Tuesday, October 31, 2017

May All Your Days Be Super


The first time my wife called me Clark she told me I reminded her of Clark Griswold from National Lampoon's Vacation.  Our kids agreed with her about my uncanny ways that resemble the fictional head of the Griswold family.  I decided to build an action super hero out of my name and disguise myself as Clark Kent for Halloween.  I don't know which was more fun – shopping for the outfit, the fedora hat and the wig or showing up at my day job sporting Super Man abs.  A little girl approached me and asked, "Are you the real Super Man?" 

The little girl and her parents waited for my answer.  I smiled and replied, "the real Super Man would never tell anyone who he is." 

May you have a super day today and every day.  Have fun.  Show the world your inner self and don't be afraid to share some joy.  Have a great day.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Why You Need to Get Back Up


My wife and I have our favorite spot in our house of worship near the back where there's an image of Jesus on the ground.  The caption reads, "Jesus falls the third time."  It reminds me how important it is to finish each assignment no matter how difficult it may be.  And one of the greatest joys is when someone lends a hand to help you get back up after a hard fall.  The first person to assist is usually the one who's "been there, done that."  They know what it's like to hit rock bottom.  You can see some interesting things when you're flat on your back.  Please don't get too comfortable there.  That's not where the race ends.  Be thankful for those willing to offer you comfort and be willing to help those around you who suffer a spill.  Have a great day.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Circuit Breakers in Your Body


There's a reason your home is equipped with circuit breakers.  They prevent overloads in electrical currents and keep you safe.  Your body has a similar system in place to prevent serious injury or death.  Heart attacks and strokes are just like circuit breakers.  The best time to prepare for a malfunction is before one of those circuit breakers kicks in.  Look for warning signs and take care of your body now.

Think of your food supply as the electrical current flowing inside your body.  Do everything you can to prevent an overload.  I'm discovering how certain man-made foods, although cheap in price, may cause harm to your wiring.  Processed foods wreak havoc and continued overeating of these foods may cause the circuit breakers to kick in.  The more you learn about how your body is hard-wired, the better off you will be.  Keep your house in order.  Pay attention to the plumbing, too.  Have a great day.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Who is Your Favorite Super Hero?


I'm having some extra fun today at my day job.  My team-mates and I are dressing up for Halloween and I decided to show up as Clark Kent.  The disguise reminds me of a super hero who hid his true identity for thirty years before revealing himself.  Many never figured out who the real Jesus was.  The debate continues 2,000 years later.

Although Superman may be known for traveling faster than a speeding bullet, I'm tipping my new fedora hat to the one who can outpace time itself.  He can answer a prayer before it's spoken.  He can sense your needs before you ask.  And he can see right through your troubles no matter how hard you try to hide them.  If you're suffering an identity crisis, trust Jesus, the ultimate super hero.  Have a great day.

Friday, October 27, 2017

Day Job Fun Today


I don't write much about my day job because I'm not an authorized spokesperson for the company and they prefer minimum social media disclosures.  What I can say is I'm thankful for the opportunity to be employed by a company that cares so much about its employees and the members we serve.  Our CEO invests much of his time throughout the year connecting with employees world wide to thank us for our contributions.  If time allows, I'm seeking a photo op with our president when he tours our facility today.  The last time he was here I handed him an autographed copy of my first novel.  Yes, it's true – I have a lot of fun while I'm off the clock and much of my free time is devoted to writing.  It's also true I experience overwhelming joy while I'm at my day job.  If all goes well and our president gives me permission, you may see today's photo in my next book.  Have a great day.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Not Yet


If you're a parent, you've heard these words often, "Are we there yet?"

The same answer you gave your kids is the same answer you must give yourself while you wait for a door to open or an opportunity to present itself.  "Not yet."

Patience is a skill you can learn simply by practicing your waiting game.  I recommend you get proficient at honoring the space between no longer and not yet.  Have a great day.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Don't Worry – Be Happy


Maybe your favorite baseball team didn't make it to the World Series.  Or you didn't get that promotion you were counting on.  Perhaps your last physical didn't go well.  Or you're nervous about the next one.  Anxiety only adds to the uncertainty you face.  The only thing I know for sure is God has plans.  In the old days, God sent people to help them cope with their challenges.  He knew his people were drifting away and he wanted them to know he was around.

Here's something else to consider and it may help you calm down – God wants everyone to play on his team.  "Those people" you resent are the very people God is reaching out to.  He really doesn't want any opponents.  He wants everyone to prosper and have hope and a future.  That's the end game.  Everything else is the "in between" stuff that really doesn't matter much.  Get up every morning and do your best to figure out what God's plans are for you and then execute.  Don't worry.  Be happy.  Have a great day.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Sharing a Roadside Moment


The timing couldn't have been any better.  I was driving home from my day job when the sun was setting directly in front of me on Interstate 80.  I propped my cell phone camera on top of the steering wheel and captured this roadside moment seconds before the sun disappeared.  I almost missed it.  Many other drivers didn't see it.  They cursed the sunlight directly in front of them and dropped their visors, missing one of the most brilliant sunsets I've ever seen.

Savor every moment of your day.  Keep your eyes wide open.  And when you experience something out of this world, share it with others.  May this roadside moment put a smile on your face.  Have a great day.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Do Dreams Have Expiration Dates?


I know a few people who believed they reached the expiration date on their dreams before they were fulfilled.  Too bad.  Was it a teacher or mentor who slammed the door?  Or a parent?  Or was the rejection too painful?  In my opinion,  most expiration dates are fake labels we fall for when we are vulnerable or afraid.  Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.  The way to overcome fear is to keep moving forward.  Keep dreaming.  Bust through the expiration dates.  Defy every obstacle you encounter.  Have a great day.

Sunday, October 22, 2017

Which Way?


The first time I asked Jesus to show me who I am in his eyes, he introduced to a biblical character I didn't like.  The dude was naked, nervous and possessed by demons.  He was the ultimate wanderer, the champion of the frenzied and a lost soul in the middle of Nowheresville.  Something happened when Jesus introduced himself to my alter-ego.  The fog dissipated.  The demons fled.  And the man found something – purpose.

If you're struggling to find your way today, try asking Jesus for directions.  He has plans for you.  Have a great day.

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Got Plans?


Step one:  Make a goal.
Step two:  Make plans to achieve your goal.
Step three:  Execute the plans.

No wishes here, please.  Wishes involve too much wandering.  Have a great day.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Stay Calm Within the Chaos


Got Chaos?  It's like a storm – if you're not in one now, just wait for a while and you may see one coming.  Sometimes, you may not even see it coming.  It can hit like a flash flood.  I like to pretend I'm in the eye of the hurricane, at least mentally, where the winds are calm no matter how fast everything is spinning out of control around me.  Relax.  Breathe.  And stay calm within the chaos.  The storm will pass.  Have a great day.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Something to Talk About


Be careful what you choose to talk about today.  Divide your topics into two categories:  blessings and problems.  One category will attract the optimists while the other brings out the pessimists.  I have found most of my problems are really blessings that haven't sprouted yet.  Talking about problems while they're still in the developmental stages may prevent them from transforming.  Have a great day.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Cut the Clutter


Cutting the clutter is at the top of my wife's honey do list.  In my writing life, it also means editing chapters and eliminating anything that is unnecessary to make room for fresh ideas.  Clutter only contributes to confusion and chaos.  The more clutter I cut, the better my vision becomes and I can see a better self.  Are you ready to cut the clutter?  Today is a good day to start.  Have a great day.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

When Nothing Goes Right


There's a reason we avoid making left turns.  Right turns are easier.  There's no yielding to oncoming traffic.  And some say, "because that's the way I always go." 

Never underestimate the value of the left turn, especially when nothing appears to be going right in your life.  Yes, going left means heading into the unknown.  The unfamiliar will become familiar.  The new challenges will bring fresh opportunities.  In the long run, things will go right.  Have a great day.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Take Action


Do those dreams you have seem too far-fetched to reach in this lifetime?  I have good news for you.  Those dreams are the first step.  Here's more good news:  you can turn them into reality with just one thing – action.  It's that simple.  Dream, take action, and close the gap.  Your new reality will be here in no time.  And if others criticize you for being a dreamer, just remember you're one step ahead.  Ready. Set. Action.  Have a great day.

Sunday, October 15, 2017

Waist Management


When it comes to eating junk food, the body has an incredible digestive process to eliminate most of the waste.  Unfortunately, the "garbage in, garbage out" system isn't perfect.  Proof of this is in the waist where undesirable leftovers are stored.  Many Americans are running out of landfill and we're reaching a crisis point.  Here are some scenarios do deal with the problem:
  1. Do nothing.  Keep eating.  Death will occur prematurely and the problem will be buried six feet underground. 
  2. Move.  I mean move – literally.  Excess fat will dissipate when the body exercises.
  3. Stop.  Refrain from eating all the foods contributing to excess waste stored in the waist.  I excavated nearly a pound a day when I stopped eating garbage, namely processed foods and man-made ingredients.  Dairy seemed to be part of the problem and I gave that up too.
If you're serious about waist management, make sure you document your journey and measure your results.  You can win this battle, one inch at a time.  Have a great day.

Saturday, October 14, 2017

The Enemy Within


Like it or not, you're fighting a war with yourself.  The enemy within is probably the most difficult opponent you will ever face.  Whatever you do, please don't ever allow the dark side to trick you into believing there's no hope.  If you want to win, you must first increase your own self awareness.  You must face reality.  Take the mask off and look in the mirror.

I'm going to share three things I corrected that gave me a spark of hope in my own personal battle with my dark side.  Enemy number one was Mountain Dew.  I let go when I discovered the damage it was causing and this wasn't easy because I was addicted.  The cravings were non-stop.  The second enemy was dairy, especially the ice cream and the cheese.  I let go of these things during my 45 day food experiment.  The third and most challenging enemy was my own negative thoughts.  Getting rid of the food addictions gave me the strength I needed to overcome negative thinking.  I have a long way to go to make sure the enemy within never has a chance at a counter-attack.  It's not easy but you can win this war.  Have a great day.

Friday, October 13, 2017

Why Goals Can Change Your Life


If you're not satisfied with who you are, there's hope.  It's not easy but the truth is, nothing in life of value is easy.  It takes hard word and perseverance.  That's why I set goals.  It helps me map out a course from point A to point B.  Point B is the new you.  It's what you become when you learn to navigate.  Consider point A as the valley and point B as the mountain top.  Once you reach the peak, you can see better.  Treat yourself to a whole new perspective.  It's worth it.  Have a great day.

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Warning! Comfort Zones May Be Hazardous


You will never reach your full potential unless you're willing to do something many other fears – leave your comfort zone.  Pack your bags and go.  Just do it.  Have a great day.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Step by Step





The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; Psalm 37:23

Christian songwriter, Michael W. Smith, hits some strong notes with his song, Step by Step.  Click on the YouTube video below to hear it.  My greatest struggles in life are from the times when I wandered off and tried to do things on my own.  Life is so much simpler when you decide to follow Jesus.  Give it a try.  Have a great day.


Tuesday, October 10, 2017

33 Days Until 3,000 Stories


Life is about those tiny nudges.  Do the little things well and doors open.  I'm thankful for the 2,967 days I've been able share my small stuff with you here on this blog.  I believe the key to success is to wake up every morning and do what you're created to do.  If you're not feeling excited, maybe you're not spending time doing the things that can bring you fulfillment.  Pick one thing that can help you get that passion back and get busy.  It works.  Have a great day.

Monday, October 9, 2017

What's in the Mulligan Playbook?


I'm sharing my playbook with you today because it's the simplest way I know to update you on my latest project.  In its current form, the playbook is filled with fumbles, interceptions, missed deadlines and a whole lot of chaos.  That's what happens when there's so much pressure on the X's and the O's that they fail to execute.  A similar thing happened in 1939 when Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel was published during the Great Depression.  Mike Mulligan focused so much on the clock that he forgot to leave a way out for his beloved steam shovel.  Poor Mary Anne had no way out when Mike's project was completed.  That's like publishing a book before the editing is complete.

The O's on my team are all volunteers.  They signed up because they're seeking improved health.  Our laboratory is the real world which means conflict.  The opponent often calls timeout at the most inopportune times and offers soft drinks and other banned food items to my team.  I can't blame the lab rats – they're human.  My best solution is to modify the playbook and keep it simple so all the volunteers can reach their goals.  I need to add winning recipes based on proven ingredients and inspire my team to find the end zone without dropping the ball.  And this Mike Mulligan is going to make sure everybody gets out of the stadium when the revised playbook is ready for prime time viewing.  Thank you for your patience.  Have a great day.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Turn the Page or Close the Book?


Ever notice how some of your favorite books are filled with drama and conflict?  They may be ideally suited as reading material, but what about the people in your life?  I discovered closing the book rather than turning the page on those who refuse to let the sunshine in makes for sunnier, happier days.  I need a certain amount of Vitamin D in my life to keep my attitude adjusted properly.  A few good books are more precious than gold.  Thank you for being a part of my library.  Have a great day.

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Happy Quote of the Day


A little gratitude goes a long way.  Today I'm thankful I get the opportunity to spend the entire day with my wife.  On the days we are apart I'm thankful I have an awesome day job filled with amazing people to work with.  My non day job days also on the gratitude list because these are my writing days – the days I get the opportunity to work on my special projects.  I'm thankful for all the people in my life who are a part of this, including the volunteers who are participating in the food experiment, the creator of the experiment and all the people in my life who are sharing great recipes which will be included in the book.  Above all, I'm thankful for the opportunity to contribute something that will benefit others.  If you are one of the thankful people in the world, I have a pretty good feeling you are happy.  Thank you for stopping by today and spending time here in my sand box.  No sand is necessary here.  Gratitude is the only ingredient needed to make this a happy meeting place.  Have a great day.

Friday, October 6, 2017

Rewards Just Ahead


I don't know what your road looks like.  But I do know if you're willing to keep going no matter how tough your journey may be, there are rewards just ahead.  Whatever you do, don't give up.  Make sure you claim your rewards.  I'm cheering for you to stay the course.  You can do this.  Have a great day.

Thursday, October 5, 2017

The Wave, Simple Yet Effective


Today's post is one of those feel good stories.  It doesn't matter where you're from, who your favorite team happens to be, or if you like or don't like sports.  This is a universal message for our world and it comes at a time when we could all use an uplifting message.  It's the wave and it's dedicated to the recipients who watch from the press box on the 12th floor of Children's Hospital located just above world famous Kinnick stadium in Iowa City.  Even the opposing team takes part in the wave.  It's simple yet effective.  Here's a video link featuring the wave.  Enjoy.  Have a great day.


Wednesday, October 4, 2017

How to Build Your Life


If you're searching for a way to build your life, make sure you have a solid foundation.  It begins with one question you must ask yourself before you do anything else:  What is really important?  Don't do anything else until you have the answer.  Your answer is also your blueprint for an amazing life.  Whatever you do, don't stop believing in your capabilities and never lose courage to continue with construction.  Have a great day.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

One Decision Away


It begins with a decision.  One choice is all it takes.  If you want a totally different life, make that decision today.  Be fearless.  Today is your day.  Have a great day.

Monday, October 2, 2017

Life is Happening Now


Don't wait for it.  Life is happening now.  You're not supposed to be on the sidelines.  It's your turn.  Take action.  Take risks.  Waiting is the excuse others give because they're too afraid of what will happen if they jump in.  Seize opportunity now while it's right in front of you.  Have a great day.

Sunday, October 1, 2017

How to Eliminate Negativity from Your Life


Remember the kid who claimed he could see dead people in the movie, The Sixth Sense?  The sad truth is many people are just like that kid – everything in their world is dead or negative.  Sure, there are positive things to see but they're invisible in all those shadows.  This can be avoided with the right flashlight, your mind.  No Jedi training or special light sabres are necessary.  Simply raise your awareness and pay attention to the details in every situation.  Ask yourself, "what good can come from this?"  Maybe you're standing in a pile of manure and that's all you can see.  I see the perfect place for you to plant seeds of hope for a great future.  Yep, there's good in every situation.  Get busy and train your mind to see the good.  Have a great day.