Shadrach, Meshach and Abed nego

If you remember one of the great Bible stories from the Old Testament, it comes from the book of Daniel.  This is a great example of good friendships and the influence that friends and making good decisions are in our lives.  Even when faced with death, these three young men would not 'cave in' to the threats of the king.
In our day, we are faced with our own challenges and there are decisions we must make, and some have serious consequences attached to them.  Like we taught our kids, tonight.  Be willing to stand up for the things that are right even if it may cost you something that is 'of the world'. 
Let's have the strength and courage like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed nego. 

Face Your Challenges--Head On!

I was taught a great lesson that is valuable for everyone.  Some people have already mastered this approach while others are still learning and will eventually master it.


“Sit straight and tight in the boat and let the waves come to you.”


There are enough things to worry about, in life, without finding others that bind us and hold us captive.  May I suggest a couple of things that I have learned lately?
First, some things in our lives will happen the way they do because the outcome is based on the actions of somebody else.  And second, there are things that happen in a particular way just because they do. 


“Sit straight and tight in the boat and let the waves come to you.”


I think it is great, sound advice that we can all learn and live by.  Every day is a new day filled with endless possibilities.  Today might be that day for you.  Take every situation one at a time. 

What Will You Choose, And How Will You Choose It?

I have a man that I know who was involved in a serious criminal act that has landed him in jail--with the potential of a long stay.  I feel bad for the choice that he made and the consequences that now follow.  His is a long road ahead and a lot of pain and suffering for him and his children will yet insue.
I can't emphasize the importance of making good decisions.
Many years ago, I sat in church and was taught a valuable lesson that has helped on several occasions.  The lesson was this.  Make the decisions ahead of time so that when the time comes when you are faced with decisions that need to be made, you have them already made.  That may sound crazy but you would be surprised how effective that solid counsel is.
When Becky and I were first married, we made a committment to one another that we would never go to lunch, alone, with someone of the opposite sex--a co-worker or friend.  We have kept that committment with each other but we have both been faced with the situation and it was easy because we had already made the decision ahead of time.
The lesson was good then and it is still so now.

The End Approaches

For those of you who have kept a close eye on the Olympic games...it's about over.  I am grateful for the things that I've read and seen.  I am grateful for an opportunity for the world to come together in a united venue to compete and to better understand each other.  Here are a few photos that  help us visualize some of the memorable things we've seen.
I haven't watched but a few things but I enjoy when the Olympics come around.  Sunday night wraps them up for another four years.

Humility

Some of you may know that I work for the Boeing Company.  They are a great company to work for and the opportunities I have to grow are wonderful too. 
In June, the President and CEO of the Boeing Commercial Aircraft Group announced his retirement after 38 years with the company.  His replacement is a man by the name of Ray Conner.  He has worked for the company for 34 years and has a resume' filled with valuable experience to lead and guide the division of the Boeing company forward.  I was amazed at the counsel he gave to a large group of Boeing interns at a recent conference. 

"Humility is part of leadership. You've got to have a plan, you've got to prepare yourself, you've got to perform when you get into the job, and you've got to have a strong base of relationships with people."

The part I really wanted to focus on is the characteristic, humility.  No matter your position in life or the responsibilites you have, humility needs to play an important role.  I believe that humility is a key factor in a person's true success.  Whether you're a father or mother, sister or brother, friend, husband or wife, the fact remains the same--being someone who possesses humility will pay huge dividends in the success of your relationships and strengthen those bonds.

I want to be humble and I hope that one day I will get there.  When I'm dead and gone I hope that it will be said of me that I was a goodly and humble man.

One On One

Tonight, Danny and I spent some time walking the sidewalks throughout the neighborhood.  We visited along the way and enjoyed one another's company.  I haven't been alone with Dan for quite some time but tonight seemed like a little piece of heaven. 
A young girl hollered out his name and came running toward him.  He was kind to go up to her and talk with her about the summer and how things were going for her.  She asked him if he could come over and play on another occasion.
I joked with him and really loved to ask him questions about the way he sees life.
What an evening.  I am thankful for fatherhood and the great blessing that it is in my life.
Now I need to make the time to spend one on one with our other three kids.
Life is so generous to me and how thankful I am.

One For The Books

You surely have seen this sprinter.  I am grateful for the inspiration of a person like this who doesn't hold back on an experience of a lifetime and one that could inspire and help somebody else in need.
This is Oscar Pistorius, the sprinter from South Africa.
This picture speaks for itself.