It's a Snow Day

Much to my surprise, there is a blanket of snow on the ground this morning.  This may be the last snow storm of the season.  I'm thankful we were able to deal with every one of Mother Nature's snow balls.  I'm eager to begin my bike training once the snow and ice is gone.  It's hard to believe I will be dealing with 100º days on my 462 mile bike adventure this July.  What a contrast to what we have today.  I'm learning to take life one day at a time and be flexible in all circumstances.  Sunny days are ahead.  Have a great day.

Meet Giovanna

The name says it all.  Giovanna, meaning "God is Gracious," is now a part of our family.  My friend, Steve, a retired firefighter who now works at my day job had her custom made years ago.  She is everything I could ask for.  Steve invited me to his home yesterday to meet his pride and joy, a vintage creation with components that bike connoisseurs revere.  I may be a newbie to the bike world but I know in my heart Steve's riding companion is really, really special.  Before agreeing to let her go, Steve asked me to visit with a good friend who owns a bike shop in North Liberty.  I test drove a couple of hand-picked choices from the owner before returning to Steve's home to finalize the adoption.  The new models were exceptional and any of them would have served me well.  I preferred adopting Giovanna.  She is fully depreciated and lovingly appreciated.  She is my gem.  

I would like to thank Steve for entrusting his pride and joy to me.  I promised him I would cherish her all the days of my life.  The training process for Ragbrai in July has begun.  I also plan to find a ride for my wife.  Cycling is something we can do together.  I am beyond ecstatic to be riding into the next chapter of my life.  Thank you, Jesus, for all the blessings you bestow on our family.  Giovanna's name reflects who you are.  Have a great day.

I'm Signing Up for Ragbrai 2022

Ragbrai is seven days and 462 miles of adventure across the state of Iowa.  This will be my first time.  I decided to do this in the Fall when I met a couple riding their bikes through the Amana Colonies.  Steve offered me a beer while he and his girlfriend were taking a rest break.  We ended up eating lunch together and talking about their love for cycling.  I was hooked.  Today I'm meeting another Ragbrai veteran of 16 years to get guidance on my purchase.  My hope is to have a new ride by the end of today.  

I told my tennis captain I want to be involved in another sport to help me cross train.  This will be a great adventure.  I'm looking forward to a fun week in July.  Stay tuned.  I will share more about this in future stories.  Have a great day.

Fiber Optics Coming to Our Small Town

CTC announced they are coming to our small town in a big way, fiber optics all the way to our homes.  I gave them permission to run the fiber optics to our home and set up a connection.  They came to our home this morning to set up the prewiring to our router.

Big cities are being served first.  What's exciting for us is that CTC decided to upgrade our community even though we are small in size as a population center.  Once all the lines are installed and tested in our community and the system is turned on I'm switching my internet to these folks.  No more pauses during our streaming or disappointing outages.  Thank you, CTC.  Welcome to Williamsburg.  Have a great day. 

3 Steps to Heaven

 We live in a world where we want instant fixes.  People are looking for shortcuts to Heaven.  Even the nonbelievers who may simply be hedging their bets want to know how they can get in even if they aren't sure there is a God.  Okay.  I'm writing this as a sure fire way to get to Heaven and this is for anyone interested.  Here goes:

1. Find out who God is.  There are a couple of seasons of The Chosen available through online streaming that offer a glimpse of who God is.  I'm learning about God through a narrated Bible in a Year podcast by a youth minister in Duluth, Minnesota.  You may have a friend who knows who God is.  Check in and ask questions.
2. Once you discover who God is, get to know him on a personal level.  Just as you communicate with friends and family, you can also communicate with God.  Go on a nature hike and listen for his voice. Stop in to a house of worship and spend quiet time with God.  The more you pray, the more he will reveal himself to you.
3. The final step is to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.  His mother says, "Do whatever he asks."  I believe this is the best advice I've ever heard.  

Some day you will die.  This is inevitable.  If you followed these three steps, there is nothing to worry about.  Your carcass may be done just as a caterpillar sheds his outer layer.  This caterpillar becomes a butterfly.  You too become something better.  That's what Heaven is, a place where you live forever with your Creator.  Follow the shortcuts first.  Have a great day.

League Tennis Match Today

We have a league match today in the Men's 18+ division.  I'm thankful I can still contribute at the ripe age of 61.  Our team is celebrating our amazing season with some Mexican food before I return home for family day.  We have a couple of matches to go before our regular season ends.  Our captain says we are in good position for extended play in the post season.  All I can say is it brings me great joy to play this game.  Have a great day. 

Make Sure This Doesn't Happen

My wife and I are in the clouds after completing our two day retreat at our house of worship.  We are still processing all the information we gleaned from our visitor, Jon Leonetti.  Jon asked for a show of hands when he posed the question, "Do you want to become a saint?"  Three people raised their hands.  Maybe they didn't know what Jon meant by the question so he clarified.  Jon informed us that anyone who is with God in Heaven is automatically a saint.  Believers understand that the only way to get to Heaven is through Jesus.  We spent two evenings covering who God is and why that matters.  At the heart of the matter is one thing and if you understand it your odds of getting through the door increase.

Imagine it's your judgement day and there is Jesus at the gates.  Your admittance depends on what happens next.  Whatever you do with the rest of your life, please don't blow it.  Ready?  Jesus is going to gaze into your eyes.  If he says, "I don't know you," it's over.  What's your next move?  I recommend you find a house of worship near you and get on your knees.  Get to know Jesus know while you still have time.  Have a great day.

What are Your Plans for Tonight?

 How would you respond if God asked you on a date?  If you have young children, you might say, "Sorry God, I don't have a babysitter."  Or, you might be tired from your day job and you just don't have the energy for a date.  If you happen to be in the Eastern Iowa area today, consider this as your invitation from God to join him.  Don't worry about finding a sitter for your kids – that's covered and there is no charge.  If you are tired, don't worry.  Tonight's topic is all about you and the dreams God has for you.  Come meet Jon Leonetti, a best selling author, radio host, and all round family guy who will share stories from his heart about God's dreams for you.

This is your invitation.  Doors open at St. Mary Church at 6pm.  Jon will speak at 6:30.  There will be food and social time from 8 to 9pm.  The address is 102 E Penn St, Williamsburg, Iowa.  Have a great day.

2 Day Retreat Starts Tonight

 Our church is blessed to have a speaker visit for two days beginning tonight.  Jon Leonetti is a speaker, best selling author and radio host who transforms parishes with his talks.  My wife and I are excited to meet him and learn from his wisdom.  All are welcome.  Doors open at St. Mary Church at 6pm and the mission begins at 6:30.  There is a social hour from 8 to 9pm.  Jon will host a second talk tomorrow night at the same time.  If you are in the Eastern Iowa area and would like to visit, please stop by.  The address is 102 E Penn St, Williamsburg.  Have a great day.

It's a Reading Day Today

 Well, that dead tree I wanted to remove from my back yard is still around.  The chain saw I wanted was out of stock and I decided to take my time so the tree got a reprieve.  It's raining today so I'm indoors.  I'm turning my attention to "The Molecule of More."  It's about human behavior.  I'll share the highlights in a future story.  For now, it's time to rest and recharge for what's ahead.  Have a great day.

Spring Cleaning Today

Last week I slayed my debt monster.  What's next?  Today I'm removing all the clutter outside my house.  One of our largest trees fell in a major storm and I didn't have a saw big enough to cut it into pieces so it just laid there all Winter.  I'm headed to Lowe's to upgrade my tools so I can tune up our backyard before I get in trouble with the neighbors.  The weather is perfect.  If all goes well, me and the Mrs. will be eating burgers in the backyard when she returns home from her day job.  I would like to wish two of my sisters a happy birthday today.  I will be thinking of them while I'm doing my chores.  Have a great day.

Spring is in the Air

 Spring is here at last.  The robins arrived on cue.  The grass is quickly turning green.  The air is still and all the clouds are gone this morning.  Buds are forming in the trees.  Yes, Spring is in the air.  It won't be long before the transition is complete.  This joy I'm feeling in my heart today is not universal.  There are people on the other side of the planet who are in the midst of an ugly war that they did not start.  These innocent families need our prayers.  They need hope.  Please keep them in your thoughts today as you welcome the season of Spring.  Have a great day.

Get Behind Thee, Satan!

 The commute to my day job in the rainstorm yesterday morning was one of my most challenging ever.  Interstate 80 is already precarious due to the construction taking place.  The lanes are narrow and a bit curvy.  The lines are barely visible making driving difficult.  The heavy rain increased my anxiety.  Then, it happened.  It was is if a deer suddenly leapt in front of me but perhaps worse given the conditions.  There was a loud pop like the sound a stone makes when it hits your windshield but it wasn't a stone.  It was my driver's side windshield wiper popping off and flying over my SUV.  I watched it through my rear view mirror as it bounced behind me on the slippery interstate.  I was driving like a blind man.  I contorted my body to view out the part of the window still visible from the solo blade on the passenger side and made my way to the next exit.  

My window of time to add the spare wiper blade wasn't enough.  The rain calmed a bit and I decided to get back on the interstate relying on the one blade to guide me.  I lifted the driver side mount off the windshield to prevent it from making that awful finger nails on the chalk board sound.  This worked for about two miles.  The driver's side mount snapped back onto the glass and about drove me crazy with the incessant screeching noise.  I sensed grave danger and yelled out, "Get behind me, Satan!"  It worked.  He departed.  I made it to my day job with a minute to spare.  God is good.  So is my Guardian Angel.  I think the Evil One is made at me for taking out one of his minions.  Read my St. Patrick's Day story for details about killing Jabba.  Have a great day.

Freedom!

Today is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives here in the Midwest.  Our debt monster, Jabba, is no longer with us.  He was pronounced dead at 5:55:02 AM yesterday morning when my wife pulled the plug on his life support.  Jabba starved to death.  His puppy dog expressions near the end of his life weren't enough for us to restart his feeding tube.  We already knew the high cost of supporting his voracious appetite.  Now we are free.  Free at last.  Freedom has its own flavor that appeals to all five of my senses.

There is something special about looking outside my basement window overlooking our backyard this morning.  The tall thin trees are swaying in rapid cadence as the predawn winds make their way through our sleepy town.  Blades of brown grass, now exposed by melted snow, show their gratitude for the sun by offering shades of Shamrock green which symbolizes the Irish quest for freedom.  I appreciate this grass now more than ever because I own it along with those trees dotting our property line.  Oh, what a glorious view.  The trees are in harmony with the wind producing a soothing refrain reminiscent of ocean waves from times past when we resided in a different time zone.  I thank God for delivering my wife and me out of debt slavery.  I have reached the promised land.  Freedom was always waiting for me to embrace her.  I never knew how close she was.  Mounds of debt blocked my view just as the snow blinded the grass with its heavy handedness.  I can see clearly now.  The sun is about to appear soon.  Can you hear the voice of one free man calling out, "Make straight your financial paths"?  Freedom is near.  It may be as close as your own backyard.  May the sun shine brightly on you today and all days.  May you be free of anything that burdens you.  Have a great day.

7 Headed Debt Monster Pronounced Dead at 5:55 AM

 It was fitting that my wife pulled the plug on the life support system this morning on St. Patrick's Day at 5:55 AM.  The 7 headed debt monster is dead.  I'm here in my magical forest composing the eulogy.  Do you remember that scene from the Wizard of Oz when the Wicked Witch of the West set fire to the Scarecrow?  Dorothy poured a bucket of water on the fire and saved the Scarecrow's life.  The Wicked Witch melted when the water splashed over her green body and she died.  Everyone under her spell was free at last.  Dorothy could return to her Midwest home free of the nightmare she was living.  My wife and I are free at last.  We are no longer slaves to debt.  The final eulogy will be featured in "Live Long and Prosper."  The Reader's Digest version is here for your review...

Today is a day our family will forever cherish.  My wife pulled the plug on the life support system connected to our debt monster who had been in our family since before our marriage.  When our daughter was born on this day, twenty-nine years ago, we celebrated her birth with great joy.  The debt monster was alongside us, like a puppy who is eager to please his master.  It didn't take long for this cute puppy to transform into an out-of-control monster who took over our household.  This puppy became a Jabba the Hutt-sized dragon with seven heads spewing fire everywhere he gazed.  

My wife checked out a book by Dave Ramsey ten years ago about the baby steps our family needed to take to kill our debt monster.  For us, these steps were like a stairway to Heaven.  In my heart I believed it would take an act of God to kill Jabba.  After all, I turned my life over to Jesus and I do believe in miracles.  How does one slay a 7 headed debt monster weighing over 100,000 pounds?  That's right, Jabba weighed in at just over 100,000 pounds (each pound represents one dollar in debt).  That was Jabba's weight three years ago on January 1, 2019 when we became gazelle-like in our intensity to kill Jabba in thirty-six months.  It took a little longer because we suffered some setbacks along the way.  I struggle with deadlines.  Perhaps that will be the next monster I slay now that my confidence is growing.  I may be two months and seventeen days late with this eulogy but the mission is accomplished.  The Wicked Witch is dead.  So is Jabba.  It's time for an Irish wake.  Happy birthday to our daughter, Nicole, our cousin, Patty, and Happy St. Patrick's Day to all my friends and family.  Stay tuned for the twin books to be released when I conquer my deadline monster.  Have a great day.

The Fat Lady is Humming

They say it's not over until the fat lady sings.  As my dad said in his final letter to his twin brother before his death, "It's not over until the fat lady sings but I already hear her humming a few bars."  I'm referring to our debt monster in today's story.  Tomorrow the seven-headed fire breathing dragon will be out of his misery for good.  This is my last day in debt slavery.   

My friends are already asking what's next.  If I can stay true to the discipline my wife and I developed over the course of 32 years of marriage, I'm going to keep attacking my writing goals.  For me, writing is a calling.  It's similar to debt reduction in that writing requires daily discipline and surrender to your own will. Ask any writer how he or she feels about deadlines and you will discover how they are wired.  My opinion about goal setting has changed as I have changed.  No longer do I believe I am in charge.  I realize I am not in control.  What I do know is that when Jesus is in charge of my life I can move mountains.  I can slay dragons no matter how many heads they have.  I can stand up to anything that comes from the Dark Side as long as Jesus is standing behind me.  The fat lady sings tomorrow.  Come back and visit me.  The celebration will be short as I need to get back to work.  Tomorrow may look like a finish line but it's simply one more chapter in the process we all call life.  Have a great day.

Fighting Mother Nature Inside Your Own Body

I know, I know.  You're probably getting sick and tired of all my Mother Nature rants, especially if you're not from around the Midwest.  You're at the beach sipping margaritas and the last thing you need is to hear about my man vs. nature struggles.  Well, I have news for you and it's about the inner struggle vs. Mother Nature and this applies to all of us no matter where we live.

Stanford professor, Andrew Huberman, who specializes in neurobiology and ophthalmology, got my attention when he talked about the inner battles we have with Mother Nature.  This field intrigues me because I'm always searching for ways to maximize my life and I'm always trying to stay one step of Mother Nature.  In my opinion, winning the inner battles plays a role in winning the external battles.  How can you get ahead if you can't even get out of bed in the morning?  

Huberman believes Mother Nature has this amazing reward/punishment system in place for your actions.  Do the right things, like practice gratitude, and Mother Nature stimulates your serotonin.  Your dopamine system lights up.  You feel good.  Your immune system improves.  Life is good.  Now, let's say you do the wrong things.  Mother Nature goes into punishment mode.  A molecule, Tachykinin, gets released that lowers immunity and raises irritability.  This is not good.

Make sure you are winning the inner game vs. Mother Nature.  Practice gratitude at all times.  Convince yourself that your internal landscape is fine, even when Mother Nature may be hitting you hard externally.  There is always something to be thankful for.  Have a great day.

Who is God? Why That Matters

 If you live in Iowa and want to discover an answer to today's question, "Who is God? Why that matters," make sure you come visit Williamsburg next Wednesday, March 23 and meet Jon Leonetti at our Parish Mission.  If you are believer, this will help you dig deeper.  If you are lost, maybe this will help you on your journey.  All are welcome.  Our church, St. Marys, located at 102 E Penn St, will open the doors at 6pm.   Jon will speak from 6:30 to 8.  Stay for the social hour at 8pm and say hello to Jon.  If you like what you see, come back again the following night, same time, for "God's Dream for Your Life."

My wife and I enjoy listening to speakers who inspire us to get closer to God.  It's especially helpful in times such as these to ponder the ideas Jon is sharing next week.  Have a great day.

It's Heating Up This Week

 It's hard to believe we will see weather in the high 60's and maybe even in the 70's this week, especially since we weathered a snow storm recently and temps were far below freezing.  This is also the week when we finally say goodbye to our debt monster.  Make sure you stop by on Thursday, March 17, for the final goodbye.  I'm thankful for the great weather ahead and for the opportunity to share a bit more about what lies ahead.  Have a great day.

This is Why I Know I'm on the Right Track

 There are many who fear danger.  They seek the path of least resistance.  It's part of being human.  The challenge we face is what happens when the danger is directly in front of us.  The fight or flight response triggers.  Our hearts are beating out of control.  Some run.  Some fight.  I'm in the category that looks at the situation a bit differently.  I see the patterns.  When they come from the Dark Side, these patterns become more evident the closer I get to my goals.  Why is it that the Evil One often appears when you're trying to do something pleasing to God?  The answer is simple for me.  The Evil One despises all that is good.  If your life is hunky dory, you may want to take a look at why the Dark Side is leaving you alone.  

I know I'm on the right track because most of my life I've been dealing with obstruction, danger, disappointment, and anything else the Dark Side claims control over.  It's quite possible to hypothesize that anything outside of Heaven is in danger of influence from the very ones who once claimed Heaven was their home until they got this idea that they were superior to God.  The truth is these dark forces really don't want anything to do with us.  They consider we humans as far inferior to them.  The more they inflict pain on us, the greater their own shame.  They can't help it.  We can.  We can embrace every obstacle we face and learn from all the challenges.  Have a great day.

Please Welcome Jackson to the Writing Sand Box

 Jackson, a teammate at my day job, is majoring in creative writing at the University of Iowa.  He comes from a writing family.  I've been keeping in touch with Jackson as he navigates the learning process involved with his major.  Yesterday he told me he is hitting some writing blocks, a common challenge even amongst the veterans.  When he asked me about my books, I told him about my journey writing inside my own sand box similar to what is found on playgrounds.  For me, writing is all about discovering.  Digging deeper, it's about living the chapters before you can write the chapters.

My writing will be under greater scrutiny now that I've invited Jackson and his writing buddies to spend time here in my sand box, especially because I told him my hopes for my two current projects.  Every writer dreams of reaching best seller status.  I'm attempting this for two simultaneous projects, twin books to be released as a package.  This is not meant to grade the value of my books because I'm a mere pebble in a sea of writers with much more talent.  I'm banking on the one skill I've honed since selling newspapers door to door in my early childhood.  I'm tapping into my marketing experience to deliver on my goals.  All of this is done mostly while playing in my writing sand box.  I'm doing what I love and I'm sharing the fun here every morning at 8:08, Pacific Time.  Thanks for checking this out, Jackson.  Have a great day.

One Week to Go

 I've been cleared for final approach to the landing strip.  Altimeter reading is now just below 1,000.  Eta for touchdown is March 17, one week from today.  Stay tuned.  The ride is a bit bumpy but I see financial freedom in the future.  Have a great day.

The Gratitude List is Getting Massive

 If you're reading this, you're already on my gratitude list.  It overwhelms me when I think of all the people who have participated in my journey.  Many prefer to remain anonymous.  A few asked me to make sure I pay it forward when I'm in a position to do so.  That time is fast approaching.

My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine.  They are relying on outside help for their survival.  They have been displaced from their homes.  Outsiders are trying to overtake the leaders of their government.  In spite of all these terrible atrocities, the people are fighting against enormous odds, like David vs. Goliath.  I'm asking you to join me in prayer for these steadfast people who are in great need.  

Take a moment today to thank someone who helped you when you were hurting or feeling down.  Think about how you can pay it forward to honor those who helped you in your time of need.  Keep in mind that your prayers for others, like the people in Ukraine, go a long way.  Once again, thank you to all my prayer warriors who lifted me up when I needed it most.  Have a great day.

Why I Barbecue Burgers in 28º Weather

 There are two things that stick out in my childhood memories, camping on the weekends and family barbecues.  My dad didn't really care much about Mother Nature's rants.  One time we were huddled in the forest after a storm and my dad was doing everything he could to get a fire started.  It wasn't easy with all the wet firewood.  He persisted adding more and more lighter fluid to the kindling my brothers and I gathered.  Boom.  The fire exploded casting flames nearly as high as the branches underneath the pine tree above our heads.  Once the flames were under control, dad proceeded to make his "world famous burgers."

The weather was 28º all day yesterday.  My wife requested burgers assuming I would prepare everything inside on the stovetop.  I could hear my dad's voice inside my head whispering that the sun was going to be out later and I needed to fire up the Weber he left us before departing this world.  I did every preparation exactly like my dad did in our wonder years.  He taught me a specific way to prepare the patties using the palms of my hands and my thumbs to get the shape just right.

Something special happened last night.  Maybe the flavor was out of this world because I worked up an appetite shoveling snow in my driveway prior to the barbecue.  Maybe it was the green chiles that were baked for 20 minutes at 400º that I added on top of the burgers along with crisp bacon.  Perhaps it was looking into my wife's eyes as we munched on burgers made from my dad's recipe.  I'm thankful the clouds dissipated in time for my dad to observe what I did yesterday to honor his memory.  Thanks, dad, for the childhood memories.  And special thanks to my mom for the aftermath of those camping trips.  While dad was nearly setting forest fires for our barbecues in challenging conditions, you did everything else for us six kids.  The laundry.  The dishes.  You did all this without complaining.  Maybe you didn't like camping because of all the work involved but you allowed us to grow close to nature.  Now the world knows why I barbecue burgers in 28º weather.  Have a great day.

10 Days to Financial Freedom

 The photo you see here may be the last snow of the season.  I've lost track of the number of times I've shoveled my driveway this year.  That's okay.  We survived every storm, just like all the financial storms that struck us since the beginning of married life over 32 years ago.  The highs will be in the 50's ten days from now when we finally say goodbye to our debt dragon, now on life support.  It surprises me how long he thrived in our household due to his high fat diet of assorted debts we accumulated over the years.  He was once larger than Jabba the Hutt from Star Wars who was slayed by a princess in Return of the Jedi.

It really doesn't matter how big the giant in your life may be.  As long as you are willing to fight and you stick to it, you can slay any monster, even he has seven heads and breathes fire from his nostrils.  In our case, we simply starved our debt monster.  There will be no funeral once he passes.  We will celebrate with an Irish wake and cast this monster out of our lives forever.  There are new chapters ahead.  I look forward to looking out our backyard window on St. Patrick's Day knowing that our home no longer belongs to the banks and that we are finally free of all debts.  Come back on March 17 and I will share some more about our journey to financial freedom.  Have a great day.

The Magical Forest Returns to Our Basement

 

It had to happen eventually.  After all it is March and the Christmas season ended more than 90 days ago. Prior to the Christmas season I dismantled my magical forest where I do most of my writing.  It's nothing fancy.  I have a portable table, some techie stuff, like a microphone as well as some lighting accessories for evening writing.  I took everything down to make room for our Christmas tree.  Now that the tree is finally back in storage, I'm setting up my mini studio, a.k.a. the magical forest.

I plan to make a video clip for release on St. Patrick's Day and the magical forest will be the setting.  The video will offer some updates about what's going on in my life.  I'm excited to get back to my special place of inspiration, especially because the winds of the Holy Spirit are blowing at full force.  "How strong are the winds?"  you ask.  Let's just say that we were under a tornado watch last night in our town.  Sadly, seven lives were lost when a tornado struck last night in Winterset, a community about one hundred miles to our west.  There were others tornados last night throughout our state.  These are difficult times we are facing.  My heart breaks for the people of Ukraine who are in a nightmare of much greater magnitude than our tornados.  Please keep those who are hurting in your prayers.  Have a great day.

My Molecules Arrived from the UK

The next time I order my replacement molecules I will make sure to account for the slow down in mail delivery, especially for overseas orders like the one I made nearly three weeks ago.  For those of you who don't know why I'm supplementing my food program with molecules, it has to do with substances that the body naturally produces.  Keep in mind that these stories are for information purposes only and you are advised to speak with your doctor before checking out my unconventional experiments.   

As we age, our bodies curtail the production of certain substances that protect our DNA.  Specifically, the end caps of our DNA strands, referred to as Telomeres, slowly reduce in size.  Once they disappear, our cells no longer replicate properly.  This is the whole ball game.  It's like playing football without an offensive line.  Forget about play calling because our brain functions decline to a point where we don't even recognize our own teammates in extreme cases.  I'm doing my best to keep my molecules at optimum levels.  This area of research is so new that optimum levels are not yet defined.  What researchers can agree on is that our bodies deteriorate when the molecules are no longer present at our youthful levels.  

There is a word of caution for those willing to go down the path of Dr. David Sinclair, one of the most influential scientists in this field.  There are many sellers out there who might as well call their products snake oil.  They are selling products in an unregulated market and what they are selling is not the true molecules I'm buying from the UK.  The products I'm purchasing have been lab tested and they are the real deal.  Time will tell if these molecules do what Sinclair believes they can do.  For me, this is an experiment.  I like experiments.  Why?  I'm still alive and not a zombie like I could have been if not for the Caveman Food Experiment set up my my cousin, a real doctor.  More on that later.  Have a great day.

I've Got this Surreal Feeling

 There is a stillness in the air this morning.  Mother Nature can't decide what to do.  It could be snow, rain, or even some sunshine.  The grass is a combination of mostly brown with almost imperceptible shades of light green, the first glimpses of Spring ahead.  Besides Mother Nature's seemingly bizarre behavior, I have this surreal feeling in my gut about what lies ahead in my personal life.

Those of you who have been reading my stories since the beginning in late August, 2009, know I'm willing to share everything about my life as long as I keep my family off the grid.  You know my trials.  I revealed at a small group faith community meeting this week that I have been mostly hiding these last ten years since relocating to the Midwest.  God laughs when he sees me with my head buried in the ground.  No matter where I am or how much I try to hide, he sees me.  He knows my thoughts even before I'm thinking them.  

Today is Good Friday.  Nonbelievers want to know why we think it's good since this is the day our Savior was put to death on the Cross.  "What good is that?" they ask.  It's everything.  It's absolutely everything.  This is the day we gained freedom over death.  There is something more we can look forward to, an eternity with God in Heaven.  

I invite you to return here for more stories of hope.  You have made it through some of my most difficult days.  There are some brighter days ahead.  I'm looking forward to sharing some of those days with you.  St. Patrick's Day is going to be a turning point for my wife and me.  I will share more about that soon.  For now I just want to thank Jesus for leading me out of the darkness.  I want to thank him for encouraging me to help others find out why all the days are good, especially Good Friday just before Easter.  Everything good comes from Jesus.  I also realize that the challenges come from Jesus.  He knows exactly how to find us even when all we want to do is bury our heads in the sand.  Have a great day.

Early Morning at My Day Job

 I'm moving fast this morning.  We are doing some work outside my day job location and I need to start earlier than normal.  This will be a quick message to say hello and let you know I'm thinking about you.  Two weeks from today I will be celebrating my new found financial freedom.  Stay tuned for more on that story.  Time to get on the road.  Have a great day.

Dust to Dust

 Today marks the first day of our 40 day journey to Jesus for folks in my denomination.  We call this day Ash Wednesday.  This is a time of sacrifice and spiritual preparation for what is to come on Good Friday when Jesus dies on the Cross for us so that we can be redeemed.  It is also a time of fasting on specific days.

Our time on this planet is relatively short.  In the end, our bodies return to dust.  There is much to do before that time comes.  I urge you to use your time wisely.  Have a great day.

Day 60 – Bible in a Year

Praise God.  I made it to day 60 of my favorite podcast, The Bible in a Year.  There is something really special about listening to the Bible.  It's like watching a movie in 3D.  It's also helpful that the people who put this together at Ascension Press teamed up with Jeff Cavins, an awesome Bible scholar, and Fr. Mike Schmitz, who not only narrates the podcast but also adds commentary to help me understand how the stories fit together.  

You may be reading this story today regretting that you didn't get on board when Ascension Press was encouraging new listeners to sign up on January 1 for the daily podcasts.  There is no time like today to begin your journey.  What a great way to prepare for an epic moment in our world, celebrating the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  I encourage you to begin your own journey.  Invite a friend to join you so you don't have to do this alone.  Click here for the link.  Have a great day.