Eighteen years ago America was attacked. Almost 3,000 people were killed in that attack. We came to understand in an ugly, vicious, and history-changing way how much hatred there is for the country by some others. Those haters, those evil-doers, are still out there. America is still at war EIGHTEEN years later fighting the extremism …
Looking Back: Five Years, Two Months, or 1,885 Days
I started this blog five years and two months back. The first post was 10 July, 2014. Our third child had been born a few months prior; now all three are in grade school. My wife and I had been married just about six years; we'll soon be celebrating eleven years of marriage. A lot …
Continue reading Looking Back: Five Years, Two Months, or 1,885 Days
Full Gas! We Serve
"Full Gas!" You hear pro cyclists make this reference frequently. It means racing all out, up tempo the whole way. The second, two-word phrase is the motto of Lions International, and all of the 45,000 plus clubs that make up the world of Lionism. Over a million people committed in the service of others. We …
Carry Your Cross
"...And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." This simple instruction came from Jesus talking about following his path and teachings. It states a very direct and explicit call to face life's difficulties and handle them according to the lessons Jesus left us: Love God; Love one another; Be …
Be Happy
Easier said than done. Be happy. But it's definitely something we DO, not just something that happens. I see this bumper sticker on a car parked in my neighborhood most mornings, when I'm out for my canine stroll. It's a simple directive; and a good reminder too. Being happy is a choice. Coming off a …
Hot, Tranquility
Who would have thought I'd be weaving a little story while cooking dinner on a weeknight? Typical for me, I suppose. Finding a story that is, not necessarily having the BBQ going on a work night. So here it is, a couple little insights from the backyard, as the smoke gently rises from the Weber. …
Lyrics Post: “Closer to the Heart”
I first heard this song when I was a teenager. It's one of the first of many songs that changed my life for the better. From that point to today, certain songs have come along that fundamentally shape and affirm my perspectives and attitudes. Funny that songs do that to us. What a gift. -- …
Song of the Week
Listening to several songs this past week that were from music I listened to decades ago. Many of those songs' lyrics still ring true for me today. I feel the old feelings I had when I first heard the music, listened to the tunes over and over, until I knew all the words. And so …
Be Fearless
Much angst and self-doubt comes from not being fully engaged, unsure, feeling ill-prepared, distracted. The work we should all do is such that nothing can dissuade us from the mission. When we are inspired we are focused and energized and certain of our intent, certain of our purpose. Like Ruth Bater Ginsberg, — “the Notorious …
Labor Day 2019
I think about Labor Day and a lot of different thoughts go through my mind. What's the origin of the holiday in this country? "Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor, " according to Wikipedia. What, if any, is our …
