Let the Sun Shine

 We have another rare sunny day ahead today.  The storms have been relentless.  I'm headed to my day job but I will make sure and get outside during my breaks.  More rain is in the forecast for the next week or so.  Soon our tennis team will be playing outdoors.  May all who live in my community bask in this beautiful weather.  Have a great day.

Lab Rat Moment Ahead

There is always one important question to answer when you're experimenting with new ideas.  Are the experiments working?  That's why lab rats are necessary.  In my case, I'm volunteering to beta test a new measuring tool for longevity.  I'm not an expert in this field so don't ask me to define longevity.  All I can say is I'm willing to offer a swab which can be used to test how my body is aging in relation to the general population.  I've been asked because I'm already consuming the molecules that might possibly add some years to my lifespan.

I'm excited to see the results of my test.  Yes, I promise to share test results here.  Meanwhile, I'm sticking with my current protocols.  Stay tuned for updates.  Have a great day.

Why You Shouldn't Worry About the Rest of Your Story

You've come a long way since you journeyed past the birth canal and into this world.  Those first steps were challenging but you kept getting back up until you mastered walking.  You learned a new language from scratch.  Your forward progress is rather stunning.  In spite of all of this success, maybe you have some doubts about your future.  Today's story is meant to offer some encouragement about what's ahead.

Are those unwritten chapters adding to your anxiety?  Just remember one thing about your future.  God knows every move you will make.  Yes, you will make mistakes.  That's part of the process, just like learning to walk.  All of Heaven is cheering for you.  If you can do one thing, just one thing to help you prepare for your future, here is my two cents.  Remember to keep God in first position.  Avoid the temptation to put anything or anyone ahead of God.  Do this and the rest of your story will work out.  Have a great day.

Ragbrai Training Underway

I waited for the picture perfect day to try out my new bike.  My body was exhausted from two days in the backyard pretending to be a lumberjack.  I now have enough firewood to last a couple of years.  Near the end of the long day I hopped on my back and rode around my neighborhood.  I didn't go far but that's okay.  The idea is to add a little bit more every day until I'm ready to bike across the state in July.  Now it's time to head off to my day job.  Have a great day.

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

 When was the last time you visited your dentist?  If it's been longer than six months, please make an appointment today.  This is where good health begins.  You may be good at brushing.  You may be a champion flosser.  Just remember that only your dentist can reach those places you can't.  This is your first defense against disease.  

I would like to recognize the people responsible for my healthy gums and teeth.  Dr. Megan Grier and her assistant, Nancy Voss, at Williamsburg Dental Health Clinic are fabulous.  I will be seeing them both today.  Thank you to both of these professionals.  They take their jobs seriously.  If you live in Williamsburg and need a check up, please visit them.  Have a great day.

The Plot Thickens

 I'm sharing a bit about the twin books today.  The really great writers have a specific genre that defines their place.  Call me a rebel.  I don't fit.  I'm all over the place.  In fact, the twin books each have their own unique identity.  I now realize how forcing things may have complicated the birth of these twins.  Indeed, the birth is long overdue.  These twins don't have enough meat on their bones to be born.  Divine intervention is the only solution.  

I had another vivid dream last night about the twin books.  It's best that I don't share how the plot thickens because that may jinx the outcome.  I'm sensing some trepidation and that's a good thing.  I will use the next couple of days to sort out what needs to be done so these books can be delivered.  Have a great day.

Sunshine Today

 The sun is shining today.  This is big for us in the Midwest.  The weather has been challenging.  This may be the latest Spring we have ever seen.  It's better late than never.  The same goes for this blog.  It's late today.  No need to send out a search party.  I'm here.  I got so mesmerized staring outside at all the green around us that I lost track of time before heading out to worship.  If this weather keeps up tomorrow I'll be on my bike for my first trial run of the year in preparation for Ragbrai in July.  Have a great day.

My Scariest Vacation Moment

 Today's story is never going away in my family.  It started peacefully.  I was in the men's restroom sitting on the toilet when I heard a commotion outside my stall.  A giant green iguana lunged underneath my stall and darted at me.  I was trapped with my pants down and nowhere to go.  I stood up and stepped out of his way.  He parked himself in the corner beside the toilet while I gathered my thoughts.  Once I figured out that he wasn't going to attack me, I sat back down and finished my business.  He didn't move once inch, not even when I flushed.  

I decided to take a picture of my new friend to share.  He willingly scampered into the trash receptacle when the photo shoot was done and I handed him over to one of the hotel workers in the lobby.  My heart rate has finally returned to normal and I'm back to work at my day job.  Have a great day.

Cross Training Begins Next Week

Mother Nature is getting in my way.  She decided to extend the wet season beyond her normal boundaries.  I'm hopeful to get on my bike early next week and start logging some serious miles in preparation for my bike ride across the state in July.  It's another cold wet day today.  I'm thankful for the sunshine we had yesterday for our youngest son's graduation from the police academy.  We had a most excellent family day.  Now it's time to get to my day job.  Have a great day. 

Big Family Day Today

 Our family is celebrating a graduation today.  Our youngest son completed his four month training program at the police academy and begins the next chapter of his life.  We are thankful he is pursuing his dreams of keeping the people he serves safe.  Congratulations to our graduate.  Have a great day.

176.6

I share the good, the bad, and the ugly here.  Today it's a bit of good.  The vacation pounds I picked up south of the border are coming off fast.  I dropped three pounds in the last couple of days since returning to my caveman eating ways.  I'm back on the tennis courts tonight so that will also help.  My cousin, the doctor in the family, got me started when he introduced me to his "cavemanesque" food experiment to help me reduce my blood pressure naturally.  The experiment succeeded.  The fringe benefit was a 34 pound weight release in a 45 day period.  I don't always eat like a caveman but when I do good things happen.  The intermittent fasting I learned from David Sinclair, a Harvard scientist who wrote a book entitled "Lifespan," also seems to be helping me with my overall health.

176.6 pounds for me is a bit on the heavy side.  That's okay.  I know how to make the necessary adjustments to get back in the optimum range.  If you're looking for some ideas, consult your physician first.  If he or she approves, give fruits, veggies, nuts, beans, and seeds a try for about 45 days.  Consider skipping meals every now and then, just like our caveman ancestors did when they had to hunt for miles just to find their next meal.  Have a great day.

Lessons from My Mother

 We don't get to choose our parents.  If you are one of the unfortunate ones who lost a parent early in your life or if you didn't get a parent who helped you become the best version of yourself you can be, I'm sorry. This post is not meant to rub salt in your wounds.  On the contrary, this story is to help you grow.  This is an unsolicited tribute to one of the greatest souls to walk this planet, my mother.

My mother is a champion of pep talks, especially during your darkest times.  She has a way of making others feel better when they are facing tough situations.  Mom teaches by her own example that there is always a reason to get up.  Sometimes it's to help others who need a warm smile or words of encouragement.  

Mom joined us for one of our best vacations ever last week.  She is a champion of world travel.  I don't see any signs of her slowing down when it comes to vacationing or spending quality time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Mom's daily choices are a great template for others to follow.  Eat right, sleep right, forgive in all circumstances, and make sure to put God first in everything you do.  And don't forget to have fun.  Thank you, mom, for never ever giving up on your six kids.  You are blessing not only to us but to others.  Have a great day.

The Negative Side of Vacationing

 Well, it's time to own the consequences of eating out every single day while on vacation.  I'm owning this because I'm the own who chose to eat everything at the buffet table every day.  Yep.  I tipped the scales at 179.6 this morning.  Yikes!  It was fun while it lasted.  Now it's time to get serious about dropping those vacation pounds I picked up south of the border.  I'm going caveman again with my eating.  Our ancestors may not have had bikes, however, I'm going to be putting in some serious miles in time for my next vacation in July which will be much different.  The food choices will be much more limited during my 462 mile bike ride across the state.  No five star accommodations either.  This next vacation will be primitive.  I've got 90 days to get my body back on track.  Have a great day.

Happy Easter!

 We're home.  We just completed one of our best vacations ever near Cancún.  It's time to attend our Easter service and celebrate the Resurrection.  Yes, He is risen.  Happy Easter to you and your family.  Have a great day.

Wheels Up

 The vacation is over.  We're on the bus headed to the airport.  It's been a great adventure in Playa del Carmen.  I will share more later.  We will be home in time to celebrate the Resurrection, the single greatest moment ever witnessed by mankind.  Have a great day.

Good Friday

 There can be no Resurrection without the events of Good Friday.  This is the day Jesus died for you and me.  He did this willingly.  It was the Father's wish.  Ponder that today around 3pm in the afternoon.  That's the moment Jesus said, "It's finished."

People ask, "What's so good about it?"  It's because Sunday is come.  That's the Resurrection.  Have a great day.

Holy Thursday

 Today is the beginning of the end.  Today is the day Jesus gathered with his followers to celebrate Passover, one of the most significant events in the history of the Jews.  They were getting ready for freedom.  The blood of the lamb was splashed on their door posts using hyssop plants as paintbrushes to protect themselves from the angel of death.  This tradition is still practiced by the Jews in modern times to commemorate God's deliverance from slavery.

Four cups are used during the celebration of Passover.  Something was missing when Jesus led this celebration during the Last Supper.  It was the same technique story tellers use when they reveal the plot called foreshadowing.  Anyone who understands the Sader knows that the celebration is complete when all four cups are used.  Jesus entered the garden to pray before the fourth cup.  Why?  Because Jesus was the fourth cup.  The Romans tasked with the crucifixion offered Jesus wine using a hyssop plant to reach him.  Then he died.  It was finished.  It was the end which brought us to the beginning.  The Alpha and the Omega did this for us.  Keep this in mind today.  Have a great day.

Israel Served Us Last Night

 I knew there was something special about Israel when he introduced himself as our waiter last night at our restaurant.  He shared that his father is a pastor.  Israel's siblings are Samuel, Esther, John, Peter, Stephen, and several more names I can assure you are right out of the Bible.  When I asked Israel if he's a Christian he nodded yes.  He knew exactly what his name means, a people chosen by God.

Israel wasn't the only one smiling at our table last night.  My wife and I gleamed when he announced the drink special of the night made with Jameson's Irish whiskey.  I will never forget where I had my first Jamesons or the Christian waiter, Israel, who served us last night in Playa del Carmen.  Have a great day.

Family Time is a Blessing

 Today is day four of family time in Mexico.  It makes me happy to see my wife so happy and to share vacation time with my mom.

I'm learning more spanish with each person I meet.  We're playing games and enjoying every minute of our time.  I will share more later.  Have a great day.

Buenos Dias

 It's day three of our vacation.  I'm thankful our snow in Iowa turned into sand here in beautiful Mexico outside of Cancun.  I've never met so many friendly people who are eager to make our vacation a pleasant experience.  I will share more later.  Have a great day.

Donde esta la Iglesia?

 It's Palm Sunday.  We're south of Cancun in playa del Carmen.  We are blessed to be with my mom, my sister and our spouses for a week. Wifi only works in our building so I need to be cautious finding my way around.

We're headed to a house of worship.  It's strange getting around without a rental car.  More on that later.  I'm improving my spanish with every conversation.  Time to go off resort and worship.  I have much to be thankful for.  More travel updates manana.  Have a great day.

Wheels Up

 The family vacation has begun.  We're headed south.  I'll share more later.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

Snow Today, Sand Tomorrow

Today is day 10 in a row at my day job.  I'm not complaining.  I asked for this.  There are traces of snow on the ground today.  If all goes well, we will be in the sand tomorrow.  It's family time.  I will be blogging from afar.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day. 

Do This When You Need an Attitude Adjustment

 Your attitude is like a compass.  When it's negative the compass malfunctions and you can't find your way.  Have you ever noticed how foggy your vision gets when your anger explodes.  You may as well discard your goals.  They can't be achieved when you are in a negative state of mind.  You find your brain telling you it can't be done.  You know what happens?  It can't be done.  The challenge you have is to adjust your attitude. Fix your compass.  Wipe out all the fog in your surroundings.

I discovered that my attitude soars when I walk away from negative people.  Misery loves company.  You don't need to be around people who relish in your mistakes.  Feed your brain positive thoughts.  Replace negative self talk with words of affirmation.  Seek out people who genuinely want you to succeed.  Change your attitude and you can change your life.  Have a great day.

Another Milestone on the Horizon

45 days to go.  That's when I celebrate ten years at my day job.  Although I'm not at liberty to represent the company as an authorized speaker (you pretty much need to be the CEO for this), I am allowed to share my life as long as I set up the disclaimer that I'm not representing company views.   I'm thankful to work for a company that cares about the employees and I'm thankful they brought me aboard in May, 2012 when I first arrived to the Midwest.

It's hard to believe I've been at my day job for ten years, mainly because the time has gone by so quickly.  I like to keep things simple, learning one or two new things every day.  This works for me because the gradual approach allows new concepts and ideas to sink in and become permanent.  One of the most valuable lessons I learned is to make sure everyone on the team is on the same page while we pursue common goals.  Team work really does make the dream work.  

I'm looking forward to spending the rest of my career at my day job as long as my mind and body allow me the opportunity to serve others.  I would like to thank all the bosses I've had these last ten years.  Also, I would like to thank my teammates for all they have taught me.  Have a great day.

Why I'm Biting My Tongue Every Day

 My wife and I are in agreement about this season of Lent – it's our best ever.  Why?  Because this is the year we find ourselves closer to God than ever.  This is not by our own actions, rather God's action in our lives.  We are working on our weaknesses.  Silence is now my preferred response when I find myself getting sucked into a conversation that could damage someone else.  It's far better to keep those words in my mouth than to let them add fuel to the fire.  Gossip is a dangerous weapon that can kill even the strongest among us.

Test yourself.  Do you find yourself at the water cooler gossiping about others?  Opt for the silence.  Bite your tongue.  Walk away.  See what happens when you learn to control your negative talk about others.  Have a great day.

Beyond the Finish Line

 You did it.  You accomplished a big goal you set for yourself.  You are at the finish line trying to figure out the next step.  I'm learning how easy it is to get complacent once you hit an important milestone.  Like mountain climbing, reaching one peak reveals an even higher pinnacle off on the horizon.  I see my completed tasks as stepping stones that help me to keep growing.

It's okay to celebrate victories in your life.  Remember this:  standing still leads to slippage.  Challenge yourself to reach for the stars.  Inspire the people around you to get in the race.  The finish line is not the end.  Keep moving forward.  Have a great day.

Do This When You're Arm Wrestling with Dark Forces

I'm going to admit something to you I find rather embarrassing.  If you've been reading my stories for a while, you most likely already know this from your point of view.  Well, my own somewhat stubborn behavior often blinds me to my own abilities or lack of abilities.  I don't want the Evil One to get a big head should he be looking over my shoulder as I type today's message, but I do recognize he happens to be stronger and more powerful than yours truly.  I thought I could outlast him by remaining committed to my long term goals but this dude won't stop harassing me.  I'm utterly failing in my attempts to complete my two book writing projects and I know why.  I'm facing supernatural forces that are kicking my butt.  What's next?  Do I put up the white flag of surrender?  Hell no!  I may be weak on my own but I have a secret weapon and that's what I'm doing.  I also recommend you do the same when you find yourself in a similar situation.

Prayer is the ultimate solution.  As I listen to the Bible in a Year in my daily podcasts I understand more and more about God's ways.  He is the one who created all these creatures who now wander the earth in search of people like me who they falsely believe they can disrupt all the good that God has planned for his children.  Pick up a Bible and see for yourself how much God loves you and me.  The Evil One may try to stop you but with God you can become unstoppable.  I will not cave to the Dark Side.  He's mad at me for taking out the debt dragon he tempted me to bring into my home.  Too bad.  By the way, I didn't kill the debt monster.  I beat him by letting Jesus be in charge of my finances.  The same is true with every project I undertake while I'm here with you.  In the name of Jesus, I will keep writing.  Have a great day.

How are You Doing in the Living Like No One Else Department?

 I first heard of "living like no one else" from Dave Ramsey, an advocate for debt free living.  His ideas helped me slay my debt monster who I once believed was going to be a permanent resident in our home.  Something changes inside you when you decide you want to live like no one else.  What I've come to understand is that living like no one else, when applied to every area of your life, changes everything.

Think about the food choices you make.  What was your last meal like?  What is your next meal going to include?  I ask this because most people can't distinguish between what they eat and what most other Americans consume.  Sadly, eating like everyone else means dying like everyone else.  Poor food decisions lead to being fat, sick, and nearly dead.  

Worship choices also fall into a category most people don't even consider.  In my opinion, spiritual choices have far greater consequences than finances or health.  Worship choices determine what happens when we die.  Eternity is difficult to grasp.  We tend to think in finite terms, like birth and death.  We have a beginning and an end.  The chapter after death has no end.  The worship choices you make in this world have consequences.  I choose not to live like everyone else when it comes to worship because I understand the idea of deferred gratification.  Ask yourself how you want to live when it comes to worship.  Examine your daily choices.  I recommend going all in.  Have a great day.

Day 92 BIAY

 It's April Fools Day today.  I think back to all the times I got fooled.  My track record isn't good.  Maybe that's why I committed to the Bible in a Year on January 1.  It helps that my wife is doing the same thing.  It also helps that I'm listening to a podcast rather than reading.  This is the best twenty to twenty-five minutes of my day.  There is much ground to cover until the end of the year.  

Watch out for the April Fools pranks today.  If you find yourself annoyed by the people around you who are relishing in their tricks today, give the BIAY podcast a try.  You may not be able to escape every prank, but you will find yourself at peace.  Have a great day.