Sunday, December 28, 2014

the growth of a son.....

When I was 21, my wife and I had a son. A lovely boy; Sean Patrick, named after listening to A Beautiful Boy by J. Lennon. 

Since he didn't like to sleep traditionally, hwould fall asleep while eating his food, he didn't want to miss anything. He was an inquisitive lad. 

Sometimes I would strap him into his car seat at 10:00 at night and drive the North/South Freeway (Rt. 42) to put him to sleep. Once asleep in the house, I would verbally threaten the firetrucks should they go by with their sirens blaring. 

I nicknamed him Buckaroo Banzai for it was a wild and adventurous name. His siblings and cousins nicknamed him Seany and today I tend to call him Seaner. 

Sean was a literal fellow. He took everything as black and white, there were no grey areas. 




I would read to him at night, and for me, my favorite was Go, Dog, Go I loved the part where the dog on the Ferris wheel yell; "go around again!". 
It was as if we wanted that moment to never end and to go around again and again and again. 



Those moments did end. We both grew up. I as a father, and Sean into a young man. We did it together. Learning as we went. 

Today Sean is 30 and I am over 50. 

This Friday, January 2nd, Sean will marry Jessica. I love the way he makes her laugh. I love the way he cares for her, protects her. I see it in his actions, I hear it in his voice. 

The ride in the car seat didn't always work and more often then not he would end up sleeping on the floor next to our bed. Sometimes firetrucks did go by and wake him up and sometimes he finished his meal without falling asleep and as much as I wanted us to "go around again" back then, in a strange way we are, it's a big Ferris wheel and all it does is go around and around, and I, for one, love the ride. 

((tonight we catch one of his favorite bands - mewithouYou with his brothers Taylor and Johnny it is part of his bachelor party celebration - - can't wait, it's a great ride))


Wednesday, December 03, 2014

say yes

I have devoted myself to my job for the majority of my life - 50 and 70 hour work weeks. 
Work has always been easier for me to deal with then being a husband or a father.
After all, I am a boss at work - they listen to me. 
                                                   Aryn and I at the WXPN music fest         Knight Park Ultimate Frisbee with Sean and Taylor

About five years ago I determined to change the way I lived and worked. I made a pact with myself to make time for my children whenever they ask. Most of you probably do this already, but I would always be to busy to make time for my family putting work and others before them. 
                   One of a gazillion trips to Moe's!                  Working together                      Taylor and I travel for food!

This all came about because of our youngest child Taylor, I realized, I did not know him and I needed to change that and change it now. Those changes don't happen overnight as the non-existence of the relationship certainly did not happen overnight.

I began the journey with one simple pact - make time for my children whenever they ask. DON'T LET WORK OR MY SELFISHNESS GET IN THE WAY.

So far this has been working. I haven't slipped up too many times. And I do catch myself getting ready to say...hey, I have to do "this" and "that" or "whatever", instead of saying yes to lunch or the movies. And in the end, I enjoy that time with my children even though they aren't children anymore. 


these pics were taken 25 years ago
make the changes

take the initiative
NOW


Monday, December 01, 2014

morning exercise

the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice

the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice

the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice

the way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice

the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom and instruction

the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom and instruction

the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom and instruction

the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, fools despise wisdom and instruction

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand

Listen to the advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

You just cant cut and paste this stuff. You have to let it sink in. 

Saturday, November 15, 2014

drifting

There are times in life where I drift, drift aimlessly through time and space, space defined by wherever my feet are planted, but when you drift....your feet aren't planted and herein lies the __________.
problem  -  opportunity  -  dilemma  -  chance 


I think it is our civic duty to ourselves to take the all that life dishes out and weather the storm.
God says;  "you will have trouble". And we all have, and will have trouble....until, until....until....until?

So I drift through life for the past month or so wondering and dreaming. Hoping to reach shore.

I oft wonder just what and where is the shore?



Monday, November 10, 2014

what maybe you dont know about wiki




Wiki has expanded the encyclopedia to 287 languages to make it more accessible all over the world. 

We strive most to impact those who would not have access to education otherwise. 

We bring knowledge to people like Akshaya Iyengar from Solapur, India. Growing up in this small textile manufacturing town, she used Wikipedia as her primary learning source

For students in these areas, where books are scarce but mobile Internet access exists, Wikipedia is instrumental. Akshaya went on to graduate from college in India and now works as a software engineer in the United States. She credits Wikipedia with powering half of her knowledge.



be the difference

make it happen 

have fun


Friday, October 31, 2014

the end of the day....

the end of the day...is very much like the beginning

the end brings peace....as does the beginning

there is a comfort...as in the beginning

there is breath...as in the beginning

breathe.

feel it live it

love it

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

my heart open for you to see


let the words sink in deep 

- do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves 

- but encourage one another daily,  as long as it is called "today" 

- give to everyone who begs from you 

- do not be anxious for anything 

-do not be overcome by evil., but overcome evil with good 

- learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widows cause 

-I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman 

-and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles 

- do not judge by appearances

- love one another 


these are words from the bible. words that I wish all of us would follow. Copy and paste any one of them and you will find they are a bible verse. 

God's living word  is brilliant. I find no fault in His word and I find nothing as perfect or as pure as His word. 

God knows the heart. And that is all we should ever concern ourselves with

look for God, you will find Him - - HE IS REAL

for those that know Him.....let us love one another, for love is from God


may you continue to search and seek truth. 

fyi - - I am as imperfect a man as ever has existed. 

may God bless you

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

STORIES TO TELL



"As far as my eyes can see, white and gray grave markers line the earth,  each with a tiny bit of information. Name, years lived, maybe a nice quote. But not enough to really let you know who these people were. I wonder if each marker has a story...."

The stories we tell are the stories we live. They are of the moment(s) and nothing more. 

I just finished the last available book from Matthew Quick, and I am moved. 

His books hit a note with me and inspire me to live life. They are simple stories, stories of imaginary characters, imaginary in our minds, but brought to life on paper. 

I hope you are inspired to pick up one, if not all- 

Silver Linings Playbook

Sorta Like a Rockstar

Boy21 (what I just finished and where the quote is from)

Forgive me, Leonard Peacock

The  Good Luck of Right Now

I recommend them all. 


Wednesday, October 01, 2014

flower


Pictured is the ROMAN FORUM with ruins from the 7th century BC. There may be as many as five temples celebrating different gods in this picture

I was going to title this "30,000 gods vs. one", I could not find the motivation.

We were told, while touring the Roman Forum, that the Romans had up to 30,000 gods, and on a whim of a passing flock of birds, would take that as a sign, an omen, and take it for whatever they thought it to be, and with that possibly create a god.

Instead it is titled "flower".

I have met some wonderful people. Three of those stand out. Mario, Giuseppe and Fiora.

They were not your average people. They had heart. Real heart. A heart as true and strong as the day is long. The kind of people that when you meet them.....they inspire you, and you can only hope you do the same for them.

I know they were working whenever I encountered them. They were after all the lone hotel staff where Margaret and I stayed for several days, but there was something going on beyond the normal courtesies.

The Badia di Pomaio, where we stayed,  is a beautiful old abbey from 1645. 



That is all it is, a building, historic yes, but just a building. It is the people that bring it to life.
Without people we are nothing.

Fiora, Giuseppe and Mario brought life to the Badia di Pomaio. Life with heart.

I miss them.

They are beautiful.

May God bless them and keep them.

May God bless and keep you.








Thursday, September 25, 2014

coffee two ways in Italy

Margaret and I visited St. Marks Basilica in Venice.

It was beyond verbal description. 

It was a place that begged your soul to feel God. 

The tourists had no souls as they visited. 

"There's a lot of ways to kill a man. 
There's a lot of ways to die. 
Yes, and some already dead who walk beside you." 
Ray LaMontagne

She lay covered as in a shroud at the exit of the basilica where thousands upon thousands of people passed, many not giving her so much as a glance. Her arm outstretched, holding a worn paper cup. 

She was praying more then begging. She was Jesus himself. She was more beautiful then any treasure of the basilica, yet I only saw her hand. Most stepped over her as they determined she was not worth a glance. May God not step over us. 


You can have your coffee two ways in Levanto, Italy; espresso and americano, but we cannot live our lives two ways. God sees our heart. Make it a good one. 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Lorenzo's Pizza 3rd & South Street

Justin - - homeless on South St two doors up from Lorenzo's Pizza. Eating a slice of Lorenzo's that is the biggest slice of pizza I have ever seen in my life and I've seen (and eaten) my share of pie.

He has a 12 year old brother living with some girl; she's taken care of Justin's brother....he wants to get off the street. He doesn't like it.

He's from Ocean City Maryland and worked for an engineer firm. He got laid off and within 10 days of the lay-off  was in an accident which put him in a coma for 60 days.

Chris approached and  hung out. Chris was homeless too. Chris doesn't understand why people treat homeless people like sh*t, I said it's not just the homeless we treat that way. Justin offered Chris some bites of his pizza. Justin's parents were in Cali. Not sure how that works, didn't ask.  Justin was going to figure out how to get his unemployment. It's hard to get unemployment when your in a coma.

There were no smiles, no laughs, just sharing.

The Justin's are everywhere, and if they have it to share, share they do.

Thursday, September 11, 2014

2 wrongs = 0 rights

Back in middle school I would bring a peanut butter (Skippy) and butter sandwich on white bread, a Ring Ding (chocolate cake filled w/cream, dipped in chocolate then wrapped in foil) and Fritos Corn Chips. 

There was also Mr. Parker, the vice principal in charge of disciplinary in the lunch room. 

Tom Volpe sat across from me in lunch. He tantalized me and my Ring Ding, to the point that the Ring Ding ended up in Tom's face. Cream and everything. To my defense.....I did warn him. 

Tom's continued play despite my warning him to stop, less the Ring Ding end up on him did not constitute my losing my Ring Ding. At least according to Mr. Parker. 

Tom's face and hair were evident of my actions and Mr. Parker did at least hear my case of Tom's tantalizing, but stated: "two wrongs do not make a right" and with that punished me to the front of the lunchroom where I stood against the stage (the stage/auditorium served as one) in punishment and shame.

The lesson of two wrongs do not make a right has stuck with me. 

This one is newer for me. 

A person does "wrong" and we all judge that person and want to persecute them....yet we have done "wrong" too. What right do we have to persecute? (John 8)



This is all in response to LeSean MCoy's 00.20 tip that made the news. 

Not that I or anyone should:
a) judge Sean as I am sure we have all left inappropriate tips 
b) two wrongs do not make a right

Again....I see nothing wrong in God's word. It is pure. 



Tuesday, September 09, 2014

bonnaroo vs.Christian camp - TIME WINS!

There is no doubt that time trumps everything in value. 

In a world where you can buy anything you want, should you have the means. The one thing no one can buy is time. 

And what do we do with said time?

Nobody ever says I was "just wasting money", but we frequently say, "I'm just wasting time" or, "I'm killing time"....and yet....the value of time is priceless. Truly priceless. 

What if we looked at the value of minutes the same way we looked at the value of say a $1,000.00 dollars? A hundred dollars a minute! What would you then do with those minutes?

I want more time. I want to bask in it, just bathe in it. 

When I attend music festivals or the Christian camp I go to,what I love most is the time stamp everyone puts on those few days. And they do that by their appreciation for one another. 

A nod of acknowledgement from our fellow human being......a smile, a hello. 
These gestures are encouraging....and yet.....when others do not do as we have done.....

Break the ice! Tear down the walls and maintain the gestures of love. The nods, the smiles- and hello's!

Who wins? Love wins. 

and when love wins.....we all win. 

Friday, September 05, 2014

poem

death is a breath away

life is a heartbeat closer

light shines

in the light there is no darkness

the heart, in the dark

somehow breathes light

(death is overcome)


Inspired by Sorta Like a Rock Star 
Matthew Quick


AND GOD :) 

Monday, September 01, 2014

the church and love or get in the game

if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 

my original post was going to have cynicism - about how the church teaches more on tradition then love. And how I want the church to teach more about love then on who/what/where get's baptized......and it was then that i realized that i was without love towards the church in this matter. 

and I was like a resounding gong......loud and then slowly vibrating until no sound was left for i was without love.



love is.....

love is.......

seeing each other without judgement

helping each other without motive and to just help

love is seeing others with joy and happiness

love is so many things and so different for each of us, but the biggest thing love is, to me is seeing each other with the same love, patience, grace and understanding that Jesus sees us with. 

instead of judging the church on what it teaches I need to look harder at myself and who I am. I need to be a man of character and a man willing to tow the line, be involved and stop jeering from the sidelines, but be a player on the field enacting the changes I feel the Holy Spirit wants to see, being led by God. Submitting myself to not only God, His Son and the Holy Spirit, but also to my fellow man. 


Sunday, August 24, 2014

teacher, teacher teach me love

My wife and I watch CHOPPED. A group of competitors with a basket of unknown food preparing for professional chefs. After each round someone is "chopped". 
The competitors are normally adults with a cooking background. But the ingenuity of progress led to what became known as the "CHOPPED Teen Tournament"

Money and 15 seconds of fame are at stake. 
For the adults chefs - $10,000 dollars
 For the teen CHOPPED Champion - $25k in prize money,a culinary scholarship worth $40,000 (and of course 15 seconds of fame).

Television is entertaining and competitions can be inspiring, but what is it that caught my attention during this CHOPPED series?

It was the teens. 

When the adults compete upon being "chopped" most competitors have different responses to being chopped. Some sad, some disappointed and some feel cheated. Some feel challenged and yes, some are willing to tip their hat to the people who beat them out, but not the teens. In round after round, sure the teen who was chopped was sad at the loss. Some to the point of tears. But yet, they were happy to have had not only the opportunity, but happy for the other person. The person who beat them out. Happy to the point of hugs, tears of joy and happy to the point of elation for their fellow human being. 

That is the eyes of a child. May we all see that way.

"teacher, teacher teach me love....i can't learn it fast enough" Rockpile



Saturday, August 16, 2014

days run into nights

when days run into nights and nights into days into weeks

it all goes to fast

slow it down

s.l.o.w.  i.t.  d.o.w.n.

breathe

when life is it's busiest

when life is it's slowest

the days run into weeks

the weeks into months
the months into years

stop

embrace the moments


tick - tick - tick


truth - nothing less

Be not wise in your own eyes

Do not plan evil against your neighbor

Ponder the path of your feet

If you are wise, you are wise for yourself

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely

Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life

Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense

A gracious woman gets honor

Truthful lips endure forever

Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down

A man who is kind benefits himself

<>






Wednesday, August 06, 2014

taking time

There was once a study of super wealthy people. People who's wealth was beyond the regular
 wealthy and they found that the "word" of these folks was absolutely golden. If they said they were going to do something or be somewhere it was without question it would be done, they would be there. 

One of these folks also did something unique. Every time he gathered with his grandchildren he would read them the same story; The Tortoise and the Hare, the story of how the turtle, by taking his time would be overcome the mighty rabbit. By taking his time, just by being himself. 

Just by being himself. 

Imagine that. 

"be anxious for nothing"  from God's word. simple and poignant. 
The turtle wasn't anxious, just slow and steady. The turtle accepted himself as a turtle, performed like a turtle, acted like a turtle, knew he was turtle and his word was his word. He followed up everything with actions and not words. 

Imagine accepting yourself

For who you are

That's what God does
nomatterwhat
nomatterwhatyoudo

smell the coffee or whatever it is you like to smell

take slower steps

see yourself for who you are 

see yourself how God sees you

you are beautiful






Saturday, July 26, 2014

the take-aways

Last week.....eons ago. A week where I heard not a sound from a radio, TV and nor did I ever ride in anything more powerful than a golf cart. No traffic lights and no traffic. And not one bit of advertising ever graced my eyes. 

Three meals a day and comradely like it should be.

And once home the two things that I knew in my heart of hearts from last week are there, but at times....drifting away as the world grips me into it's talons. 

The traffic has reared it's head and yet.....the cars are just filled with people, beautiful, beautiful people...but my eyes are selfish and all I tend to see are obstacles in my path. 

The rush hours on the trains are again filled with lifeless eyes. People shuffling along without purpose or meaning....and I again judge that they have no purpose or meaning as I shuffle alongside of them. 

those two things still ring true in my heart though....if I pick through the debris of this world I can see them plainly and clearly......as clear as I see my reflection in a mirror. As clear as a glass of clean water. 

God is good - All the time and All the time - God is good

Jesus LOVES me 


these are my take-aways from a week 
that did not have the horrors of the world looming in my face. 
that's what has been left in my heart
may I always seek them. and seek them with my heart. 








Tuesday, July 22, 2014

the narrow path

at the end of the day......

everyone makes their own way in this world - - -RIGHT?

what if, what I've done 
asafatherahusbandaman has caused pain ?

what if, someone has been influenced to the point of depression by what I have or have not done?

what if, they are in a circle of depression that gets worse because of what i have or haven't done?

do we take the blame or leave it.

if they cant rescue themselves do i leave it to them to figure out or do i try to make what is wrong right?

what if you don't know what is wrong?

what if you are following the pattern of maturity that you grew up with, and have tried to break the bad habits of that pattern only to fall short?

what if failure leads to pain and pain leads to failure and the circle goes on?

sure I've broken from the path and learned how to move on, but what if very one you love has deaf ears and cannot hear your calls and advice and they continue on in a spiral of hurt?

at the end of the day to we just move on?

what if it is your son

when do you move on?

Did the father of the prodigal son ever "move on"?

isnt love the deciding factor?

to continue is a seemingly never ending path and to give up, is what they have done. 

at the end of the day

we must continue
we must go on
we must love
we must hope

we must believe in ourselves and love ourselves, but we must do the same for others. 

"but in humility count others more significant than ourselves - look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" God's word. 







Tuesday, July 08, 2014

what to do with love

Two Philly boys wrote "now that we found love, what are we going to do with it" .   I absolutely love this q.

So you have love, I ask myself....whatcha gonna do with it????
Huh???

You THINK you have found LOVE....what are you going to do...truly....what are you going to do with it??????


"do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others"

I read that everyday....it helps me to believe, as I attempt to truly practice it, that I indeed have "found love".

The Philly boys are Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. The song was originally performed by The O'Jays and the version I love is by Third World. And of course the words in blue are from God Himself. 

Saturday, July 05, 2014

deeper thoughts

Life has it's interesting twists and turns, bumps and dips. 

After all it is life isn't it. 

And what is it we do with this life how do we purpose it?

What do you think we should do with it?

If you had to paint a picture of life's purpose
 what would it look like?


paint it




Tuesday, June 10, 2014

"silence"

Recently I taught a class on silence, during which, I talked a lot - (James 3 was the centerpiece)

When I was about 8 or 9 years old I wanted to know what my name, "Tate" meant; My dad told me he had watched a movie ,in that move their was a cowboy and an indian with a broken or missing arm, one of those two was named Tate. And he liked the name. And although I am primarily Italian I do have some Native American blood in me. 

During my childhood search of my name's meaning I came upon a name book. It was large, dusty and musty with that basement mold smell about it. I can still remember where I was as I leafed to the "T's". My childhood home foyer, a spot where the light was dim. As I got to the "T's", was I to find the meaning of my name....was it be revealed?! 

AND THERE IT WAS - - -  - Tate - Native American Origin "Talks too much"

So there you have it - I am Native American albeit a small percentage and I def talk way to much. 

So I noticed something. My dad is getting older in the neighborhood of 75 years old and as this process happens he has become quieter. Not that he talked incessantly mind you, but when he talked you felt it. It could sting, hurt, inflict damage and damage it had inflicted. 

Can't really throw any rocks at my dad as I talk more than he does (primarily for his attention) and in doing so I too, inflict damage. 

Here's the bottom line. 

My dad was over Sunday night for some oysters/steak/chicken a fire and family. As you get older, you get quieter. He was quiet. I liked him better.

I think I need to be quieter. 
As my dad was quieter I didn't flinch as he was not jabbing with his powerful words. 
Words are mighty powerful. They are biting and as much as I was taught that "sticks and stones may break my bones and words will never hurt me".....it's a lie. Words have hurt me and MORE IMPORTANTLY....my words have hurt. 
May my mouth be thoughtful and not as much thoughtful with my brain, but with my heart and may my heart seek wisdom from above. 

If you are inclined. Read James chapter 3 in the bible. I promise.....it won't hurt you. Only man can hurt you, not God. 

Friday, June 06, 2014

SOS - - SOS - - SOS - - SOS

THE distress signal to end all distress signals.

My answer is always - - - "this world is not my home". A friend of mine, when he hears of a mega-tragedy says, "Lord, come quickly".

I call heaven home, I answer to God as much as I can, I fail miserably, but I try.

I just heard some SOS info. Some good acquaintances  in a bit of a family turmoil. Things hurt, no doubt.

Jesus forgives us all - - for everything - - always.
People......well......not always so.

Jesus teaches humility and 

"love"
"patience"
"kindness"
"gentleness"
"peace"
"joy" 
"goodness" 
"faithfulness"
and...my least favorite...
"self-control"

and I love absolutely love, love, love the last line of this verse...
"against such things there is no law"
there is no law against kindness!

and so...amidst the distress of an SOS...
should we forgive 
or 
should we treat others how we want to be treated?
are there truly unforgivable  actions?

love to love
give to give
your sos's have been answered


















Tuesday, June 03, 2014

justified

I justify my actions. 

I find confidence in my decisions for me, for those decisions are for me, by me and to benefit me.  

I justify my actions. 

your tongue is a rudder
it steers the whole ship
sends your words past your lips or keeps them safe behind your teeth
but the wrong words will strand you*

I justify my actions

What I need to do is let God justify me and not me justify me. 

a) No human being can tame the tongue. 

b) From the same mouth come blessings and cursings. 

c) By your good conduct let your work show in the meekness of your wisdom. 

So many things I have said to others, my friends, my family, my spouse, my co-workers and the list goes on. My tongue is dangerous. Lord, God, let my tongue hesitate, let my words be used to uplift others (((and not myself!!!)))

Let no corrupting talk come of of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear it. 


*Play Crack the Sky lyrics by Brand New
All other words in blue are God's


Saturday, May 31, 2014

5 days of life

This week in pictures was a bit frightening. 

I tried to do three things in a MAJOR way. 

#1- don't complain about anything/anytime/anywhere. Being a daily driver let alone a human proved this extremely difficult. Not to mention my natural sarcastic/fictitious persona. 

#2- treat others how I want to be treated. this was BEYOND difficult, however as I practiced number one, I found number two, to get easier. 

#3- not to judge others for their appearances and actions, AGAIN beyond difficult. 

As I put all three of these practices together I would find each of these items, as you may, became easier or less prevalent in my daily life. 

"what once was hurt, what once was friction, what left a mark, no longer stings, because Grace makes beauty out of ugly things"  U2








Wednesday, May 14, 2014

persevere

The other morning I was reading about how one persevere's, especially through suffering and how suffering produces character and it is through that character we get hope.

Hope is being sure of something we cannot see. And having hope comes from troubles.

I do think it is through those troubles and how we look at them that we get character and hope.
I guess this brings us back to the heart.
God tells us to guard our heart for it is the wellspring of all life- it is from where everything flows. . And God tells us the heart is deceitful above all things. Hence the guarding.
The take-away's; perseverance through suffering can build your character and from that you can develop heart, but I do think you have to be guarding your heart first and foremost in order to get character and than hope.

Protect your heart like a keeper protects his goal. Protect it like a  knight protects his Queen.

Protect your heart for that is from where-hence all things of your very being flow.

God bless you.


((listening to Chicago "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" and "Here in My Heart"))

Monday, May 05, 2014

random notes to self


a) are we called to convince others of Christ or represent Christ?

b) when you learn to accept yourself, than you learn to accept

c) appreciate everyone, everywhere, always, all the time

d) believe in others John 11:25 ((think about it))

e) Nooma means wind, breath, air, spirit

f) Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the president. God's word (I  substituted president)

g) my own selfishness is my biggest downfall

h) three subjects that fascinate me - the "heart", "confidence", "motivation"

i) raising my family has been my greatest challenge

j) raising my family is my greatest achievement it is where I find the source of my happiness. 




Friday, April 25, 2014

broken men v strong children

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men" 
Frederick Douglas
after escaping from slavery, he became a leader of the abolitionist movement, gaining note for his dazzling oratory Wikipedia


I saw this quote. 
It stopped me in my tracks. 

There are times I want to be broken. 

Broken to myself. 
Broken to my wife. 
Broken to my children. 
My job, my life, my world. 
broken to myself

Mr. Douglas set me straight
He tells you to forget about the broken men, they are not worth it, but to develop strong children they are worth it 

I want to be worth it. 



Friday, April 18, 2014

musical muse

i just want to move ahead
i just want to free myself -  but its a struggle
i just want to stay in bed
i just want to be myself - but its a struggle  - Scott Thomas

I eat my dinner in a city far from home. I have a drink. The bar is alive with chatter. 

Well I looked my demons in the eyes
Laid bare my chest, said
"Do your best, destroy me. You see, I've been to hell and back so many times I must admit you kinda bore me"
There's a lot of things that can kill a man
There's a lot of ways to die
Yes, and some already dead that walk beside me" - Ray LaMontagne

seeing beyond the chatter, beyond the skin and into the heart. 

....and at once I knew I was not magnificent - Justin Vernon

If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.  Jesus

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Jesus

Star, Star Teach Me How to Shine, Shine....'cause I don't understand these people - Glen Hansard

this world is not my home 





Saturday, April 12, 2014

the ungodly

There's this verse, in the bible. 
"Christ died for the ungodly".

Who are the ungodly?

Maybe it's all of us. 

"God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble"
(that's another verse)

"Count others more significant than yourselves"
(yet another verse)

Let's look at others the way we want to be looked at. 
All others. Everybody. Everywhere. Always. 

just do it 

if you read what I post, I fail often, at seeing others as beautiful. 
I pick and choose who I treat better than myself. 
I fail, I do have grace. 
but I have to remember one thing......

love the ungodly
love yourself
love
love
love
love

Friday, April 11, 2014

gold vs. peace????

Met a guy today; Ben. He was a investment banker from Switzerland, yes. Switzerland. Isn't that where all the REAL banking gets done. Isn't that where the term - "Swiss bank account" comes from?

He told me, that an old Jewish man had told him, "that how he got around in desperate times was to use small,  pure, gold coins. If you have a 1/2 a kilo brick; what good is that? You need me to able to pay for things in small amounts of gold. Loaf of bread here, a crossing there". "Small pieces of gold". He said, he buys some every month.

He was visiting his son, meeting the son's girlfriend in Harrisburg. He was the Easter Bunny; with Easter gifts. He would also visit his daughter, in Happy Valley.

Gold & silver vs. wisdom and understanding.

In those dark, dark times when you trade GOLD for bread, for safety. What does wisdom give you then? What does understanding gain you? It gains you peace. That is what it gains you. Peace of life. Peace of mind.

Tough call wouldn't you say?

Nick Lowe says; "what's so funny about peace, love and understanding"

God says, "For wisdom  is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her"

doing what's right is not a tough call.  PEACE.