Always develop a realistic plan for the future

Some people are optimists. Like the quote from Walt Disney, noted in the image accompanying this post, we look at life focusing upon the possibilities ahead that will produce better outcomes. On the other hand, some are pessimists. Some people seem to have more than their share of unfortunate situations befall them. Some are naturally pessimistic due to their melancholic personality type.

When difficulties arise, some of us […]

2021-05-10T18:33:54+00:00May 10th, 2021|

Honey, should we move here when we retire?

If you are over the age of 40, I would venture a guess that this question has been asked by one spouse, or both, during a vacation. While on a leisurely bike ride along a coastline, relaxing at a shaded sidewalk café along a tree lined street with a cloudless sky above, or recounting the activities of the day on a balcony beneath a canopy of stars, […]

2021-04-26T18:14:04+00:00April 26th, 2021|

How did we get here? More importantly, how do we get out of here?

I imagine the first question on the mind of the person sailing the boat in the photo accompanying this blog was, “How did this happen?” Even if fully conscious, I am confident they were astonished at the results. The second question surely was, “How do I get it out?”

Harold Watson “Trey” Gowdy III recently asked this question about the current level of political strife and conflict in […]

2021-01-11T19:26:43+00:00January 11th, 2021|

Lessons to treasure as we all move on from “a year to forget”

Recently, I have noted people saying they were glad to see the coming new year and the end of 2020. Yesterday, I listened to a friend tell the congregation, “Never before have I thought that I was really glad a whole year was over…but if I am honest…I am glad 2020 in is the rearview mirror.”\

We would never wish another world pandemic on anyone. Vast changes in […]

2021-01-04T19:29:56+00:00January 4th, 2021|

Your life MATTERS! – That is a PROMISE!

Does MY life matter? This question is obviously on the minds of many across the USA and around the world. We can, without equivocation say, “Yes, YOUR life matters to God…and subsequently to many others.” Still, that is getting ahead of ourselves just a bit.

As the Passover celebration in Jerusalem drew closer during the Biblical era, Hebrew people from across the Levante would gather for the celebration. […]

2020-09-28T16:14:49+00:00September 28th, 2020|

Being consistently productive while working from home

Working remotely is an increasing trend. It is not simply a result of COVID-19 distancing requirements, although that has forcefully bent the curve upward. The design of the administrative functions of the Christian Churches Pension Plan has enabled the CEO/Administrator to work remotely for years. A few years ago, one friend working with HCA in Nashville, Tennessee negotiated the ability to work from home. Our Pension Plan […]

2020-08-20T14:02:13+00:00August 20th, 2020|

Adaptability – embracing necessary change

On July 14, CNBC published a report from Lauren Thomas about the adaptability demonstrated by some mall owners in the wake of 2020 COVID-19 shutdowns. The report is important not only for business, but daily living!

Virtually all brick and mortar retail (short of home improvement and grocery stores) have suffered in the aftermath of the COVID-19. The stock of CBL & Associates Properties, Inc. had been […]

2020-08-06T13:58:01+00:00August 6th, 2020|

Want to change your mood? Change what is on your screen!

One useful step in changing your current mood and outlook is, “Change what is on your screen.” It can be done!

Seconds prior to joining yesterday’s church service, my watch buzzed on my wrist. A quick glance showed my “Weekly Screen Time Report” was available. My mind briefly pondered how life has changed over the past years, amazed that a watch could now report how I spent time […]

2020-07-13T18:03:44+00:00July 13th, 2020|

Calming the seas in periods of uncertainty

2020 has been one of the most unpredictable years in many generations, and there is more uncertainty ahead. Will public schools open in the fall? How will parents deal with children staying at home and learning online when their work situations are hanging in the balance? Will the COVID-19 virus continue unabated or will it begin to diminish? Will the people of the USA reach herd immunity? […]

2020-07-09T14:07:30+00:00July 9th, 2020|

Safely correcting course when you discover you made a wrong turn!

I have been guilty of making an abundance of wrong turns in my life. Duh! I am, after all, a man. You are well acquainted with the stereotype, men do not ask for directions, we crank the car and we DRIVE! Thankfully I have never made a wrong turn like the one depicted in the image above, or one driver’s missed turn recorded on Youtube here. […]

2020-06-25T13:00:56+00:00June 25th, 2020|