Secretariat and Joshy

I watched a really good movie over the weekend.  I am sure some critics will hate it because it quotes scripture or because it is somewhat predictable.  However, I think the film was charming and heart-warming.  "Secretariat" peaked my interest because it was filmed mainly in the geograghic area where I work during the week.  I also remember watching Secretariat run when I was a youngster.  In the movie, the horses are majestic, the slow motion parts are beautiful, and the story line is interesting in that a woman stands by her "gut feelings" and has the courage to stand up to an industry and even her own family.  I recommend the movie.

One of my favorite parts of the movie was the first few seconds that begins with a beautiful voice-over reading of Job 39:19-25 which eloquently describes horses and why most people enjoy watching horse racing, a sport considered a sport of royalty.  19 "Have you given the horse strength? Have you clothed his neck with thunder? 20 Can you make him leap like a locust? His majestic snorting strikes terror. 21 He paws in the sand, and rejoices in his strength; He gallops into the clash of arms. 22 He mocks fear and is not frightened; Nor does he turn back from the sword. 23 The quiver rattles against him, the glittering spear and javelin. 24 He devours the distance with fierceness and rage; Nor can he stand still when the trumpet sounds. 25 At the blast of the trumpet he says, "Aha!" He smells the battle from afar, the thunder of captains and shouting."

To me, watching horses run is beautiful and majestic and an awesome display of strength and grace.  I know this may sound really silly, but I have the same thoughts when I watch Joshy run.  I hope he understands that God gave him an incredible talent and that his talent should be used as a tool to help people, to reach people, to draw attention to God.  Just like Secretariat, Josh's running days will soon be over.  I would encourage him to enjoy the journey, enjoy the practices.  Enjoy the comraderie.  Push the limits, see how far and fast you can go.  Embrace the pain and push yourself mentally.  Learn to welcome the feel of your lungs and heart pounding as if they will burst.
So, I am going to translate Job 39: 19-25 to help Joshy relate.  Here goes. 19 Have you given Joshy strength? Have you seen his hair shake like thunder when he runs? 20 Can you make him come out of the starting blocks like a gazelle when the gun goes off? His competitors hear him breathing down their necks as he makes his powerful move around the last corner and down the stretch. 21 He flexes and stretches his muscles before getting into the starting blocks and rejoices in his strength. He eagerly joins in the battle on the track. 22 He mocks fear and is not frightened by the "powerhouses" and state champs that line up at the start line with him. 23 He gets ready for the race by putting on his wild-looking spikes and speed suit. 24 He devours the 400 and 800 with fierceness and rage; Nor can he wait until the starting gun goes off. 25 At the blast of the starting gun he says, "Alright, I am ready to run!" He can sense the war that is about to take place on the track, with the thunder of Coach Johnson yelling and shouting."

The end of this story in the Bible has God saying to Job, "I owe no one anything. Everything under the heavens is mine.  And Job couldn't argue.  God owes no one anything.  No explanations.  No excuses. No help. He doesn't owe me any talent at all.  He doesn't owe Joshy incredible running speed and strength. 

Which makes the fact that he gave us everything even more astounding!

Dont forget where your incredible talent comes from Joshy and then run like the wind.

Choices in Moments in Time

Life can change in an instant, in a moment in time. The choices we make in that instant can affect our lives, our legacy, our family tree. In some cases, those choices can affect the world.

Think of the bible stories we learned as a child.  Twelve men said yes to Jesus.  We know at least one man, the young rich ruler, said no. Those twelve men that made the right choice in that moment in time lived the most incredible lives for 3.5 years and then beyond.  Ronald Reagan made a decision to tell Gorbachev to "tear down that wall" on the limo ride to make his speech at the wall and changed the history of the world forever. A poor Sylvester Stallone refused a million dollars for the "Rocky" screenplay he wrote, insisting that he play the part.  He felt no one would portray the character, Rocky Balboa, like he could because he wrote the screenplay and understood the character intimately.  Sylvester Stallone has been rewarded for his choice at the moment in time many, many times over.

We make choices daily.  We choose what to wear, what to eat, how to act, how to perform.  But I think one of the most important choice we make is how we spend our time.  The bible says that there is a time and place for everything.  For working, for playing, for resting.  And I confess, I have not used my time wisely for quite some time.  I haven't exercised regularly for years.  I could be more productive while spending time alone in the camper.  I "rest" when I come home, and often times, set a poor example for my family by recuperating on the couch for most of the weekend.

So I am going to make an effort to be conscious of my time.  I am going to make an effort to create great memories on the weekends while I am home.  I am going to set an example by using my time effectively to do "chores".  I am going to try live my life in such a way that I leave a positive legacy for my boys.

And I pray for the wisdom, if that certain "moment" in time comes along, to make the right choice.

I am FAT

I am fat!

It's funny how when you are young, you can't understand why older folks are fat. Now I know. I have a million and one excuses for being fat too.  I can't exercise in a trailer during the week, it's hard to eat right when I am not at home, food is my comfort and I have had some rough times the past seven or eight years.  It's just natural to gain weight as one gets older.  The old metabolism slows way down.

I know how to lose weight.  I know I should lose weight.  I know I would feel better if I weighed less.  I know I have a greater chance of getting cancer or some other disease by being fat. I know, I know, I know.

So why don't I lose weight.  Well, mainly because I am not committed to lose weight.  It's because I am not disciplined enough in that area right now to lose weight.  I purposely did not set any New Year's resolutions to lose weight because I am the kind of person that won't do something because someone else is. And everyone says they will lose weight for the new year.

I know that I need to be committed to do the work of losing weight instead of committed to the goal.  Goals are very helpful, and writing them down is even more helpful. But I know that once you set a goal, it should be broken down into actionable steps, and then make a commitment to take those steps, to DO those things. Goals don’t accomplish anything, it’s all in the work.

Question is......will I do the work? Stay tuned.  We'll see.

Random Thoughts for the Week

In honor of Heather Miller's short but very inspiring life, I kept her blog up for a few days. The more I learned about this sweet little girl, the more I understood why my niece, Stefanie, so adored her.  I hope I have the opportunity to see her someday and give her a big hug and kiss and tell her how much she meant to me and my family. Tomorrow will be the one-year anniversary of her going to see Jesus, and the only consolation for those left here on earth, is that Heather has no more pain, and is in a place of unimagineable love and peace and joy. Well done kiddo!

Jeff Fisher is no longer the Titans coach.  I think he did a good job in his 17 years in Tennessee.  He was a class act and represented Nashville well.  Now, let me be the first to say that I love sports.  I played football and ran track in high school and college.  I love to watch my son run now.  I think sports help to build one's character, discipline, and confidence.  However, with all of that said, I can't understand the vast importance that people place on their hometown sports teams.  It is ridiculous.  I saw a lady being interviewed on T.V. that was sad and teary-eyed over the Jeff Fisher announcement.  Come on people, get a grip on reality.  Imagine what great things could be done if people transferred all the time, money, energy, and emotion that is spent on sports teams and focused it on feeding and clothing the poor, taking care of the widows and elderly, and loving homeless children.

I was literally yelling at my radio while driving down I-65 yesterday on my way home.  President Obama did an interview for YouTube. He was asked about how he is working to make healthy food more affordable.  He drew attention to a new Bill that is encouraging schools to serve healthier food and stop serving "tater tots and pizza".  Wow! That is strange.  I thought the government has been in charge of regulating school lunch programs for the past 50 years.  They are the ones that have insisted on tater tots and pizza.  It's about control folks.

I was born and raised in Illinois.  And I feel sorry for my family still living there.  Their elected officials just passed a bill to increase personal income tax by 66%.  Y'all are welcome to come to Tennessee.  But please leave Pat Quinn and his cronies in Illinois.

Tonight I am going to watch my son play in a live show.  He just finished recording his first CD in the famous RCA Studio B recording studio.  He played on the piano that Elvis played on and wanted to buy.  I can't wait to go and see him.  I love to see him pursuing his passion.

God bless the Egyptian people.  They are protesting because there is widespread poverty, food prices are astronomical, they have lost their freedoms, and the government is corrupt.  Mubarak, the dictator, has ruined a once prosperous and dignified nation.  Sound familiar?

When my boys were growing up, I asked them, "What is the most important thing?"  At first, I would get answers like "the grass" or "food" or "cars".  But I always told them that the most important thing in life is love.  Love God and love people. I hope I can practice better what I preach to my sons.

Heather Miller

I never met Heather but I will look her up someday.  She was a courageous warrior who changed the world around her with a smile, a zest for life, and her F.R.O.G. philosophy.

Heather was a 10-year-old tomboy when she was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone and tissue cancer.  She fought for 15 months but lost her battle with cancer on January 29, 2010.  She was only 11.  I am told that she always had a huge smile on her face and that she never complained, even through the unbearable pain that she suffered.  She loved the Steelers and was so excited to meet Troy Polamalu on one of his visits to the Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh.  On their first meeting, Troy gave Heather a Greek Orthodox yam bracelet.  Heather gave Polamalu a green rubber bracelet with her motto on it - F.R.O.G.  Heather's mother said Polamalu refused to talk about his football fame but instead would play 'Rock Band" with Heather for hours at a time.  He also sent her text messages to let her know that he was thinking about her before and then after the Steeler's Super Bowl victory.

So what was it that captivated a tough football legend?  Heather's real legacy was her F.R.O.G. life philosophy that she shared openly and lived daily.  F.R.O.G is an acronym for "Fully Rely on God".  Such a simple message so effectively lived by a small little girl.  Well done Heather Miller. Thank you for showing us how to live and how to make the most of our lives, no matter how long or short it may be.

As a sidenote, I became aware of Heather through my niece, Stefanie.  Stefanie's life was changed by spending time with Heather and now Stefanie shares her faith and her adopted F.R.O.G. life philosophy openly.  In effect, Heather has affected our family tree and her legacy lives on.

Heather Miller and the Steelers 

650 Days

I listened to Obama tonight and can't help but think that things are simply politics as usual again after November 2nd.  Several times tonight I almost threw up in my mouth while being lectured about how we have to lower taxes and cut spending and seek freedom.  I agree with the message, but to have it come from Obama's mouth was like Jabba the Hut (Star Wars) telling us to diet.  But in 650 days, we common folk will have an opportunity to speak with our vote again.  Unfortunately, I do not think that keeping Obama a one term president will be an easy task.  Here's why:

1. The GOP-controlled House is sure to make continued ludicrous spending more difficult for the administration.  This will improve the economy and the jobless rate.  The president will no doubt point to the improvement in the numbers rather than the pitiful level at which it will surely still be, and the mainstream media will whole-heartedly echo Obama's sentiments.  The end will be the return of the message of "hope" we heard in 2008.  I can hear it now, "We are bringing the change we promised; we are delivering hope.  Let me finish the job!"  Never mind the grossly shifted reference point to which his administration's policies have driven us.
2. Americans have terrible, terrible memories. We the people stood up on November 2, 2010 and told Washington with a loud voice that we reject the fiscal irresponsibility of the Democrats in power.  We made no bones about our distaste for the expansion of governmental influence and control.  All those new Republicans are resolved to carry out our wishes in the upcoming 21 months before Election 2012.  But we the people are fickle and forgetful.  When the reining in comes and the long, constant line of "victims" is paraded in front us on the evening news and the morning newspaper, I fear we will forget the terrible price our government's economic impropriety has exacted on our country.  I fear we'll reject the very ones we elected to do the very job we elected them to do and run back to the waiting arms of the one who has promised us so much more than he can ever deliver.
3. Barry Obama has a great personality.  I can't stand the man's politics or ideaology, but, as much as I hate to admit it, he seems to have an "It" factor. Presidential elections hinge on many things - economic conditions, fundraising prowess and blockbuster revelations to name a few.  But in the end, presidential elections pit one nominee against another.  If one of those nominees cannot connect with voters, a favorable economy - be that bad or good - mountains of campaign dollars, and a clean reputation might still not be enough to win the day.  I'm a bit pessimistic at the crop of potential Republican nominees for next year.  I could be wrong, of course, but Obama to me is still more electable than any of our guys.  After all, in spite of everything, Obama's approval has rebounded and now stands right at the 50% mark.  Look at the next point for a powerful reason why.
4. The press is still 95% liberal. Sarah Palin might have been one of the least vetted vice-presidential candidates ever.  What the McCain campaign failed to do, however, the mainstream media was more than happy to do.  One the other hand, Obama was elected largely because that same media completely ignored any opportunity to reveal the real ideology behind the man.  Though Obama's record in the Senate - and his lifelong propensity for government solutions - belied an uber-liberal, a large proportion of voters in 2008 thought of him as a moderate.  That kind of media spin is still with us, and it will enable Obama's failures to have much less impact on the mind of the electorate and his successes to be touted far beyond their merit. 

Don't get me wrong, there is no way Obama should be re-elected.  And I am hopeful he will be defeated.  But a victory celebration at my house on Election Night is far from certain.  So for the next 650 days, stay the course and fight the battle.  We have many things against us but we have to take heart from the results of November 2, 2010 and know that we can get the job done on November 6, 2012.

The Strong Man

Jack LaLanne, the famous fitness guru, passed away yesterday (September 26, 1914 – January 23, 2011). He was an American fitness, exercise, nutritional expert, and motivational speaker who had been called "the godfather of fitness". He published numerous books on fitness and hosted a fitness television show between 1951 and 1985.  In addition, LaLanne gained recognition for his success as a bodybuilder as well as for his incredible feats of strength, such as swimming from Alcatraz to Fisherman's Wharf while handcuffed. He encouraged women to lift and changed the way most people think about fitness.  In recognition of his legacy, he was inducted to the California Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

But Jack LaLanne is not the "strong man" that I refer to in the title.  I know I have "blogged" about him a few times, but to me, my granddad is the strongman and deserves as much or more recognition for his life as did Jack LaLanne.  For starters, my granddad was born 16 days before Jack LaLanne and is still going strong today.  Like LaLanne, my Grandpa was into fitness.  Instead of going to muscle beach or to the gym, my Grandpa was very quietly running 16 miles (one way) to date my Grandma when he was young.  Later in his life, I remember Grandpa taking 12 miles runs in his t-shirt, workpants, and "sneakers" on Saturday mornings. Toiling in his garden replaced dumbbells and bench presses, but still he was active and setting an example for all those around him.  To me, he seemed to have things figured out. Granddad would work hard, exercise, and then take time to rest and catnap.  Although there were similarities in the lives of these two men, the huge difference for me is that my Grandpa is accessible to me and I got to see his examples firsthand, not through a television show or from reading a book.    

I wish more people knew my Granddad.  I wish he would have written a book for others to learn about his life.  He could write about fitness, but he could also tell someone about life, how to survive, and how to make life work even with little means.  I applaud Jack LaLanne for his accomplishments.  But to me, my Granddad will always be the ultimate strongman in every sense of the word. 

My boys, Frodo and Sam

When the movie series,  The Lord of the Rings, came out several years ago,  my boys were so, so captivated.  I remember when they would get dressed up and act out the movie scenes over and over.  They had the swords and costumes and quite the imagination.  I cherish those memories but those days are forever gone.  For some time now I have been encouraging the boys to live their own story.  Just like Frodo and Sam, they have quite a journey ahead of them.  Some days they will encounter wonders, some days they will encounter dangers. Some days the sun will shine, some days there will be storms. To a large degree we can't control what happens, but whatever happens it will be their story.

And stories are so important to us.  We are so attracted to movies and books because stories nourish us.  Stories give us the "stuff" that we need to help us understand our own story.  They shed light on our own lives.  Through stories like The Lord of the Rings, we can see what life may require from us.  As Daniel Taylor has written, "Our stories tell us who we are, why we are here, and what we are to do".

So Frodo (Spencer) and Sam (Josh), please bear with me as I try to have conversations with you about what is important in life.  Please try to listen as I talk to you about passion, and focus, and using your God-given talents.  I am simply living this part of my story by trying to help you live your story the best you can.

Love you.

Rides with Grandpa

Every Friday I drive from Shelbyville, Kentucky back home to Thompson's Station, Tennessee.  Sometimes, I take the entire 2.5 hours to wind down and I ride in total silence: no music, no talk radio, nothing.  Other times I will roll down the windows (in the summer), turn on the radio, and sing along with Elvis for awhile.  But often, I will give my granddad a call and chat.  I don't call him on the drive because it is the only time I have to talk to him.  No, I call him while I am traveling because, while I am traveling on the roads, Grandpa likes to recall the trips he used to take and it brings back good memories for him.  Sure, we talk about other things.  Today we talked about ball bearings going out on a car, the crazy winter weather, my great-grandfather skating several miles on the roads during winter months because the ice was so thick.  We talk about where my granddad ate out this week with his brother, the deer in his back yard, and several other things.  But he will often times ask me where specifically I am on Route 65 South and it will spark a memory for him.  I then get the opportunity to hear a story about one of his many adventures around the country.  I often times learn some fascinating things that are almost hard to believe.  Other times, I hear a story about a vacation or two that I have heard before. Sometimes, I recall the rides I used to take with Grandma and Grandpa when we would get in the car just to take a ride.  I know someday soon I won't be able to make these calls any longer, but for now, I will cherish the long rides home that are made short with my conversations with my Grandpa.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

Today it is snowing, and I love it.  Growing up, my dad instilled in me a love for all of the seasons.  And I do love them all.  But there is something magical about a newly fallen, fresh snow that is second to none. I remember being a kid and waking up to see the snow.  Words can hardly describe the excitement I would feel. Building snowmen, having snowball fights, building snow forts, making snow angels. One of my favorite things to do was to stare out the dining room window with my Grandma on snow days watching the birds at the feeders while Grandma recited poetry about winter.  Ah, the memories.  And then in my teens, nothing could beat a hike into the woods.  I loved that I was the only person in the woods.  Everything looked new and perfect. Time seemed to stand still.  And now in my mid-forties, I still love the snow.  I love to hear the crunch of new snow under my feet.  I love to see how the snow sticks on the branches of the trees. And I love the cool, crispness of the cold that makes you feel alive.  I also like to get "trapped" in the house for a day or two.  Everything slows down and the hustle and bustle of everyday life stops for a short while. I know people love the warm climate, but as for me, I say, "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow".

My Prayer

Dear Lord,
I want to know You and chase after You with everything that is in me, but I am a coward and my heart fears to give up it's toys and idols. I cannot part with them without what seems like a terrible inward bleeding, and I will not try to hide from You the terror of me giving up all of those things.  I come trembling and scared... but I come.  Please tear out from my heart all those things which I have cherished so long and which have become the very part of my being, so that You can enter and dwell in my heart without any distractions or compromise or rivals.  Then, my heart will have no need of anything else.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Just an ordinary day

Today was an ordinary day for me.  No fantastic ideas, no real "ah-hah" moments.  Overall, I had a very good day at work and was able to get a lot accomplished.  I ate healthy.  I lived in the moment and got things done. 

And I think that's OK.  It is easy to get caught up in a book, or a movie, or watching sports and think that every moment has to be super meaningful and life-changing like what is often projected in movies, or seen on the sports field.  In reality, I believe our life is made up of the small, everyday consistencies over time rather than in big headlines.  I also think that staying true to your mission is important. And taking time to enjoy the "small" things in life.

So today I will call my boys and my wife and get caught up on their day.  Then I will go get some groceries, prepare for a big presentation tomorrow, prepare to teach my freshman boys later tomorrow evening, and then have a nice dinner while reading the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.  Overall, a great day.  The kind of day that life is made of.

Josiah's Son

History debates when this person was born.  Some records indicate January 6th, most say it was today, January 17th.  Regardless, he was born in a very poor family, the last of 17 children.  He dropped out of school at age 10, and started an apprenticeship with his brother James in the printing business.  He would go back and forth between jobs but eventually started writing and then started doing electrical research.  Then he became a politician, being relieved of his duties shortly thereafter for advancing his relatives in jobs around the area.  At 71 years of age, he made a comeback and was chosen as a member of the Continental Congress.  He spent time in France as a commissioner (viewed today as an ambassador) and when he returned was considered only second in place to that of the President in championing American independence.  He died on April 17, 1790 but is remembered today for his many contributions to the freedom of America and to science. 

At the age of 20, Ben wrote 13 virtues for his life that he tried to live by, mastering one per week.  They are as follows:

1. "Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation."
2. "Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation."
3. "Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time."
4. "Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve."
5. "Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing."
6. "Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions."
7. "Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly."
8. "Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty."
9. "Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve."
10. "Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation."
11. "Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable."
12. "Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation."
13. "Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates."

  And yes, there is a connection to this person and Martin Luther King, Jr. day (celebrated today).  Towards the end of his life, Benjamin Franklin wrote several essays that attempted to convince his readers of the importance of the abolition of slavery and of the integration of blacks into American society.  Revolutionary indeed!

I miss Ronnie

I grew up down the road from where President Ronald Reagan attended college.  When Reagan was President (1981-1989), naturally I took notice of politics.  Little did I know that he would be, in my opinion, one of the greatest Presidents America has ever seen.  I often wonder how politics would be different if he were President in modern times.  I wondered last weekend how Ronald Reagan would have handled the shooting in Tuscon and the rhetoric and accusations that followed.

Don't be fooled into thinking that ridiculous political rhetoric is new. In the 1800 race between Jefferson and John Adams, the Connecticut Courant reported that if Jefferson won, “murder, rape, robbery, and incest will be openly taught and practiced.”  Reportedly New Englanders hid their Bibles for fear that the infidel Jefferson would declare them illegal if elected. In 1828, supporters of John Quincy Adams called Andrew Jackson a murderer and a cannibal. They accused Mrs. Jackson of being a whore.


If not new, it is still unfortunate that some have chosen to compound a national tragedy by politicizing the murder of six innocent lives and the attempted assassination of a congresswoman.  I believe America should embrace civil political discourse for its own sake, and no political faction should engage in demonizing rhetoric. But promoting this high principle by simultaneously violating it and engaging in a blood libel against innocent parties, such as has been done to Sarah Palin, is both irresponsible and immoral.

So what would Ronnie say?  I think I know.  In a speech in the 80's, President Ronald Reagan said, “We must reject the idea that every time a law is broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker". Yes, Ronald Reagan would have cut through the clutter, would not have used a tragedy for political gain, and would have focused on healing a nation instead of staging a political rally.  

I miss Ronnie.

The Sales Farmer

There are cow farmers, wheat farmers, corn farmers, pig farmers.  You get the idea.  The common denominator for farmers is that they methodically plan, prepare, implement, and then harvest their crops or livestock.  It's really the same in business and, especially, sales.

I had a really good week where I felt like things are really coming together.  Last October, I designed a plan to revamp the sales department.  I then interviewed, hired, and trained a completely new staff.  Then, the last few weeks of last year I turned them loose out in the field to start to yield our "harvest".  This week, that "harvest" (sales) started coming in.  What a great feeling.

The best part of my week was getting out in the field and working with my "rookie".  He is determined, sharp, intelligent, and has tasted a little success early in his career.  But things have started slowly and he has been frustrated lately.  So I did some cold calls with him, had him come into the office, and made phone calls together.  At the end of the day, he walked away with several appointments for next week and a new confidence that he can make things work and that he can be successful in our industry. 

I often times wish I had chosen another career in a different industry.  My industry is hard and demands constant activity, a big dose of determination, and a fairly good sized ego.  However, when I have weeks like this week where I can play a part in helping a young person learn some skills that will help them throughout his life, those other issues take a back seat and my role becomes very satisfying.  It's weeks like this week that I like being a "sales" farmer.

Starry, Starry Night

I told my wife recently that I think I like the night better than daytime. She replied, "Wow, I have lived with you for 25 years and didn't know I lived with a vampire".  I guess that makes me cool.  Vampires seem to be the "in" thing nowadays.  I know it does seem strange to some people, but I do think nighttime is awesome.

I like riding in the car at night, especially with my wife and/or boys.  It's like I am in my own little world and all the rush of daily life seems to go away.  I also like to see the various colors of lights at night, like when you fly into a city and look down. The lights in the city bring a magical dimension to it.  And then there are the times that warm lights softly illuminate the night, sort of like a Thomas Kinkade painting.  One of my favorite places like that is a town called Franklin.  The lights at night in that little town seem to make you feel warm and comfortable and at peace.

But my favorite part of the nighttime is when the stars are shining.  I love going outside and just staring into the sky.  It makes me feel small, but I think it is good to have that perspective.  I read a poem one time about how the stars seem like lillies in a dark field.  I agree.  I think God likes the stars too.  After all, He created them on the third day and then He used a star to signal his Son's birth and guide the wise men to the manger.

 So tonight I will look at the night sky and I will wonder, and gain perspective, and smile..... because there is nothing quite like the night.

Outliers

Why am I not more successful? Why haven't things gone as planned? Why are things tougher than I thought they would be at this point in my life?  I am willing to work hard and smart.  I will put in the time.  I have a high I.Q.  I have had success throughout my career. But not life-changing, continued success.  Why not?

I read a book last year that I found very interesting.  The book was titled Outliers and was written by a man named Malcolm Gladwell. The main theme of Outliers is that there is a logic behind why some people become successful, and it has more to do with legacy and opportunity than high IQ or desire.   He simply makes the point that people like Gates and Jobs encountered the kind of "right place at the right time" opportunity that allowed them to capitalize on their talent, a factor that often separates moderate from extraordinary success. Think of it this way: Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and many other computer masterminds would likely not have distinguished themselves were they born 10 years earlier (as they would not have been exposed to computers in high-school/college, and would have been in their mid-thirties by the time computers really took hold, likely already in other careers by that point in their lives.)
Gladwell also looks at "demographic luck," the effect of one's birth date. He demonstrates how being born in the decades of the 1830s or 1930s proved an enormous advantage for any future entrepreneur, as both saw economic booms and demographic troughs, meaning that class sizes were small, teachers were overqualified, universities were looking to enroll and companies were looking for employees.  In short, outlier-type success comes "from the particular opportunities that our particular place in history presents us with."

So I am resigned to the fact that I most likely will not make it big.  But I do find solace in the fact that if I give my best everyday and rely on God, that I will have the kind of success that God intended for me.  And that will be good enough.

Hero

I think the word "hero" has been diminished over the years.  The word is over overused and hardly ever applied correctly. I don't think an athlete's performance on the field makes them a hero.  Actors are not heroes for the movies they make. Most radio personalities, politicians, doctors, and teachers are not heroes.  So what is a hero?  Webster's says it is "someone distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength".  By definition, Dick Winters is a true hero.

I was made aware of Major Dick Winters when I read about the HBO series Band of Brothers  which aired in 2001.  The series chronicled the story of Winters leading his men of E Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, or Easy Company.  Dick Winters changed history.  On D-Day, Winters led an attack on a German gun battery, destroying the weapons firing at the American troops on Normandy's Utah Beach.  He and his company liberated a Nazi concentration camp, and later captured Hitler's mountaintop retreat.  For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the second-highest award for valor.

But Winters always played down his heroism. In the HBO series, he recalled a question that a fellow veteran was asked by his grandson. Here's how Winters told it: " 'Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?' Grandpa said, 'No, but I served in a company of heroes.' "

Winters wasn't sure he would live through the war. He told writer Stephen Ambrose that he knelt down and prayed after D-Day. That comment inspired a scene in Band of Brothers.
Portraying Winters, actor Damian Lewis says, "If somehow I manage to get home again, I promised God and myself that I would find a quiet piece of land someplace and spend the rest of my life in peace."

Winters did keep his promise to God.  He came back and quietly raised a family in Hershey, PA. On January 2nd, 2011, Major Dick Winters passed away. Rest in peace Dick Winters.  You were truly an American hero.

Arizona vs. New York

My heart is saddened greatly by the news this past weekend regarding the killing of six individuals and the wounding of several others while Democratic Representative Gabrielle Giffords was holding a "Congress on the corner" event.  Among those dead is nine year old girl.  I can' even start to imagine the pain. Everyone, I mean everyone, is weighing in on the subject. And rightly so.  This act is senseless, ridiculous, and stupid.

But there was another story this past weekend that caught my attention.  It involves murders.  But these murders are done to unimportant, nameless, faceless humans that obviously dont matter nearly as much as a politician.  Yes, I am speaking about the taboo subject of abortion.  41% of all pregnancies in NY end in abortion. Nearly 60% of all black women abort their pregnancies in NY.  That is roughy about 130,000 abortions a year.  That is staggering.  That number is so, so sad.  But very few will say anything regarding this news story, We turn our heads and proclaim that women's rights are more important.

In my opinion, the leftist agenda of providing condoms and education has failed.  So has the church.

Elvis Lives

I remember being on vacation on the day that Elvis died. My family gathered around the motel television in disbelief. For the record, I think Elvis "left the building" permanently.  But in our family, he has lived on in memories and various events.  For example, I can remember cramming into a two door car for vacation and in those days, instead of having our heads stuck in an I-pad or watching videos in the car, we would play "car" games or sing songs. One of our favorites songs to sing was Little Egypt and our favorite verse was:

"She's got a ruby on her finger and a diamond as big a Texas on her toe.
She let her hair down and she did the hootchy-cootchy real slow
When she did her special number on the zebra skin I thought that she would stop the show
Singing, ying-ying, ying-ying, ying-ying, ying-ying"

Also, I will never forget the time we visited Graceland and my mom fainted.  Everyone around us thought that she was distraught over Elvis' death.  In fact, she simply had low-blood sugar levels that day.
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Elvis also was part of my life when I was the after-dinner entertainment for my company's international yearly conference in Las Vegas.  Yes, I performed as Elvis.  Live. Actually singing.  What a memory!

And who could ever forget the Elvis Christmas album playing over and over and over at our home throughout the entire Christmas season.  We played Blue Christmas until I heard the song in my sleep.

Call me "old-fashioned". Tell me how he was a drug addict in the end and how he was fat.  I don't care.  I still think he was cool.  He had an incredible voice.  And he was the ultimate performer who cared about and connected with his audience like no other entertainer before or since.

Happy 76th Birthday Elvis!  Long live the King of Rock and Roll.

The REAL Unemployment Headlines

From the time I woke up this morning until the moment that I write this blog, I have heard countless soundbites of Obama proclaiming what a victory the new unemployment numbers are that were released today.  103,000 new jobs were added in the month of December and the unemployment rate went from 9.8% to 9.4%.  Just a "little" less than the 300,000 jobs the "experts" predicted.  I have been trained by this Administration not to believe a word they say, so I thought I would check for myself and see what the real story is.

In a Bloomberg article today, written by Scott Lanman, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke stated that, "If we continue at this pace (growth), we are not going to see sustained declines in the unemployment rate".  Ironically, the article also points out that the unemployment percentages dropped due to "fewer people in the labor force".  In other words, people have given up.  They have stopped looking for jobs and have fallen off the charts. Very encouraging indeed Obama.

One last point that was made in the article that I believe is noteworthy.  Bernanke said, "It could take four or five more years for the job market to stabilize fully". Four to five years? Really? What happened to Obama's promises of 8% unemployment within two years?  Estimated costs of $14.85 TRILLION (John R. Talbott, The Huffington Post, October 1st, 2010) for bailouts and we all we still get from Obama is that things are looking up and blame still being put on the previous Administration.

Please people, learn to think for yourselves and find out what the real story is when you hear the press spouting things that intuitively seem wrong... and please, please, please do not elect this man to the presidency for a second term.

Jumpin on the bandwagon

Ted Williams is everywhere today.  And why not.  His story resonates with us.  We all love a story where the underdog gets a second chance or where the underdog makes it BIG.  He is getting several job offers and offers of homes.  I hope Ted makes the most of his opportunity and I hope his sudden fame does not cause him to crash.  

As I listened to all of the interviews with this 53 year-old homeless man, one thing in particular resonated with me.  He asked us all to not view the homeless with our usual stereotypes.  He asked us to not judge a book by it's cover.  He asked us to be charitable to the less fortunate.  It sounds so easy, yet I believe it is so hard.

I want to be more charitable with my time and money.  I want to not view people with such a critical eye.  I want to accept people for who they are on the inside, not what they look like on the outside.  I hope and pray I can take Ted's advice this year. 

Thanks for the reminder Ted Williams.  Good luck and God Bless!

Zero Regrets

I just finished a book written by Apolo Ohno, the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian, entitled "Zero Regrets".  The title of his book is his life philosophy.  I don't know if that is possible for me.  I have several regrets in life.  I regret not being a better father. I regret not pursuing some of my dreams.  I regret having to be away from my family so much. I regret not being in better shape to be able to run with my boys.

But the book is motivating and Ohno's philosophy makes sense.  As he was training for the 2010 Winter Olympics, he would ask himself every night before going to sleep if he had done everything to the best of his ability for that day so that he could honestly say he did his best no matter what.  What a way to approach life.  It doesn't mean we won't mess up.  It doesn't mean that things won't go wrong. It doesn't mean we will always win. But what this philosophy does challenge us to do is to constantly strive to be our best everyday, every hour, every minute. And when this journey is over, how satisfying would it be to say, "I gave it all, win or lose, I have no regrets".

The "Blue"Grass State

I really can't stand Kentucky.  I spend quite a bit of time in the Commonwealth and I often complain about several things there.  For example, the weather is a lot colder than Tennessee, the roads are rated among the most dangerous in America, and the high school drop-out rate is incredibly high.  In addition, some of the people I work with are very peculiar.  One person I know wont make right hand turns in her car.  Another won't leave the small town my company is located in.  By the way, did I mention I live in a 22 foot camper with no running water during the winter months?

So lately I have been thinking about my situation.  All of the things I just mentioned are things that surround me.  They are things that don't affect who I am, my worth as a husband, father, or friend.  They are really just things that I see on the "outside".  I am starting to realize that so many times the answer to whatever it is that may be at issue is within. We just need to stop and listen to our Inner Voice once in a while.

This year I am going to try and see my circumstances differently.  I am going to view the old campground as my "fighters camp".  My place to prepare and focus for what the future holds.  I am going to reset my mind to really go deep into my heart and ask myself the hard questions and to prepare to be a champion in whatever my journey holds.

Dick Proenneke

There is a HUGE part of me that wants to be like Dick Proenneke.  Dick went to Alaska in 1968 and lived alone in the upper mountain wilderness of Twin Lakes for over thirty years, only occassionally leaving to visit with family in the lower 48 states.  He was a survivor, he lived in the most beautiful wilderness area, lived off the land, and only had himself to be responsible for.  No rude customers, no co-workers, no loud, irresponsible neighbors, no one taking him to court over ridiculous, petty issues.

On the other hand, I think about a conversation I recently had with my granddad.  He is 96 years old and has outlived most of his neighbors, friends, siblings, fellow church members, and co-workers.  My granddad is remarkable.  He is strong and proud and independent.  But, he recently told me he is lonely often times nowadays, especially since Grandma passed.  He said that he believes life is about relationships.  He believes God made us to connect with each other, to laugh with one another, and to share life's experiences with others.  I think he may be right.

Thanks for the perspective, Granddad.

Happy New Year!

I have decided to "blog" this year.  Not because I think my views need to be heard or because I think I am important.  No, I am blogging for me.  I want to chronicle the year's events and have something to look back on at the end of 2011 and see just how far I, and those around me, can go.

The last few years have been very interesting, challenging, and life-changing.  I often reflect on what has happened and wish that I would have written about my "adventures".

So feel free to join me daily, weekly, or just occasionally to join me in my journey throughout the year.

Happy New Year!

Jeff