seminars across the country that dealt with health. My part was on the mind...or the spiritual side.
All day people heard about the physical issues and answers we face from time to time. When I spoke the atmosphere always changed a little. Start talking about emotional issues and watch what happens. People turn on and get riveted to any hope you may share about how to feel more accepted, more likable, and obviously more loved.
Friends are one avenue that do that for us. Sometime you just need to vent a little. Your friend who really could care less about your situation cares about YOU. So they endure the ramblings to allow you some quality time. Odds are they might need it next week.
Getting divorced after 23 years is quite a shock to the emotional part of your life. Friends have allowed me to vent, ask questions, and even get emotional about it all. Just like the human body needs touch...so does the human psyche need friendship.
Somehow it makes us all feel a little more acceptable in this world we live in.
All day people heard about the physical issues and answers we face from time to time. When I spoke the atmosphere always changed a little. Start talking about emotional issues and watch what happens. People turn on and get riveted to any hope you may share about how to feel more accepted, more likable, and obviously more loved.
Friends are one avenue that do that for us. Sometime you just need to vent a little. Your friend who really could care less about your situation cares about YOU. So they endure the ramblings to allow you some quality time. Odds are they might need it next week.
Getting divorced after 23 years is quite a shock to the emotional part of your life. Friends have allowed me to vent, ask questions, and even get emotional about it all. Just like the human body needs touch...so does the human psyche need friendship.
Somehow it makes us all feel a little more acceptable in this world we live in.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Fear of Discovery
One thing that has struck me as intersting on this whole blog thing is how people respond. Those of you out there who have a blog know what I'm talking about. Many people cruise by but not many will actually respond on the site with a comment.
Why? Fear.
We have become so concerned with others viewpoints about us that we have become a society of politically correct humanoids. No one wants to go on record for fear they might be discovered for not agreeing with someone else. Then again maybe it's just fear that somehow a hacker will magically derive your social security number from your posting and clean out your bank account! Whatever the reason people are hesitant. It's okay with me though... I understand. Your opinion may cost you something.
Take me for instance. Stand up for what you believe and many won't stand with you. In fact...some stay away for good!
Why? Fear.
We have become so concerned with others viewpoints about us that we have become a society of politically correct humanoids. No one wants to go on record for fear they might be discovered for not agreeing with someone else. Then again maybe it's just fear that somehow a hacker will magically derive your social security number from your posting and clean out your bank account! Whatever the reason people are hesitant. It's okay with me though... I understand. Your opinion may cost you something.
Take me for instance. Stand up for what you believe and many won't stand with you. In fact...some stay away for good!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Gone in 60 Seconds
As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.
You will have your heart broken probably more than
once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.
You'll fight with your best friend.
You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose
someone you love.
So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of
happiness you'll never get back.
wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will.
You will have your heart broken probably more than
once and it's harder every time.
You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken.
You'll fight with your best friend.
You'll blame a new love for things an old one did.
You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose
someone you love.
So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of
happiness you'll never get back.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
DaVinci Code Round 2
Well, the movie is finally coming out in May with Tom Hanks and an all-star cast based on the best-seller by Dan Brown.
There was a lot of complaining and rumblings in the church when the book came out months ago. I was in several church services and never did hear convincing truth about the book or it's pretenses one way or the other. Now don't get me wrong. Much of the book is pure fiction with bits and pieces of facts thrown together with clever novelist writings. But not all of it bogus.
The fact is the church better get ready for another round. The church needs to be ready not only as to explain the book or its bogus claims but mainly to point people to Code Master of all time: Jesus Christ. Pastors, be ready for the harvest. They are coming to your doors in May.
There was a lot of complaining and rumblings in the church when the book came out months ago. I was in several church services and never did hear convincing truth about the book or it's pretenses one way or the other. Now don't get me wrong. Much of the book is pure fiction with bits and pieces of facts thrown together with clever novelist writings. But not all of it bogus.
The fact is the church better get ready for another round. The church needs to be ready not only as to explain the book or its bogus claims but mainly to point people to Code Master of all time: Jesus Christ. Pastors, be ready for the harvest. They are coming to your doors in May.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Parking Places
This is an excerpt from one of my new books. I thought it seemed appropriate to include today in the blog.... Tell me what you think!
-Gene
Someone once wrote, “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.” While most people tend to lose heart and surrender their dreams during life's horrible times, top performers learn these universal principles:
You must discern the difference between temporary setbacks and permanent losses.
Obstacles are there to strengthen you.
Obstacles offer progressive measurements of your growing strength.
Difficulties actually accelerate your success, especially when you understand the value of opposition. Muscles never got stronger from inaction; much to the contrary, unused brawn tends to atrophy.
One of the most amazing stories of sheer courage in the face of tremendous odds is that of Nancy Merkl. Stricken with polio at ten, she was condemned to wear heavy braces and later crutches. Yet in four years, she became a swimming champion who, when asked by Franklin Roosevelt how she overcame such odds, said, “I just kept trying, Mister President!”
Her parents had taken her to a man named Jack Cody, swimming coach at an athletic club in Portland, Oregon. It took a year to teach her to swim the length of the pool. But she was determined. Finally, the coach realized that this young girl was not only interested in swimming as a mean of restoring her health and the use of her limbs, she also wanted to be a champion.
Four years from the time she was stricken with paralysis, she came in third at a meet in Santa Barbara, California. At the age of nineteen, she changed her style of swimming and emerged as the national champion.
Nancy Merkl kept on trying. So can you!
-Gene
Someone once wrote, “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.” While most people tend to lose heart and surrender their dreams during life's horrible times, top performers learn these universal principles:
You must discern the difference between temporary setbacks and permanent losses.
Obstacles are there to strengthen you.
Obstacles offer progressive measurements of your growing strength.
Difficulties actually accelerate your success, especially when you understand the value of opposition. Muscles never got stronger from inaction; much to the contrary, unused brawn tends to atrophy.
One of the most amazing stories of sheer courage in the face of tremendous odds is that of Nancy Merkl. Stricken with polio at ten, she was condemned to wear heavy braces and later crutches. Yet in four years, she became a swimming champion who, when asked by Franklin Roosevelt how she overcame such odds, said, “I just kept trying, Mister President!”
Her parents had taken her to a man named Jack Cody, swimming coach at an athletic club in Portland, Oregon. It took a year to teach her to swim the length of the pool. But she was determined. Finally, the coach realized that this young girl was not only interested in swimming as a mean of restoring her health and the use of her limbs, she also wanted to be a champion.
Four years from the time she was stricken with paralysis, she came in third at a meet in Santa Barbara, California. At the age of nineteen, she changed her style of swimming and emerged as the national champion.
Nancy Merkl kept on trying. So can you!
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Old Cars
I borrowed an old classic car today to drive for a few hours. It was great..nothing like a car made from real metal and cloth. Not a sign of plastic anywhere.
I had to stop and put air in the tires since it had not been driven in so long. As I was wrapping it all up a man walked over and wanted to look inside. Took him back to his high school days he said. Then he made a remark about a girlfriend and something that happened in that car. Almost immediately he snapped out of it and told me he had to get back to his wife in the car.
I am obviously leaving out a few details here. My point is here we were 2 strangers talking about a car and high school like we were long lost childhood friends. Kinda cool what an old car will do!
Maybe if we all dwelt on what we have in common with each other more we might enjoy our lives more as well! I felt as if I made a friend all because he wanted to talk about a car from his youth.
It would've never happened if I was driving a Toyota Camry ya know....
I had to stop and put air in the tires since it had not been driven in so long. As I was wrapping it all up a man walked over and wanted to look inside. Took him back to his high school days he said. Then he made a remark about a girlfriend and something that happened in that car. Almost immediately he snapped out of it and told me he had to get back to his wife in the car.
I am obviously leaving out a few details here. My point is here we were 2 strangers talking about a car and high school like we were long lost childhood friends. Kinda cool what an old car will do!
Maybe if we all dwelt on what we have in common with each other more we might enjoy our lives more as well! I felt as if I made a friend all because he wanted to talk about a car from his youth.
It would've never happened if I was driving a Toyota Camry ya know....
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Season of Change
Wow...It's been a long time. So much has happened in my life since the last post. I never thought i would be at this place personally...
After 23 years of marriage my wife filed for divorce. I was stunned to say the least. Somehow there are NO words that sum up my feelings during this time. So here I am now...alone in an apartment starting over again. At 45 years old.
Let me make this clear.... I am at fault for many mistakes in my marriage and I don't want you to think my wife did "this" to me. We both did. It takes two to screw up a relationship.
Funny.... the theme of most of my seminars I spoke at in 2005 was "rejection". I guess I am experiencing it again first hand! I think I'll change in 2006 and speak on "living with millions of dollars in the bank". :)
Thanks for coming back to my blog. I promise to update every week again. It is actually therapeutic!
After 23 years of marriage my wife filed for divorce. I was stunned to say the least. Somehow there are NO words that sum up my feelings during this time. So here I am now...alone in an apartment starting over again. At 45 years old.
Let me make this clear.... I am at fault for many mistakes in my marriage and I don't want you to think my wife did "this" to me. We both did. It takes two to screw up a relationship.
Funny.... the theme of most of my seminars I spoke at in 2005 was "rejection". I guess I am experiencing it again first hand! I think I'll change in 2006 and speak on "living with millions of dollars in the bank". :)
Thanks for coming back to my blog. I promise to update every week again. It is actually therapeutic!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Evangelist Bon Jovi
"Welcome to Wherever You Are" is one of the latest tunes released by Bon Jovi on his new album "Have a Nice Day". As I listened to the album I was particularly struck by this song. I was thinking how I put pressure on myself to be something else from time to time and even try to be someone other than I really am. Y'know what I mean?
I'm not saying we shouldn't try to be better husbands, wives, friends, etc. But I am saying we ought to take the time out to enjoy where we are right now. Be who you are and have a good time. That's the way God made you.
Kind of a diferent spin on Paul's writing on wherever I am to find myself content.
Enjoy life.
I'm not saying we shouldn't try to be better husbands, wives, friends, etc. But I am saying we ought to take the time out to enjoy where we are right now. Be who you are and have a good time. That's the way God made you.
Kind of a diferent spin on Paul's writing on wherever I am to find myself content.
Enjoy life.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Life as a Cat
I want to be my cat.
Recently my family left for several days on a trip back east to visit family. I was home working, traveling, and getting the mail and taking care of the cat. I mean cat(s). We have two.
After a few days of being the sole caretaker of these animals I discovered how much effort they take. I mean you got a litter box, food and water. (Well…I did discover a cat can go awhile with out food…!) I have to buy a special food so they eat properly. I need to give them fresh water everyday and buy cat litter. When I was growing up we threw the cat in the backyard and they ate what varmints they could find and we would supplement that with some cat food (whatever was cheapest).They got their water from the garden hose in an upside down hubcap. And if it rained they drank that water. It wa a simpler pet era… but then again our cats never lasted very long either…
Back to present day…
One cat wants to go outside then come back inside at his discretion. Several times a day or night. The other cat wants to snuggle up and let you pet her….just don’t pick her up. The other cat has decided he will continue to let us live with him. Time to get more food and fresh water.
I discovered these animals really do what they want and have no care in the world for what they are going to eat or drink. They totally expect me or my family to take care of the details. They just go through life. And for the most part without concern. Although being chased and dressed up in a dress by my seven year old daughter has got to be somewhat stressful. (I do take some joy in watching this happen…)
Did you ever notice that that is exactly how God built us? Not like cats but without the concern for what they need or want…they just go through their day living life… one day at a time. Ask any doctor or health professional and they’ll tell you our bodies were not designed to handle the stress we live under today. I know! I’ve had physical issues that are directly related to stress including high blood pressure and digestive problems. Of course I’m sure that extra 45 pounds had a little to do with it.
The point? Stress is always going to be around. Take life one day at a time and enjoy the journey. You’ll be in a better mood, people will like being around you more, and you’ll be healthier.
I gotta go. I need to let the cat out and change the litter box.
Recently my family left for several days on a trip back east to visit family. I was home working, traveling, and getting the mail and taking care of the cat. I mean cat(s). We have two.
After a few days of being the sole caretaker of these animals I discovered how much effort they take. I mean you got a litter box, food and water. (Well…I did discover a cat can go awhile with out food…!) I have to buy a special food so they eat properly. I need to give them fresh water everyday and buy cat litter. When I was growing up we threw the cat in the backyard and they ate what varmints they could find and we would supplement that with some cat food (whatever was cheapest).They got their water from the garden hose in an upside down hubcap. And if it rained they drank that water. It wa a simpler pet era… but then again our cats never lasted very long either…
Back to present day…
One cat wants to go outside then come back inside at his discretion. Several times a day or night. The other cat wants to snuggle up and let you pet her….just don’t pick her up. The other cat has decided he will continue to let us live with him. Time to get more food and fresh water.
I discovered these animals really do what they want and have no care in the world for what they are going to eat or drink. They totally expect me or my family to take care of the details. They just go through life. And for the most part without concern. Although being chased and dressed up in a dress by my seven year old daughter has got to be somewhat stressful. (I do take some joy in watching this happen…)
Did you ever notice that that is exactly how God built us? Not like cats but without the concern for what they need or want…they just go through their day living life… one day at a time. Ask any doctor or health professional and they’ll tell you our bodies were not designed to handle the stress we live under today. I know! I’ve had physical issues that are directly related to stress including high blood pressure and digestive problems. Of course I’m sure that extra 45 pounds had a little to do with it.
The point? Stress is always going to be around. Take life one day at a time and enjoy the journey. You’ll be in a better mood, people will like being around you more, and you’ll be healthier.
I gotta go. I need to let the cat out and change the litter box.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Mistake Makers
Do you ever get frustrated with your computer? Does it take forever to boot up? Does it ever lose your documents when you were so close to finishing them? What about software conflicts? Viruses? Hard drive problems? Interestingly enough we expect our computers to operate flawlessly when these very machines were created by human minds. Sure they get more powerful, faster and look better. But they always have issues…and don’t even throw out the “MAC vs. PC” issue. They all break…period.
It’s funny how we humans have the same idea we should operate socially like a piece of machinery. We expect perfection from human minds when everything we create is flawed!
When I was 19 the world was black and white…right and wrong were easy to determine. But as I got older some of those issues became “gray”. Experience with others and mainly dissatisfaction with myself has taught me we’re all one decision away from a mistake. Maybe it’ll cost us a little pain or maybe it will cost us our life. But one thing is for sure: I’m going to make another mistake. No matter how much I want my friends and family to think I’m God’s gift to Man…I keep proving I’m not. I think I understand the Apostle Paul in the New Testament when he is frustrated that “I do the things I don’t want to do and I don’t do the things I want to do”. Sounds like a mistake maker to me. In fact every person we read about in the Bible is quite human. In other words, they all screwed up at one time or another! Guess what… we’re all in that same club: The Mistake Makers.
When I was growing up my father had a statement he would say right after I had made some stupid mistake: “Well, did you learn anything?” I hated that statement. It never made me feel any better. In fact I usually felt like more of a failure! But the premise of it wasn’t bad. I made a mistake, learn from it, and go on from here. Not bad advice to a kid that almost set the house on fire in the kitchen. But that’s another story…
I used to think that one day I would get it all together and be smarter and the mistakes would be fewer. I’m not sure I’ve done any of that. Sometimes I feel like I’m going backwards! But I keep going…
So what’s my point? You are going to make mistakes. You’re going to regret them, be embarrassed by them and want to stick your head in the sand until the pain goes away. But when you eventually pull your head out of the sand you will still be stuck with the same problem: you.
So give yourself a break. Forgive yourself and move on. If God decided to include others mistakes in the Bible then there must be something to be gained from making them. Mistakes are a part of life and hopefully along the way others will learn from what we do wrong. Just remember what Dad said: “Well, did ya learn anything?”
It’s funny how we humans have the same idea we should operate socially like a piece of machinery. We expect perfection from human minds when everything we create is flawed!
When I was 19 the world was black and white…right and wrong were easy to determine. But as I got older some of those issues became “gray”. Experience with others and mainly dissatisfaction with myself has taught me we’re all one decision away from a mistake. Maybe it’ll cost us a little pain or maybe it will cost us our life. But one thing is for sure: I’m going to make another mistake. No matter how much I want my friends and family to think I’m God’s gift to Man…I keep proving I’m not. I think I understand the Apostle Paul in the New Testament when he is frustrated that “I do the things I don’t want to do and I don’t do the things I want to do”. Sounds like a mistake maker to me. In fact every person we read about in the Bible is quite human. In other words, they all screwed up at one time or another! Guess what… we’re all in that same club: The Mistake Makers.
When I was growing up my father had a statement he would say right after I had made some stupid mistake: “Well, did you learn anything?” I hated that statement. It never made me feel any better. In fact I usually felt like more of a failure! But the premise of it wasn’t bad. I made a mistake, learn from it, and go on from here. Not bad advice to a kid that almost set the house on fire in the kitchen. But that’s another story…
I used to think that one day I would get it all together and be smarter and the mistakes would be fewer. I’m not sure I’ve done any of that. Sometimes I feel like I’m going backwards! But I keep going…
So what’s my point? You are going to make mistakes. You’re going to regret them, be embarrassed by them and want to stick your head in the sand until the pain goes away. But when you eventually pull your head out of the sand you will still be stuck with the same problem: you.
So give yourself a break. Forgive yourself and move on. If God decided to include others mistakes in the Bible then there must be something to be gained from making them. Mistakes are a part of life and hopefully along the way others will learn from what we do wrong. Just remember what Dad said: “Well, did ya learn anything?”
Saturday, July 30, 2005
I've been gone awhile...
The month of June was a hard month. July has been strange as well. We all go through times in our lives that are hard. Whether it's health issues or emotional issues or work issues...they all come. And all of them came in the past 60 days for me.
Thanks to all of you who have supported me....and you know who you are.
Friends...we all need 'em!
Thanks to all of you who have supported me....and you know who you are.
Friends...we all need 'em!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Pride in Beverly Hills
Well here I was driving in Los Angeles on my way to meet some very important people in the entertainment capital of the world: Beverly Hills, California. I felt good. I had rented a new 2005 Mustang Convertible and tried to shed any notion I lived in Dallas, Texas.
As I turned into the Beverly Wilshire Hotel I was immediately shocked when I saw about 10 willing valets and belhops ready to attend to my every need. Now I must tell you I was looking good. No, I was looking very good. I had a hip blue shirt on with the french cuffs unbuttoned and new striped slacks that Rod Stewart would appreciate. Then it happened...
I pulled to a stop at the door. I put the top back up on the car and got out. And there she was. A beautiful young woman was standing there smiling at me. Now I could have been her dad. You know what I mean? So don't get any screwy ideas rolling around in your head. She expressed: "Wow, cool outfit. You look very nice!" Okay, I admit it. I was flattered and my ego was stroked. This young lady had made my day! Maybe I could have been her father... or maybe I still had "it"!! Regardless, it was a great feeling.
So I took my ticket and strutted a little more (now that I had been complimented so...) over to the front door. I was feeling pretty cool right up to the point I tripped up the 2 steps to the door.
And then the moment was gone. Back to reality...
I couldn't help but laugh...and no, I didn't turn around to see who was laughing with me. Suddenly that old familiar bible verse came to mind..."Pride goeth before a fall."
Next week I'm in Tulsa.....I'm not worried....
As I turned into the Beverly Wilshire Hotel I was immediately shocked when I saw about 10 willing valets and belhops ready to attend to my every need. Now I must tell you I was looking good. No, I was looking very good. I had a hip blue shirt on with the french cuffs unbuttoned and new striped slacks that Rod Stewart would appreciate. Then it happened...
I pulled to a stop at the door. I put the top back up on the car and got out. And there she was. A beautiful young woman was standing there smiling at me. Now I could have been her dad. You know what I mean? So don't get any screwy ideas rolling around in your head. She expressed: "Wow, cool outfit. You look very nice!" Okay, I admit it. I was flattered and my ego was stroked. This young lady had made my day! Maybe I could have been her father... or maybe I still had "it"!! Regardless, it was a great feeling.
So I took my ticket and strutted a little more (now that I had been complimented so...) over to the front door. I was feeling pretty cool right up to the point I tripped up the 2 steps to the door.
And then the moment was gone. Back to reality...
I couldn't help but laugh...and no, I didn't turn around to see who was laughing with me. Suddenly that old familiar bible verse came to mind..."Pride goeth before a fall."
Next week I'm in Tulsa.....I'm not worried....
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
First Church of the Front Porch
I was in Haiti.
Not in the bustling city of Port au Prince but far outside any normal civilization that we would recognize. The land is barren, the temperature is hot and humid and the sky is darker than anything you’ve ever seen at night.
While I was there I had the chance to slow down and chat with new friends I had made on the front porch of the building we were staying in. Some brilliant soul had brought rocking chairs from America. There’s something about a rocking chair that says “Chill…sit down for a spell. Let go for a few minutes. Relax.” So we did that. We sat. We rocked. And we talked.
Over the next few hours we talked about our life experiences, our triumphs, our tragedies and our dreams. We got to know each other. We encouraged each other and we laughed at each other.
It’s been a few days since we all left and went back to our individual lives in different parts of the States. But I realized something. Out there on that porch in between swatting mosquitoes and trading stories we had experienced something that brought us all closer together. We had church on the front porch. We didn’t sing songs, have announcements or even take up an offering. But nevertheless we did indeed have church. Confessing your faults to one another, encouraging each other, and having good relationships with those around you. Isn’t that what church is supposed to be? Maybe we didn’t crack a bible open but we did more “church” in that time than I’ve experienced in some 4 hour “church” services. Didn’t He say He’d be there in the midst of 2 or 3 that are gathered in His name?
Maybe we ought to return to the front porch concept for church. Put down all your religion and all your pre-conceived ideas of church and just be real. Let God use you in the most “real” way He can. Get to know new people…make friends. After all, it’s not about you is it?
Funny how I had to go to Haiti to have good fellowship… Maybe I just slowed down long enough to recognize it when it came “rocking”.
So here are my new 4 Steps to Success for a Happy Life:
Sit. Rock. Relax. Share.
The First Church of the Front Porch…come on... pull up a rocking chair…
Not in the bustling city of Port au Prince but far outside any normal civilization that we would recognize. The land is barren, the temperature is hot and humid and the sky is darker than anything you’ve ever seen at night.
While I was there I had the chance to slow down and chat with new friends I had made on the front porch of the building we were staying in. Some brilliant soul had brought rocking chairs from America. There’s something about a rocking chair that says “Chill…sit down for a spell. Let go for a few minutes. Relax.” So we did that. We sat. We rocked. And we talked.
Over the next few hours we talked about our life experiences, our triumphs, our tragedies and our dreams. We got to know each other. We encouraged each other and we laughed at each other.
It’s been a few days since we all left and went back to our individual lives in different parts of the States. But I realized something. Out there on that porch in between swatting mosquitoes and trading stories we had experienced something that brought us all closer together. We had church on the front porch. We didn’t sing songs, have announcements or even take up an offering. But nevertheless we did indeed have church. Confessing your faults to one another, encouraging each other, and having good relationships with those around you. Isn’t that what church is supposed to be? Maybe we didn’t crack a bible open but we did more “church” in that time than I’ve experienced in some 4 hour “church” services. Didn’t He say He’d be there in the midst of 2 or 3 that are gathered in His name?
Maybe we ought to return to the front porch concept for church. Put down all your religion and all your pre-conceived ideas of church and just be real. Let God use you in the most “real” way He can. Get to know new people…make friends. After all, it’s not about you is it?
Funny how I had to go to Haiti to have good fellowship… Maybe I just slowed down long enough to recognize it when it came “rocking”.
So here are my new 4 Steps to Success for a Happy Life:
Sit. Rock. Relax. Share.
The First Church of the Front Porch…come on... pull up a rocking chair…
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