I went to 7-Eleven to purchase a couple of loaves of bread that our family really likes. When I went to pay for the bread the cashier was on her telephone and I could hear that her call was a difficult one. As I sat the two loaves of bread onto the counter she said, "I love you" and then hung up the phone. She had tears in her eyes and I asked her how her day was going. She wiped the tears from one eye and then the other. She told me that her grandson was terribly ill but that nobody was at home to really take care of him. She said that she had to work and that she hoped he would be okay. I hurt for her and hoped that her situation would be okay.
One of the many things I am grateful for is that Becky is a nurturing mother who loves on our kids, openly, and they love it. She has always cared about showing me affection no matter where we are. I have always appreciated her nurturing and kind nature.
It brings me great joy to have a mother who nurtured me and my siblings and took care of the needs that we had. My father has always fulfilled his important role in our home and allowed our mom to be the nurturing type of mom that we needed. Becky will always be considered blessed by our children.
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't give thanks for my cherished life.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Safety In The Truth
From as far back as I can remember I have heard and been taught that to tell the truth is always the better way. That truth was first taught to me within the walls of our own home.
Please allow me to speak about some feelings I have received lately in my heart with regards to honesty.
I stood in a grocery store line where the customer in front of me had unloaded all of their groceries up on the conveyor belt to be checked by the cashier. The cashier asked if there was anything on the bottom of the cart (as a friendly reminder if a customer had put something under the cart). I could see that there was a case of water bottles on the shelf on the bottom of the cart. The customer quickly answered with a "no". The bottles were not visible to the cashier so she just proceeded to check out the other grocery items. I stood there wondering why the customer had not told the truth. I finally reached over and tapped the customer on the shoulder. I pointed to the water bottles and this person gave me a glare. Then they reached down and grabbed the case of water bottles.
This may not sound like a big deal to some but I believe that our responsibility is to be honest--all of the time!
This is one of those principles that teaches a long-term lesson. I am thankful for parents who taught me to tell the truth. It continues to bless my life for good.
Please allow me to speak about some feelings I have received lately in my heart with regards to honesty.
I stood in a grocery store line where the customer in front of me had unloaded all of their groceries up on the conveyor belt to be checked by the cashier. The cashier asked if there was anything on the bottom of the cart (as a friendly reminder if a customer had put something under the cart). I could see that there was a case of water bottles on the shelf on the bottom of the cart. The customer quickly answered with a "no". The bottles were not visible to the cashier so she just proceeded to check out the other grocery items. I stood there wondering why the customer had not told the truth. I finally reached over and tapped the customer on the shoulder. I pointed to the water bottles and this person gave me a glare. Then they reached down and grabbed the case of water bottles.
This may not sound like a big deal to some but I believe that our responsibility is to be honest--all of the time!
This is one of those principles that teaches a long-term lesson. I am thankful for parents who taught me to tell the truth. It continues to bless my life for good.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Polished And Clean
In the aircraft building business I drill a lot of holes through aluminum parts and then use various fasteners to assemble those parts to mating parts that feed into different sub-assemblies of the aircraft. It is important that the holes that I drill are straight but even more important than that is after the hole is drilled it must then be cleaned up so that no sharp burrs are left on the edge of the hole. The two main reasons for that are to give the fastener that is installed the maximum life of it's designed strength and also to eliminate the possibility of corrosion.
Life is much the same.
When I was a teenager my parents spoke repeatedly about the importance of keeping ourselves well-kept. I have always liked to be clean but I didn't fully understand the impact their teaching would have on me.
We are much like the holes that I drill in the parts of an aircraft. Every day there are natural 'burrs' that have the potential of corroding our lives. We need to take the time to break the edges of our personalities so that the 'fasteners' that keep us all together will have longevity and endure their designed life.
Look around and observe those people who do this very well. Mimic what they do and put into practice those things that will be of greatest benefit.
Who would've ever thought that the act of drilling holes into aluminum aircraft parts would have the impact they have had today. It is proof that no matter how old and experienced you are, there are always plenty of worthwhile lessons to learn.
Life is much the same.
When I was a teenager my parents spoke repeatedly about the importance of keeping ourselves well-kept. I have always liked to be clean but I didn't fully understand the impact their teaching would have on me.
We are much like the holes that I drill in the parts of an aircraft. Every day there are natural 'burrs' that have the potential of corroding our lives. We need to take the time to break the edges of our personalities so that the 'fasteners' that keep us all together will have longevity and endure their designed life.
Look around and observe those people who do this very well. Mimic what they do and put into practice those things that will be of greatest benefit.
Who would've ever thought that the act of drilling holes into aluminum aircraft parts would have the impact they have had today. It is proof that no matter how old and experienced you are, there are always plenty of worthwhile lessons to learn.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
There Are Times
When I awakened this morning I was grateful that the night was over and a new day was about to begin. My night was filled with strange dreams and my body really didn't seem to be able to rest. Just like my dreams of the night, life seems to parallel that. Have you ever felt like the happenings of life are going to smother you?
A elderly man and woman were strolling along the parking lot of a local grocery store. They caught my attention immediately and I watched them for several minutes. Theirs was a life restricted by a wheelchair--for both of them. They rolled along side by side in their motorized wheelchairs, one hand on the joystick control the other hand holding each other. I couldn't help but smile at their outlook on life.
I visited with a man at work that is on another team than I. I hardly know him but we were in a meeting together. He spoke of the difficulties of life that he is currently faced with and the struggle that it is to muddle through. I agreed with him but my first thought was that before our conversation concluded, I would offer him a thread of hope that would help him get over the undulation of his own life. He talked about our spouses and then naturally that led to our children. We spoke of the things there are to learn and what the best ways are to go about different situations. None of us have all the answers but we have lived through many experiences and through those we have gained some valuable insight.
I am constantly amazed at all of the various struggles that weigh people down. Many of those are just life. I can't stress enough the importance of holding our heads up high and striving daily to see the good in every situation--because it is there! It may be hard to see but we need to make a special effort to look closely and find the very best.
It's all worth it. The whole journey is extremely important.
A elderly man and woman were strolling along the parking lot of a local grocery store. They caught my attention immediately and I watched them for several minutes. Theirs was a life restricted by a wheelchair--for both of them. They rolled along side by side in their motorized wheelchairs, one hand on the joystick control the other hand holding each other. I couldn't help but smile at their outlook on life.
I visited with a man at work that is on another team than I. I hardly know him but we were in a meeting together. He spoke of the difficulties of life that he is currently faced with and the struggle that it is to muddle through. I agreed with him but my first thought was that before our conversation concluded, I would offer him a thread of hope that would help him get over the undulation of his own life. He talked about our spouses and then naturally that led to our children. We spoke of the things there are to learn and what the best ways are to go about different situations. None of us have all the answers but we have lived through many experiences and through those we have gained some valuable insight.
I am constantly amazed at all of the various struggles that weigh people down. Many of those are just life. I can't stress enough the importance of holding our heads up high and striving daily to see the good in every situation--because it is there! It may be hard to see but we need to make a special effort to look closely and find the very best.
It's all worth it. The whole journey is extremely important.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Key
I often wonder what it would be like to not have a family. I watch people who struggle but hang on to the hope that even without their family they believe that things will work themselves out and someone will emerge as their support.
Life is so busy and there are so many distractions. Some of the distractions are good and others feel like meaningless distractions.
There is an analogy that illustrates life's various activities. Visualize in your mind a large delicate spider web. The ornate nature of such a creation is mind-boggling yet extremely fascinating. Most times our lives become filled with so many different activities that we become 'stuck' in the web of life and it's hard to maintain balance. What began as just one or two things multiplies into too many to possibly handle. We become overwhelmed and life begins to 'cave-in' on itself--or that's what it feels like. Once stuck in the web it requires a lot of energy to break free from it's bond.
The feeling of hopelessness sets into people's lives because there is no balance to sustain them when the times get rough.
Maybe you feel like this and there doesn't seem to be a solution to the problem. There is always a solution!
I watched a fly get stuck in a web but his overpowering will to survive was too much for the prison device of the hungry spider. His desperate flailing motions worked just enough to loosen the death grip that bound him down. The fly flew away and the disappointment was apparent on the spider's countenance.
Life's death grip seems to smother as the pressure is intensified but the will to survive is completely in our court. With every passing day muster up the energy to stand up and fight. Just like the flailing fly we too will break free from the bondage that we often experience. Simplifying our lives will also contribute to the freedom that feels so much better.
Life is great and we can all win the battles that we face. Stand up and fight until the very end. Endurance is the key and the fight is always worth it.
Life is so busy and there are so many distractions. Some of the distractions are good and others feel like meaningless distractions.
There is an analogy that illustrates life's various activities. Visualize in your mind a large delicate spider web. The ornate nature of such a creation is mind-boggling yet extremely fascinating. Most times our lives become filled with so many different activities that we become 'stuck' in the web of life and it's hard to maintain balance. What began as just one or two things multiplies into too many to possibly handle. We become overwhelmed and life begins to 'cave-in' on itself--or that's what it feels like. Once stuck in the web it requires a lot of energy to break free from it's bond.
The feeling of hopelessness sets into people's lives because there is no balance to sustain them when the times get rough.
Maybe you feel like this and there doesn't seem to be a solution to the problem. There is always a solution!
I watched a fly get stuck in a web but his overpowering will to survive was too much for the prison device of the hungry spider. His desperate flailing motions worked just enough to loosen the death grip that bound him down. The fly flew away and the disappointment was apparent on the spider's countenance.
Life's death grip seems to smother as the pressure is intensified but the will to survive is completely in our court. With every passing day muster up the energy to stand up and fight. Just like the flailing fly we too will break free from the bondage that we often experience. Simplifying our lives will also contribute to the freedom that feels so much better.
Life is great and we can all win the battles that we face. Stand up and fight until the very end. Endurance is the key and the fight is always worth it.
Monday, November 12, 2012
My Thoughts
There are weeks in my life that are more memorable than others and this past week has been one of those. My grandpa passed away and our family has helped to make preparations for his funeral in many different ways. I can honestly say that this has been a time of personal reflection and an inventory of my own day-to-day actions.
Let me say it this way: I need to live today to it's fullest and don't worry about tomorrow--just yet.
I firmly believe that each one of us has the God-given ability to do good work each and every day. We were all given that ability and my challenge is that every one of us need to give our 'all' so that at the end of each day we will feel satisfied with our contribution to society and a clean conscience for ourselves.
I am thankful for reflection and the opportunity it gives me time to tweak where I need to and adjust for a better tomorrow. Every day brings about goodness and our lives are richly blessed.
Make today the best that it can be and tomorrow will patiently wait for you. I love life! It's a time to practice getting better at the things that I struggle with and it allows me experience to progress and move forward with hope.
Let me say it this way: I need to live today to it's fullest and don't worry about tomorrow--just yet.
I firmly believe that each one of us has the God-given ability to do good work each and every day. We were all given that ability and my challenge is that every one of us need to give our 'all' so that at the end of each day we will feel satisfied with our contribution to society and a clean conscience for ourselves.
I am thankful for reflection and the opportunity it gives me time to tweak where I need to and adjust for a better tomorrow. Every day brings about goodness and our lives are richly blessed.
Make today the best that it can be and tomorrow will patiently wait for you. I love life! It's a time to practice getting better at the things that I struggle with and it allows me experience to progress and move forward with hope.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Proud To Be An American
I love music, especially when the lyrics actually tell a meaningful message. Lee Greenword did just that for me when he wrote the song "Proud to be an American". Remember the lyrics.
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA. (Lee Greenwood)
I am so grateful on this Veteran's Day to express my love and appreciation for all who are currently serving our country and all who have done so in the past. Our freedom comes with a great price and I thank all who have served.
If tomorrow all the things were gone,
I’d worked for all my life.
And I had to start again,
with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars,
to be livin here today.
‘ Cause the flag still stands for freedom,
and they can’t take that away.
And I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
From the lakes of Minnesota,
to the hills of Tennessee.
Across the plains of Texas,
From sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston,
and New York to L.A.
Well there's pride in every American heart,
and its time we stand and say.
That I’m proud to be an American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA.
And I’m proud to be and American,
where at least I know I’m free.
And I wont forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
And I gladly stand up,
next to you and defend her still today.
‘ Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land,
God bless the USA. (Lee Greenwood)
I am so grateful on this Veteran's Day to express my love and appreciation for all who are currently serving our country and all who have done so in the past. Our freedom comes with a great price and I thank all who have served.
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