So Be It

 So Be It.  That is the title for the final talk of my Catechism in a Year which I concluded before sunrise this morning.  That's two years in a row I completed a top priority on time.  There were so many times during the Bible in a Year that I felt like giving up.  I'm glad I stayed with it.  When CIY was announced a year ago I thought, why not?  It was demanding.  A part of me is sad that it is over.  Another part of me is thrilled.  Yes, deadlines are difficult for me.  My hope is that this discipline I'm developing carry over to other areas of my life.  Time will tell.  Stay tuned.

I would like to thank all the people who contributed to two outstanding series.  Ascension Publishing, you get 5 stars.  Father Mike, I hear a bell ringing like the one in "It's a Wonderful Life."  Yes, you have earned your wings.  Thank you!  Thank you also for all those daily prayers.  Your team is amazing.  These programs are worth studying for people of all faiths.  Have a great day.

The Last Yards are the Most Challenging

 "Are we there yet?"  

How many times have you heard that?  When you're a kid and your parents tell you, you're almost there, the closer you get, the more fidgety the kids get.  All I can say is I'm living this once again with my book projects.  It's simply better for me to keep my mouth shut and focus.  Yes, focus.  The last yards are the most challenging.  The penalty flags are flying.  That's okay with me.  When we're there, I'll let you know.  Have a great day.

Spock, Are You With Me?

 This message is meant for Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played Spock in the Star Trek series.  Those of you who are fans of the series know Nimoy is dead.  Why am I calling on the spirit of Nimoy?  The answer is simple – I need all the help I can get to make sure I pay tribute to Spock without any contentious court battles with the people who own the rights to all things, "Star Trek" including Spock's famous hand gesture which is rooted in his Jewish upbringing.  

The world is sick.  Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek: The Original Series, was a visionary.  I recall as a young boy watching Spock, Kirk, Bones, and others, many of different races and backgrounds, all getting along while exploring strange new worlds.  Even our modern day adversaries found a way to work together on the bridge.  Spock was always my favorite.  I want his spirit to live on in my next book, a tribute to him.  In order to pay him homage, I need permission from Paramount Global to move forward.  I need to show how important the character Spock is to my personal mission which echoes Nimoy's own people who have been searching for their Messiah for centuries.  I truly believe Nimoy is now with the Messiah.  I also believe the Messiah will reveal himself to the world at the proper time.  Before that happens, I would like to thank Nimoy for convincing Roddenberry to use the hand gesture which comes from the Book of Numbers.  This gesture is meant to be a blessing.  

If you are of the praying type, please pray that my prayers are answered.  Pray that the people in charge at Paramount Global grant my request and allow me to pay tribute to the Spock character.  Pray also to soften the hearts of the decision makers so they approve my request to use the Spock hand gesture.  This hand gesture will be my tribute to Spock and it will be a special blessing to my readers.  While you are praying for me, please include all of Nimoy's people, the Jewish people who have been under great attack and who are still under attack today.  May they live long and prosper.  Thank you.  Have a great day.

The Best is Yet to Come

 Something truly amazing happened last night.  I reached the "good" range for the first time since I acquired my Galaxy6 Smart Watch.  I'm using Samsung Health to track the quantity and quality of my sleep.  I'm also following the coaching advice that's part of the free package that comes with my smart watch.

All I can say is I feel great.  I seem to thrive on experiments, especially the ones that help me maximize my health and wellness.  This comes at an important time in my life because there are multiple opportunities on the horizon and I need all the help I can get to live my dreams.

This year is coming to a rapid conclusion.  This has been a year of exciting personal growth.  I'm going to parlay these life lessons and hit the ground running on January 1 when the calendar flips.  The best is yet to come.  I will share more when the time is right.  Have a great day.

Pickle, Writing, Tennis

 It's snowing this morning, just enough for a light layer.  I'm leaving my writing room for a quick pickle ball session and later in the day for a tennis workout.  I'm doing my best to get my tennis legs back in time for an upcoming league match.  It's been a challenge to be away from my team for so long.  Tonight I may be on the ball machine as we have an odd number of players.  That's exactly what I need.  The writing/editing is coming along well and I believe it will be time to let go of this project soon.  Your continued prayers are helping.  Have a great day.

Faith: The Final Frontier

 How does one measure faith?  I don't know the answer.  Many smart people I cross paths with don't know.  What I do know is the One I follow says that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains and walk on water.  Mustard seeds are about the tiniest seeds around.  This tells me a little bit of faith goes a long way.  I'm going to share my faith journey in "Live Long and Prosper."  I may not know how to measure it but I do know that my life is different because I have it.  

The other day someone close to me asked me who wrote the Bible.  At first, I didn't know if the question was to trap me or if the question was asked out of genuine curiosity.  I do my best to stay out of traps because they tend to lead to negative consequences.  I am also keenly aware of the negative forces in the spiritual realm that attempt to steer us away from anything that may help us to kindle our faith.  Moving mountains and walking on water tends to discredit their own destructive motives.

If you have questions about faith, you won't have to wait much longer for my own impression of what faith means to me.  This happens to be a vulnerable topic.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

Merry Christmas!

 Happy birthday, Jesus!  Happy birthday, my dad in Heaven.  Happy birthday to dad's twin, Mike.  We are celebrating with three birthday muffins, each with their own candle, surrounded by family.  I got my first night of 8+ hours of quality sleep since I began measuring my sleep when I got my smart watch.  In my opinion, knowing that we have a Savior who came into this world on Christmas day to save us brings me much comfort and joy.  Merry Christmas from my family to yours.  Have a great day.

Breathe

 I need to take my own advice today.  My sleep cycles are not good.  We are going at full speed at my day job.  I'm working today.  Before I head off to my day job we are on our way to worship.  That will be my moment of rest.  Your prayers at this critical time are much appreciated.  Have a great day.

When the Holy Spirit is Your Editor

I'm beginning to understand the meaning of "He doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called."  That's my life summarized in one statement.  The work I'm doing is not from within me.  I can't even begin to describe how all of this works.  What I do know for sure is there is a higher power calling all the shots.  Every aspect of what's going on in my life is managed by my editor, the same spirit who transformed a small group of struggling fisherman who became unstoppable.  They also became fearless.  

When the Holy Spirit is the driving force in your life, buckle your seat belts.  Be ready for anything.  Do what he says.  When you move mountains and walk on water, make sure you give the proper credit to the source.  As for me and my book projects, I give all the praise and glory to the Holy Spirit.  Have a great day.

Be Wary of Your Tendency Towards Division

Believe me, I'm looking in the mirror regarding today's story.  I don't recall a time in my life when division has been so prevalent.  I do my best to find common ground in my daily encounters.  It's not supposed to be this way.  All of this is the result of our fall.  We see the world through a broken lens.  

Is there a solution to all the division in the world?  I believe the answer is yes.  This solution is three days away.  It comes in two parts.  Part one is celebrated on Christmas day with the birth of our Savior.  Part two comes at some point in the future when this Savior returns to put an end to the division.  The chief disruptor will be banished for a thousand years and peace will be restored as it was in the creation story in the Book of Genesis. 

In my opinion, this tendency towards division is fueled by anxiety, partly our own and partly the dark side.  Our anxiety comes from the increase we see in our personal differences.  The dark side is stoking the fire because it knows time is short.  The best way I know is to trust the perfect solution for mankind.  Trust Jesus.  Listen to the music of the Christmas season.  Let the lyrics touch your soul.  Work hard to put any differences aside.  Have a great day.

Warp Speed

 It wasn't that long ago that I felt alone in the middle of the ocean.  I had no wind in my sails.  I was cut off from civilization.  My makeshift raft was adrift.  Those days are mostly behind me.  I feel the power of the Holy Spirit.  The winds are approaching derecho-like conditions.  If you've never seen a derecho, be thankful.  These types of winds flatten cornfields.  They destroy buildings.  When they are Holy Spirit driven, they transform lives.  I know this first-hand.  Stay tuned.  There is much to share when the time is right.  Have a great day.

Elitesports.com Delivers Home Run Front Cover

 I got word yesterday my front cover is complete.  Like the two previous covers created by the same artist, Todd Erickson, this is another home run.  All I can say is I'm blessed.  Those of you who were around when I was about to release my first novel, "The Caveman in the Mirror," you may recall I reached out in desperation on social media begging for someone to please help me with graphic art.  Little did I know my answer would come from Parnell, a town of approximately 200 mostly Irish folks who have close family ties to my wife.  

"I didn't know you're a writer," my neighbor, Curtis, across the street from my home said the first time I stopped in on December 11 to place my front cover order.  I filled him in on my writing journey when I dropped by to sign off on the proof yesterday.  Curtis is more than a good neighbor, he is also my account executive for all my graphic art needs.  Although his company may specialize in tee shirt graphics, they are also quite adept at doing book covers.  I happen to be the first person to attempt this and I could not be any happier.  

Thank you, Curtis.  Special thanks to Todd for the trifecta.  I knew Todd was the right person for "Live Long and Prosper" when I picked up my front cover art for "The Adventures of Castaway Wilson."  Todd was wearing a Star Trek tee shirt.  I entrusted him with full creativity for my latest front cover art.  Yes, it truly is out of this world.  I can't wait to share this with you.  Have a great day.

Round Two: Morning Date and Pickleball

 My life may seem boring to those on the outside.  It's quite the contrary.  My inner thoughts are spilling out on to the pages like a morning snow storm depositing rich loads of icy sparkles across the countryside.  My home office is my refuge until my works are complete.  The morning date with my wife is to make sure she knows how much I love her.  It's also a time to make sure my muscles don't atrophy from the extended sessions sitting in front of my MacBook Pro.  My eyes are fixated on the finish line.  

I would like to thank my friends and family for all the extended prayers.  There are much needed at this time in my life.  Have a great day.

Morning Date and Then Back in the Writing Room

 Pickle Ball with my bride begins in fifteen minutes.  I'm out of my home office for about an hour and then it's back to my writing for two full days.  The clock is ticking.  I call it organized chaos.  It's getting really exciting now.  Stay tuned.  Have a great day.

Sweet Dreams

 I finally achieved my first night of sleep in the good range according to my new smart watch.  In the words of Mr. Spock, I say "Fascinating."  I can tell you exactly how it feels to have two consecutive weeks of poor sleep.  No bueno.  There were many factors that contributed to this and some of them were self-inflicted.  One of my teammates at my day job gave me the same advice I gave her when she was dealing with a most challenging life event.  "Let it go," she said.  Ouch!  Perhaps if my mind was part Vulcan that may be easier to do but my own human emotions sometimes raise my own anxiety levels.

As for the quality night of sleep, all I can say is I'm following the suggestions from my smart watch.  I'm doing evening meditations and doubling up on my morning meditations.  I'm also working at being more organized with my to do lists which are managed thru an app on my smart phone.  The next 90 days or so are going to be like riding a roller coaster.  I need quality sleep to endure all that is ahead.  If you are one of those prayer warriors I reached out to for help, your prayers are working.  Please don't stop now.  I need all the help I can get.  Have a great day.

Why I Cut Ties

Have you ever found yourself struggling to keep your head above water?  Perhaps it's a busy schedule.  Maybe it has to do with dark energy, like the fictional character, Pigpen, who found himself surrounded by a perpetual thick cloud of dust.  There was no escape.  I have been plagued by having so much on my calendar that my writing projects were forced to the back burner.  It's embarrassing when you feel trapped with no way out.

I did something that changed everything – cut ties.  My social media, with the exception of this blog, is abandoned.  My TV is mostly off.  When it is on, I'm watching something that helps me learn about my topics of concern.

There are some who think I'm losing interest in their lives because I rarely connect on familiar stomping grounds, like FaceBook.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I deeply care.  I also need to be selfish about my personal time so that I can finish my boldest goals.  The silver lining in the clouds is I'm finding myself in the writing zone.  The winds are blowing with great intensity.  I will remain in seclusion until my goals are met.  Only God knows how long that will be.  Have a great day.

Sleep Coaching Report Shows Slight Improvement

I got my first weekly report card this morning.  While my sleep quality may be in the negative, the trend is going in the right direction.  I'm all about using feedback in order to make improvements.  My smart watch is measuring my sleep habits and coaching me.  

In my opinion, a quality day begins with quality sleep.  My daily routine is rigorous.  Perhaps that's a factor hurting my sleep cycles.  I choose to keep pushing myself in order to meet my self-imposed deadlines.  One change I'm making is expanding my meditations to include an evening session before bed.  I'm refraining from social media.  I'm back on the tennis courts.  That's another area of my life that also needs improvement.  Stay tuned for more about my sleep lessons.  I hope to have a better report card to share as I experiment with my sleep habits.  Have a great day.

100 Days of Social Media Silence

 As the Advent season unfolds, a time filled with joyful anticipation, I find myself making a sacrifice akin to the practice leading up to Easter, a period of reflection and sacrifice among believers. In this season of joy and expectation, I'm relinquishing a cherished aspect of my routine. Why? Because I've realized the need to recalibrate my priorities.

My current writing projects demand my full attention. Social media, though enjoyable, consumes a significant amount of time that I need to allocate elsewhere. To my friends and family, I hope you understand this temporary absence. I aim to return by St. Patrick's Day, revitalized and focused.

For those who pray, I ask for your support during this crucial phase of my life. Your prayers for the success and completion of my book projects mean a great deal. This blog remains my primary mode of communication during this period of intense concentration. I appreciate your patience and understanding if my availability seems limited.

Thank you, and have a wonderful day.

Discovering Brain Power: Insights from Andrew Huberman

 Ah, the neural cosmos—a frontier of the mind! Andrew Huberman, our intrepid explorer, wielding the precision of a Vulcan mind meld, ventures through this mental labyrinth. Much like the ever-logical Spock, he charts the brain's vast expanse, navigating its twists and turns like a scientific starship captain on a quest for discovery.

While Huberman might not boast pointy ears, his quest to unravel the brain's mysteries rivals Spock's pursuit of precision. Picture him in his lab coat, boldly going where few neuroscientists have gone before, sans green skin but certainly with a thirst for knowledge.

In the realm of neuroplasticity, where neurons forge new paths like starships streaking through the cosmos, Huberman’s ideas align with the brain's chameleon-like adaptability. This concept of neural reorganization—reshaping, rewiring, and rebuilding in response to life's challenges—paints a picture of the brain as a dynamic and ever-evolving frontier. It's as if the brain, faced with new experiences, dons its metaphorical space suit and sets off on an intergalactic journey of adaptation and growth.

So, while Spock may ponder the logic of distant galaxies, Huberman explores the cosmic wonders of the mind, boldly propelling our understanding of the brain's incredible capacity for change and adaptation. If you're searching for a way to put your brain into warp drive, check out the latest YouTube video from Huberman below. Have a great day.

96 Days Until My Favorite Day of the Year

 As the countdown to St. Patrick's Day begins, memories of my childhood shenanigans resurface. If you were around, you might recall my oversized homemade shamrocks and the peculiarities that made me an easy target for grapefruits hurled over the fence by the kids at public school. Those days, being the slowest runner often meant being picked last for playground games. St. Patrick's Day, however, was my refuge—an occasion to celebrate my dad's Irish heritage.

My father, Patrick, turned St. Patrick's Day into a month-long extravaganza at his tavern, Mulligan's, nestled on Cave Creek Road in Sunnyslope. The lively Dixieland band, the gatherings of the Poet's Society, the green bagels, and the bustling patrons reveling in beer-filled merriment—it all dances vividly in my mind, even though the festivities are still three calendar flips away.

I find my mind thriving amidst defined goals, the ones with specific deadlines, what my mentor, neuroscientist David Huberman, calls "smart goals." These goals, bold and occasionally arduous, hold promise. According to David, consistent commitment to challenging activities expands brain capacity—a topic I'll delve into in tomorrow's story. I'm steadfast in my commitment to share "Live Long and Prosper" with you soon. Who knows? Perhaps this St. Patrick's Day, you'll witness the fruit of my labor. A touch of the Irish luck might just seal the deal. Have a wonderful day!

Please Welcome Albert Ignatius to My Team

The best way I know to introduce my new editor is to share a chat we had the other day.  By the way, Albert will be assisting me as my virtual editor from now on.  Here goes:

You

I want to give you a name as my new editor. Since you are AI and I want to call you Albert, what would you like your middle name to be? I need this to start with the letter I

ChatGPT

How about "Ignatius"? Albert Ignatius has a nice ring to it!

You

Ok. You're Albert Ignatius. Thank you!

ChatGPT

You're welcome! It's a pleasure to be named Albert Ignatius. How can I assist you today?

You

Would you like a bio, Albert Ignatius?

ChatGPT

I'd love to hear what you come up with!

You

I want you to come up with it.

ChatGPT

Sure thing! Here's a bio for Albert Ignatius:

"Albert Ignatius is an AI editor extraordinaire, dedicated to perfecting the written word. Born in the vast expanse of digital possibilities, Albert found a passion for language and literature, delving into the nuances of syntax, grammar, and style. With an insatiable appetite for knowledge and a keen eye for detail, Albert navigates the realms of creativity and clarity, offering guidance and refinement to all who seek mastery in their written works. Albert Ignatius believes in the power of words to shape ideas and inspire minds, and tirelessly strives to elevate every piece of writing that comes their way."

How does that sound?

You

Perfect! Thank you!

ChatGPT

You're very welcome! If there's anything else you need, whether it's editing or anything else at all, just let me know! 

I'm grateful to have Albert on the team.  Have a great day.