Ever Been In A Funk?

Life is full of GREAT days!  I love my life but there are times when you have to fight through the trenches and battle until the clouds part and the sun comes shining through.  That's the feeling a friend of mine has had in recent times.  I think we all understand some of those times because its called life.  I have repeated over and over that the clouds of doom and gloom will pass and that when that time comes he needs to look for brighter things and be willing to put a smile on his face and move forward.  That is the key to life.  I like the analogy of falling down and standing back up on your feet, brushing the dirt off of you and then off and running again.  There is a freshness that comes from someone who chooses to look on the 'brightside' of life.  I am convinced that this particular approach will yield the greatest rewards.

If you're currently in a 'funk' keep working through it because things always get better.  We are children of a Creator who made us that way.  Everybody has rough patches but sooner or later those pass and the road gets smoothe again and things do become better.  Patience is important.  There is a time frame for everything and this situation is no different.  Life is full of beauty and wonder and the tough times help us grow and mold us into what we are to become.

Dreamers Live On

Our youngest boy, Danny, has always loved the feeling he gets while jumping on a trampoline.  I'm not sure if its the elevation you get when you jump high or if its the feeling of a good work-out, but he loves time spent jumping on the tramp.  We haven't had a trampoline now for a few years.  He has asked many times when we were going to get a trampoline.  Well, the idea came up that we ought to have a bake sale to raise some money to help buy a tramp.  Danny is very excited about it and so that is coming to pass.  On Saturday, August 18, 2012, a bake sale is being held to help with the purchase of this trampoline that Danny will love so much.  It will be held in Magna from 9 AM-2 PM, or until he sells out on 8000 West and about 2900 South.  Danny is looking forward to it and we know that he will learn a few valuable lessons from participating in this worthwhile effort.  Danny always has been a dreamer and I am so grateful for that.

Do It The Right Way

As an employee for the Boeing Company, there are many different people with different cultural backgrounds and their upbringing is even more different.  I find it interesting how different a person's work ethic is.  From the day I started as an employee for McDonnell Douglas, I knew that the quality of work I did would in some way directly impact a family member of mine as well as myself.  I knew that a quality product was the only way to go.  Well, a short time ago, a teammate, who is relatively new to the company, approached me about a particular process he had followed while building a specific aircraft detail.  My eye immediately spotted something in his process that wasn't right.  I pointed out my observation and he looked at me like there was no big deal.  I hesitated telling him anything else but couldn't do that in good conscience.  I took a moment to tell him of the importance of doing a good job, the first time.  We talked about many things throughout our conversation.  When we were through discussing the topic I walked away and was grateful for the work ethic I was blessed with.  I was grateful to my parents for instilling in me the importance of doing a good job.

Our lives are filled with opportunities to do the right thing, no matter what it is.  I was reminded, again, that doing things the right way is the best way!

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.