Mountains Ahead

God's specialty is moving mountains.  And man's favorite pastime is creating them.  If your journey is like mine, your landscape may be littered with over-sized fears.  It's so easy to make excuses.  I'm resolving to own up to my mountains.  Yep, every time I cave to my own self doubts, they come tumbling down like boulders in a southern California mudslide, splattering the highway to my dreams. 

Faith and doubt are connected, just like the positive and negative terminals on your car battery.  They are rooted in the spiritual realm.  The negative side didn't become visible until the fall.  Apparently, there were some rebels who thought they could move the mountains better on their own so they were given the opportunity to test their theory – permanently.  They are so mad at themselves for their mistake that they are taking it out on us humans.  Those tiny voices are from the negative side of your human battery and they're trying to short circuit your own beliefs.  Be wary the next time you hear that voice inside your head saying, "you can't do this, stupid."  It's an ugly pimple just below the skin that's going to turn into a zit if you listen to it.  Then the zit becomes a mountain and everyone can see it.  The only way out is to get back to the light.  Turn to the positive.  Ask God to move your mountains.  Have a great day.

Resolving Conflict

Conflict resolution is an art.  Imagine you're Michelangelo with a slab of granite in front of you.  Or you're Thomas Edison in an unlit room.  Your challenges are similar to theirs.  You're in a maze and you're trying to figure a way out.  You're a writer attempting to express in words what you feel in your soul.

I'm happy to announce that I've finally found the unwritten chapters necessary to resolve my greatest conflict.  Yes, the gems were always in front of me but they were hidden in some rock formations.  More chiseling is needed and I'm going to be steadfast with my writing tools until the masterpiece is exposed.  Have a great day.

Don't Ruin a Good Today

There is one thing universal for all of us about yesterday – it can't be changed.  Dwelling on it, trying to change it or even live in it may do one thing really harmful to the tremendous opportunity we have before us today.  Failing to let go of yesterday may ruin a good today.  Don't wait.  Let go now.  Have a great today.

Daily Routine is Recipe for a Great Life

You may not like the taste of your life's recipe.  If this is so, take a look at the ingredients you're using.  Maybe you're missing some key spices.  Or you're overusing some ingredients that disagree with your taste buds.  The good news is you're the chef and you can make small changes that influence the quality of your life.

For me, my life is a series of experiments.  I like to add and subtract ideas, thoughts and daily actions to see how the flavor changes until I find the right recipe.  Consistency is the key.  The right daily habits are what give me a recipe for a great life.  Have a great day.

Forward Progress

All the plates are spinning.  It's a crazy place to be but I'm gaining confidence that not many more will break in the upcoming months.  There have been many days of "two steps forward, one step back."  That's okay.  Forward progress means the end zone is within reach.  The caveman volunteers who are following the experiment are all reporting net losses which mean huge gains for future readers who are searching for solutions that work.  I'm just going to keep the plates spinning until this project is complete.  Have a great day.

Upgrade Yourself

There are mile markers but no finish lines in the race to reach success and excellence.  Challenge yourself.  Stay the course.  Learn as you go.  Make adjustments and corrections.  Strive to be a better you today than yesterday.  Have a great day.

Take a Mulligan on Your Resolutions

We are twenty-five days into the new year.  How many of those resolutions became permanent habits?  If you're still moving forward, congratulations.  The odds are in your favor.  For everyone else, it's time for a mulligan – a do over or reset.  I recommend picking one area of your life you want to improve upon and go with that.

The area of my life I'm seeking to improve has to do with vacations.  There is a plan in place to take more time off without sacrificing long-term financial goals.  I'm willing to keeping hitting that reset button every month until I find the right formula for making this a permanent part of my lifestyle.  The envelope method is a part of this and it's really simple.  Set aside money every week in an envelope marked "vacation."  Don't raid it.  And when it's time to take a break, use the envelope to pay for your trip.  I'm finding it's easier to set aside money when I know it's going to be used for something fun down the road.  Good luck pushing that reset button today.  Have a great day.

Welcome to Enthusiasm

No plane ticket is necessary.  Forget about a moving truck.  Enthusiasm isn't a place – it's a state of mind.  It means "to be with God."  Imagine he's sitting next to you on the roller coaster we call life.  He's looking at you every time you experience every up and down, every moment of exhilaration, every heart ache.  To be with God means to have a partner in your life who will never leave you.  Enthusiasm is the spice you want to sprinkle on everything you consume to maximize the flavor.  Welcome to enthusiasm.  Enjoy your journey.  Have a great day.

Got Wisdom?

Life is the pursuit of wisdom.  The longer I live the more I realize how elusive wisdom can be.  It hides in the shadows of the unknown.  What happens when you lose sight of the trail?  I must keep moving forward.  This is a worthy adventure.  Have a great day.

Book Update

The lab rats are all shopping for new clothes.  The testimonials are coming in.   And I'm feeling good about how the chapters are unfolding.  Chris sent me one year's worth of data he's been tracking daily since he started the experiment one year ago.  Charlie, a volunteer firefighter, is losing a little more than a pound a day and promises not to deviate from the original experiment until the 45 days are up.  Paige is back on track after a setback and her story will inspire others to stay motivated.

Permanent lifestyle changes are not easy.  I'm thankful for all the amazing volunteers who are willing to share their progress with others.  I can't wait for you to meet them.  Have a great day.

Road Game Today

Today is my first time playing the role of captain on my men's 55+ tennis team.  We're headed to Des Moines this morning to face a strong team loaded with talent.  The weather is cooperating and we don't have to worry about ice on the roads.  Mother Nature is proving to be our most daunting opponent and today she's giving us a pass.  Have a great day.

God's Will

If you can only do one thing today, just one thing, my prayer for you is that you discover God's plan for your life.  And if you can somehow find a way to accomplish that one thing, then please use every ounce of your being to follow that plan.  The plans you make on your own are no comparison to God's will.  Find God's will and you will find the ultimate treasure.  Go for it.  Have a great day.

Living the Chapters

Several of the revised chapters are unfolding before my eyes.  I'm living them simultaneously.  It's a crazy way to write but I'm going with the flow.  All I can say is the latest batch of volunteers are making progress.  Confidence is building.  Thanks for staying with me.  Have a great day.

Creativity Unleashed

Motion sensors detected activity in the creative areas of my brain early this morning.  The power source is unlimited.  Approach with caution.  I'm still sorting everything out.  Thanks for your patience in this time of chaos.  It will all make sense soon.  Have a great day.

God Made vs. Man Made

If you're a believer, today's story may not be anything new for you.  What I'm hoping for is to reach someone with an opposing view who may read this and at least consider one or two of my thoughts.  The longer I live the more I realize why I'm here and it's definitely not to swim in calm waters free of the sharks.  I'm just closing my eyes and tossing today's bait over the bow for one of those deep sea fish to observe and perhaps nibble on.  Here goes:

Fish:  "Dude, what are you doing with that silly bait you're dangling in front of me?  I know who you are and why you're here.  I've been watching you fish here for over 3,000 days and you're wasting your time with me.  There's no way in Hell I'm going to engage."

Me:  "Sorry for the intrusion.  I know we're from two different worlds and we may not see eye-to-eye on anything, so maybe you could just humor me for a bit and we can share a few minutes together."

Fish:  "Make it quick."

Me:  "This may seem like an odd question, but I want to know about what you've been eating."

Fish:  "Same thing my family's been eating for generations."

Me:  "Really?"

Fish:  "What's your point?"

Me:  "In my opinion, something's changed.  This ocean you're swimming in is polluted.  And I noticed you're spending a lot of time at those fast food places."

Fish:  "So what?"

Me:  "I'm just pondering if that's why you have so much belly fat.  And I'm wondering when you last checked your lipid panels or your blood pressure."

Fish:  "You need to get to the point."

Me:  "Maybe something is missing in your life."

Fish:  "God?"

Me:  "God made."

Fish:  "What do you mean?"

Me:  "Everything you're eating these days is man made.  Processed foods.  Artificial flavorings.  High fructose corn syrup.  That pollution you're swimming in, it's also man-made.  All those health problems you're suffering from, they're man made.  I'm only asking you to consider trying an experiment for 45 days to see if your health improves."

Fish:  "What do I need to do?"

Me:  "Try my bait.  Just a nibble.  There's nothing artificial or processed in it.  All natural stuff, just like what your ancestors consumed.  Fruits, veggies, nuts, beans and seeds.  You can drink a little wine, too."

Fish:  "Dude, I'm a fish.  That's absurd."

Me:  "What's absurd is how sick you really are and you don't even know it."

Fish:  "And what comes after that if I do decide to try your experiment."

Me:  "I would love to see what happens to your health if you try my bait.  If you have a successful outcome, I'd like to go a little bit deeper with you about God made vs. man made."

Fish:  "Who sent you?"

Me:  You wouldn't believe me if I answered that one.  And I don't think you're ready to hear the answer right now.  Let's just stick to what you're eating and see if this experiment might help you improve your health."

The End

Thanks for visiting today.  And if you want to know if I caught anything, the answer is no, not yet.  That doesn't stop me from fishing.  I'll be back tomorrow to try again.  Have a great day.

Keep Climbing

Do you know what separates the impossible dreams from achievable goals?  Sometimes it can be as close as one more step.  How sad it is to give up when you're so close.  We never really know how close we are.  I only know one way to keep the dream alive – keep climbing.  Go for it.  Have a great day.

Ready for the Next Chapter?

Sometimes I get restless when I don't feel like I'm progressing with my goals.  Some chapters of my life seem long and drawn out.  It's like being in a sailboat in the middle of the ocean with no wind blowing.  The waiting game is not easy.  Then the wind picks up.  That's when the fun begins because it's time to turn the page, time for the next chapter.

Wind or no wind, use every day to your advantage.  Prepare yourself for the moment when you feel the breeze picking up.  And remember, you can harness the wind to sail in any direction you wish to go if you use your tools properly.  Turn the page.  Sail on.  Have a great day.

What Moves You?

I'm fully 100% Iowan now.  That may seem strange to people who know me from my past life.  While it may be true I'm not a native to the state, I truly believe I belong here.  What happened?  It started on day 1 when we encountered our first road sign at the state border...

The road sign moved me.  And my new neighbors backed it up with the "Iowa wave," a two-finger lift off the steering wheel that lets strangers know they are welcome in these parts.  That Iowa wave is spreading across America and it's directed at the sick kids who are staying at the Children's Hospital next door to Kinnick stadium where our beloved Hawkeyes play.  If 70,000 football fans waving at sick kids during a football game doesn't move you, you're missing out on something really special.  Yes, there are fields of opportunities everywhere I look and I'm thankful to be here.  Have a great day.

Extreme Living

No, I'm not writing about the weather conditions in my hometown today.  Yes, the temperatures may be on the extreme side of the thermometer but the extreme living I'm referring to in this post has to do with pushing the boundaries.  I tend to thrive on the outer edge of my comfort zone.

I had one of those cringeworthy relationship moments this morning when I asked my wife how she thought about the idea of me adding another workout session to my weekly calendar.  Sounds tame, right?  Not really.  I'm already participating in a weekly doubles league and play competitive tennis in three age groups including players younger than my kids.  What's missing, according to my captain, is a workout session dedicated to practice.  I reminded my wife about being 57 and how challenging it is to keep my body fit.  She always rolls her eyes when I remind her I'm 57 because she doesn't see me as "that old."

Her answer reminds me why I so deeply love her.  "Of course you can workout with your friends.  I'll find something to do, like joining the gym or taking a yoga class."

Can I outrun Father Time?  He'll have his day on the courts, but not anytime soon.  Extreme living has its advantages.  Give it a try.  Have a great day.

The Place You're Meant to Be

Have you ever considered if you're in the place you're meant to be?  And if you have and you're not sure about your answer, what's the next step if you want to get there?  I think today's quote of the day may be of assistance.  I really like the part about "unbecoming everything that isn't really you."

Give "unbecoming" a try.  Shed everything that doesn't belong in your vocabulary, your thoughts, your closet.  Shed what doesn't belong on your plate.  Shed anger and despair.  These steps may help you get to the place you're meant to be so you can be who you are meant to be.  Have fun and have a great day.

Construction Zone

Pardon the mess.  I'm living in the midst of a construction zone right now and there are going to be some traffic jams these next several months.  That's okay.  It's all part of God's plan for my life and I'm open to the changes.  All I can say is please be patient with me.  The Bible verse from John 13:7 is significant for me – Jesus replied, "you don't understand what I'm doing now, but someday you will."  I have this feeling in my gut that someday is coming.  Have a great day.

2 Score and 4 Years Ago

Do you remember what it was like the first time you entered high school?  For me, it meant a new circle of friends, the discovery of a sport I plan on enjoying for a lifetime, and an opportunity to learn what I'm made of.  The truth is I had no clue what to expect that first day I walked into class as a scrawny incoming freshman not even five feet tall.  Those next four years shaped me.  Now it's reunion time.  Time to go back to my roots and see old friends.  I'll be in Sunnyslope on October 13 for our 40th high school reunion.

Some of my nicknames were coined in high school.  "Spoons" was given to me when I was a busboy at the Arbor and my classmates in "Snora's" Spanish class called me Miguelito Saltón, meaning little Mike jumping.  I hope the name still sticks in the Men's 90's national doubles championships just 2 score minus 8 years away from today featuring the Saltónes primos from the class of '78.  My cousin may have been my civil war opponent on the tennis courts during high school, but in my book he's an honorary Viking and I just might see if I can smuggle him into the party on October 13 located just a few blocks from where he lived when we were growing up.  Have a great day.

Thank you for your part in my journey

Maybe you're the sibling who taught me to never give up no matter how bad the odds appear to be.  Or you're the mom who inspired me to believe.  Or the cousin who said, "I think I have an idea that may improve your situation."

Please accept my thanks for your contributions.  My life is forever changed.  And now there's a new generation of individuals who are benefiting because you offered help when I needed it most.  I know what a wonderful life is – a life filled with caring people who are willing to share their gifts with others.   I believe gratitude needs to be repaid in every direction – forward, backward and sideways.  Perhaps gratitude is the wind powering my sails.  Yes, there is motion and I'm moving at a brisk pace to a series of predetermined worthwhile goals inspired by the One I follow.  Thank you for being the wind.  Thank you for your willingness to be a part of my life.  Have a great day.

Make This Your Top Food Resolution for the New Year and Beyond

Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me.  But fool my friends and I'll come after you with everything I have.  I'm fighting back.  My strategy?  It's really simple.  Convince others to "eliminate" foods that may have the potential to kill them.  It's an experiment.  Since "resolutions" are really popular right now, you may label this experiment as a resolution – a resolution that may forever alter the course of your life.  Before you begin, there's one warning you need to be aware of.  There are powerful people in areas of influence who are spending millions of dollars to fool you into believing their products are safe for consumption.  The proof of the lies they tell is in the sick and the dead.  These diseases are man-made.  The source of all the problems is processed foods, like high fructose corn syrup.  The label may as well have a poison warning on it.

Here is your top food resolution for the New Year and beyond:

Avoid all processed foods, foods with labels and any product with artificial ingredients.  Do this for 45 days and monitor your vitals, such as weight, blood pressure and lipid panels.  Consume mostly fruits, veggies, nuts, beans and seeds.  If this doesn't dramatically improve your health, you can go back to your old ways.  And if you feel more alive than ever, make this resolution a permanent lifestyle change.  Have a great day and a great life.

Learn the Art of Resting

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a beautiful crop." ~ Ovid

Want more energy?  The secret is not trying to do more.  It's the breaks.  If you happen to be a "type A" who believes rest equates to laziness, good luck with that looming heart attack or stroke.  Your body will shut you down if you don't learn to shut it down for scheduled maintenance.  Give your body an opportunity to rebuild and your productivity will soar.  Have a great day.

Midwest Sunrise at -14º Today

Quote for the day:  We cannot climb up a rope that is attached only to our own belts ~ William Ernest Hocking

I often turn to Nature simply to soak in the awe and the tremendous beauty it offers, especially at sunrise.  I'm reminded when I see a fresh blanket of snow on the ground that this a new day filled with so much opportunity.  There is a caveat, though, when the temperatures are so low.  I'm reminded there are others around me who may be struggling to get out of their driveways on mornings like these.  They may show up with burdens on their shoulders.  And the truth is we cannot climb up a rope that is attached to our own belts.  We need each other to conquer our challenges.

May the sun shine brightly on your dreams today.  And may you feel the warmth of a good friend.  Have a great day.

There's No Place Like Snow Place

My Arizona/California friends probably have a challenge comprehending this, especially when the news reports show how difficult life can be when something like a "bomb cyclone" strikes your neighborhood, but life in the snow, especially if you're a writer, can be rewarding.  There are virtually no distractions.  Snow day?  That's a freebie for me.

There are those on the under end of the spectrum, like Hawaii residents, who suffer from something called Island Fever.  The weather may be ideal, however, some get a claustrophobic feeling from being disconnected to the outside world.  I'm one of the fortunate ones who can thrive in any situation or circumstance.  I truly believe there's no place like snow place.  There's a certain quietness when the a blanket of snow muffles outside noises.  There's a crispness in the air when it reaches subzero temperatures.  I'm living it up.  Have a great day.

Bump Up Your Lifestyle

If you're serious about bumping up your lifestyle in the new year, try this blueprint.  I've been refining it for years and most of the bugs are worked out.  Here goes:

• Do everything you can to reduce stress.  This is super important.  Too much stress can cause your mind and body to either freeze or inflame.  No bueno.  Your health will suffer.  Eliminate toxic people and excessive workloads.  Keep things simple.  Avoid trying to do too much.
• Reduce exposure to processed foods, artificial ingredients and junk food with no nutritional value.
• Treat your body to 3 hours of exercise per week.
• Pay cash as you go.  If you must use a credit card, pay it off as fast as you can.
• Say a prayer of thanks before every meal.
• Eat with your loved ones.
• Make your bed.
• Clean your closets.
• Take vacations.
• Keep in touch with your friends.
• Be kind.
• Avoid criticizing, especially yourself.
• Be happy.

Have a great day.

Holy Spirit Thaws Brain Freeze

Doctor McCoy's alien helmet supplied him with everything he needed to conduct a live-saving  operation on his friend, Spock, a feat that was outside the scope of his own knowledge and training.  That "hallelujah moment" the doctor experienced in Star Trek is remarkably similar to how I feel when I receive "flashes of light" that seem to appear out of nowhere.  Spock would describe these flashes as "fascinating."

My wife sent me a text message yesterday after she arrived at work... -25º when I left the house. 

Writer's block can strike at any moment.  It's especially challenging for those with limited training or experience like me.  The good news is my brain freeze appears to be thawing and Mother Nature can't stop me no matter how much force she exerts.  I have all I need to complete my work.  When Jesus said, "Behold, I make all things new," he accomplished it through his own version of an alien helmet, aka the Holy Spirit.  If you're in the middle of a brain freeze, ask Jesus to send you the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Other people may think you're crazy, but don't worry about others.  And remember to say thank you.  Have a great day.

Writing in the Twilight Zone

Ernest Hemingway said, "The only kind of writing is rewriting."  He also said he rewrote A Farewell to Arms thirty-nine times before he was satisfied.  So, I ask myself, "How in the hell am I ever going to break free of the Twilight Zone I'm in with this overdue book?"

The answer appears to be in the latest batch of lab rats who volunteered to participate in the Caveman Food Experiment.  Yes, it's true I had no idea my writing pregnancy would span two years or that it would include sextuplets!  My way out of the Twilight Zone is for these latest generation lab rats to deliver me from my writing purgatory.  Every word will be written, tossed in the trash, rewritten, and revised multiple times before I finally break free.  The good news is they're experiencing success.  It looks like this episode of the the Twilight Zone is finally going to come to a conclusion.  Have a great day.

Happy New Year

The only family pic that was approved for social media by "Homeland Security."

What kind of New Year are you going to have?  We all like to say "Happy New Year," but how long does the cheer last?  How much happiness is there?  I saw a FB message from my oldest sister this morning that really resonated with me.  Click here for a full link.  For those of you who prefer the Reader's Digest version, here goes:

The best resolution you can make today is to "be kind."  Sounds simple, right?  What about those times when we're confronted with difficult situations involving loved ones?  If you're like me, these are the times when kindness vanishes.  Loved ones know how to push our buttons.  Acts of kindness are hardest to practice with those difficult people in our lives who evoke our anger, frustration, disappointment, or the whole range of other painful emotions that make us human. 

Thank you, sister, for inspiring the first story of 2018.  Have a Happy New Year!