Washington Nationals are World Series Champions

Photo credit: the Christian Broadcasting Network

Several records were broken when the Washington Nationals won their first  World Series Championship last night in a thriller.  Never before had the visiting team won all seven games of the series.  Never before had the Washington Nationals won the World Series.  And never before had a team been such underdogs early in the season and faced so many elimination games on their way to victory in game 7 of the World Series.

The team was on the rebound after starting off the season at 19 wins and 34 losses when my wife and I met Jackie Barrett at the Mustard Seed in the Atlanta airport.  That's the day we both started praying for her son, Aaron, a relief pitcher for the Nationals who was told by his doctors he would never pitch again due to extensive injuries that were so bad his team forbid any videos to be shown of the incident on the mound.  I asked Jackie if she wouldn't mind joining my private caveman miracle network where prayer warriors team up to seek Divine assistance.  Jackie asked that our group pray for Aaron to get called up to the majors in time for a late season run when the team roster would be expanded.  That's when the magic happened.  My wife danced for joy when she heard the news.

The last record to fall was my no TV hotel experiment which was intact for my last three day job assignments spanning approximately five months.  Yes, I savored game seven while on the road and it was a moment I will cherish forever.  Congratulations to the Washington Nationals.  I hope to capture a photo moment with Aaron and Wilson and include Aaron's faith journey in my next book.  It all started with faith the size of a mustard seed.  We are blessed to be a part of the journey.  I would like to thank all the prayer warriors who continue to pray for others in our network.  Have a great day.

Why I Maintain a Gratitude Journal

There is always something to be thankful for.  If I ever wake up and have trouble finding at least ten things I'm thankful for, I can open up my gratitude journal and read my entries.  I find great joy thinking about the blessings in my life.

In addition to the daily list of ten things I'm thankful for, I add one positive affirmation.  It's usually something I'm striving to improve in my life.  Today's affirmation is..."I believe I can change the world by setting a good example."

Practice gratitude.  Keep track of your blessings.  Try this for 30 days and see what happens.  Have a great day.

Savor Your Pit Stops

I'm sharing a photo from my trip home last week.  It was a rest stop near the Mexico-US border.  I couldn't take my eyes off the beauty of the desert scenery.  It's really easy to slip away from nature if you forget to savor the pit stops.  I keep reminding myself to smell the roses.

Promise yourself that no matter how busy your life is, you will find a way to take breaks.  I believe it's wise to capture photos when you do get rest breaks to help you remember how good it feels to relax.  Have a great day.

Family Member Gets a Mulligan from Abraham Lincoln

I spent the weekend learning about my family history in Minnesota.  I dug up something about my great-great-great grandfather, a man who needed a mulligan in order to get a second chance after he was court martialed and found guilty of padding his enlistment in order to provide adequate provisions for his troops.

My time at Ft. Snelling on Saturday inspired me to probe deep and gain a better understanding of what life was like during the civil war era.  Those of us in the Midwest may be groveling about the cold weather this week.  How about temps in the -60 degree range?  That's what it was like in the Winter of 1863-1864.    The natives were starving to death.  Tensions were high.  Our government wasn't honoring the treaties in place.  Captain James Starkey, my great-great-great grandfather, and a couple of his sons, signed up to protect settlers in the area from the uprising related to the Dakota War.  Starkey led Company E that was formed as an independent battalion of cavalry under Maj. E.A.C. Hatch.  My understanding is that my ancestor was found guilty of signing up underage kids to patrol the area of Minnesota.  He was trying to make sure his people had enough supplies and he failed to follow the rules.

Starkey's sentence was harsh.  He was prohibited from ever serving in the military again or doing public service.  As an army captain who desired to serve his community, he found himself out in the cold.  President Lincoln intervened and amended his sentence to allow elected office.  The rest of the story is history.  Starkey was elected to the state House and served one session as speaker.  He used the mulligan President Lincoln gave him for good and set up what is now the modern day sewer system in St. Paul, Minnesota.

I'm thankful for all our ancestors who came before us and for their willingness to deal with difficult situations.  I'm also thankful Captain James Starkey got a second chance to serve his country.  And I'm really thankful it won't be -60 degrees this week and that my toilet actually flushes.  Have a great day.

Day of Rest Today

My family cautioned me to take rest breaks during my adventure away from home.  Today I'm heeding their advice.  This will be a great day to recharge my batteries while reflecting on my journey.  Have a great day.

Outdoor Adventure Today

Mother Nature is blessing me with a peak in the Fall colors and some sunshine for my hike today in Minnesota.  I'm starting my day off with 90 minutes of drills on the indoor tennis courts before my hike.  I'm super excited to get outdoors.

I would like to thank my day job teammates for my Wilson backpack.  This is going to allow me to take Wilson with me and keep my hands free for the photo opportunities along the Mississippi River today.  Look for some of these shots to appear in "Adventures with Wilson."  Have a great day.

Progress Report

This may seem a bit crazy but my life appears to be drifting through some stage 4 rapids and there's no need for a life jacket because my guide knows how to navigate.  It's a wild ride and I'm loving it.  I'm attempting to catch my breath long enough to send you an update.

My time with Wilson is paying huge dividends.  What started out as a silly way to keep track of my travels while protecting my family's privacy is now a full fledged  book writing opportunity.  What was once a farfetched dream is now a real deal to help sick kids while having the time of my life.  I clearly see God's perfect timing in this raging river of my life.  There is a tiny opening in the doorway I need to go through to get the necessary permission from Twentieth Century Fox and I'm ready to push through.  The stars are in alignment.

My other project, "Live Long and Prosper,"  is also advancing.  It's a combination of experiments, trial and error, and other life lessons I've been developing which may help others maximize their lives.  The funny thing here is I'm not really writing the chapters, I'm living them.  My greatest challenge is achieving financial freedom and I'm finally doing it without giving up on some exciting adventures.

My greatest highlight this year was reuniting with all my siblings to celebrate our mother's 80th birthday.  We had our own share of raging rivers in the past.  The good news is we all appear to be in calm waters now.

Please keep me in your prayers.  I'm on a special assignment at my day job and we are approaching a climax in our time together.  There is a great deal to accomplish before I return home to my wife.  My plan is to use the Winter months to wrap up my writing projects.  Thanks for your daily visits.  Get ready.  There are some huge rapids ahead.  I promise I won't freak out.  My guide has the perfect plan.  Full speed ahead.  Have a great day.

Why You Should Never Fear Failure

It happened again.  I met someone who is afraid to fail.  If this resonates with you, ask yourself why.  You may discover all the reasons why you're not reaching your full potential.  Can you imagine Babe Ruth telling you he won't practice because he's afraid of striking out?

If you're not failing, you're not learning.  What you're really doing is playing everything so safe that new opportunities have become completely invisible.

Be bold with your life.  Fail.  Every time you fail, look for a new solution.  Use your failure as a learning tool.  Your failures will turn into wins.  Have a great day.

Fall in Minnesota

The photo you see here was shot along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota yesterday.  I can't wait to do some hiking in this beautiful state on the weekend.  We are expecting plenty of sunshine.

My body is getting back to normal after a whirlwind trip to Mexico for four days to celebrate mom's 80th birthday.  It was the first time I went directly to work after a redeye flight.

I would like to thank my siblings for coming together to pull off a most awesome birthday celebration for our mom.  I will share more about my travels once I get a couple of days off this weekend.  Have a great day.

Coming in on the Red Eye

This will be an interesting day.  Border delays on my way home after visiting my mother and all my siblings forced a last minute change of plans.  I'm penning this as I get ready to board.

I promise to update you on my trip once I get back to my regular routine.  Have a great day.

The Party is Over Today

I should be back in range by the end of the day today.  The party is over.  Thank you for your patience waiting for me to get back in range for contact.  We've been having a little fiesta in Mexico and now it's time to return to the United States.  Have a great day. 

Blog Vacation Continues

This is a preprogrammed blog message.  If you're trying to reach me, I'm out of range.  We're celebrating our mother's 80th bithday south of the border.  I'm unable to have any contact until I return earl next week.  Have a great day.

Out of Blog Range Today

If you're trying to reach me these next several days, I'm out of range and out of the country.  This story is on automatic pilot.  I'm having some quality family time in Mexico.  Have a great day.

Sibling Time

Wilson and I are off for a 4day sibling adventure in Mexico.  It's the first time all of us will be together at the same time.  This is birthday month for our mother.  She's celebrating 80 years on the planet.  Unless you live in fort Knox, you probably won't see the family photo, a rare moment in time.  I'm thankful for this very special reunion and would like to thank the leadership team at my day job for granting me a couple of vacation days to make this opportunity happen.  Have a great day.

Avoiding the Sand Traps on Virtual Debt Reduction Golf Course

The month isn't over yet but I'm already able to predict this will be the third month in a row making par for the course.  I created a debt reduction game to help me achieve financial independence and it's finally working.

If I could offer one point to help others achieve financial independence, I would say this, pay attention to every daily decision you make no matter how small you think it is.  It's the seemingly insignificant choices that make the difference.  You will land in the sand traps if you aren't wary.  Follow this blog if you're interested in learning more about goal setting.  I'll be sharing progress reports to help you on your own debt reduction journey.  Have a great day.

Washington Nationals Going to the World Series

Our family became Washington Nationals fans the day we met Jackie Barrett, the mother of a relief pitcher fighting to get back to the big leagues after a couple of horrific injuries.  Most people would have given up.  Jackie's son, Aaron, is in a league of his own.  He got called up in time to help his team advance to post season play.

Although Aaron is not on the post season roster, he is a valuable contributor and threw out the ceremonial first pitch in the team's wild card game in front of the home crowd.  This will be an exciting World Series for our family.  Wilson already met Jackie.  Our hope is to include Aaron's comeback story in one of the chapters in "Adventures with Wilson."  Go Nationals.  Have a great day.

A Birthday Surprise

It's official.  My mother is celebrating her birthday today.  She is 80 years young.  So, what do you give a mother of six who is a grandmother to countless granchildren?  My siblings had the best idea...time.  I thought their suggestion was impossible when several of them brought it up, but sometimes I forget about the one I follow, the one who turns water into wine, moves mountains, and walks on water.

Here's the scenario.  All five of my siblings and several nieces and a nephew are headed to Mexico for a grand birthday celebration this weekend.  And here's the icing on the cake.  Mom, if you're reading this, surprise... I'm celebrating with you.  I'll call you later to share the details.  By the way, this will be the first time in a long time that my siblings and me will all be together at the same time for a family photo with mom.  The last time this happened was when we were teenagers.

Yes, miracles do happen.  Happy birthday, mom.  I love you.  And a happy belated birthday to my cousin's wife and his youngest son who celebrated their birthdays yesterday.  Have a great day!

Never Give Up on Your Dreams

Dream big.  Your life will catch up.  The secret is to never give up.  I understand this firsthand.  If I'm guilty of something, it's that I sometimes thought my own dreams were impossible.  I sometimes underestimated God's power in my life.  I allowed doubts to creep in.

Your dreams are your ticket to a life well lived.  Your dreams are your seeds.  Plant them.  Nourish them.  Protect them.  Never allow anyone to destroy them.  Have a great day.

Airbnb Pointers

Although I'm still a relative newcomer to the Airbnb scene, I feel I may be able to share some pointers for those willing to enhance their travel experiences.  My latest trip to Alaska confirmed that Airbnb is a great way to have your home away from home without breaking the bank.

I highly recommend you arrange your travel with an experienced super host to avoid unnecessary surprises.  Super hosts have a track record you can see before you decide to give them a try.

Communicate with your host.  Leave good feedback after you check out.  Be respectful of the house rules.  Send a private message if you have concerns about your experience so your  host can improve.

My 24 hours in Alaska was enhanced because I booked a high quality place and received five star treatment.  My host thought of everything and made me want to come back.  By the way, my total spending in Alaska was approximately one hundred dollars including the airbnb pictured above, rental car and food.  Give Airbnb a try.  Have a great day.

Another State Crossed Off the Bucket List

I'm in Alaska for 24 hours.  It's just long enough to explore the area and get some ideas for a return visit with my wife.  The weather when I landed in the evening was actually warmer than what I was experiencing when I left Minnesota.  The Airbnb is spectacular.  My super host gave me access to his entire basement and the place is top quality.  Stay tuned for more about Alaska in my upcoming stories.  Have a great day.

Be Wary of the Cycles

Everything goes in cycles.  History repeats itself.  The wise man sees the patterns and adjusts his sails to navigate properly.  The fool repeats his mistakes and flounders.

I'm in the middle of a couple more experiments designed to help me better understand recurring patterns in my life.  Changing bad habits is no easy task.  My hope is that while I'm away on assignment at my day job I can try some new ideas to help me create new habits.  Stay tuned for updates.  This process requires more than a few weeks of trial and error but I do feel I'm going in a good direction.  Have a great day.

Nats Beat Dodgers in 10th Inning Grand Slam Thriller

I was asleep when it happened.  Our youngest son stayed up to witness another miracle comeback.  It was one of those moments that can turn heads.  The win was stunning, especially considering the opponent, a giant killer.  The LA Dodgers rarely lose in their own backyard.

I went to bed when it looked like Washington's Cinderella season was likely to be over.  The Nationals were losing 3-1 in the 6th inning and their closer was ready to strike the final nail in the coffin.  You need to click here for the game highlights to see what happened.  As for me and Wilson, we believe.  We're happy to see our prayers answered for our new favorite player, Aaron Barrett, the relief pitcher for the team that is now only one more series away from the World Series.  Way to go, Nats.  Have a great day.

It's All About the Lessons

Show me a person who's not afraid to fail and I'll show you an example of a life maximized.  In my opinion, this is the best way to reach mountaintops, discover new experiences, and perhaps find your purpose.

If you truly want to live your life to the fullest,  learn to see failure as your stepping stone.  In my personal life, I expect to slip.  I expect criticism.  The truth is, if others can't see my flaws, that means I'm not straying far enough outside my comfort zone.  Go ahead.  Fail.  Then, get back up.  Have a great day.

Why You Need to Focus on Your Strengths

Have you ever felt your weaknesses were holding you back?  I believe working on your weaknesses is like trying to get into the NBA when you're five feet tall.  Also, when you're working on your weaknesses, you're not spending time developing your strengths.  You will experience fatigue and anxiety.

I spend the majority of my time developing my strengths.  If you're like me, you have more fun, get more done, and have this sense of fulfillment when you're doing what you're created to do.  Give this a try and see what happens.  Have a great day.

Birthday Month for a Special Lady

My mom is turning 80 this month.  She's celebrating all month long.  Please join me in wishing her a happy birthday.  She taught me how to live life to the fullest.  Happy birthday, mom.  I love you!  Have a great day.

Surprise Chocolate Delivery Arrives

The chocolate delivery last night was only a part of the surprise.  I called my wife when she got home from her Saturday night church service to check on her chocolate delivery and she said nothing arrived.  The problem was in the execution.  You see, I was hand delivering her package and my flight was delayed a couple of hours due to the weather.

I'm happy to report the chocolate and her man arrived last night and all is well.  I got a good night of sleep in my own bed.  The delivery man is heading back to Minneapolis today to get ready for another busy week on my day job assignment.  I'm sure there will be more chocolate deliveries in my future.  Have a great day.

Love Your Life

I'm on my way to the fort this morning, the nickname for the tennis center about five miles from where I'm staying while on assignment at my day job.  Tennis has been a big part of my life ever since I discovered the sport the summer prior to entering high school.  The coaches will be drilling our group for ninety minutes.  I'll return tomorrow night as a sub for another ninety minutes in the men's doubles league.  This is prime time living. 

Are you doing what you love?  Does your work give you fulfillment?  I find myself the happiest when I'm learning new things, discovering new experiences and sharing my life lessons with others. 

Live this day to the fullest.  Appreciate all the blessings in your life.  Have a great day.

Small Wins Lead to Big Victories

I'm completing my third week away from home on my day job assignment this weekend and I'm starting to feel pretty good about my small wins in my debt reduction challenge.  My goal is to be financially independent by the end of the year in 2021.  The reality is that it's all about the small choices I make every day.

My hotel makes it really convenient to take care of my laundry while I'm away from home.  Convenience has a higher price.  I would rather go to a local grocery store and buy my own laundry soap than pay for those high priced detergents in the lobby.    Those savings are all applied to additional principal payments saving me years of mortgage payments when coupled with all my other small change choices.

Never overlook the little things you can do to achieve those big goals you have.  Get in the habit of winning in those small daily choices.  One day you will wake up and say, "I'm debt free."  Go for it.  Have a great day.

Spread Some Joy Today

Take a look around.  What do you see?  I bet, if you look closely, you may see some people in distress.  It's so easy to get out of balance, like when your wheels get out of alignment.  When your anxiety is breaking the posted speed limit you are so stressed that you don't take the necessary time needed to get back to the point where you have balance.

The best thing you can do to help others is to spread some joy.  Be the example.  Demonstrate how joy can reduce anxiety and stress.  Do this consistently and the world around you will change.  Have a great day.

An 808 Memorable Moment

It appears the universe is messing with me.  I really don't understand all the strange coincidences that keep happening but this latest one may turn a few heads on the unbeliever side of the fence.  It has to do with Aaron Barrett, the relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals, who returned to the big leagues after suffering a horrific injury that doctors believed would sideline him forever from his dreams.

I sent a text message to my son to let him know Jason was selected to appear on the mound last night to throw out the ceremonial first pitch in front of the home crowd in a do-or-die single elimination game against the Milwaukee Brewers.  By the way, the game started at 8:08.

Please join me in congratulating Jason and his team for their amazing comeback.  His team was down 3-1 in the bottom of the 8th and were about to see their season end when a 3 run home run changed everything.  Jason and his Nats are alive and well.  I'm sharing one of his videos for my friends and family to see.  Click here.  His story will be a part of "Adventures with Wilson."  I'm so thankful I got to meet his mother on one of our travels and look forward to seeing how this story will end.  Have a great day.

Your Defining Moment is Here

Do you ever feel like your life is in a rut?  Your'e on the hamster wheel and you don't know how to escape?  Most people wait until the year is over, set a few resolutions, and the return to the hamster wheel by the end of January.

It's October 1st.  Maybe it doesn't pack the punch of New Year's Day but I think it may be your ticket off your hamster wheel.  Why?  Because today can be the best day of your life if you're willing to step into the unknown and change it up.

I left the hamster wheel a while ago.  There's this constant temptation to go back into the cage and rejoin the rat race.  New experiences can be scary.  I challenge you to make a decision.  Choose to make today your defining moment.  Go for it.  Have a great day.