Sunset in Galena

 

"It's the end of the season for tourists and most of the places are closed on Mondays" the man behind the desk explained at the visitor center in Galena, Illinois, just across the Mississippi river from Dubuque.  I knew I hit the jackpot because that meant we could explore the area without the crowds that normally flock to the place rich in history.  We loved our family visit so much we stayed until sunset, the best time for capturing photos and memories.  The photo you see in today's story was shot in Grant park not far from the Ulysses S Grant residence within walking distance of the park.  

If you want to take a stroll back in time, visit the Dubuque/Galena area and stop by the visitor center.  Don't go on Monday unless you don't mind that part of the town is asleep.  Have a great day.

Cold Weather Can't Freeze Family Time

 We have a freeze warning this morning.  The good news is precipitation is at 0% and the sun is shining.  It's a great day to explore the northern part of the state with our visitors.  Winds are still gusting so we will be bundling up as we scout out Dubuque and Galena, two of our favorite places.  The tourists are long gone so we will have the place to ourselves.  Time to hit the trails.  Have a great day.

Autumn's Last Gasp

 The temps have fallen dramatically this week.  Gusty winds are bringing the fall colors to a quick halt as the leaves are now falling like rain drops.  We are witnessing Autumn's last gasp.  Part of me wants to hold on to the beauty surrounding our home.  Deeper within my soul is another tiny voice that says, "Let go."  

It amazes me how the seasons mimic our own lives.  Some seem to be in bitter conflict as they move into the winter season of their lives.  They fight to keep their grip as the calendar pages flip faster and faster.  They shun birthdays because they are reminders of what's ahead.  

There is something peaceful that happens when you heed the voice that encourages letting go.  I have a feeling in my gut that my grandmother on my mother's side of the family paid great attention to this voice in her final Winter season of her life.  All the leaves had fallen.  Her suitcase was packed.  Her smile lit up the room when she said, "I'm ready.  It's time to go."  

There is a difference between a gasp and a slow exhale.  The gasp focuses on loss.  The slow exhale is a sign of appreciation for all that each season of life offers.  How is your breathing?  Are you gasping or are you slowing down and savoring every breath?  Have a great day.

Guard Rails for Your Goals

Did you ever bowl with guard rails in the gutters when you were growing up?  I remember the experience as motivating because it pretty much set young bowlers up for success.  Who wants to keep bowling when everything goes in the gutter?  The truth is we all want to win.  We want the strikes and the spares.  The same is true with our goals.  We want success.  Guard rails for your goals work the same way.  They are boundaries you set up to keep you from falling into the danger zone.

Let's say you goal is financial independence.  The guard rail may be the small amount of money you carry in your wallet.  It's a daily or weekly allowance.  As long as you don't spend more than your pocket change you find yourself reducing debt.  

How about losing weight.  The guard rails here are your weekly grocery items.  As long as you stick to what's inside the guard rails and avoid visiting places not on the approved list, you are winning.  

You are in charge of where you place your guard rails.  As long as you remember you placed them there to set up future wins you will stay on track.  Give guard rails a try.  Have a great day.

The 43º Morning Barbecue

 The midwest temperatures may be falling dramatically but that doesn't stop the morning barbecues.  As soon as I finish this story I'm firing up the weber grill for breakfast before heading to my day job.  It's windy and a chilly 43º this morning.  The sun is hiding behind a thick layer of clouds.  Sure, I could easily stay inside and make my burgers on the stovetop but that doesn't match the flavor that comes from my weber.  How cold will it have to be before I give up?  I'm not sure.  I would love to make it through Winter without succumbing to the elements.  Time will tell.  Time to get busy.  Have a great day.

Living in the Sweet Spot

In my opinion, living in the sweet spot is like winning the lottery.  In order to be in the sweet spot, I believe there are three criteria.  The first category is metabolic health.  Number two is a debt free household.  Number three is weekly worship in your house of worship.  The easiest of the three is weekly worship.  You simply decide to put God first.  As for living debt free, this is also a choice.  This requires discipline.  The money out cannot be greater than the money in or you will forever be a slave to debt.  

Metabolic health is a lifestyle choice.  If you consider your food intake as fuel, what kind of fuel are you burning?  How much time do you spend actively moving?  Do you get enough sleep?  Are you visiting your doctor once a year?  

If you are living in the sweet spot, congratulations.  If not, hopefully you are winning in at least two out of three categories.  Two out of three is better than most.  Take that next step and seek the sweet spot.  If you find yourself living in one category or if you find yourself in none of the categories, don't give up.  Most of my life I was blowing it in every category.  

Ask yourself if these three categories are important.  Decide today how you want to live your remaining years on this planet.  Find friends who value sweet spot living and spend time with them.  Once you get in the sweet spot, stay there.  Have a great day.

Home Sweet Home

Top of the morning from our backyard in Iowa.  The Fall colors are peaking.  Today is a rest and recovery day.  More visitors arrive tomorrow.  I'm thankful to have so much family time this year.  Our trip home from sunny Arizona was smooth.  Surprisingly, the temperature was 82º when we landed.  Have a great day.

Wheels Up

 Our family vacation time concludes this morning.  We will be in the air by the time this story appears.  We depart the Valley of the Sun with great memories we will cherish forever.  Thanks, mom and family, for spending time with us.  Have a great day.

Inspiration

 

Inspiration works in mysterious ways.  Ask any creative person how they find it and you will discover it comes in a variety of flavors.  It shows up when least expected.  That's what happened to me while I was visiting the town of Sedona, a place where artists gather to share a piece of themselves in their works.

My hope for you is that you find inspiration.  Perhaps it sprouts when you see a work of art or hear a melody.  You may even feel compelled to remove your sandals and dance or capture a photo at the perfect time that showcases a stranger's contribution to the world.  Have a great day.

Living History in Sedona

 

Our vacation time in Arizona reached an epic peak when we ventured to Sedona for a couple of days.  At an elevation of 4,500 ft, this place is popular with Phoenicians who are seeking a reprieve from the blistering heat.  Serendipity welcomed us with open arms when Patricia Schnebly Ceballos, grandaughter of Sedona, introduced herself while we were touring the home she grew up in, now known as Sedona Heritage Museum.

I thought to myself, the people here are so friendly and knowledgeable about their town's history.  Then it hit me.  This woman grew up in this house.  Her family and others brave enough to travel west are the reason why Sedona became a hot spot.  In my opinion, Sedona may be one of the best places in the world to visit.

Thank you, Pat, for giving us a peek inside your family's past.  How precious it was to meet you and learn about Sedona through your 93yr-old eyes. By the way, when you showed up, not even the museum staff knew you were giving tours.  What a pleasant surprise.  Our family is appreciative for the time you gave us.  Have a great day.

The Dopamine Triple Whammy

You've heard stories of people who seem to be in a good mood all the time and you want what they want.  Are you willing to pay the price to boost your own happiness?  

Most of us know what needs to be done...eat right, sleep right, and get regular exercise.  What if you knew a shortcut that could give you a quick boost?  I found the answer.  When this solution is applied in the right environment you may feel like you're in Heaven.  This happened to me yesterday while I was spending vacation time with family.  I call this the "triple whammy."

Step one is to find an outdoor location with a cold body of water.  The colder the better.  It helps if you are basking in picturesque surroundings.  If not, close your eyes and imagine you're in your favorite vacation spot.  Immerse yourself in the cold water, head to toe.  Step two is to get out of the water and let the sun dry you off.  Step three is to take a short hike barefoot.  The combination of cold water, warm sun, and exercise while you are connected to the earth will provide hours of happiness that can be attributed to massive dopamine releases.  Researchers have reported dopamine levels can increase 250% when you shock your body with cold water.  Enjoy your triple whammy.  Share this story with a friend so the happiness can be multiplied.  Have a great day.

Tennis Team Dodges Bullet in Loss

 Temps today in Phoenix peak at 101° this afternoon as the USTA nationals commences in the city of Surprise located nearby.  This would have been a tremendous challenge for my teammates and me had we won our Midwest sectionals tournament in June.  Looks like we dodged a bullet.  Cooler weather begins once the tournament concludes on Sunday.  We may be sidelined but I believe there is hope for us to one day compete with the big dogs.

I have nothing to complain about while I'm in Arizona.  The family is headed up to the northern part of the state where temps are about 15 degrees cooler.  I stuffed a couple of pickleball paddles in my suitcase for some outdoor family activity.  Good luck to all the teams competing in Surprise.  Have a great day.

A Salute to My Great-Great Grandmother on My Mother's Side

 Special thanks to my mother's youngest sister, Marcie, for delving into our ancestry records and putting together a couple of photo books honoring our storied past.  Without her efforts, today's story would not be possible.

Imagine you are 14 years old and you are being courted.  You say no because you know nothing about what it takes to run a household.  Your future husband pursues you and convinces you to marry.  One hundred years later you are still alive at the age of 114.  This is exactly what happened to the matriarch of our family on my mother's side, Priciliana Carillo Tovar, born on January 4, 1830.

The last time I heard a story about a 14yr-old being courted it had to do with Mary, the Mother of Jesus.  Mary said yes.  The world was transformed.  God bless Mary and God bless my great-great grandmother who also said yes to Miguel Tovar, Jr.  I wouldn't be here today without that yes.  My understanding is my great-great grandmother was a woman of great faith.  She passed this on to her children who passed it on to the next generations.  I'm in awe of these special people in my ancestry.

How about you?  Do you have a special relative in your life who inspires you?  Make sure you share the next time our paths cross.  Have a great day.

Remember Who You Are

 Here we go again.  The world is in a state of chaos.  It's really easy to lose hope.  Just remember one thing and you will prevail no matter how bad it gets; you are created in God's image.  The time will come when you will be rescued.  He's watching.  He cares.  He knows what you're going through.  All of this is only temporary.

There is really only one place in this world where you can find refuge.  Go to your Father's house and get connected.  He's waiting.  He wants to hear from you.  Have a great day.

Extended Family Time Ahead

 

If you feel your life is somehow out of balance, this story is for you.  There have been many times in my life when I felt like the wheels were coming off.  I'm fairly certain that when people around me ask me what my goals are, they seem disappointed with my answer.  The truth is I'm living the dream.  It's a way of life that brings harmony to my loved ones.  Before I share my answer, I would like to ask you the same question..."What are your priorities and what are your goals?"  Write your answer down.  Reflect on this.  Commit to making changes in your life that allow you to live out your answer.

My priorities will remain the same for the rest of my time on this planet.  The number one spot goes to serving God.  Number two is family.  Number three is work.  As for my goals. the answer can be summarized this way..."Work less, travel more."  I'm thankful to have these priorities and goals.  I'm especially thankful for the people in my life who inspire me to bring my life into balance.  The sunrise you see in today's story was captured in my backyard this morning, the beginning of extended family time.  My prayer for you today is you discover a meaningful way to achieve balance in your life.  Have a great day.

The Best Time for a Course Correction

 Do you know anyone who is lost at sea?  Maybe it's a close friend or family member.  It could be you.  Were there any danger signs present?  I know in my own life there have been many times when I drifted.  Even today I find myself drifting.  The best lesson I learned about this is that the sooner I make the course correction, the less pain and suffering I need to get back on track.

The best time for a course correction was yesterday.  Sorry.  Too late.  The second best time is today.  Do what is hard and necessary now.  This applies to every area of your life.  Be that friend or family member who is willing to help others make course corrections while there is still time.  Have a great day.

Happy Birthday to a Special Mother

It's a rare day when I get the opportunity to celebrate my mother's birthday in person.  Today is that day.  We are headed to our house of worship together.  We are thankful for this extended time together.  Mother Nature is gifting us sunny skies and fall leaves so picturesque they ought to be in a story book.  Thanks, mom, for the gift of time with you.  Happy birthday!  Have a great day. 

Caution: Mistake Zone Ahead

 Remember all those regrets you had at the end of the year last year?  You told yourself, "If only I skipped all those wrong foods I ate at all those holiday parties."  Or you asked, "Why did I neglect my exercise routine?"  You don't have to suffer the fourth quarter blues is you make some positive changes now.

The mistake zone is familiar territory for most of us.  Something happens when we approach the end of the year.  We slip.  January 1 is right around the corner.  We assume everything will be okay if we let go of all our goals and wait until the new year to get back on track.

Imagine for a moment that this year you decide to proceed with caution as you enter the mistake zone.  What would happen if you decided to remain focused on all those goals you set at the beginning of the year?  How would your life be if you entered 2024 with no regrets about the current year?  This could be your first year ever where your base camp is actually on the summit of 2023 instead of in a deep valley.

Today is a great day to decide you will navigate the mistake zone without hitting any cones.  Go for it.  Have a great day.

Glimpses of Perfect Love

We humans have been in a state of imperfection for eons.  Our broken world has been the standard we use to evaluate every aspect of our lives.  Some have been fortunate to get a glimpse of perfect love, like Abraham when he encountered the burning bush.  Moses had his hilltop experience when God delivered the 10 Commandments.  Mary was visited by an angel who shared God's plan for her life.  These are all glimpses of perfect love.  The ultimate example is when Jesus was born in the lowliest of places and circumstances.  Most of the people in that time period were blind to God's perfect love which became flesh.  

I heard a wise man describe Jesus as an ambush predator who disguised his Father's plan so well that even the demons failed to see how we would all be rescued.  That's what perfect love is.  Perfect love says, "I'm going to create man in my image and I'm going to allow him the opportunity to be with me forever or live forever apart from me."

It's easy to criticize, condemn, and complain when we live in a state of imperfection.  Maybe that's why every once in a great while we get an opportunity for a glimpse of perfect love.  I challenge you to seek perfect love.  Seek Jesus.  Follow Jesus.  There may be times in your life when you may give up on Jesus.  I've been there.  The good news is Jesus will never give up on you.  He loves you perfectly.  Keep that in mind when you find yourself trapped in situations that appear hopeless.  Have a great day.

The Ten Finger Dance

 Oh boy.  This is my first story in six weeks using all ten fingers.  My laptop went into hibernation while I was away.  Swiping with one finger for my stories is rather tedious but possible.  The truth is I do need all ten fingers this morning in order to recap the highlights of my travels.  Here goes...

The moment I found out I was going to be part of the Eau Claire support team I began researching places where I could participate in tennis drills and play pickle ball.  I heard this part of Wisconsin is loaded with bike trails so I decided to get my wife a bike as an early Christmas present hoping she could visit on my days off.  The local university offered evening worship which allowed my wife to join me on my first Sunday off.  She had so much fun she decided to stay.  That set up something I will never forget – a birthday gift for my mom.  The plan seemed as complicated as sending an astronaut to the moon but it worked to near perfection.

We met mom in the cities on a Sunday night.  After spending a night in Minneapolis, we drove to Duluth.  I introduced mom to the manager who approved my time off during our peak time opening the Eagan location so I could join all of my siblings in Rocky Point, Mexico for her 80th birthday celebration.  Her boss was standing next to me beaming while I shared just how much this meant to my mom.  We headed north to Duluth for the next 24 hours.  We visited the small chapel at the Newman Center where my mom's favorite YouTube pastor celebrates his Sunday masses.  

We drove back to Eau Claire and dined with several of my teammates who have become like family to me.  The next morning my mom and my wife headed back to our home in Iowa while I completed my final week on my day job assignment.  I returned home on Monday evening thinking my travels were over.  Surprise!  Mom's brother was on his way to Dubuque with his wife and oldest son and they called to see if we could join them.  It took about ten seconds to think about this and say yes.  The next morning we were back on the road to the northeast part of the state.  Out time together was only 24 hours.  That was all we needed to celebrate great memories growing up together in Arizona.  

I woke up this morning in my own bed.  Mom is still with us until the next adventure begins... a one-week vacation to Arizona next week.  Before we leave we will be celebrating her 84th birthday in three days.  

My fingers are doing the ten finger dance on my laptop.  Six weeks is a long time to be restricted to a one-finger swipe method for writing on my cell phone.  That's okay.  I'm going to keep those fingers dancing all the way to the finish line for all of my book projects.  Winter is approaching.  When I return from vacation I'm going to hunker down and complete "Live Long and Prosper."  It's time to head to my day job at my home location and thank my teammates for covering for me.  I would also like to thank my wife for all the sacrifices she made while I was away.  Have a great day.

Bonus Family Time Today

 Extended family time continues with our visitors today.  We have a late checkout and amazing Fall weather.  The trees along the Mississippi River are showing off their brilliant colors.  Our hotel is located on a small island in the Dubuque area.

I made a promise to myself to live in the moment.  All I can say is that moments with family and extended family make this pledge easy to fulfill.  I will forever cherish our time together.  Have a great day.

Reunited with Family

 Extended family from afar will be reuniting today in Iowa.  I'm thankful for a couple of days off to rest, recuperate, and enjoy quality time with relatives on my mom's side of the family.  The icing on the cake is that mom is with us to enjoy this special reunion.  Have a great day.

Thank You, Eau Claire

 It's time to go home this morning.  All I can say is, "Thank you, Eau Claire."  You made me feel like family.  You welcomed me with open arms.  These last four weeks have been really special.  The new team is coming together.  I will be cheering from Iowa.  Best wishes for success.  Have a great day. 

Worship Today at the University of Wisconsin

 

I'm writing today's story in the parking lot at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.  The house of worship is at the Newman Center.  I'm thankful there is an early morning service I can attend before finishing out my time as support help.  There is a stillness in the air as the morning sun peeks through the partly cloudy skies.  Temps are in the low 40's.  Time to get inside and offer up some prayers for my team.  Have a great day.

The Secret to Happiness

 A close friend asked me to share my secret to happiness recently.  My answer wasn't what was expected.  I happen to believe we are created in the image of our Creator.  There is this infinite space inside of us that can only be filled one way.  Those of us who seek to fill this space with finite solutions come up short.  These alternatives limit our own happiness.

Imagine that today you make a decision to invite Jesus into that infinite space inside your heart.  Perhaps up to this point in your life you only allowed partial entry.  Something a voice inside your head told you to be careful about letting Jesus in all the way.  You sensed your life might radically change so you only granted limited occupancy.  Is it possible that limited permission is linked to limited happiness?

I'm all in.  My happiness is off the charts.  This doesn't equate to rough days.  This simply means that when my infinite space inside my heart is filled with Jesus who is infinite, I'm happy.

There is a great benefit when you invite Jesus to fill up this infinite space.  You will discover that everything else you once chased after in your pursuit of happiness is no longer of value because finite things are not the ideal solution.  Give the infinite solution a try and see if your own happiness soars.  Have a great day.

Brrr

 My day job is coming to a conclusion in Wisconsin.  The weather is changing dramatically.  All I can say is, "Brrr!"  The exclamation mark is for the wind gusts that make my final days challenging.  

A storm is approaching this morning.  It's time to test my cold weather clothes.  The reward at the end of this adventure is spending one week of vacation time in the valley of the sun soon.  Have a great day.

Wisconsin Supper Club Review

 If you're looking for a fine dining experience that won't bust your budget, consider a supper club.  Supper clubs are a great way to experience top-notch food at value prices.  Should you happen to be in Wisconsin in the Fall, check out Wissota High Shores Supper Club.  This is where all the locals go.

Our high-spirited food server, Danesia, couldn't stop talking about how their chefs get to showcase a special of their choice every Wednesday night.  My salmon was over the top.  The supper club was filled to capacity last night.  Fortunately, we had reservations allowing us to sit next to an oversized window overlooking Lake Wissota.

Put Wissota High Shores Supper Club on your bucket list.  You will not be disappointed.  Have a great day.

Pour Your Heart Into It

 

Do you ever marvel at Mother Nature's brush strokes on full display during the Fall season?  I'm captivated by the full spectrum of vivid colors all around.  It's as if she's pouring her heart into moments like the one captured on my day off yesterday on the shores of Lake Superior.

Imagine if you could imitate Mother Nature and pour your heart into your daily pursuits.  What would you paint on today's blank canvas?  How would you inspire the people around you to reach their own peak?  Inspiration is contagious.  The world is hungry for your contribution.  Give others your best.  Have a great day.

Gratitude Tour Continues

 I'm checking out some old stomping grounds not far from my day job assignment in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on my days off this week.  First stop was the cities as the locals call Minneapolis and St. Paul.  I got to meet the person who granted my request to visit my mom for her 80th birthday celebration in Mexico.   This kind gesture will never be forgotten.  The recipient of this gift was with me.  

It's almost sunrise on day two of the gratitude tour.  All I can say is by the end of the day the people who matter most to me will understand the depth of my gratitude.  Have a great day.

Do You Believe Your Prayers Make a Difference?

 A gentleman named Chris showed up with his family to see what we were up to in this tent we set up in a parking lot.  I observed him interacting with one of our new hires at my day job.  In my opinion, some of the best learning comes from doing.  The new hire was doing and I was watching.  The situation was challenging because Chris could barely speak except for quiet whispers.  Since I couldn't hear Chris's words, I paid attention to his body language to see if my help was needed.  My only contribution was at the end of the conversation when Chris was about to drive away.

"How did everything go?" I asked.

Chris shared his happiness about meeting us and his joy about his future which included a follow-up surgery on his vocal chords damaged from a prior intervention.  I asked Chris if he wouldn't mind if I prayed for him since I was about to head to my house of worship.  He lit up like a Christmas tree.  So did his wife and two kids.  I could tell Chris was moved even though he really couldn't express himself any louder than a whisper.  The next thing Chris said nearly moved me to tears.

"Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.  I'm a pastor and I need my voice back so I can preach to my congregation."

My prayer life today is dramatically different from my youth.  I once judged God's answers or non-answers as a measuring stick.  I believed a non-answer meant God was too busy or that my request was insignificant.  This can destroy one's self esteem when there is a sense prayers don't really work.

I don't know if Chris will get his voice back.  That didn’t stop me from praying for him.  I now believe God hears every prayer.  I now trust God will answer every prayer perfectly.  Sometimes a non-answer is the best answer.  God cares.  He wants a relationship.  That's what prayer is.  In my opinion, the best prayers are prayers of gratitude.  What's your opinion?  Have a great day.

Early in Early Out

 I'm closing out my third week of four on a day job assignment today.  Time flies, especially on early start days, like today.  Starting at 8am means I get out early.  If all goes well on my days off, the early in early out may work to my advantage.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.