The psychiatrist and theologian writer Gerald May speaks of a person he knew in one of the poorest psychiatric wards in New York, a young woman named Karen who sat alone day after day without responding to anyone who spoke to her. Every day, one of the maintenance men, Mike Foster, would sit at her side, eating his lunch and chatting with her even though she showed no response. One day, as John prepared to leave with his usual, “See you tomorrow, Karen,” she answered, “See you tomorrow, Mike.” A year later, she left the hospital and lived an everyday and happy life.
There is a missing piece of pie served at my Holiday Feast, and I’m not sure why.
Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?
Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?
Maybe someone dropped the pie and returned what was left to cover their tracks?
In the 1960s to 1980s Television Game Show “Let’s Make a Deal,” hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant was asked to choose between three doors—Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind another door would be a moderately priced prize. And behind the third door would be a “Zonk.” A Zonk is a prize worth nothing, such as a wheel barrel full of dirt, a hay bail, or a trash bag.
If you want to save your soul;
come back to God.
If you want to save your family;
come back to God.
If you want to save our country;
come back to God.
If you want to save our Church;
come back to God.
Today was the absolute worst day ever
And don’t try to convince me that
There’s something good in every day
Because, when you take a closer look
This world is a pretty evil place.
Even if
Some good does shine through once in a while
Satisfaction and happiness don’t last.
And it’s not true that
It’s all in the mind and heart
Because
Sometimes we let events come and then we react. And for the most part, we have been very successful. We have a strong company, and great leadership. Sometimes the unexpected happens, and we are blindsided and left numb. Whether it is an illness, a disgruntled guest, misunderstood communications, unanswered e-mails, or budget overrun, we run for cover, consultation, or rationalize the situation to others and ourselves. It's in these times that we need to remind ourselves - what does success look like?
Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. It was a cowboy's life, a life for someone who wanted no boss. What I didn't realize was that it was also a ministry.
Because I drove the night shift, my cab became a moving confessional. Passengers climbed in, sat behind me in total anonymity, and told me about their lives. I encountered people whose lives amazed me, ennobled me, and made me laugh...
Mom, though it has been many years since these events have occurred, I think of them often and wonder why you did what you did.
What events?
Well, when I was in eight grade and on the CYO Basketball team, I was one of their star players. We had a great season, and we were on our way to the championship. The championship game was set for Saturday, and we were all thrilled. When I told you about the game, you told me that I could not go because we were expected at Pop-Pop and Nanny’s home for dinner in Philadelphia.
Research shows we retain...
- 10% of what we read
- 20% of what we hear
- 30% of what we see
- 50% of what we see and hear
- 70% of what we discuss
- 80% of what we practice
- 95% of what we teach
- 100% of what we love
At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.
At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.
This time of the year is marked with certain time-honored traditions.
Purchasing of gifts for those near and far. Attending holiday parties with friends and family members. Packing up the car to make extended trips. Baking cookies, making pies, and taking out Grandma’s recipe of sweet potato casserole – the one with mini-marshmallows.
There is a missing piece of pie served at my holiday feast, and I’m not sure why.
• Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?
• Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?
• Maybe someone dropped the pie and put back what was left to cover their tracks?
It is nearly dusk as the sun greets the orange and blue horizon over Boston Harbor. Judy and her daughter, Michelle, cuddled together on their living room couch. Michelle, just three years old, draws her baby doll closely to her chest, and holds her mother's hand tightly.
I went to the Bank of Goodwill today and made a deposit -
I thanked my wife for her support
I wished my kids a great day
I recognized a fellow Associate for her great performance
I opened the door for a stranger
I made a customer’s vacation dreams come true
Someday, we will have that catch. Someday, we will take that walk, have that conversation, laugh, have lunch. Someday, I will write "thank you" cards, eat better, exercise more, say "I love you.” Someday, I will make a difference, dream, serve others, give more, expect less.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;
I want to know what will come next;
I want to know the who, when, and how.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek;
What makes one strong and another weak?
Take a vacation... if just for a minute.
Slow down to take a look at a flower;
chat with an old friend;
close your eyes and imagine something wonderful;
read a few lines from a good book;
make some popcorn (...with extra butter).
Turning data into information, information into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into our ability to make better, more consistent decisions requires a transformational bridge at each juncture.
In the 1960s to 1980s television game show, Let’s Make a Deal, hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant would be asked to choose between three doors – Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind the other two doors would be…
There are many moments in our lives that we want to hold on and never let go. These “milestone moments” are often recalled in our daydreams as our minds wander, much like a CD or DVD looking for what track number to play. We try to relive the feeling, visualize certain peoples’ faces, strive to hear every single sound, and breathe in all the surrounding aromas. For the moment, we are back at high school opening up our locker, or on vacation, walking down the beach searching for seashells.
While waiting for his name to be called to the stage to receive his diploma, Tim recalled some key events from the past four years. He thought back to Freshman Orientation, back when the campus seemed so big and course selection was so confusing; the introduction to so many new experiences from food plans, dorm rooms, and the campus bookstore was so overwhelming.
I am restless, and I really don’t understand why.
Is it because tragic world events disrupt and disturb an otherwise peaceful day?
Is it because news of global warming and the environmental consequences dim my outlook?
Is it because many of the world leaders’ words hurt, divide and confuse?
At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.
It is nearly dusk as the sun greets the orange and blue horizon over Boston Harbor. Judy and her daughter, Michelle, are cuddled together on the living room couch. Michelle, just three years old, draws her baby doll closely to her chest, and holds her mother's hand tightly.
With their Thanksgiving feast now complete, family and friends gathered to listen to the traditional reading of "The Thanksgiving Letter."
On July 4, 1776, our founding fathers of the Continental Congress signed the "Declaration of Independence" that challenged the greatest power of the world to a fight. At the core of the fight were certain "words" that were unheard of at the time of monarchies and tyrants.
Those words "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" set the stage for an arduous struggle that lasted several years with much loss of life and property. At the end of the war with England, freedom was born, and the definition and application of those words was just beginning.
On July 4, 1776, the founding fathers of the Continental Congress wrote words that challenged the greatest power of the world to take notice. Embodied within the Declaration of Independence, words referred to as inalienable rights - Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness - defined freedom and set the stage for a great struggle against tyranny. The subsequent years, through much loss in life and property, the United States of America won its freedom and shifted its attention to the meaning and application of those words.
There is this place; a special place.
A place where nature is celebrated, trees grow strong and tall, and birds rejoice with each sunrise.
A place where dreams are formed in morning's midst, planted in the hearts and minds of a few, a thousand, and then into the millions.
People come to this place year after year. They play. They laugh. They learn. They fall in love with each other as they embrace nature's many gifts which inspire their souls and warm their hearts.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;
- I want to know what will come next;
- I want to know the who, when, and how.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek!
- What makes one strong and another weak?
- What makes one strive for greatness and another accept mediocrity?