Monday Motivations: How Are You Spending Your Dash?

Last Saturday we attended funeral services for a dear friend who was vibrant and loving, even to the end of her 2 1/2 year battle with brain cancer at the young age of 49. Two days ago we held funeral services for my Father-in-law, who passed at age 83; having lived a full and productive life, he was also taken by cancer. We are grateful his illness was fairly short and did not drag out his suffering.

Interacting with a friend and family member in their last days and reflecting upon their time on this earth during the celebrations of their lives reminded me of this poem written by Linda Ellis. Reading it always makes me contemplate how I am spending my "dash".

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From the beginning...to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on earth

And now only those who loved her

Know what the little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own,

The cars...the house...the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard;

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real,

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile...

Remembering that this special dash

May last only a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read

With your life's actions to rehash

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent your dash?

RIP:

Wesley Douglas Hobbs, Jr. 1925 - 2012

Julie A Jacobsen 1962 - 2012

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Monday Motivations: Who Packed Your Parachute?

I've seen a lot of people do a lot nice things for others, often with no acknowledgement or thanks. This week it made me think of Charles Plumb; I share his story with you below. I hope people recognize and acknowledge their "parachute packers" while they still can.

Charles Plumb was a U.S. Navy jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent 6 years in a communist Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

One day, when Plumb and his wife were sitting in a restaurant, a man at another table came up and said, "You're Plumb! You flew jet fighters in Vietnam from the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down!"

"How in the world did you know that?" asked Plumb.

"I packed your parachute," the man replied. Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude.

The man pumped his hand and said, "I guess it worked!"

Plumb assured him, "It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today."

Plumb couldn't sleep that night, thinking about that man. Plumb says, "I kept wondering what he had looked like in a navy uniform: a white hat, a bib in the back, and bell-bottom trousers. I wonder how many times I might have seen him and not even said 'Good morning, how are you?' or anything, because you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor."

Plumb thought of the many hours the sailor had spent at a long wooden table in the bowels of the ship, carefully weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of each chute, holding in his hands each time the fate of someone he didn't know.

Now, Plumb asks his audience, "Who's packing your parachute?" Everyone has someone who provides what they need to make it through the day.

He also points out that he needed many kinds of parachutes when his plane was shot down over enemy territory - he needed his physical parachute, his mental parachute, his emotional parachute, and his spiritual parachute.

He called on all these supports before reaching safety.

Sometimes in the daily challenges  that life gives us, we miss what is really important.

We may fail to say hello, please or thank you, congratulate someone on something wonderful that has happened to them, give a compliment, or just do something nice for no reason. As you go through this week, this month, this year, recognize people who pack your parachutes!

Have a great week!

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All images courtesy Google Images.

Monday Motivations: Makin' Pancakes

Yesterday (Father's Day), I made waffles from scratch with fresh homemade strawberry syrup and whipped cream (not homemade) for Doug. With a couple of his favorite poached eggs alongside, they were soooo good. While I was mixing this whole grain goodness, I remembered this story and thought you might like it. 

One Saturday morning six year old Brandon decided to fix pancakes for his parents. He found a big bowl and a spoon, pulled a chair to the counter and climbed up on it. He opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it to the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar. All the while leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad. He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove, (and he didn't know how the stove worked)! Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away. In doing so, he knocked the egg carton to the floor. Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky. And just then he saw Dad standing at the door.

Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. All he wanted to do was something good, but he's made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking.

But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process.

That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but sometimes it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend or we can't stand our job or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of any thing else to do.

That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes," for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried.

This story also reminds me to be patient with others who are traveling this journey with us. We don't always know what others are thinking; they may be trying to do something good and it turns into a mess.

Have a great week, everyone!! For more Monday Motivations Click Here!
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Monday Motivations: Why Women Cry

I wish I knew who to credit for today's writing, but the author remains anonymous. In honor of Mothers Day...

Why Women Cry

"Why are you crying?", a young boy asked his Mom.

"Because I'm a woman", she told him.

"I don't understand", he said.

His Mom just hugged him and said, "And you never will, but that's okay".

Later the little boy asked his Father,

"Why does Mom seem to cry for no reason?"

"All women cry for no reason", was all his Dad could say.

The little boy grew up and became a man, still wondering why women cry.

Finally, he prayed to God, who would surely know the answer.

God answered and said,

"When I made woman, I decided she had to be special.

I made her shoulders strong enough to carry the weight of the world,

her arms gently enough to give comfort.

I gave her the inner strength to endure childbirth and the rejection that many times will come even from her own children. I gave her the hardiness that allows her to keep going and take care of her family and friends, even when everyone else gives up, through sickness and fatigue, without complaining.

I gave her the sensitivity to love her children under any and all circumstances.

Even when her child has hurt her badly.

She has the very special power to make a child's boo-boo feel better,

and to quell a teenager's anxieties and fears.

I gave her the strength to care for her husband, despite faults, and I fashioned her from his rib to protect his heart.

I gave her wisdom to know that a good husband never hurts his wife, but sometimes tests her strengths and her resolve to stand beside him unfalteringly.

For all of this hard work, I also gave her a tear to shed.

It is hers to use whenever needed and it is her only weakness.

When you see her cry, tell her how much you love her, and all she does for everyone, and even though she may still cry, you will have made her heart feel good. She is special!"

Don't forget to give your mom a hug this Sunday. Happy Mother's Day to all you fabulous Mother's!

What is your favorite memory of your Mom?

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Photo credits: Google Images

Monday Motivations: How To Choose A New CEO

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different.

He called all the young executives in his company together. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you." The young executives were shocked , but the boss continued, "I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, an the one I choose will be the next CEO.

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost, and he planted the seed. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by--still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however, he just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - he so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He tool his empty pot to the board room.

When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful - in all shaped and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him.

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives. Jim just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the CEO. "Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!"

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, the CEO knows I'm a failure. Maybe he will have me fired!" When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed, Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, "Behold your next Chief Executive Officer! His name is Jim!" Jim couldn't believe it. He couldn't even grow his seed. "How could he be the next CEO?" the others said.

Then the CEO said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds. They were dead; it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!"

The moral of the story:

Be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you you will reap later.

If you plant honesty, you will reap trust.

If you plant goodness, you will reap friends.

If you plant humility, you will reap greatness.

If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment.

If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective.

If you plant hard work, you will reap success.

If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation.

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Monday Motivations: Who Makes A Difference?

Do you ever feel that you haven't done anything of importance? Don't have a bunch of awards and achievements to show for your efforts in life? See if the following philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip gives you new perspective.

You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just read through to the end...you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2 Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2 Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." ~Charles Schultz

Who has made a difference in your life that will never be forgotten? To leave a comment Click Here.

Lessons From Geese

I was fascinated by the truth in the analogy of this prose the first time I read it. I kept a copy in my file (yes, I still have a paper file). I find it interesting (and quite beneficial ) to review it every few years and analyze the application in my life at that time.

My best research tells me that "Lessons Form Geese" was written in 1972 by Dr. Robert McNeish of Baltimore, Md, USA. Here's where you can read about the science of a flock of geese if you are interested. Dr. McNeish does a stellar job of interpreting the lessons for us. While the lessons are the same for each of us, they are very different at the same time, depending upon our personal situation. The application of the lesson can vary throughout our lives as we grow and change. Sometimes we even act differently as we fly with different groups of geese. In that light, I have added my own short thought on each lesson. As you read it, consider the application in your family, work, religious and community relationships.

FACT 1: As each Goose flaps its wings it creates an "uplift" for the birds that follow. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.

LESSON: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.

MY THOUGHT: We always accomplish more together than alone. Quit trying to prove otherwise.

FACT 2: When a Goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.

LESSON: If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.

MY THOUGHT: When you slip off the straight and narrow path, be open to a friend whose lifting power can help pull you back in and whose strength can help carry you until you are strong again.

FACT 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.

LESSON: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangement of gifts, talents or resources.

MY THOUGHT: It's okay to step back and let someone else lead now and then. Sometimes we need the rest; sometimes they need the opportunity.

FACT 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.

LESSON: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of others) is the quality of honking we seek.

MY THOUGHT: Do (say) unto others as you would want them to do (say) unto you!

FACT 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.

LESSON: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.

MY THOUGHT: Relationships count! Loyalty counts!  Don't let LESS important things get in the way of the MOST important things.

Other Monday Motivations you might enjoy. Have a great week! To leave a comment Click Here.

Monday Motivations: Ode To The Zode

Did I ever tell you about the Zode

who came to two signs in the fork of the road?

One said place one, the other place two;

so the Zode had to make up his mind what to do.

Well, he had to scratch his head, chin and pants

and said to himself. "I'll be takin' a chance."

If I go to place one and that place is too hot,

how do I know if I'll like it or not?

On the other hand though, I'd be sort of a fool

if I go to place two and find it too cool.

In that case I might catch a chill and turn blue.

On the other hand though, what might happen to me

if place one is too high;

I might catch a terrible earache and die.

On the other hand though, what might happen to me

if place two is too low;

I might catch a very strange pain in my toe.

And he stopped and he said, "On the other hand though,"

"On the other hand though,"

"On the other hand, other hand, other hand though".

And for thirty six hours and a half

that poor Zode made starts and stops at the fork in the road

saying, "Don't take a chance now you may not be right."

Then he got an idea that was wonderfully bright.

"I'll play is safe, cried the Zode, "I'll play it safe. I'm no dunce!

I'll simply start out for both places at once!"

And that's how the Zode who would not take a chance

got to no place at all but a split in his pants!

~Dr Seuss

Can you relate to the Zode? I'm a proponent of thinking through all options and looking at possible outcomes when making decisions. But being so worried about making a mistake can leave you paralyzed in indecision.

Not making a decision is a choice; it is in fact making a choice to not make a decision. True, sometimes that is the best choice at the moment. But most often, it is leaving the decision to chance or to someone else. I think that often we make that choice because we don't want to accept responsibility for making a "mistake". Unconsciously we feel if we don't make a decision we will be justified in blaming someone else for the (undesirable) outcome.

Getting caught up in all the "what if's" can leave you paralyzed with indecision. When contemplating choices, I consider to myself "What's the worst that can happen?" If the answer to that is truly unacceptable, then I consider, "What can do to lessen that outcome?" Then I consider, "What's the best that can happen?" Does the answer to that make it worth trying?

We all know people who are willing to step out and try something new; we admire them for being willing to make mistakes and take what they learned to move forward, trying even more opportunities. We don't look down on them. Rather we admire their persistence and attitude; we envy their ability to (seemingly) make decisions easily and move forward with new opportunities. They don't sweat the mistakes, but take what they learned, savor the experience, and say "oh, well" as they move forward. We may even feel a twinge of envy when they have incredibly positive outcomes as we think to ourselves "I wish I had the guts to try that!"

But when it comes to ourselves we are concerned about feeling embarrassed at our "failure"; we worry about what others will think of us. Why do we think we will be viewed any differently than others in that situation? And honestly, who cares what anyone thinks anyway?

The older I get the more I understand that it isn't the decisions that I felt were mistakes that I do (and will) regret. It is in fact, the decisions (or opportunities) that I didn't take out of fear of making a mistake that I do (and will) regret.

What opportunity have you let pass you by out of fear of making the wrong decision?

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Monday Motivations: Burt and the Goddess

As he stalked into the marriage counselor's office, Burt was fed up. He was sure the counselor would be unable to help. "Look", Burt said, "I want a divorce and nothing you can say will change my mind. The only advice I'm interested in is how to make my wife as miserable as she's made me. I want revenge. Any suggestions?" The counselor immediately gauged the situation, and on instinct said, "I understand how you feel, and I do have a suggestion. But it's vicious; really heartless. Are you sure about this?" Excited, Burt leaned forward and said, "Yup, let's hear it." "Okay", the counselor said, "As soon as you get home, start treating your wife as if she were a goddess. Cater to her every whim. Love her, pamper her, compliment her profusely. Make life as easy for her as you possibly can. Then, just when she begins to blossom in the glory of your attention, pack up and move out. File for divorce and never speak with her again. She will be crushed forever." Burt thought the plan was perfect and he put it into action that night. Several months passed. Then one evening at a social gathering, the counselor spotted Burt across the room. He approached and asked, "Burt, how did things work out? Did you file for divorce?" "Divorce?" Burt responded in utter amazement. I'm married to a goddess! I wouldn't leave her for the world! I took your advice and things are better than ever. We're both very happy."

This story could otherwise be titled "Communication and acceptance cause vengeful plan to backfire."

Whether in marriage or management, when you want someone to change their attitude or actions, first communicate your unqualified acceptance of that person. Although Burt didn't realize it, that's exactly what the counselor had advised. When people feel rejected, they usually respond negatively. But if they feel accepted and approved of, then lasting, significant change is quite likely. Whether in marriage or management, people change because they want to. 


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Monday Motivations: Dancing On Potato Chips

This story crossed my desk shortly after I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It resonated deeply with me as well as Doug. One particularly challenging day during chemo treatment I  went grocery shopping by myself. I thought I was doing pretty well, but as I was putting the groceries away I dropped the eggs. A whole carton, a dozen eggs, splat! On the floor! I stood there looking at them, thought of this story, and then......

Dancing On Potato Chips

Not too long ago I had "one of those days." I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start it over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine.

By the time I got home, I was frazzled and sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner. Deciding on a can of cream of mushroom soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan B, which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed a Tupperware from the fridge, popped the seal, took a long look and groaned. My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like caterpillars.

Really frustrated now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition-free; hot dogs and potato chips. Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a big pull. The bag didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bad a hearty wrestle. With a loud pop, the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag, and it was empty. It was the final straw. I let out a blood curdling scream. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!"

My husband heard my unorthodox cry for help. Within minutes he was standing at the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips. My husband did the most helpful thing he could think of at the moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp and dance and twirl, grinding those chips into my linoleum in the process!

I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. And finally I decided to join him. I, too, took a lead onto the chips. And then I danced. Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a cleanup crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment, and the laughter from the rather funky moment provided just that.

So no I have a question for you, and it's simply this: Has God ever stomped on your chips? I know that, in my life there have been plenty of times when I've gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess I've made of things. What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all. Sometimes I sulk. Sometimes I dance. I'm working on doing  more of the latter than the former. I guess the older I get the more I realize that He really does know what He's doing. He loves me and I can trust Him. Even when the chips are down. Author Unknown

......I began to laugh! And the more I laughed, the funnier it was. I was doubled over in laughter as I called Doug to share with him. "The potato chip bag burst, and they're all over the floor," I told him. "Only they're not potato chips, they're EGGS!" Then I was laughing again and Doug was laughing with me.


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Monday Motivations: Change Begins With Choice

I have always been a fan of business philosophers and motivational guys, and Jim Rohn is one of the best. This story came from his free weekly email, which you can subscribe to here. I love the message...it applies to all of us...and I love the story in the middle.

                                                                                      Jim Rohn

Change Begins with Choice

by Jim Rohn

Any day we wish, we can discipline ourselves to change it all. Any day we wish, we can open the book that will open our mind to new knowledge. Any day we wish, we can start a new activity. Any day we wish, we can start the process of life change. We can do it immediately, or next week, or next month, or next year.

                                                                                     

We can also do nothing. We can pretend rather than perform. And if the idea of having to change ourselves makes us uncomfortable, we can remain as we are. We can choose rest over labor, entertainment over education, delusion over truth, and doubt over confidence. The choices are ours to make. But while we curse the effect, we continue to nourish the cause. As Shakespeare uniquely observed, "The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves." We created our circumstances by our past choices. We have both the ability and the responsibility to make better choices beginning today. Those who are in search of the good life do not need more answers or more time to think things over to reach better conclusions. They need the truth. They need the whole truth. And they need nothing but the truth.

Reminds me of the story about a large, majestic mountainside where a fragile eagle's nest contained four large eagle eggs. One day an earthquake rocked the mountain causing one  of the eggs to tumble down the mountain to a chicken farm, located in the valley below. By instinct the chickens knew they must protect and care for the egg, so an old hen volunteered to nurture the large egg.

One day, the egg hatched and a beautiful eagle was born. But the eagle was raised to be a chicken. Soon, the eagle believed he was nothing more than a chicken. The eagle loved his home and his family, but his spirit cried out for more. While playing a game on the farm with some of his chicken friends one day, the eagle looked to the skies above and noticed a group of mighty eagles soaring in the skies. "Oh," the eagle cried, "I wish I could soar like those birds." The chickens roared with laughter, "You cannot soar with those birds. You are a chicken and chickens do not soar."

 The eagle continued staring, at his real family above, dreaming that he could be with them. Each time the eagle would let his dreams be known, he was told it couldn't be done. The eagle, after time, stopped dreaming and continued to live his life like a chicken. 

Finally, after a long life as a chicken, the eagle died - a chicken.

What's the moral of the story? If you listen to the chickens around you, you'll live and die like them - a chicken! Inside you is that eagle. This is your call to soar. You are an eagle. it is time to follow YOUR dreams and not the words of chickens.

We cannot allow our errors in judgement, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. We must keep coming back to those basics that make the biggest difference in how our life works out. And then we must make the very choices that will bring life, happiness and joy into our daily lives.

And if I may be so bold to offer my last piece of advice for someone seeking and needing to make changes in their life: If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. You have the ability to totally transform every area in your life. And it all begins with your very own power of choice!

In what areas do you feel the eagle inside of you trying to get out?

Are you willing to make a change?


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Monday Motivations: The Duck and The Devil!

A little boy was visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.

As he was walking back he saw Grandma’s pet duck. Out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly. He hit his mark square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, and looked up to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.” But Sally said, “Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.” Then she whispered to him, “Remember the duck?”. So Johnny did the dishes.

Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, “I’m sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.” Sally just smiled and said, “Well, that’s all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help.” She whispered again, “Remember the duck?” So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.

After several days of doing both his chores and Sally’s, he finally couldn’t stand it any longer. He went to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, “Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.” (end of story)

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done…and Satan keeps throwing it up in your face…whatever it is, you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven.

He’s just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you. The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. God is at the window.

If you carry hurt from someone who has wronged you in the past remember this...

Forgiveness changes the present, not the past. Forgiveness is a personal choice. It's not about condoning their actions or even reconciling with them. It's a choice you make to heal yourself. Letting go means deciding that you are not going to allow anger and bitterness to poison your life... neutralizing feelings of hurt and anger towards the offender. It's about taking control of your thoughts and emotions and not playing the part of the victim in your life story.

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Monday Motivations: The Story of Peng Shuilin

In life we keep complaining about what we don't have. Half the time we seem dissatisfied, though full-bodied and free to choose. Fat people say, "I want to be slim." Skinny people say, "I want to gain some weight." Poor people want to be rich and the rich are never satisfied with what they have.

Peng Shuilin is 78cms high. He was born in Hunan Province, China. In 1995, in Shenzhen, a freight truck sliced his body in half. His lower body and legs were beyond repair. Surgeons sewed up his torso. 

Peng Shuilin, 37, spent nearly two years in hospital in Shenzhen, southern China, undergoing a series of operations to re-route nearly every major organ or system inside his body. Peng kept exercising his arms, building up strength, washing his face and brushing his teeth. he surivived against all odds. Now Peng Shuilin has astounded doctors by learning to walk again after a decade.

Considering Peng's plight, doctors at the China Rehabilitation Research Centre in Beijing devised an ingeniuous way to allow him to walk on his own, creating a sophisticated egg cup-like casing to hold his body, with two bionic legs attached.

It took careful consideration, skilled measurement and technical expertise. Peng has been  walking the corridors of Beijing Rehabilitation Centre with the aid of his specifically adapted lets and a re-sized walking frame. RGO is a reciprocating gait orthosis, attached  to a prosthetic socket bucket. There is a cable attached to both legs so when one goes forward, the other goes backwards.

Rock to the side, add a bit of a twist and the leg without the weight on it advances, while the other one stays still, giving a highly efficient way of ambulation. Oh, so satisfying to 'walk' again after ten years with half a body!

Hospital vice-president Lin Liu said: "We've just given him a checkup; he is fitter than most men his age." Peng Shuilin has opened his own bargain supermarket, called Half Man-Half price Store. The inspirational 37-year old has become a businessman and is used as a role model for other amputees.

At just 2ft 7ins tall, he moves around in a wheelchair giving lectures on recovery from disability. His attitude is amazing; he doesn't complain. "He had good care, but his secret is cheerfulness. Nothing gets him down."

You have a whole body. You have feet. Now you have met a man who has no feet. His life is a feat of endurance, a triumph of the human spirit in overcoming extreme adversity. Next time you want to complain about something trivial, don't. Remember Peng Shuilin instead, and thank God for what you do have and for all those small blessings you never think about.


Your troubles are not there to defeat you, they're there to increase you!


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